Vehicle lighting fixtures
The vehicle lamp design addresses the limitations of conventional sequential light emission by using a light guide with reflective sections and slits to create alternating bright and dark regions, enhancing visibility with fewer light sources and a shorter emitting surface.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- JP2021151725
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2021-09-17
- Publication Date
- 2025-01-07
- Estimated Expiration
- 2041-09-17
AI Technical Summary
Conventional vehicle lamps requiring sequential light emission need a sufficient length of the light emitting surface and a sufficient number of light sources, which can be limiting in certain designs.
A vehicle lamp design featuring a plurality of light sources emitting light in the same direction, guided by a light guide with multiple parts arranged in parallel, incorporating reflective sections and slits, allowing for sequential light emission with alternating bright and dark regions to enhance visibility.
The design enables improved visibility through sequential light emission even with a short light emitting surface and fewer light sources, by creating a flow of light using alternating bright and dark areas.
Smart Images

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Abstract
Description
[Technical field]
[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle lamp. [Background technology]
[0002] Conventionally, a combination of a light source such as a light-emitting diode (LED) and a light guide such as an inner lens has been known as a vehicle lamp to be mounted on a vehicle (see, for example, Patent Document 1 below). As designs become more diverse, various forms of such vehicle lamps have been developed.
[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 listed below discloses a vehicle lighting fixture that is a turn signal (turn lamp) that includes a plurality of light sources that emit light in the same direction, and a light guide that guides the light emitted from the plurality of light sources in the same direction, and that performs sequential illumination by sequentially turning on the plurality of light sources to create a flow of light emission in the vehicle width direction on the light-emitting surface of the light guide. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]
[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2017-183287 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]
[0005] In the vehicle lamp that performs the above-mentioned sequential light emission, in order to visually recognize the light as flowing, a light-emitting surface with a sufficient length along the direction of the light flow is required. Also, a sufficient number of light sources are required to perform the sequential light emission.
[0006] The present invention has been proposed in consideration of the above-mentioned conventional circumstances, and aims to provide a vehicle lamp that makes it possible to improve visibility through sequential light emission, even when the length of the light-emitting surface is short and the number of light sources is small. [Means for solving the problem]
[0007] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides the following means. [1] A plurality of light sources each emitting light in the same direction; a light guide that guides the light emitted from the plurality of light sources, The light guide body includes a plurality of light guide sections that are arranged in parallel to each other while extending in the same direction from positions facing the plurality of light sources, respectively; a plurality of incident sections arranged on base end sides of the plurality of light guiding sections, respectively, through which the light emitted from the light source is incident therein; a plurality of first reflecting portions arranged on the opposite side of the plurality of light guiding portions from the incident portion, the first reflecting portions reflecting the light guided toward the tip side of the light guiding portions toward a front side of the light guiding portions; a plurality of second reflecting portions arranged on the rear side of the plurality of light guiding portions and configured to reflect the light incident on the rear side of the light guiding portions toward a front side of the light guiding portions; an emission section that is disposed on a front side of a light guiding section that is located on the front side among the plurality of light guiding sections and that emits the light reflected by the first reflection section and the second reflection section to the outside; The vehicle lamp is characterized in that the plurality of light-guiding sections are successively longer in length from the rear side to the front side of the light guide, have slit sections between adjacent rear-side and front-side light-guiding sections, and have a structure in which the tip side of the rear-side light-guiding section is connected to the front-side light-guiding section via a connecting section. [2] The emission section includes a first light-emitting region that emits light by light reflected by the first reflection section and a second light-emitting region that emits light by light reflected by the second reflection section; The vehicle lamp according to [1], wherein the first light-emitting region emits light more strongly than the second light-emitting region. [3] The emission unit has a light-emitting surface in which the first light-emitting region and the second light-emitting region are alternately arranged in a vehicle width direction, The vehicle lamp described in [2] is characterized in that while the multiple light sources are turned on in sequence, sequential illumination is performed to create a flow of illumination by the first light-emitting area and the second light-emitting area on the light-emitting surface. [4] The first reflecting portion includes an inclined surface inclined toward a front side of the light guiding portion, The vehicular lamp according to any one of the above [1] to [3], wherein the second reflecting portion includes a plurality of reflecting cuts arranged in a direction in which the light guiding portion extends. [5] The vehicle lamp according to [4], wherein the plurality of reflection cuts are provided on a rear surface of the light guide portion except for a portion facing the slit portion. [6] The vehicular lamp according to [5], wherein the plurality of reflection cuts are provided across between adjacent inclined surfaces in the extending direction of the light guiding section. Effect of the Invention
[0008] As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a vehicle lamp that can improve visibility through sequential light emission, even when the length of the light-emitting surface is short and the number of light sources is small. [Brief description of the drawings]
[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a vehicle lamp according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a front view showing the configuration of the vehicular lamp shown in FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the configuration of the vehicular lamp shown in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a rear view showing the configuration of the vehicular lamp shown in FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a side view showing the configuration of the vehicular lamp shown in FIG. [Figure 6] 2 is a cross-sectional view showing an optical path of light in the vehicle lamp shown in FIG. [Figure 7] 2 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a lamp body provided in the vehicle lamp shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 8] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of a vehicle lamp according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of a vehicle lamp according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of a vehicle lamp according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of a vehicle lamp according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of a vehicle lamp according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a main part showing a modified example of the light source. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings used in the following description, in order to make each component easier to see, the dimensions of the components may be shown on different scales, and the dimensional ratios of each component may not necessarily be the same as in reality.
