Vehicle and lighting device for vehicle

Abstract

To provide a lighting device which is highly convenient for a user.SOLUTION: A lighting device attached to a vehicle includes a solar cell including a light receiving unit that converts external light into electric power, at least one light source 24 that emits illumination light using the electric power supplied from the solar cell, a case 30 that houses the solar cell and the at least one light source, and a cover 40 that includes an outer surface and an inner surface and is combined with the case so as to cover the solar cell and the at least one light source. The cover includes a retroreflecting part 41 for reflecting the external light, a light incident part 45 for transmitting the external light reaching the light receiving part 22, and a light emitting part 47 for transmitting the illumination light.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle and a lighting device for the vehicle. [Background technology]

[0002] There are known vehicles that do not have doors separating the interior and exterior of the vehicle. The vehicles have at least three wheels. Such vehicles are called senior cars, electric wheelchairs, etc.

[0003] In addition to headlights located in front of the steering wheel, vehicles are equipped with lighting devices to enhance safety. For example, Patent Document 1 proposes providing a lamp in the armrest to illuminate the driver's feet when the driver gets out of the vehicle. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-014296 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In Patent Document 1, the power for the lamp provided in the armrest is supplied from the vehicle battery, which limits the placement of the lamp to a location where power can be supplied from the battery.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide an interior part that can solve these problems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present invention relates to the following [1] to [8].

[0008] [1] A lighting device mounted on a vehicle, a solar cell including a light receiving unit that converts external light into electricity; at least one light source that emits illumination light using power supplied from the solar cell; a case that houses the solar cell and the at least one light source; a cover including an outer surface and an inner surface, the cover being combined with the case to cover the solar cell and the at least one light source; The cover includes a retroreflective portion that reflects external light, a light incident portion through which the external light that reaches the light receiving portion passes, and a light exit portion through which the illumination light passes.

[0009] [2] In the lighting device described in [1], the light entrance portion may be located at the center of the cover in a planar view, and the retroreflective portion may be located so as to surround the light entrance portion in a planar view.

[0010] [3] In the lighting device according to [2], the light exit portion may be located outside the retroreflector in a plan view.

[0011] [4] In the lighting device according to any one of [1] to [3], the case may include an engaging portion that engages with the vehicle.

[0012] [5] In the lighting device according to any one of [1] to [4], the light entrance portion and the light exit portion may contain a light-transmitting material.

[0013] [6] The lighting device according to any one of [1] to [5] may be attached to a wheel of the vehicle.

[0014] [7] A vehicle, At least three wheels and A vehicle equipped with the lighting device according to any one of [1] to [6] attached to the vehicle.

[0015] [8] A vehicle, At least three wheels and a lighting device attached to at least one of the at least three wheels; The lighting device illuminates the area around the wheel to which the lighting device is attached. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] The present invention can provide a lighting device that is highly convenient for users. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a side view showing a vehicle. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded view showing the components of the lighting device. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a lighting device. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a lighting device. [Figure 5] FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the lighting device mounted on a vehicle. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the lighting device. [Figure 8] FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a state in which a lighting device of a vehicle is operating. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a modified example of the cover. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] The present invention relates to a lighting device attached to a vehicle. The lighting device is attached to a vehicle, for example, a wheel cap. According to the present invention, visibility is improved. For example, a user can easily see the surroundings of the vehicle. For example, a third party other than the driver of the vehicle can easily see the vehicle.

[0019] The present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the scale and aspect ratios of the drawings have been appropriately changed and exaggerated from those of the actual objects for ease of understanding.

[0020] (vehicle) FIG. 1 is a side view showing an example of a vehicle 1. The vehicle 1 has at least three wheels 2, a steering wheel 8, and a seat 9 for the driver. For example, the vehicle 1 has three or four wheels 2. The vehicle 1 is, for example, a senior car, an electric wheelchair, or the like. The vehicle 1 does not necessarily have a door separating the outside from the inside of the vehicle 1.

[0021] The vehicle 1 includes a handlebar support 5 that supports a handlebar, a headlight 6 located in front of the handlebar 8, and a fender 7 located below the headlight 6. The vehicle 1 further includes at least one lighting device 10 in addition to the headlight 6. The lighting device 10 is arranged to emit light toward the outside of the vehicle 1. The lighting device 10 is also arranged so that external light hits the lighting device 10. The lighting device 10 is attached to, for example, a wheel 2. The lighting device 10 may be attached to each of multiple wheels 2. The lighting device 10 can illuminate the surroundings of the vehicle 1 without being blocked by the fender 7. For example, the lighting device 10 can illuminate the surroundings of the wheel 2 to which the lighting device 10 is attached.

[0022] Although not shown, the lighting device 10 may be attached to a component of the vehicle 1 other than the wheels 2, such as the steering wheel 8.

