Vehicle lighting

Abstract

To provide a vehicle lighting device that suppresses light leakage that occurs between multiple light sources. [Solution] The vehicle light fixture 1 comprises a first inner lens 30 integrally formed with a light-transmitting portion 31 divided into a plurality of segments C and a light-shielding portion 32 located between the segments C of the light-transmitting portion 31; a plurality of light sources 72 provided at one or more for each segment C and emitting light toward the back surface of the first inner lens 30; and a plurality of light-shielding ribs 51 provided along the light-shielding portion 32, dividing the space between the back surface of the first inner lens 30 and the light sources 72 into a plurality of spaces corresponding to each segment C. The light-shielding portion 32 is formed extending from the back surface to the front surface of the first inner lens 30.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to vehicle lamps.

Background Art

[0002] As a vehicle lamp in which a plurality of sets of light sources emit light with different shapes and colors, there is known a configuration provided with a light shielding function between adjacent light emitting regions for the purpose of preventing light leakage to an adjacent light emitting region (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In the vehicle lamp described in Patent Document 1, a pair of partition walls are provided at intervals between adjacent illuminating lamps and signal lamps, and packing is sandwiched between the tip of the partition wall and a recess formed on the back surface of the lens. In the vehicle lamp described in Patent Document 2, a pair of reflectors are provided at intervals between adjacent first lamp units and second lamp units, and packing is sandwiched between the tip of the reflector and the back surface of the light-transmitting cover. In the vehicle lamp described in Patent Document 3, a light shielding rib is formed by two-color molding on the back surface of the lens, and this light shielding rib is disposed between adjacent light emitting regions.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the vehicle lighting devices described in Patent Documents 1 to 3, since there is no configuration with a light-shielding function on the front side of the lens or light-transmitting cover, light leakage to the adjacent light-emitting region occurs in front of the packing or light-shielding rib. In this case, the region corresponding to the non-illuminated light source may appear to be lit. In particular, if the lens has a diffusion layer, the effect of light leakage to the adjacent light-emitting region occurring in front of the packing or light-shielding rib is amplified.

[0005] In view of the above circumstances, the present invention aims to provide a vehicle lighting device that can suppress light leakage occurring between adjacent light-emitting regions. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The vehicle light fixture according to the present invention comprises a lens integrally formed with a light-transmitting portion divided into a plurality of segments and a light-shielding portion located between the segments of the light-transmitting portion; a plurality of light sources provided one or more for each segment and emitting light toward the back surface of the lens; and a plurality of light-shielding ribs provided along the light-shielding portion and dividing the space between the back surface of the lens and the light sources into a plurality of spaces corresponding to each segment, wherein the light-shielding portion is formed extending from the back surface to the front surface of the lens. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, light leakage occurring between adjacent light-emitting regions can be suppressed. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view showing a vehicle lighting device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a front view showing the vehicle lighting fixture shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III in Figure 2. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view showing an enlarged portion of Figure 3. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a rear view showing the first inner lens, as shown in Figure 1. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a front view showing the first inner lens, as shown in Figure 1. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a rear view showing the cover shown in Figure 1, etc. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the optical path of a vehicle lighting device according to the first comparative example. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the optical path of a vehicle lighting device according to the second comparative example. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the optical path of the vehicle lighting fixture shown in Figure 1, etc. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is an exploded cross-sectional view showing the relationship between the cover and light-shielding ribs, as shown in Figure 1. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is an exploded cross-sectional view showing a modified version of the cover shown in Figure 1, etc. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a portion of a vehicle lighting device according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The present invention will be described below in accordance with preferred embodiments. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments shown below, and can be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the invention. Furthermore, in the embodiments shown below, some illustrations and descriptions of certain components are omitted. For details of the omitted technologies, publicly known or well-known technologies can be applied as appropriate, to the extent that they do not contradict the content described below.

[0010] Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view showing a vehicle light fixture 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The vehicle light fixture 1 shown in this figure is mounted on a vehicle and selectively emits light from multiple light sources 72 to display various patterns such as human facial expressions in order to inform people in the vicinity of the vehicle or occupants of oncoming vehicles.

[0011] The vehicle lamp 1 includes an outer lens 10, an inner panel 20, a first inner lens 30, a cover 40, a light-shielding rib unit 50, a second inner lens 60, a light source substrate 70, and a housing 80. The outer lens 10 and the housing 80 are combined to form a cylindrical case, and the inner panel 20, the first inner lens 30, the cover 40, the light-shielding rib unit 50, the second inner lens 60, and the light source substrate 70 are accommodated in the case.

