Vehicle lighting
The vehicle lamp's innovative light guide design, combining a rod-shaped and plate-shaped sections with internal reflections, addresses the issue of non-uniform light emission, resulting in improved lighting efficiency and appearance.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- KOITO MFG CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2024-12-20
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-02
Smart Images
Figure 2026110102000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present disclosure relates to vehicle lamps.
Background Art
[0002] Conventionally, there is known a vehicle lamp including a light source and a rod-shaped light guide arranged such that light from the light source is incident from one end, and the light guided inside the light guide is emitted forward of the lamp from an emission surface along the longitudinal direction of the light guide (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
Prior Art Documents
Patent Documents
[0003]
Patent Document 1
Summary of the Invention
Problems to be Solved by the Invention
[0004] The present disclosure has been made in such a situation, and one of its exemplary purposes is to provide a technique for making a light guide of a vehicle lamp emit light more uniformly, the light guide being configured to emit light in a line shape as a whole and emit light over a wide area partially.
Means for Solving the Problems
[0005] In order to solve the above problems, a vehicle lamp according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes a light guide and is configured to emit light from a light source to the outside through the light guide. The light guide includes a rod-shaped first light emitting portion that internally reflects light from the light source by a first step formed on the rear side of the lamp and emits the light forward of the lamp, and a plate-shaped second light emitting portion provided outside a bent portion of the first light emitting portion and configured to emit light from the light source supplied through the first light emitting portion. The second light emitting portion is thinner than the first light emitting portion and has a second step configured to emit light guiding the second light emitting portion.
[0006] Another aspect of the present disclosure is also a vehicle light fixture. This vehicle light fixture includes a light guide and is configured to emit light from a light source to the outside through the light guide, the light guide being rod-shaped and including a first light-emitting section that internally reflects light from a light source through a first step formed on the rear side of the light fixture and emits it toward the front of the light fixture, and a second light-emitting section that is plate-shaped and provided on the end side of the first light-emitting section furthest from the light source, and emits light from a light source supplied through the first light-emitting section. The second light-emitting section includes a light-supplying section that is thinner than the first light-emitting section and a planar light-emitting section that emits light from a light source supplied through the light-supplying section. The planar light-emitting section has a second step for emitting light that guides the planar light-emitting section. The light-supplying section is thinner than the first light-emitting section and has a third step that does not have a step for emitting light that guides the light-supplying section, or has an area occupied per unit area smaller than the second step. [Effects of the Invention]
[0007] According to this disclosure, a technology can be provided to make a light guide for a vehicle lighting device, which emits light in a linear pattern overall and in a wide area partially, emit light more uniformly. [Brief explanation of the drawing]
[0008] [Figure 1] This is a schematic front view of a vehicle lighting device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of the lighting unit. [Figure 3] Figures 3(a) to 3(c) show the light guide in Figure 2. [Figure 4] This figure shows a magnified view of the curved section and its surrounding area in Figure 3(c). [Figure 5] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the light guide and its surroundings. [Figure 6] This is a schematic front view of a vehicle lighting device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 6 is an exploded perspective view of the lighting unit. [Figure 8]Figures 8(a) to 8(c) show the light guides in Figure 6. [Figure 9] This figure shows a magnified view of the second light-emitting section and its surroundings in the light guide shown in Figure 6. [Figure 10] Figure 6 is a perspective view of the second light-emitting section of the light guide and its surroundings, seen from the rear side of the light fixture. [Figure 11] This figure shows a cross-section of the light guide, perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the first light-emitting section, and passing through the light supply section of the second light-emitting section. [Figure 12] This figure shows a cross-section of the light guide perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the first light-emitting section and passing through the planar light-emitting section of the second light-emitting section. [Figure 13] This is a cross-sectional view of the second end side of the first light-emitting section of the light guide in Figure 6. [Modes for carrying out the invention]
[0009] The present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings, based on preferred embodiments. The embodiments are illustrative and not limiting, and not all features or combinations thereof described in the embodiments are necessarily essential to the disclosure. The same or equivalent components, members, and processes shown in each drawing will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions will be omitted where appropriate.
[0010] (First Embodiment) Figure 1 is a schematic front view of a vehicle light fixture 100 according to the first embodiment. The vehicle light fixture 100 shown in Figure 1 may be located at the front of the vehicle or at the rear of the vehicle.