[0011] In addition, in the drawings shown below, an XYZ Cartesian coordinate system is set up, with the X-axis direction representing the front-to-rear direction (length direction) of the vehicle lamp, the Y-axis direction representing the left-to-right direction (width direction) of the vehicle lamp, and the Z-axis direction representing the up-down direction (height direction) of the vehicle lamp.
[0012] (First embodiment) First, as a first embodiment of the present invention, a vehicle lamp 1 shown in, for example, Figs. 1 to 7 will be described. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the vehicular lamp 1. FIG. 2 is a front view showing the configuration of the vehicular lamp 1. FIG. 3 is a plan view showing the configuration of the vehicular lamp 1. FIG. 4 is a rear view showing the configuration of the vehicular lamp 1. FIG. 5 is a side view showing the configuration of the vehicular lamp 1. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the optical path of light L in the vehicular lamp 1. FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a lamp body 4 provided in the vehicular lamp 1.
[0013] The vehicle lamp 1 of this embodiment is an application of the present invention to direction indicators (turn lamps) arranged symmetrically on the front or rear of a saddle-type vehicle (hereinafter simply referred to as a "vehicle") such as a motorcycle or three-wheeled vehicle.
[0014] Specifically, as shown in Figures 1 to 7, this vehicle lamp 1 includes a plurality of light sources 2A, 2B (two in this embodiment) that emit light L in the same direction, a light guide 3 that guides the light L emitted from the plurality of light sources 2A, 2B, and a lamp body 4 that holds the plurality of light sources 2A, 2B and the light guide 3.
[0015] The lamp body 4 constitutes a stay that is attached in a cantilevered state in the vehicle width direction from the front side of the vehicle. The multiple light sources 2A, 2B are arranged inside a housing portion 4a provided on the tip side of the lamp body 4. The light guide 3 has a cap portion 3a that closes the housing portion 4a, and the cap portion 3a is attached integrally to the periphery of the housing portion 4a by welding or the like.
[0016] The multiple light sources 2A, 2B are composed of light emitting diodes (LEDs) that emit orange light (hereinafter simply referred to as "light") L. The multiple light sources 2A, 2B are arranged side by side in the front-to-rear direction of the vehicle, with each mounted on one surface of a circuit board 5. The circuit board 5 is attached to the inside of the housing portion 4a by screws or the like.
[0017] As a result, each of the light sources 2A, 2B radially emits light L in a direction (vehicle width direction) perpendicular to one surface of each of the circuit boards 5. In other words, the multiple light sources 5A, 5B are configured to radially emit light L in the same direction.
[0018] In addition, a partition wall 4b is provided inside the housing portion 4a, separating adjacent light source 2A (hereinafter, distinguished as the "first light source" as necessary) from the other light source 2B (hereinafter, distinguished as the "second light source" as necessary).
[0019] The multiple light sources 2A, 2B are not necessarily limited to the above-mentioned configuration in which they are mounted on separate circuit boards 5, and may be mounted on the same surface of the same circuit board 5, for example.