[0012] The outer lens 10 is a disc-shaped light-transmitting member and constitutes the front surface of the vehicle lamp 1. A flange portion 11 is formed at the peripheral edge of the outer lens 10. The housing 80 is a cylindrical housing with one side open and constitutes the rear surface and the outer peripheral surface of the vehicle lamp 1. The flange portion 11 of the outer lens 10 and the front end of the housing 80 are joined together.

[0013] The light source substrate 70 includes a substrate 71 and a plurality of light sources 72. The substrate 71 is a disc-shaped wiring board. One surface (hereinafter referred to as the front surface) of the substrate 71 faces the outer lens 10 side, and the other surface (hereinafter referred to as the rear surface) of the substrate 71 faces the back plate of the housing 80. The light source 72 is a light-emitting element such as an LED (Light Emitting Diode) and is mounted on the front surface of the substrate 71.

[0014] The plurality of light sources 72 are regularly arranged in a circular shape and a linear shape so that various patterns can be displayed by emitting light. A light-emitting portion in an arc shape, a fan shape, or a rectangular shape is formed by the plurality of light sources 72 regularly arranged in a circular shape and a linear shape. Various patterns are displayed by combining the light-emitting portions in an arc shape, a fan shape, and a rectangular shape.

[0015] The second inner lens 60 includes a base portion 61 and a plurality of lenses 62. The base portion 61 is a disk-shaped light-transmitting member. One surface (hereinafter referred to as the front surface) of the base portion 61 faces the outer lens 10 side, and the other surface (hereinafter referred to as the back surface) of the base portion 61 faces the front surface of the substrate 71. The lens 62 is a convex portion formed on the front surface of the base portion 61, is provided for each light source 72, and gives an optical effect such as condensing or diffusing the light emitted from the light source 72.

[0016] The light-shielding rib unit 50 is a resin component in which the light-shielding ribs 51, 52, and 53 are integrally formed. The light-shielding ribs 51, 52, and 53 are formed of a non-light-transmitting resin material. The light-shielding ribs 51 and 53 are formed in a linear plate shape, and the light-shielding rib 52 is formed in a cylindrical shape. Two sets of the light-shielding ribs 51 are provided, and each set of the light-shielding ribs 51 is arranged in parallel, and the two sets of the light-shielding ribs 51 intersect at a right angle. One set of the light-shielding ribs 52 is provided, and one set of the light-shielding ribs 52 having different diameters is arranged concentrically. One set of the light-shielding ribs 53 is provided, and one set of the light-shielding ribs 53 is arranged symmetrically with respect to the center of the light-shielding rib 52 and is provided so as to connect one set of the light-shielding ribs 52.

[0017] One end side in the width direction of the light-shielding ribs 51 and 52 is arranged toward the outer lens 10 side, and the other end side in the width direction of the light-shielding ribs 51 and 52 faces the front surface of the base portion 61 of the second inner lens 60. The longitudinal direction of the light-shielding rib 51 is parallel to the radial direction of the light-shielding rib 52. One end side in the longitudinal direction of the light-shielding rib 53 is arranged toward the outer lens 10 side, and the other end side in the longitudinal direction of the light-shielding rib 53 faces the front surface of the base portion 61 of the second inner lens 60. The width direction of the light-shielding rib 53 is parallel to the radial direction of the light-shielding rib 52. The light-shielding ribs 51, 52, and 53 are partition walls that partition a plurality of spaces in an arc shape, a fan shape, and a rectangular shape. The shapes and arrangements of the plurality of spaces partitioned by the light-shielding ribs 51, 52, and 53 correspond to the light-emitting portions in an arc shape, a fan shape, or a rectangular shape.

[0018] The cover 40 is a thin-walled elastic member and is formed in the same shape as the light-shielding rib unit 50 when viewed from the front. The cover 40 is positioned between the light-shielding rib unit 50 and the first inner lens 30, and is sandwiched between the light-shielding rib unit 50 and the light-shielding portion 32 of the first inner lens 30. Examples of materials for the cover 40 include elastic thermosetting resins such as silicone rubber, polyurethane elastomer, epoxy elastomer, fluororubber, polybutadiene rubber, and silicone elastomer.