[0011] The vehicle lighting fixture 100 comprises a lamp body 110, a transparent outer cover 112 that covers the front opening of the lamp body 110, and a lighting unit 116 that is positioned in the lighting chamber 114, which is the space between the lamp body 110 and the outer cover 112.
[0012] When the vehicle lamp 100 is disposed at the front of the vehicle, the lamp unit 116 can be used as, for example, a DRL (Daytime Running Lamp), a clearance lamp, a turn signal lamp, an accessory lamp or a communication lamp. In this case, the vehicle lamp 100 may include a headlamp unit (not shown) configured to provide low beam and high beam functions.
[0013] When the vehicle lamp 100 is disposed at the rear of the vehicle, the lamp unit 116 can be used as, for example, a tail lamp, a stop lamp, a turn signal lamp, an accessory lamp or a communication lamp.
[0014] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the lamp unit 116. The lamp unit 116 includes a light source unit 118, a light guide 120, a reflector 122, and an inner lens 124.
[0015] The light source unit 118 is, but not limited to, a socket type light source unit, and includes a light source 130 and a socket 132 on which the light source 130 is mounted. The socket type light source unit 118 is configured to be detachable from a lamp body 110 (not shown in FIG. 2).
[0016] The light source 130 is typically an LED (light emitting diode). The socket type light source unit 118 in which the light source 130 is an LED is also referred to as an LED socket. The light source 130 may be an LD (laser diode), an organic EL (electroluminescence), an inorganic EL or others.
[0017] The light guide 120 is a translucent resin material, for example, made of acrylic resin or polycarbonate resin. The light guide 120 is formed by injection molding. The light guide 120 includes a first light-emitting section 140 and a second light-emitting section 142. Light from the light source 130 enters the light guide 120 from the first end 140a. The light that enters the light guide 120 is guided through the interior of the light guide 120 toward the second end 140b, and in the process is reflected by a plurality of steps (not shown in Figure 2) provided on the rear side of the light guide 120 and emitted toward the front side of the light fixture.
[0018] The reflector 122 has a reflective surface 122a facing the front of the luminaire. The reflective surface 122a extends along the light guide 120 and faces the light guide 120 at the rear of the light guide 120. The reflective surface 122a is formed, for example, by a vapor deposition process. The reflector 122 supports the light guide 120 and reflects the light that leaks from the light guide 120 to the rear of the luminaire back to the front of the luminaire by the reflective surface 122a. This increases the efficiency of light utilization from the light source 130.
[0019] The inner lens 124 is positioned on the front side of the light guide 120 so as to cover the light guide 120. The inner lens 124 is light-transmitting and transmits light emitted from the light guide 120. In other words, light from the light source 130 is emitted to the outside of the vehicle light fixture 100 via the light guide 120 and the inner lens 124. The inner lens 124 may be colorless, or it may have an appropriate color depending on the application of the vehicle light fixture 100.
[0020] The inner lens 124 is configured to diffuse light, although this is not always the case. For example, a diffusing agent may be incorporated into the inner lens 124, or the surface of the inner lens 124 may be textured to diffuse light. In any case, the inner lens 124 emits light when emitted from the light guide 120 to the front of the luminaire. The figure labeled 116 in Figure 1 can also be interpreted as showing the light emission of the inner lens 124.
[0021] Next, we will explain the light guide 120 in detail.
[0022] Figures 3(a) to 3(c) show the light guide 120. Figure 3(a) is a plan view of the light body 120, Figure 3(b) is a front view of the light guide 120, i.e., a view from the front of the lamp, and Figure 3(c) is a rear view of the light guide 120, i.e., a view from the rear of the lamp. Figure 4 is an enlarged view of the curved portion 140e and its surroundings in Figure 3(c). Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the light guide 120 and its surroundings. The cross-section in Figure 5 is a cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the first light-emitting portion 140 of the light guide 120 and passes through the second light-emitting portion 142.
[0023] The light guide 120 includes a first light-emitting section 140 and a second light-emitting section 142.
[0024] The first light-emitting section 140 is rod-shaped and includes a first end 140a, a second end 140b, and a circumferential surface 140c. The circumferential surface 140c is the side surface of the first light-emitting section 140 that connects the two ends 140a and 140b of the first light-emitting section 140. The first end 140a faces the light source 130 (not shown in Figures 3-5). Light from the light source 130 is incident on the first light-emitting section 140 from the first end 140a.
