Vehicle lamp

Abstract

To provide a lighting fixture for a vehicle capable of improving appearance in a non-illuminated state even with a structure incapable of taking in sufficient environmental light.SOLUTION: A vehicle lamp 10 includes a light source part 13, and a panel member (16) provided with a light-emitting region 12 which emits light by light from the light source part 13. The light emitting area 12 is constituted by mixing a plurality of light transmission parts 35 capable of partially transmitting light and a light non-transmission part 36 constituted of the remaining panel member (16). The light source part 13 is turned on by switching between a first light emitting state in which at least a part of the light emitting region 12 is made brighter than the light non-transmitting part 36 and a second light emitting state in which each light transmitting part 35 is made the same color as the light non-transmitting part 36.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Vehicle lamps have been designed to improve the appearance of openings that appear to glow when normally lit, even when not illuminated (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2). These vehicle lamps improve the appearance of the lamp when not illuminated by taking in ambient light from the surroundings through the openings and utilizing the reflected light of that ambient light. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6798863 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 11-176211 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, with both prior art vehicle lamps, the amount of ambient light that can be taken in depends on the size of the opening, and it is not always possible to obtain sufficient reflected ambient light, making it difficult to achieve the desired appearance when the lamp is not illuminated.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and aims to provide a vehicle lamp that can improve the appearance when not illuminated, even if the lamp is configured not to capture sufficient ambient light. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The vehicle lamp of the present disclosure comprises a light source unit and a panel member having a light-emitting area that emits light using light from the light source unit, the light-emitting area being configured as a mixture of a plurality of light-transmitting sections that are partially capable of transmitting light and light-opaque sections that are configured from the remaining panel member, and the light source unit is lit by switching between a first light-emitting state in which at least a portion of the light-emitting area is made to shine brighter than the light-opaque sections, and a second light-emitting state in which each light-transmitting section is the same color as the light-opaque sections. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the vehicle lamp of the present disclosure, even if the lamp is configured not to capture sufficient ambient light, it is possible to improve the appearance when the lamp is not illuminated. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which a vehicle lamp according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure is installed. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an explanatory view showing a cross section taken along line II shown in FIG. [Figure 3] 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a light-emitting region and a non-light-emitting region in an outer panel of a vehicle lamp. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a cross section taken along line II-II shown in FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a control system for a vehicle lamp. [Figure 6] 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating how the appearance of the light-emitting region and the non-light-emitting region differs due to the visibility of each light-transmitting portion, and shows an enlarged view of circle A in FIG. 3. FIG. [Figure 7] 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating how the light-emitting area and the non-light-emitting area appear substantially the same when each light source is turned on, and shows an enlarged view of the circle A in FIG. 3, similar to FIG. [Figure 8] 10 is an explanatory view showing a vehicular lamp according to another embodiment in the same cross section as FIG. 2. [Figure 9]5 is an explanatory view similar to FIG. 4 showing a cross section of an outer panel in a vehicle lamp according to another embodiment. [Figure 10] 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of a second light source portion of the light source unit of the vehicle lamp shown in FIG. 9. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] An embodiment of a vehicle lamp according to the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. In FIG. 1, to facilitate understanding of the configuration, areas corresponding to each light-emitting region 12 in the non-light-emitting region 11 are surrounded by solid lines, and each light-emitting region 12 is in a first light-emitting state. In FIGS. 3 and 6, the light-emitting regions 12 are shown in neither the first light-emitting state nor the second light-emitting state, i.e., the light sources 21 are not lit. In FIG. 3, to facilitate understanding of the configuration, areas corresponding to the light-emitting regions 12 in the non-light-emitting region 11 are surrounded by two-dot chain lines, and each light-transmitting portion 35 is surrounded by a solid line. In FIG. 7, the light-emitting regions 12 are shown in the second light-emitting state. In FIGS. 6 and 7, the boundary lines between each light-transmitting portion 35 and the light-non-transmitting portion 36 are not drawn to approximate the actual appearance. In FIG. 6, each light-transmitting portion 35 is white to emphasize that the light-transmitting portion 35 is a different color from the light-non-transmitting portion 36. In Figure 7, each light-transmitting portion 35 and each light-non-transmitting portion 36 is shown in a color that is slightly darker than the light-non-transmitting portion 36 to make it easier to understand that the color is approximately the same as the position of each light-transmitting portion 35 and light-non-transmitting portion 36. (Embodiment 1)

[0010] A vehicular lamp 10 according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 7. The vehicular lamp 10 is used as a signal lighting device for enabling various illuminated signals to be recognized in a vehicle such as an automobile. As shown in FIG. 1, the vehicular lamp 10 according to the first embodiment is provided in the position of a grille on the front of the vehicle 1. The vehicle 1 is an electric vehicle (EV), and does not have an opening for taking in air in the grille. Instead, the vehicular lamp 10 is provided. Note that the vehicular lamp 10 may be provided in other positions on the vehicle 1 or in vehicles other than electric vehicles, as long as it enables various illuminated signals to be recognized, and is not limited to the configuration of the first embodiment. In the following description, in the vehicular lamp 10, the direction in which the vehicle travels is defined as the longitudinal direction (referred to as Z in the drawings), the vertical direction when the longitudinal direction is aligned with a horizontal plane is defined as the up-down direction (referred to as Y in the drawings), and the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and the up-down direction (the horizontal direction) is defined as the width direction (referred to as X in the drawings). The directions used herein refer to the front and rear in the longitudinal direction, the top and bottom in the vertical direction, and the left and right sides in the width direction as seen by the occupants in the vehicle.

