Vehicle lighting

Abstract

To provide a vehicle lighting fixture that can achieve the specified light distribution characteristics without increasing its size. [Solution] The system comprises a substrate on which first to fourth light sources are mounted in a row, and a lens 40 having a facing surface 41a that faces the first to fourth light sources. The facing surface 41a has first to fourth Fresnel lens sections 61 to 64 that face each of the first to fourth light sources, and a linear lens section 70 that extends across the first to fourth Fresnel lens sections 61 to 64. The linear lens section 70 is arranged on both sides of a reference line BL that passes through the center of the first to fourth Fresnel lens sections 61 to 64. Low-luminance sections can be provided between the first and second Fresnel lens sections 61, 62, between the second and third Fresnel lens sections 62, 63, and between the third and fourth Fresnel lens sections 63, 64, and a light distribution characteristic that is spread horizontally and flattened vertically can be obtained without increasing the size of the lens 40.

Description

Technical Field

[0006] , , ,

[0001] The present invention relates to vehicle lamps.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a direction indicator having an elongated shape with the vehicle width direction as the longitudinal direction. The direction indicator described in Patent Document 1 includes a base portion, a pair of first and second light sources, and a lens covering these first and second light sources. The pair of first and second light sources are sequentially controlled to light up by a control unit.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, in automobile regulations such as the United Nations Agreement Regulations (UN regulations), the light distribution requirements of direction indicators are defined. Specifically, in a direction indicator, it is defined that the light distribution has a spread in the horizontal direction (the light distribution is flat in the vertical direction). However, when simply changing the light distribution surface of the direction indicator to obtain the specified light distribution characteristics with a spread in the horizontal direction, an increase in the size of the direction indicator in the horizontal direction is inevitable. Therefore, there are problems such as a decrease in the designability of the direction indicator.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle lamp that can obtain specified light distribution characteristics without increasing the size.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to realize a vehicle lighting fixture that can obtain specified light distribution characteristics without increasing its size. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a view of the turn signal lamp from the front of the lens. [Figure 2] This is a view from arrow A in Figure 1. [Figure 3] This is a cross-sectional view along line BB in Figure 1. [Figure 4] This is a perspective view of the lens from the opposite side. [Figure 5] This is a plan view of the lens as seen from the opposite side. [Figure 6] This is a cross-sectional view along the CC line in Figure 5. [Figure 7] This is an enlarged view of the dashed circle D in Figure 6. [Figure 8] This is a cross-sectional view along the EE line in Figure 5. [Figure 9] Figure 8 is an enlarged view of the dashed circle F. [Figure 10] This is image data showing the light emission state of the lens. [Figure 11] This figure shows the light distribution state of the [embodiment]. [Figure 12] This figure shows the light distribution state of the [comparative example]. [Figure 13] This diagram shows the light distribution characteristics defined by the UN Convention and Regulations.

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0010] FIG. 1 shows a view of the wink lamp as seen from the front of the lens, FIG. 2 shows a view as seen in the direction of arrow A in FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B in FIG. 1.

[0011] <Outline of Wink Lamp> The wink lamps 10 shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 are respectively mounted on the left and right sides in front of and behind the motorcycle. Specifically, the wink lamp 10 is fixed to the cowl stays provided on the front, rear, left, and right of the motorcycle via a support member SM. Note that the wink lamp 10 corresponds to a vehicle lamp in the present invention.

[0012] <Housing> As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the wink lamp 10 includes a hollow housing 20 that forms its outer contour. The housing 20 extends longitudinally in the vehicle width direction (left-right direction in the figure) of the motorcycle and is formed in a substantially rod shape. The housing 20 has a housing body 30 made of a plastic material such as opaque black and a lens 40 made of a transparent and hard plastic material.

[0013] <Housing Body> The housing body 30 is open on the side where the lens 40 is disposed (the upper side in FIGS. 2 and 3) and is formed in a substantially box shape. The housing body 30 includes a housing bottom wall 31 facing the lens 40, and a housing side wall 32 protruding from the housing bottom wall 31 toward the lens 40 is integrally provided at the periphery of the housing bottom wall 31. An opening 33 is provided on the side of the housing side wall 32 where the lens 40 is disposed, and the opening 33 is sealed by the lens 40.