[0020] In addition, the vehicle lamp 1 of this embodiment is configured so that a connector portion (not shown) including wiring electrically connected to the above-mentioned circuit board 5 is pulled out from the base end side of the lamp body 4 to the outside.
[0021] The light guide 3 has a plurality of (two in this embodiment) light guide sections 6A, 6B extending in the same direction from positions facing the light sources 5A, 5B, respectively. The light guide sections 6A, 6B have an elongated shape whose width in the front-rear direction gradually increases from the base end side to the tip end side.
[0022] The multiple light guiding sections 6A, 6B are arranged in parallel with each other in the front-rear direction of the light guide 3, and the lengths of the light guiding sections 6A, 6B increase successively from the rear side to the front side of the light guide 3. That is, of the multiple light guiding sections 6A, 6B, the light guiding section 6B located on the front side (hereinafter, distinguished as a "second light guiding section" as necessary) is longer than the light guiding section 6A located on the rear side (hereinafter, distinguished as a "first light guiding section" as necessary).
[0023] In addition, the light guide 3 has a slit portion 7 between adjacent first and second light guide portions 6A and 6B, and the tip side of the first light guide portion 6A is connected to the middle portion of the second light guide portion 6B via a connecting portion 8.
[0024] The light guide 3 has a plurality of (two in this embodiment) entrance portions 9 arranged on the base end side of the plurality of light guide sections 6A, 6B, through which the light L emitted from each of the light sources 2A, 2B enters the interior.
[0025] Each incident portion 9 has a first collecting light incident surface 9a located at the center of the portion facing each light source 2A, 2B and on which a portion of the light L emitted from the light sources 2A, 2B is incident, a second collecting light incident surface 9b located on the inner side of the protrusion that protrudes toward the light sources 2A, 2B from a position surrounding the periphery of the first collecting light incident surface 9a and on which a portion of the light L emitted from the light sources 2A, 2B is incident, and a collecting light reflecting surface 9c located on the outer periphery of the protrusion and reflecting the light L incident from the second collecting light incident surface 9b.
[0026] In the incident section 9, of the light L emitted from the light sources 2A and 2B, the light L incident from the first light-collecting incident surface 9a is collected closer to the optical axis of the light L emitted from the light sources 2A and 2B. On the other hand, the light L incident from the second light-collecting incident surface 9b is reflected by the light-collecting reflecting surface 9c, thereby being collected closer to the optical axis of the light L emitted from the light sources 2A and 2B.
[0027] As a result, in the incident portion 9, the light L radially emitted from the light sources 2A and 2B is collimated or condensed and enters the light guiding portions 6A and 6B. In addition, the light L incident from the incident portion 9 is guided toward the tip side of the light guiding portions 6A and 6B.
[0028] The light guide 3 has a plurality of (two in this embodiment) first reflecting portions 10 arranged on the opposite side of the light guides 6A, 6B from the incident portions 9. Each of the first reflecting portions 10 has an inclined surface 10a on the tip side of the light guides 6A, 6B, which is inclined at a predetermined angle (45° with respect to the optical axis of the light L in this embodiment) toward the front side of the light guides 6A, 6B.
[0029] As a result, in first reflecting portion 10, light L incident on inclined surface 10a is reflected toward the front side of light guiding portions 6A and 6B. Among these, light L reflected by inclined surface 10a provided at the tip side of first light guiding portion 6A enters second light guiding portion 6B from the back side of second light guiding portion 6B through connecting portion 8 and is guided toward the front side of second light guiding portion 6B. On the other hand, light L reflected by inclined surface 10a provided at the tip side of second light guiding portion 6B is guided toward the front side of second light guiding portion 6B.
[0030] Furthermore, the light guide 3 has a plurality of (two in this embodiment) second reflecting portions 11 arranged on the back side of each of the light guide portions 6A, 6B. Each second reflecting portion 11 has a plurality of reflection cuts 11a arranged in the direction in which the light guide portions 6A, 6B extend (the vehicle width direction in this embodiment).
[0031] The multiple reflection cuts 11a are not particularly limited in shape, size, number, etc., as long as they reflect the light L incident on the back side of the light guides 6A, 6B at an angle at which the light L is emitted (transmitted) from the front side of the light guides 6A, 6B to the outside, In this embodiment, for example, the reflection cuts 11a having a substantially triangular cross section formed by cutting out the back side of the light guides 6A, 6B in the vertical direction of the light guide 3 are arranged side by side in the extension direction of the light guides 6A, 6B.