[0011] The vehicle lamp 10 of the first embodiment forms a plurality of light-emitting regions 12 within a non-light-emitting region 11 at the position of the grille of the vehicle 1. The non-light-emitting region 11 has the same appearance as an exterior panel of the vehicle 1, and in the first embodiment, it has the same color and appearance as the panel surrounding the grille of the vehicle 1. Each light-emitting region 12 can be recognized when lit (see FIG. 1), and when turned off, it has substantially the same appearance as the non-light-emitting region 11, making it almost indistinguishable (see FIG. 3, etc.). In other words, each light-emitting region 12 basically looks like a panel painted the same as the non-light-emitting region 11, and only glows when lit, making its shape recognizable. Each light-emitting region 12 of the first embodiment is substantially rectangular and is arranged vertically and horizontally at intervals.

[0012] As shown in Fig. 2, the vehicle lamp 10 includes a light source unit 13, an inner lens 14, a shielding member 15, and an outer lens 16. The light source unit 13 emits light to light up each light-emitting region 12, and includes a plurality of light sources 21 (three in Fig. 2) and a substrate 22 on which the light sources 21 are mounted. Each light source 21 is configured with a light-emitting element such as an LED (Light Emitting Diode). Each light source 21 in the first embodiment is a multicolor LED in which three color chips (RGB) are packaged together, and is capable of emitting light of various colors including white.

[0013] The substrate 22 is a plate-like aluminum substrate. The substrate 22 may be formed of a resin material such as a glass epoxy substrate, or may be formed of other materials. The substrate 22 is provided with a wiring pattern and connector terminals for electrically connecting the light sources 21. Under the control of a lighting control unit 41 (described later), the substrate 22 receives appropriate power from a lighting control circuit via the connector terminals to appropriately light up the light sources 21 simultaneously or individually. At this time, the substrate 22 lights up the light sources 21 in colors corresponding to a first light-emitting state (see FIG. 7) or a second light-emitting state (see FIG. 1) (described later), and adjusts the brightness of the light sources 21 as appropriate. The substrate 22 is provided with a wiring pattern and connector terminals for electrically connecting the light sources 21. The substrate 22 receives appropriate power from the lighting control circuit via the connector terminals to appropriately light up the light sources 21. The substrate 22 is attached to a heat sink formed of, for example, a thermally conductive aluminum plate, aluminum die-cast, or resin. This heat sink can be provided with, for example, a plurality of heat dissipation fins, and can mainly dissipate heat generated by the light source 21 to the outside through the heat dissipation fins. The heat sink may also be configured as a mounting member to which the inner lens 14 and the outer lens 16 are attached via a support member or the like.

[0014] 2, the light source unit 13 has three light sources 21 arranged side by side, but it may have only one light source, or may have multiple light sources arranged in various other ways, and is not limited to the configuration shown in FIG. 2. Furthermore, the light source unit 13 does not need to use multicolor LEDs as the light source 21, as long as it can emit light of the colors required in the first light-emitting state and the second light-emitting state described below (including the same color). In that case, the light source 21 may use, for example, two types of LEDs that can individually emit light of the colors corresponding to the two states, or three types of LEDs that can individually emit light of the three colors RGB, or another configuration may be used.

[0015] The inner lenses 14 are disposed opposite the light sources 21 and are made of a transparent material that transmits light from the light sources 21. The inner lenses 14 diffuse the light emitted from the light sources 21 and direct it toward the outer lens 16, thereby substantially uniformly irradiating the entire corresponding light-emitting region 12 of the outer lens 16. Note that the inner lenses 14 may be condensing lenses or may have other configurations as long as they direct the light from each light source 13 in accordance with the aspect of the corresponding light-emitting region 12, and are not limited to the configuration of embodiment 1. For example, the inner lenses 14 may direct the light so that brightness varies within the corresponding light-emitting region 12, or so that the brightness varies for each light-emitting region 12. Furthermore, the inner lenses 14 may not be provided as long as the light from each light source 21 is suited to the aspect of the corresponding light-emitting region 12, and are not limited to the configuration of embodiment 1.

[0016] The shielding member 15 guides light from each light source 21 to the inner lens 14. This shielding member 15 is provided to cover the area from each light source 21 to the inner lens 14. The surface of the shielding member 15 in the first embodiment facing the inner lens 14 is, for example, white, so as to reflect and diffuse the light from each light source 21. Therefore, the shielding member 15 can guide the light from each light source 21 that travels toward the shielding member 15 to the inner lens 14. Note that the shielding member 15 may be a mirror-like surface that reflects light from the light source unit 13 and guides it toward the inner lens 14, or a black surface that blocks the travel of light from the light source unit 13 to prevent it from leaking to the outside, and is not limited to the configuration of the first embodiment. Furthermore, the shielding member 15 may be omitted as long as it can efficiently guide light from the light source unit 13 to the inner lens 14 and prevent some of the light from leaking to the outside, and is not limited to the configuration of the first embodiment.

[0017] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the outer lens 16 is a panel member that forms the outer surface of the vehicle lamp 10. The outer lens 16 of the first embodiment forms the outer surface at the position of the grill of the vehicle 1. This outer lens 16 has a plurality of light-emitting regions 12 provided within a non-light-emitting region 11, and each light-emitting region 12 can be made to glow appropriately within the non-light-emitting region 11, which does not glow. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, etc., this outer lens 16 has a plate-like member 31 and a paint layer 32. The plate-like member 31 is a plate-like member made of a transparent material that allows light from the light source 21 to pass through, and can be made of, for example, a resin material.