[0019] The first inner lens 30 comprises a light-transmitting portion 31 and a light-shielding portion 32. The light-transmitting portion 31 and the light-shielding portion 32 are integrally formed by two-color molding (multi-color molding). The light-transmitting portion 31 is a disc-shaped translucent resin member and has a diffusion layer formed thereon that diffuses transmitted light. This diffusion layer can be formed by attaching a diffusion film to the surface of the light-transmitting portion 31, applying a paint or coating agent containing a diffusion material to the surface of the light-transmitting portion 31, or laminating a layer containing a diffusion material as part of the light-transmitting portion 31. Examples of resin materials for the light-transmitting portion 31 include transparent or translucent silicone resin, melamine resin, phenolic resin, or epoxy resin.

[0020] The light-shielding portion 32 is a non-transparent resin material and has a light-shielding function. The light-shielding portion 32 is formed in a shape similar to that of the light-shielding rib unit 50 when viewed from the front, and divides the light-transmitting portion 31 into multiple segments C in an arc shape, fan shape, or rectangular shape. Examples of resin materials for the light-shielding portion 32 include colored silicone resin, melamine resin, phenolic resin, or epoxy resin, such as black or gray. The light-shielding portion 32 is positioned to overlap with the cover 40, and the cover 40 is sandwiched between the light-shielding portion 32 and the light-shielding ribs 51, 52, and 53.

[0021] The inner panel 20 comprises an annular frame portion 21 and a plurality of crossbar portions 22. The plurality of crossbar portions 22 are provided on the inside of the frame portion 21. An opening 23 is formed between the frame portion 21 and the crossbar portions 22, and between the crossbar portions 22. The inner panel 20 is formed in the same shape as the light-shielding portion 32 when viewed from the front. The inner panel 20 is positioned to overlap with the light-shielding portion 32. The surface of the inner panel 20 facing the outer lens 10 is the same color as the vehicle body.

[0022] Figure 2 is a front view showing the vehicle light fixture 1 of Figure 1. As shown in this figure, in the vehicle light fixture 1, the inner panel 20, which is the same color as the vehicle body, is visible from the front through the outer lens 10. In addition, the segment C of the light-transmitting portion 31 of the first inner lens 30 is visible from the front through the opening 23 of the outer lens 10 and the inner panel 20.

[0023] The segment C of the light-transmitting portion 31 of the first inner lens 30 and the opening 23 of the inner panel 20 are arc-shaped, fan-shaped, or rectangular, and the light that passes through the segment C of the light-transmitting portion 31 and through the opening 23 forms an arc-shaped, fan-shaped, or rectangular light-emitting portion.

[0024] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III in Figure 2. In the vehicle lighting device 1 shown in this figure, the cylindrical space between the first inner lens 30 and the second inner lens 60 is divided into multiple spaces by two sets of light-shielding ribs 51, one set of light-shielding ribs 52, and one set of light-shielding ribs 53 (see Figure 1).

[0025] Each pair of light-shielding ribs 51 are arranged parallel to each other across the diameter of the cylindrical space, and each pair of light-shielding ribs 52 are arranged parallel to each other on the outer circumference of the cylindrical space. One end of the light-shielding ribs 51 and 52 in the width direction abuts against the back surface of the cover 40, and the other end of the light-shielding ribs 51 and 52 in the width direction faces the front surface of the base portion 61 of the second inner lens 60. In this embodiment, there is no gap between the other end of the light-shielding ribs 51 and 52 in the width direction and the front surface of the base portion 61, but this is not essential. The longitudinal direction of the linearly extending light-shielding rib 51 is the direction in which the light-shielding rib 51 extends (the depth direction in Figure 3), and the longitudinal direction of the cylindrical light-shielding rib 52 is the circumferential direction of the light-shielding rib 52.

[0026] Although not shown in the illustration, the light-shielding rib 53 is formed in the shape of a rectangular plate with the front-to-back direction of the luminaire as the longitudinal direction and the diameter direction of the luminaire as the width direction. One end of the light-shielding rib 53 in the longitudinal direction abuts against the back surface of the cover 40, and the other end of the light-shielding rib 53 in the longitudinal direction faces the front surface of the base portion 61 of the second inner lens 60. In this embodiment, there is no gap between the other end of the light-shielding rib 53 in the longitudinal direction and the front surface of the base portion 61, but this is not essential.

[0027] In each space divided by the light-shielding ribs 51, 52, and 53, one or more light sources 72 (see Figure 1) and one or more lenses 62 are arranged. In addition, segments C of the light-transmitting section 31 are arranged in each space divided by the light-shielding ribs 51, 52, and 53.

[0028] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view showing an enlarged portion of Figure 3. As shown in this figure, a retainer 311 for die-cutting is formed along the light-shielding portion 32 in the light-transmitting portion 31 of the first inner lens 30. The retainer 311 is composed of a pair of parallel linear protrusions on either side of the light-shielding portion 32.