[0014] As shown in FIG. 3, on the housing bottom wall 31, a plurality of substrate support columns 31a, a single screw fixing column 31b, and a single wiring holding column 31c are integrally provided. The plurality of substrate support columns 31a support the substrate 50 so as not to rattle. A fixing screw SC for fixing the substrate 50 to the housing main body 30 is screwed into the single screw fixing column 31b. The single wiring holding column 31c holds a wiring LN that supplies a driving current to the substrate 50.

[0015] Also, on the housing side wall 32, a fixing cylinder portion 32a to which a support member SM fixed to the cowl stay is fixed, and a wiring insertion hole 32b disposed in the vicinity of the fixing cylinder portion 32a through which the wiring LN is inserted via a grommet GM are provided. Note that these fixing cylinder portion 32a and wiring insertion hole 32b are respectively disposed on the inner side in the vehicle width direction (right side in the figure) of the housing main body 30.

[0016] <Substrate> As shown in FIG. 3, the substrate 50 housed inside the housing 20 is formed of a substantially rectangular flat plate and employs a PCB (Printed Circuit Board) with conductor wiring printed on its surface. A mounting surface 51 is provided on the side of the substrate 50 where the lens 40 is disposed (upper side in FIG. 3). A plurality (a total of four) of first to fourth light sources D1 to D4 are mounted on the mounting surface 51, and these first to fourth light sources D1 to D4 are arranged in a row at equal intervals in the longitudinal direction of the substrate 50, that is, in the vehicle width direction. Note that the first to fourth light sources D1 to D4 are LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) and are electrically connected to the printed wiring (not shown) of the mounting surface 51.

[0017] Furthermore, one longitudinal end of the wiring LN is electrically connected to the printed circuit board on the mounting surface 51. Conversely, the other longitudinal end of the wiring LN is electrically connected to the in-vehicle controller CU. As a result, the first to fourth light sources D1 to D4 mounted on the mounting surface 51 of the circuit board 50 are illuminated by the supply of drive current from the in-vehicle controller CU. The in-vehicle controller CU is capable of various controls, such as simultaneously blinking the first to fourth light sources D1 to D4 at regular intervals, or sequentially lighting the fourth to first light sources D4 to D1 in that order.

[0018] Furthermore, a single screw insertion hole 52 is provided in the longitudinal center of the substrate 50. A fixing screw SC, which is screwed to the screw fixing column 31b, is inserted through the screw insertion hole 52. In addition, a through hole 53, which has a smaller diameter than the screw insertion hole 52, is provided near the screw insertion hole 52 in the longitudinal direction of the substrate 50. One longitudinal end of the wiring LN is electrically connected to the through hole 53 by soldering or other means.

[0019] <Lens> Figure 4 shows a perspective view of the lens from the opposite side, Figure 5 shows a plan view of the lens from the opposite side, Figure 6 shows a cross-sectional view along line CC in Figure 5, Figure 7 shows an enlarged view of the dashed circle D in Figure 6, Figure 8 shows a cross-sectional view along line EE in Figure 5, and Figure 9 shows an enlarged view of the dashed circle F in Figure 8.

[0020] As shown in Figures 3 to 5 and Figure 8, the lens 40 is formed in a substantially rectangular flat shape and faces the first to fourth light sources D1 to D4 mounted on the substrate 50. Specifically, the lens 40 is positioned on the light-emitting side (upper side in Figure 3) of the first to fourth light sources D1 to D4. As a result, light from the first to fourth light sources D1 to D4 passes through the lens 40, and the light emission state of the first to fourth light sources D1 to D4 can be recognized from outside the lens 40. The lens 40 corresponds to the lens member in this invention.

[0021] The lens 40 comprises a flat lens body 41. Furthermore, on the housing body 30 side of the lens body 41 (the lower side in Figure 3), there is an opposing surface 41a that faces the first to fourth light sources D1 to D4 in the light projection direction of the first to fourth light sources D1 to D4.

[0022] Furthermore, a lens side wall 42 is integrally provided on the periphery of the lens body 41, protruding from the lens body 41 toward the housing body 30. The tip end of the lens side wall 42 (lower side in Figure 3) is welded to the tip end of the housing side wall 32 (upper side in Figure 3) using an infrared welding machine or the like. As a result, the opening 33 is sealed by the lens 40, preventing rainwater, dust, and other contaminants from entering the inside of the housing 20.

[0023] Furthermore, the fixing of the lens 40 to the housing body 30 is not limited to welding by an infrared welding machine; other fixing methods such as fixing with adhesive or ultrasonic welding may also be used. In other words, as long as the opening 33 can be sealed by the lens 40, these fixing methods are not limited.

