Vehicle lighting

Abstract

The present invention provides a vehicle lighting fixture that improves the aesthetic appearance and allows for the stable attachment of a second component to a first component. [Solution] A vehicle lamp comprising a housing with an open front and an outer lens covering the opening of the housing, wherein at least a first member 2 and a second member 3 are arranged inside the lamp body, and the second member 3 is attached to the first member 2, wherein the first member 2 has a protruding piece 7 projecting toward the side facing the second member 3, and the second member 3 has a first slit 8 into which the protruding piece 7 is inserted, a second slit 9 adjacent to the first slit 8, and a flexible deformation portion 10 formed between the first slit 8 and the second slit 9, wherein when the protruding piece 7 is inserted into the first slit 8, the flexible deformation portion 10 that has deformed toward the second slit 9 side presses the protruding piece 7 toward the first slit 8 side.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to vehicle lamps.

Background Art

[0002] For example, a vehicle lamp mounted on a vehicle is configured such that members such as a light source, an inner lens, an extension, and a bracket are arranged inside a lamp body composed of a housing with an open front surface and an outer lens covering the opening of the housing, and these members are attached inside the lamp body.

[0003] For example, in the invention described in Patent Document 1 below, in a vehicle lamp including a lamp body, an inner lens attached to the front opening of the lamp body, and an extension for hiding a gap between the peripheral edge of a reflector installed inside a lamp chamber composed of the lamp body and the inner lens and the lamp body, the inner lens is attached to the back side of the extension.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] By the way, when attaching the inner lens to the back side of the extension, fixing means such as screwing or hooking for attaching the inner lens to the back side of the extension are required.

[0006] However, while screw fastening provides a secure fixation, it requires space for bosses and screws, raising concerns about an increase in the number of parts. On the other hand, while hook fastening reduces the number of parts, there are concerns that the necessary strength for fastening may be insufficient due to looseness or other issues.

[0007] Furthermore, depending on the design of the extension and inner lens, it may not be possible to secure space for screws or hooks in the appropriate position on the back of the extension. In this case, it becomes difficult to stably attach the inner lens to the back of the extension.

[0008] Furthermore, if there is no space to install a boss in a location that is not visible from the front of the extension, installing a boss in a location that is visible from the front of the extension will result in an unattractive appearance from the front.

[0009] This invention was proposed in view of the above conventional circumstances, and aims to provide a vehicle lighting fixture that improves the aesthetic appearance and allows the second member to be stably attached to the first member. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] To achieve the above objective, the present invention provides the following means. [1] A vehicle lamp comprising a lamp body consisting of a housing with an open front and an outer lens covering the opening of the housing, wherein at least a first member and a second member are arranged inside the lamp body, and the second member is attached to the first member, The first member has a projection that protrudes toward the side facing the second member, The second member has a first slit into which the protruding piece is inserted, a second slit adjacent to the first slit, and a flexible deformation portion formed between the first slit and the second slit. A vehicle light fixture in which, with the protruding piece inserted into the first slit, the deformed portion that is bent toward the second slit side presses the protruding piece toward the first slit side. [2] The vehicle light fixture according to [1], wherein the deflected portion has a shape in which the thickness gradually increases from the center to both ends. [3] The vehicle light fixture according to [1], wherein the first slit has a shape in which the central part on the side opposite to the side facing the bending deformation portion is in contact with the protruding piece, and both sides on either side of the central part are not in contact with the protruding piece. [4] The vehicle light fixture according to [1], wherein the protruding piece has a pointed portion located on its tip side, the thickness of which gradually decreases toward the tip. [5] The protruding piece has a hook portion located at its tip and protruding toward the second slit from the surface facing the bending deformation portion, The vehicle light fixture according to [1], wherein the hook portion is engaged with the flexible deformation portion when the protruding piece is inserted into the first slit. [6] The second member has a pair of third slits located outside the ends of the deflected portion, and a pair of elastic pieces formed by cutting out the periphery with the pair of third slits. The vehicle light fixture according to [5], wherein the pair of elastic pieces elastically deform while in contact with the first member when the hook portion is engaged with the bending deformation portion. [7] The protruding piece is located on the back side of the area of ​​the first member that is visible from the front side of the outer lens, The first member has a boss protruding from the rear side of an area not visible from the front side of the outer lens, and a screw hole at the tip of the boss. The second member has a hole at a position opposite to the tip side of the boss, The vehicle light fixture according to [1], wherein the second member is fixed to the first member by screwing a screw into the screw hole through the aforementioned hole. [8] The first member is an extension, The vehicle lamp according to [1], wherein the second member is an inner lens attached to the back side of the extension.