[0029] The light-shielding portion 32 is formed extending from the back to the front of the first inner lens 30, and shields light between segments C of the light-shielding portion 32. The front surface of the light-shielding portion 32 is flush with the front surface of the light-transmitting portion 31. The width of the light-shielding portion 32 gradually narrows from the front side to the back side of the first inner lens 30, and the narrow portion of the light-shielding portion 32 is sandwiched between a pair of protrusions that constitute the retainer 311.

[0030] The pair of protrusions constituting the retainer 311 are provided on the back surface of the light-transmitting portion 31 so as to sandwich the narrow portion of the light-shielding portion 32, and protrude toward the light source 72. A cover 40 is fitted between the pair of protrusions constituting the retainer 311, and the front surface of the cover 40 is in contact with the narrow portion of the light-shielding portion 32.

[0031] A groove 41 is formed on the back surface of the cover 40. The groove 41 is formed along the light-shielding ribs 51, 52, and 53, and one end of the light-shielding ribs 51, 52, and 53 in the width direction is fitted into the groove 41 (light-shielding ribs 52 and 53 are not shown). As a result, the light-shielding ribs 51, 52, and 53, the cover 40, and the light-shielding portion 32 form a light-shielding wall extending from the front surface of the base portion 61 of the second inner lens 60 to the front surface of the first inner lens 30.

[0032] The width of the frame portion 21 and the crossbar portion 22 of the inner panel 20 is greater than or equal to the width of the widest part of the light-shielding portion 32 (frame portion 21 is not shown). Furthermore, the frame portion 21 and the crossbar portion 22 of the inner panel 20 are arranged to shield the front of the light-shielding portion 32. As a result, the light-shielding portion 32 is not visible from the front.

[0033] Figure 5 is a rear view showing the first inner lens 30 as shown in Figure 1, etc. As shown in this figure, a narrow portion of the light-shielding section 32 is formed on the back surface of the first inner lens 30, and on the back surface of the first inner lens 30, the light-transmitting section 31 is divided into arc-shaped, fan-shaped, or rectangular segments C by the narrow portion of the light-shielding section 32.

[0034] A retainer 311 is formed on the back of the first inner lens 30, flanking the light-shielding portion 32, and each segment C of the light-transmitting portion 31 is surrounded by the retainer 311.

[0035] The light-shielding portion 32 is also formed on the outer peripheral edge of the back surface of the first inner lens 30. On the outer peripheral edge of the back surface of the first inner lens 30, one convex portion of the retainer 311 is formed on the light-transmitting portion 31, and the other convex portion of the retainer 311 is formed on the light-shielding portion 32.

[0036] Figure 6 is a front view showing the first inner lens 30 as shown in Figure 1. As shown in this figure, a wide portion of the light-shielding section 32 is formed on the front surface of the first inner lens 30, and on the front surface of the first inner lens 30, the light-transmitting section 31 is divided into arc-shaped, fan-shaped, or rectangular segments C by the wide portion of the light-shielding section 32. The light-shielding section 32 is also formed on the outer peripheral edge of the front surface of the first inner lens 30.

[0037] Figure 7 is a rear view showing the cover 40 as shown in Figure 1. As shown in this figure, the cover 40 is an elastic member in which a linear elastic member and an annular elastic member are integrated. On the back surface of the cover 40, grooves 41 are formed linearly along the linear elastic member and annularly along the annular elastic member.

[0038] A groove 42 is formed along the outer periphery of the back surface of the cover 40. While groove 41 has groove walls on both sides, groove 42 has a groove wall only on one side, the inner periphery.

[0039] Figure 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the optical path of a vehicle lamp according to the first comparative example. As shown in this figure, in the vehicle lamp according to the first comparative example, the first inner lens 30' is composed only of a light-transmitting portion 31. Furthermore, there is no cover 40, and one end of the light-shielding ribs 51, 52, and 53 in the width direction faces the crossbar portion 22 or frame portion 21 of the inner panel 20 via the light-transmitting portion 31 (light-shielding ribs 52, 53 and frame portion 21 are not shown).

[0040] In the vehicle lighting device according to the first comparative example, the light-shielding portion 32 and the cover 40 are not interposed between the rib portion 22 of the inner panel 20 and one end of the light-shielding ribs 51, 52, 53 in the width direction, resulting in light leakage between the light-shielding ribs 51, 52, 53 and the rib portion 22. For example, as shown in the figure, light emitted from the light source 72 passes through the light-transmitting portion 31, is reflected by the rib portion 22, is internally reflected on the back surface of the light-transmitting portion 31, and passes through the front surface of the light-transmitting portion 31.