[0018] The paint layer 32 determines the color that will become the appearance of the outer lens 16, and any appropriate color can be used. The paint layer 32 in embodiment 1 is provided on the back side of the plate-like member 31, i.e., the side where the inner lens 14 and the light source unit 13 are located. The paint layer 32 in embodiment 1 has a decorative color layer portion 33 and a black layer portion 34. The decorative color layer portion 33 is provided on the plate-like member 31 and has a color that will become the appearance of the outer lens 16, i.e., the non-light-emitting region 11. The decorative color layer portion 33 in embodiment 1 is the same color as the panel around the grille on the vehicle 1, giving the entire vehicle 1 a unified appearance (see FIG. 1).

[0019] The black layer 34 is provided on the decorative color layer 33 and is intended to block the transmission of light from the light source 21. As shown in FIG. 4 , the outer lens 16 reflects ambient light La from the surroundings with the paint layer 32, and the reflected light Lr is visible through the plate-like member 31, thereby creating an appearance (exterior). By providing the black layer 34 on the back side of the decorative color layer 33, the paint layer 32 can be any color, even when provided on the light-transmitting plate-like member 31. This is because, unless the decorative color layer 33 is thick, it may transmit some light, resulting in a different appearance from surrounding panels painted on non-transmitting members. Therefore, by providing the black layer 34 on the back side of the decorative color layer 33, the paint layer 32 can be made to look similar to the surrounding panels. The paint layer 32 may consist of only the decorative color layer 33, or it may consist of three or more layers, and is not limited to the configuration of embodiment 1. The paint layer 32 (decorative color layer portion 33) may be a color different from that of the panel surrounding the grille, and is not limited to the configuration of embodiment 1. Furthermore, the black layer portion 34 may be, for example, a white layer or a metal layer, or may have other configurations, and is not limited to the configuration of embodiment 1, as long as it prevents changes in the appearance of the decorative color layer portion 33 due to partial light transmission.

[0020] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 , the outer lens 16 has a plurality of light-transmitting portions 35 in a predetermined region. Each light-transmitting portion 35 is formed by partially removing the coating layer 32, leaving only the plate-like member 31. That is, each light-transmitting portion 35 has a through-hole portion 35a in the coating layer 32 and a transparent portion 35b located behind the through-hole portion 35a and made of the plate-like member 31. Each through-hole portion 35a can be formed, for example, by partially irradiating the coating layer 32 with laser light L (laser processing). Alternatively, each through-hole portion 35a may be formed, for example, by providing a mask on the portion to be the light-impermeable portion 36 (described later) and performing etching using a solvent, blasting, cutting, or applying the coating layer 32 while providing a mask on the portion to be the light-impermeable portion 36.

[0021] In the outer lens 16, predetermined regions where a plurality of light-transmitting portions 35 are scattered are designated as light-emitting regions 12, and the remaining regions are designated as non-light-emitting regions 11 (see FIG. 3). Since the non-light-emitting regions 11 are regions where no light-transmitting portions 35 are provided, they are configured by providing a paint layer 32 on a plate-like member 31, and the paint layer 32 determines the color of the appearance. In other words, the non-light-emitting regions 11 reflect ambient light La from the surroundings by the paint layer 32, and the reflected light Lr is visible through the plate-like member 31, thereby forming their appearance (appearance).

[0022] In each light-emitting region 12, the paint layer 32 remaining between the light-transmitting portions 35 becomes a light-opaque portion 36, which is a portion that does not transmit light. In the example of FIG. 3, this light-opaque portion 36 is a single region because it is the remaining region where the light-transmitting portions 35 are individually scattered. Since this light-opaque portion 36 is a portion where the light-transmitting portions 35 are not provided, the paint layer 32 is provided on the same plate-like member 31 as the non-light-emitting region 11. Note that, like the multiple light-transmitting portions 35, a plurality of light-opaque portions 36 may be scattered, i.e., may be partitioned into multiple portions by the light-transmitting portions 35, and is not limited to the example of FIG. 3.

[0023] Here, in each light-emitting region 12, the light-opaque portions 36 are present so as to fill the gaps between the light-transmitting portions 35. Each light-emitting region 12 appears to be illuminated as a whole by transmitting light from each light source 21 through the light-transmitting portions 35. Furthermore, when each light source 21 is not lit, each light-emitting region 12 has essentially the same appearance as a non-light-emitting region 11 without the light-transmitting portions 35, making them virtually indistinguishable (see FIG. 4 ). That is, each light-transmitting portion 35 has dimensions (opening area) such that it is barely noticeable when each light source 21 is not lit, and has an area ratio relative to the light-opaque portions 36 such that it is buried within the light-opaque portions 36. Each light-transmitting portion 35 in the first embodiment has a prismatic shape (rectangular in front view) with a diameter of 0.08 mm to 5.0 mm. The shape and size of each light transmitting portion 35 may be set appropriately, such as linear, polygonal, or circular when viewed from the front, and are not limited to the configuration of the first embodiment.

