Vehicle lighting
The vehicle lamp design addresses the lack of design consideration and luminous intensity in existing lamps by using a lens with a light irradiation section, colored film, and light-shielding film with openings, achieving both aesthetic and functional efficacy.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- ICHIKOH IND LTD
- Filing Date
- 2024-11-22
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-03
Smart Images
Figure 2026091163000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to vehicle lamps.
Background Art
[0002] In recent years, due to the spread of self-driving vehicles and EVs (electric vehicles), vehicles are required to emit light from vehicle lamps for various purposes. For example, there is also an increasing trend in vehicle lamps that emit light in a range from the center of the vehicle to both left and right sides.
[0003] Also, vehicle lamps that look different when lit and when not lit are known. As an example of such a known vehicle lamp, there is one shown in Patent Document 1. Hereinafter, the vehicle lamp of Patent Document 1 will be described.
[0004] The vehicle lamp of Patent Document 1 has a decorative portion provided on a part of the outer lens, in which a non-coated portion where a metal layer and a colored layer are not attached and a coated portion where a metal layer and a colored layer are attached are alternately arranged. In the vehicle lamp of Patent Document 1, when lit, light from the light source transmitted through the non-coated portion of the decorative portion is observed. On the other hand, when not lit, external light reflected by the metal layer of the coated portion of the decorative portion and colored by the colored layer is observed, so that completely different appearances can be provided when lit and when not lit.
Prior Art Documents
Patent Documents
[0005]
Patent Document 1
Summary of the Invention
Problems to be Solved by the Invention
[0006] However, in the vehicle lamp of Patent Document 1, when lit, only light from the light source transmitted through the non-coated portion of the decorative portion is observed, so the design of the light-emitting portion of the outer lens is not considered. Furthermore, vehicle lighting fixtures require a luminous intensity that satisfies their function when illuminated.
[0007] The problem that this invention aims to solve is to provide a vehicle light fixture that, when illuminated, takes into account the design of the light-emitting part of the lens and can obtain a luminous intensity that satisfies its function. [Means for solving the problem]
[0008] A vehicle lamp according to a first aspect of this invention, in order to solve the above problems, comprises a lens, a light irradiating section that irradiates light to a predetermined range of the lens, and a colored film and a light-shielding film provided in the predetermined range, wherein the colored film and the light-shielding film are provided with a plurality of openings, and the plurality of openings and the lens allow light from the light irradiating section to pass through the plurality of openings to form a light-emitting section of any pattern, and the total opening area of the plurality of openings is such that, in the front direction from which light from the light-emitting section is irradiated, an area is obtained that is at least a predetermined luminous intensity and is equal to or greater than the luminous intensity necessary to satisfy the function of the vehicle lamp. [Effects of the Invention]
[0009] The vehicle lighting device of this invention takes into consideration the design of the light-emitting part of the lens when illuminated, and also achieves a luminous intensity that satisfies the function. [Brief explanation of the drawing]
[0010] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows an embodiment of the vehicle lighting device according to this invention in a state of use, and is a front view of the device when it is not illuminated. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a front view showing the state when the lights are on. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a plan view showing the state when the lights are not illuminated, and is a view taken from arrow III in Figure 1. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a plan view showing the state when the lights are on, and is a view taken from the direction of arrow IV in Figure 2. [Figure 5]Figure 5 is a front view showing the outer lens of the vehicle light fixture on the right, and is a view taken along arrow V in Figure 3 or along arrow V in Figure 4. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing the vehicle lighting fixture on the right side, and is a cross-sectional view taken along the line VI-VI in Figure 5. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the vehicle lighting fixture on the right side, and is a cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII in Figure 5. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a partially enlarged longitudinal section view showing a part of the outer lens, and is an enlarged longitudinal section view of part VIII in Figure 6. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a partially enlarged front view showing a portion of the outer lens, specifically a partially enlarged front view showing a line-shaped opening and a circular dot-shaped opening, and is a view taken from the direction of arrow IX in Figure 6. [Figure 10] Figures 10(A), (B), and (C) are explanatory diagrams showing the diameter, spacing dimensions, and arrangement of circular dot-shaped openings, respectively. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a partially enlarged front view showing a modified example of the light-emitting section, and is a partially enlarged front view corresponding to Figure 9. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a partially enlarged front view showing a modified example of the opening, and is a partially enlarged front view corresponding to Figures 9 and 11. [Modes for carrying out the invention]
[0011] The following describes an example of an embodiment (example) of a vehicle lighting device according to this invention, based on the drawings. In this specification, front, rear, top, bottom, left, and right refer to the front, rear, top, bottom, left, and right when the vehicle lighting device according to this invention is installed on a vehicle.
[0012] In the drawings, the symbol "F" represents "front", "B" represents "rear", "U" represents "up", "D" represents "down", "L" represents "left", and "R" represents "right". Also, in the drawings, the symbol "I" is the inner side in the vehicle width direction, and the symbol "O" is the outer side in the vehicle width direction. Further, in the drawings, since it is a schematic view, main components are illustrated, illustration of components other than the main components is omitted, and a part of the hatching is omitted.
[0013] (Description of Vehicle VE) Figs. 1 to 4 show a vehicle VE equipped with vehicle lamps 1L and 1R of the present invention. This vehicle VE mounts the vehicle lamps 1L and 1R on the front part 101, and a design can be obtained in which light is emitted over a wide range from the center of the front part 101 to both left and right sides.
[0014] As shown in Figs. 1 to 4, the front part 101 is disposed between the upper hood part 102 and the lower bumper part 103. Also, the planar view shape of the front part 101 when viewed from the upper side to the lower side of the vehicle VE has a shape that slopes or curves from the inner side I in the vehicle width direction to the outer side O in the vehicle width direction. On both left and right sides of the front part of this vehicle VE, above the vehicle lamps 1L and 1R, headlamps 104L and 104R are mounted.