[0032] The reflection cuts 11a are provided at positions on the rear surfaces of the light guides 6A and 6B excluding the portion facing the slit portion 7. That is, the reflection cuts 11a are provided on the rear surface of the first light guide 6A, extending between the cap portion 3a and the inclined surface 10a. The reflection cuts 11a are also provided on the rear surface of the second light guide 6B, extending between adjacent inclined surfaces 10a in the direction in which the second light guide 6B extends (the vehicle width direction). Meanwhile, the front surface of the first light guide 6A facing the slit portion 7 and the rear surface of the second light guide 6B form flat surfaces with each other.
[0033] As a result, in the second reflecting section 11, the light L incident on the plurality of reflection cuts 11a is reflected toward the front side of the light guide sections 6A and 6B. Among these, the light L reflected by the plurality of reflection cuts 11a provided on the back side of the first light guide section 6A is emitted to the outside from the front side of the first light guide section 6A, passes through the slit section 7, and enters the second light guide section 6B from the back side of the second light guide section 6B, and is guided toward the front side of the second light guide section 6B. On the other hand, the light L reflected by the plurality of reflection cuts 11a provided on the back side of the second light guide section 6B is guided toward the front side of the second light guide section 6B.
[0034] The light guide 3 has an emission section 12 arranged on the front side of the second light guide section 6B which is located on the frontmost side of the plurality of light guide sections 6A, 6B.
[0035] The emission section 12 includes a first light-emitting region E1 that emits light by emitting to the outside the light L reflected by the inclined surface 10a (first reflecting section 10), and a second light-emitting region E2 that emits light by emitting to the outside the light L reflected by multiple reflection cuts 11a (second reflecting section 11), and has a light-emitting surface 12a in which the first light-emitting region E1 and the second light-emitting region E2 are arranged alternately in the extension direction of the second light-guiding section 6B (vehicle width direction).
[0036] In the emission portion 12, the light L emitted from the light emitting surface 12a toward the outside (toward the front of the vehicle in this embodiment) causes the light emitting surface 12a to emit orange light.
[0037] In the vehicle lamp 1 of this embodiment, the intensity of the light L reflected by the inclined surface 10a (first reflecting portion 10) is higher than the intensity of the light reflected by the multiple reflection cuts 11a (second reflecting portion 11). This causes the first light-emitting region E1 to emit light more strongly than the second light-emitting region E2. Also, the width of the second light-emitting region E2 is larger than the width of the first light-emitting region E1.
[0038] Therefore, on the light emitting surface 12a, the first light emitting region E1 forms a narrow "bright portion" that emits light relatively brightly, while the second light emitting region E2 forms a wide "dark portion" that emits light relatively dimly.
[0039] In addition, on the light-emitting surface 12a, from the base end side to the tip end side in the vehicle width direction, a second light-emitting area E2 as a "dark area", a first light-emitting area E1 as a "bright area", the second light-emitting area E2 as a "dark area", and the first light-emitting area E1 as a "bright area" are arranged alternately.
[0040] The emission section 12 is provided with a plurality of diffusion cuts 12b for diffusing the light L emitted from the light emitting surface 12a toward the outside (front of the vehicle). Examples of the diffusion cuts 12b include lens cuts called flute cuts and fisheye cuts, and uneven structures formed by knurling, embossing, and the like. In addition, by adjusting the shape of the diffusion cuts, it is possible to control the degree of diffusion of the light L emitted from the light emitting surface 12a. In this embodiment, the diffusion cuts 12b include fisheye cuts that diffuse the light L emitted from the light emitting surface 12a in the vertical and horizontal directions of the vehicle.
[0041] In the vehicle lamp 1 of this embodiment having the above-mentioned configuration, sequential emission is performed to create a flow of emission from the first light-emitting region E1 and the second light-emitting region E2 on the light-emitting surface 12a while sequentially lighting the multiple light sources 2A, 2B.
[0042] Specifically, the plurality of light sources 2A, 2B are turned on and off in sequence in accordance with the following procedures (1) to (3), thereby performing sequential light emission as a direction indicator (turn lamp).
[0043] In step (1), the first light source 2A and the second light source 2B are turned off, and the light emitting surface 12a is in a non-light emitting state.