[0024] <Fresnel lens section> As shown in Figures 4 and 5, multiple (a total of four) first to fourth Fresnel lens sections 61 to 64 are provided on the opposing surface 41a of the lens body 41, aligned in the longitudinal direction of the lens body 41. Specifically, as shown in Figure 8, the first Fresnel lens section 61 is positioned opposite the front of the first light source D1, the second Fresnel lens section 62 is positioned opposite the front of the second light source D2, the third Fresnel lens section 63 is positioned opposite the front of the third light source D3, and the fourth Fresnel lens section 64 is positioned opposite the front of the fourth light source D4. As a result, the first to fourth Fresnel lens sections 61 to 64 can each emit light at high brightness when powered by the first to fourth light sources D1 to D4.

[0025] In this way, by providing the first to fourth Fresnel lens sections 61 to 64, which are thinner than convex lenses, rather than providing multiple thick convex lenses in the lens body 41, it is possible to deliver strong light over long distances while suppressing an increase in the weight of the lens body 41, thereby improving visibility.

[0026] The first to fourth Fresnel lens sections 61 to 64 each have a lens central section 65 facing the first to fourth light sources D1 to D4. Furthermore, the first to fourth Fresnel lens sections 61 to 64 each have multiple concentric annular and arc-shaped protrusions 66 of different diameters centered around their respective lens central section 65. Additionally, the first to fourth Fresnel lens sections 61 to 64 each have multiple concentric annular and arc-shaped recesses 67 of different diameters centered around their respective lens central section 65. These protrusions 66 and recesses 67 are arranged alternately in the radial direction of the first to fourth Fresnel lens sections 61 to 64.

[0027] <Straight lens section> Furthermore, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, a pair of linear lens portions 70 extending in the longitudinal direction of the lens body 41 are provided on the opposing surface 41a of the lens body 41. Specifically, the pair of linear lens portions 70 are provided in the area enclosed by the dashed line in Figure 5 and are arranged to overlap the outer periphery of the first to fourth Fresnel lens portions 61 to 64. Here, the linear lens portions 70 are provided parallel to the reference line BL (see Figure 5) passing through the centers of each of the first to fourth Fresnel lens portions 61 to 64, and are arranged on both sides (upper and lower sides in the figure) of the reference line BL. In other words, the pair of linear lens portions 70 are arranged to be mirror images of each other with respect to the reference line BL.

[0028] Furthermore, the linear lens portion 70 is provided extending from the outermost first Fresnel lens portion 61 to the outermost fourth Fresnel lens portion 64 in the direction of alignment of the first to fourth Fresnel lens portions 61 to 64 (the longitudinal direction of the lens body 41). Moreover, the linear lens portion 70 is positioned closer to the center portion of the first to fourth Fresnel lens portions 61 to 64 than to the outermost portion of the first to fourth Fresnel lens portions 61 to 64; in other words, the linear lens portion 70 is provided so as to penetrate closer to the lens center portion 65 of the first to fourth Fresnel lens portions 61 to 64.

[0029] Here, the length L of the linear lens portion 70 along the longitudinal direction of the lens body 41 is approximately equal to the distance from the lens center 65 of the first Fresnel lens portion 61 to the lens center 65 of the fourth Fresnel lens portion 64. Also, the width W of the linear lens portion 70 along the short direction of the lens body 41 is approximately equal to the distance from the convex portion 66 located on the outermost periphery of the first to fourth Fresnel lens portions 61 to 64 to the third convex portion 66 located radially inward.

[0030] The linear lens portion 70 has a total of three linear protrusions 71 projecting from the opposing surface 41a of the lens body 41 toward the first to fourth light sources D1 to D4, and these linear protrusions 71 are parallel to each other. Therefore, the total of three linear protrusions 71 are also parallel to the reference line BL. Furthermore, in the short-side direction of the lens body 41, linear recesses 72 parallel to the linear protrusions 71 are provided between adjacent linear protrusions 71. In other words, the linear lens portion 70 has a total of two linear recesses 72.