[0015] (Description of the Configuration of Vehicle Lamps 1L and 1R) The vehicle lamps 1L and 1R according to this embodiment are respectively attached to the recessed parts extending from the center of the front part 101 of the front part of the vehicle VE to both left and right sides, as shown in Figs. 1 to 4. Hereinafter, the right vehicle lamp 1R attached to the right side of the vehicle VE will be described. The left vehicle lamp 1L attached to the left side of the vehicle VE has substantially the same configuration as the right vehicle lamp 1R and has a configuration with left and right reversed. For this reason, the description of the left vehicle lamp 1L will be omitted. Also, the expressions "both left and right sides", "left side", and "right side" will be omitted as appropriate.
[0016] The vehicle lamp 1R is, in this example, a clearance lamp. As shown in FIGS. 5 to 8, the vehicle lamp 1R includes an outer lens 10 as a lens, a light irradiation unit 2, a colored film 30, and a light shielding film 31. The light irradiation unit 2 irradiates light L1 to a predetermined range LS1 of the outer lens 10. The colored film 30 and the light shielding film 31 are provided on the inner surface of the outer lens 10 at least in the predetermined range LS1 by vapor deposition or film transfer or the like. In this example, the thickness of the colored film 30 and the light shielding film 31 is about 10 μm. The color of the colored film 30 is the same color system or substantially the same color system as the exterior paint of the vehicle VE. Also, in this example, the light shielding film 31 is black. Note that the color of the light shielding film 31 is not limited to black.
[0017] Also, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the vehicle lamp 1R has an outer lens 10, an outer housing 11, an inner lens 12, an inner housing 13, and a light guide 14.
[0018] The outer lens 10 and the inner lens 12 are each made of a light-transmissive resin member, in this example, polycarbonate. The outer housing 11 and the inner housing 13 are each made of a light-impermeable resin member.
[0019] The outer lens 10 and the outer housing 11 form a first lamp chamber 15. The inner surface of the outer lens 10 is a surface facing the first lamp chamber 15 side. The inner lens 12 and the inner housing 13 are disposed in the first lamp chamber 15. The inner lens 12 and the inner housing 13 form a second lamp chamber 16. The light guide 14 is disposed in the second lamp chamber 16.
[0020] Although not shown in the figures, a light source that supplies light L1 to the light guide 14 is located at one end of the light guide 14. The light L1 supplied to the light guide 14 is either directly irradiated from the light guide 14 towards the inner lens 12, or reflected from the light guide 14 by the reflective surface of the inner housing 13 and irradiated towards the inner lens 12. As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the inner lens 12 irradiates the light L1 supplied from the light source and irradiated from the light guide 14 or the reflective surface of the inner housing 13 toward the outer lens 10. The light L1 irradiated through the inner lens 12 irradiates a predetermined range LS1 of the outer lens 10.
[0021] The inner lens 12, inner housing 13, and light guide 14 constitute a light irradiation unit 2 that irradiates light L1 onto a predetermined range LS1 of the outer lens 10.
[0022] (Description of the predetermined range LS1 and ridge line 100 of the outer lens 10) An opening 4 is provided in the colored film 30 and light-shielding film 31 within a predetermined range LS1 of the outer lens 10. When light L1 from the light irradiation unit 2 passes through the opening 4 and is transmitted through the outer lens 10, light-emitting parts 51 to 59 of any pattern are formed within the predetermined range LS1 of the outer lens 10. As a result, within the predetermined range LS1 of the outer lens 10, the area that emits light due to the light L1 passing through the opening 4 is formed as the light-emitting range LS1. The opening 4 and light-emitting parts 51 to 59 will be described later.
[0023] The outer lens 10 has a ridge line 100, which is a bending point where planes oriented in different directions meet. The ridge line 100 of the outer lens 10 is provided along at least one side of the light emission range LS1 of the outer lens 10. The light emission range LS1 of the outer lens 10 may be enclosed by the ridge line 100 of the outer lens 10.
[0024] As shown in Figure 5, the ridge line 100 of the outer lens 10 has an elongated parallelogram shape in the left-right direction, that is, from the inner side I in the vehicle width direction on the left to the outer side O in the vehicle width direction on the right, and has upper ridge lines 100U, 120U, left ridge lines 100L, 120L, lower ridge lines 100D, 120D, and right ridge lines 100R, 120R.
[0025] Both the outer lens 10 and the inner lens 12 have a three-dimensional shape. As a result, the light emission range LS1 of the outer lens 10 and the light emission range LS2 of the inner lens 12 of the light irradiation section 2 both have a three-dimensional curved surface.
[0026] As shown in Figure 5, the light emission range LS1 is divided into four sections from the inner side I in the vehicle width direction to the outer side O in the vehicle width direction. These light emission ranges LS1 are designated as the first light emission range LS11, the second light emission range LS12, the third light emission range LS13, and the fourth light emission range LS14, from the inner side I to the outer side O in the vehicle width direction. The first to fourth light emission ranges LS11 to LS14 are located within the ridges 100, 100U, 100L, 100D, and 100R of the outer lens 10, as shown in Figure 5.
[0027] Here, as shown in Figures 5 and 9, the first emission range LS11 to the fourth emission range LS14 of the outer lens 10 are located within the ridges 100, 100U, 100L, 100D, and 100R of the outer lens 10.
