Vehicle lighting fixtures

Abstract

To provide a vehicular lighting tool for enabling visual recognition of a first light emission region and a second light emission region such that they emit light integrally (in connection with each other) regardless of a viewpoint position.SOLUTION: A vehicular lighting tool 30 forms a third light emission region which is visually recognized via a space S between a first light emission region and a second light emission region arranged while neighboring each other across the space S in the horizontal direction. The vehicular lighting tool 30 includes a space light emission part 31 disposed behind the space S, and a light control part 32 disposed between the space S and the space light emission part 31, the space light emission part 31 including a front view light emission portion and an upward view light emission portion arranged below it. A lower side of the upward view light emission portion and a lower side of the light control part 32 extend below the space S, and the light control part 32 includes an optical element to control light from the upward view light emission portion to be directed upward at a predetermined angle to a horizontal plane so that the light from the upward view light emission portion passes through the space S.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle lamp, and more particularly to a vehicle lamp that allows a first light-emitting region and a second light-emitting region to be visually recognized as if they are emitting light integrally (connected) regardless of the viewpoint position. [Background technology]

[0002] FIG. 8(a) is a cross-sectional view of the vehicle lamp described in Patent Document 1, and FIG. 8(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line A1-A1 of FIG. 8(a).

[0003] As shown in Fig. 8(a), when a rear combination lamp 100 provided on both the left and right sides of the rear end of a vehicle and a lid lamp 110 provided on a movable part such as a trunk lid of a vehicle are arranged adjacent to each other with a gap 120 in the horizontal direction (with the trunk lid closed), a dark area (a dark area corresponding to the gap 120) is not formed between a first light-emitting area a1 formed by turning on the rear combination lamp 100 and a second light-emitting area a2 formed by turning on the lid lamp 110, and the first light-emitting area a1 and the second light-emitting area a2 are visually recognized as emitting light integrally, so that the light-emitting unit 130 is arranged behind the gap 120 (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The light-emitting unit 130 emits light by the light from the light source 140 entering the light-guiding unit 150 being internally reflected by a lens cut provided on the back surface of the light-guiding unit 150 and emitting the light from the surface of the light-guiding unit 150.

[0004] Fig. 9(a) is a schematic diagram of the positional relationship between the first light-emitting region a1, the second light-emitting region a2, and the third light-emitting region a3 (light-emitting unit 130) when viewed from position p1 in Fig. 8(b). Fig. 9(b) is a schematic diagram of the positional relationship between the first light-emitting region a1, the second light-emitting region a2, and the third light-emitting region a3 (light-emitting unit 130) when viewed from position p2 in Fig. 8(b).

[0005] In Patent Document 1, when viewed from position p1 (see Figure 8(b)), as shown in Figure 9(a), the third light-emitting area a3 (light-emitting section 130) does not protrude (shift) from the gap 120, so the first light-emitting area a1 and the second light-emitting area a2 are viewed as if they are emitting light integrally (connected). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] JP 2016-134326 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] However, after the inventors' investigations, it has been found that in Patent Document 1, the light-emitting unit 130 is positioned at a position shifted rearward of the gap 120 (see Figures 8(a) and 8(b)), and therefore when viewed from position p2 above position p1 (see Figure 8(b)), as shown in Figure 9(b), the third light-emitting region a3 (light-emitting unit 130) protrudes (shifts) from the gap 120, and the first light-emitting region a1 and the second light-emitting region a2 are not viewed as if they are emitting light integrally (connected).

[0008] The present invention has been made to solve such problems, and aims to provide a vehicle lamp that can be visually recognized as if the first light-emitting area and the second light-emitting area are emitting light integrally (connected) regardless of the viewpoint position. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The vehicle lamp of the present invention is a vehicle lamp that forms a third light-emitting area that is visible through a gap between a first light-emitting area and a second light-emitting area that are arranged adjacent to each other with a gap in the horizontal direction, and comprises a gap light-emitting unit arranged behind the gap, and a light control unit arranged between the gap and the gap light-emitting unit, the gap light-emitting unit includes a front-viewing light-emitting unit and an upward-viewing light-emitting unit arranged below the front-viewing light-emitting unit, a lower part of the upward-viewing light-emitting unit and a lower part of the light control unit extend downward from the gap, and the light control unit includes an optical element that controls the light from the upward-viewing light-emitting unit to a predetermined angle upward with respect to the horizontal plane so that the light from the upward-viewing light-emitting unit passes through the gap.

