Vehicle lighting

Abstract

To provide a vehicle lighting device that expands the light-emitting range and increases the intensity of the light emission. [Solution] The system comprises a first light source 3A provided on one side in the first direction, a second light source 3B provided on the other side in the first direction, a first light guide 4 provided on the side facing the first light source 3A and the second light source 3B, and a second light guide 5 provided on the side of the first light guide 4 opposite to the side facing the first light source 3A and the second light source 3B. The first light guide 4 has a first light guide portion 41 extending toward the first direction and a second light guide portion 42 extending from one end of the first light guide portion 41 toward one side in the second direction. The second light guide 5 is located on the side opposite to the first light guide 41 and has a third incident section 20 that allows the third light L3 leaking from the first light guide 41 to enter its interior, and a third outgoing section 23 located on the opposite side of the third incident section 20 that allows the third light L3 that entered from the third incident section 20 to exit to the outside.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to vehicle lamps.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as vehicle lamps mounted on vehicles, those combining a light source such as a light-emitting diode (LED) and a light guide such as an inner lens are known (see, for example, Patent Document 1 below).

[0003] In such vehicle lamps, light emitted from the light source enters the inside of the light guide from the incident surface of the light guide, and while guiding the light inside the light guide, the light is emitted from the emission surface of the light guide to the outside of the light guide. Thereby, it is possible to emit light with the emission surface of the light guide as the light-emitting surface of the vehicle lamp.

[0004] Also, the technique described in Patent Document 1 below is known. In the lamp module described in Patent Document 1, a first light source is provided behind the light guide part so as to face the rear surface part of the light guide part, and a second light source is provided below the light guide part so as to face the lower surface part of the light guide part, and is configured to share one light-emitting surface.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] In the above prior art, while being configured to share one light-emitting surface, it is not configured to actively expand the light-emitting range. If an attempt is made to expand the light-emitting range, there is a possibility that the light will be dispersed and the intensity of the light will decrease, so there is room for improvement.

[0007] This invention was proposed in view of the above conventional circumstances, and aims to provide a vehicle light that expands the light emission range and increases the light emission intensity. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] To achieve the above objective, the present invention provides the following means. [1] A first light source provided on one side of the first direction and emitting first light toward the other side of the second direction intersecting the first direction, A second light source provided on the other side of the first direction and emitting a second light toward the other side of the second direction, A first light guide is provided on the side facing the first light source and the second light source, The first light guide comprises a second light guide provided on the side of the first light guide opposite to the side facing the first light source and the second light source, The first light guide includes a first light guide portion extending in the first direction, A second light guide portion extending from one end of the first light guide portion toward the other end in the second direction, A first incident portion is located on the side of the first light guide portion facing the first light source, and causes the first light emitted from the first light source to enter the interior of the first light guide portion. A second incident portion is located on the side of the first light guide portion facing the second light source, and causes the second light emitted from the second light source to enter the interior of the first light guide portion. A first reflecting portion is located on the opposite side of the first incident portion of the first light guide portion and reflects a portion of the first light incident from the first incident portion toward the other end of the first light guide portion, A second reflecting portion is located on the opposite side of the first incident portion of the first light guide and reflects a portion of the first light incident from the first incident portion toward one end of the first light guide, A third reflecting portion is located on one end side of the first light guide portion and reflects the first light reflected by the second reflecting portion toward the second light guide portion, A fourth reflecting portion is located on one side of the second light guide portion in the first direction and reflects the first light guided inside the second light guide portion toward the other side in the first direction, A first emission unit is located on the opposite side of the second light guide from the fourth reflecting unit, and emits the first light reflected by the fourth reflecting unit to the outside of the second light guide; A fifth reflecting portion is located on the opposite side of the first light guide portion from the second incident portion and reflects the second light incident from the second incident portion toward the other end of the first light guide portion, The first light guide has a second emission section located on the other end side, which emits the second light reflected by the fifth reflector and the first light reflected by the first reflector to the outside of the first light guide, The second light guide is located on the side opposite to the first light guide and includes a third incident portion that allows the third light leaking from the first light guide to enter its interior, A vehicle light fixture having a third output section located on the opposite side of the third input section, which outputs the third light incident from the third input section to the outside. [2] A third light guide is provided on the side facing the first emission section and the second emission section, The third light guide has a first light emission range that emits light due to the first light emitted from the first emission section and the third light emitted from the third emission section, The system includes a second light emission area that is illuminated by the second light emitted from the second emission unit and the first light, Furthermore, the vehicle light fixture according to [1], wherein the first light-emitting range and the second light-emitting range form a continuous light-emitting range in the second direction. [3] The vehicle lamp according to [1], wherein the second light guide is positioned inside a recess provided on the side of the first light guide opposite to the side facing the first light source and the second light source. [4] The vehicle lamp according to [1], wherein the third incident portion is provided facing at least the first reflecting portion and the second reflecting portion of the first light guide portion. [5] The second light guide is located on the opposite side of the third incident portion and on one side in the first direction from the third exit portion, and includes a sixth reflecting portion that reflects the third light incident from the third incident portion toward the other side in the first direction, The vehicle lamp according to [4], further comprising: a seventh reflecting portion located on the side opposite to the first light guide portion and on the other side in the first direction from the third incident portion, which reflects the third light reflected by the sixth reflecting portion toward the third output portion. [6] The vehicle lamp according to [1], wherein the second light guide portion has a shape in which one surface on which the fourth reflecting portion is provided is inclined toward the other side in the first direction, and the other surface on which the first light emitting portion is provided is inclined toward the one side in the first direction. [7] The vehicle lamp according to [1], wherein the first incident portion and the second incident portion have a lens shape that causes the first light and the second light emitted from the first light source and the second light source to enter the interior of the first light guide portion while focusing them toward the optical axis. [8] The first reflecting part, the second reflecting part, the third reflecting part and the fifth reflecting part are composed of inclined surfaces, The vehicle lamp according to [1], wherein the fourth reflective portion is composed of multiple reflective cuts. [9] The sixth reflective section is composed of an inclined surface, The vehicle lamp according to [5] above, wherein the seventh reflective portion is composed of multiple reflective cuts. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] As described above, the present invention provides a vehicle light fixture that expands the light emission range and increases the intensity of light emission. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This is a front view showing a vehicle light fixture according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of a vehicle lighting fixture. [Figure 3] It is a cross-sectional view of a vehicle lamp taken along the line segment A-A shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 4] It is a cross-sectional view showing the state of the tail lamp of the vehicle lamp shown in FIG. 3 when it is lit. [Figure 5] It is a cross-sectional view showing the state of the stop lamp of the vehicle lamp shown in FIG. 3 when it is lit. [Figure 6] It is the first inner lens shown in FIG. 2, (A) a perspective view seen from the front side thereof, (B) a perspective view seen from the back side thereof, and (C) a perspective view seen from the lower surface side thereof. [Figure 7] It is the second inner lens shown in FIG. 2, (A) a perspective view seen from the front side thereof, (B) a perspective view seen from the back side thereof, and (C) a perspective view seen from the lower surface side thereof. [Figure 8] It is the third inner lens shown in FIG. 2, (A) a perspective view seen from the front side thereof, (B) a perspective view seen from the back side thereof, and (C) a perspective view seen from the lower surface side thereof.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings used in the following description, for the sake of easy viewing of each component, the scale of the dimensions may be made different depending on the component, and the dimensional ratios of each component are not necessarily the same as the actual ones.