[0028] (Explanation of opening 4 and light-emitting parts 51-59) As shown in Figures 6 to 8, multiple minute openings 4 are formed in the colored film 30 and light-shielding film 31 within a predetermined range LS1 of the outer lens 10, in this example by laser ablation or the like. Here, as shown in Figure 8, minute uneven surfaces 10A may be formed on the inner surface of the outer lens 10 by laser ablation or the like. When these minute uneven surfaces 10A are formed, the light L1 from the light irradiation unit 2 that has passed through the openings 4 may be diffused on these minute uneven surfaces 10A. After laser ablation, an anti-fog film or topcoat film (not shown) is formed on the colored film 30 and light-shielding film 31. As in this example, an anti-fog film is formed on the colored film 30 and light-shielding film 31 on the inner surface of the outer lens 10.
[0029] The multiple apertures 4 and outer lens 10 allow light L1 from the light irradiating unit 2 to pass through the multiple apertures 4 to form an arbitrary pattern, in this example, as shown in Figure 9, nine parallelogram-shaped light-emitting units 51-59 in the first light-emitting range LS11. The light-emitting units in the other three light-emitting ranges LS12, LS22, LS13, LS23, LS14, and LS24 may have the same pattern as the light-emitting units 51-59 in the first light-emitting range LS11, or they may have a different pattern.
[0030] The nine light-emitting units 51 to 59 are designated as the first light-emitting unit 51, second light-emitting unit 52, third light-emitting unit 53, fourth light-emitting unit 54, fifth light-emitting unit 55, sixth light-emitting unit 56, seventh light-emitting unit 57, eighth light-emitting unit 58, and ninth light-emitting unit 59, extending from the inner side I in the vehicle width direction to the outer side O in the vehicle width direction.
[0031] In this example, the aperture 4 consists of a first aperture 40 that is circular in shape and a second aperture 400 that is line-shaped. The first aperture 40 forms the second to ninth light-emitting sections 52 to 59. The diameter of the first aperture 40 is at least approximately 0.2 mm. The second aperture 400 forms the first light-emitting section 51. In this example, the line width of the second aperture 400 is at least approximately 0.2 mm. The distances between the apertures 4, i.e., the distance between the first apertures 40 and the second apertures 400, and the distance between the second apertures 400, are at least approximately 0.2 mm. Note that the diameter of the first aperture 40, the line width of the second apertures 400, and the distances between the apertures 4 can be reduced to less than approximately 0.2 mm by improving techniques such as laser ablation. In the following, the first opening 40 may be referred to as opening 40, and the second opening 400 may be referred to as opening 400.
[0032] The total opening area of the multiple openings 4 is such that, in the forward direction from which light L2 from the nine light-emitting parts 51 to 59 is emitted, at least a predetermined luminous intensity is obtained. Here, the forward direction refers to the direction of the center line in front of both VEs. The predetermined luminous intensity refers to the luminous intensity necessary to satisfy the function of the vehicle lamp. In the case of the vehicle lamp 1R being a clearance lamp in this example, the luminous intensity of the light L2 directed towards the center line in front of the vehicle VE is 4 cd (candela) or more to satisfy the clearance lamp function.
[0033] Eight of the nine light-emitting units 51 to 59, 52 to 59, are arranged such that the ratio of the opening area of the openings 4 and 40 per unit area in each light-emitting unit 52 to 59 decreases from large towards the inside I in the vehicle width direction to small towards the outside O in the vehicle width direction. The ratio of the opening area of the openings 4 and 40 per unit area in the light-emitting units 52 to 59 is sometimes referred to as the opening ratio of the openings 4. A large opening ratio means that the opening area of the openings 4 per unit area is large, and the openings 4 are densely packed. Conversely, a small opening ratio means that the opening area of the openings 4 per unit area is small, and the openings 4 are sparsely packed.
[0034] In this example, each section is formed by the second light-emitting section 52 to the fifth light-emitting section 55, and by the sixth light-emitting section 56 to the ninth light-emitting section 59. The diameter of the openings 4 and 40 provided in the second light-emitting section 52 to the fifth light-emitting section 55 is less than 1 mm. Furthermore, the distance between the openings 4 and 40 provided in the second light-emitting section 52 to the fifth light-emitting section 55 is narrowest (smallest) for the second light-emitting section 52 and widest (largest) for the fifth light-emitting section 55. The light-emitting sections provided on the inner side I in the vehicle width direction are arranged so that the distance (pitch) between the openings 4 and 40 is narrower (smaller) than the light-emitting sections provided on the outer side O in the vehicle width direction.
[0035] The diameter of the openings 4 and 40 provided in the sixth light-emitting section 56 to the ninth light-emitting section 59 is less than 0.5 mm, and more preferably 0.2 mm to 0.4 mm. Furthermore, the distance between the openings 4 and 40 provided in the sixth light-emitting section 56 to the ninth light-emitting section 59 is formed such that the sixth light-emitting section 56 has the narrowest (smallest) distance and the ninth light-emitting section 59 has the widest (largest) distance. The light-emitting sections provided on the inner side I in the vehicle width direction are provided with a narrower (smaller) distance (pitch) between the openings 4 and 40 than the light-emitting sections provided on the outer side O in the vehicle width direction.
[0036] The aperture ratio of the opening 40 of the second light-emitting section 52 and the opening 40 of the sixth light-emitting section 56 is the maximum, the aperture ratio of the opening 40 of the third light-emitting section 53 and the opening 40 of the seventh light-emitting section 57 is the second largest, the aperture ratio of the opening 40 of the fourth light-emitting section 54 and the opening 40 of the eighth light-emitting section 58 is the third largest, and the aperture ratio of the opening 40 of the fifth light-emitting section 55 and the opening 40 of the ninth light-emitting section 59 is the smallest.