[0041] Light leaking from between the light-shielding ribs 51, 52, and 53 and the crossbar 22 passes through the area of ​​the light-transmitting section 31 corresponding to the adjacent light-emitting section. As a result, the light-emitting section corresponding to the non-illuminated light source 72 becomes lit.

[0042] Figure 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the optical path of a vehicle lamp according to the second comparative example. As shown in this figure, the vehicle lamp according to the second comparative example does not have a cover 40, and one end of the light-shielding ribs 51, 52, and 53 in the width direction faces the light-shielding portion 32 (light-shielding ribs 52 and 53 are not shown).

[0043] In the vehicle lighting fixture according to the second comparative example, a gap is provided between one end of the light-shielding ribs 51, 52, 53 in the width direction and the light-shielding portion 32 in order to prevent the generation of powdery wear or cracks due to contact between one end of the light-shielding ribs 51, 52, 53 in the width direction and the light-shielding portion 32. As a result, light leakage occurs between the light-shielding ribs 51, 52, 53 and the light-shielding portion 32 to the segment C adjacent to the light-transmitting portion 31. For example, as shown in the figure, light emitted from the light source 72 passes through the retainer 311 and between the light-shielding portion 32 and the light-shielding ribs 51, 52, 53, and is internally reflected on the front and back surfaces of the light-transmitting portion 31 before passing through the light-transmitting portion 31.

[0044] Light leaking from between the light-shielding ribs 51, 52, and 53 and the light-shielding section 32 passes through the segment C adjacent to the light-transmitting section 31. This could potentially cause the light-emitting section corresponding to the non-illuminated light source 72 to light up.

[0045] However, the vehicle lamp according to the second comparative example exhibits less light leakage to adjacent light-emitting sections compared to the vehicle lamp according to the first comparative example, and the impact of light leakage on the display of the pattern is small. In particular, the retainer 311 has a diffusion layer, similar to the other parts of the light-transmitting section 31. Also, one end of the light-shielding ribs 51, 52, and 53 in the width direction is located on the light-shielding section 32 side of the top surface of the retainer 311. As a result, light traveling from between the light-shielding ribs 51, 52, and 53 and the light-shielding section 32 toward the adjacent segment C passes through the retainer 311, which has a diffusion layer, and is diffused by the diffusion layer of the retainer 311. Therefore, it is quite possible that in the vehicle lamp according to the second comparative example, the impact of light leakage on the display of the pattern is minor and within an acceptable range, and in that case, the configuration of the vehicle lamp according to the second comparative example may be adopted. It is not essential that one end of the light-shielding ribs 51, 52, and 53 in the width direction be located closer to the light-shielding portion 32 than the top surface of the retainer 311; the position of one end of the light-shielding ribs 51, 52, and 53 in the width direction and the top surface of the retainer 311 may coincide in the front-to-back direction of the luminaire.

[0046] Figure 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the optical path of the vehicle light fixture 1 shown in Figure 1, etc. As shown in this figure, in the vehicle light fixture 1, a light-shielding portion 32 and a cover 40 are interposed between the rib portion 22 of the inner panel 20 and one end of the light-shielding ribs 51, 52, 53 in the width direction, thereby preventing light leakage between the light-shielding ribs 51, 52, 53 and the rib portion 22 (light-shielding ribs 52, 53 are not shown). In particular, since the light-shielding portion 32 is formed from the back to the front of the first inner lens 30, light leakage to the segment C adjacent to the light-transmitting portion 31 on the front side of the light-shielding portion 32 is prevented. As a result, the situation in which the light-emitting portion corresponding to the non-illuminated light source 72 lights up does not occur.

[0047] Figure 11 is an exploded cross-sectional view showing the relationship between the cover 40 and the light-shielding ribs 51, 52, and 53 as shown in Figure 1, etc. (light-shielding ribs 52 and 53 are not shown). As shown in this figure and Figure 10, etc., the light-shielding ribs 51, 52, and 53 are formed so that their thickness gradually decreases from the center in the width direction to both ends. In contrast, the groove 41 of the cover 40 is formed so that its width gradually narrows from the opening side to the bottom of the groove.