[0012] As an embodiment of the present invention, for example, the vehicle lamp 1 shown in FIGS. 1 to 8 will be described. Figure 1 is a front view of the vehicle light fixture 1. Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the vehicle light fixture 1. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the vehicle light fixture 1 along the line segment AA shown in Figure 1. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the state of the vehicle light fixture 1 when the tail lamp TAIL is illuminated. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the state of the vehicle light fixture 1 when the stop lamp STOP is illuminated. Figure 6 is the first inner lens 4, with (A) a perspective view from the front, (B) a perspective view from the rear, and (C) a perspective view from the bottom. Figure 7 is the second inner lens 5, with (A) a perspective view from the front, (B) a perspective view from the rear, and (C) a perspective view from the bottom. Figure 8 is the third inner lens 6, with (A) a perspective view from the front, (B) a perspective view from the rear, and (C) a perspective view from the bottom.

[0013] Furthermore, in the drawings shown below, an XYZ Cartesian coordinate system is set, with the X-axis representing the vehicle's longitudinal direction (length), the Y-axis representing the vehicle's lateral direction (width), and the Z-axis representing the vehicle's vertical direction (height).

[0014] As shown in Figure 1, the vehicle lighting fixture 1 of this embodiment consists of a rear combination lamp RCL mounted on both corners of the rear end of a vehicle (not shown) (in this embodiment, the right rear end corner), comprising a tail lamp TAIL that emits red light and a stop lamp STOP that emits red light more strongly (brighter) than the tail lamp TAIL when the vehicle is braking. Therefore, the front-to-rear direction of the vehicle lighting fixture 1 is reversed when viewed from the front (rear of the vehicle) compared to when viewed from the front (front of the vehicle).

[0015] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first direction is the front-rear direction of the vehicle (X-axis direction), with one side of the first direction corresponding to the front of the vehicle and the other side corresponding to the rear of the vehicle. The second direction is the up-down direction of the vehicle light fixture 1 (Z-axis direction) perpendicular to the first direction, with one side of the second direction corresponding to the bottom of the vehicle and the other side corresponding to the top of the vehicle. The third direction is the left-right direction of the vehicle (Y-axis direction) perpendicular to the first and second directions, with one side of the third direction corresponding to the left side of the vehicle and the other side corresponding to the right side of the vehicle.

[0016] As shown in Figures 2 to 5, the vehicle light fixture 1 of this embodiment has a structure in which a first inner lens (first light guide) 4 and a second inner lens (second light guide) 5 are arranged inside the light fixture 2, with a plurality of first light sources 3A, a plurality of second light sources 3B, a first light source, a third inner lens (third light guide) 6, and an extension 7.

