Vehicle lighting

Abstract

The present invention provides a vehicle lighting device that, when not illuminated, appears to be the same color as the vehicle body, and when illuminated, emits light of the specified color intended by the lighting device. [Solution] The vehicle light fixture 1 includes an outer lens 10 that is visible from outside the vehicle in the same color as the vehicle body, and a light source 30 that emits light that passes through the outer lens 10 and is projected outside the vehicle, and a light generating unit 1A that generates light of a predetermined color that is converted into light of a specified color when it passes through the outer lens 10.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] There is known a vehicle lamp in which a plurality of rib-shaped convex portions are provided in parallel on the back surface of a lens, and a color film having a color different from that of the lens is formed on the flat top surface of the convex portion, and the lens surface has different colors when lit and when not lit (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Further, there is known a direction indicator including a light-emitting diode that emits amber light and a lens colored red (see, for example, Patent Document 2). In the direction indicator described in Patent Document 2, for the purpose of making the color of the light emitted by the light-emitting diode the same as the color of the irradiation light of the direction indicator, the light transmittance of the lens is set so as not to substantially change the peak wavelength of the light-emitting diode.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the vehicle lamp described in Patent Document 1, linear color films are arranged side by side at intervals, and the light emitted from the light source passes between the color films. Therefore, in the vehicle lamp described in Patent Document 1, when the color film is formed so as to cover the entire back surface of the lens, it is conceivable that the light emitted from the light source changes color when passing through the color film, and the light of the specified color intended for the lamp is not irradiated. Further, the direction indicator described in Patent Document 2 is limited to the use of transmitting the light emitted from the light-emitting diode to the lens without changing the color.

[0005] In view of the above circumstances, the present invention aims to provide a vehicle light that appears to be the same color as the vehicle body when not illuminated, and that emits light of the specified color intended by the light fixture when illuminated. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The vehicle lighting device according to the present invention comprises a lens that is visible from outside the vehicle as being the same color as the vehicle body, a light source that emits light that passes through the lens and is projected outside the vehicle, and a light generating unit that generates light of a predetermined color that is converted into light of a specified color when it passes through the lens. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a vehicle lighting device that appears to be the same color as the vehicle body when not illuminated, and that emits light of the specified color intended by the lighting device when illuminated. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows a vehicle equipped with a vehicle lighting device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the vehicle lighting fixture shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a vehicle lighting device according to a comparative example. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a graph showing the emission spectra of light sources in one embodiment and a comparative example. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a chromaticity diagram showing the chromaticity coordinates of the light emitted from a vehicle lamp in a comparative example. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a graph showing the spectrum of the light emitted from a vehicle lamp according to one embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a chromaticity diagram showing the chromaticity coordinates of the light emitted from a vehicle lamp according to one embodiment. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a vehicle lighting device according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a vehicle lighting device according to a comparative example. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a chromaticity diagram showing the chromaticity coordinates of the irradiation light of the vehicle lamp according to the comparative example. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a graph showing the emission spectrum of the light source according to an embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a graph showing the transmittance spectrum of the correction film according to an embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a graph showing the transmittance spectrum of the vehicle body color film according to an embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a graph showing the spectrum of the irradiation light of the vehicle lamp according to an embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a chromaticity diagram showing the chromaticity coordinates of the irradiation light of the vehicle lamp according to an embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view showing an outline of the vehicle lamp according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view showing an outline of the vehicle lamp according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view showing an outline of the vehicle lamp according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view showing an outline of the vehicle lamp according to another embodiment of the present invention.

MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in accordance with preferred embodiments. Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments shown below, and can be appropriately modified without departing from the gist of the present invention. In addition, in the embodiments shown below, there are some places where the illustration and description of some configurations are omitted. For the details of the omitted technology, within the range not conflicting with the content described below, publicly known or well-known technologies are appropriately applied.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a view showing a vehicle C equipped with a vehicle lamp 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in this figure, the vehicle lamp 1 is a headlamp mounted on the vehicle C. The outer lens 10 of the vehicle lamp 1 is combined with an outer housing not shown so as to close an opening formed in the front surface of the outer housing. The outer lens 10 is disposed outside the vehicle width direction of the grill G and constitutes the front design of the vehicle C together with the grill G.