[0048] The thickness D1 of one end of the light-shielding ribs 51, 52, and 53 in the width direction is greater than the width D2 of the groove bottom of the groove 41. As a result, one end of the light-shielding ribs 51, 52, and 53 in the width direction is fitted into the cover 40 with the groove 41 elastically widened, thereby increasing the joint strength due to the fit between the light-shielding ribs 51, 52, and 53 and the cover 40.

[0049] As described above, the vehicle light fixture 1 according to this embodiment comprises a first inner lens 30, a plurality of light sources 72, and a plurality of light-shielding ribs 51, 52, and 53. The first inner lens 30 is a lens integrally formed with a light-transmitting portion 31 divided into a plurality of segments C and a light-shielding portion 32 located between the segments C of the light-transmitting portion 31. One or more light sources 72 are provided for each segment C of the light-transmitting portion 31 and emit light toward the back surface of the first inner lens 30. The plurality of light-shielding ribs 51, 52, and 53 are provided along the light-shielding portion 32 and divide the space between the back surface of the first inner lens 30 and the light sources 72 into a plurality of spaces corresponding to the segments C of the light-transmitting portion 31.

[0050] Here, the light-shielding portion 32 is formed extending from the back to the front of the first inner lens 30. This prevents light leakage to the adjacent segment C of the light-transmitting portion 31 on the front side of the light-shielding portion 32, and suppresses distortion of the pattern display caused by light passing through the segment C of the light-transmitting portion 31 corresponding to the non-illuminated light source 72.

[0051] Furthermore, in the vehicle lamp 1 according to this embodiment, the cover 40 is provided between the light-shielding ribs 51, 52, 53 and the light-shielding portion 32, blocking the light path between the light-shielding ribs 51, 52, 53 and the light-shielding portion 32. This prevents light leakage from between the light-shielding ribs 51, 52, 53 and the light-shielding portion 32 to the adjacent segment C of the light-transmitting portion 31, and more effectively suppresses distortion of the pattern display caused by light passing through the segment C of the light-transmitting portion 31 corresponding to the non-illuminated light source 72.

[0052] Furthermore, in the vehicle light fixture 1 according to this embodiment, the cover 40 is an elastic material having elasticity and light-shielding properties, and is fitted between the light-shielding ribs 51, 52, 53 and the light-shielding portion 32. This prevents light leakage between the light-shielding ribs 51, 52, 53 and the light-shielding portion 32 while keeping them non-contact. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the generation of powdery wear and cracks due to contact between the light-shielding ribs 51, 52, 53 and the light-shielding portion 32 due to vibration, and to effectively suppress distortion of the display of the pattern caused by light passing through the segment C of the light-transmitting portion 31 corresponding to the non-illuminated light source 72.

[0053] Furthermore, in the vehicle light fixture 1 according to this embodiment, retainers 311 are provided as protrusions formed in pairs on the back surface of the light-transmitting portion 31 so as to sandwich the light-shielding portion 32, and the cover 40, which is an elastic member, is fitted between the retainers 311. The cover 40 also has grooves 41 into which light-shielding ribs 51, 52, 53 are fitted. As a result, the light-shielding ribs 51, 52, 53 and the light-shielding portion 32 are joined via the elastically deformed cover 40. Therefore, light can be shielded between the light-shielding ribs 51, 52, 53 and the light-shielding portion 32, the bonding strength between the light-shielding ribs 51, 52, 53 and the light-shielding portion 32 via the cover 40 can be increased, and powdery wear and cracks can be prevented from occurring due to contact between the light-shielding ribs 51, 52, 53 and the light-shielding portion 32 due to vibration.

[0054] Furthermore, in the vehicle lamp 1 according to this embodiment, the light-transmitting portion 31 of the first inner lens 30 is equipped with a diffusion layer, and the light transmitted through the light-transmitting portion 31 is diffused. Therefore, if light leakage occurs to the adjacent segment C of the light-transmitting portion 31 on the front side of the light-shielding rib 51, the impact on the display of the pattern will be amplified. In contrast, with the vehicle lamp 1 according to this embodiment, light leakage to the adjacent segment C of the light-transmitting portion 31 on the front side of the light-shielding rib 51 is suppressed or prevented by the light-shielding portion 32 and / or cover 40, thereby suppressing the impact on the display of the pattern.

[0055] Furthermore, in the vehicle lighting device 1 according to this embodiment, the inner panel 20 is positioned facing the front surface of the first inner lens 30. The inner panel 20 includes a rib portion 22 provided along the light-shielding portion 32, and an opening 23 is formed facing the light-transmitting portion 31.