[0025] The first light-emitting section 140, however, has its first end 140a located outward in the vehicle width direction and its second end 140b located towards the center in the vehicle width direction.
[0026] The first light-emitting section 140, although not limited to this, is curved outward in a convex shape towards the front of the vehicle when viewed from above, with the center in the vehicle width direction being further forward.
[0027] The first light-emitting section 140 has a generally inverted L-shape when viewed from the front. However, the portion of the first light-emitting section 140 corresponding to the corner of the L-shape is curved rather than bent. In other words, the portion of the first light-emitting section 140 corresponding to the corner of the L-shape is curved so as to bend with a relatively small radius of curvature. In any case, the first light-emitting section 140 has a curved portion 140e at the portion corresponding to the corner of the L-shape.
[0028] In other words, the first light-emitting section 140 can be considered to have a gently curved section. In this case, "gently curved" refers to a curved shape, not a bent shape.
[0029] Multiple first steps 140d are formed on the portion of the circumferential surface 140c of the first light-emitting section 140 that is on the rear side of the lamp, arranged in the longitudinal direction of the first light-emitting section 140. The multiple first steps 140d are uneven surfaces or appropriate reflective elements formed to totally reflect the light guiding inside the first light-emitting section 140 and emit it outwards from the circumferential surface 140c toward the front of the lamp. Known configurations can be used for the multiple first steps 140d.
[0030] Light supplied from the light source 130 to the first light-emitting section 140 is guided through the interior of the first light-emitting section 140, reflected by the first step 140d, and emitted from the front side of the circumferential surface 140c.
[0031] The second light-emitting section 142 is plate-shaped and is provided on the outer circumference side of the curved section 140e of the first light-emitting section 140. The outer circumference side of the curved section 140e refers to the side opposite to the center side of the curved section 140e, with the curved section 140e in between. When viewed from the front, the second light-emitting section 142 has a triangular shape with the curved section 140e side as its base. Light from the light source 130 is supplied to the second light-emitting section 142 via the first light-emitting section 140.
[0032] Multiple second steps 142b are formed on the rear surface 142a of the second light-emitting section 142. Light supplied from the first light-emitting section 140 to the second light-emitting section 142 is guided through the interior of the second light-emitting section 142, reflected by the second steps 142b, and emitted from the front surface 142c of the second light-emitting section 142.
[0033] The multiple second steps 142b are, but are not limited to, diffusion steps. The multiple second steps 142b may be, for example, fisheye steps as shown in the figure, or punctate steps. Uncontrolled light, such as light leaking from the curved portion 140e of the first light-emitting section 140 or light reflected from the second end portion 140b of the first light-emitting section 140, is incident on the second light-emitting section 142. If the multiple second steps 142b are diffusion steps, even such uncontrolled light can be reflected towards the front of the luminaire.
[0034] The second light-emitting section 142 is connected to the rear side of the circumferential surface 140c of the first light-emitting section 140 (see Figure 5). In this case, compared to when the second light-emitting section 142 is connected to the front side of the luminaire, there is less influence on the light guiding the first light-emitting section 140, and the first light-emitting section 140 can emit light uniformly.
[0035] The second light-emitting section 142 is thinner than the first light-emitting section 140. This prevents excessive light from being supplied to the second light-emitting section 142, which would result in a bright, point-like flash of light. For example, the diameter of the first light-emitting section 140 may be 6 mm, the thickness of the second light-emitting section 142 may be 2 mm, and the multiple second steps 142b may be fisheye steps with a pitch of 1 mm and a height of 0.2 mm to 0.3 mm.
[0036] The above describes the configuration of the vehicle lighting device 100. Next, the operation of the vehicle lighting device 100 when it is lit will be explained. When the light source 130 is lit, the light from the light source 130 enters the first light-emitting part 140 from the first end 140a.
[0037] A portion of the light incident on the first light-emitting section 140 is guided through the interior of the first light-emitting section 140 toward the second end section 140b, and in the process is reflected by the first step 140d and emitted from the front side of the circumferential surface 140c of the lamp.