[0023] Each of the multiple wheels 2 may include a tire 3, a wheel, and a hubcap 4. The hubcap 4 covers the outer surface of the wheel. The lighting device 10 may be attached to an element that constitutes the surface of the vehicle 1, such as the hubcap 4.

[0024] The lighting device 10 may be attached to the hubcap 4 at a position offset from the center of the hubcap 4. In this case, the lighting device 10 rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the hubcap 4. The lighting device 10 may include a sensor capable of detecting rotational movement, such as an acceleration sensor.

[0025] Although not shown, the vehicle 1 may be provided with a door that separates the interior from the exterior of the vehicle 1. The lighting device 10 may be disposed inside the vehicle 1 that is separated from the exterior by the door. The lighting device 10 inside the vehicle 1 is disposed so that external light hits the lighting device 10 and the lighting device 10 emits light toward the outside of the vehicle 1.

[0026] (Lighting equipment) The lighting device 10 will now be described. FIG. 2 is an exploded view showing the components of the lighting device 10. The lighting device 10 includes a solar cell 21, at least one light source 24, a case 30, and a cover 40. In this embodiment, the lighting device 10 includes a plurality of light sources 24. The solar cell 21 and the light sources 24 are mounted on a substrate 20.

[0027] The lighting device 10 is constructed by combining a substrate 20, a case 30, and a cover 40. The substrate 20 is housed in the case 30. The cover 40 is combined with the case 30 so as to cover the substrate 20. FIGS. 3 and 4 are perspective views showing the lighting device 10.

[0028] Each of the components of the lighting device 10 will now be described.

[0029] (Substrate, solar cell and light source) The substrate 20 includes a first surface 201 and a second surface 202. The second surface 202 is located on the opposite side to the first surface 201 in the thickness direction D3 of the lighting device 10. The substrate 20 is, for example, a printed circuit board.

[0030] The first surface 201 and the second surface 202 extend in a planar direction. The planar direction is a direction perpendicular to the thickness direction D3. The planar direction includes, for example, a first direction D1 and a second direction D2. The second direction D2 is perpendicular to the first direction D1.

[0031] The solar cell 21 includes a light receiving unit 22 and a power storage unit 23. The light receiving unit 22 converts external light into electricity. For example, the light receiving unit 22 includes a semiconductor that converts the energy of external light into electricity. External light is light that reaches the lighting device 10 from outside the lighting device 10. Examples of external light include sunlight and light emitted by other vehicles.

[0032] The light receiving unit 22 is disposed on the first surface 201 of the substrate 20. The light receiving unit 22 may be located at the center of the substrate 20 in a plan view. A plan view means viewing an object along the thickness direction D3.

[0033] The power storage unit 23 stores the power generated by the light receiving unit 22. The power storage unit 23 includes a secondary battery such as a lithium ion battery. The power storage unit 23 may be disposed on the second surface 202 of the substrate 20. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the second surface 202 of the substrate 20.

[0034] The light source 24 emits light using power supplied from the solar cell 21. The light source 24 includes, for example, an LED. In this application, the light emitted from the light source 24 is referred to as illumination light.

[0035] The light sources 24 are disposed on the first surface 201 of the substrate 20. The light sources 24 may be located outside the light receiving unit 22 in a planar view. "Outside" means a direction away from the center of the lighting device 10 in a planar view. As shown in FIG. 2, the multiple light sources 24 may include two light sources 24 that face each other in a first direction D1 with the light receiving unit 22 therebetween, and two light sources 24 that face each other in a second direction D2 with the light receiving unit 22 therebetween.

[0036] Although not shown, electronic devices may be mounted on the substrate 20. For example, an IC for controlling the solar cell 21 and the light source 24 may be mounted on the substrate 20. For example, a sensor such as an acceleration sensor may be mounted on the substrate 20. These electronic devices may be driven by power supplied from the power storage unit 23.

[0037] A through-hole 25 that penetrates the substrate 20 may be formed in the substrate 20. The through-hole 25 may be a hole or a notch. The position of the substrate 20 is determined relative to the case 30 by inserting an insertion portion of the case 30, which will be described later, into the through-hole 25.

[0038] (case) The case 30 includes an outer surface 301 and an inner surface 302. The inner surface 302 faces the second surface 202 of the substrate 20. The outer surface 301 is located on the opposite side to the inner surface 302 in the thickness direction D3.

[0039] The case 30 is configured to house the solar cells 21 and the light source 24. In this embodiment, the case 30 is configured to house the substrate 20 on which the solar cells 21 and the light source 24 are mounted. For example, the case 30 includes a plurality of insertion portions 31 and a plurality of support portions 32 located on the inner surface 302. The insertion portions 31 protrude from the support portions 32. The insertion portions 31 are inserted into the through portions 25 of the substrate 20. The support portions 32 contact the second surface 202 of the substrate 20 to support the substrate 20.