[0031] In the short-side direction of the lens body 41 (up and down direction in Figure 5), both longitudinal sides of the outermost linear convex portion 71 are integrally connected to the convex portions 66 located on the outermost periphery of the first and fourth Fresnel lens portions 61 and 64. Also, in the short-side direction of the lens body 41, both longitudinal sides of the central linear convex portion 71 are integrally connected to the second convex portion 66 located radially inward from the convex portion 66 located on the outermost periphery of the first to fourth Fresnel lens portions 61 to 64. Furthermore, in the short-side direction of the lens body 41, both longitudinal sides of the innermost linear convex portion 71 are integrally connected to the third convex portion 66 located radially inward from the convex portion 66 located on the outermost periphery of the first to fourth Fresnel lens portions 61 to 64.

[0032] In other words, as shown in Figure 5, the six linear protrusions 71 arranged on both sides of the lens body 41 in the short direction and the six protrusions 66 arranged on both sides of the lens body 41 in the long direction are connected to each other to form a total of three oval-shaped protrusions, similar to a running track.

[0033] As described above, by arranging the linear lens portions 70 on both sides of the lens body 41 in the short direction, as shown in Figure 5, both sides of the second and third Fresnel lens portions 62 and 63 along the short direction of the lens body 41 are cut out by the width dimension W of the linear lens portion 70. Similarly, in the first and fourth Fresnel lens portions 61 and 64, both sides along the short direction of the lens body 41 and the portions closer to the second and third Fresnel lens portions 62 and 63 are also cut out.

[0034] <Regarding the illumination state of the lens> Next, the light emission state of the turn signal lamp 10 (lens 40) formed as described above will be explained in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0035] Figure 10 shows image data indicating the light emission state of the lens, Figure 11 shows a diagram indicating the light distribution state of [Embodiment], Figure 12 shows a diagram indicating the light distribution state of [Comparative Example], and Figure 13 shows a diagram indicating the light distribution characteristics defined by the UN Convention.

[0036] When the first to fourth light sources D1 to D4 (see Figure 8) mounted on the substrate 50 are illuminated, the light from the first to fourth light sources D1 to D4 passes through the lens 40 following the paths indicated by the dashed arrows OP1 to OP5 in Figures 7 and 9.

[0037] First, the light emission state of the lens body 41 in the short-side direction will be explained using Figure 7.

[0038] Firstly, light from the first to fourth light sources D1 to D4 enters the lens body 41 from the lens central portion 65 of the first to fourth Fresnel lens sections 61 to 64, as indicated by the dashed arrow OP1. After passing through the inside of the lens body 41, the light is emitted in the direction perpendicular to the lens body 41, as indicated by the dashed arrow OP1. Therefore, as shown in Figure 10, the brightness of the lens central portion 65 in the first to fourth Fresnel lens sections 61 to 64 increases.

[0039] Here, Figure 7 is an enlarged view of the dashed circle D in Figure 6, and in Figure 7 only the second light source D2 and the second Fresnel lens section 62 are shown. As shown in Figure 10, the light emission state of the first, third, and fourth Fresnel lens sections 61, 63, and 64 in the short-side direction of the lens body 41 is substantially the same as that of the second Fresnel lens section 62.

[0040] Secondly, as indicated by the dashed arrow OP2, light from the first to fourth light sources D1 to D4 is refracted and enters the interior of the lens body 41 through the convex portions 66 of the first to fourth Fresnel lens sections 61 to 64. Then, as indicated by the dashed arrow OP2, it passes through the interior of the lens body 41 and exits the lens 40 parallel to the dashed arrow OP1. Therefore, as shown in Figure 10, the brightness of the portion of the lens body 41 corresponding to the convex portion 66 in the short direction (arrow a) is approximately the same as that of the central portion 65 of the first to fourth Fresnel lens sections 61 to 64.

[0041] Thirdly, as indicated by the dashed arrow OP3, light from the first to fourth light sources D1 to D4 is refracted and enters the inside of the lens body 41 from the bottom of the recesses 67 of the first to fourth Fresnel lens sections 61 to 64. Then, as indicated by the dashed arrow OP3, it undergoes total internal reflection inside the lens body 41 and is emitted out of the lens 40 from the lens side wall 42. Therefore, as shown in Figure 10, the brightness of the portion of the lens body 41 corresponding to the recess 67 in the short direction (arrow b) is lower than the brightness of the portion corresponding to the convex portion 66 (arrow a).