[0038] At least a portion of the light incident on the first light-emitting section 140 enters the second light-emitting section 142 from the first light-emitting section 140. At least a portion of the light incident on the second light-emitting section 142 is reflected by the second step 142b of the second light-emitting section 142 and emitted from the front side of the lamp of the second light-emitting section 142.
[0039] The effects of the above vehicle lighting device 100 will be explained.
[0040] In the vehicle light fixture 100, a plate-shaped second light-emitting section 142 is provided on the outside of the curved portion 140e of the rod-shaped first light-emitting section 140, and a plurality of second steps 142b are provided on the rear side of the second light-emitting section 142. The plurality of second steps 142b are diffusion steps, but are not limited to these, and are, for example, fisheye steps. This makes it possible to emit light relatively uniformly throughout the first light-emitting section 140 and the second light-emitting section 142.
[0041] Furthermore, the first light-emitting section 140 has a tilted L-shape, but as mentioned above, the part corresponding to the corner of the L is curved. This is because if the part corresponding to the corner of the L is bent, light will leak out there, reducing the efficiency of light utilization. In contrast, in this embodiment, the second light-emitting section 142 is provided on the outside of the curved section 140e, which is the part corresponding to the corner of the L of the first light-emitting section 140. The second light-emitting section 142, although not always so, has a triangular shape when viewed from the front. As a result, the entire structure of the first light-emitting section 140 and the second light-emitting section 142 combined appears relatively angular at the corner of the L. In other words, according to this embodiment, a light-emitting section with an angular design can be realized.
[0042] (Second Embodiment) Figure 6 is a schematic front view of the vehicle lighting device 200 according to the second embodiment. The second embodiment will be described below, focusing on the differences from the first embodiment, and explanations of points common to the first embodiment will be omitted as appropriate.
[0043] The vehicle lighting fixture 200 comprises a lamp body 110, a transparent outer cover 112 that covers the front opening of the lamp body 110, and a lighting unit 216 that is positioned in the lighting chamber 114, which is the space between the lamp body 110 and the outer cover 112.
[0044] The luminaire unit 216 can be used in various lamps, similar to the luminaire unit 116 of the first embodiment.
[0045] Figure 7 is an exploded perspective view of the lighting unit 216. The lighting unit 216 comprises a light source unit 118, a light guide 220, a reflector 122, and an inner lens 124.
[0046] The light guide 220 is a translucent resin component, and is formed from, for example, acrylic resin or polycarbonate resin. The light guide 220 is formed by injection molding.
[0047] Figures 8(a) to 8(c) show the light guide 220. Figure 8(a) is a plan view of the light guide 220, Figure 8(b) is a front view of the light guide 220, and Figure 8(c) is a rear view of the light guide 220, i.e., a view from the rear of the luminaire. Figure 9 is a perspective view of the second light-emitting part 242 of the light guide 220 and its surroundings. Figure 10 is a perspective view of the second light-emitting part 242 of the light guide 220 and its surroundings, as seen from the rear of the luminaire.
[0048] The light guide 220 includes a first light-emitting section 240 and a second light-emitting section 242.
[0049] The first light-emitting section 240 is rod-shaped and includes a first end 240a, a second end 240b, and a circumferential surface 240c. The circumferential surface 240c is the side surface of the first light-emitting section 240 that connects the two ends 240a and 240b of the first light-emitting section 240. The first end 240a faces the light source 130 (not shown in Figures 8-10). Light from the light source 30 is incident on the first light-emitting section 240 from the first end 240a.
[0050] The first light-emitting section 240, however, has its first end 240a located outward in the vehicle width direction and its second end 240b located towards the center in the vehicle width direction.
[0051] The first light-emitting section 240, although not limited to this, is curved outward in a convex shape towards the front of the vehicle when viewed from above, with the center in the vehicle width direction being further forward.
[0052] The first light-emitting section 240 has a generally straight shape when viewed from the front.
[0053] Multiple first steps 240d are formed on the portion of the circumferential surface 240c of the first light-emitting section 240 that is on the rear side of the lamp, arranged in the longitudinal direction of the first light-emitting section 240. The multiple first steps 240d are uneven surfaces or appropriate reflective elements formed to totally reflect the light guiding inside the first light-emitting section 240 and emit it outwards from the circumferential surface 240c toward the front of the lamp. Known configurations can be used for the multiple first steps 240d.