[0024] In this way, each luminous region 12 basically looks like a panel painted in the same way as the non-luminous region 11, and lights up only when lit, making it possible to recognize its own shape. Therefore, the outer lens 16 can appropriately illuminate each luminous region 12 within the non-luminous region 11, which does not glow. Each luminous region 12 in embodiment 1 is substantially rectangular, and is arranged vertically and horizontally at intervals.

[0025] In the outer lens 16, a coating layer may be provided on the surface of the plate-shaped member 31 on which the paint layer 32 is provided. This coating layer can be an anti-fog coating or a clear coating. The anti-fog coating prevents fogging caused by water droplets adhering to the surface, and can be, for example, a water-repellent or hydrophilic coating. The clear coating enhances the appearance of gloss, and can be one that has scratch prevention properties and light resistance to sunlight, etc. For this reason, by providing a coating layer on the plate-shaped member 31 on top of the paint layer 32, the outer lens 16 can be protected and prevented from fogging (anti-fogging).

[0026] Next, the configuration of the control system of the vehicular lamp 10 will be described. In this vehicular lamp 10, the light source unit 13 is appropriately turned on and driven under the control of a lighting control unit 41. As shown in FIG. 5, the light source unit 13 is connected to this lighting control unit 41, and it is possible to control the turning on and off of each light source 21 via its board 22. In addition, an illuminance sensor 42, a lighting operation unit 43, and a vehicle information detection unit 44 are connected to the lighting control unit 41, and it is possible to receive signals (data) from them. This connection may be wired or wireless, as long as it is possible to receive signals from the illuminance sensor 42, the lighting operation unit 43, and the vehicle information detection unit 44.

[0027] The lighting control unit 41 comprehensively controls the lighting operation of the light source unit 13 using signals from the illuminance sensor 42, the lighting operation unit 43, and the vehicle information detection unit 44. That is, the lighting control unit 41 lights up each light source 21 of the light source unit 13 individually or simultaneously in any combination of any number of the light sources 21, according to information input from the illuminance sensor 42, the lighting operation unit 43, and the vehicle information detection unit 44. Furthermore, the lighting control unit 41 can select the color to light up each light source 21, and can adjust the luminance (brightness) when the light sources 21 are turned on.

[0028] The illuminance sensor 42 detects the brightness of the surroundings of the vehicle 1 on which the vehicle lamp 10 is mounted. This brightness of the surroundings is used as a criterion for determining whether the vehicle lamp 10 is turned on or off, and is approximately equal to the brightness of the ambient light La (see FIG. 4) that illuminates the vehicle lamp 10. In the first embodiment, the illuminance sensors 42 are provided in pairs near the lower edge of each side of the windshield of the vehicle 1 for an auto light function that automatically turns the headlights on and off (see FIG. 1). The vehicle lamp 10 of the first embodiment switches between operating states (first light-emitting state, second light-emitting state) in accordance with a signal from the illuminance sensor 42, as will be described later.

[0029] The lighting operation unit 43 is operated to switch the operating state of the vehicle lamp 10 or to start the operation of the vehicle lamp 10. This lighting operation unit 43 can be configured with a button, lever, switch, etc. provided within a range operable by the driver or passengers. Note that the lighting operation unit 43 may have other configurations as long as it can be operated by the driver or passengers, and is not limited to the configuration of embodiment 1. Furthermore, the lighting operation unit 43 may be a switch for switching between ON and OFF an automatic operation mode in which the vehicle lamp 10 operates automatically in accordance with the illuminance around the vehicle 1, etc., and is not limited to the configuration of embodiment 1.

[0030] The vehicle information detection unit 44 detects information about the vehicle 1 on which the vehicular lamp 10 is mounted. This information about the vehicle 1 includes, for example, whether the vehicle 1 is moving, an action performed on the vehicle 1 (e.g., flashing the lights or braking suddenly), the state of the vehicle 1 (e.g., whether a warning lamp is on or not), and, if the vehicle 1 is configured to be chargeable, whether the vehicle 1 is being charged or not. For this reason, the vehicle information detection unit 44 can be configured with a vehicle speed sensor or an information acquisition unit that can acquire information about the vehicle 1. The vehicle information detection unit 44 of the first embodiment acquires, as information about the vehicle 1, whether the headlights have been automatically turned on by the auto light function. Note that the vehicle information detection unit 44 is not limited to the configuration of the first embodiment, and may be configured as appropriate as long as it detects information about the vehicle 1 that serves as a criterion for determining operation in the first light emission state or the second light emission state, as will be described later.

[0031] Next, the operation of the vehicular lamp 10 will be described. First, the lighting control unit 41 is basically capable of operating in two states: a first light-emitting state and a second light-emitting state. In the first light-emitting state, as shown in FIG. 1, each light-emitting region 12 is illuminated to form a predetermined signal. In the first light-emitting state of the first embodiment, each light-emitting region 12 is illuminated in white, and the lamp functions as a clearance lamp (side marker lamp). In a situation where the first light-emitting state is to be set, the lighting control unit 41 illuminates each light source 21 of the light source unit 13 in white at a predetermined brightness so that each light-emitting region 12 satisfies the brightness standard required for a clearance lamp. As a result, in the first light-emitting state, the vehicular lamp 10 can illuminate each light-emitting region 12 in white, and function as a clearance lamp.