[0011] Here, the outer lens 10 of the vehicle lamp 1 is configured to be visually recognized as the same color as the vehicle body color of the vehicle C when the vehicle lamp 1 is not lit. For example, when the grill G or the bonnet B of the vehicle C is red, the outer lens 10 is visually recognized as red from the front of the vehicle when the vehicle lamp 1 is not lit. On the other hand, the vehicle lamp 1 is configured to irradiate light that is visually recognized as white, which is the specified color of the headlamp, in front of the vehicle when lit.

[0012] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing an outline of the vehicle lamp 1 in FIG. 1. As shown in this figure, the vehicle lamp 1 includes an outer lens 10, an inner lens 20, and a light source 30. The vehicle lamp 1 further includes an optical system not shown. The light source 30 constitutes a light generation unit 1A that generates light of a predetermined color that passes through the outer lens 10. The predetermined color is a color that is converted into light of the specified color of the headlamp when the light generated by the light generation unit 1A passes through the outer lens 10.

[0013] The outer lens 10 includes a lens body 11 and a vehicle body color film 12. The lens body 11 is a transparent lens made of a light-transmissive resin material. The vehicle body color film 12 is a light-transmissive film having the same color as the grill G or the bonnet B of the vehicle C and is disposed on the back surface of the lens body 11. The vehicle body color film 12 is integrated with the lens body 11 so as to cover the entire back surface of the lens body 11 by coating, insert molding, or the like. Note that the vehicle body color film 12 may be disposed on the front surface of the lens body 11 and integrated with the lens body 11 so as to cover the entire front surface of the lens body 11.

[0014] When the vehicle light fixture 1 is not illuminated, the body-colored film 12 is visible from the front of the vehicle through the lens body 11, so that the color of the outer lens 10 appears to be the same color as the grille G and hood B of the vehicle C.

[0015] The inner lens 20 is combined with the inner housing (not shown) so as to close an opening formed on the front surface of the inner housing. The inner lens 20 and the inner housing are housed in a space partitioned by the outer lens 10 and the outer housing. The light source 30 and the optical system are housed in a space partitioned by the inner lens 20 and the inner housing.

[0016] The inner lens 20 is a transparent lens made of a light-transmitting resin material and is positioned on the rear side of the outer lens 10. The inner lens 20 is a diffusion lens that diffuses the light emitted from the light source 30. The inner lens 20 may also have a light-gathering function that focuses the light emitted from the light source 30.

[0017] The light source 30 is a multi-color LED (light-emitting diode) and is positioned on the rear side of the inner lens 20. The light source 30 emits light of a predetermined color that passes through the body color film 12 and is visible as white. The light of the predetermined color emitted from the light source 30 undergoes optical effects such as reflection and focusing by the optical system, passing through the inner lens 20 and the body color film 12. As it passes through the body color film 12, it is converted into light that is visible as white and passes through the lens body 11 of the outer lens 10.

[0018] The predetermined color of the light emitted from the light source 30 is a color obtained by mixing green, blue, and red in appropriate ratios, and is set appropriately according to the light transmittance of each color of the body color film 12. For example, if the body color film 12 is red, the predetermined color of the light emitted from the light source 30 may be a color in which green is stronger than blue and red, or if the body color film 12 is blue, the predetermined color of the light emitted from the light source 30 may be a color in which green and red are stronger than blue. In addition, the relationship between the predetermined color of the light emitted from the light source 30 and the color of the body color film 12 may be a complementary color relationship, but is not limited to this relationship.

[0019] Figure 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a vehicle light fixture 1C according to a comparative example. As shown in this figure, the vehicle light fixture 1C according to the comparative example differs from the vehicle light fixture 1 according to the embodiment described above in that the outer lens 10C comprises only the lens body 11 and does not have a body-colored film 12, and is transparent when not illuminated.

[0020] In the comparative example vehicle light fixture 1C, light of a predetermined color emitted from the light source 30 is reflected or focused by the optical system, passes through the inner lens 20, and then passes through the lens body 11 of the outer lens 10 while remaining visible as the predetermined color.