[0037] Here, if the diameter of the first opening 40 in the light-emitting sections 52-59 is constant, the aperture ratio will be large if the first openings 40 are densely arranged and the gap between them is small. Conversely, if the first openings 40 are sparsely arranged and the gap between them is large, the aperture ratio will be small. On the other hand, if the gap between the first opening 40 in the light-emitting sections 52-59 is constant, the aperture ratio will be large if the first openings 40 are densely arranged and the diameter of the first openings 40 is large. Conversely, if the first openings 40 are sparsely arranged and the diameter of the first openings 40 is small, the aperture ratio will be small. In this way, even if the amount of light L1 emitted from the light-irradiating section 2 is uniform or constant, it is possible to express variations in the intensity of the light L2 emitted by the eight light-emitting sections 52-59. This improves the freedom of the light-emitting design of the light-emitting sections 52-59. Furthermore, by changing the aperture ratio of the openings 40 of each light-emitting section 52 to 59, it is possible to express variations in light intensity without changing the area of the openings 40 of each light-emitting section 52 to 59.
[0038] (Explanation of openings 4, 40, 400 and light-emitting parts 51-59) The light-emitting sections 51 to 59 are formed by one or more openings 4, 40, and 400. In Figure 9, the first light-emitting section 51 is formed by one opening 4, 400, and the second to ninth light-emitting sections 52 to 59 are formed by multiple openings 4, 40. The outer shape of the light-emitting sections 51 to 59 is formed by the arrangement of the openings 4, 40, and 400.
[0039] In this example, one second opening 400 is formed in the shape of a parallelogram, so the first light-emitting section 51 has four sides: an upper side 51U, a left side 51L, a lower side 51D, and a right side 51R. These four sides may be formed by a series of second openings 400, or by line segments connecting multiple second openings 400.
[0040] Furthermore, in this example, the multiple first openings 40 are arranged in a parallelogram shape in three rows and multiple tiers. Therefore, the second to ninth light-emitting units 52 to 59 each have four sides: upper sides 5U to 59U, left sides 52L to 59L, lower sides 52D to 59D, and right sides 52R to 59R. That is, the line segment connecting the upper endpoints of the three first openings 40 in the top row forms the upper sides 52U to 59U of the second to ninth light-emitting units 52 to 59. The line segment connecting the left endpoints of the multiple first openings 40 in the left row forms the left sides 52L to 59L of the second to ninth light-emitting units 52 to 59. The line segment connecting the lower endpoints of the three first openings 40 in the bottom row forms the lower sides 52D to 59D of the second to ninth light-emitting units 52 to 59. The line segments connecting the rightmost endpoints of the numerous first openings 40 in the right column form the right-hand sides 52R to 59R of the second light-emitting section 52 to the ninth light-emitting section 59.
[0041] (Description of light-emitting parts 51-59 and outer lens 10) At least one side formed on the light-emitting parts 51-59 forms the outer shape of the light-emitting range LS1 of the outer lens 10 and follows the edges 100, 100U, 100L, 100D, and 100R of the outer lens 10. That is, the upper sides 51U-59U of the light-emitting parts 51-59 are the upper sides of the light-emitting range LS1 of the outer lens 10 and follow the edge 100U of the upper side of the outer lens 10. The left sides 51L-59L of the light-emitting parts 51-59 are the left sides of the light-emitting range LS1 of the outer lens 10 and follow the edge 100L of the left side of the outer lens 10. The lower sides 51D-59D of the light-emitting parts 51-59 are the lower sides of the light-emitting range LS1 of the outer lens 10 and follow the edge 100D of the lower side of the outer lens 10. The right-hand sides 51R to 59R of the light-emitting sections 51 to 59 are the right-hand sides of the light-emitting range LS1 of the outer lens 10, and are aligned with the ridge line 100R of the right-hand side of the outer lens 10.
[0042] Furthermore, in Figure 9, a logo mark or other symbols, characters, or shapes may be formed by openings in the wide space between the lower edge of the first light-emitting range LS11 and the lower edges 52D to 59D of the light-emitting sections 52 to 59.
[0043] (Explanation of the relative relationship between the arrangement of the first openings 40, 40B, and 40S and the required area of the light-emitting sections 52-59) The following explanation will describe the relative relationship between the arrangement of the first openings 40, 40B, and 40S and the required area of the light-emitting sections 52-59, with reference to Figures 10(A), (B), and (C). Specifically, it will explain how many times larger the area of the light-emitting sections 52-59, which have multiple minute first openings 40, 40B, and 40S, needs to be compared to the area of a light-emitting section that is fully open. Note that in a light-emitting section that is fully open, a luminous intensity of 4 cd (candela) or more can be obtained for light directed towards the centerline in front of the vehicle.
[0044] The first opening 40 shown in Figure 10(A) is a circular dot shape with a minimum diameter dA of 0.2 mm. Multiple first openings 40 are arranged at equal intervals with a minimum distance TA of 0.2 mm between them in the vertical and horizontal directions. Here, connecting the centers O of four first openings 40 (two vertically and two horizontally) forms a square. The total area of the four quarter-circular first openings 40 included in this square is approximately 19.6% of the area of the square. As a result, the area of the light-emitting sections 52-59 provided with the first openings 40 shown in Figure 10(A) is approximately 5.1 times larger than the area of the light-emitting section that is fully open.