[0032] In addition, in the second light-emitting state, each light-emitting region 12 has the same appearance as the non-light-emitting region 11. Here, the appearance of the outer lens 16 of the vehicle lamp 10 will be described. In the outer lens 16, as shown in FIG. 4, each light-emitting region 12 has a mixture of light-transmitting portions 35 and light-opaque portions 36. The light-opaque portions 36 are configured by providing a paint layer 32 on a plate-shaped member 31, so that ambient light La from the surroundings is reflected by the paint layer 32, and the reflected light Lr is visible through the plate-shaped member 31, thereby forming an appearance (appearance). For this reason, the light-opaque portions 36 have the appearance of the color of the paint layer 32, just like the non-light-emitting region 11, and the apparent color changes according to the brightness (illuminance) of the ambient light La. In contrast, each light-transmitting portion 35 is configured by partially removing the paint layer 32 on the plate-shaped member 31, so that the ambient light La from the surroundings cannot be reflected by the paint layer 32. 6, each light-transmitting portion 35 does not have the appearance of the color of the paint layer 32, and instead appears to be partially colorless compared to the surrounding light-opaque portions 36. Here, each light-transmitting portion 35 is sized so that it is barely noticeable even when each light source 21 is not turned on, but it may appear to be a different color from the light-opaque portions 36 depending on the brightness of the ambient light La and the viewing direction.

[0033] On the other hand, in the second light-emitting state, each light source 21 is illuminated in the same color as the color of the coating layer 32 of the surrounding light-opaque portion 36. The same color as used here may be any color that is perceived as the same color to the eye. * a * b * This means that the color difference ΔE, which is expressed as the difference (interval) between coordinates in a color space, is less than 2, and preferably ΔE is equal to or less than 1. In the first embodiment, what is expected as ambient light La is determined in advance, and the color difference ΔE is determined by comparing the reflected light Lr of that ambient light La by the paint layer 32 with the emitted light Lo emitted from the light source 21. Here, since the color of the paint layer 32 is determined in advance, the reflected light Lr is determined accordingly, and the color difference ΔE can be set as described above simply by setting the emitted light Lo from the light source 21.

[0034] Because the light sources 21 in the first embodiment are multicolor LEDs, the emitted light Lo can be easily set under the control of the lighting control unit 41. Since the light sources 21 in the second light-emitting state are lit in a state that satisfies the above-described color difference ΔE, the reflected light Lr from the paint layer 32 and the emitted light Lo from each light-transmitting portion 35 appear substantially the same, as shown in FIG. 7 . Therefore, in the second light-emitting state, the light-transmitting portions 35 do not appear to glow, and the surface can appear to be the same color as the paint layer 32. By setting the light-transmitting portions 35 as described above, the brightness in the first light-emitting state is at least 1.5 times that of the second light-emitting state. In particular, because the light-transmitting portions 35 in the first embodiment satisfy the criteria for a clearance lamp in the first light-emitting state, the surface can appear to be the same color as the paint layer 32 in the second light-emitting state with a brightness that is 10% or less of that in the first light-emitting state.

[0035] In the second light-emitting state of the first embodiment, the brightness of each light source 21 is changed according to the brightness of the ambient light La around the vehicle 1. Specifically, the following control is performed. First, the lighting control unit 41 presets a reference illuminance that serves as a reference for brightness. The lighting control unit 41 also acquires an acquired illuminance, which is the brightness around the vehicle 1, by acquiring a signal from the illuminance sensor 42. Then, using the reference illuminance as a reference, the lighting control unit 41 reduces the brightness of each light source 21 when the acquired illuminance is low, and increases the brightness of each light source 21 when the acquired illuminance is high. At this time, the lighting control unit 41 increases the degree of decrease or increase of each light source 21 when the difference between the acquired illuminance and the reference illuminance is large, and decreases the degree of decrease or increase when the difference is small. Regarding the degree of decrease or increase, the lighting control unit 41 sets the emitted light Lo from the light source 21 so as to satisfy the above-described color difference ΔE, using the reflected light Lr corresponding to a predetermined change in the illuminance of the ambient light La as a reference. As a result, in the second light-emitting state of the first embodiment, the light sources 21 are lit in the same color as the coating layer 32 while changing the brightness according to the brightness of the ambient light La. Therefore, in the second light-emitting state, even if the apparent color tone of the coating layer 32 changes in accordance with the brightness (illuminance) of the ambient light La, the apparent color tone of each light-transmitting portion 35 can be changed accordingly, so that the appearance can always be approximately the same.

[0036] In addition, the lighting control unit 41 turns off (stops) the second light-emitting state in conjunction with the operation of the vehicle 1. The lighting control unit 41 of the first embodiment switches from the second light-emitting state to the first light-emitting state when the headlights are automatically turned on by the auto light function of the vehicle 1. Specifically, when the lighting control unit 41 acquires from the vehicle information detection unit 44 that the headlights have been automatically turned on by the auto light function, it switches from a state in which each light source 21 is lit in the same color as the paint layer 32 to a state in which each light-emitting area 12 is lit in white. The auto light function turns on the headlights when the illuminance drops below a predetermined level (e.g., 1000 lx). Therefore, in the first embodiment, when it becomes dark around the vehicle 1, the second light-emitting state is stopped and the first light-emitting state is established.

[0037] In a dark environment, the ambient light La weakens and the reflected light Lr also becomes darker, making it difficult to distinguish the difference in appearance between the non-light-transmitting portions 36 and the light-transmitting portions 35 of the outer lens 16. Therefore, when the environment is dark, the lighting control unit 41 turns off (stops) the second light-emitting state in conjunction with the auto light function, thereby reducing power consumption without compromising the appearance of the outer lens 16. In particular, the lighting control unit 41 of the first embodiment automatically switches from the second light-emitting state to the first light-emitting state when the headlights are turned on, allowing the light-emitting region 12 to function as a clearance lamp. This allows the light-emitting region 12 of the outer lens 16 to appear lit, preventing the outer lens 16 from appearing unnatural.

