Lighting device

Abstract

To provide a lighting device that suppresses glare for the user while also having excellent aesthetic design. [Solution] The lighting device 3 is embedded in an opening 11 provided in an object to be installed, and comprises a light source 110 that emits light, a housing 500 embedded in the opening 11, a frame 600 attached to the housing 500 so as to surround the opening end of the housing 500 or provided as part of the housing 500 so as to constitute the opening end of the housing 500, and a light emitting part from which light from the light source 110 is emitted. The housing 500 is positioned so as to be inclined with respect to the installation surface of the object to be installed, and at a point where the angle between the outer surface of the housing 500 and the installation surface is acute, the inner surface 511 of the housing 500 is bent toward the inner surface of the opening 11. The frame 600 has an exposed design surface 611, and when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the installation surface, the lighting device 3 is configured such that the light emitting part of the lighting device 3 is not visible.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a lighting device, for example, an in-vehicle lighting device installed in a vehicle interior of an automobile.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, for the vehicle interior of a moving body such as an automobile, it is required to be an environment in which passengers can spend comfortably. In particular, in the future, since it is conceivable that passengers including the driver will perform various activities unrelated to driving in the vehicle interior even while the automobile is running by an automated driving technology, the vehicle interior is required to be a living space that is more user-friendly and comfortable to spend.

[0003] Therefore, conventionally, a technique has been proposed in which a lighting device is installed in the vehicle interior of an automobile, and the space in the vehicle interior is produced by changing the brightness and light color of the illumination light emitted from the lighting device (Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, when a lighting device is simply installed in the vehicle interior, the light emitting portion of the lighting device (for example, the surface of the light-transmitting cover or the slit through which light passes) is exposed in the vehicle interior, so that the passenger (user) feels glare and the passenger can visually recognize the light emitting portion, which deteriorates the appearance design of the lighting device.

[0006] Therefore, it is conceivable to construct the light-emitting part by enclosing it in a cylindrical housing, embedding the housing into an opening in the object where the lighting device will be installed (for example, the ceiling of a car interior), and positioning the housing so as to be inclined with respect to the installation surface of the object. This makes it possible to prevent the light-emitting part from being visible to the occupants of the car. This makes it possible to suppress the occupants from experiencing glare.

[0007] However, because the entire inner surface of the housing is a straight surface, if the housing is tilted relative to the installation surface, it becomes necessary to avoid interference between the housing and the installation surface, resulting in uneven width of the housing frame, which is the design surface, and thus degrading the appearance of the lighting device. One might consider widening the housing frame to match the widest point to achieve a uniform width, but widening the frame actually degrades the appearance of the lighting device.

[0008] This invention was made to solve these problems and aims to provide a lighting device that can suppress glare experienced by the user and has excellent aesthetic design. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] To achieve the above objective, one embodiment of the lighting device according to the present invention is a lighting device embedded in an opening provided in an object to be installed, comprising: a light source that emits light; a housing embedded in the opening and having an opening; a frame attached to the housing so as to surround the opening end of the housing or provided as part of the housing so as to constitute the opening end of the housing; and a light emitting part from which the light is emitted, wherein the housing is arranged so as to be inclined with respect to the installation surface of the object to be installed, and at a location where the angle between the outer surface of the housing and the installation surface is acute, the inner surface of the housing is bent toward the inner surface of the opening, the frame has an exposed design surface, and the lighting device is configured such that the light emitting part is not visible when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the installation surface. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, it is possible to realize a lighting device that suppresses the user's perception of glare while also having excellent aesthetic design. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a top view of an automobile with an interior lighting system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a side cross-sectional view of an automobile in an interior lighting system according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a diagram showing the interior of a vehicle at the front of the vehicle in the vehicle interior lighting system according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of an automobile when cut through a plane passing through the lighting device according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a portion of Figure 4. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of a lighting device according to an embodiment installed in an automobile. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a portion of a lighting device according to an embodiment installed in an automobile. [Figure 8A] Figure 8A is a perspective view of the lighting device according to the embodiment, viewed from diagonally below. [Figure 8B] Figure 8B is a perspective view of the lighting device according to the embodiment, viewed from diagonally above. [Figure 9A] Figure 9A is a front view of the lighting device according to an embodiment. [Figure 9B] Figure 9B is a left side view of the lighting device according to the embodiment. [Figure 9C] Figure 9C is a rear view of the lighting device according to the embodiment. [Figure 9D] Figure 9D is a right side view of the lighting device according to the embodiment. [Figure 9E] Figure 9E is a bottom view of the lighting device according to the embodiment. [Figure 9F]FIG. 9F is a plan view of the lighting device according to the embodiment. [Figure 10A] FIG. 10A is an exploded perspective view of the lighting device according to the embodiment. [Figure 10B] FIG. 10B is an exploded cross-sectional perspective view of the lighting device according to the embodiment. [Figure 10C] FIG. 10C is an exploded cross-sectional perspective view of the lighting device according to the embodiment in a cross-section different from that of FIG. 10B. [Figure 11A] FIG. 11A is a perspective view of the lighting device according to the embodiment when viewed obliquely downward with the frame removed from the housing. [Figure 11B] FIG. 11B is a perspective view of the lighting device according to the embodiment when viewed obliquely upward with the frame removed from the housing. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the lighting device according to the embodiment installed on the ceiling. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the lighting device according to Comparative Example 1 installed on the ceiling. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the lighting device according to Comparative Example 2 installed on the ceiling. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the lighting device according to Modification 1 when the frame is removed from the housing. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the lighting device according to Modification 2.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that all of the embodiments described below show specific examples of the present invention. Therefore, the numerical values, shapes, materials, components, arrangement positions of the components, connection forms, etc. shown in the following embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present invention. Thus, among the components in the following embodiments, the components not described in the independent claims indicating the most general concept of the present invention are described as arbitrary components.

[0013] Each figure is a schematic diagram and not necessarily a strictly accurate representation. Therefore, the scale and other aspects may not necessarily be consistent across all figures. In each figure, substantially identical components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations are omitted or simplified.

[0014] In this specification, "forward" refers to the direction of travel when the vehicle is moving forward, and "rearward" refers to the direction of travel when the vehicle is moving backward. The roof side of the vehicle is referred to as "upper" or "upper," and the floor side of the vehicle is referred to as "down" or "lower." In this specification, the terms "up" and "down" do not refer to the absolute upward (vertically upward) and downward (vertically downward) directions in spatial perception, but may be used as terms defined by relative positional relationships.

[0015] (Embodiment) First, the vehicle interior lighting system 1 according to the embodiment will be described using Figures 1 to 4. Figure 1 is a top view of the vehicle 2 in the vehicle interior lighting system 1 according to the embodiment, and Figure 2 is a side cross-sectional view of the vehicle 2. Figure 3 is a diagram showing the view of the vehicle interior 2a at the front of the vehicle 2. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the vehicle 2 when cut by a plane passing through the lighting device 3. In Figures 1 and 2, the black squares indicate the position of the lighting device 3. Also, in Figures 1 to 4, the areas indicated by dot-shaped hatching indicate the areas inside the vehicle interior 2a that are illuminated by the illumination light from the lighting device 3.

[0016] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the vehicle interior lighting system 1 comprises a car 2 and a lighting device 3 installed in the car 2.