[0040] Case 30 may include a recess 33 formed in inner surface 302. Recess 33 accommodates power storage unit 23.

[0041] The case 30 may include a mating portion 34. The mating portion 34 is mated with a side wall of a cover 40, which will be described later.

[0042] 4, the case 30 may include an engagement portion 35 located on the outer surface 301. The engagement portion 35 engages with the vehicle 1.

[0043] 6 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the lighting device 10 attached to a wheel cap 4 of a vehicle 1. The wheel cap 4 includes an outer surface 4a and an inner surface 4b. The wheel cap 4 has an opening formed therein for attaching the lighting device 10. The engagement portion 35 of the case 30 may be in contact with the open end 4c of the wheel cap 4 in the surface direction of the lighting device 10.

[0044] 6, the case 30 may include a stopper 36 protruding from the engagement portion 35 in the surface direction. The stopper 36 may contact the open end 4c of the wheel cap 4 in the thickness direction D3, thereby fixing the case 30 to the wheel cap 4 in the thickness direction D3.

[0045] (cover) The cover 40 includes an outer surface 401 and an inner surface 402. The inner surface 402 faces the first surface 201 of the substrate 20. The outer surface 401 is located on the opposite side to the inner surface 402 in the thickness direction D3.

[0046] The cover 40 is combined with the case 30 so as to cover the solar cell 21 and the light source 24. In the present embodiment, the cover 40 is combined with the case 30 so as to cover the substrate 20 on which the solar cell 21 and the light source 24 are mounted.

[0047] The cover 40 may include a side wall 49 extending in the thickness direction D3. The side wall 49 is fitted to the fitting portion 34 of the case 30, thereby fixing the cover 40 to the case 30.

[0048] Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the lighting device 10. Fig. 8 is a view showing an example of the outer surface 401 of the cover 40. Fig. 9 is a view showing an example of the inner surface 402 of the cover 40. Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the cover 40. The cover 40 includes a retroreflective portion 41, a light entrance portion 45, and a light exit portion 47.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 10, the retroreflective portion 41 is configured to reflect external light L1. "Retroreflective" means reflecting light in a direction substantially along the optical path of the incident light. The retroreflective portion 41 can, for example, reflect light emitted by the headlights of other vehicles toward the other vehicles. As a result, the driver of the other vehicles can more easily see the vehicle 1.

[0050] 7, 9, and 10, the retroreflective portion 41 may include a plurality of protrusions 42 located on the inner surface 402. Each of the plurality of protrusions 42 may form a prism lens.

[0051] The light entrance portion 45 is a portion of the cover 40 through which external light L1 passes to reach the light receiving portion 22 of the solar cell 21. The light entrance portion 45 faces the light receiving portion 22 in the thickness direction D3. Electricity is generated when the external light L1 passes through the light entrance portion 45 and reaches the light receiving portion 22. Both the outer surface 401 and the inner surface 402 of the light entrance portion 45 may extend parallel to the surface direction. The normal direction of the outer surface 401 of the light entrance portion 45 may determine the thickness direction D3.

[0052] 8 and 9, the light entrance portion 45 may be located at the center of the cover 40 in a plan view. The retroreflective portion 41 may be located outside the light entrance portion 45 in a plan view. For example, the retroreflective portion 41 may be an annular portion that surrounds the light entrance portion 45 in a plan view.

[0053] The light-emitting portion 47 is a portion of the cover 40 through which the illumination light L2 passes. As shown in Fig. 10 , the illumination light L2 emitted from the light source 24 and reaching the inner surface 402 of the light-emitting portion 47 passes through the light-emitting portion 47 and is emitted to the outside from the outer surface 401.

[0054] The light exit portion 47 may be configured so that the illumination light L2 is directed further outward than the cover 40 in a plan view. For example, the light exit portion 47 may be located outside the retroreflector 41 in a plan view, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9. As a result, the illumination light L2 is more likely to be directed further outward than the cover 40 in a plan view. For example, the illumination light L2 can travel in a direction inclined with respect to the thickness direction D3.

[0055] The light exiting portion 47 may include an outer surface 401 or an inner surface 402 that is inclined with respect to the surface direction. For example, the light exiting portion 47 may include an inclined portion 48 that is located between the retroreflective portion 41 and the side wall 49. The inclined portion 48 may have a curved shape. When the illumination light L2 passes through the inclined portion 48, the illumination light L2 is more likely to be directed outward than the cover 40 in a plan view.

[0056] 11 is a diagram showing the lighting device 10 attached to the wheel 2 of the vehicle 1 in operation. A portion of the illumination light L2 is directed outward from the cover 40, illuminating the ground around the wheel 2. This makes it easier for the driver to see the area around the vehicle 1. For example, when the driver gets off the vehicle 1, the illumination light L2 can illuminate the area around the driver's feet.