[0021] Figure 4 is a graph showing the emission spectra of light source 30 according to one embodiment and a comparative example. In graphs showing light spectra such as Figure 4, the horizontal axis represents wavelength [nm] and the vertical axis represents normalized intensity (0 to 1). As shown in the graph of Figure 4, in the emission spectra of light source 30 according to one embodiment and a comparative example, the intensity of green light (G) is relatively high compared to the intensities of red light (R) and blue light (B). That is, the predetermined color of emission from light source 30 according to one embodiment and a comparative example is a color in which the proportion of green light is relatively high compared to the proportions of red light and blue light.

[0022] Figure 5 is a chromaticity diagram showing the chromaticity coordinates of the light emitted from the vehicle lamp 1C of the comparative example. As shown in this chromaticity diagram, the chromaticity coordinates (x,y) of the light emitted from the vehicle lamp 1C of the comparative example are shown outside the white region W. This confirms that in the vehicle lamp 1C of the comparative example, the light of a predetermined color emitted from the light source 30 is transmitted through the outer lens 10C without being converted to white light.

[0023] Figure 6 is a graph showing the spectrum of the light emitted from a vehicle lamp 1 according to one embodiment. Here, the vehicle body color film 12 according to one embodiment has a transmittance characteristic in which the transmittance of green light is relatively low compared to the transmittance of red light and blue light.

[0024] Comparing the emission spectrum of the light emitted from the vehicle lamp 1 according to one embodiment with the emission spectrum of the light source 30 according to one embodiment and a comparative example (see Figure 4), it can be confirmed that the ratio of light intensity around 520 nm (green light intensity) to light intensity around 630 nm (red light intensity) is significantly different. Specifically, in the emission spectrum of the light source 30 according to one embodiment, the green light intensity is more than 10 times that of the red light intensity, whereas in the emission spectrum of the light emitted from the vehicle lamp 1 according to one embodiment and a comparative example, the green light intensity is approximately 2.5 times that of the red light intensity. As a result, it can be confirmed that the green light intensity in the emission spectrum of the light emitted from the vehicle lamp 1 according to one embodiment is significantly lower than the green light intensity in the emission spectrum of the light source 30 according to one embodiment and a comparative example.

[0025] Figure 7 is a chromaticity diagram showing the chromaticity coordinates of the light emitted by the vehicle lamp 1 according to one embodiment. As shown in this chromaticity diagram, the chromaticity coordinates (x,y) of the light emitted by the vehicle lamp 1 according to one embodiment are shown inside the white region W. This confirms that, in the vehicle lamp 1 according to one embodiment, the light of a predetermined color emitted from the light source 30 is converted to white light when it passes through the vehicle body color film 12 according to one embodiment and then passes through the lens body 11 of the outer lens 10.

[0026] As described above, the vehicle lamp 1 according to this embodiment includes an outer lens 10 that is visible from outside the vehicle as being the same color as the vehicle body, and a light generating unit 1A that generates light of a predetermined color that is converted into light of a predetermined color when it passes through the outer lens 10. As a result, when the vehicle lamp 1 is not illuminated, it is visible from outside the vehicle as being the same color as the vehicle body, and when illuminated, the light emitted from the vehicle lamp 1 is visible as light of the predetermined color intended by the vehicle lamp 1.

[0027] Furthermore, in the vehicle lamp 1 according to this embodiment, the light generation unit 1A is equipped with a light source 30 that emits light of a predetermined color, and when the light of the predetermined color emitted from the light source 30 passes through the outer lens 10, the vehicle lamp 1 is converted into light of the specified color intended for it. Therefore, light of a predetermined color can be generated without requiring a component to convert the color of the light emitted from the light source 30 to a predetermined color, and the configuration of the light generation unit 1A can be simplified.

[0028] Furthermore, in the vehicle lighting device 1 according to this embodiment, since the light source 30 is a multi-color LED, the ratio of red, green, and blue light emitted from the light source 30 can be appropriately set according to the transmittance characteristics of the vehicle body color film 12 to generate light of a predetermined color.

[0029] Figure 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a vehicle light fixture 100 according to another embodiment of the present invention. As shown in this figure, the vehicle light fixture 100 comprises an outer lens 10, a light source 130, a light guide 140, and a correction film 150. The light source 130, the light guide 140, and the correction film 150 constitute a light generating unit 100A that generates light of a predetermined color. Components similar to those in the above-described embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description of the above-described embodiment will be used by reference.