[0042] Fourth, as indicated by the dashed arrow OP4, light from the first to fourth light sources D1 to D4 is refracted and enters the inside of the lens body 41 through the linear convex portion 71 of the linear lens portion 70. Then, as indicated by the dashed arrow OP4, it undergoes total internal reflection inside the linear convex portion 71, passes through the inside of the lens body 41, and exits the lens 40 parallel to the dashed arrow OP1. Therefore, as shown in Figure 10, the brightness of the portion of the lens body 41 corresponding to the linear convex portion 71 (arrow c) in the short-side direction is approximately the same as the brightness of the portion corresponding to the convex portion 66 (arrow a).

[0043] Furthermore, in the short-side direction of the lens body 41, due to the relationship between the positions of the first to fourth light sources D1 to D4 and the position of the linear recess 72, as shown in Figure 7, light from the first to fourth light sources D1 to D4 does not reach the bottom of the linear recess 72. Therefore, as shown in Figure 10, the brightness of the portion of the lens body 41 corresponding to the linear recess 72 (arrow d) in the short-side direction is approximately the same as the brightness of the portion corresponding to the recess 67 (arrow b).

[0044] Here, of the light from the first to fourth light sources D1 to D4 incident on the linear protrusion 71, the light incident from a direction perpendicular to the extending direction of the linear protrusion 71 follows the path shown by the dashed arrow OP4 in Figure 7 and is emitted outside the lens 40 parallel to the dashed arrow OP1. In contrast, light incident on the linear protrusion 71 at an angle inclined with respect to both the extending direction of the linear protrusion 71 and the direction perpendicular to that extending direction travels in the extending direction of the linear protrusion 71 while undergoing total internal reflection within the linear protrusion 71.

[0045] More specifically, as shown by the thick dashed arrow AR in Figure 5, light incident on the linear protrusion 71 at an angle inclined with respect to both the direction of extension of the linear protrusion 71 and the direction perpendicular to that direction undergoes repeated total internal reflection within the linear protrusion 71, and is bent many times before traveling in the direction of extension of the linear protrusion 71. Subsequently, the light incident on the linear protrusion 71 is emitted outwards from the lens 40 at a predetermined angle of inclination, partway along the linear protrusion 71. Therefore, as shown in Figure 10, when the lens 40 is viewed from the front, the light emitted outwards from the lens 40 at a predetermined angle of inclination (light traveling in the direction of extension of the linear protrusion 71) does not reach the eye.

[0046] Therefore, in the pair of linear lens sections 70, the brightness of the low-luminance areas LB (a total of 6 locations) enclosed by the dashed ellipses in Figure 10 becomes lower. Specifically, in Figure 10, the brightness of the pair of linear lens sections 70 becomes lower at two locations above and below between the first Fresnel lens section 61 and the second Fresnel lens section 62, two locations above and below between the second Fresnel lens section 62 and the third Fresnel lens section 63, and two locations above and below between the third Fresnel lens section 63 and the fourth Fresnel lens section 64.

[0047] Here, the light emission state in the longitudinal direction of the lens body 41 is similar for the same reasons as described above. That is, as shown in Figure 9, the light from the first to fourth light sources D1 to D4 that enters the interior of the lens body 41 from the lens central portion 65 and the convex portion 66 passes through the lens body 41 as shown by the dashed arrows OP1 and OP2, and is emitted to the outside. Therefore, as shown in Figure 10, the brightness of the parts of the first to fourth Fresnel lens portions 61 to 64 corresponding to the lens central portion 65 and the convex portion 66 is increased in the longitudinal direction of the lens body 41.

[0048] Here, Figure 9 is an enlarged view of the dashed circle F in Figure 8, and in Figure 9 only the first light source D1 and the first Fresnel lens section 61 are shown. As shown in Figure 10, the light emission state of the second to fourth Fresnel lens sections 62 to 64 in the longitudinal direction of the lens body 41 is substantially the same as that of the first Fresnel lens section 61.

[0049] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 9, the light from the first to fourth light sources D1 to D4 that enters the inside of the lens body 41 from the bottom of the recess 67 passes through the lens body 41 while undergoing total internal reflection as shown by the dashed arrow OP5, and is emitted from the lens body 41 toward the outside in the vehicle width direction (left side in the figure). Therefore, as shown in Figure 10, in the longitudinal direction of the lens body 41, the brightness of the portion of the first to fourth Fresnel lens portions 61 to 64 corresponding to the recess 67 is lower than the brightness of the portion corresponding to the convex portion 66.