[0054] Light supplied from the light source 130 to the first light-emitting section 240 is guided through the interior of the first light-emitting section 240, reflected by the first step 240d, and emitted from the front side of the circumferential surface 240c.
[0055] The second light-emitting section 242 is plate-shaped and is provided on the second end 240b side of the first light-emitting section 240, that is, on the end side of the first light-emitting section 240 that is furthest from the light source 130. It may also be provided on the second end 240b side when the first light-emitting section 240 is divided into two equal parts in the longitudinal direction, or on the second end 240b side when the first light-emitting section 240 is divided into four equal parts in the longitudinal direction. The second light-emitting section 242 is not limited to these, but in the illustrated example, it has a trapezoidal shape when viewed from the front.
[0056] The second light-emitting unit 242 includes a light supply unit 250 and a planar light-emitting unit 252. The light supply unit 250 is provided on the first end 240a side relative to the planar light-emitting unit 252, that is, on the side closer to the light source 130 than the planar light-emitting unit 252. Light from the light source 130 is supplied to the light supply unit 250 via the first light-emitting unit 240.
[0057] Light from the light source 130 is supplied to the planar light-emitting section 252 via the light supply section 250. The planar light-emitting section 252 has a plurality of second steps 252b formed on the rear surface (i.e., back surface) 252a of the luminaire, for emitting light that guides inside the planar light-emitting section 252. The plurality of second steps 252b are uneven shapes or appropriate reflective elements formed to totally reflect the light that guides inside the planar light-emitting section 252 and emit it from the front surface of the luminaire toward the front of the luminaire. Known configurations can be used for the plurality of second steps 252b.
[0058] On the other hand, the light supply unit 250 does not have a step for emitting light that guides light through the interior of the light supply unit 250. Therefore, most of the light that enters the light supply unit 250 from the first light-emitting unit 240 enters the planar light-emitting unit 252 (Figure 8(b)).
[0059] Light incident from the light supply unit 250 to the planar light-emitting unit 252 is guided through the interior of the planar light-emitting unit 252, reflected by the second step 252b, and emitted from the front surface 252c of the luminaire. As shown in the figure, the planar light-emitting unit 252 may have a plurality of diffusion steps 252d on the front surface 252c of the luminaire. The plurality of diffusion steps 252d may be cylindrical steps.
[0060] The light supply unit 250 is thinner than the first light-emitting unit 240. This prevents excessive light from being supplied to the light supply unit 250 and, consequently, to the planar light-emitting unit 252, thus avoiding point illumination where the planar light-emitting unit 252 glows brightly. For example, the diameter of the first light-emitting unit 240 may be 8 mm, the thickness of the light supply unit 250 of the second light-emitting unit 242 may be 4 mm, and the thickness of the planar light-emitting unit 252 of the second light-emitting unit 242 may be 8 mm.
[0061] The light supply unit 250 has a gate mark 250g due to injection molding. As described above, the light supply unit 250 does not emit light in principle. Therefore, the adverse effect of the gate mark 250g on light emission can be reduced or eliminated.
[0062] The above describes the configuration of the vehicle lighting device 200. Next, the operation of the vehicle lighting device 200 when it is lit will be explained. When the light source 130 is lit, the light from the light source 130 enters the first light-emitting part 240 from the first end 240a.
[0063] A portion of the light incident on the first light-emitting section 240 is guided through the interior of the first light-emitting section 240 toward the second end section 240b, and in the process is reflected by the first step 240d and emitted from the front side of the circumferential surface 240c of the lamp.
[0064] At least a portion of the light incident on the first light-emitting unit 240 is incident on the light supply unit 250 of the second light-emitting unit 242 from the first light-emitting unit 240. Since the light supply unit 250 does not have a step, the light incident on the light supply unit 250 is not emitted from the light supply unit 250 to the front of the luminaire, but is incident on the planar light-emitting unit 252. At least a portion of the light incident on the planar light-emitting unit 252 is reflected by the second step 252b of the planar light-emitting unit 252 and emitted from the front surface 252c of the planar light-emitting unit 252.
[0065] The effects of the above vehicle lighting device 200 will be explained.
[0066] In the vehicle light fixture 200, a plate-shaped second light-emitting section 242 is provided on the second end 240b side of the rod-shaped first light-emitting section 240. The second light-emitting section 242 has a plate-shaped light supply section 250 and a planar light-emitting section 252, and light is supplied to the planar light-emitting section 252 via the plate-shaped light supply section 250 which does not have steps. As a result, light can be supplied relatively uniformly to the entire planar light-emitting section 252.