[0030] The light source 130, the light guide 140, and the correction film 150 are housed in a space partitioned by an inner lens and an inner housing (not shown). The inner lens and inner housing are housed in a space partitioned by an outer lens 10 and an outer housing (not shown).

[0031] The light source 130 is an LED that emits white light and is positioned at one end and the other end of the light guide 140 in the longitudinal direction as shown in the figure. The light guide 140 has light-receiving sections 141 at one end and the other end in the longitudinal direction as shown in the figure, and is a light guide that distributes the light incident from the light-receiving sections 141 toward the outer lens 10. The white light emitted from the light source 130 enters the light guide 140 from the light-receiving sections 141 and is distributed toward the outer lens 10.

[0032] The correction film 150 is a translucent film that converts white light into light of a predetermined color, and is placed between the light source 130 and the light-receiving portion 141 of the light guide 140. The light of the predetermined color is transmitted through the body color film 12 and becomes visible as white light.

[0033] White light emitted from the light source 130 is converted into light of a predetermined color by the correction film 150 and enters the light guide 140 from the light receiving section 141. The light of the predetermined color that enters the light guide 140 is distributed to the body color film 12 side by the light guide 140, converted into light that appears white when it passes through the body color film 12, and passes through the lens body 11 of the outer lens 10.

[0034] The predetermined color of the transmitted light of the correction film 150 is a color obtained by mixing green, blue, and red in appropriate ratios, and is set appropriately according to the light transmittance of each color of the body color film 12. For example, if the body color film 12 is red, the predetermined color of the transmitted light of the correction film 150 may be a color in which green is stronger than blue and red, or if the body color film 12 is blue, the predetermined color of the transmitted light of the correction film 150 may be a color in which green and red are stronger than blue. In addition, the relationship between the predetermined color of the transmitted light of the correction film 150 and the color of the body color film 12 may be a complementary color relationship, but is not limited to this relationship.

[0035] Figure 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a vehicle lighting fixture 100C according to a comparative example. As shown in this figure, the vehicle lighting fixture 100C according to the comparative example differs from the vehicle lighting fixture 100 according to the embodiment described above in that it does not include a correction film 150.

[0036] In the comparative example vehicle light fixture 100C, white light emitted from the light source 130 is distributed to the outer lens 10 side by the light guide 140, changes color as it passes through the body color film 12, and then passes through the lens body 11.

[0037] Figure 10 is a chromaticity diagram showing the chromaticity coordinates of the light emitted from the vehicle lamp 100C of the comparative example. As shown in this chromaticity diagram, the chromaticity coordinates (x,y) of the light emitted from the vehicle lamp 100C of the comparative example are shown outside the white region W. In the vehicle lamp 100C of the comparative example, it is confirmed that the white light emitted from the light source 130 changes color when it passes through the vehicle body color film 12.

[0038] Figure 11 is a graph showing the emission spectrum of a light source 130 according to one embodiment. As shown in this graph, the wavelength of the emission spectrum of the light source 130 according to one embodiment is approximately 400 to 750 nm, which is within the wavelength range of white light. The peak wavelength is approximately 440 nm.

[0039] Figure 12 is a graph showing the transmittance spectrum of a correction film 150 according to one embodiment. In transmittance spectrum graphs such as Figure 12, the horizontal axis represents wavelength [nm] and the vertical axis represents transmittance (%T).

[0040] As shown in the graph in Figure 12, in the transmittance spectrum of the correction film 150 according to one embodiment, the peak wavelength is approximately 500 to 570 nm, which falls within the wavelength range of green light. In contrast, in the transmittance spectrum of the correction film 150 according to one embodiment, the transmittance is relatively low in the wavelength range of 500 nm or less and 570 nm or more.

[0041] Figure 13 is a graph showing the transmittance spectrum of a vehicle body color film 12 according to one embodiment. As shown in this graph, in the transmittance spectrum of the vehicle body color film 12 according to one embodiment, the transmittance is relatively high in the wavelength range of 600 to 780 nm.