[0050] Next, the light distribution of the turn signal lamp 10 in this embodiment was verified in accordance with the United Nations Convention Regulations (UN standards). The results are shown in Figure 11.

[0051] Furthermore, the UN Convention on Light Distribution stipulates "light distribution standards" as shown in Figure 13. Figure 13 shows the illumination range (angle: °) and luminous intensity distribution (candela: cd) when a wall (object to be illuminated) is placed a specified distance in front of the turn signal lamp (direction indicator) and the wall is illuminated. Specifically, when the brightest part in the center of Figure 13 is set as the standard value "100", the regulations stipulate that, for example, the luminous intensity should change from "90" to "35" in a 10° range in the horizontal direction (H), and from "70" to "20" in a 10° range in the vertical direction (V).

[0052] As shown in Figure 11, the turn signal lamp 10 of this embodiment has a light distribution pattern that is horizontally elongated and approximately elliptical in shape, spreading horizontally (H) and flattened vertically (V), and it was found that it satisfies the "light distribution standards" stipulated by the UN Agreement Regulations. This is because, as shown in Figure 10, by providing a pair of linear lens sections 70, the brightness is made lower than other parts at two locations above and below between the first Fresnel lens section 61 and the second Fresnel lens section 62, two locations above and below between the second Fresnel lens section 62 and the third Fresnel lens section 63, and two locations above and below between the third Fresnel lens section 63 and the fourth Fresnel lens section 64 (a total of 6 low-luminance sections LB).

[0053] To confirm the verification results, a comparative example was prepared in which the pair of linear lens sections 70 (see Figure 5) were omitted, that is, only the first to fourth Fresnel lens sections 61 to 64 were arranged in the longitudinal direction of the lens body 41, and its light distribution was examined. As shown in Figure 12, the turn signal lamp of the comparative example (not shown) had a light distribution that was roughly circular, spreading similarly in both the horizontal (H) and vertical (V) directions. In other words, it was found that the comparative example, in which the pair of linear lens sections 70 were omitted, did not meet the "light distribution standards" stipulated in the UN Agreement Regulations.

[0054] As described in detail above, according to this embodiment, the present invention comprises a substrate 50 on which first to fourth light sources D1 to D4 are mounted in a row, and a lens 40 having a facing surface 41a that faces the first to fourth light sources D1 to D4. The facing surface 41a has first to fourth Fresnel lens portions 61 to 64 that face each of the first to fourth light sources D1 to D4, and a linear lens portion 70 that extends over the first to fourth Fresnel lens portions 61 to 64. The linear lens portion 70 is arranged on both sides of a reference line BL that passes through the center of the first to fourth Fresnel lens portions 61 to 64.

[0055] As a result, in the longitudinal direction of the lens 40, low-luminance areas LB (a total of 6 locations) can be provided between the first Fresnel lens section 61 and the second Fresnel lens section 62, between the second Fresnel lens section 62 and the third Fresnel lens section 63, and between the third Fresnel lens section 63 and the fourth Fresnel lens section 64, where the luminance is lower than in other parts. Therefore, the direction of light emission can be controlled without increasing the size of the lens 40 in the longitudinal direction, and a light distribution characteristic of a horizontally elongated, approximately elliptical shape, which is spread horizontally (H) and flattened vertically (V), can be obtained. Thus, it becomes easy to comply with automobile regulations such as the United Nations Conventions (UN standards).

[0056] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the linear lens portion 70 includes linear protrusions 71 projecting from the opposing surface 41a toward the first to fourth light sources D1 to D4. The linear lens portion 70 also includes a total of three linear protrusions 71 arranged parallel to each other, and linear recesses 72 (a total of two) are provided between adjacent linear protrusions 71.

[0057] This allows for the formation of low-luminance areas LB (see Figure 10) between adjacent first to fourth Fresnel lens sections 61 to 64 in the longitudinal direction of the lens 40, simply by providing linear irregularities, without complicating the shape of the lens 40. Therefore, the shape of the mold (not shown) used to form the lens 40 can be simplified, which in turn extends the lifespan of the mold.

[0058] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the linear lens portion 70 is provided extending from the first Fresnel lens portion 61 on the far side to the fourth Fresnel lens portion 64 on the far side, in the direction in which the first to fourth Fresnel lens portions 61 to 64 are aligned.