Advantages of the Invention

[0011] As described above, according to the present invention, there is provided a vehicle lamp that improves the aesthetic appearance and enables the second member to be attached to the first member in a stable state.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0012] [Figure 1] It is a front view of a vehicle lamp provided with an attachment structure according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of the vehicle lamp shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 3] It is a rear view showing a state where an inner lens is attached to the back side of an extension constituting the attachment structure shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 4] It is a rear view of the attachment structure with the enclosed portion A shown in FIG. 3 enlarged. [Figure 5] It is a cross-sectional view of the attachment structure taken along the line segment B - B shown in FIG. 4. [Figure 6] It is a cross-sectional view of the fixing portion taken along the line segment C - C shown in FIG. 3. [Figure 7] It is a perspective view of an inner lens showing a modification of the attachment structure of this embodiment. [Figure 8] It is a rear view of the attachment structure shown in FIG. 7. [Figure 9] It is a cross-sectional view of the attachment structure taken along the line segment D - D shown in FIG. 8. [Figure 10] It is a cross-sectional view of the attachment structure taken along the line segment E - E shown in FIG. 8. [Figure 11] It is a cross-sectional view showing another attachment structure of this embodiment. [Figure 12] It is a cross-sectional view of the attachment structure with the enclosed portion F shown in FIG. 11 enlarged.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0013] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. In the drawings used in the following explanation, the dimensions of each component may be shown on a different scale to make them easier to see, and the dimensional ratios of each component may not necessarily be the same as in reality.

[0014] As an embodiment of the present invention, for example, a vehicle lighting device 1 shown in Figures 1 to 11 will be described. Figure 1 is a front view of a vehicle lamp 1 equipped with the mounting structure according to this embodiment. Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of the vehicle lamp 1. Figure 3 is a rear view showing the inner lens 3 attached to the back side of the extension 2 that constitutes the mounting structure of this embodiment. Figure 4 is an enlarged rear view of the mounting structure enclosed in section A shown in Figure 3. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the mounting structure shown by line segment B-B in Figure 4. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the fixing part 20b shown by line segment C-C in Figure 3. Figure 7 is a perspective view of the inner lens 3 showing a modified example of the mounting structure of this embodiment. Figure 8 is a rear view showing a modified example of the mounting structure of this embodiment. Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of the mounting structure shown by line segment D-D in Figure 8. Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of the mounting structure shown by line segment E-E in Figure 8. Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view showing another mounting structure of this embodiment. Figure 12 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the mounting structure enclosed in section F shown in Figure 11.

[0015] Furthermore, in the drawings shown below, an XYZ Cartesian coordinate system is set, with the X-axis direction representing the front-to-back direction (length direction) of the vehicle light fixture 1, the Y-axis direction representing the left-to-right direction (width direction) of the vehicle light fixture 1, and the Z-axis direction representing the up-to-down direction (height direction) of the vehicle light fixture 1.

[0016] The vehicle lighting fixture 1 of this embodiment applies the present invention to, for example, headlamp units mounted on both corners of the front end of a vehicle (not shown). Therefore, the front-rear direction of the vehicle lighting fixture 1 coincides with the front-rear direction of the vehicle.

[0017] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the vehicle lamp 1 of this embodiment comprises an extension 2 which is a first component and an inner lens 3 which is a second component, and these are arranged inside the lamp body 4.