[0042] Here, the transmittance of the correction film 150 according to one embodiment is set to satisfy the following formula for each wavelength. Light intensity of light source 130 × Transmittance of correction film 150 × Transmittance of body color film 12 = Intensity of light emitted by vehicle light fixture 100

[0043] Figure 14 is a graph showing the spectrum of the light emitted from the vehicle lamp 100 according to one embodiment. As shown in Figures 11 and 14, it can be confirmed that the spectral profiles of the light emitted from the vehicle lamp 100 according to one embodiment and the light emitted from the light source 130 according to one embodiment are remarkably similar.

[0044] Figure 15 is a chromaticity diagram showing the chromaticity coordinates of the light emitted by the vehicle lamp 100 according to one embodiment. As shown in this chromaticity diagram, the chromaticity coordinates (x,y) of the light emitted by the vehicle lamp 100 according to one embodiment are shown inside the white region W. In the vehicle lamp 100 according to one embodiment, it is confirmed that the light converted from white to a predetermined color by the correction film 150 is converted back to white light when it passes through the vehicle body color film 12 according to one embodiment and then passes through the lens body 11 of the outer lens 10.

[0045] As described above, in the vehicle lighting device 100 according to this embodiment, the light generating unit 100A comprises a light source 130 and a light-transmitting member through which the light emitted from the light source 130 passes, and a correction film 150 that converts the color of the light emitted from the light source 130 to a predetermined color. The light emitted from the light source 130 is converted to a predetermined color when it passes through the correction film 150, and the light of the predetermined color is converted to light of a specified color when it passes through the outer lens 10. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the change in color from the specified color when the light emitted from the light source 130 passes through the outer lens 10 which is configured to be the same color as the vehicle body.

[0046] Figure 16 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a vehicle light fixture 200 according to another embodiment of the present invention. As shown in this figure, the vehicle light fixture 200 comprises an outer lens 10, a light source 130, a light guide 140, and a correction film 250. The light source 130, the light guide 140, and the correction film 250 constitute a light generating unit 200A that generates light of a predetermined color. Components similar to those in the above-described embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description of the above-described embodiment will be used by reference.

[0047] The light source 130, the light guide 140, and the correction film 250 are housed in a space partitioned by an inner lens and an inner housing (not shown). The inner lens and inner housing are housed in a space partitioned by an outer lens 10 and an outer housing (not shown).

[0048] The correction film 250 is a translucent film that converts white light into light of a predetermined color, and is positioned between the body color film 12 and the light distribution surface 142 of the light guide 140. The light of the predetermined color passes through the body color film 12 and is visible as white light. The correction film 250 only needs to be positioned between the body color film 12 and the light distribution surface 142 of the light guide 140, and it is not necessary for it to be positioned away from the outer lens 10 or to be provided as a separate component from the outer lens 10. For example, if the color of the correction film 250 is difficult to see from outside the vehicle, the correction film 250 may be provided integrally with the outer lens 10.

[0049] White light emitted from the light source 130 is distributed to the correction film 250 by the light guide 140, converted into light of a predetermined color as it passes through the correction film 250, converted into light that appears white as it passes through the body color film 12, and passes through the lens body 11 of the outer lens 10.

[0050] The predetermined color of the transmitted light of the correction film 250 is a color obtained by mixing green, blue, and red in appropriate ratios, and is set appropriately according to the light transmittance of each color of the body color film 12. For example, if the body color film 12 is red, the predetermined color of the transmitted light of the correction film 250 may be a color in which green is stronger than blue and red, or if the body color film 12 is blue, the predetermined color of the transmitted light of the correction film 250 may be a color in which green and red are stronger than blue. In some cases, the relationship between the predetermined color of the transmitted light of the correction film 250 and the color of the body color film 12 may be a complementary color relationship, but this relationship is not limited to this.

[0051] Figure 17 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a vehicle light fixture 300 according to another embodiment of the present invention. As shown in this figure, the vehicle light fixture 300 comprises an outer lens 10, a light source 330, and a light guide 140. The light source 330 and the light guide 140 constitute a light generating unit 300A that generates light of a first predetermined color and light of a second predetermined color. The light of the first predetermined color is converted into light of a first predetermined color when it passes through the vehicle body color film 12, and the light of the second predetermined color is converted into light of a second predetermined color when it passes through the vehicle body color film 12. Components similar to those in the above-described embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description of the above-described embodiment will be used by reference.