[0017] Automobile 2 is an example of a mobile vehicle and, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, comprises a vehicle having a passenger compartment 2a. The passenger compartment 2a in automobile 2 is composed of a plurality of interior lining members.

[0018] As shown in Figure 2, the passenger compartment 2a has a ceiling 10, a floor 20, a pillar trim 30, and a door trim 40 as multiple interior lining members.

[0019] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the automobile 2 has a front door 51 and a rear door 52. By opening and closing the front door 51 or the rear door 52, occupants can enter the passenger compartment 2a or exit the passenger compartment 2a. Each of the front door 51 and the rear door 52 is provided with a window pane.

[0020] As shown in Figure 1, the passenger compartment 2a is equipped with front seats located at the front of the compartment 2a, namely a driver's seat 61 where the driver sits and a passenger seat 62 located next to the driver's seat 61. The passenger compartment 2a is also equipped with rear seats 63 located at the rear of the compartment 2a. The rear seats 63 can accommodate two or three passengers.

[0021] As shown in Figure 2, the ceiling 10 is a roof trim. The ceiling 10 is fixed to the roof 2b of the automobile 2. In this case, the ceiling 10 may be directly attached to the inner surface of the roof 2b, or it may be suspended from the roof 2b.

[0022] The floor 20 is a floor trim. Specifically, the floor 20 is a floor carpet fixed to the frame that constitutes the body structure of the automobile 2.

[0023] As shown in Figure 1, the pillar trim 30 is composed of multiple pillars. Specifically, the pillar trim 30 has an A-pillar 31, which is a front pillar located next to the windshield, and a B-pillar 32, which is a central pillar located between the driver's seat 61 or passenger seat 62 and the rear seat 63. The pillar trim 30 may also have a C-pillar and a D-pillar located diagonally behind the rear seat 63.

[0024] As shown in Figure 2, the door trim 40 is an interior trim member that covers the door panel of the front door 51 and the rear door 52. The door trim 40 that makes up the inner surface of the front door 51 and the rear door 52 is provided with an armrest, an operating switch (operating button), a cup holder, a door handle, and a storage space. The operating switch is, for example, an open / close switch for opening and closing the window glass. Note that the front door 51 of the driver's seat 61 is provided with an operating switch other than the open / close switch as an operating button.

[0025] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the automobile 2 has a center console 70. The center console 70 is located between the driver's seat 61 and the passenger seat 62. The center console 70 extends from the instrument panel 80 located at the front of the vehicle toward the rear of the vehicle. The front end of the center console 70 is integrally connected to the central part of the instrument panel 80.

[0026] The center console 70 is provided with a shift lever (select lever), operating switches such as a parking button or power button, and a console box. The center console 70 may also be provided with other features such as a cup holder, a cigarette lighter socket, a power socket, and a box-shaped recess with an open top.

[0027] As shown in Figure 1, the instrument panel 80 is a panel at the front of the vehicle that extends from the driver's seat 61 to the passenger seat 62. As shown in Figure 3, the portion of the instrument panel 80 facing the driver's seat 61 is equipped with instruments such as a speedometer, and the portion of the instrument panel 80 facing the passenger seat 62 is equipped with a storage box. In addition, the central part of the instrument panel 80 in the width direction is equipped with air conditioning control switches, audio control switches, and air conditioning vents. Furthermore, the central part of the instrument panel 80 in the width direction may also be equipped with a display or the like.

[0028] The lighting device 3 shown in Figures 1 to 4 is a lighting fixture that emits illumination light. The lighting device 3 is installed in the automobile 2. In this embodiment, the lighting device 3 is an interior lighting device (interior lighting) installed in the vehicle compartment 2a. The lighting device 3 is installed on the ceiling 10 in the vehicle compartment 2a.

[0029] As shown in Figure 1, in this embodiment, multiple lighting devices 3 are installed on the ceiling 10. Specifically, the lighting devices 3 are installed on the ceiling 10 above a pair of front doors 51 and above a pair of rear doors 52. Therefore, as shown in Figure 1, four lighting devices 3 are installed in the automobile 2. The lighting devices 3 are installed at the ends of the ceiling 10 in the vehicle width direction.

[0030] As shown in Figures 2 to 4, each lighting device 3 is a door trim lighter that directs illumination light toward the door trim 40. In other words, the light emitted from the lighting device 3 illuminates the door trim 40. By illuminating the door trim 40 with illumination light, the door trim 40 can be brightly illuminated, and shadows can be cast on the uneven parts of the door trim 40. In this embodiment, lighting device 3 is a spotlight that illuminates a specific narrow area. Therefore, lighting device 3 illuminates a part of the door trim 40 with spotlight light as illumination light.

[0031] Lighting device 3 emits white light as illumination. However, the color of the light emitted by lighting device 3 is not limited to white light. Furthermore, lighting device 3 may have functions to control the brightness and color temperature of the illumination. This allows for changes in the brightness and color temperature of the illumination emitted from lighting device 3, thereby enabling the creation of different atmospheres within the vehicle compartment 2a.

[0032] Lighting device 3 is illuminated, for example, when the driver is operating vehicle 2 (while driving). In other words, lighting device 3 illuminates while driving (i.e., while vehicle 2 is in motion). Lighting device 3 may be illuminated not only while driving, but also when not driving. For example, lighting device 3 may be illuminated when an occupant gets into vehicle 2 or when an occupant gets out of vehicle 2. Also, lighting device 3 may be illuminated not only at night, but also during the day. By illuminating lighting device 3 during the day, an open and brightly lit space can be created.

[0033] Here, the specific configuration of the lighting device 3 will be explained using Figures 5 to 10C, with reference to Figure 4. Figures 5 and 6 are cross-sectional views of the lighting device 3 according to an embodiment installed in an automobile 2. Figure 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a part of Figure 4, and Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view when cut at a different cross-section than that of Figure 5. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of area VII enclosed by the dashed line in Figure 6. Figures 8A and 8B are perspective views of the lighting device 3. Figures 9A to 9F are six-view drawings of the lighting device 3. Figure 9A is a front view, Figure 9B is a left side view, Figure 9C is a rear view, Figure 9D is a right side view, Figure 9E is a bottom view, and Figure 9F is a top view. Figure 10A is an exploded perspective view of the lighting device 3. Figures 10B and 10C are exploded cross-sectional perspective views of the lighting device 3. Figures 10B and 10C show different cross-sections.

[0034] As shown in Figure 4, the lighting device 3 is installed on the ceiling 10 of the vehicle compartment 2a. The ceiling 10 is an example of an object on which the lighting device 3 is installed. As shown in Figures 4 to 6, the lighting device 3 is a recessed lighting fixture embedded in an opening 11 provided in the ceiling 10. The lighting device 3 is a downlight that directs illumination light downwards.

[0035] The shape of the opening 11 provided in the ceiling 10 is not particularly limited as long as it is a shape that the housing 500 of the lighting device 3 can fit into. In this embodiment, the shape of the opening 11 is rectangular. However, the shape of the opening 11 is not limited to a rectangle; it may be a polygon other than a rectangle (such as a pentagon), or it may be circular or elliptical.

[0036] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the ceiling 10 (the object to be installed) has a first surface 10a, which is the side onto which the illumination light from the lighting device 3 shines, and a second surface 10b, which is the side opposite to the first surface 10a. The first surface 10a is the ceiling surface of the ceiling 10 (the ceiling surface on the interior side) and is the surface on the side of the vehicle compartment 2a. The first surface 10a is also the installation surface on which the lighting device 3 is installed.