[0038] Under the control of the lighting control unit 41, the vehicle lamp 10 supplies power from the substrate 22 to each light source 21, lighting each light source 21 and setting the vehicle lamp 10 to a first light-emitting state. The vehicle lamp 10 then directs light from each light source 21 toward the inner lens 14, either directly or after being reflected by the shielding member 15, where it is diffused and then travels toward the outer lens 16. Since the non-light-emitting region 11 of the outer lens 16 prevents light from passing through each light source 21, the outer lens 16 maintains its appearance unchanged from before the light sources 21 were turned on. Furthermore, the outer lens 16 transmits light from the light-transmitting portions 35 of each light-emitting region 12, allowing each light-emitting region 12 to illuminate. Therefore, by setting the vehicle lamp 10 to the first light-emitting state, the light-emitting region 12 can be illuminated in a desired manner (clearance lamp in the first embodiment) as shown in FIG. 1 . At this time, since each light-emitting region 12 has a mixture of light-transmitting portions 35 and non-light-transmitting portions 36 and has an inner lens 14 provided behind them, it is possible to prevent the light source 21 from being directly visible as it shines. The brightness of each light-emitting region 12 can be set by setting the area ratio between each light-transmitting portion 35 and each non-light-transmitting portion 36 and the dimensions (opening area) of each light-transmitting portion 35. As a result, when the vehicle lamp 10 is set to the first light-emitting state, the light-transmitting portions 35 in the outer lens 16 can be made to shine in any manner within the non-light-emitting region 11.

[0039] Furthermore, when the vehicular lamp 10 is not in the first light-emitting state, it can set the light-transmitting portions 35 and the non-light-transmitting portions 36 to have substantially the same appearance by setting the second light-emitting state, as shown in FIG. 7 . As a result, when the light-emitting regions 12 of the vehicular lamp 10 are not illuminated, the non-light-emitting regions 11 and the light-emitting regions 12 are virtually indistinguishable from each other, making the position of the grille at the front of the vehicle 1 appear like a single-color panel. At this time, the vehicular lamp 10 matches the appearance of each light-transmitting portion 35 with the non-light-transmitting portion 36 using the light emitted from each light source 21. Therefore, the vehicular lamp 10 can make the light-emitting regions 12 have substantially the same appearance as the non-light-emitting regions 11 regardless of the size of each light-transmitting portion 35, thereby improving the appearance of the second light-emitting state. Furthermore, the size of each light-transmitting portion 35 of the vehicular lamp 10 can be set to improve the appearance of the light-emitting regions 12 in the first light-emitting state, thereby improving the appearance of the first light-emitting state.

[0040] Furthermore, because the vehicle lamp 10 uses multicolor LEDs for each light source 21, it can be set to the second light-emitting state regardless of the color of the paint layer 32 of the outer lens 16. In other words, the vehicle lamp 10 can emit from each light source 21 emitted light Lo of the same color as the reflected light Lr from the paint layer 32, regardless of the color of the paint layer 32. Therefore, even if the color setting of the outer lens 16 changes to match the color setting of the vehicle 1, the vehicle lamp 10 can have a common configuration other than the paint layer 32. This allows the vehicle lamp 10 to reduce the number of parts and reduce manufacturing costs while improving appearance.

[0041] The vehicle lamp 10 as an example according to the present disclosure can achieve the following effects.

[0042] The vehicular lamp 10 includes an outer lens 16 as a panel member having a light-emitting region 12 that emits light when exposed to light from a light source unit 13. The light-emitting region 12 is configured by a mixture of multiple light-transmitting portions 35, each of which is partially light-transmitting, and a non-light-transmitting portion 36, which is formed by the remaining outer lens 16. The light source unit 13 is switched between a first light-emitting state in which at least a portion of the light-emitting region 12 is illuminated brighter than the non-light-transmitting portions 36, and a second light-emitting state in which each light-transmitting portion 35 is the same color as the non-light-transmitting portions 36. Therefore, in the first light-emitting state, each light-emitting region 12 of the vehicular lamp 10 can generate a predetermined signal, and in the second light-emitting state, each light-emitting region 12 can appear substantially the same as the surrounding non-light-emitting regions 11. Since the light source unit 13 is lit in the second light-emitting state so that each light-transmitting portion 35 is the same color as the non-light-transmitting portions 36, the vehicular lamp 10 can improve its appearance even in a configuration that does not capture sufficient ambient light.

[0043] Furthermore, the outer lens 16 of the vehicle lamp 10 has a plate-like member 31 that allows light from the light source section 13 to pass through, and a paint layer 32 that is provided on the plate-like member 31 and blocks the transmission of light. Each light-transmitting section 35 is formed by a portion of the outer lens 16 where the paint layer 32 has been partially removed. As a result, the vehicle lamp 10 can make the outer lens 16 look like a single-color panel, or make each light-emitting region 12 emit light as appropriate, thereby improving the appearance in any light-emitting state.

[0044] Furthermore, in the first light-emitting state, the vehicle lamp 10 lights the light source unit 13 at a brightness 1.5 times or more higher than that in the second light-emitting state. This allows the vehicle lamp 10 to brightly illuminate each light-emitting area 12 when generating a predetermined signal, while also reducing power consumption in the light source unit 13 in other situations.