[0056] In this case, sink marks may occur on the front surface of the light-shielding portion 32. If this occurs, the design would be compromised if the light-shielding portion 32 were visible from the front. In contrast, the width of the rib portion 22 of the inner panel 20 is greater than or equal to the width of the light-shielding portion 32, and the light-shielding portion 32 is not visible from the front due to the presence of the rib portion 22. Furthermore, the color of the rib portion 22 is the same as the body color, so that no fabric color remains. Thus, the design of the vehicle light fixture 1 can be ensured.

[0057] Figure 12 is an exploded cross-sectional view showing a cover 400, which is a modified example of the cover 40 in Figure 1, etc. As shown in this figure, the arc-shaped or linear elastic member constituting the cover 400 includes a first fitting portion 401 into which one end in the width direction of the light-shielding ribs 51, 52, 53 is fitted, and a second fitting portion 402 fitted between the retainers 311 (light-shielding ribs 52, 53 are not shown). A groove 411 is formed in the first fitting portion 401. One end in the width direction of the light-shielding ribs 51, 52, 53 is fitted into the groove 411.

[0058] The second fitting portion 402 comprises a pair of parallel elastic pieces flanking the first fitting portion 401. The pair of elastic pieces constituting the second fitting portion 402 are formed to extend from both sides of the groove bottom of the first fitting portion 401 toward the light-shielding ribs 51, 52, and 53. The cover 400 is fitted between the retainers 311 while the second fitting portion 402 is elastically compressed, thereby increasing the bonding strength between the light-shielding ribs 51, 52, and 53 and the retainers 311 via the cover 400.

[0059] Figure 13 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a part of a vehicle lamp according to another embodiment of the present invention. As shown in this figure, the vehicle lamp according to this embodiment includes a first inner lens 300. Components similar to those in the above-described embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description of the above-described embodiment will be used by reference.

[0060] The first inner lens 300 comprises a light-transmitting portion 31 and a light-shielding portion 302. The light-transmitting portion 31 and the light-shielding portion 302 are integrally formed by two-color molding. The light-shielding portion 302 is a non-transmitting resin material and has a light-shielding function. The light-shielding portion 302 is formed in a shape similar to that of the light-shielding rib unit 50 when viewed from the front, and divides the light-transmitting portion 31 into multiple segments C in an arc shape, fan shape, or rectangular shape (see Figure 1).

[0061] A wide portion of the light-shielding section 302 is formed on the front surface of the first inner lens 300, and a narrow portion of the light-shielding section 302 is formed on the back surface of the first inner lens 300. Here, the narrow portion of the light-shielding section 302 protrudes from the back surface of the first inner lens 300 toward the light-shielding ribs 51, 52, and 53 (light-shielding ribs 52 and 53 are not shown).

[0062] The narrow portion of the light-shielding section 302 has a pair of protrusions 340 and a groove 341 located between the pair of protrusions 340. The groove 341 extends along the light-shielding section 302. The pair of protrusions 340 are parallel linear projections on either side of the groove 341 and are made of a non-transparent resin material, similar to the light-shielding section 302. The pair of protrusions 340 project from the back (rear end) of the light-shielding section 302 toward the rear in the front-to-back direction of the lamp.

[0063] One end (hereinafter referred to as the tip) in the width direction of the light-shielding ribs 51, 52, and 53 is inserted into the groove 341. The tips (front ends) of the light-shielding ribs 51, 52, and 53 and the bottom surface of the groove 341 face each other in the front-to-back direction of the luminaire. A gap is provided between the bottom surface of the groove 341 and the tips of the light-shielding ribs 51, 52, and 53, and between the wall surface of the pair of protrusions 340 and the tips of the light-shielding ribs 51, 52, and 53.

[0064] Here, the tips of the light-shielding ribs 51, 52, and 53 are sandwiched in the thickness direction of the light-shielding ribs 51, 52, and 53 by a pair of protrusions 340, and are located on the groove bottom side of the groove 341, rather than on the top surface of the pair of protrusions 340. In other words, the pair of protrusions 340 are positioned close to the tips of the light-shielding ribs 51, 52, and 53 and the rear end of the light-shielding portion 302, which are facing each other in the front-rear direction of the luminaire, and are arranged to shield the space between the tips of the light-shielding ribs 51, 52, and 53 and the rear end of the light-shielding portion 302 when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the front-rear direction of the luminaire. Therefore, the light path between the tips of the light-shielding ribs 51, 52, and 53 and the light-shielding portion 302 is blocked by the tips of the light-shielding ribs 51, 52, and 53 and the protrusions 340. Therefore, light leakage between the tips of the light-shielding ribs 51, 52, and 53 and the light-shielding portion 302 is prevented, and the light-emitting portion corresponding to the segment C adjacent to the light-transmitting portion 31 is prevented from illuminating even though the light source 72 corresponding to the segment C adjacent to the light-transmitting portion 31 is not lit.