[0010] With this configuration, the first light-emitting region and the second light-emitting region can be visually recognized as if they are emitting light integrally (connected) regardless of the viewpoint position.

[0011] This is because the light control unit (optical element) controls the light from the light-emitting unit for upward viewing to a predetermined angle upward from the horizontal plane so that the light from the light-emitting unit for upward viewing passes through the gap. Therefore, even if you move your eyes up and down, the third light-emitting area will always be formed within the gap between the first and second light-emitting areas without protruding from the gap.

[0012] In the above vehicle lamp, the optical element may be a plurality of lens cuts that refract light from the upward-viewing light-emitting portion upward at a first angle with respect to a horizontal plane, the plurality of lens cuts being arranged in the vertical direction, and the first angle being larger for the lens cuts arranged lower.

[0013] Moreover, in the above vehicle lamp, the optical element is a group of upward-viewing shutters including a plurality of inclined shutters, the plurality of inclined shutters are arranged spaced apart from one another in the vertical direction so that light from the upward-viewing light-emitting element that is directed upward at a predetermined angle with respect to the horizontal plane passes through, and the second angle of the inclined shutter with respect to the horizontal plane may be larger for the inclined shutters arranged lower.

[0014] In the above vehicle lamp, the light control unit includes a front-view shutter group including a plurality of horizontal shutters, and the plurality of horizontal shutters are arranged at intervals in the vertical direction so that light traveling in a horizontal direction among the light from the front-view light-emitting unit passes through the front-view shutter group, The group of front-viewing shutters may be disposed above the group of upward-viewing shutters with a common opening therebetween, and the length of each of the horizontal shutters may be shorter as the horizontal shutters are disposed lower.

[0015] In addition, the above-mentioned vehicle lamp may further include a diffusion lens portion or the diffusion surface that diffuses the light controlled by the light control unit, and the diffusion lens portion or the diffusion surface may be arranged between the light control unit and the gap.

[0016] In the above vehicle lamp, the first light-emitting region may be disposed at a rear end of a vehicle, and the second light-emitting region may be disposed on a movable portion that is movable relative to the first light-emitting region. Effect of the Invention

[0017] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a vehicle lamp that can be visually recognized as if the first light-emitting region and the second light-emitting region are emitting light integrally (connected) regardless of the viewpoint position. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1] 2 is a front view of the rear end portion of a vehicle V on which a vehicle lamp 30 is mounted. [Diagram 2] 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 1. [Diagram 3] 5 is a view of the first reflector 12 and the second reflector 13 (second reflecting surface 13a) as viewed in the direction of the arrow 50 in FIG. 2 (the inner lens 14, the outer lens 15, etc. are omitted). [Figure 4](a) A diagram showing the relationship between the gap S and viewpoint positions P1 and P2; (b) An example of the third light-emitting area A3 viewed from a front position, i.e., viewpoint position P1; (c) An example of the third light-emitting area A3 viewed from an upward position, i.e., viewpoint position P2 at a predetermined angle θ2 above the horizontal plane. [Diagram 5] 3(a) and (b) are cross-sectional views taken along the line BB in FIG. 2. [Figure 6] 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 1. [Figure 7] 7A is a diagram showing the relationship between the gap S and the viewpoint positions P1 and P2, and FIG. 7B and FIG. 7C are cross-sectional views taken along the line CC in FIG. [Figure 8] 8(a) is a cross-sectional view of the vehicle lamp described in Patent Document 1, and FIG. 8(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line A1-A1 in FIG. 8(a). [Figure 9] (a) A schematic diagram of the positional relationship between the first light-emitting region a1, the second light-emitting region a2, and the third light-emitting region a3 (light-emitting unit 130) when viewed from position p1 in Figure 8(b), (b) A schematic diagram of the positional relationship between the first light-emitting region a1, the second light-emitting region a2, and the third light-emitting region a3 (light-emitting unit 130) when viewed from position p2 in Figure 8(b). DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0019] Hereinafter, a vehicle lamp 30 according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In each drawing, corresponding components are given the same reference numerals, and duplicated explanations will be omitted.

[0020] Fig. 1 is a front view of the rear end of a vehicle V equipped with a vehicle lamp 30 (the vehicle lamp 30 is omitted in Fig. 1). Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in Fig. 1.