[0017] The light unit 2 consists of a housing 8 with an open front and a transparent outer lens 9 that covers the opening of the housing 8. The outer lens 9 has a shape that curves towards the front of the vehicle from left to right, in accordance with the slant shape applied to the rear corner of the vehicle when viewed from the rear of the vehicle. The shape of the light unit 2 can be changed as appropriate to match the design of the vehicle.

[0018] Multiple first light sources 3A consist of LEDs that emit red light (hereinafter referred to as "first light") L1, which are used as light sources for taillights. Multiple second light sources 3B consist of LEDs that emit red light (hereinafter referred to as "second light") L2, which are used as light sources for stoplights.

[0019] Multiple first light sources 3A and multiple second light sources 3B are mounted on one side (the top surface in this embodiment) of a circuit board 10 on which a drive circuit for driving these multiple light sources 3A and 3B is provided. That is, these multiple light sources 3A and 3B are provided on the same surface of the same circuit board 10 and are configured to emit light L1 and L2 in the same direction from each other. The circuit board 10 is located below the first inner lens 4.

[0020] Furthermore, the first light source 3A and the second light source 3B constitute a pair of light source units 30 arranged in the front-to-back direction. Of these, the first light source 3A is located on the front side of the circuit board 10. On the other hand, the second light source 3B is located on the rear side of the circuit board 10.

[0021] Furthermore, multiple light source units 30 are arranged side by side in the left-right direction on the circuit board 10. Also, in the vehicle lighting fixture 1 viewed from the rear of the vehicle, the first light source 3A and the second light source 3B are arranged side by side for each light source unit 30, moving from left to right in the left-right direction, towards the front of the vehicle.

[0022] As a result, the first light source 3A and the second light source 3B, which constitute the light source unit 30, radiate the first light L1 and the second light L2 toward the first inner lens 4 located above the circuit board 10.

[0023] As shown in Figures 2 to 5 and 6, the first inner lens 4 is made of a light-transmitting material such as a transparent resin like polycarbonate or acrylic, or glass. The first inner lens 4, as the first light guide, is positioned on the side facing the plurality of first light sources 3A and the plurality of second light sources 3B, that is, above the circuit board 10.

[0024] The first inner lens 4 has a plurality of light guide sections 4a arranged in the left-right direction, corresponding to each of the light source sections 30, and a plurality of connecting sections 4b that connect adjacent light guide sections 4a. Furthermore, in the vehicle light fixture 1 viewed from the rear of the vehicle, the plurality of light guide sections 4a are arranged in a line from left to right in the left-right direction for each light source section 30, moving towards the front of the vehicle. The plurality of connecting sections 4b connect adjacent light guide sections 4a.

[0025] Each light guide portion 4a is composed of a first light guide portion 41 and a second light guide portion 42. The first light guide portion 41 extends from the front end to the rear end of the first inner lens 4. The second light guide portion 42 extends upward from one end of the first light guide portion 41.

[0026] Furthermore, the second light guide portion 42 has a shape in which its back surface (one side) 42a is inclined backward as it goes upward, and its front surface (the other side) 42b is inclined forward as it goes upward. This makes it possible to easily remove the second light guide portion 42 from the mold used to form the first inner lens 4.

[0027] The first inner lens 4 has, for each light guide portion 4a, a first incident portion 11 located on the lower surface side of the first light guide portion 41, a second incident portion 12 located on the lower surface side of the first light guide portion 41, a first reflecting portion 13 and a second reflecting portion 14 located on the upper surface side of the first light guide portion 41, a third reflecting portion 15 located on the front end side of the first light guide portion 41, and a fourth located on the back surface 42a side of the second light guide portion 42 The first light guide has a reflective section 16, a first emitting section 17 located on the front 42b side of the second light guide section 42, a fifth reflective section 18 located on the upper side of the first light guide section 41 and behind the first reflective section 13 and the second reflective section 14, a second emitting section 19 located on the rear end side of the first light guide section 41, and a connecting surface 41a that connects the first reflective section 13 and the second reflective section 14 of the first light guide section 41.

[0028] The first incident portion 11 is located on the side of the first light guide portion 41 facing the first light source 3A, and has a lens shape that focuses the first light L1 emitted from the first light source 3A towards the optical axis while incident on the interior of the first light guide portion 41.

[0029] Specifically, the first incident portion 11 has a first light-gathering incident surface 11a located on the central side of the portion facing the first light source 3A and curved convexly toward the first light source 3A side, a second light-gathering incident surface 11b located on the outer circumference of the first light-gathering incident surface 11a and inclined to gradually widen in diameter toward the first light source 3A side from a position surrounding the first light-gathering incident surface 11a, and a second light-gathering incident surface 11c located on the outer circumference of the second light-gathering incident surface 11b and inclined to gradually widen in diameter toward the opposite side from the first light source 3A side from a position surrounding the second light-gathering incident surface 11b.

[0030] In the first incident section 11, the first light L1 emitted from the first light source 3A is focused towards the optical axis by the first light L1 that enters the interior of the first light guide section 41 from the first light focusing incident surface 11a. On the other hand, the first light L1 that enters the interior of the first light guide section 41 from the second light focusing incident surface 11b is reflected by the light focusing reflective surface 11c and focused towards the optical axis.