[0065] It is not essential that the tips of the light-shielding ribs 51, 52, and 53 are located on the groove bottom side of the groove 341 (the front side of the first inner lens 300) rather than the top surface of the pair of protrusions 340. The positions of the tips of the light-shielding ribs 51, 52, and 53 and the top surface of the pair of protrusions 340 may coincide in the front-to-back direction of the luminaire. Even in this case, the light path between the tips of the light-shielding ribs 51, 52, and 53 and the light-shielding portion 302 will be blocked.

[0066] Although the present invention has been described above based on the embodiments described above, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and modifications may be made, or the technologies of the embodiments or publicly known technologies may be combined, without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0067] For example, in the above embodiment, a vehicle light fixture 1 that displays various patterns such as human facial expressions to inform people around the vehicle or occupants of oncoming vehicles was given as an example. However, the present invention can also be applied to other vehicle light fixtures such as headlights, side marker lamps, and taillights. Furthermore, although LEDs were given as an example of a light source, other light sources such as discharge lamps may also be used. [Explanation of symbols]

[0068] 1: Vehicle lighting fixtures 20: Inner panel (panel) 22: Cross section 23 :Aperture 30: First inner lens (lens) 31:Transparent part 32: Light-shielding part 40: Cover (light-shielding material, elastic material) 41: Groove 42: Groove 51: Light-blocking rib 72 :Light source 300: First inner lens (lens) 302: Light-shielding part 311: Retainer (protruding part) 340: Protruding part (light-shielding member, light-shielding protrusion) 341: Groove 400: Cover (light-shielding material, elastic material) 401: First mating section 402: Second mating section 411: Groove C: Segment

Claims

1. A lens in which a light-transmitting portion divided into multiple segments and a light-shielding portion located between the segments of the light-transmitting portion are integrally formed, One or more light sources are provided for each segment, and each light source emits light toward the back of the lens, A plurality of light-shielding ribs are provided along the light-shielding portion, dividing the space between the back surface of the lens and the light source into a plurality of spaces corresponding to the respective segments. Equipped with, The light-shielding portion is formed extending from the back to the front of the lens. Vehicle lighting fixtures.

2. The light-shielding member is provided to block the light path between the light-shielding rib and the light-shielding portion. A vehicle light fixture according to claim 1.

3. The light-shielding member is an elastic member having elasticity and light-shielding properties, and is fitted between the light-shielding rib and the light-shielding portion. The vehicle light fixture according to claim 2.

4. The back surface of the light-transmitting portion is provided with a pair of protrusions formed so as to sandwich the light-shielding portion, The elastic member has a groove formed into which the light-shielding rib is fitted, and is fitted between the protrusions. The vehicle light fixture according to claim 3.

5. The elastic member is The first fitting portion having the groove formed therein, An elastic piece formed integrally with the first fitting portion, and a second fitting portion fitted between the first fitting portion and the protrusion. Equipped with The vehicle light fixture according to claim 4.

6. The light-shielding member has light-shielding properties and is positioned close to the front end of the light-shielding rib and the rear end of the light-shielding portion, which are opposite each other in the front-rear direction of the lamp, and is arranged to shield the space between the front end of the light-shielding rib and the rear end of the light-shielding portion when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the front-rear direction of the lamp. The vehicle light fixture according to claim 2.

7. The light-shielding member is a light-shielding projection formed to protrude from the light-shielding portion toward the rear in the front-rear direction of the lamp. The vehicle light fixture according to claim 6.

8. The light-transmitting portion includes a diffusion layer that diffuses the transmitted light. A vehicle light fixture according to claim 1 or 2.

9. The back surface of the light-transmitting portion is provided with a pair of protrusions formed so as to sandwich the light-shielding portion, The aforementioned protrusion comprises the diffusion layer. The vehicle light fixture according to claim 8.

10. The lens is positioned facing the front surface and includes a rib provided along the light-shielding portion, and a panel with an opening formed facing the light-transmitting portion. The width of the aforementioned crossbar is greater than or equal to the width of the aforementioned light-shielding portion. The color of the aforementioned rail is the same as the body color. A vehicle light fixture according to claim 1 or 2.

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