[0037] As shown in Figures 5 to 10C, the lighting device 3 comprises a light source module 100, a first light-shielding member 200, a lens 300, a second light-shielding member 400, a housing 500, a frame 600, and a cover plate 700.

[0038] The light source module 100 includes a light source 110 that emits light and a substrate 120 on which the light source 110 is placed. The light source module 100 emits light that becomes the illumination light for the lighting device 3. Specifically, the light emitted from the light source 110 of the light source module 100 becomes the illumination light for the lighting device 3.

[0039] In this embodiment, the light source 110 is an LED light source composed of light-emitting diodes (LEDs). Therefore, the lighting device 3 is an LED lighting device. The light source 110 is, for example, a white LED light source that emits white light of a predetermined color temperature. The color temperature range of the white light emitted by the light source 110 is, for example, 3000K to 7000K, but is not limited to this.

[0040] The light distribution of the light emitted from the light-emitting surface of the LED light source 110 is Lambertsian. Specifically, the beam angle of the light emitted from the light source 110 is 120°. In other words, the light emitted from the light source 110 is divergent light with a broad spread.

[0041] In this embodiment, the light source 110 is a packaged surface mount device (SMD) type LED element. In other words, the light source module 100 is an SMD type LED module.

[0042] The surface-mount LED light source 110 comprises a white resin package (container) having a recess, an LED chip primarily mounted on the bottom surface of the recess in the package, and a sealing member enclosed within the recess of the package. The sealing member is made of a light-transmitting resin material such as silicone resin. The sealing member may also be a phosphor-containing resin containing a wavelength conversion material such as a phosphor.

[0043] An LED chip is an example of a semiconductor light-emitting element that emits light in response to a predetermined DC power, and is a bare chip that emits monochromatic visible light. For example, an LED chip is a blue LED chip that emits blue light when powered on. In this case, in order to obtain white light, the encapsulating material contains a yellow phosphor such as YAG (yttrium aluminum garnet) that fluoresces using the blue light from the blue LED chip as excitation light.

[0044] The light source 110 configured in this way is a BY-type white LED light source composed of a blue LED chip and a yellow phosphor. Specifically, the yellow phosphor absorbs a portion of the blue light emitted by the blue LED chip, is excited, and emits yellow light. This yellow light mixes with the blue light that was not absorbed by the yellow phosphor to produce white light. In addition to the yellow phosphor, the encapsulating material may also contain red or green phosphors.

[0045] In this embodiment, there is one light source 110, but it is not limited to that. In other words, there may be multiple light sources 110. In this case, multiple light sources 110 constitute one light-emitting unit, and the center of the light-emitting unit becomes the optical axis.

[0046] Note that the light source module 100 is not limited to an SMD type LED module. For example, the light source module 100 may be a COB (Chip On Board) type LED module. In this case, the light source 110 has an LED chip (bare chip) directly mounted on the substrate 120 and a sealing member that seals the LED chip. There may be one LED chip or multiple LED chips. When multiple LED chips are mounted on the substrate 120, the multiple LED chips may be sealed together by the sealing member or sealed individually. Furthermore, this sealing member may contain a wavelength conversion material such as a yellow phosphor, as described above.

[0047] The substrate 120 is a mounting substrate for mounting the light source 110. Specifically, the substrate 120 is a printed circuit board in which metal wiring is formed in a predetermined pattern. The base material constituting the substrate 120 is a resin substrate, a ceramic substrate, or a metal base substrate, etc. The substrate 120 is provided with a pair of electrode terminals for receiving DC power from an external source to make the light source 110 emit light. The pair of electrode terminals are electrically connected to a power supply circuit by wires or the like.

[0048] The light source 110 emits light using power supplied from a power supply circuit. The power supply circuit receives AC power and converts it into DC power at a predetermined level by rectifying, smoothing, and stepping down the AC power. The DC power generated by the power supply circuit is supplied to the light source 110, causing the light source 110 to emit light. The power supply circuit, for example, is configured as a constant current circuit, but the current supplied to the light source 110 may be limited by a constant voltage circuit and a resistor. The power supply circuit may be built into the lighting device 3, or it may be installed separately from the lighting device 3 outside of the lighting device 3.

[0049] On the light-emitting side of the light source 110, the first light-shielding member 200, the lens 300, and the second light-shielding member 400 are arranged in this order. The first light-shielding member 200, the lens 300, and the second light-shielding member 400 are located on the optical axis of the light source 110.

[0050] The first light-shielding member 200 has a first opening 210 and a first light-shielding portion 220. The first opening 210 is a through-hole through which light from the light source 110 passes. In this embodiment, the first opening 210 allows a portion of the light emitted from the light source 110 to pass through. The first light-shielding portion 220 shields a portion of the outer peripheral region of the light emitted from the light source 110. The first light-shielding portion 220 is a flat light-shielding plate having the first opening 210.

[0051] The first aperture 210 is located between the light source 110 and the lens portion 310 of the lens 300. The first aperture 210 faces the light source 110 in the optical axis direction of the light source 110, at a predetermined distance from it. The center of the first aperture 210 coincides with the optical axis of the light source 110.

[0052] The first opening 210 is a long, rectangular slit. For example, the opening shape of the first opening 210 is approximately rectangular. However, the first opening 210 is not limited to a long, rectangular slit; the opening shape of the first opening 210 may be circular, elliptical, or the like.

[0053] Light emitted from the light source 110 with a Lambertsian distribution is partially shielded by the first light-shielding portion 220, while the remaining portion not shielded by the first light-shielding portion 220 passes through the first aperture 210. In other words, the inner portion of the light emitted from the light source 110 passes through the first aperture 210. The first light-shielding member 200 may be configured such that most of the light emitted from the light source 110 passes through the first aperture 210.

[0054] The first light-shielding member 200 further has a pair of legs 230. The pair of legs 230 extend toward the substrate 120. Each of the pair of legs 230 abuts against the surface of the substrate 120. Each of the pair of legs 230 is provided with an insertion hole 231.

[0055] Furthermore, the first light-shielding member 200 blocks stray light caused by light emitted from the light source 110. For example, the first light-shielding member 200 blocks light (stray light) that is reflected by the inner wall of the housing 500 or the like from the light emitted from the light source 110. This prevents stray light generated in the space between the first light-shielding member 200 and the light source 110 from passing through the first opening 210 and entering the lens 300.

[0056] The first light-shielding member 200 (first light-shielding portion 220) may block light by absorbing it, or by specular reflection or scattered reflection, but it is preferable for the first light-shielding member 200 to block light by absorbing it. In this case, the first light-shielding member 200 may be made of a light-absorbing material with a light transmittance of 10% or less, for example. A resin material or a metal material can be used as the light-absorbing material. In this embodiment, the light-absorbing material constituting the first light-shielding member 200 is a black resin material. This makes it possible to efficiently absorb and block light that reaches the first light-shielding portion 220 of the first light-shielding member 200.

[0057] The lens 300 has a lens portion 310 through which light from the light source 110 passes, and a support portion 320 provided on the outside of the lens portion 310.