[0031] As a result, the first incident section 11 collimates the first light L1 emitted radially from the first light source 3A as it enters the first light guide section 41. The first light L1 that enters from the first incident section 11 is guided through the first light guide section 41 towards the upper first reflector section 13 and the second reflector section 14.

[0032] The second incident portion 12 is located on the side of the first light guide portion 41 facing the second light source 3B, and has a lens shape that focuses the second light L2 emitted from the second light source 3B towards the optical axis while incident on the inside of the first light guide portion 41.

[0033] Specifically, the second incident portion 12 has a first light-gathering incident surface 12a located on the central side of the portion facing the second light source 3B and curved convexly toward the second light source 3B side, a second light-gathering incident surface 12b located on the outer periphery of the first light-gathering incident surface 12a and inclined to gradually widen in diameter toward the second light source 3B side from a position surrounding the first light-gathering incident surface 12a, and a second light-gathering reflection surface 12c located on the outer periphery of the second light-gathering incident surface 12b and inclined to gradually widen in diameter toward the opposite side from the second light source 3B from a position surrounding the second light-gathering incident surface 12b.

[0034] In the second incident section 12, the second light L2 emitted from the second light source 3B is focused closer to the optical axis by reflecting the second light L2 that enters the first light guide section 41 from the first light-gathering incident surface 12a. On the other hand, the second light L2 that enters the first light guide section 41 from the second light-gathering incident surface 12b is reflected by the light-gathering reflective surface 12c, thereby focusing it closer to the optical axis.

[0035] As a result, the second incident section 12 collimates the second light L2 emitted radially from the second light source 3B as it enters the first light guide section 41. The second light L2 that enters from the second incident section 12 is guided through the first light guide section 41 towards the fifth reflecting section 18 above.

[0036] The first reflecting portion 13 is located on the opposite side of the first incident portion 11 of the first light guide portion 41 and has a first reflecting surface 13a that reflects a portion of the first light L1 incident from the first incident portion 11 toward the rear end of the first light guide portion 41. The first reflecting surface 13a is composed of a flat inclined surface that slopes upward toward the rear of the first light guide portion 41.

[0037] In the first reflecting section 13, a portion of the first light L1 incident on the first reflective surface 13a is reflected toward the rear end of the first light guiding section 41. The first light L1 reflected by the first reflecting section 13 is guided through the inside of the first light guiding section 41 toward the rear second emission section 19.

[0038] Between the first incident portion 11 and the second incident portion 12 of the first light guide portion 41, there is a recess 43 that cuts out a part of the lower surface of the first light guide portion 41 in the left-right direction, and a front light guide emission surface 43a and a rear light guide incident surface 43b that face each other in the front-rear direction of the first light guide portion 41, with the space K formed by the recess 43 in between.

[0039] The first light L1 reflected by the first reflector 13 is emitted into space K from the light guide emission surface 43a, and then enters the interior of the first light guide 41 from the light guide incidence surface 43b through this space K.

[0040] Furthermore, the light guide incident surface 43b is provided with a plurality of diffusion cuts 43c that diffuse the first light L1 incident from the light guide incident surface 43b in the vertical direction. The diffusion cuts 43c are composed of a plurality of flute cuts, each consisting of a groove portion with a substantially arc-shaped cross-section that cuts out the light guide incident surface 43b in the horizontal direction and is arranged vertically.

[0041] As a result, the first light L1 that enters the interior of the first light guide section 41 from the light guide incident surface 43b is guided through the interior of the first light guide section 41 toward the second emission section 19 at the rear, while being diffused vertically by the multiple diffusion cuts 43c.

[0042] The second reflective section 14 is located on the opposite side of the first incident section 11 of the first light guide section 41 and has a second reflective surface 14a that reflects a portion of the first light L1 incident from the first incident section 11 toward the front end of the first light guide section 41. The second reflective surface 14a is composed of a flat inclined surface that slopes upward as it approaches the front of the first light guide section 41.

[0043] In the second reflecting section 14, a portion of the first light L1 incident on the second reflecting surface 14a is reflected toward the front end of the first light guiding section 41. The first light L1 reflected by the second reflecting section 14 is guided through the inside of the first light guiding section 41 toward the third reflecting section 15 in front.

[0044] The third reflecting portion 15 is located on the front end side of the first light guide portion 41 and has a third reflecting surface 15a that reflects the first light L1 reflected by the second reflecting portion 14 toward the second light guide portion 42. The third reflecting surface 15a is composed of a flat inclined surface that slopes upward as it approaches the front of the second light guide portion 42.

[0045] In the third reflecting section 15, the first light L1 incident on the third reflecting surface 15a is reflected toward the upper second light guiding section 42. The first light L1 reflected by the third reflecting section 15 is guided through the inside of the second light guiding section 42 toward the upper fourth reflecting section 16.