[0052] The light source 330 and the light guide 140 are housed in a space partitioned by an inner lens and an inner housing (not shown). The inner lens and inner housing are housed in a space partitioned by an outer lens 10 and an outer housing (not shown).

[0053] The light source 330 is an LED that emits light of a first predetermined color and light of a second predetermined color, and is positioned opposite the light-receiving section 141 of the light guide 140. The light of the first predetermined color and the light of the second predetermined color emitted from the light source 330 enter the light guide 140 from the light-receiving section 141 and are distributed towards the outer lens 10. The light of the first predetermined color passes through the body color film 12 and is visible as white light, which is the first predetermined color. The light of the second predetermined color passes through the body color film 12 and is visible as amber light, which is the second predetermined color.

[0054] The first predetermined color of light emitted from the light source 330 is a color obtained by mixing green, blue, and red in appropriate ratios, and is set appropriately according to the light transmittance of each color of the body color film 12. For example, if the body color film 12 is red, the first predetermined color of light emitted from the light source 330 is a color in which green is stronger than blue and red, and if the body color film 12 is blue, the first predetermined color of light emitted from the light source 330 is a color in which green and red are stronger than blue, and so on. In addition, the relationship between the first predetermined color of light emitted from the light source 330 and the color of the body color film 12 may be a complementary color relationship, but is not limited to this relationship.

[0055] The second predetermined color of the light emitted from the light source 330 is a color obtained by mixing green, blue, and red in appropriate ratios, and is set appropriately according to the light transmittance of each color of the body color film 12. For example, if the body color film 12 is red, the second predetermined color of the light emitted from the light source 330 may be yellow. In addition, the relationship between the second predetermined color of the light emitted from the light source 330 and the color of the body color film 12 may be a complementary color relationship, but is not limited to this.

[0056] The vehicle lighting fixture 300 includes a control device 301 that controls the light source 330. The control device 301 adjusts the ratio of red, green, and blue light emitted from the light source 330, and sets the color of the light emitted from the light source 330 to a first predetermined color, a second predetermined color, etc.

[0057] As described above, in the vehicle lighting device 300 according to this embodiment, the control device 301 controls the light source 330, which is a multicolor LED, to emit light of a first predetermined color that is converted to a first predetermined color when it passes through the outer lens 10, and light of a second predetermined color that is converted to a second predetermined color when it passes through the outer lens 10. This makes it possible to emit, for example, white light as the first predetermined color and amber light as the second predetermined color.

[0058] Figure 18 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a vehicle light fixture 400 according to another embodiment of the present invention. As shown in this figure, the vehicle light fixture 400 comprises an outer lens 10, a light source 130, a light guide 440, and a light shielding member 460. The light source 130 and the light guide 440 constitute a light generating unit 400A that generates light of a predetermined color. Components similar to those in the above-described embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description of the above-described embodiment will be used by reference.

[0059] The light source 130 is positioned at one end and the other end of the light guide 440 in the longitudinal direction as shown in the figure. The light guide 440 has light-receiving sections 441 at one end and the other end in the longitudinal direction as shown in the figure, and is a light guide that distributes the light incident from the light-receiving sections 441 toward the outer lens 10. White light emitted from the light source 130 enters the light guide 440 from the light-receiving sections 441 and is distributed toward the outer lens 10.

[0060] The light guide 440 is a translucent resin molded product that converts transmitted white light into a predetermined color, and is colored in that predetermined color. The light of the predetermined color distributed from the light distribution surface 442 of the light guide 440 passes through the body color film 12 and becomes visible as white light.

[0061] White light emitted from the light source 130 is converted into light of a predetermined color between the light receiving section 441 and the light distribution surface 442, and is distributed to the body color film 12 side by the light guide 440. The light of the predetermined color distributed from the light distribution surface 442 is converted into light that appears white when it passes through the body color film 12, and passes through the lens body 11 of the outer lens 10.