[0058] The lens portion 310 is the lens body and is a translucent optical element that controls the light distribution of incident light. In this embodiment, light emitted from the light source 110 is incident on the lens portion 310, so the lens portion 310 controls the light distribution of the light emitted from the light source 110. The optical axis (lens axis) of the lens portion 310 coincides with the optical axis of the light source 110.

[0059] The lens portion 310 is a condensing lens that focuses the light emitted from the light source 110. Specifically, the lens portion 310 focuses the light emitted from the light source 110 that has passed through the first opening 210 of the first light-shielding member 200. The lens portion 310 is, for example, a convex lens.

[0060] The lens portion 310 is positioned between the first light-shielding member 200 and the second light-shielding member 400. Specifically, the lens portion 310 is positioned between the first opening 210 of the first light-shielding member 200 and the second opening 410 of the second light-shielding member 400.

[0061] The support portion 320 is a flange portion formed in a flange shape on the outer circumference of the lens portion 310. The support portion 320 supports the cylindrical portion 520 of the housing 500. The support portion 320 faces the open end face of the cylindrical portion 520. Specifically, the support portion 320 closes the opening of the cylindrical portion 520. The support portion 320 closes the opening of the cylindrical portion 520 because one of the support portion 320 and the cylindrical portion 520 is pressed against the other. In other words, there is no gap between the support portion 320 and the open end face of the cylindrical portion 520 around the entire circumference of the open end face of the cylindrical portion 520, and the inside of the cylindrical portion 520 becomes a sealed space. For example, in the optical axis direction of the light source 110, the support portion 320 of the lens 300 is pressed against by the cylindrical portion 520.

[0062] In this embodiment, the support portion 320 is in contact with the open end surface of the cylindrical portion 520. This allows the support portion 320 and the open end surface of the cylindrical portion 520 to be in close contact. In particular, since one of the support portion 320 and the cylindrical portion 520 is pressed against the other, surface contact between the support portion 320 and the open end surface of the cylindrical portion 520 can be maintained.

[0063] The lens 300 further has a contact portion 330 that abuts against the substrate 120. The contact portion 330 abuts against the surface of the substrate 120. The contact portion 330 is a leg portion that extends from the support portion 320 toward the substrate 120 of the light source module 100. The contact portion 330 allows the lens 300 to be supported on the substrate 120. In this embodiment, a pair of contact portions 330 are provided. Each contact portion 330 is inserted through an insertion hole 231 provided in the leg portion 230 of the first light-shielding member 200.

[0064] As shown in Figure 7, a first protrusion 331 is provided at the end of the contact portion 330 on the substrate 120 side. This first protrusion 331 is fitted into a recess 121 provided in the substrate 120. This allows the lens 300 to be held and fixed to the substrate 120.

[0065] On the other hand, a second protrusion 332 is provided at the end of the contact portion 330 on the side of the second light-shielding member 400. This second protrusion 332 is inserted into a hole 521 provided in the cylindrical portion 520 of the housing 500. This allows the housing 500 to be held and fixed to the lens 300.

[0066] In this way, the contact portion 330 connects the substrate 120, the lens 300, and the housing 500. Specifically, the contact portion 330 is held between the substrate 120 and the cylindrical portion 520, thereby holding the lens 300 in the housing 500.

[0067] The lens 300 is formed using a light-transmitting material. Specifically, the lens 300 is made of a transparent resin material such as acrylic or polycarbonate, or a transparent material such as glass.

[0068] The second light-shielding member 400 has a second opening 410 and a second light-shielding portion 420. The second opening 410 is a through-hole through which light emitted from the lens portion 310 of the lens 300 passes. In this embodiment, the second opening 410 allows a portion of the light emitted from the lens 300 to pass through. The second light-shielding portion 420 shields a portion of the outer peripheral region of the light emitted from the lens 300. The second light-shielding portion 420 is a flat light-shielding plate having the second opening 410.

[0069] The second light-shielding member 400 is positioned on the light-emitting side of the lens portion 310 of the lens 300. The second aperture 410 is positioned at a predetermined distance from the lens portion 310. The second aperture 410 faces the lens portion 310 in the optical axis direction of the light source 110. The center of the second aperture 410 coincides with the optical axis of the light source 110. Therefore, the center of the second aperture 410 coincides with the center of the first aperture 210 of the first light-shielding member 200, as well as the center of the lens portion 310 of the lens 300.

[0070] The second opening 410 is a long, rectangular slit. For example, the opening shape of the second opening 410 is approximately rectangular. In this embodiment, the second opening 410 has the same shape and size as the first opening 210 of the first light-shielding member 200. However, the second opening 410 is not limited to a long, rectangular slit; the opening shape of the second opening 410 may be a polygon other than a rectangle, or it may be circular or elliptical, etc. Furthermore, the second opening 410 does not have to be the same shape or size as the first opening 210 of the first light-shielding member 200. For example, even if the first opening 210 and the second opening 410 have the same shape, they may be different sizes. Specifically, the size of the first opening 210 may be larger than the size of the second opening 410.

[0071] The second light-shielding member 400 suppresses the spread of light emitted from the lens portion 310 of the lens 300. In other words, the second light-shielding member 400 limits the angle of spread of light emitted from the lens portion 310.

[0072] Specifically, the light focused by the lens portion 310 and emitted from the lens portion 310 is partially shielded by the second light-shielding portion 420 in its outer peripheral region, while the remaining portion not shielded by the second light-shielding portion 420 passes through the second aperture 410. In other words, the inner peripheral region of the light emitted from the lens portion 310 passes through the second aperture 410. For example, light emitted from the peripheral portion of the lens portion 310 that becomes parallel light is shielded by the second light-shielding portion 420, while light emitted from the central portion of the lens portion 310 passes through the second aperture 410 of the second light-shielding member 400 and becomes focused light. In this embodiment, this focal point is located outside the second aperture 410 (towards the direction of light propagation). Specifically, this focal point is located inside the cone portion 510 of the housing 500.

[0073] In this way, the second light-shielding member 400 limits the divergence angle of the light emitted from the lens portion 310 by cutting off a portion of the light emitted from the lens portion 310. The second light-shielding member 400 may also be configured such that most of the light emitted from the lens portion 310 passes through the second aperture 410.

[0074] Light passing through the second opening 410 of the second light-shielding member 400 is irradiated onto any light-emitting surface (light-emitting area) as illumination light from the lighting device 3. Therefore, the second opening 410 of the second light-shielding member 400 is the light-emitting part of the lighting device 3. In other words, the second opening 410 of the second light-shielding member 400 is a through-hole that becomes the light-emitting part from which light from the light source 110 is emitted.

[0075] The second light-shielding member 400 may block light by absorbing light, similar to the first light-shielding member 200, or by specular or scattered reflection of light. However, it is preferable for the second light-shielding member 400 to block light by absorbing light, similar to the first light-shielding member 200. In this case, the second light-shielding member 400 may be made of a light-absorbing material with a light transmittance of 10% or less, for example. Resin materials or metal materials can be used as the light-absorbing material. In this embodiment, the light-absorbing material constituting the second light-shielding member 400 is a black resin material. This allows for efficient absorption and blocking of light that reaches the second light-shielding portion 420 of the second light-shielding member 400. The material of the second light-shielding member 400 is the same as the material of the first light-shielding member 200, but it may be different from the material of the first light-shielding member 200.