[0046] The fourth reflective section 16 has multiple reflection cuts 16a on the back surface 42a side of the second light guide section 42. Furthermore, the back surface 42a of the second light guide section 42 is composed of an inclined surface that curves concavely backward as it extends upward.

[0047] The multiple reflection cuts 16a only need to reflect the first light L1 incident on the back surface 42a of the second light guide 42 at an angle that causes it to be emitted (transmitted) to the outside from the first emission section 17 provided on the front surface 42b of the second light guide 42, and their shape, size, number, etc., are not particularly limited.

[0048] For example, in this embodiment, the multiple reflection cuts 16a are formed by grooves with a substantially triangular cross-section that cut out the back surface 42a of the second light guide portion 42 in the left-right direction of the second light guide portion 42, and these grooves are arranged in the vertical direction of the second light guide portion 42.

[0049] Furthermore, in order to make the first light emission range E1 described later more uniform, the spacing between adjacent grooves forming the reflection cuts 16a may gradually narrow from the lower end to the upper end of the second light guide portion 42. Alternatively, the depth of the grooves forming the reflection cuts 16a may gradually increase.

[0050] In the fourth reflecting section 16, the first light L1 incident on the back surface 42a of the second light guide section 42 is reflected toward the first emission section 17 at the rear by multiple reflection cuts 16a. The first light L1 reflected by the fourth reflecting section 16 is guided through the inside of the second light guide section 42 toward the first emission section 17 at the front.

[0051] The first emission section 17 has a flat first emission surface 17a on the front surface 42b side of the second light guide section 42. The first emission surface 17a is part of the front surface 42b of the second light guide section 42 and is provided on the side opposite to the fourth reflecting section 16 of the second light guide section 42, in an area that overlaps with a plurality of reflection cuts 16a in a front view.

[0052] In the first emission section 17, the first light L1 reflected by the fourth reflecting section 16 is emitted from the first emission surface 17a to the outside of the second light guiding section 42. The first light L1 emitted from the first emission section 17 is directed toward the third inner lens 6 in front.

[0053] The fifth reflective section 18 is located on the opposite side of the second incident section 12 of the first light guide section 41 and has a fifth reflective surface 18a that reflects the second light L2 incident from the second incident section 12 toward the other end of the first light guide section 41. The fifth reflective surface 18a is composed of a flat inclined surface that slopes upward as it approaches the rear of the first light guide section 41.

[0054] In the fifth reflecting section 18, a portion of the second light L2 incident on the fifth reflecting surface 18a is reflected toward the front end of the first light guiding section 41. The second light L2 reflected by the fifth reflecting section 18 is guided through the inside of the first light guiding section 41 toward the second emission section 19 at the rear.

[0055] The second emission section 19 has a second emission surface 19a on the rear end side of the first light guide section 41. The second emission surface 19a is formed by the flat surface of the second light guide section 42.

[0056] In the second emission section 19, the second light L2 reflected by the fifth reflecting section 18 and the first light L1 reflected by the first reflecting section 13 are emitted from the second emission surface 19a to the outside of the first light guide section 41. The second light L2 and the first light L1 emitted from the second emission section 19 are directed toward the third inner lens 6 at the rear.

[0057] As shown in Figures 2 to 5 and Figure 7, the second inner lens 5 is made of a light-transmitting material such as a transparent resin like polycarbonate or acrylic, or glass. The second inner lens 5 acts as a second light guide and is positioned inside the recess 44 provided on the upper surface side of the first inner lens 4.

[0058] The recess 44 extends between the first reflecting portion 13 and the fifth reflecting portion 18 of the first light guide portion 41, forming a recess sufficient to accommodate the second inner lens 5. That is, by positioning the second inner lens 5 inside the recess 44, it is located below the lower end of the first emission portion 17 and the upper end of the second emission portion 19 when viewed from the front.

[0059] The second inner lens 5 is fixed to the first inner lens 4 by fastening members such as screws or hooks at locations not shown in the diagram.

[0060] The second inner lens 5 has a plurality of light guide portions 5a arranged in the left-right direction, corresponding to each of the light source portions 30, and a plurality of connecting portions 5b that connect adjacent light guide portions 5a. Each light guide portion 5a extends from the front end to the rear end in the front-rear direction of the second inner lens 5.

[0061] Furthermore, in the vehicle lighting fixture 1 viewed from the rear of the vehicle, the multiple light guide units 5a are arranged in a line towards the front of the vehicle, moving from left to right in the left-right direction for each light source unit 30. The multiple connecting units 5b connect adjacent spaces between the multiple light guide units 5a.

[0062] The second inner lens 5 has, for each light guide portion 5a, a third incident portion 20 located on the lower side of the light guide portion 5a, a sixth reflecting portion 21 located on the upper side of the light guide portion 5a, a seventh reflecting portion 22 located on the lower side of the light guide portion 5a and behind the third incident portion 20, and a third emission portion 23 located on the upper side of the light guide portion 5a and behind the sixth reflecting portion 21.

[0063] The third incident portion 20 has a flat third incident surface 20a that faces each other at least between the first reflective surface 13a and the second reflective surface 14a of the first light guide portion 41.