[0018] The light unit 4 consists of a housing 5 with an open front and a transparent outer lens 6 that covers the opening of the housing 5. The shape of the light unit 4 can be changed as appropriate to match the design of the vehicle light fixture 1.

[0019] Furthermore, although not shown in the illustration, the vehicle lamp 1 of this embodiment has a structure in which, in addition to the extension 2 and inner lens 3 described above, components such as a light source, light guide, and bracket are arranged inside the lamp body 4, and these components are attached to the inside of the lamp body 4.

[0020] Extension 2 is made of a light-shielding material, such as black material. Extension 2 is attached to the back side of the outer lens 6. Extension 2 covers the front side of the inner lens 3 and has an opening 2a with a shape corresponding to the light-emitting range of the inner lens 3.

[0021] Extension 2 blocks light leakage from the front side of the inner lens 3 by covering the area excluding the light-emitting range of the inner lens 3. Extension 2 also serves an aesthetic role for the vehicle light fixture 1.

[0022] The inner lens 3 is made of a light-transmitting material such as a transparent resin like polycarbonate or acrylic, or glass. The inner lens 3 is attached to the back side of the extension 2 such that the light-emitting range of the inner lens 3 faces outwards from the opening 2a of the extension 2.

[0023] Specifically, in the mounting structure of this embodiment shown in Figures 3, 4, and 5, the extension 2 has a protruding piece 7 that protrudes toward the side facing the inner lens 3 (towards the rear of the extension 2 in this embodiment).

[0024] The protruding piece 7 is formed in a substantially rectangular flat plate shape. In this embodiment, the protruding piece 7 is arranged so that its thickness direction is in the vertical direction of the extension 2.

[0025] Furthermore, a pointed portion 7a is provided at the tip of the protruding piece 7. The pointed portion 7a has a shape in which the thickness in the vertical direction gradually decreases towards the tip of the protruding piece 7. This makes it possible to easily insert the protruding piece 7 into the first slit 8.

[0026] The orientation in which the protruding piece 7 is positioned is not particularly limited, and can be appropriately changed to match the position on the extension 2, for example, by positioning it so that the thickness direction of the protruding piece 7 is in the left-right direction of the extension 2.

[0027] On the other hand, the inner lens 3 has a first slit 8 into which the protruding piece 7 is inserted, a second slit 9 adjacent to the first slit 8, and a flexible deformation portion 10 formed between the first slit 8 and the second slit 9.

[0028] The first slit 8 is located on the lower side of the flexible deformation portion 10. It extends longer than the protruding piece 7 in the left-right direction of the inner lens 3 and has an opening with sufficient width to sandwich the protruding piece 7 in the up-down direction of the inner lens 3. Furthermore, the first slit 8 has a shape in which both ends are curved downwards from the center.

[0029] The second slit 9 is located above the flexible deformation portion 10. The second slit 9 extends longer than the protruding piece 7 in the left-right direction of the inner lens 3 and opens with a smaller width than the first slit 8 in the up-down direction of the inner lens 3. Furthermore, the second slit 9 has a shape in which both ends are curved upwards more than the central part.

[0030] The deflected portion 10 has a shape in which its thickness in the vertical direction gradually increases from its center to both ends. In other words, the thickness of the central part of the deflected portion 10 is smaller than the thickness of the ends.

[0031] In the mounting structure of this embodiment having the above configuration, when the inner lens 3 is attached to the back side of the extension 2, the protruding piece 7 is inserted into the first slit 8.

[0032] At this time, the central part of the first slit 8 on the side opposite to the side facing the bending deformation portion 10 (the lower side) is in contact with the lower surface of the protruding piece 7, while both sides of the central part are not in contact with the lower surface of the protruding piece 7.

[0033] In the mounting structure of this embodiment, when the protruding piece 7 is inserted into the first slit 8, the bent deformation portion 10, which is deformed toward the second slit 9 side (upward), presses the protruding piece 7 toward the first slit 8 side (downward).

[0034] This makes it possible to hold the protruding piece 7 inserted into the first slit 8 in a state where it is sandwiched by the flexible deformation portion 10.