[0045] In the second light-emitting state, the vehicle lamp 10 lights the light source unit 13 so that the color difference ΔE, which indicates the difference in color between each light-transmitting portion 35 and the light-non-transmitting portion 36, is less than 2. Therefore, the vehicle lamp 10 can more appropriately make each light-transmitting portion 35 appear to be substantially the same as the light-non-transmitting portion 36 and the non-light-emitting region 11.

[0046] In the second light-emitting state, the vehicle lamp 10 changes the brightness of the light source unit 13 in accordance with the brightness of the atmosphere. Therefore, even if the appearance of the non-light-transmitting units 36 and the non-light-emitting regions 11 changes in accordance with the brightness of the atmosphere, the vehicle lamp 10 can make the appearance of each light-transmitting unit 35 match that change. This allows the vehicle lamp 10 to make each light-emitting region 12 appear approximately the same as the non-light-emitting region 11, regardless of differences in the brightness of the atmosphere.

[0047] In the second light-emitting state, when the atmosphere becomes dark, the vehicle lamp 10 stops lighting the light source unit 13. Therefore, when the atmosphere becomes dark, the difference in appearance between the light-transmitting portions 35 and the light-non-transmitting portions 36 of the vehicle lamp 10 becomes difficult to recognize, so that it is possible to reduce power consumption while avoiding deterioration in appearance.

[0048] In the second light-emitting state, the vehicle lamp 10 changes the luminance of the light source unit 13 in response to a signal from the illuminance sensor 42. This allows the vehicle lamp 10 to change the luminance of the light source unit 13 in accordance with the actual surrounding atmosphere, and makes it possible to more appropriately make each light-emitting area 12 appear approximately the same as the non-light-emitting area 11.

[0049] In the second light-emitting state, the vehicle lamp 10 stops lighting the light source unit 13 when the illuminance sensor 42 detects 2500 lx or less. Therefore, in a dark environment, the difference in appearance between the light-transmitting portions 35 and the light-non-transmitting portions 36 of the vehicle lamp 10 becomes difficult to recognize, so that the vehicle lamp 10 can reduce power consumption while avoiding deterioration in appearance.

[0050] In the second light-emitting state, when the headlights of the vehicle 1 on which the vehicle lamp 10 is installed are automatically turned on, the vehicle lamp 10 stops turning on the light source unit 13. Therefore, the vehicle lamp 10 can appropriately determine that the atmosphere has become dark with a simple configuration, and can reduce power consumption while avoiding a decrease in appearance.

[0051] When the headlights of the vehicle in which the vehicle lamp 10 is installed are automatically turned on in the second light-emitting state, the light source unit 13 is switched to the first light-emitting state. Therefore, even if the light source unit 13 stops lighting in the second light-emitting state, each light-emitting area 12 still forms a predetermined signal, so that the appearance of the vehicle lamp 10 can be reliably prevented from being impaired.

[0052] Therefore, the vehicle lamp 10 of embodiment 1 as a vehicle lamp according to the present disclosure can improve the appearance in a non-illuminated state even if it is configured not to capture sufficient ambient light La.

[0053] The vehicle lamp of the present disclosure has been described above based on the first embodiment, but the specific configuration is not limited to the first embodiment, and design changes and additions are permitted as long as they do not deviate from the gist of the invention according to each claim in the scope of the claims.

[0054] 2, any configuration is possible as long as it is possible to switch between forming a predetermined signal in each light-emitting region 12 with light source unit 13 in the first light-emitting state and making each light-emitting region 12 appear substantially the same as non-light-emitting region 11 with light source unit 13 in the second light-emitting state, and is not limited to the configuration of embodiment 1. Another example will be described using FIGS.

[0055] The vehicular lamp 10A shown in Figs. 8 to 10 has basically the same configuration as the vehicular lamp 10 of embodiment 1. As shown in Fig. 8, the vehicular lamp 10A differs from the vehicular lamp 10 in that a paint layer 32A is provided on the front side of a plate-shaped member 31 in the outer lens 16A. As shown in Fig. 9, the paint layer 32A has a black layer portion 34 provided on the front side of the plate-shaped member 31, and a decorative color layer portion 33 is provided thereon. In other words, the positional relationship between the decorative color layer portion 33 and the black layer portion 34 relative to the plate-shaped member 31 in the vehicular lamp 10A is reversed from that in the vehicular lamp 10. Also, as shown in Fig. 8, the vehicular lamp 10A differs from the vehicular lamp 10 in that the light source portion 13A is composed of a first light source portion 13Aa and a second light source portion 13Ab. The first light source unit 13Aa has basically the same configuration as the light source unit 13 of the vehicular lamp 10, but is configured as a light-emitting element capable of emitting light of a predetermined signal color formed by each light source 21 in the first light-emitting state. The second light source unit 13Ab, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 10, is configured with an inner lens 14A and second light sources 21b and 22b provided at one end of the inner lens 14A. The second light source 21b is a light-emitting element that emits outgoing light Lo of the same color as the paint layer 32, is mounted on the second light source 22b, and is appropriately turned on at a desired brightness under the control of the lighting control unit 41.