[0044] In step (2), the first light source 2A is turned on and the second light source 2B is turned off. At this time, the second light-emitting region E2 as the "dark portion" and the first light-emitting region E1 as the "bright portion" are in a light-emitting state from the base end side to the tip end side of the light-emitting surface 12a.
[0045] In step (3), the first light source 2A and the second light source 2B are turned on. At this time, the second light-emitting region E2 as the "dark region", the first light-emitting region E1 as the "bright region", the second light-emitting region E2 as the "dark region", and the first light-emitting region E1 as the "bright region" are in a light-emitting state from the base end side to the tip end side of the light-emitting surface 12a.
[0046] As a result, the vehicle lamp 1 of this embodiment can perform sequential illumination as a direction indicator (turn lamp) to produce a flow of illumination from the first light-emitting area E1 and the second light-emitting area E2 on the light-emitting surface 12a.
[0047] In the above embodiment, the case where sequential light emission is performed according to the above-mentioned procedures (1) to (3) is illustrated. However, sequential light emission can also be performed according to the procedures reverse to those of the procedures (1) to (3).
[0048] In addition, in the above-mentioned step (3), the first light source 2A may be turned off and the second light source 2B may be turned on. At this time, from the base end side to the tip end side of the light-emitting surface 12a, the second light-emitting region E2 as the "dark part" and the first light-emitting region E1 as the "bright part" are in a light-emitting state, sandwiching the second light-emitting region E2 and the first light-emitting region E1 in the "non-light-emitting state". In this case, it is also possible to produce a flow of light emitted by the first light-emitting region E1 and the second light-emitting region E2 on the light-emitting surface 12a.
[0049] As described above, in the vehicle lamp 1 of this embodiment, by sequentially lighting the above-mentioned multiple light sources 2A, 2B and creating a flow of light emission by the first light-emitting area E1 (bright area) and the second light-emitting area E2 (dark area) on the light-emitting surface 12a, it is possible to improve visibility through sequential light emission even when the length of the light-emitting surface 12a is short and the number of light sources 2A, 2B is small.
[0050] Second Embodiment Next, as a second embodiment of the present invention, a vehicle lamp 1A shown in FIG. 8 will be described. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the vehicle lamp 1 A. In the following description, the description of the same parts as those in the vehicle lamp 1 will be omitted and the same reference numerals will be used in the drawings.
[0051] As shown in FIG. 8, the vehicle lamp 1A of this embodiment includes three light sources 2A, 2B, and 2C that emit light L in the same direction, and a light guide 3A that includes three light guiding sections 6A, 6B, and 6C that guide the light L emitted from the light sources 2A, 2B, and 2C.
[0052] That is, this vehicle lamp 1A has a configuration in which a third light source 2C adjacent to the second light source 2B and a third light guiding section 6C adjacent to the second light guiding section 6B are added to the configuration of the vehicle lamp 1 described above.
[0053] In addition, the light guide 3A has a slit portion 7 between the adjacent second light guide portion 6B and third light guide portion 6C, and has a structure in which the tip side of the second light guide portion 6B is connected to the middle portion of the third light guide portion 6C via a connecting portion 8.
[0054] As a result, on the light-emitting surface 12a of the light guide 3A, from the base end side in the vehicle width direction to the tip end side, the second light-emitting region E2 as a "dark area", the first light-emitting region E1 as a "bright area", the second light-emitting region E2 as a "dark area", the first light-emitting region E1 as a "bright area", the second light-emitting region E2 as a "dark area", and the first light-emitting region E1 as a "bright area" are alternately arranged.
[0055] In the vehicle lamp 1A of this embodiment having the above-mentioned configuration, it is possible to perform sequential emission that creates a flow of emission from the first light-emitting area E1 (bright area) and the second light-emitting area E2 (dark area) on the light-emitting surface 12a while sequentially lighting the above-mentioned multiple light sources 2A, 2B, 2C.
[0056] Furthermore, in the vehicle lamp 1A of this embodiment, the number of the above-mentioned light sources 2A, 2B, 2C and the corresponding light-guiding sections 6A, 6B, 6C can be increased, thereby extending the length of the light-emitting surface 12a and increasing the number of first light-emitting regions E1 (bright areas) and second light-emitting regions E2 (dark areas) within this light-emitting surface 12a, while improving visibility through sequential light emission.