[0021] As shown in Fig. 1, a rear combination lamp 10 and a lid lamp 20 are disposed on the left and right sides of the rear end of a vehicle V such as an automobile. The lid lamp 20 is disposed on a movable part 40 (see Fig. 1), such as a trunk lid, provided at the rear end of the vehicle V. For ease of explanation, XYZ axes are defined below as shown in Fig. 1 etc. The X axis extends in the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle. The Y axis extends in the vehicle width direction. The Z axis extends in the vertical direction.

[0022] With the movable part 40 closed, the rear combination lamp 10 and the lid lamp 20 are disposed adjacent to each other with a gap S (see Figs. 1 and 2) in the Y-axis direction. In this case, the rear combination lamp 10 and the lid lamp 20 are disposed with their respective ends facing each other. The heights H (see Fig. 1) of the opposing ends of the rear combination lamp 10 and the lid lamp 20 in the Z-axis direction are the same. The width W (see Fig. 2) of the gap S in the Y-axis direction is, for example, about 5 mm.

[0023] 2, a vehicle lamp 30 is disposed behind a gap S between the rear combination lamp 10 and the lid lamp 20. The rear combination lamp 10, the lid lamp 20, and the vehicle lamp 30 mounted on both the left and right sides have a symmetrical configuration, so hereinafter, the rear combination lamp 10, the lid lamp 20, and the vehicle lamp 30 mounted on the right side of the rear end portion of the vehicle (the right side when facing the front of the vehicle) will be described as a representative example.

[0024] The rear combination lamp 10 and the lid lamp 20 are turned on simultaneously and function as, for example, a tail lamp and a stop lamp. The optical system constituting the rear combination lamp 10 and the lid lamp 20 may have any configuration as long as it can realize the intended lamp function (for example, a tail lamp and a stop lamp). For example, the optical system constituting the rear combination lamp 10 and the lid lamp 20 may be an optical system combining a light source such as an LED with a reflective surface, an optical system combining a light source such as an LED with a light guide (for example, a light guide plate or a light guide rod), or another optical system.

[0025] The following describes an example of the rear combination lamp 10. Note that the lid lamp 20 may be a known one, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 2, the rear combination lamp 10 includes a light source 11, a first reflector 12, a second reflector 13, an inner lens 14, an outer lens 15, and a housing 16.

[0027] The light source 11 is a socket-type light source, and includes at least one semiconductor light-emitting element, such as an LED, that emits red light. The light source 11 is attached to the housing 16 in a state where it is inserted into a through hole formed in the housing 16. The optical axis AX of the light source 11 is 11 is inclined at an angle θ1 outward in the vehicle width direction with respect to the X-axis.

[0028] The first reflector 12 includes a first reflecting surface 12a disposed in front of the light source 11. The first reflecting surface 12a reflects the light from the light source 11.

[0029] The second reflector 13 includes a second reflecting surface 13a extending from in front of the first reflecting surface 12a toward the rear of the vehicle and toward the inside in the vehicle width direction. The second reflecting surface 13a reflects the light reflected from the first reflecting surface 12a.

[0030] FIG. 3 is a view of the first reflector 12 and the second reflector 13 (second reflecting surface 13a) as viewed from the direction of the arrow 50 in FIG. 2 (the inner lens 14, the outer lens 15, etc. are omitted).

[0031] As shown in FIG. 3, the second reflecting surface 13a includes a main reflecting surface 13a1 and a gap reflecting surface 13a2.

[0032] The main reflecting surface 13a1 is disposed between the gap S and the first reflecting surface 12a (see FIG. 2). The reflected light Ray1 (see FIG. 3) from the first reflecting surface 12a that is incident on the main reflecting surface 13a1 passes through the inner lens 14 and the outer lens 15 and is irradiated toward the rear of the vehicle (see FIG. 2).

[0033] The gap reflecting surface 13a2 is disposed behind the gap S (see FIG. 2). Reflected light Ray2 (see FIG. 3) from the first reflecting surface 12a that is incident on the gap reflecting surface 13a2 is controlled by the light control unit 32 as described below, passes through the gap S, and is irradiated toward the rear of the vehicle (see FIG. 2).

[0034] The inner lens 14 is made of a transparent resin such as acrylic or polycarbonate, and is disposed in front of the second reflector 13 (second reflecting surface 13a).