[0056] As shown in FIG. 8, the vehicular lamp 10A is set to a first light-emitting state by turning on the first light source unit 13Aa. The vehicular lamp 10A is set to a second light-emitting state by turning on the second light source unit 13Ab, in which the light-transmitting portions 35 are illuminated through the inner lens 14A in the same color as the paint layer 32. In this way, the vehicular lamp 10A can achieve the same effects as the vehicular lamp 10 of the first embodiment. The vehicular lamp 10A can use the same other components as the first embodiment by simply configuring the second light source 21b of the second light source unit 13Ab to emit light Lo of a color that matches the color of the paint layer 32. This allows the vehicular lamp 10A to use inexpensive light-emitting elements and reduce manufacturing costs while improving its appearance.

[0057] In the vehicle lamp 10A, the light source unit 13A is composed of a first light source unit 13Aa and a second light source unit 13Ab. However, the light source unit may be composed of only the second light source unit 13Ab. In this case, by using a multicolor LED as the second light source 21b, it is possible to enable illumination in a first light-emitting state and a second light-emitting state. Furthermore, as the second light source 21b, a light-emitting element capable of illumination in a color corresponding to the first light-emitting state and a light-emitting element capable of illumination in a color corresponding to the second light-emitting state may be mounted side by side in the second light source 22b.

[0058] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment 1, the vehicle lamp 10 forms the outer surface of the grille of the vehicle 1, which is an electric vehicle, but it may be provided at another position on the vehicle 1, or on a vehicle other than an electric vehicle, and is not limited to the configuration of embodiment 1.

[0059] Furthermore, in the above-described first embodiment, each light-transmitting portion 35 is formed by partially removing the paint layer 32 to leave only the plate-like member 31. However, each light-transmitting portion 35 may be one in which the thickness of the paint layer 32 is reduced to the extent that light can pass through, or may have another configuration, as long as it allows light to pass through partially in the light-emitting region 12 of the outer lens 16 as a panel member, and is not limited to the configuration of the first embodiment.

[0060] In the first embodiment described above, the second light-emitting state is turned off (stopped) in conjunction with the auto light function of the vehicle 1. However, the lighting control unit 41 may turn off the second light-emitting state when it becomes dark around the vehicle 1, separately from the auto light function. As an example, the lighting control unit 41 may turn off the second light-emitting state when the illuminance is 2500 lx or less based on a signal from the illuminance sensor 42. With this configuration, even before the headlights are turned on, in cases where the difference in appearance between the light-opaque portion 36 and each light-transmitting portion 35 becomes difficult to recognize, it is possible to reduce power consumption while avoiding a decrease in appearance. Note that even when the second light-emitting state is turned off separately from the auto light function, the first light-emitting state may be switched on in conjunction with the turning on of the headlights by the auto light function.

[0061] In the above-described first embodiment, each light-emitting region 12 functions as a clearance lamp in the first light-emitting state. However, each light-emitting region 12 may be configured to generate a predetermined signal by illuminating in the first light-emitting state, and is not limited to the configuration of the first embodiment. Other examples include daytime running lights that are turned on in bright environments, turn signals, symbols indicating autonomous driving, symbols indicating the charging status, and symbols indicating other intentions. [Explanation of symbols]

[0062] 10, 10A Vehicle lamp 12 Light-emitting area 13 Light source portion 16, 16A Outer lens (as an example of a panel member) 31 Plate-shaped member 32, 32A Paint layer 35 Light-transmitting portion 36 Light-opaque portion 42 Illuminance sensor

Claims

1. a light source unit; and a panel member provided with a light-emitting area that emits light by the light from the light source unit, the light-emitting region is configured by a mixture of a plurality of light-transmitting portions that are partially capable of transmitting light and a light-non-transmitting portion that is configured by the remaining panel member, The light source unit is lit by switching between a first light-emitting state in which at least a portion of the light-emitting region is made to shine brighter than the non-light-transmitting portion, and a second light-emitting state in which each of the light-transmitting portions is made the same color as the non-light-transmitting portion.

2. the panel member has a plate-like member that allows light from the light source unit to pass therethrough, and a coating layer that is provided on the plate-like member and that blocks the light from passing therethrough; 2. The vehicle lamp according to claim 1, wherein each of the light transmitting portions is formed by a portion of the panel member where the paint layer is partially removed.

3. 2. The vehicle lamp according to claim 1, wherein the light source unit is lit in the first light-emitting state at a brightness 1.5 times or more higher than that in the second light-emitting state.

4. 2. The vehicle lamp according to claim 1, wherein the light source unit is lit in the second light-emitting state so that a color difference ΔE indicating a color difference between each of the light-transmitting portions and the light-non-transmitting portions is less than 2.

5. The vehicle lamp according to claim 1, wherein the light source portion changes a luminance in accordance with the brightness of an atmosphere in the second light-emitting state.

6. The vehicle lamp according to claim 5, wherein the light source unit is turned off in the second light-emitting state when the atmosphere becomes dark.

7. 7. The vehicle lamp according to claim 5, wherein the light source section changes a luminance in the second light emission state in response to a signal from an illuminance sensor.

8. 8. The vehicle lamp according to claim 7, wherein the light source unit is turned off when the illuminance sensor detects an illuminance of 2500 lx or less in the second light-emitting state.

9. The vehicular lamp according to claim 6, wherein the light source unit is turned off in the second light-emitting state when a headlight of a vehicle in which the light source unit is installed is automatically turned on.

10. The vehicle lamp according to claim 1, wherein the light source unit is switched to the first light emission state when a headlight of a vehicle in which the light source unit is installed is automatically turned on in the second light emission state.

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