[0076] In this embodiment, the second light-shielding member 400 is part of the housing 500. That is, the second light-shielding member 400 functions as a light-shielding portion of the housing 500. Specifically, the housing 500 and the second light-shielding member 400 are a single part molded integrally. In this embodiment, the housing 500 and the second light-shielding member 400 are resin molded products made of the same resin material. However, the resin material constituting the housing 500 and the resin material constituting the second light-shielding member 400 may be different. In this case, the housing 500 and the second light-shielding member 400 may be resin molded products integrally formed by two-color molding, or the housing 500 and the second light-shielding member 400 may be manufactured separately and then joined together by adhesive or other means.

[0077] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the housing 500 is embedded in the opening 11 of the ceiling 10. In this embodiment, the housing 500 is positioned at an angle with respect to the first surface 10a (installation surface) of the ceiling 10. Therefore, the lighting device 3 is installed on the ceiling 10 such that there are locations where the angle between the outer surface of the housing 500 and the first surface 10a of the ceiling 10 is obtuse (obtuse angle locations) and locations where the angle between the outer surface of the housing 500 and the first surface 10a of the ceiling 10 is acute (acute angle locations). The housing 500 is an outer enclosure member that constitutes the outer casing of the lighting device 3.

[0078] The housing 500 contains the light source module 100, the first light-shielding member 200, and the lens 300. In other words, the light source module 100, the first light-shielding member 200, and the lens 300 are housed in the housing 500.

[0079] The housing 500 is a case having an opening 501. The opening shape of the opening 501 is rectangular. The housing 500 has a cone portion 510 through which light emitted from the second opening 410 of the second light-shielding member 400 passes.

[0080] The cone portion 510 is a cylindrical body. In this embodiment, the cone portion 510 is a rectangular tube. One opening of the cone portion 510 is the opening 501 of the housing 500. The other opening of the cone portion 510 is covered by the second light-shielding member 400. The second light-shielding member 400 is located between the cone portion 510 and the cylindrical portion 520 as part of the housing 500. The cone portion 510 and the second opening 410 of the second light-shielding member 400 are in communication. Light emitted from the second opening 410 of the second light-shielding member 400 passes through the cone portion 510 and is irradiated to the outside as illumination light.

[0081] The inner diameter of the cone portion 510 gradually increases as it moves away from the second light-shielding member 400. Therefore, the inner surface 511 of the cone portion 510 is inclined. By gradually increasing the inner diameter of the cone portion 510 as it moves away from the second light-shielding member 400 in this way, the second opening 410 (light-emitting portion) of the second light-shielding member 400 can be made less visible to the user.

[0082] In this embodiment, the lighting device 3 is configured such that the second opening 410 (light-emitting part) of the second light-shielding member 400 is not visible when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the first surface 10a (installation surface) of the ceiling 10. Specifically, when the lighting device 3 is installed in the passenger compartment 2a of an automobile 2, the occupants in the passenger compartment 2a are unable to see the second opening 410 (light-emitting part) of the second light-shielding member 400. This suppresses the occupants from experiencing glare, thereby realizing a glare-free lighting device 3. In other words, the cone portion 510 functions as a glare-free cone portion to achieve glare-free lighting.

[0083] As shown in Figure 5, at the point where the angle between the outer surface of the housing 500 and the first surface 10a (installation surface) of the ceiling 10 is acute (acute angle point), a bent portion 511a is provided on the inner surface 511 of the cone portion 510. The bent portion 511a is the part in which the inner surface 511 of the cone portion 510 is bent toward the inner surface of the opening 11 of the ceiling 10.

[0084] Thus, in this embodiment, the entire inner surface 511 of the cone portion 510 is not a straight surface; rather, a bent portion 511a is formed on the inner surface 511 of the cone portion 510, where a part of the inner surface 511 is bent.

[0085] Furthermore, the housing 500 has a cylindrical portion 520 that surrounds the lens 300. Specifically, the cylindrical portion 520 surrounds the lens portion 310 of the lens 300. The cylindrical portion 520 is a cylindrical body. As shown in Figure 10B, in this embodiment, the cylindrical portion 520 is cylindrical. A hole 521 is provided on the end face of the cylindrical portion 520 on the substrate 120 side. As shown in Figure 7, the second protrusion 332 of the contact portion 330 of the lens 300 is inserted into the hole 521.

[0086] Furthermore, the housing 500 has a mounting portion 530 located on the second surface 10b side of the ceiling 10. The mounting portion 530 is formed in a flange shape at the open end of the cone portion 510. Specifically, the mounting portion 530 is formed around the entire circumference of the open end of the cone portion 510.

[0087] The housing 500 is composed of a light-shielding member. In this case, the housing 500 may shield from light by absorbing light, or by specular reflection or scattered reflection of light, but it is preferable for the housing 500 to shield from light by absorbing light, similar to the second light-shielding member 400. In this case, the housing 500 may be composed of a light-absorbing material with a light transmittance of 10% or less, for example. A resin material or a metal material can be used as the light-absorbing material. In this embodiment, the light-absorbing material constituting the housing 500 is a black resin material. Therefore, the inner surface of the housing 500 is black. Specifically, the inner surfaces of the cone portion 510 and the cylindrical portion 520 are black. This allows the housing 500 to efficiently absorb and shield from light that reaches it. As described above, in this embodiment, the housing 500 and the second light-shielding member 400 are formed by integral molding, so the material of the housing 500 is the same as the material of the second light-shielding member 400.

[0088] As shown in Figures 8A to 10C, a frame 600 is attached to the housing 500. Specifically, the frame 600 is attached to the housing 500 so as to surround the opening end of the opening 501 of the housing 500. The frame 600 is a frame-shaped bezel with an opening. The shape of the opening of the frame 600 is the same as the shape of the opening 501 of the housing 500. In this embodiment, since the shape of the opening 501 of the housing 500 is rectangular, the shape of the opening of the frame 600 is also rectangular.

[0089] The frame 600 has a frame-shaped main frame portion 610 and a frame-shaped auxiliary frame portion 620 connected to the housing 500 side of the main frame portion 610. The opening shape of both the main frame portion 610 and the auxiliary frame portion 620 is rectangular.

[0090] As shown in Figure 5, the frame body 610 is located on the first surface 10a side of the ceiling 10. Therefore, the frame body 610 has a frame-shaped design surface 611 that is exposed to the passenger compartment 2a side. The design surface 611 is visible to the user. Thus, the frame 600 is a design frame that is visible to the user.

[0091] In this embodiment, the width of the design surface 611 of the frame body 610 is constant. Specifically, the width of the design surface 611 of the frame body 610 is uniform around its entire circumference.

[0092] As shown in Figure 5, the auxiliary frame portion 620 is sandwiched between the inner surface of the opening 11 in the ceiling 10 and the outer surface of the cone portion 510 of the housing 500. The auxiliary frame portion 620 is not exposed to the passenger compartment 2a side and cannot be seen by the user.

[0093] The frame 600 may be made of a resin material or a metal material. In this embodiment, the frame 600 is a resin molded product integrally made of a resin material. In the frame 600, at least the design surface 611 is the same color or a similar color as the ceiling 10 (the object to be installed). That is, the design surface 611 is the same color or a similar color as the first surface 10a of the ceiling 10. In this embodiment, the entire frame 600 is the same color or a similar color as the first surface 10a of the ceiling 10. Note that the frame 600 and the first surface 10a of the ceiling 10 do not have to be the same color or a similar color. For example, the frame 600 and the first surface 10a of the ceiling 10 may have different shades of color.