[0059] This allows for the creation of many low-luminance areas LB in the longitudinal direction (vehicle width direction) of the lens 40. Therefore, it becomes possible to more reliably obtain a light distribution characteristic that is horizontally elongated and roughly elliptical in shape, with a wide spread in the horizontal direction (H) and a flattened vertical direction (V).

[0060] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, a turn signal lamp 10 that complies with the United Nations Conventions Regulations (UN standards), which are one of the world's automotive regulations, can be realized. Therefore, it can be adopted in a wide range of countries both domestically and internationally, and parts can be standardized. As a result, manufacturing energy can be saved, and in turn, it becomes possible to achieve Goal 7 (Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all) and Goal 13 (Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts) of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations.

[0061] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and it goes without saying that various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, the embodiments described above show a pair of linear lens portions 70 provided, and these linear lens portions 70 extending over the first to fourth Fresnel lens portions 61 to 64, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, depending on the specifications of the light source to be used (number, brightness, etc.), one of the linear lens portions 70 can be omitted, or the length of the linear lens portion 70 can be shortened and provided, for example, over adjacent second Fresnel lens portion 62 and third Fresnel lens portion 63. Furthermore, the number of linear convex portions 71 and linear concave portions 72 can also be set arbitrarily.

[0062] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, a pair of linear lens sections 70 are shown arranged parallel to each other around a reference line BL passing through the centers of the first to fourth Fresnel lens sections 61 to 64. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and depending on the design of the lens 40, they can also be arranged at an angle to each other, for example, so that the outer side in the vehicle width direction (left side in Figure 5) tapers. Moreover, the on-board controller CU can cause the first to fourth light sources D1 to D4 to flash at predetermined timings, thereby creating a sequential turn signal lamp 10.

[0063] Furthermore, although the above-described embodiment shows a turn signal lamp 10 applicable to a motorcycle, the present invention is not limited to this and can be applied to other vehicles, such as small mobility vehicles that can be driven on public roads. In addition, the present invention can be applied not only to turn signal lamps 10 but also to rear brake lamps and the like.

[0064] Furthermore, the material, shape, dimensions, number, and installation location of each component in the above-described embodiments are arbitrary as long as they can achieve the present invention, and are not limited to the embodiments described above. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0065] 10: Turn signal lamp (vehicle light fixture), 20: Housing, 30: Housing body, 31: Housing bottom wall, 31a: Circuit board support column, 31b: Screw fixing column, 31c: Wiring holding column, 32: Housing side wall, 32a: Fixing cylinder part, 32b: Wiring insertion hole, 33: Opening, 40: Lens (lens component), 41: Lens body, 41a: Opposing surface, 42: Lens side wall, 50: Circuit board, 51: Mounting surface, 52: Screw insertion hole, 53: Through hole, 61: First Fresnel lens part (Fresnel lens part), 62: Second F 63: Fresnel lens section, 64: Third Fresnel lens section, 65: Lens center, 66: Convex section, 67: Recessed section, 70: Linear lens section, 71: Linear convex section, 72: Linear recessed section, BL: Reference line, CU: Onboard controller, D1: First light source (light source), D2: Second light source (light source), D3: Third light source (light source), D4: Fourth light source (light source), GM: Grommet, LB: Low brightness section, LN: Wiring, SC: Fixing screw, SM: Support member

Claims

1. A circuit board equipped with multiple light sources arranged in a row, A lens member having a facing surface opposite to the light source, Equipped with, The aforementioned opposing surface is, Multiple Fresnel lens sections facing each of the multiple light sources, A linear lens portion provided across at least one adjacent pair of Fresnel lens portions among the plurality of Fresnel lens portions, It has, The linear lens portion is, A reference line passing through the centers of the multiple Fresnel lens portions is positioned on at least one side of the reference line, Vehicle lighting fixtures.

2. In the vehicle lighting device according to claim 1, The linear lens portion includes a linear convex portion that protrudes from the opposing surface toward the light source. Vehicle lighting fixtures.

3. In the vehicle lighting device according to claim 2, The linear lens portion has a plurality of linear protrusions arranged parallel to each other, and linear recesses are provided between adjacent linear protrusions. Vehicle lighting fixtures.

4. The linear lens portion is provided extending from the one-to-one Fresnel lens portion to the one-to-the-other Fresnel lens portion in the direction in which the plurality of Fresnel lens portions are arranged. A vehicle light fixture according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The linear lens portion is arranged on both sides of the reference line, with the reference line as the center. A vehicle light fixture according to claim 1.

Images