[0062] The predetermined color of the transmitted light from the light guide 440 is a color obtained by mixing green, blue, and red in appropriate ratios, and is set appropriately according to the light transmittance of each color of the body color film 12. For example, if the body color film 12 is red, the predetermined color of the transmitted light from the light guide 440 may be a color in which green is stronger than blue and red, or if the body color film 12 is blue, the predetermined color of the transmitted light from the light guide 440 may be a color in which green and red are stronger than blue. In addition, the relationship between the predetermined color of the transmitted light from the light guide 440 and the color of the body color film 12 may be a complementary color relationship, but is not limited to this relationship.

[0063] The light-shielding member 460 is positioned between the light-distributing surface 442 and the body color film 12 near the light-receiving portion 441 to block light. The light-shielding member 460 blocks light that is distributed from the light-distributing surface 442 towards the outer lens 10 near the light-receiving portion 441.

[0064] Here, the longer the optical path within the light guide 440, the higher the intensity of the light of a predetermined color transmitted through the light guide 440. Therefore, the transmitted light distributed from the light distribution surface 442 towards the outer lens 10 near the light-receiving portion 441 of the light guide 440 has a lower intensity of light of a predetermined color.

[0065] In contrast, in the vehicle lamp 400 according to this embodiment, the light-shielding member 460 shields the light that is distributed from the light-distribution surface 442 towards the outer lens 10 near the light-receiving portion 441, so that only transmitted light with a long optical path within the light guide 440 passes through the outer lens 10. Furthermore, the light-shielding member 460 also shields light (noise) that does not enter the light guide 440 but is directed towards the outer lens 10. Consequently, color unevenness of the light of a predetermined color that passes through the light guide 440 and is distributed towards the outer lens 10 is suppressed.

[0066] Figure 19 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a vehicle lamp 500 according to another embodiment of the present invention. The vehicle lamp 500 shown in this figure is a side marker lamp mounted on a vehicle C. The outer lens 510 of the vehicle lamp 500 is positioned on a fender or door mirror (not shown) and constitutes part of the design of the fender or door mirror.

[0067] Here, the outer lens 510 of the vehicle light fixture 500 is configured to appear the same color as the fender or door mirror when the vehicle light fixture 500 is not illuminated. For example, if the fender or door mirror is red, the outer lens 510 will appear red from the side of the vehicle when the vehicle light fixture 500 is not illuminated. In contrast, the vehicle light fixture 500 is configured to emit light that appears amber, the specified color for side marker lamps, to the side of the vehicle when illuminated.

[0068] The vehicle lighting fixture 500 comprises an outer lens 510, a light source 130, and a light guide 540. The light source 130 and the light guide 540 constitute a light generating unit 500A that generates light of a predetermined color. Components similar to those in the above-described embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description of the above-described embodiment will be used accordingly.

[0069] The outer lens 510 comprises a lens body 511 and a body-color film 512. The lens body 511 is a transparent lens made of a translucent resin material. The body-color film 512 is a translucent film of the same color as the fender or door mirror of vehicle C, and is positioned on the back of the lens body 511. The body-color film 512 is integrated with the lens body 511 by coating, insert molding, or the like, so as to cover the entire back surface of the lens body 511. Alternatively, the body-color film 512 may be positioned on the front surface of the lens body 511 and integrated with the lens body 511 so as to cover the entire front surface of the lens body 511.

[0070] The light guide 540 is a plate-shaped, translucent resin molded product and comprises a light-receiving portion 541 and a light-emitting portion 542. The light guide 540 is colored in a predetermined color, similar to the light guide 440 in the above-described embodiment. The light-receiving portion 541 is provided on one plate surface 540A of the light guide 540. The light-receiving portion 541 is formed in a frustoconical shape and protrudes from one plate surface 540A. The center of the light-emitting surface of the light source 130 and the center of the light-receiving portion 541 are opposite each other. White light emitted from the light source 130 enters the light guide 540 from the light-receiving portion 541, is reflected within the light guide 540, and reaches the light-emitting portion 542.

[0071] The light-emitting section 542 is located at the longitudinal end of the light guide 540 in the figure and faces the body color film 512. The light reflected within the light guide 540 and reaching the light-emitting section 542 passes through the light-emitting section 542, the body color film 512, and the lens body 511 and is projected to the side of the vehicle.