[0035] The outer lens 15 is made of a transparent resin such as acrylic or polycarbonate, and is disposed in front of the inner lens 14. The outer lens 15 is attached to a housing 16, and defines a lamp chamber 17 between the outer lens 15 and the housing 16. The light source 11 (light-emitting portion), the first reflector 12 (first reflecting surface 12a), the second reflector 13 (second reflecting surface 13a), and the inner lens 14 are disposed within the lamp chamber 17. Note that reference numeral 18 in FIG. 2 denotes an extension (decorative member) provided so that the internal structure cannot be seen from the outside through the outer lens 15.

[0036] In the rear combination lamp 10 having the above-described configuration, when the light source 11 is turned on, the light emitted by the light source 11 is reflected by the first reflecting surface 12a and enters the second reflecting surface 13a.

[0037] Reflected light Ray1 (see FIG. 3) from the first reflecting surface 12a is incident on the main reflecting surface 13a1 of the second reflecting surface 13a and passes through the inner lens 14 and the outer lens 15 to be irradiated toward the rear of the vehicle (see FIG. 2).

[0038] On the other hand, reflected light Ray2 (see FIG. 3) from the first reflecting surface 12a that is incident on the gap reflecting surface 13a2 of the second reflecting surface 13a is controlled by the light control unit 32 as described below and passes through the gap S (see FIG. 2).

[0039] In FIG. 1, the hatched area indicated by the symbol A1 represents a first light-emitting area (e.g., the outer lens 15 constituting the rear combination lamp 10) formed by turning on the rear combination lamp 10 (light source 11). Hereinafter, this will be referred to as the first light-emitting area A1. In FIG. 1, the hatched area indicated by the symbol A2 represents a second light-emitting area (e.g., the outer lens constituting the lid lamp 20) formed by turning on the lid lamp 20. Hereinafter, this will be referred to as the second light-emitting area A2.

[0040] Next, the third light-emitting region A3 that is visible through the gap S between the first light-emitting region A1 and the second light-emitting region A2 will be described.

[0041] Fig. 4(a) is a diagram showing the relationship between the gap S and the viewpoints P1 and P2, and Fig. 4(b) is an example of the third light-emitting area A3 viewed from the front position, i.e., viewpoint P1. Fig. 4(c) is an example of the third light-emitting area A3 viewed from an upper position, i.e., viewpoint P2 above the horizontal plane at a predetermined angle θ2. The angle θ2 is, for example, 15 to 20°.

[0042] The third light-emitting region A3 is formed within the gap S even when the line of sight is shifted vertically (for example, when the viewpoint is moved from P1 to P2).

[0043] For example, when viewed from viewpoint P1, the third light-emitting region A3 is formed in the gap S as shown in FIG. 4(b). Similarly, when viewed from viewpoint P2, the third light-emitting region A3 is formed in the gap S as shown in FIG. 4(c). When the line of sight is moved up and down, for example, when the viewpoint is gradually moved from P1 to P2, the third light-emitting region A3 gradually moves from the position in FIG. 4(b) to the position in FIG. 4(c) following the movement of the line of sight (viewpoint position). Conversely, when the viewpoint is gradually moved from P2 to P1, the third light-emitting region A3 gradually moves from the position in FIG. 4(c) to the position in FIG. 4(b) following the movement of the line of sight (viewpoint position).

[0044] Next, an example of a vehicle lamp 30 in which the third light-emitting area A3 is formed in the gap S even when the line of sight is moved up and down as described above (for example, when the viewpoint is moved from P1 to P2) will be described. An example of a vehicle lamp 30 integrated with a rear combination lamp 10 will be described below. Note that the vehicle lamp 30 may be separate from the rear combination lamp 10. In this case, a known rear combination lamp 10 can be used.

[0045] 5(a) and 5(b) are cross-sectional views taken along line BB of FIG.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 5( a ), the vehicle lamp 30 includes a gap light emitting unit 31 and a light control unit 32 .

[0047] The gap light emitting unit 31 is, for example, a gap reflecting surface 13a2 disposed behind the gap S. The gap light emitting unit 31 emits light by reflecting light reflected from the first reflecting surface 12a. The gap light emitting unit 31 includes a front-viewing light emitting unit 31a and an upward-viewing light emitting unit 31b disposed below the front-viewing light emitting unit 31a.

[0048] A lower portion of the upward-viewing light-emitting portion 31b extends downward beyond the gap S in a front view.