[0064] On the other hand, the first light guide 41 is provided with a connecting surface 41a that connects the first reflective surface 13a and the second reflective surface 14a in the vertical direction. Furthermore, a groove 41b with a substantially triangular cross-section is formed between the connecting surface 41a and the second reflective surface 14a. The bottom of the groove 41b is curved, and the first light L1 that leaks out of the first light guide 41 from this part is referred to as the third light L3.

[0065] In the third incident section 20, the third light L3 that leaked out from the groove 41b of the first light guide section 41 is incident into the interior of the light guide section 5a from the third incident surface 20a. The third light L3 incident from the third incident section 20 is guided through the interior of the light guide section 5a toward the sixth reflecting section 21 above.

[0066] The sixth reflective section 21 is located on the opposite side of the third incident section 20 of the light guide section 5a and has a sixth reflective surface 21a that reflects the third light L3 incident from the third incident section 20 toward the rear end of the light guide section 5a. The sixth reflective surface 21a is composed of a flat inclined surface that slopes upward as it approaches the rear of the light guide section 5a.

[0067] In the sixth reflecting section 21, the third light L3 incident on the sixth reflecting surface 21a is reflected toward the tip side of the light guiding section 5a. The third light L3 reflected by the sixth reflecting section 21 is guided through the inside of the light guiding section 5a toward the other seventh reflecting section 22 in the first direction.

[0068] The seventh reflective section 22 has an inclined surface 22a provided on the lower surface of the light guide section 5a, and a plurality of reflection cuts 22b provided on the inclined surface 22a. The inclined surface 22a is inclined upward as it is positioned behind the light guide section 5a.

[0069] The multiple reflection cuts 22b only need to reflect the third light L3 incident on the inclined surface 22a at an angle that causes it to exit (transmit) to the outside from the third emission section 23 provided on the upper surface side of the light guide section 5a, and their shape, size, number, etc., are not particularly limited.

[0070] For example, in this embodiment, the multiple reflection cuts 22b are formed by grooves with a substantially triangular cross-section that cut out the inclined surface 22a in the left-right direction of the light guide portion 5a, and these grooves are arranged in the front-rear direction of the light guide portion 5a.

[0071] Furthermore, in order to make the second light emission range E2, which will be described later, more uniformly illuminated, the spacing between adjacent grooves forming the reflection cuts 22b may gradually narrow from the front end to the rear end of the light guide 5a. Alternatively, the depth of the grooves forming the reflection cuts 22b may gradually increase.

[0072] In the seventh reflecting section 22, the third light L3 incident on the inclined surface 22a is reflected by multiple reflection cuts 22b toward the third emission section 23 located diagonally upward. The third light L3 reflected by the seventh reflecting section 22 is guided through the inside of the light guiding section 5a toward the third emission section 23.

[0073] The third emission section 23 has a flat third emission surface 23a on the upper side of the light guide section 5a. The third emission surface 23a is part of the front surface of the light guide section 5a and is provided on the side opposite to the seventh reflecting section 22 of the light guide section 5a, in an area that overlaps with the multiple reflection cuts 22b when viewed from above.

[0074] In the third emission section 23, the third light L3 reflected by the seventh reflecting section 22 is emitted from the third emission surface 23a to the outside of the light guide section 5a. The third light L3 emitted from the third emission section 23 is directed towards the third inner lens 6, which is obliquely above.

[0075] As shown in Figures 2 to 5 and Figure 8, the third inner lens 6 is made of a light-transmitting material such as a transparent resin like polycarbonate or acrylic, or glass. The third inner lens 6 acts as a third light guide and is positioned to cover the front side of the first inner lens 4, which is facing the first emission section 17 and the second emission section 19.

[0076] The third inner lens 6 has a plurality of lens sections 6a arranged in the left-right direction, corresponding to each of the light source sections 30, and a plurality of connecting sections 6b that connect adjacent lens sections 6a. Furthermore, in the vehicle light fixture 1 viewed from the rear of the vehicle, the plurality of lens sections 6a are arranged in a line from left to right in the left-right direction for each light source section 30, moving towards the front of the vehicle. The plurality of connecting sections 6b connect adjacent lens sections 6a.

[0077] In the third inner lens 6, the first to third light rays L1 to L3 that entered the interior from the back side of the lens portion 6a are emitted outwards from the front side of the lens portion 6a. This makes it possible to cause the front side of the third inner lens 6 to emit red light.

[0078] Specifically, the third inner lens 6 includes a first light emission range E1 that emits light due to the first light L1 emitted from the first emission section 17 and the third light L3 emitted from the third emission section 23, and a second light emission range E2 that emits light due to the second light L2 emitted from the second emission section 19 and the first light L1. Furthermore, the first light emission range E1 and the second light emission range E2 form a continuous light emission range E in the vertical direction of the third inner lens.

[0079] The lens portion 6a has a first lens portion 61 corresponding to a first light emission range E1 and a second lens portion 62 corresponding to a second light emission range E2. The first lens portion 61 extends in a direction that slopes downward as it approaches the rear of the third inner lens 6. On the other hand, the second lens portion 62 extends vertically in a continuous manner below the first lens portion 61.