[0072] The predetermined color of the transmitted light from the light guide 540 is a color obtained by mixing green, blue, and red in appropriate ratios, and is set appropriately according to the light transmittance of each color in the body color film 512. For example, if the body color film 512 is red, the predetermined color of the transmitted light from the light guide 540 may be yellow. In some cases, the relationship between the predetermined color of the transmitted light from the light guide 540 and the color of the body color film 512 may be complementary colors, but this relationship is not limited to this.

[0073] In this embodiment of the vehicle lighting device 500, the light path within the light guide 540 is longer, so the intensity of the light of a predetermined color transmitted through the light guide 540 increases. Therefore, color unevenness of the light of a predetermined color that passes through the light guide 540 and is distributed to the outer lens 510 side is suppressed.

[0074] Although the present invention has been described above based on the embodiments described above, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and modifications may be made, or the technologies of the embodiments or publicly known technologies may be combined, without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0075] For example, while headlights and side marker lamps were given as examples in the above-described embodiment, the present invention can also be applied to other vehicle lighting fixtures such as turn signal lamps, daytime running lights, stop lamps, taillights, and fog lamps. Furthermore, while LEDs were given as an example of a light source, other light sources such as discharge lamps may also be used.

[0076] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the outer lens 10,510 was configured to be visible from outside the vehicle in the same color as the vehicle body, but the inner lens 20 may also be configured to be visible from outside the vehicle in the same color as the vehicle body.

[0077] Furthermore, although the light sources 30 and 330 in the above-described embodiment are multicolor LEDs, this is not essential. The multicolor LED only needs to be able to generate light of a predetermined color by appropriately setting the ratio of red, green, and blue light emission, and the package form can be selected as appropriate. For example, red, green, and blue light-emitting elements may be enclosed in a single package, or each color light-emitting element may be enclosed in a separate package. [Explanation of symbols]

[0078] 1: Vehicle lighting fixtures 1A: Light generation section 10: Outer lens (lens) 11: Lens body 12: Body color film 20: Inner lens (lens) 30: Light source (multicolor LED) 100: Vehicle lighting equipment 100A: Photogenerator 130: Light source 140: Light guide (light guide) 150: Correction film (color conversion component) 200: Vehicle lighting fixtures 200A: Light generation section 250: Correction film (color conversion component) 300: Vehicle lighting fixtures 300A: Light generation section 301: Control device (control unit) 330: Light source (multicolor LED) 400: Vehicle lighting fixtures 400A: Photogenerator 440: Light guide (light color conversion component, light guide) 460: Light-shielding material 500: Vehicle lighting equipment 500A: Light generation section 510: Outer lens (lens) 511: Lens body 512: Body color film 540: Light guide (light color conversion component, light guide)

Claims

1. Lenses that appear the same color as the car body from outside the vehicle, The light source emits light that passes through the lens and is projected outside the vehicle, and the light generating unit generates light of a predetermined color that is converted into light of a specified color when it passes through the lens. A vehicle light fixture equipped with [a specific feature / feature].

2. The light source emits light of the predetermined color. A vehicle light fixture according to claim 1.

3. The light source is a multicolor LED. The vehicle light fixture according to claim 2.

4. The system includes a control unit that controls the multi-color LEDs, The control unit controls the multicolor LED to emit light of a first predetermined color that is converted to a first predetermined color when it passes through the lens, and light of a second predetermined color that is converted to a second predetermined color when it passes through the lens. The vehicle light fixture according to claim 3.

5. The light generation unit is a light-transmitting member through which light emitted from the light source passes, and includes a light color conversion member that converts the color of the light emitted from the light source to the predetermined color. A vehicle light fixture according to claim 1.

6. The light-shielding member is provided to block light that is directed toward the lens but is not converted to the predetermined color by the light-color conversion member. The vehicle light fixture according to claim 5.

7. The light generation unit includes a light guide that distributes the light emitted from the light source towards the lens. A vehicle light fixture according to claim 1 or 2.

8. The aforementioned lens is, A lens body through which light emitted from the aforementioned light source passes, A body-colored film that covers the entire front or back of the aforementioned lens body and is visible from outside the vehicle in the same color as the vehicle body, A vehicle light fixture according to claim 1 or 2, comprising:

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