[0049] The light control unit 32 is, for example, a gap lens unit disposed between the gap S and the gap light-emitting unit 31. A lower portion of the light control unit 32 extends downward from the gap S in a front view. Hereinafter, this will be referred to as the gap lens unit 32. The gap lens unit 32 is a part of the outer lens 15 (see FIG. 2). Note that the gap lens unit 32 may be a separate body from the outer lens 15.

[0050] As shown in FIG. 5(b), the gap lens portion 32 includes optical elements (plurality) that control the light RayA from the light-emitting portion 31b for upward viewing to a predetermined angle θ3 upward with respect to the horizontal plane so that the light RayA from the light-emitting portion 31b for upward viewing passes through the gap S. The optical elements are lens cuts LC (plurality) that refract the light RayA from the light-emitting portion 31b for upward viewing upward at an angle θ3 (one example of the first angle of the present invention) with respect to the horizontal plane, and are, for example, prism-shaped lens cuts (plurality). The lens cuts LC (plurality) are arranged (formed) in the vertical direction in the region 32b of the gap lens portion 32 where the light RayA from the light-emitting portion 31b for upward viewing is incident. The lens cuts LC are also arranged (formed) in the vertical direction in the region 32a of the gap lens portion 32 where the light RayB from the light-emitting portion 31a for front viewing is incident.

[0051] The angle θ3 is not the same for all the lens cuts LC, but is set so that the lower the lens cut LC is, the larger the angle θ3 is (gradually larger). Specifically, the angle θ3 is set so that the lower the lens cut LC is, the larger the angle θ3 is (gradually larger) so that the third light-emitting region A3 is formed within the gap S (so that it is formed without protruding from the gap S) even when the line of sight is moved up and down (for example, when the viewpoint is moved from P1 to P2). Such an angle θ3 can be found, for example, by using a predetermined simulation software.

[0052] In the vehicle lamp 30 having the above configuration, as shown in Fig. 5(a), the light RayB from the front-viewing light-emitting portion 31a is transmitted through the gap lens portion 32, passes through the gap S, and is irradiated to the rear of the vehicle. Note that, since the angle θ3 of the lens cut LC arranged on the upper side is small, a part of the light RayB from the front-viewing light-emitting portion 31a is transmitted through the lens cut LC having the small angle θ3, travels in the X-axis direction, and passes through the gap S.

[0053] On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 5(b), the light RayA from the upward-viewing light-emitting unit 31b (and a portion of the light RayB from the front-viewing light-emitting unit 31a) is refracted upward at an angle θ3 with respect to the horizontal plane by the lens cuts LC (multiple lens cuts) and passes through the gap S.

[0054] As a result, when viewed from the front position, that is, from viewpoint position P1, as shown in FIG. 4(b), the third light-emitting region A3 is formed in the gap S between the first light-emitting region A1 and the second light-emitting region A2.

[0055] On the other hand, when viewed from an upper position, that is, from viewpoint position P2, as shown in FIG. 4(c), the third light-emitting region A3 is formed in the gap S between the first light-emitting region A1 and the second light-emitting region A2.

[0056] The angle θ3 is set to be larger (gradually larger) for the lens cut LC located lower, so that when you move your line of sight vertically, for example, by gradually moving the viewpoint position from P1 to P2, the light refracted by the lens cut LC becomes invisible in the order of decreasing angle θ3, and the third light-emitting area A3 gradually moves from the position in Figure 4(b) to the position in Figure 4(c) in response to the movement of your line of sight (viewpoint position).

[0057] As described above, even if the line of sight is moved up and down (for example, even if the viewpoint is moved from P1 to P2), the third light-emitting region A3 does not protrude from the gap S, but is always formed within the gap S between the rear combination lamp 10 (first light-emitting region A1) and the lid lamp 20 (second light-emitting region A2) (see Figs. 4(b) and 4(c)). As a result, the first light-emitting region A1 and the second light-emitting region A2 are visually recognized as emitting light integrally (connected).

[0058] As described above, according to the first embodiment, the first light-emitting region A1 and the second light-emitting region A2 can be visually recognized as if they are emitting light integrally (connected) regardless of the viewpoint position.