[0094] As shown in Figures 11A and 11B, the housing 500 and the frame 600 are separate parts connected to each other. Figures 11A and 11B are perspective views of the lighting device 3 with the frame 600 removed from the housing 500. Figure 11A is a perspective view of the lighting device 3 seen from diagonally below, and Figure 11B is a perspective view of the lighting device 3 seen from diagonally above.

[0095] As shown in Figures 11A and 11B, the housing 500 has a first connecting structure 540 connected to the frame 600, and the frame 600 has a second connecting structure 630 connected to the housing 500. As shown in Figure 12, the first connecting structure 540 and the second connecting structure 630 are connected in such a way that the ceiling 10 is sandwiched between the frame body portion 610 of the frame 600 and the mounting portion 530 of the housing 500. Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view of the lighting device 3 installed on the ceiling 10.

[0096] As shown in Figures 11A, 11B, and 12, in this embodiment, the first connecting structure 540 of the housing 500 has a through hole 541, and the second connecting structure 630 of the frame 600 has a locking claw 631 that passes through the through hole 541 of the housing 500 and engages with a part of the housing 500. By inserting the locking claw 631 of the frame 600 through the through hole 541, the locking claw 631 can be hooked onto a part of the housing 500 and locked in place. This allows the frame 600 to be connected to the housing 500.

[0097] In this way, the ceiling 10 is sandwiched between the frame body portion 610 of the frame 600 and the mounting portion 530 of the housing 500, and by connecting the frame 600 and the housing 500 in this state, the housing 500 can be fixed to the ceiling 10. In other words, in this embodiment, the housing 500 is fixed to the ceiling 10 using the frame 600, which is a separate component from the housing 500. That is, the frame 600 not only functions as a decorative frame, but also as a fixing member for fixing the housing 500 to the ceiling 10.

[0098] Furthermore, the housing 500 and the frame 600 are detachably connected. Therefore, even after connecting the housing 500 and the frame 600, they can be separated. For example, the housing 500 and the frame 600 can be separated by releasing the locking claw 631 from the housing 500 and pulling down the frame 600 so that it is separated from the housing 500.

[0099] The opening on the light source module 100 side of the housing 500 is covered by a cover plate 700. The cover plate 700 is fixed to the housing 500 so as to cover the opening on the light source module 100 side of the housing 500. The cover plate 700 may be a resin plate made of a resin material, or a metal plate made of a metal material. The cover plate 700 is an outer enclosure member that constitutes the outer casing of the lighting device 3.

[0100] The lighting device 3, configured in this way, can be assembled as follows. The assembly method of the lighting device 3 will be explained using Figures 7 and 10A to 10C.

[0101] First, as shown in Figures 10A to 10C, the housing 500, which has a cover plate 700, a light source module 100, a first light-shielding member 200, a lens 300, and a second light-shielding member 400, is arranged along the optical axis direction of the light source 110. In Figures 10A to 10C, the frame 600 and the housing 500 are connected, but the frame 600 does not have to be connected to the housing 500.

[0102] Next, the light source module 100, the first light-shielding member 200, and the lens 300 are sandwiched between the cover plate 700 and the housing 500 along the optical axis direction of the light source 110, and the cover plate 700, light source module 100, first light-shielding member 200, lens 300, and housing 500 are brought closer together and connected.

[0103] At this time, as shown in Figure 7, the contact portion 330 (leg portion) of the lens 300 is inserted through the insertion hole 231 of the leg portion 230 of the first light-shielding member 200, the first convex portion 331 of the contact portion 330 of the lens 300 is fitted into the recess 121 of the substrate 120, and the second convex portion 332 of the contact portion 330 of the lens 300 is inserted into the hole 521 of the cylindrical portion 520 of the housing 500. As a result, the first light-shielding member 200 and the lens 300 are sandwiched between the substrate 120 and the housing 500.

[0104] The lighting device 3 can be assembled in the manner described above. Thus, according to the structure of the lighting device 3 in this embodiment, the lighting device 3 can be easily assembled by simply sandwiching the housing 500, which has the cover plate 700, light source module 100, first light shielding member 200, lens 300, and second light shielding member 400, in the direction of the optical axis of the light source 110. At this time, since the support portion 320 of the lens 300 and the cylindrical portion 520 of the housing 500 are pressed against each other, the support portion 320 and the open end surface of the cylindrical portion 520 can be brought into strong surface contact.

[0105] Furthermore, if the cover plate 700 and the light source module 100 are designed to be pressed together as a single unit, then simply pressing the cover plate 700 will allow the first light-shielding member 200, the lens 300, and the light source module 100 to be held in place by the cover plate 700 and the housing 500.

[0106] Furthermore, when installing the lighting device 3 on the ceiling 10, the housing 500 of the lighting device 3, with the frame 600 removed, is fitted into the opening 11 of the ceiling 10. Then, the frame 600 is pushed upward from the first surface 10a of the ceiling 10 towards the ceiling 10, and the second connecting structure 630 of the frame 600 is connected to the first connecting structure 540 of the housing 500. This allows the housing 500 to be fixed to the ceiling 10 and the lighting device 3 to be installed on the ceiling 10.

[0107] Here, one of the features of the lighting device 3 according to this embodiment will be explained using Figure 13, including the process by which this feature was obtained. Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view of the lighting device 3X of Comparative Example 1 installed on the ceiling 10.

[0108] Simply installing lighting devices inside a vehicle interior exposes the light-emitting part of the device to the interior, causing glare as the light shines directly into the occupants' faces. Furthermore, the visible light-emitting part of the device detracts from the aesthetic appearance of the lighting device.

[0109] For example, as in this embodiment, if the lighting device is embedded in the opening of the object to be installed with the opening of the housing open, the opening (slit) that serves as the light-emitting part located at the back of the housing will be visible to the occupants, causing them to experience glare and detracting from the aesthetic appearance of the lighting device. Also, if a translucent cover is provided to cover the opening of the housing, the translucent cover will be exposed inside the vehicle, making the translucent cover, which serves as the light-emitting part of the lighting device, visible to the occupants. This will cause the occupants to experience glare and detract from the aesthetic appearance of the lighting device.

[0110] Therefore, as shown in Figure 13, a cylindrical cone portion 510X is provided on the housing 500X so as to surround the opening 410X, and the housing 500X is embedded in the opening 11 of the ceiling 10 where the lighting device 3X is installed, and the housing 500X is positioned so as to be inclined with respect to the first surface 10a (installation surface) of the ceiling 10. As a result, as shown in Figure 13, when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the first surface 10a of the ceiling 10, the opening 410X (light emitting part) is not visible to the occupants. This makes it possible to suppress the occupants from experiencing glare.

[0111] However, since the entire inner surface 511X of the cone portion 510X of the housing 500X is a straight surface, as shown in Figure 13, if the housing 500X is tilted relative to the first surface 10a (installation surface) of the ceiling 10, it becomes necessary to avoid interference between the housing 500X and the first surface 10a of the ceiling 10, resulting in the width of the frame portion 550X of the housing 500X, which is the design surface, not being uniform, and the appearance of the lighting device 3X deteriorating.

[0112] Therefore, one might consider making the width of the frame section 550X of the housing 500X uniform by widening it to match the widest point. However, widening the frame section 550X would actually worsen the appearance of the lighting device 3X.