[0057] (Third embodiment) Next, as a third embodiment of the present invention, a vehicle lamp 1B shown in FIG. 9 will be described. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the vehicular lamp 1 B. In the following description, the description of the same parts as those in the vehicular lamp 1 will be omitted and the same reference numerals will be used in the drawings.
[0058] As shown in FIG. 9, the vehicle lamp 1B of this embodiment has basically the same configuration as the vehicle lamp 1, except that it is provided with a light guide 3B in which the first light guide section 6A and the second light guide section 6B have different configurations.
[0059] Specifically, in this light guide 3B, the first light guide section 6A and the second light guide section 6B each have a first reflecting section 10 having a plurality of (two in this embodiment) inclined surfaces 10a arranged thereon, and a second reflecting section 11 having a plurality of (two in this embodiment) reflection cuts 11a arranged thereon.
[0060] That is, on the back side of each of the first light guiding section 6A and the second light guiding section 6B, step surfaces are provided on both sides of the inclined surface 10a, and a plurality of reflection cuts 11a are provided on each step surface aligned in the extension direction of the light guiding sections 6A, 6B. In addition, on the tip side of each of the first light guiding section 6A and the second light guiding section 6B, inclined surface 10a is provided.
[0061] As a result, on the light-emitting surface 12a of the light guide 3B, from the base end side to the tip end side in the vehicle width direction, the second light-emitting region E2 as a "dark portion", the first light-emitting region E1 as a "light portion", the second light-emitting region E2 as a "dark portion", the first light-emitting region E1 as a "light portion", the second light-emitting region E2 as a "dark portion", the first light-emitting region E1 as a "light portion", the second light-emitting region E2 as a "dark portion", and the first light-emitting region E1 as a "light portion" are alternately arranged.
[0062] In the vehicle lamp 1B of this embodiment having the above-mentioned configuration, it is possible to perform sequential emission that creates a flow of emission from the first light-emitting area E1 (bright area) and the second light-emitting area E2 (dark area) on the light-emitting surface 12a while sequentially lighting the above-mentioned multiple light sources 2A, 2B.
[0063] Furthermore, in the vehicle lamp 1B of this embodiment, it is possible to increase the number of first light-emitting regions E1 and second light-emitting regions E2 in the light-emitting surface 12a while improving visibility through sequential light emission without increasing the number of the above-mentioned light sources 2A, 2B and the corresponding light-guiding sections 6A, 6B.
[0064] (Fourth embodiment) Next, as a second embodiment of the present invention, a vehicle lamp 1C shown in FIG. 10 will be described. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the vehicle lamp 1C. In the following description, the description of the same parts as those in the vehicle lamp 1 will be omitted and the same reference numerals will be used in the drawings.
[0065] As shown in FIG. 10, the vehicle lamp 1C of this embodiment includes three light sources 2D, 2A, and 2B that emit light L in the same direction, and a light guide 3C that includes three light guiding sections 6D, 6A, and 6B that guide the light L emitted from the light sources 2D, 2A, and 2B.
[0066] That is, this vehicle lamp 1A has a configuration in which a third light source 2D adjacent to the first light source 2A and a third light guiding section 6D adjacent to the first light guiding section 6A are added to the configuration of the vehicle lamp 1 described above.
[0067] Light guide 3C has a configuration in which third light guide section 6D and first light guide section 6A adjacent to each other are integrally formed, and in which inclined surface 10a is provided on the tip side of third light guide section 6D.
[0068] As a result, on the light-emitting surface 12a of the light guide 3C, from the base end side in the vehicle width direction to the tip end side, a first light-emitting region E1 as a "bright portion", a second light-emitting region E2 as a "dark portion", the first light-emitting region E1 as a "bright portion", the second light-emitting region E2 as a "dark portion", and the first light-emitting region E1 as a "bright portion" are alternately arranged.
[0069] In the vehicle lamp 1C of this embodiment having the above-mentioned configuration, it is possible to perform sequential emission on the light-emitting surface 12a, which creates a flow of emission from the first light-emitting area E1 (bright area) and the second light-emitting area E2 (dark area) while sequentially lighting the above-mentioned multiple light sources 2D, 2A, 2B.
[0070] Furthermore, in the vehicle lamp 1C of this embodiment, it is possible to increase the number of the above-mentioned light sources 2D, 2A, 2B and the corresponding light-guiding sections 6D, 6A, 6B while increasing the number of first light-emitting regions E1 and second light-emitting regions E2 within the light-emitting surface 12a without extending the length of the light-emitting surface 12a, thereby improving visibility through sequential light emission.