[0059] This is because the gap lens portion 32 (lens cut LC) controls the light RayA from the upward viewing light-emitting portion 31b to an angle θ3 upward with respect to the horizontal plane so that the light RayA from the upward viewing light-emitting portion 31b passes through the gap S. Therefore, even if you move your eyes up and down, the third light-emitting area A3 does not protrude from the gap S, but is always formed within the gap S between the rear combination lamp 10 (first light-emitting area A1) and the lid lamp 20 (second light-emitting area A2) (see Figures 4(b) and 4(c)).

[0060] That is, as shown in Figure 5(b), etc., the lower part of the upward-viewing light-emitting part 31b and the lower part of the gap lens part 32 extend downward from the lower end of the gap S in the Z-axis direction, and by providing lens cuts LC (multiple) in the gap lens part 32, the light RayA from the upward-viewing light-emitting part 31b can be mainly controlled upward at an angle θ3 with respect to the horizontal plane, and can be targeted to pass through the gap S.

[0061] Next, a vehicle lamp 30A according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In each drawing, corresponding components are given the same reference numerals, and duplicated explanations will be omitted.

[0062] The following description will focus on the differences from the first embodiment of the vehicle lamp 30. The same components as those in the first embodiment of the vehicle lamp 30 are given the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0063] Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in Fig. 1. Fig. 6 differs from Fig. 2 in that a shutter section 33 is used as the light control section instead of the gap lens section 32, and that a plain lens section without a lens cut LC is used as the gap lens section 32. Other than that, it is the same as Fig. 2.

[0064] Next, the vehicle lamp 30A will be described.

[0065] FIG. 7(a) is a diagram showing the relationship between the gap S and the viewpoint positions P1 and P2, and FIG. 7(b) and FIG. 7(c) are cross-sectional views taken along the line CC in FIG.

[0066] As shown in FIG. 7( b ), the vehicle lamp 30 A includes a gap light emitting unit 31 and a light control unit 33 .

[0067] The gap light emitting unit 31 is, for example, a gap reflecting surface 13a2 disposed behind the gap S. The gap light emitting unit 31 emits light by reflecting light reflected from the first reflecting surface 12a. The gap light emitting unit 31 includes a front-viewing light emitting unit 31a and an upward-viewing light emitting unit 31b disposed below the front-viewing light emitting unit 31a.

[0068] A lower portion of the upward-viewing light-emitting portion 31b extends downward beyond the gap S in a front view.

[0069] The light control unit 33 is, for example, a shutter unit disposed between the gap S and the gap light emitting unit 31. A lower portion of the light control unit 33 extends downward from the gap S in a front view. Hereinafter, this will be referred to as the shutter unit 33.

[0070] 7(c), the shutter unit 33 includes optical elements (multiple) that control the light RayC from the light-emitting unit 31b for upward viewing to an angle θ4 upward with respect to the horizontal plane so that the light RayC from the light-emitting unit 31b for upward viewing passes through the gap S. This optical element is a group of shutters 34 for upward viewing that includes multiple inclined shutters 34a. The inclined shutters 34a (multiple) are disposed in front of the light-emitting unit 31b for upward viewing at intervals from each other in the vertical direction so that the light RayC from the light-emitting unit 31b for upward viewing passes through.

[0071] Note that the angle θ4 of the inclined shutter 34a with respect to the horizontal plane (an example of the second angle of the present invention) is not the same for all the inclined shutters 34a, but is set to be larger (gradually larger) for the inclined shutters 34a arranged lower. Specifically, the angle θ4 is set to be larger (gradually larger) for the inclined shutters 34a arranged lower so that the third light-emitting region A3 is formed within the gap S (so that it is formed without protruding from the gap S) even when the line of sight is moved vertically (for example, when the viewpoint position is moved from P1 to P2). Such an angle θ4 can be found, for example, by using a predetermined simulation software.

[0072] The shutter section 33 also includes a front-view shutter group 35 including a plurality of horizontal shutters 35a.

[0073] As shown in FIG. 7(b), the horizontal shutters 35a (plurality of horizontal shutters) are arranged at intervals in the vertical direction so that the light RayD from the front-view light-emitting part 31a passes through.

[0074] The front-viewing shutter group 35 is disposed above the upward-viewing shutter group 34, sandwiching a shared opening 36 through which light from the front-viewing light-emitting unit 31a passes. Although not shown, the front-viewing shutter group 35 and the upward-viewing shutter group 34 are held by, for example, the same frame.