[0045] The first aperture 40 shown in Figure 10(B) is a circular dot shape with a minimum diameter dB of 0.2 mm. The multiple first apertures 40 are arranged such that the triangle formed by connecting the centers O of the three closest first apertures 40 is an equilateral triangle, and the minimum distance TB between the three closest first apertures 40 is 0.2 mm. Here, the equilateral triangle is formed by connecting the centers O of the three closest first apertures 40. The total area of the three 1 / 6 circular first apertures 40 included in this equilateral triangle is approximately 22.6% of the area of the equilateral triangle. As a result, the area of the light-emitting sections 52-59 provided with the first apertures 40 shown in Figure 10(B) is approximately 4.4 times larger than the area of the light-emitting section where the entire opening is present. Thus, the required luminous intensity can be obtained with a smaller area of light-emitting sections 52-59 provided with the first apertures 40 shown in Figure 10(B) than with the area of light-emitting sections 52-59 provided with the first apertures 40 shown in Figure 10(A).
[0046] The first opening shown in Figure 10(C) has a circular dot shape and includes a small-diameter opening 40S with a diameter dC2 of 0.2 mm and a large-diameter opening 40B with a diameter dC1 of 0.77 mm. The large-diameter openings 40B are arranged at four locations around the small-diameter opening 40S, with the small-diameter opening 40S as the center. The minimum distance TC between the small-diameter opening 40S and the large-diameter openings 40B is 0.2 mm. Here, the centers O of the four large-diameter openings 40B arranged around the small-diameter opening 40S are connected to form a square. The sum of the total area of the four quarter-circular large-diameter openings 40B included in this square and the area of the small-diameter opening 40S is approximately 52.8% of the area of the square. As a result, the area of the light-emitting section provided with the small-diameter opening 40S and the large-diameter opening 40B shown in Figure 10(C) is approximately 1.9 times larger than the area of the light-emitting section that is fully open. This means that the required luminous intensity can be obtained with a smaller area of the light-emitting section provided with the small-diameter opening 40S and the large-diameter opening 40B shown in Figure 10(C) than the area of the light-emitting sections 52-59 provided with the first opening 40 shown in Figure 10(A), and also smaller than the area of the light-emitting sections 52-59 provided with the first opening 40 shown in Figure 10(B).
[0047] The first opening shown in Figure 10(C) is an example in which one small-diameter opening 40S and four large-diameter openings 40B are arranged. However, it is also possible that the large-diameter openings 40B are arranged in an equilateral triangle around the small-diameter opening 40S, as shown in Figure 10(B).
[0048] (Description of the operation and effects of the embodiment) Vehicle lighting fixtures 1L and 1R have the configuration described above, and their operation and effects will be explained below.
[0049] When the lights are not illuminated, as shown in Figure 8, when ambient light L3, such as natural light, strikes the outer lens 10 of the vehicle lights 1L and 1R, it is reflected as reflected light L4 by the colored film 30 of the outer lens 10. This reflected light L4 has the color of the colored film 30. Here, the color of the colored film 30 is the same color as or nearly the same color as the exterior paint of the vehicle VE. Therefore, as shown in Figures 1 and 3, the outer lens 10 of the vehicle lights 1L and 1R appears to be the same color as or nearly the same color as the exterior paint of the vehicle VE, so the vehicle lights 1L and 1R are camouflaged. In other words, the front part 101 of the vehicle VE is visible as being on the same plane as the vehicle VE, and the presence of the vehicle lights 1L and 1R is diminished. Furthermore, the openings 4 in the colored film 30 and the light-shielding film 31 are minute, and in this example, they are created by laser ablation or the like. Therefore, the openings 4 are not very noticeable when the lights are off. Furthermore, the aperture ratio of the openings 4 of each light-emitting section 52-59 is set to decrease from large to small in a predetermined direction, in this example, from the inside I in the vehicle width direction to the outside O in the vehicle width direction. Therefore, even if the openings 4 are visible when not illuminated, the gradient from the inside I to the outside in the vehicle width direction results in less visual incongruity and a design in which the openings 4 are less conspicuous.
[0050] When the light is on, as shown in Figures 6 to 8, a portion of the light L1 from the light irradiating unit 2 passes through the opening 4 of the outer lens 10, passes through the outer lens 10, and is emitted from the outer lens 10 as emitted light L2. Then, within the light emission range LS1 of the outer lens 10, light-emitting parts of any pattern (the parts with grid hatching in Figures 2 and 4) emit light. For example, as shown in Figure 9, within the first light emission range LS11 of the light emission range LS1 of the outer lens 10, nine parallelogram-shaped light-emitting parts 51 to 59 emit light. Here, since the light L1 irradiated from the light irradiating unit 2 is white light or amber light, the light-emitting parts 51 to 59 emit white or amber light.
[0051] Thus, the vehicle lighting fixtures 1L and 1R have different appearances when they are not illuminated and when they are illuminated.
[0052] Furthermore, when the vehicle lights 1L and 1R are illuminated, the light-emitting parts 51 to 59 of the outer lens 10 emit light in any pattern within a predetermined range LS1, so the design of the light-emitting parts 51 to 59 of the outer lens 10 has been taken into consideration.
[0053] Furthermore, since the total opening area of the multiple openings 4 of the vehicle lamps 1L and 1R is such that the area obtained in the front direction from which the light L2 from the light-emitting parts 51 to 59 is irradiated is at least a predetermined luminous intensity, a luminous intensity that satisfies the function of a clearance lamp can be obtained.
[0054] (Explanation of modified light-emitting section) Figure 11 is a partially enlarged front view showing a modified example of the light-emitting section. Of the nine parallelogram-shaped light-emitting sections 51 to 59 shown in Figure 9, eight light-emitting sections 52 to 59 consist of circular dot-shaped openings 40. In contrast, of the four parallelogram-shaped light-emitting sections 61 to 64 shown in Figure 11, the second light-emitting section 62, the third light-emitting section 63, and the fourth light-emitting section 64 consist of line-shaped openings 400.