[0113] In contrast, in the lighting device 3 according to this embodiment, as shown in Figure 5, the housing 500 is positioned so as to be inclined with respect to the first surface 10a of the ceiling 10, and a bent portion 511a is formed where the inner surface 511 of the housing 500 is bent toward the inner surface of the opening 11 of the ceiling 10 at the point where the angle between the outer surface of the housing 500 and the first surface 10a of the ceiling 10 is acute. This configuration eliminates the need to widen the design surface 611 of the frame 600, and makes it possible to keep the width of the design surface 611 of the frame 600 constant. In other words, the width of the design surface 611 of the frame 600 can be made uniform. As a result, a lighting device 3 with superior appearance and design can be obtained.

[0114] Furthermore, in the lighting device 3 according to this embodiment, the lighting device 3 is configured such that the light-emitting part (the second opening 410 of the second light-shielding member 400) is not visible when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the first surface 10a of the ceiling 10. This also helps to suppress the user from experiencing glare.

[0115] Thus, according to the lighting device 3 of this embodiment, it is possible to realize a lighting device that suppresses the user from experiencing glare and also has excellent aesthetic design.

[0116] Next, other features of the lighting device 3 according to this embodiment will be explained using Figure 14, including the process by which these features were obtained. Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view of the lighting device 3Y of Comparative Example 2 installed on the ceiling 10.

[0117] As shown in Figure 14, a flange portion 560Y is provided at the opening end of the opening 501Y of the housing 500Y of the lighting device 3Y. When installing this lighting device 3Y on the ceiling 10, the housing 500Y is embedded in the opening 11 of the ceiling 10. At this time, the flange portion 560Y of the housing 500Y will be located on the first surface 10a side of the ceiling 10. Then, using the mounting member 910, the ceiling 10 is sandwiched between the flange portion 560Y of the housing 500Y and the mounting member 910, and the mounting member 910 and the flange portion 560Y are fastened together with bolts 920. In this way, the housing 500Y is fixed to the ceiling 10, and the lighting device 3Y can be installed on the ceiling 10. Alternatively, instead of fastening with bolts 920 to fix the housing 500Y to the ceiling 10, the housing 500Y may be fixed to the ceiling 10 by sandwiching the ceiling 10 between the mounting member 910 and the flange portion 560Y.

[0118] In the lighting device 3Y installed in this manner, the flange portion 560Y of the housing 500Y is located on the first surface 10a side of the ceiling 10, so the surface (exposed surface) of the flange portion 560Y becomes a design surface that can be seen by the user.

[0119] In this case, for the lighting device 3Y installed in the passenger compartment of an automobile, the inner surface 511Y of the housing 500Y needs to be black in order to prevent occupants from experiencing glare. Therefore, the flange portion 560Y of the housing 500Y also needs to be black. In this case, if the ceiling 10 inside the passenger compartment is not black, the black flange portion 560Y will stand out unattractively, resulting in a poor appearance of the lighting device 3Y.

[0120] In contrast, the lighting device 3 according to this embodiment comprises a light source 110, a housing 500 embedded in an opening 11 of the ceiling 10, and a frame 600 attached to the housing 500 so as to surround the opening end of the housing 500. The housing 500 has a mounting portion 530 located on the second surface 10b side of the ceiling 10, and the frame 600 has a frame body portion 610 located on the first surface 10a side of the ceiling 10. The housing 500 has a first connecting structure 540 connected to the frame 600, and the frame 600 has a second connecting structure 630 connected to the housing 500. The first connecting structure 540 and the second connecting structure 630 are connected in such a way that the ceiling 10 is sandwiched between the frame body portion 610 and the mounting portion 530.

[0121] With this configuration, the frame 600 and the housing 500 are separate components, making it easy to make the color of the frame 600 different from the color of the inner surface 511 of the housing 500. This allows the color of the frame 600 to be arbitrarily set to match the color of the interior (specifically the ceiling 10) inside the vehicle compartment 2a, regardless of the color of the inner surface 511 of the housing 500. Therefore, a lighting device 3 with excellent external design can be realized.

[0122] Furthermore, in the lighting device 3 according to this embodiment, the housing 500 is provided with a first connecting structure 540 and the frame 600 is provided with a second connecting structure 630. As a result, the housing 500 can be held on the ceiling 10 simply by connecting the housing 500 and the frame 600. In other words, the frame 600 also serves as a fixing member for fixing the housing 500 to the ceiling 10, so the housing 500 can be fixed to the ceiling 10 without using a separate dedicated mounting member for attaching the housing 500 to the ceiling 10.

[0123] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the inner surface 511 of the housing 500 is made black in order to make the lighting device 3 a glare-free type. Even if the inner surface 511 of the housing 500 is made black, the color of the frame 600 can be set to any color other than black. This makes it possible to realize a lighting device 3 that achieves both glare-free operation and aesthetic design.

[0124] Furthermore, in the lighting device 3 according to this embodiment, the design surface 611 of the frame 600 is the same color as or a similar color to the ceiling 10. This configuration prevents the frame 600 from standing out unattractively, thus creating a high-quality space inside the vehicle compartment 2a.

[0125] While users cannot freely change the color of the Frame 600 on a whim, dealers can provide multiple types of Frame 600 in different colors, allowing users to freely change the color of the Frame 600. For example, multiple types of Frame 600 in different colors can be set as optional parts.

[0126] Furthermore, in the lighting device 3 according to this embodiment, the first connecting structure 540 of the housing 500 has a through hole 541, and the second connecting structure 630 of the frame 600 has a locking claw 631 that passes through the through hole 541 and engages with a part of the housing 500.

[0127] With this configuration, the frame 600 can be easily fixed to the housing 500 simply by inserting the locking claws 631 of the frame 600 into the through holes 541 of the housing 500 and pushing the frame 600 in. Furthermore, the frame 600 can be easily removed from the housing 500 by pushing back the locking claws 631.

[0128] Next, another feature of the lighting device 3 according to this embodiment will be described below.

[0129] As described above, the lighting device 3 according to this embodiment comprises a light source 110, a lens 300 that controls the light distribution of the light source 110, and a housing 500 having a cylindrical portion 520 surrounding the lens 300. The lens 300 has a lens portion 310 through which light emitted from the light source 110 passes, and a support portion 320 provided on the outside of the lens portion 310. The support portion 320 faces the open end face of the cylindrical portion 520, and the opening of the cylindrical portion 520 is closed by the support portion 320 as one of the support portion 320 and the cylindrical portion 520 is pressed against the other.

[0130] This configuration eliminates the gap between the support portion 320 and the open end face of the cylindrical portion 520, creating a sealed space inside the cylindrical portion 520. In other words, it separates the internal space of the cylindrical portion 520 from the space inside the vehicle compartment 2a. This prevents foreign matter such as steam and dust from entering the interior of the cylindrical portion 520 from inside the vehicle compartment 2a through the cone portion 510 of the housing 500. As a result, deterioration of the light source module 100, which is located inside the cylindrical portion 520, due to steam and other factors can be suppressed.

[0131] For example, even when using a steam cleaner to clean the interior of the passenger compartment 2a of the automobile 2, it is possible to prevent the steam from the steam cleaner from entering the inside of the cylindrical portion 520 of the housing 500. This prevents condensation from forming on the substrate 120 of the light source module 100 due to the steam from the steam cleaner.