[0035] Incidentally, in the vehicle lighting device 1 of this embodiment, as shown in Figure 3, the inner lens 3 is attached to the back side of the extension 2, and a fixing portion 20a according to the mounting structure of this embodiment is provided at one location in the area visible from the front side of the outer lens 6. That is, the protruding piece 7 is located on the back side of the area visible from the front side of the outer lens 6 of the extension 2.

[0036] On the other hand, in the vehicle light fixture 1 of this embodiment, fixing parts 20b are provided by screw fastening at three locations in an area that is not visible from the front side of the outer lens 6.

[0037] Specifically, in this fixing portion 20b, as shown in Figure 6, the extension 2 has a boss 11 protruding from the back side of an area not visible from the front side of the outer lens 6, and a screw hole 12 at the tip of the boss 11. On the other hand, the inner lens 3 has a hole 13 at a position opposite to the tip of the boss 11.

[0038] At each fixing part 20b, the inner lens 3 is fixed to the back side of the extension 2 by screwing a screw 14 into the screw hole 12 through the hole 13.

[0039] In the vehicle light fixture 1 of this embodiment, the four fixing parts 20a and 20b are arranged on both the lower left and right sides and both the upper left and right sides so as to surround the inner lens 3. This makes it possible to stably attach the inner lens 3 to the back side of the extension 2.

[0040] On the other hand, by providing the fixing portion 20a of this embodiment, as described above, in the area visible from the front of the outer lens 6, the boss 11 and the like required for screw fastening are unnecessary, compared to the case where a fixing portion 20b is provided by screw fastening. This makes it possible to improve the aesthetic appearance of the extension 2 from the front.

[0041] As described above, the vehicle lighting fixture 1 of this embodiment, by having the mounting structure of this embodiment described above, improves the aesthetic appearance of the extension 2 and makes it possible to stably attach the inner lens 3 to the back side of the extension 2.

[0042] 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.

[0043] For example, as shown in Figures 7 to 10, instead of the pointed portion 7a described above, a hook portion 7b may be provided on the tip side of the protruding piece 7.

[0044] The hook portion 7b is provided projecting upward from the upper surface of the protruding piece 7, opposite the bending deformation portion 10, toward the second slit 9 side (upwards). Furthermore, the tip of the hook portion 7b is inclined toward the tip of the protruding piece 7 to facilitate insertion into the first slit 8.

[0045] In this configuration, with the protruding piece 7 inserted into the first slit 8, the hook portion 7b can be hooked onto the flexible deformation portion 10.

[0046] The inner lens 3 may have a configuration that includes a pair of third slits 15 located outside both ends of the flexible deformation portion 10, and a pair of elastic pieces 16 formed by cutting out the periphery with the pair of third slits 15.

[0047] The pair of elastic pieces 16 are provided so as to protrude outward in the left-right direction in opposite directions, by cutting out a pair of third slits 15 around their periphery. In addition, each elastic piece 16 has a crank shape that is bent toward the side (forward) facing the back surface of the extension 2.

[0048] In this configuration, when the hook portion 7b is hooked onto the flexible deformation portion 10, the pair of elastic pieces 16 elastically deform while in contact with the back surface of the extension 2. As a result, the hook portion 7b is biased in the direction of being hooked onto the flexible deformation portion 10, making it possible to firmly hook the hook portion 7b onto the flexible deformation portion 10 without causing any looseness.

[0049] Furthermore, the mounting structure to which the present invention is applied is not necessarily limited to the structure to which the inner lens 3, which is the second component, is attached to the extension 2, which is the first component, as described above. The present invention can be broadly applied to any structure to which the second component is attached to the first component, which is located inside the lamp body.

[0050] For example, as shown in Figures 11 and 12, the present invention can be applied to a structure in which an extension 2, which is a second component, is attached to an outer lens 6, which is a first component.

[0051] Specifically, the outer lens 6 has a protruding piece 21 that projects toward the side facing the extension 2 (towards the rear of the extension 2 in this embodiment). A pointed portion 21a is provided at the tip end of the protruding piece 21.