[0075] The length (length in the X-axis direction) of the horizontal shutters 35a is not the same for all the horizontal shutters 35a, but is set so that the horizontal shutters 35a arranged at the bottom are shorter (gradually shorter). Specifically, the length (length in the X-axis direction) of the horizontal shutters 35a is set so that when the line of sight is moved vertically, for example, when the viewpoint position is gradually moved from P1 to P2, the light toward the viewpoint position is blocked from above and becomes invisible. Such a length (length in the X-axis direction) of the horizontal shutters 35a can be found, for example, by using a predetermined simulation software.

[0076] In the vehicle lamp 30A having the above configuration, the light RayD from the front view light emitting portion 31a passes through the front view shutter group 35 and the shared opening 36, and passes through the gap S, as shown in FIG. 7(b).

[0077] 7(c), the light RayC from the upward-viewing light-emitting unit 31b passes through the upward-viewing shutter group 34, travels upward at an angle θ4 with respect to the horizontal plane, and passes through the gap S. Also, the light RayE from the front-viewing light-emitting unit 31a passes through the shared opening 36, travels upward at a predetermined angle (for example, angle θ4) with respect to the horizontal plane, and passes through the gap S.

[0078] As a result, when viewed from the front position, that is, from viewpoint position P1, as shown in FIG. 4(b), the third light-emitting region A3 is formed in the gap S between the first light-emitting region A1 and the second light-emitting region A2.

[0079] On the other hand, when viewed from an upper position, that is, from viewpoint position P2, as shown in FIG. 4(c), the third light-emitting region A3 is formed in the gap S between the first light-emitting region A1 and the second light-emitting region A2.

[0080] Then, when the line of sight is moved up and down, for example, when the viewpoint position gradually moves from P1 to P2, the light toward the viewpoint position is blocked by the horizontal shutters 35a from above and becomes invisible. At that time, since the angle θ4 of the inclined shutters 34a with respect to the horizontal plane is set to be larger (gradually larger) for the inclined shutters 34a arranged lower, the third light-emitting area A3 gradually moves from the position in FIG. 4(b) to the position in FIG. 4(c) following the movement of the line of sight (viewpoint position).

[0081] As described above, even if the line of sight is moved up and down (for example, even if the viewpoint is moved from P1 to P2), the third light-emitting region A3 does not protrude from the gap S, but is always formed within the gap S between the rear combination lamp 10 (first light-emitting region A1) and the lid lamp 20 (second light-emitting region A2) (see Figs. 4(b) and 4(c)). As a result, the first light-emitting region A1 and the second light-emitting region A2 are visually recognized as emitting light integrally (connected).

[0082] As described above, according to the second embodiment, the first light-emitting region A1 and the second light-emitting region A2 can be visually recognized as if they are emitting light integrally (connected) regardless of the viewpoint position.

[0083] This is because the shutter section 33 (upward viewing shutter group 34) controls the light RayC from the upward viewing light-emitting section 31b to an angle θ4 upward with respect to the horizontal plane so that the light RayC from the upward viewing light-emitting section 31b passes through the gap S. Therefore, even if you move your eyes up and down, the third light-emitting area A3 does not protrude from the gap S, but is always formed within the gap S between the rear combination lamp 10 (first light-emitting area A1) and the lid lamp 20 (second light-emitting area A2) (see Figures 4(b) and 4(c)).

[0084] That is, as shown in Figure 7(c) etc., the lower part of the upward-viewing light-emitting part 31b and the lower part of the shutter part 33 extend downward from the lower end of the gap S in the Z-axis direction, so that the light RayC from the upward-viewing light-emitting part 31b can be controlled mainly upward at an angle θ4 with respect to the horizontal plane and targeted to pass through the gap S.

[0085] Next, a modified example will be described.

[0086] In the above-described first embodiment, a diffusion lens portion (e.g., a diffusion lens portion including a textured diffusion surface) that diffuses light transmitted through the gap lens portion 32 may be disposed between the gap lens portion 32 and the gap S. Alternatively, the surface of the gap lens portion 32 that faces the gap S may be a diffusion surface (e.g., a textured diffusion surface).

[0087] In this way, the amount of light that passes through the diffusion lens portion or diffusion surface is reduced by being diffused, so that the texture of the third light-emitting area A3 can be made to match the textures of the first and second light-emitting areas A1 and A2.