[0057] Both the light entrance portion 45 and the light exit portion 47 of the cover 40 include a light-transmitting material. Examples of light-transmitting materials include polycarbonate and acrylic resin. The retroreflective portion 41, the light entrance portion 45, and the light exit portion 47 of the cover 40 may be integrally formed by molding the light-transmitting material.

[0058] 7, the lighting device 10 may include an O-ring 50 located between the case 30 and the cover 40. The O-ring 50 can seal the inside of the lighting device 10 from the outside.

[0059] An example of the operation of the lighting device 10 will now be described.

[0060] When the surroundings of the vehicle 1 are bright, external light L1 such as sunlight passes through the light entrance portion 45 of the cover 40 and reaches the light receiving portion 22 of the solar cell 21. The electricity generated by the light receiving portion 22 charges the power storage portion 23.

[0061] When the surroundings of the vehicle 1 are dark and the vehicle 1 is moving, the light source 24 of the lighting device 10 is controlled to emit the illumination light L2. The darkness around the vehicle 1 is detected, for example, based on the absence of power generation by the light receiving unit 22. The movement of the vehicle 1 is detected, for example, based on an acceleration sensor of the lighting device 10. The illumination light L2 illuminates the surroundings of the vehicle 1, making it easier for the driver to see the surroundings of the vehicle 1.

[0062] The light source 24 of the lighting device 10 may be controlled to emit the illumination light L2 for a certain period of time after the vehicle 1 has stopped. This allows the illumination light L2 to illuminate the driver's feet when the driver gets off the vehicle 1, for example.

[0063] The illumination light L2 is driven by power supplied from the solar cell 21. Since the illumination device 10 does not need to be connected to the battery of the vehicle 1, the illumination device 10 can be placed in various locations. For example, as in this embodiment, the illumination device 10 can be attached to the wheel cap 4.

[0064] The lighting device 10 includes a light source 24 that emits illumination light L2, as well as a retroreflector 41 that reflects external light L1. This makes it easier for third parties around the vehicle 1 to see the vehicle 1. According to this embodiment, a highly convenient lighting device 10 can be provided that includes a light source 24 powered by a solar cell 21 and a retroreflector 41.

[0065] The above-described embodiment can be modified in various ways. Hereinafter, other embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings as necessary. In the following description and the drawings used in the following description, parts that can be configured similarly to the above-described embodiment will be designated by the same reference numerals as those used for the corresponding parts in the above-described embodiment. Duplicate descriptions will be omitted. Furthermore, if it is clear that the effects obtained in the above-described embodiment can also be obtained in other embodiments, the descriptions may be omitted.

[0066] 12 is a cross-sectional view showing a modified example of the cover 40. The retroreflective portion 41 may include a reflective layer 43 that reflects external light L1. The reflective layer 43 may be disposed on the inner surface 402.

[0067] The reflective layer 43 includes, for example, a resin and a plurality of particles dispersed in the resin. The resin may include a light-transmitting material. The particles may be made of an inorganic material. For example, the particles may be glass beads. The reflective layer 43 is formed, for example, by applying paint including the resin and the plurality of particles to the inner surface 402. [Explanation of symbols]

[0068] 1 vehicle 2 wheels 3 Tires 4 Wheel Caps 10. Lighting equipment 20 Substrate 21 Solar Cell 22 Light receiving part 23 Power storage unit 24 Light source 30 cases 40 Cover 41 Retroreflective part 42 Protrusion 43 Reflective layer 45 Light receiving part 47 Idemitsu Department

Claims

1. A lighting device mounted on a vehicle, a solar cell including a light receiving unit that converts external light into electricity; at least one light source that emits illumination light using power supplied from the solar cell; a case that houses the solar cell and the at least one light source; a cover including an outer surface and an inner surface, the cover being combined with the case to cover the solar cell and the at least one light source; The cover includes a retroreflective portion that reflects external light, a light incident portion through which the external light that reaches the light receiving portion passes, and a light exit portion through which the illumination light passes.

2. the light entrance portion is located at the center of the cover in a plan view, The lighting device according to claim 1 , wherein the retroreflecting portion is positioned so as to surround the light incident portion in a plan view.

3. The lighting device according to claim 2 , wherein the light exit portion is located outside the retroreflector in a plan view.

4. The lighting device according to claim 1, wherein the case includes an engaging portion that engages with the vehicle.

5. 4. The lighting device according to claim 1, wherein the light entrance portion and the light exit portion include a light-transmitting material.

6. The lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, which is mounted on a wheel of the vehicle.

7. A vehicle, At least three wheels; A vehicle comprising the lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 3 attached to the vehicle.

8. A vehicle, At least three wheels; a lighting device attached to at least one of the at least three wheels; The lighting device illuminates the area around the wheel to which the lighting device is attached.

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