[0071] Fifth embodiment Next, as a fifth embodiment of the present invention, a vehicle lamp 1D shown in FIG. 11 will be described. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a vehicle lamp 1D. In the following description, the same parts as those in the vehicle lamp 1 will not be described and will be denoted by the same reference numerals in the drawings.
[0072] As shown in FIG. 11, a vehicle lamp 1D of this embodiment includes a light guide body 3D including three light guide portions 6A, 6B, and 6E.
[0073] That is, the vehicular lamp 1D has a configuration in which a third light guiding section 6E adjacent to the second light guiding section 6B is added to the configuration of the vehicular lamp 1 described above.
[0074] The light guide 3D has a slit portion 7 between adjacent second light guide portion 6B and third light guide portion 6E, and has a structure in which the tip side of the second light guide portion 6B is connected to the tip portion of the third light guide portion 6E via a connecting portion 8.
[0075] Furthermore, light guide 3D has emission section 12 (light emitting surface 12a) arranged on the front side of third light guide section 6E which is located on the frontmost side among multiple light guide sections 6A, 6B, 6E.
[0076] As a result, on the light-emitting surface 12a of the light guide 3D, from the base end side in the vehicle width direction to the tip end side, the second light-emitting region E2 as a "dark area", the first light-emitting region E1 as a "bright area", the second light-emitting region E2 as a "dark area", the first light-emitting region E1 as a "bright area", the second light-emitting region E2 as a "dark area", and the first light-emitting region E1 as a "bright area" are alternately arranged.
[0077] In the vehicle lamp 1D of this embodiment having the above-mentioned configuration, it is possible to perform sequential emission that creates a flow of emission from the first light-emitting area E1 (bright area) and the second light-emitting area E2 (dark area) on the light-emitting surface 12a while sequentially lighting the above-mentioned multiple light sources 2A, 2B.
[0078] Furthermore, in the vehicle lamp 1D of this embodiment, even if the length of the light emitting surface 12a is short and the number of light sources 2A, 2B is small, it is possible to improve visibility by sequential light emission.
[0079] Sixth embodiment Next, as a sixth embodiment of the present invention, a vehicle lamp 1E shown in FIG. 12 will be described. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a vehicle lamp 1E. In the following description, the same parts as those in the vehicle lamp 1 will not be described and will be denoted by the same reference numerals in the drawings.
[0080] As shown in FIG. 12, a vehicle lamp 1E of this embodiment includes a light guide 3E including two light guide portions 6F and 6G.
[0081] Light guide 3E includes light guide sections 6F and 6G obtained by adding inclined surfaces 13 to each of light guide sections 6A and 6B. Light guide 3E has a shape in which light guide sections 6F and 6G are bent at a predetermined angle (90° in this embodiment) by inclined surfaces 13.
[0082] The inclined surface 13 is inclined at a predetermined angle (45° with respect to the optical axis of the light L in this embodiment) in front of the cap portion 3a, and reflects the light L guided toward the tip side of the light-guiding portions 6F, 6G at a predetermined angle (90° with respect to the optical axis of the light L in this embodiment).
[0083] This makes it possible to change the optical path of light L guided toward the tip side of light guiding portions 6F and 6G. Also, it is possible to change the arrangement of light sources 2A and 2B.
[0084] In the vehicle lamp 1E of this embodiment having the above-mentioned configuration, it is possible to perform sequential emission on the light-emitting surface 12a, producing a flow of emission from the first light-emitting area E1 (bright area) and the second light-emitting area E2 (dark area) while sequentially lighting the above-mentioned multiple light sources 2A, 2B.
[0085] Furthermore, in the vehicle lamp 1E of this embodiment, even if the length of the light emitting surface 12a is short and the number of light sources 2A, 2B is small, it is possible to improve visibility by sequential light emission.
[0086] The present invention is not necessarily limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, as shown in Fig. 13, among the configurations of the vehicle lamp 1, each of the light sources 2A, 2B may include a plurality of (two in Fig. 13) light-emitting elements 20a, 20b that emit different colors of light. In the configuration shown in Fig. 11, an LED that emits orange light is used as the first light-emitting element 20a, and an LED that emits red light is used as the second light-emitting element 20b.