[0055] Specifically, the second light-emitting section 62 and the third light-emitting section 63 each have six openings 400 arranged in a parallelogram shape. The fourth light-emitting section 64 has seven openings 400 arranged in a parallelogram shape.
[0056] The minimum width of the lines of opening 400 is approximately 0.2 mm in this example. The minimum distance between openings 400 is approximately 0.2 mm.
[0057] The total aperture area of the multiple openings 400 is such that, in the forward direction from which light L2 from the four light-emitting parts 61 to 64 is emitted, the area is such that a predetermined luminous intensity is obtained, and that the luminous intensity is equal to or greater than the luminous intensity necessary to satisfy the function of the vehicle lamp. In the case of the clearance lamp in this example, the luminous intensity of the light L2 directed toward the center line in front of the vehicle VE is 4 cd (candela) or more.
[0058] Of the four light-emitting units 61 to 64, three light-emitting units 62 to 64 are arranged such that the ratio of the opening area of the opening 400 per unit area in each light-emitting unit 62 to 64 decreases from large to small from the left side (inward in the vehicle width direction I) to the right side (outward in the vehicle width direction O). In this example, the opening ratio of the opening 400 of the second light-emitting unit 62 is large, the opening ratio of the opening 400 of the third light-emitting unit 63 is medium, and the opening ratio of the opening 400 of the fourth light-emitting unit 64 is small.
[0059] Each of the six or seven openings 400 is formed in the shape of a parallelogram, and the overall arrangement is also in the shape of a parallelogram. That is, the line segments connecting the upper edges of the six or seven openings 400 form the upper edges 62U to 64U of the second light-emitting section 62 to the fourth light-emitting section 64. The left edges of the six or seven openings 400 form the left edges 62L to 64L of the second light-emitting section 62 to the fourth light-emitting section 64. The line segments connecting the lower edges of the six or seven openings 400 form the lower edges 62D to 64D of the second light-emitting section 62 to the fourth light-emitting section 64. The right edges of the six or seven openings 400 form the right edges 62R to 64R of the second light-emitting section 62 to the fourth light-emitting section 64.
[0060] Furthermore, the four sides 61D-64D, 61L-64L, 61R-64R, and 61U-64U formed by the light-emitting parts 61-64 are aligned with the ridges 100, 100U, 100L, 100D, and 100R of the outer lens 10.
[0061] (Description of modified examples of openings 403, 404, and 405) Figure 12 is a partially enlarged front view showing modified examples of openings 403, 404, and 405. The opening 4 shown in Figure 9 consists of a line-shaped second opening 400 of one first light-emitting part 51 and a circular dot-shaped first opening 40 of eight second light-emitting parts 52 to ninth light-emitting parts 59. The opening 4 shown in Figure 11 consists of a line-shaped second opening 400 of four light-emitting parts 61 to 64.
[0062] In contrast, the opening 4 shown in Figure 12 consists of a line-shaped second opening 400 of one first light-emitting part 71, a diamond-shaped dot-shaped third opening 403 of one second light-emitting part 72, a triangular dot-shaped fourth opening 404 of one third light-emitting part 73, and a dot-shaped fifth opening 405 of one fourth light-emitting part 74 with three lines radiating outwards at equal angles. Thus, the dots may be of shapes other than circular.
[0063] The openings 4, 400, 403, 404, and 405 shown in Figure 12 are arranged in multiple locations within the light-emitting sections 71-74, similar to the openings 4, 40, and 400 shown in Figure 9 and the openings 4 and 400 shown in Figure 11. The light-emitting sections 71-74 are formed into a parallelogram shape by the openings 4, 400, 403, 404, and 405. The openings 4, 400, 403, 404, and 405 are aligned along the four sides 71U-74U, 71L-74L, 71D-74D, and 71R-74R of the light-emitting sections 71-74.
[0064] Furthermore, the four sides 71D-74D, 71L-4L, 71R-74R, and 71U-74U of the light-emitting sections 71-74 follow the ridges 100, 100U, 100L, 100D, and 100R of the outer lens 10.
[0065] (Explanation of examples other than the embodiment) This invention is not limited to the embodiments described above.
[0066] In this embodiment, the vehicle lighting fixtures 1L and 1R are described as being used as clearance lamps mounted on the front of the vehicle VE. However, in this invention, they may also be used as decorative lamps or accessory lamps mounted at any position on the vehicle VE, for example, on the sides or rear of the vehicle VE, or as tail lamps, stop lamps, or turn signal lamps. They may also be used as daytime running lamps mounted on the front of the vehicle VE.
[0067] In this embodiment, the vehicle lighting fixtures 1L and 1R are described as being used as horizontally elongated clearance lamps. However, in this invention, they may also be used as vertically elongated lamps or diagonally elongated lamps, in addition to horizontally elongated lamps.
[0068] In this embodiment, the vehicle lighting fixtures 1L and 1R are described as examples in which a colored film 30 and a light-shielding film 31 are provided on the inner surface of the outer lens 10. However, in this invention, the colored film 30 and light-shielding film 31 may also be provided on the outer surface of the outer lens 10. Furthermore, in this invention, the colored film 30 and light-shielding film 31 may also be provided on the inner or outer surface of the inner lens 12 of the light-emitting part 2. The colored film 30 and light-shielding film 31 are provided with openings 4.
[0069] In this embodiment, the vehicle lighting fixtures 1L and 1R describe an example in which a light guide 14 is used as the light emitting section 2. However, in this invention, instead of the light guide 14, an optical system may be used in which a light-emitting element such as an LED is placed in the upper or lower part of the second lighting chamber 16 via a substrate, and the light L1 from the light-emitting element is reflected towards the inner lens 12 side by the reflective surface of the inner housing 13.