[0067] Next, other features of the light guide 220 of the vehicle lighting fixture 200 will be described.
[0068] Refer to Figure 9. The planar light-emitting section 252 has a plurality of steps 252f that cause light reaching the peripheral surface 252e (the peripheral surface connecting the rear surface 252a and the front surface 252c in Figure 9) to be internally reflected, avoiding the rear surface 252a and the front surface (emitting surface) 252c of the lamp. The plurality of steps 252f are uneven shapes or appropriate reflective elements. Known configurations can be used for the plurality of steps 252f.
[0069] If a step 252f is not provided on the circumferential surface 252e of the planar light-emitting section 252, the light that reaches the circumferential surface 252e may be reflected by the circumferential surface 252e toward the portion 122b of the reflector 122 on the front side of the light guide 220 (see Figure 9). In this case, when the vehicle light fixture 200 is viewed from diagonally above and in front, the planar light-emitting section 252 and the portion 122b of the reflector 122 will appear bright, while the portion of the reflector 122 between them will appear dark, resulting in an unattractive appearance.
[0070] In contrast, by providing a step 252f on the circumferential surface 252e of the planar light-emitting section 252, the light that reaches the circumferential surface 252e is reflected internally, so that the portion 122b of the reflector 122 is not illuminated, and the appearance of the vehicle light fixture 200 when viewed from diagonally above and in front is improved.
[0071] Figure 11 shows a cross-section of the first light-emitting section 240 of the light guide 220 perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, passing through the light supply section 250 of the second light-emitting section 242. The cross-sectional shape of the first light-emitting section 240 is a dashed line in the portion where the second light-emitting section 242 is not connected, while it is a solid line in the portion where the second light-emitting section 242 is connected. In this case, if the height of the first step 240d in the longitudinal range of the first light-emitting section 240 to which the second light-emitting section 242 is connected is made the same as the height of the first step 240d in other longitudinal ranges of the first light-emitting section 240, for example, in the longitudinal range on the first end 240a side of the second light-emitting section 242, the longitudinal range to which the second light-emitting section 242 is connected will become darker compared to the other longitudinal ranges.
[0072] Therefore, the height of the first step 240d in the longitudinal range of the first light-emitting section 240 to which the second light-emitting section 242 is connected is made higher than the height of the first step 240d in the other longitudinal ranges of the first light-emitting section 240. This makes it possible to illuminate the longitudinal range of the first light-emitting section 240 to which the second light-emitting section 242 is connected relatively strongly.
[0073] On the other hand, if increasing the height of the first step 240d causes the first light-emitting unit 240 to shine too brightly, a diffusion step 244a may be provided at the boundary 244 between the first light-emitting unit 240 and the light supply unit 250, as shown in Figure 9. This can suppress point illumination.
[0074] Figure 12 shows a cross-section of the first light-emitting section 240 of the light guide 220 perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, passing through the planar light-emitting section 252 of the second light-emitting section 242. Refer to Figures 9 and 12.
[0075] On the second end 240b side of the first light-emitting section 240, a plurality of cylindrical steps 240e are formed, extending from the rear side of the luminaire to the bottom side, and aligned in the longitudinal direction of the first light-emitting section 240.
[0076] Here, light tends to concentrate where steps are formed when the light is not illuminated, and therefore the region R1 where multiple first steps 240d of the first light-emitting section 240 are formed and the region R2 where the second steps are the planar light-emitting section 252 appear bright. Also, the region R3 on the front side of the lamp of the first light-emitting section 240 appears bright because the reflector 222 is exposed. Therefore, if multiple cylindrical steps 240e are not formed on the first light-emitting section 240, only region R4 will appear dark when the light is not illuminated, resulting in an unattractive appearance. In contrast, because cylindrical steps 240e are provided, region R4 also appears bright, improving the appearance of the vehicle lamp 200 when viewed from diagonally above and in front.
[0077] Furthermore, uncontrolled light, such as light returning to the first light-emitting section 240 from the second light-emitting section 242 and light reflected by the second end 240b, is guided to the second end 240b side of the first light-emitting section 240. Therefore, because multiple cylindrical steps 240e are formed, this uncontrolled light can be emitted forward of the luminaire when it is lit.