[0080] Furthermore, a diffusion cut 62a is provided on the front side of the second lens portion 62 to diffuse and transmit the second light L2 and the first light L1 emitted from the second light emission range E2.

[0081] Examples of diffusion cuts 62a include lens cuts such as flute cuts and fisheye cuts, as well as uneven structures formed by knurling or textured processing. Furthermore, by adjusting the shape of this diffusion cut 62a, it is possible to control the degree of diffusion of the second light L2 and the first light L1 emitted from the second light emission range E2.

[0082] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the extension 7 is made of a light-shielding material, such as black. The extension 7 covers the front side of the third inner lens 6 (not shown) and has a plurality of openings 7a.

[0083] Multiple openings 7a are provided for each lens portion 6a of the third inner lens 6, with a shape corresponding to the light emission range E. As a result, the light emission range E of each lens portion 6a of the third inner lens 6 is positioned to face outwards from each opening 7a of the extension 7.

[0084] The extension 7 covers the area of ​​each lens portion 6a of the third inner lens 6 excluding the light-emitting range E, thereby blocking light leakage from the front side of the third inner lens 6. Furthermore, the extension 7 also plays an aesthetic role in the vehicle lighting fixture 1.

[0085] Note that extension 7 is not necessarily required and can be omitted. Alternatively, instead of extension 7, a light-shielding component such as a bezel or light-shielding layer may be placed on the front side of the third inner lens 6.

[0086] In the vehicle lighting device 1 of this embodiment, which has the configuration described above, the first light source 3A is illuminated when the tail lamp TAIL shown in Figure 4 is turned on. As a result, the first light L1 emitted from the first emitter 17 and the third light L3 emitted from the third emitter 23 cause the first light-emitting area E1 to emit red light, and the first light L1 emitted from the second emitter 19 causes the second light-emitting area E2 to emit red light.

[0087] Therefore, when the taillights (TAIL) are illuminated, it is possible to emit red light as a continuous light-emitting range E in the vertical direction, with the first light-emitting range E1 and the second light-emitting range E2 combined.

[0088] On the other hand, in the vehicle lighting device 1 of this embodiment, when the stop lamp STOP shown in Figure 5 is illuminated, the first light source 3A and the second light source 3B are illuminated. As a result, the first light L1 emitted from the first emitter 17 and the third light L3 emitted from the third emitter 23 cause the first light-emitting area E1 to emit red light, and the second light L2 emitted from the second emitter 19 and the first light L1 cause the second light-emitting area E2 to emit red light.

[0089] Therefore, when the stop lamp (STOP) is illuminated, the first light-emitting range E1 and the second light-emitting range E2 are made to emit red light as a continuous light-emitting range E in the vertical direction, and the second light-emitting range E2 is made to emit red light more strongly (brighter) than when the tail lamp (TAIL) is illuminated.

[0090] As described above, the vehicle light fixture 1 of this embodiment makes it possible to expand the light emission range E, which includes the first light emission range E1 and the second light emission range E2 that are continuous in the vertical direction as described above. Furthermore, within this light emission range E, it is possible to make the second light emission range E2 emit light more strongly (brighter) than the first light emission range E1.

[0091] Furthermore, in the vehicle light fixture 1 of this embodiment, the second inner lens 5 described above can be used to utilize the third light L3 leaking from the upper surface of the first inner lens 4 for illumination of the first light emission range E1. This makes it possible to increase the utilization efficiency of the first light L1 emitted from the first light source 3A. In addition, by superimposing the first light L1 emitted from the first emission section 17 and the third light L3 emitted from the third emission section 23, it is possible to make the first light emission range E1 illuminate more uniformly.

[0092] It should be noted that the present invention is not necessarily limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0093] In the above-described vehicle lighting device 1, the multiple light guide sections 4a, 5a and lens sections 6a of the first to third inner lenses 4, 5, 6 are connected to each of the multiple light source sections 30 described above via multiple connecting sections 4b, 5b, 6b. However, the multiple connecting sections 4b, 5b, 6b may be omitted, and the multiple light guide sections 4a, 5a and lens sections 6a may form a single continuous light guide section 4a, 5a and lens section 6a in the left-right direction, or they may be divided into multiple light guide sections 4a, 5a and lens sections 6a.

[0094] In the above embodiment, the vehicle lighting fixture 1 mounted on both corners at the rear end of the vehicle is exemplified as a configuration that emits the tail lamp TAIL and stop lamp STOP as described above. However, the present invention can also be applied to a configuration that emits a tail lamp and a turn lamp that flashes with orange light or a reverse lamp that emits white light.

[0095] Furthermore, the present invention can also be applied to a configuration in which a white-emitting position lamp or daytime running lamp (DRL) and a turn signal lamp are emitted as vehicle lighting fixtures mounted on both corners of the front end of the vehicle.