[0087] In this configuration, sequential emission can be performed by sequentially lighting the first light-emitting elements 20a of each of the light sources 2A and 2B as the above-mentioned turn indicator (turn lamp), and it is also possible to light all of the second light-emitting elements 20b of each of the light sources 2A and 2B as a tail lamp.
[0088] When an LED that emits white light is used as the second light-emitting element 20b, it is also possible to light up all of the second light-emitting elements 20b of each of the light sources 2A and 2B as a position lamp.
[0089] The vehicle lamp to which the present invention is applied is not limited to that mounted on the above-mentioned saddle-ride type vehicle, but may be that mounted on a vehicle such as a four-wheeled automobile. The vehicle lamp to which the present invention is applied is preferably used for the above-mentioned turn indicator (turn lamp) that performs sequential light emission, but the present invention can be widely applied to vehicle lamps having a light-emitting surface, such as width lamps (position lamps), daytime running lamps (DRLs), tail lamps, brake lamps (stop lamps), and back lamps.
[0090] As for the light source, other than the above-mentioned LED, for example, a light emitting element such as a laser diode (LD) can be used. Furthermore, the color of the light L emitted by the light source is not limited to the above-mentioned orange light, but can be changed appropriately to red light, white light, or the like according to the application of the vehicle lamp. [Explanation of symbols]
[0091] 1, 1A to 1E... Vehicle lamp 2A to 2D... Light source 3, 3A to 3E... Light guide 4... Lamp body 5... Circuit board 6A to 6G... Light guide section 7... Slit section 8... Connection section 9... Incident section 10... First reflecting section 10a... Inclined surface 11... Second reflecting section 11a... Multiple reflection cuts 12... Exit section 12a... Light emitting surface 13... Inclined surface E1... First light emitting area (bright area) E2... Second light emitting area (dark area) L... Light
Claims
1. A plurality of light sources each emitting light in the same direction; a light guide that guides the light emitted from the plurality of light sources, The light guide body includes a plurality of light guide sections that are arranged in parallel to each other while extending in the same direction from positions facing the plurality of light sources, respectively; a plurality of incident sections arranged on base end sides of the plurality of light guiding sections, respectively, through which the light emitted from the light source is incident therein; a plurality of first reflecting portions arranged on the opposite side of the plurality of light guiding portions from the incident portion, the first reflecting portions reflecting the light guided toward the tip side of the light guiding portion toward a front side of the light guiding portion; a plurality of second reflecting portions arranged on the rear surface sides of the plurality of light guiding portions and configured to reflect the light incident on the rear surface sides of the light guiding portions toward the front surface side of the light guiding portions; an emission section that is disposed on a front side of a light guiding section that is located on the frontmost side among the plurality of light guiding sections and that emits the light reflected by the first reflection section and the second reflection section to the outside, The vehicle lamp is characterized in that the plurality of light-guiding sections are successively longer in length from the rear side to the front side of the light guide, have slit sections between adjacent rear-side and front-side light-guiding sections, and have a structure in which the tip side of the rear-side light-guiding section is connected to the front-side light-guiding section via a connecting section.
2. the emission section includes a first light-emitting region that emits light by the light reflected by the first reflection section and a second light-emitting region that emits light by the light reflected by the second reflection section; The vehicle lamp according to claim 1 , wherein the first light-emitting region emits light more strongly than the second light-emitting region.
3. The emission section has a light emitting surface on which the first light emitting regions and the second light emitting regions are alternately arranged in a vehicle width direction, 3. The vehicle lamp according to claim 2, wherein sequential light emission is performed to present a flow of light emitted by the first light-emitting region and the second light-emitting region on the light-emitting surface while the plurality of light sources are turned on in sequence.
4. the first reflecting portion includes an inclined surface inclined toward a front surface side of the light guiding portion, 4. The vehicular lamp according to claim 1, wherein the second reflecting portion includes a plurality of reflection cuts arranged in a direction in which the light guiding portion extends.
5. 5. The vehicle lamp according to claim 4, wherein the plurality of reflection cuts are provided on a rear surface of the light guide portion, except for a portion facing the slit portion.
6. The vehicle lamp according to claim 5 , wherein the plurality of reflection cuts are provided across between the inclined surfaces adjacent to each other in a direction in which the light guide portion extends.
Citation Information
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