[0052] On the other hand, the extension 2 has a first slit 22 into which the protruding piece 21 is inserted, a second slit 23 adjacent to the first slit 22, and a flexible deformation portion 24 formed between the first slit 22 and the second slit 23.

[0053] In the mounting structure of this embodiment, when the extension 2 is attached to the back side of the outer lens 6, the protruding piece 21 is inserted into the first slit 22. At this time, the central part of the first slit 22 on the side opposite to the side facing the bending deformation portion 24 (the lower side) is in contact with the lower surface of the protruding piece 21, while both sides on either side of the central part are not in contact with the lower surface of the protruding piece 21.

[0054] In the mounting structure of this embodiment, when the protruding piece 21 is inserted into the first slit 22, the bent deformation portion 24, which is deformed toward the second slit 23 side (upward), presses the protruding piece 21 toward the first slit 22 side (downward).

[0055] This makes it possible to fix the protruding piece 21 inserted into the first slit 22 in a state where it is sandwiched by the flexible deformation portion 24.

[0056] Furthermore, the mounting structure to which the present invention is applied is not limited to a mounting structure for a component located inside a front-side lamp body such as a headlamp unit, as described above, but may also be a mounting structure for a component located inside a rear-side lamp body such as a rear combination lamp. [Explanation of symbols]

[0057] 1…Vehicle light fixture 2…Extension (first component / second component) 3…Inner lens (second component) 4…Light body 5…Housing 6…Outer lens (first component) 7…Protruding piece 7a…Pointed part 7b…Hook part 8…First slit 9…Second slit 10…Flexible deformation part 11…Boss 12…Screw hole 13…Hole 14…Screw 15…Third slit 16…Elastic piece 20a,20b…Fixing part 21…Protruding piece 21a…Pointed part 22…First slit 23…Second slit 24…Flexible deformation part

Claims

1. A vehicle lamp comprising a lamp body consisting of a housing with an open front and an outer lens covering the opening of the housing, wherein at least a first member and a second member are arranged inside the lamp body, and the second member is attached to the first member, The first member has a protruding piece that projects toward the side facing the second member, The second member has a first slit into which the protruding piece is inserted, a second slit adjacent to the first slit, and a flexible deformation portion formed between the first slit and the second slit. A vehicle light fixture in which, with the protruding piece inserted into the first slit, the deformed portion that is bent toward the second slit side presses the protruding piece toward the first slit side.

2. The vehicle light fixture according to claim 1, wherein the deflected portion has a shape in which the thickness gradually increases from the center to both ends.

3. The vehicle light fixture according to claim 1, wherein the first slit has a shape in which the central portion opposite to the side facing the bending deformation portion is in contact with the protruding piece, and both sides on either side of the central portion are not in contact with the protruding piece.

4. The vehicle light fixture according to claim 1, wherein the protruding piece is located on its tip side and has a pointed portion whose thickness gradually decreases toward the tip.

5. The aforementioned protruding piece has a hook portion located at its tip and protruding toward the second slit from the surface facing the bending deformation portion, The vehicle light fixture according to claim 1, wherein the hook portion is engaged with the flexible deformation portion when the protruding piece is inserted into the first slit.

6. The second member has a pair of third slits located outside the ends of the bending deformation portion, and a pair of elastic pieces formed by cutting out the periphery with the pair of third slits. The vehicle light fixture according to claim 5, wherein, in a state in which the hook portion is hooked onto the bending deformation portion, the pair of elastic pieces elastically deform while in contact with the first member.

7. The protruding piece is located on the back side of the region of the first member that is visible from the front side of the outer lens, The first member has a boss protruding from the rear side of an area not visible from the front side of the outer lens, and a screw hole at the tip of the boss. The second member has a hole at a position opposite to the tip side of the boss, The vehicle light fixture according to claim 1, wherein the second member is fixed to the first member by screwing a screw into the screw hole through the aforementioned hole.

8. The first member is an extension, The vehicle light fixture according to claim 1, wherein the second member is an inner lens attached to the back side of the extension.

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