[0088] Similarly, in the second embodiment, a diffusion lens section (for example, a diffusion lens section including a textured diffusion surface) that diffuses light that has passed through the shutter section 33 may be disposed between the shutter section 33 and the gap S. For example, a plain gap lens section 32 (see FIG. 7) without a lens cut LC may be used as the diffusion lens section.

[0089] In this way, the amount of light is reduced by diffusing the light that has passed through the diffusion lens portion, so that the texture of the third light-emitting region A3 can be made to match the textures of the first and second light-emitting regions A1 and A2.

[0090] In addition, in each of the above embodiments, an example has been described in which the first light-emitting region A1 is formed by the rear combination lamp 10, and the second light-emitting region A2 is formed by the lid lamp 20, but this is not limiting. For example, the first light-emitting region A1 may be formed by a lamp other than the rear combination lamp 10, and the second light-emitting region A2 may also be formed by a lamp other than the lid lamp 20.

[0091] All the numerical values ​​shown in the above embodiment are merely examples, and it goes without saying that other appropriate numerical values ​​can be used.

[0092] The above-described embodiment is merely an example in all respects. The present invention should not be construed as being limited by the description of the above-described embodiment. The present invention can be implemented in various other forms without departing from the spirit or main characteristics thereof. [Explanation of symbols]

[0093] 10... rear combination lamp, 11... light source, 12... first reflector, 12a... first reflective surface, 13... second reflector, 13a... second reflective surface, 13a1... main reflective surface, 13a2... gap reflective surface, 14... inner lens, 15... outer lens, 16... housing, 17... lamp chamber, 20... lid lamp, 30... vehicle lamp, 30A... vehicle lamp, 31... gap light emitting portion, 31a... front view light emitting portion light unit, 31b...light-emitting unit for upward viewing, 32...light control unit (lens unit for gap), 33...light control unit (shutter unit), 34...shutter group for upward viewing, 34a...inclined shutter, 35...shutter group for frontal viewing, 35a...horizontal shutter, 36...shared opening, 40...movable unit, A1...first light-emitting region, A2...second light-emitting region, A3...third light-emitting region, LC...optical element (lens cut), S...gap, V...vehicle

Claims

1. A vehicle lamp that forms a third light-emitting region that is visually recognized through a gap between a first light-emitting region and a second light-emitting region that are arranged adjacent to each other with a gap therebetween in a horizontal direction, A gap light emitting unit disposed behind the gap; A light control unit is disposed between the gap and the gap light emitting unit, The gap light emitting unit includes a front-view light emitting unit and an upward-view light emitting unit disposed below the front-view light emitting unit, a lower portion of the upward-viewing light-emitting unit and a lower portion of the light control unit extend downward from the gap, The light control unit includes an optical element that controls the light from the light-emitting unit for upward viewing to a predetermined angle upward with respect to a horizontal plane so that the light from the light-emitting unit for upward viewing passes through the gap.

2. the optical element is a plurality of lens cuts that refract the light from the upward-viewing light-emitting unit upward at a first angle with respect to a horizontal plane, The plurality of lens cuts are arranged in an up-down direction, The vehicular lamp according to claim 1 , wherein the first angle is larger for a lens cut disposed lower.

3. the optical element is a group of upward-viewing shutters including a plurality of inclined shutters; the plurality of inclined shutters are arranged at intervals in the vertical direction so as to pass light from the upward-viewing light-emitting unit that is directed upward at a predetermined angle with respect to a horizontal plane; The vehicular lamp according to claim 1 , wherein the second angle of the inclined shutter with respect to the horizontal plane is larger for the inclined shutter disposed lower.

4. The light control unit includes a front-view shutter group including a plurality of horizontal shutters, the plurality of horizontal shutters are arranged at intervals in the vertical direction so that light traveling in a horizontal direction out of the light from the front-view light-emitting unit passes through the horizontal shutters; the front-view shutter group is disposed above the upward-view shutter group with a shared opening therebetween, 4. The vehicular lamp according to claim 3, wherein the horizontal shutters have lengths that are shorter toward the lower side.

5. Further comprising a diffusion lens unit or a diffusion surface that diffuses the light controlled by the light control unit, The vehicle lamp according to claim 1 , wherein the diffusion lens portion or the diffusion surface is disposed between the light control portion and the gap.

6. The first light-emitting region is disposed at a rear end of the vehicle, The vehicular lamp according to claim 1 , wherein the second light-emitting region is disposed on a movable portion that is movable with respect to the first light-emitting region.

Images