[0078] Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view of the second end 240b side of the first light-emitting section 240, which is the end furthest from the light source 130. The second end 240b is configured to cause internal reflection (total internal reflection) of light that reaches it. In the illustrated example, the cross-section of the second end 240b is trapezoidal, and it is configured so that the light is reflected back towards the first end 240a side by two total internal reflections. The second end 240b may be an end coated with metal (e.g., aluminum) or an end that is mirror-finished. In any case, by configuring the second end 240b to internally reflect light, at least a portion of the light internally reflected by the second end 240b enters the planar light-emitting section 252, making the planar light-emitting section 252 shine more brightly.
[0079] The present disclosure has been described above based on embodiments. These embodiments are illustrative, and it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications are possible in combinations of their components and processing processes, and that such modifications are also within the scope of the present disclosure. Such modifications will be described below.
[0080] (Variation 1) Unlike the second embodiment, the light supply unit 250 may have a third step on the rear surface 250a of the luminaire, the area occupied per unit area being smaller than that of the second step 252b. In this case, the light supply unit 250 emits a weak light.
[0081] Any combination of the embodiments and modifications described above is also useful as an embodiment of the present invention. The new embodiments resulting from these combinations possess the combined effects of the respective embodiments and modifications. Furthermore, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the functions to be performed by each component described in the claims can be achieved by each component shown in the embodiments and modifications individually or in combination thereof. [Explanation of symbols]
[0082] 100 Vehicle lighting fixture, 120 Light guide, 130 Light source, 140 First light-emitting section, 140d First step, 140e Curved section, 142 Second light-emitting section, 142b Second step, 220 Light guide, 240 First light-emitting section, 240d First step, 242 Second light-emitting section, 250 Light supply section, 252 Planar light-emitting section, 252b Second step.
Claims
1. A vehicle light fixture comprising a light guide and configured to emit light from a light source to the outside via the light guide, The light guide body is A rod-shaped first light-emitting section that internally reflects light from the light source by a first step formed on the rear side of the lamp and emits it towards the front of the lamp, It includes a plate-shaped second light-emitting section provided on the outside of the curved portion of the first light-emitting section, which emits light from the light source supplied via the first light-emitting section, A vehicle light fixture comprising a second step configured to emit light that guides light to the second light-emitting portion, wherein the second light-emitting portion is thinner than the first light-emitting portion.
2. The vehicle light fixture according to claim 1, wherein the second step is a diffusion step.
3. The vehicle light fixture according to claim 1, wherein the second step is a fisheye step.
4. The vehicle lamp according to claim 1, wherein the second light-emitting part is connected to the rear side of the circumferential surface of the first light-emitting part.
5. A vehicle light fixture comprising a light guide and configured to emit light from a light source to the outside via the light guide, The light guide body is A rod-shaped first light-emitting section that internally reflects light from the light source by a first step formed on the rear side of the lamp and emits it towards the front of the lamp, It includes a plate-shaped second light-emitting section provided on the end of the first light-emitting section furthest from the light source, and which emits light from the light source supplied via the first light-emitting section, The second light-emitting unit includes a light supply unit that is thinner than the first light-emitting unit, and a planar light-emitting unit that emits light from the light source supplied via the light supply unit. The planar light-emitting section has a second step of emitting light that guides the planar light-emitting section, The light supply unit is thinner than the first light-emitting unit and does not have a step for emitting light that guides the light supply unit, or has a third step whose area per unit area is smaller than that of the second step. Vehicle lighting fixtures.
6. The vehicle lamp according to claim 5, wherein the light guide has a diffusion step at the boundary between the first light-emitting part and the light-supplying part of the second light-emitting part, which diffuses the light emitted from the boundary.
7. The vehicle light fixture according to claim 5, wherein the end of the first light-emitting section furthest from the light source is configured to internally reflect the light that reaches that end.
8. The vehicle light fixture according to claim 5, wherein the circumferential surface of the second light-emitting portion, avoiding the emission surface of the planar light-emitting portion and the surface having the step, has a step for internally reflecting the light that has reached the circumferential surface.
9. The light guide is formed by injection molding and has a gate mark in the second light-emitting portion. A vehicle light fixture according to claim 1 or 5.