[0070] [Note] The contents described in some of the embodiments above can be understood, for example, as follows:
[0071] (1) Lens 10 and, A light irradiation unit 2 that irradiates light L1 onto a predetermined range LS1 of the lens 10, The colored film 30 and the light-shielding film 31 provided in the predetermined range LS1, Equipped with, The colored film 30 and the light-shielding film 31 are provided with a plurality of openings 4. The multiple openings 4 and the lens 10 allow light L1 from the light irradiation unit 2 to pass through the multiple openings 4 to form light-emitting units 51-59 of any pattern. The total opening area of the multiple openings 4 is such that, in the frontal direction from which the light L2 from the light-emitting units 51 to 59 is irradiated, an area is obtained that provides at least a predetermined luminous intensity, and is equal to or greater than the luminous intensity necessary to satisfy the function of the vehicle lamp. It is characterized by the following:
[0072] As a result, when the vehicle lights 1L and 1R of this invention are not illuminated, the front surface 101 of the front of the vehicle VE is visible, and the color of the colored film 30 is the same as or nearly the same as the exterior paint of the vehicle VE, so it appears as if there is nothing on the front surface 101 of the front of the vehicle VE. Furthermore, when illuminated, a portion of the light L1 from the light emitting part 2 passes through the opening 4 of the lens 10 and is transmitted through the lens 10 as emitted light L2, so that within the light emission range LS1 of the lens 10, light emission parts 51 to 59 of any pattern, for example, a parallelogram shape, emit light in white or amber.
[0073] Thus, the vehicle lighting fixtures 1L and 1R have different appearances when they are not illuminated and when they are illuminated.
[0074] Furthermore, when the vehicle lights 1L and 1R are illuminated, the light-emitting parts 51 to 59 of the outer lens 10 emit light in any pattern within the light-emitting range LS1, so the design of the light-emitting parts 51 to 59 of the outer lens 10 has been taken into consideration.
[0075] Furthermore, the vehicle lamps 1L and 1R have an area where the total opening area of the multiple openings 4, in the front direction from which the light L2 from the light-emitting parts 51 to 59 is irradiated, is at least a predetermined luminous intensity and is greater than or equal to the luminous intensity necessary to satisfy the function of the vehicle lamp. Therefore, a luminous intensity that satisfies the function of a signal lamp, for example, a clearance lamp, can be obtained.
[0076] (2) The light-emitting units 51 to 59 are located in multiple locations within the predetermined range LS1. The multiple light-emitting units are arranged such that the ratio of the opening area per unit area of the opening in each light-emitting unit decreases from large to small in a predetermined direction. It is characterized by the following:
[0077] As a result, when the predetermined direction is, for example, the direction from the center of the vehicle VE outwards to the sides, the vehicle lights 1L and 1R of this invention can express a gradient by changing the intensity of the light emitted from the center of the vehicle VE outwards to the sides in the multiple light-emitting parts 51 to 59 in the predetermined direction, for example, from a part that emits light strongly outwards to the sides of the vehicle VE outwards to the part that emits light weakly. The predetermined direction can be arbitrarily selected as the up and down direction, the diagonal direction, or the left and right direction. Moreover, since it is possible to express gradients in the predetermined direction, such as the direction from the center of the vehicle VE outwards to the sides, the up and down direction, the diagonal direction, and the left and right direction, the vehicle lights 1L and 1R of this invention can be attached to any part of the vehicle VE, for example, the rear, side, top, or front of the vehicle VE.
[0078] (3) The light-emitting units 51 to 59 are located in multiple locations within the predetermined range LS1. The multiple light-emitting units 51 to 59 are arranged such that the ratio of the opening area per unit area of each light-emitting unit 51 to 59 decreases from large towards the inside I in the vehicle width direction to small towards the outside O in the vehicle width direction. It is characterized by the following:
[0079] As a result, the vehicle lights 1L and 1R of this invention can express a gradient from the inner side I in the vehicle width direction to the outer side O in the vehicle width direction of the multiple light-emitting parts 51 to 59, as the intensity of the light L2 of the multiple light-emitting parts 51 to 59 changes from the inner side I in the vehicle width direction to the outer side O in the vehicle width direction. Moreover, because it can express a gradient from the inner side I in the vehicle width direction to the outer side O in the vehicle width direction, the vehicle lights 1L and 1R are suitable for vehicle lights attached to the front part 101, for example, on the front section 101 of the vehicle VE. They are also suitable for vehicle lights attached to the rear part of the vehicle VE.
[0080] (4) The lens 10 has edges 100, 100U, 100L, 100D, and 100R. The multiple openings 4 are provided along the ridges 100, 100U, 100L, 100D, and 100R. It is characterized by the following:
[0081] As a result, in the vehicle lamps 1L and 1R of this invention, the multiple openings 4 are arranged within the light-emitting sections 51 to 59. The four sides 51U to 59U, 51L to 59L, 51D to 59D, and 51R to 59R of the light-emitting sections 51 to 59 are aligned with the edges 100, 100U, 100L, 100D, and 100R of the lens 10. Thus, in the vehicle lamps 1L and 1R of this invention, the four sides 51U to 59U, 51L to 59L, 51D to 59D, and 51R to 59R of the light-emitting sections 51 to 59 are more prominent than the edges 100, 100U, 100L, 100D, and 100R of the lens 10, improving the light-emitting design.
[0082] (5) The multiple openings 40 are arranged at regular intervals. It is characterized by the following:
[0083] As a result, with the vehicle lighting fixtures 1L and 1R of this invention, the area of the light-emitting sections 52-59 with the openings 40 arranged as described above is approximately 5.1 times larger than the area of the light-emitting section that is fully open. Therefore, the vehicle lighting fixtures 1L and 1R of this invention are suitable as vehicle lighting fixtures that can be installed over a wide area of the vehicle's VE.