[0096] Furthermore, the colors of the first light L1 and the second light L2 emitted by the first light source 3A and the second light source 3B can also be changed as appropriate depending on the application, such as red light, white light, or orange light. [Explanation of symbols]

[0097] 1…Vehicle lighting fixture 2…Light body 3A…First light source 3B…Second light source 4…First inner lens (first light guide) 5…Second inner lens (second light guide) 6…Third inner lens (third light guide) 7…Extension 8…Housing 9…Outer lens 10…Circuit board 11…First incident part 12…Second incident part 13…First reflecting part 14…Second reflecting part 15…Third reflecting part 16…Fourth reflecting part 17…First emission part 18…Fifth reflecting part 19…Second emission part 20…Third incident part 21…Sixth reflecting part 22…Seventh reflecting part 23…Third emission part 30…Light source part 41…First light guide part 41a…Connection surface 41b…Groove 42...Second light guide section 43...Recess 43a...Light guide emission surface 43b...Light guide incidence surface 44...Recess 61...First lens section 62...Second lens section E...Light emission range E1...First light emission range E2...Second light emission range L1...First light L2...Second light L3...Third light RCL...Rear combination lamp STOP...Stop lamp TAIL...Tail lamp

Claims

1. A first light source is provided on one side of the first direction and emits first light toward the other side of the second direction which intersects the first direction, A second light source provided on the other side of the first direction and emitting a second light toward the other side of the second direction, A first light guide provided on the side facing the first light source and the second light source, The first light guide comprises a second light guide provided on the side of the first light guide opposite to the side facing the first light source and the second light source, The first light guide comprises a first light guide portion extending in the first direction, A second light guide portion extending from one end of the first light guide portion toward the other end in the second direction, A first incident portion is located on the side of the first light guide portion facing the first light source, and causes the first light emitted from the first light source to enter the interior of the first light guide portion. A second incident portion is located on the side of the first light guide portion facing the second light source, and causes the second light emitted from the second light source to enter the interior of the first light guide portion. A first reflecting portion is located on the opposite side of the first incident portion of the first light guide portion, and reflects a portion of the first light incident from the first incident portion toward the other end of the first light guide portion, A second reflecting portion is located on the opposite side of the first incident portion of the first light guide portion, and reflects a portion of the first light incident from the first incident portion toward one end of the first light guide portion, A third reflecting portion is located on one end side of the first light guide portion and reflects the first light reflected by the second reflecting portion toward the second light guide portion, A fourth reflecting portion is located on one side of the second light guide portion in the first direction and reflects the first light guided inside the second light guide portion toward the other side in the first direction, A first emission unit is located on the opposite side of the second light guide from the fourth reflecting unit, and emits the first light reflected by the fourth reflecting unit to the outside of the second light guide. A fifth reflecting portion is located on the opposite side of the first light guide portion from the second incident portion and reflects the second light incident from the second incident portion toward the other end of the first light guide portion, The first light guide has a second emission section located on the other end side, which emits the second light reflected by the fifth reflector and the first light reflected by the first reflector to the outside of the first light guide, The second light guide is located on the side opposite to the first light guide and has a third incident portion that allows the third light leaking from the first light guide to enter its interior, A vehicle light fixture having a third output section located on the opposite side of the third input section, which outputs the third light incident from the third input section to the outside.

2. The device comprises a third light guide provided on the side facing the first and second light-emitting sections, The third light guide has a first light emission range that emits light due to the first light emitted from the first emission section and the third light emitted from the third emission section, The system includes a second light emission area that is illuminated by the second light emitted from the second emission unit and the first light, Furthermore, the vehicle light fixture according to claim 1, wherein the first light-emitting range and the second light-emitting range form a continuous light-emitting range in the second direction.

3. The vehicle lamp according to claim 1, wherein the second light guide is disposed inside a recess provided on the side of the first light guide opposite to the side facing the first light source and the second light source.

4. The vehicle lamp according to claim 1, wherein the third incident portion is provided facing at least the first reflecting portion and the second reflecting portion of the first light guide portion.

5. The second light guide is located on the opposite side of the third incident portion and on one side in the first direction from the third exit portion, and includes a sixth reflecting portion that reflects the third light incident from the third incident portion toward the other side in the first direction, The vehicle lamp according to claim 4, further comprising: a seventh reflecting portion located on the side opposite to the first light guide portion and on the other side in the first direction from the third incident portion, which reflects the third light reflected by the sixth reflecting portion toward the third output portion.

6. The vehicle lamp according to claim 1, wherein the second light guide portion has a shape in which one surface on which the fourth reflecting portion is provided is inclined toward the other side in the first direction, and the other surface on which the first light emitting portion is provided is inclined toward the other side in the first direction.

7. The vehicle lamp according to claim 1, wherein the first incident portion and the second incident portion have a lens shape that focuses the first light and the second light emitted from the first light source and the second light source toward the optical axis and causes them to enter the interior of the first light guide portion.

8. The first reflective section, the second reflective section, the third reflective section, and the fifth reflective section are composed of inclined surfaces. The vehicle lamp according to claim 1, wherein the fourth reflective portion is composed of a plurality of reflective cuts.

9. The sixth reflective portion is composed of an inclined surface, The vehicle lamp according to claim 5, wherein the seventh reflective portion is composed of a plurality of reflective cuts.

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