[0132] Furthermore, in the lighting device 3 of this embodiment, the opening 501 of the housing 500 is not covered by a light-transmitting cover, and the opening 501 of the housing 500 is open. However, when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the first surface 10a of the ceiling 10, the lighting device 3 is configured such that the light-emitting part (the second opening 410 of the second light-shielding member 400) is not visible. This makes it possible to suppress the user from experiencing glare.

[0133] Thus, according to the lighting device 3 of this embodiment, it is possible to suppress the user from experiencing glare and to prevent steam and the like from entering the interior of the housing 500.

[0134] Furthermore, in the lighting device 3 of this embodiment, the support portion 320 of the lens 300 is in contact with the open end surface of the cylindrical portion 520 of the housing 500.

[0135] This configuration allows the support portion 320 and the open end surface of the cylindrical portion 520 to be in surface contact and tightly sealed. As a result, the internal space of the cylindrical portion 520 can be more effectively sealed, further suppressing the intrusion of steam and other substances into the interior of the cylindrical portion 520.

[0136] Furthermore, in the lighting device 3 of this embodiment, the lens 300 has a contact portion 330 that extends from the support portion 320 toward the substrate 120 and abuts against the substrate 120, and the contact portion 330 is sandwiched between the substrate 120 and the cylindrical portion 520.

[0137] This configuration allows the lens 300 to be held between the housing 500 and the substrate 120, and also allows the support portion 320 and the open end face of the cylindrical portion 520 to press against each other.

[0138] (modified version) Although the lighting device according to the present invention has been described above based on embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments.

[0139] For example, in the above embodiment, the housing 500 and the frame 600 are connected by providing a through hole 541 in the first connecting structure 540 of the housing 500 and a locking claw 631 in the second connecting structure 630 of the frame 600, but the invention is not limited to this. Specifically, as shown in the lighting device 3A in Figure 15, the housing 500A and the frame 600A may be connected by providing a locking claw 541A in the first connecting structure 540A of the housing 500A and a through hole 631A in the second connecting structure 630A of the frame 600A.

[0140] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the open end surface of the cylindrical portion 520 of the housing 500 and the surface of the support portion 320 of the lens 300 were in close contact, but this is not limited to this. Specifically, as in the lighting device 3B shown in Figure 16, a sealing member 800 such as an O-ring may be inserted between the open end surface of the cylindrical portion 520B of the housing 500B and the support portion 320B of the lens 300B. This improves the sealing performance between the cylindrical portion 520B of the housing 500B and the support portion 320B of the lens 300B, thereby further suppressing the intrusion of steam and the like into the interior of the cylindrical portion 520B of the housing 500B.

[0141] In this case, a recess 522 may be provided on the open end face of the cylindrical portion 520B, and a recess 321 may be provided on the surface of the support portion 320B, with the sealing member 800 placed between the recess 522 and the recess 321. This further improves the sealing performance between the cylindrical portion 520B of the housing 500B and the support portion 320B of the lens 300B.

[0142] The sealing member 800 can be made of a rubber material having rubber elasticity. For example, the sealing member 800 can be made of a resin material such as an elastomer resin or a silicone resin.

[0143] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the frame 600 was a separate component from the housing 500 and was attached to the housing 500 so as to surround the open end of the housing 500, but this is not limited to this. Specifically, the frame 600 may be provided as part of the housing 500 so as to constitute the open end of the housing 500. In this case, the frame 600 becomes the frame portion of the housing 500.

[0144] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the housing 500 was positioned so as to be inclined with respect to the first surface 10a (installation surface) of the ceiling 10, but this is not limited to this. In other words, the housing 500 may be positioned without being inclined with respect to the first surface 10a (installation surface) of the ceiling 10. In this case, there are no locations where the angle between the outer surface of the housing 500 and the first surface 10a (installation surface) of the ceiling 10 is acute, and the angle between the outer surface of the housing 500 and the first surface 10a (installation surface) of the ceiling 10 is either a right angle or an obtuse angle.

[0145] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the lighting device 3 was an interior lighting device installed in the vehicle compartment 2a, but it is not limited to this. Specifically, the lighting device 3 does not have to be installed in the vehicle compartment 2a. For example, the lighting device 3 may be installed on the ceiling of a room in a house or building, etc.

[0146] Furthermore, although the light source of the lighting device 3 in the above embodiment was an LED light source, it is not limited to this. For example, the light source of the lighting device 3 may be an existing light source such as a fluorescent lamp, xenon lamp, or halogen lamp. However, by using an LED light source for the lighting device 3, power consumption can be reduced, and the lighting device 3 can be lit with a DC power supply.

[0147] Furthermore, although the above embodiment uses an automobile 2 as an example of a mobile body, it is not limited to this. Specifically, the mobile body may be a vehicle other than an automobile, such as a railway car, as long as it has a passenger compartment. In other words, the lighting device 3 may be installed inside the passenger compartment of a vehicle other than an automobile.

[0148] Furthermore, the present invention also includes forms obtained by applying various modifications to the above embodiments and their respective modifications that a person skilled in the art could conceive, as well as forms realized by arbitrarily combining the components and functions of the above embodiments and their respective modifications without departing from the spirit of the present invention. In addition, the present invention also includes arbitrary combinations of one or more components from each of the multiple claims described in the claims of the present application. Furthermore, the present invention also includes all forms obtained by combining all the claims included in the multiple claims or multiple-multi-claims when the cited claims described in the claims of the present application are made into multiple claims or multiple-multi-claims that quote any multiple claims (for example, when each claim is made into a multiple claim or multiple-multi-claim that quotes all of the higher-level claims), in which case all forms obtained by combinations of all the claims included in that multiple claim or multiple-multi-claim are also included in the present invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0149] 2a cabin 3, 3A, 3B lighting equipment 10. Ceiling (object to be installed) 11 Opening hole 40 Door Trim 110 Light source 410 Second aperture (light emission section) 500, 500A, 500B enclosure 511 Inner self 600, 600A frame 611 Design surface

Claims

1. A lighting device embedded in an opening provided in the object to be installed, A light source that emits light, A housing embedded in the aforementioned opening and having an opening, A frame attached to the housing so as to surround the open end of the housing, or provided as part of the housing so as to constitute the open end of the housing, The system comprises a light-emitting section from which the aforementioned light is emitted, The housing is positioned so as to be inclined with respect to the installation surface of the object to be installed. At a point where the angle between the outer surface of the housing and the mounting surface is acute, the inner surface of the housing is bent toward the inner surface of the opening. The frame has an exposed design surface, When viewed from a direction perpendicular to the installation surface, the lighting device is configured such that the light-emitting part is not visible. Lighting device.

2. The width of the design surface of the frame is constant. The lighting device according to claim 1.

3. The opening shape of the frame is rectangular. The lighting device according to claim 2.

4. The light-shielding portion has a through-hole through which light from the light source passes, The light-emitting portion is the through-hole, A lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The aforementioned lighting device is an interior lighting fixture installed inside the vehicle. A lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

6. The lighting device is installed at the end of the vehicle's ceiling in the vehicle's width direction. The aforementioned mounting surface is the ceiling surface of the ceiling. The lighting device according to claim 5.

7. The aforementioned vehicle has a door trim, The light emitted from the lighting device is shone onto the door trim. The lighting device according to claim 5.

Images