[0084] (6) The multiple openings 40 are arranged such that the triangle formed by connecting the centers O of three adjacent openings 40 is an equilateral triangle. It is characterized by the following:
[0085] As a result, with the vehicle lighting fixtures 1L and 1R of this invention, the area of the light-emitting sections 52 to 59 with the openings 40 arranged as described above is approximately 4.4 times larger than the area of the light-emitting section that is fully open. This makes the vehicle lighting fixtures 1L and 1R of this invention suitable as vehicle lighting fixtures that can be installed over a wide area of the vehicle's VE. Moreover, the vehicle lighting fixtures 1L and 1R of this invention can reduce the area of the light-emitting sections 52 to 59 compared to the vehicle lighting fixtures 1L and 1R described in (5) above.
[0086] (7) The openings 40B and 40S are circular dot-shaped, and have a small diameter opening 40S and a large diameter opening 20B. The large-diameter openings 40B are arranged at least three locations around the small-diameter opening 40S, with the small-diameter opening 40S as the center. It is characterized by the following:
[0087] As a result, with the vehicle lighting fixtures 1L and 1R of this invention, the area of the light-emitting sections 52 to 59 with the openings 40B and 40S arranged as described above is approximately 1.9 times larger than the area of the light-emitting section that is fully open. This makes the vehicle lighting fixtures 1L and 1R of this invention suitable as vehicle lighting fixtures that can be installed over a wide area of the vehicle VE. Moreover, the vehicle lighting fixtures 1L and 1R of this invention can reduce the area of the light-emitting sections 52 to 59 compared to the vehicle lighting fixtures 1L and 1R described in (5) and (6) above.
[0088] (8) The aforementioned opening 400 has a line shape, It is characterized by the following:
[0089] As a result, the vehicle lighting fixtures 1L and 1R of this invention can improve the freedom of light emission design through the linear opening 400. [Explanation of Symbols]
[0090] 1L Left side vehicle light, vehicle light 1R Right-side vehicle light, vehicle light 10 Outer Lenses 11 Outer Housing 12 Inner Lenses 13 Inner Housing 14 Light Guide 15 1st light room 16 Second light room 100 Ridge 100D, 120D Lower edge ridge 100L, 120L, the ridge on the left side 100R, 120R Right-hand ridge 100U, 120U Upper edge ridge 2. Light-irradiating section 30 Colored film 31 Light-shielding film 4 openings 40, 40B, 40S 1st opening 400 Second opening 403 Third opening 404 Fourth opening 405 Fifth opening 51, 61, 71 First light-emitting section 52, 62, 72 Second light-emitting section 53, 63, 73 Third light-emitting section 54, 64, 74 Fourth light-emitting section 55 Fifth light-emitting section 56. Sixth light-emitting section 57. Seventh light-emitting section 58. Eighth light-emitting section 59. 9th light-emitting section 51D~59D, 61D~64D, 71D~74D Lower edge 51L~59L, 61L~64L, 71L~74L (Left side) 51R~59R, 61R~64R, 71R~74R Right side 51U~59U, 61U~64U, 71U~74U Top edge 101 Front part 102 Food section 103 Bumper section 104L, 104R headlights After B dA, dB, dC2 Minimum diameter dC1 diameter D bottom Before F I. Inward in the vehicle width direction L left L1 light L2 output light L3 ambient light L4 reflected light LS1 Light emission range, predetermined range LS11 First emission range LS12 Second emission range LS13 Third emission range LS14 4th emission range Outer side in the vehicle width direction R right TA, TB, TC minimum distance U Up VE Vehicle
Claims
1. Lens and, A light irradiation unit that irradiates light onto a predetermined range of the lens, The colored film and light-shielding film provided within the predetermined range, Equipped with, The colored film and the light-shielding film are provided with a plurality of openings. The plurality of apertures and the lens allow light from the light irradiating unit to pass through the plurality of apertures to form a light-emitting unit of any pattern. The total opening area of the multiple openings is such that, in the frontal direction from which light is emitted from the light-emitting part, an area is obtained that provides at least a predetermined luminous intensity, and is equal to or greater than the luminous intensity necessary to satisfy the function of the vehicle lamp. A vehicle lighting device characterized by the following features.
2. The light-emitting part comprises a plurality of units within the predetermined range. The multiple light-emitting units are arranged such that the ratio of the opening area per unit area of the opening in each light-emitting unit decreases from large to small in a predetermined direction. The vehicle lighting device according to feature 1.
3. The light-emitting part comprises a plurality of units within the predetermined range. The multiple light-emitting units are arranged such that the ratio of the opening area per unit area of each light-emitting unit is larger from the inside in the vehicle width direction to the outside in the vehicle width direction. The vehicle lighting device according to feature 1.
4. The aforementioned lens has a ridge, Multiple of the aforementioned openings are provided along the ridge line, The vehicle lighting device according to feature 1.
5. The multiple openings are arranged at regular intervals. The vehicle lighting device according to feature 1.
6. The multiple openings are arranged such that the triangle formed by connecting the centers of three adjacent openings is an equilateral triangle. The vehicle lighting device according to feature 1.
7. The aforementioned opening has a circular dot shape and includes a small-diameter opening and a large-diameter opening. The large-diameter openings are arranged at least three locations around the small-diameter opening, with the small-diameter opening as the center. The vehicle lighting device according to feature 1.
8. The aforementioned opening has a linear shape. The vehicle lighting device according to feature 1.