Vehicle lighting fixtures

Abstract

To provide a vehicular lamp fitting enabling light from a light source to enter a light guide unit arranged on the surface side of a decorative member even when the light source is arranged on the reverse side of the decorative member while the light source is covered with the decorative member.SOLUTION: A vehicular lamp fitting 10 comprises: a first inner lens 20 arranged on the surface side of a decorative member 50; a light source 40 arranged on the reverse side of the decorative member; and a second inner lens 30 arranged on the reverse side of the decorative member, the first inner lens includes a first light guide unit 22 guiding light entering from a first light incidence surface 22a, and a first reflection surface reflecting the light guided into the first light guide unit and exiting the reflected light from a first light exit surface, the second inner lens includes a second light incidence surface 33 in which the light source is arranged opposed to the surface 33, a second light exit surface 31a1 arranged while the first light incidence surface is opposed to the surface 31a1 across a space, and a second light guide unit 31 guiding the light from the light source to the second light exit surface.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle lamp, and more particularly to a vehicle lamp that can cause light from a light source to enter a light-guiding section arranged on the front side of a decorative member (e.g., a reflector) even when the light source is arranged on the back side of the decorative member while being covered by the decorative member. [Background technology]

[0002] A vehicle lamp is known in which a light source is disposed near one end side (light entrance surface) of a rod-shaped light guiding section extending in the longitudinal direction, and light from this light source is incident from one end side (light entrance surface) of the light guiding section (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] In response to this, the inventors considered placing a light source on the back side of a decorative member (e.g., a reflector) while being covered by the decorative member, and having the light from this light source enter a light-guiding section placed on the front side of the decorative member (e.g., a reflector). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2020-017518 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In Patent Document 1, when a light source is placed on the back side of a decorative member (e.g., a reflector) and covered by the decorative member, the distance between the light source and one end side (light entrance surface) of the light-guiding section becomes large, and therefore, unless the light-guiding section placed on the front side of the decorative member (e.g., a reflector) is extended to the vicinity of the light source, light from the light source cannot enter the light-guiding section.

[0006] However, since it is difficult to mold a light-guiding section that extends close to the light source (because it is not possible with a mold), if the light source is placed on the back side of a decorative member (e.g., a reflector) while being covered by the decorative member, there is a problem that the light from the light source cannot enter the light-guiding section placed on the front side of the decorative member (e.g., a reflector).

[0007] The present invention has been made to solve such problems, and aims to provide a vehicle lamp that can cause light from a light source to enter a light-guiding section arranged on the front side of a decorative member (e.g., a reflector) even when the light source is arranged on the back side of the decorative member (e.g., a reflector) and covered by the decorative member. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The vehicle lamp of the present invention comprises a decorative member, a first inner lens arranged on the front side of the decorative member, a light source arranged on the back side of the decorative member, and a second inner lens arranged on the back side of the decorative member, wherein the first inner lens includes a first light entrance surface, a first light exit surface, a first light guiding section that guides light entering from the first light entrance surface, and a first reflecting surface that reflects the light guided within the first light guiding section and exits it from the first light exit surface, and the second inner lens includes a second light entrance surface arranged opposite the light source, a second light exit surface arranged opposite the first light entrance surface across a space, and a second light guiding section that guides light from the light source that enters from the second light entrance surface to the second light exit surface.

[0009] With this configuration, even if a light source is placed on the back side of a decorative member (e.g., a reflector) and covered by the decorative member, the light from the light source can be made to enter the light-guiding section placed on the front side of the decorative member (e.g., a reflector).

[0010] This is because, first, the first inner lens and the second inner lens are separate from each other, and second, the first light entering surface of the first light guiding portion of the first inner lens and the second light exit surface of the second light guiding portion of the second inner lens are arranged facing each other with a space between them.

[0011] In addition, in the above-mentioned vehicle lighting fixture, a through hole is formed in the decorative member penetrating the front surface and the back surface, the first light entering surface side of the first light guiding portion is inserted into the through hole, and the first light entering surface of the first inner lens and the second light exit surface of the second inner lens may face each other across a space on the back surface side of the decorative member.

[0012] In addition, the above-mentioned vehicle lamp may further include a housing, the first inner lens being attached to the decorative member, and the second inner lens being attached to the housing, and the lamp may further include a positioning structure that positions the first light entering surface of the first inner lens relative to the second light exit surface of the second inner lens in the vehicle fore-and-aft direction, vehicle width direction, and vertical direction when the decorative member to which the first inner lens is attached is attached to the housing to which the second inner lens is attached.

[0013] In the above vehicle lamp, the second light guiding portion may extend from near the light source to a side opposite to a side on which the first inner lens is disposed, and be folded back via a curved portion.

[0014] In the above vehicle lamp, an optical axis of the light source may extend in a vehicle width direction of a vehicle on which the vehicle lamp is mounted.

[0015] In addition, in the above-mentioned vehicle lamp, the second light-guiding section may further include a branched light-guiding section branching off from the second light-guiding section, and the branched light-guiding section may include a third light-emitting surface and a second reflecting surface that reflects the light guided within the branched light-guiding section and outputs the light from the third light-emitting surface.

[0016] In the above vehicle lamp, the light source may be a light source that emits a luminous flux of 25 lm or more, and the vehicle lamp may function as a tail lamp by the light emitted from the first light emitting surface. Effect of the Invention

[0017] The present invention makes it possible to provide a vehicle lamp that can cause light from a light source to enter a light-guiding section arranged on the front side of a decorative member (e.g., a reflector) even when the light source is arranged on the back side of the decorative member and covered by the decorative member. In addition, according to the present invention, the light entering from the light entrance portion branches at a branching point, and by illuminating the light-emitting surface in multiple directions, it is possible to provide a vehicle lamp that has multiple functions using a single light source. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1] 1A is a top view of the vehicle lamp 10 (housing 60 omitted), and FIG. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the vehicle lamp 10. [Diagram 3] 2 is a perspective view of a reflector 50 to which a first inner lens 20 is attached, and a housing 60 to which a second inner lens 30 is attached. FIG. [Figure 4] 2 is an enlarged perspective view of the vicinity of the tip end of the side portion 21. FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a housing 60 to which a reflector 50 is attached. [Figure 6] This is an enlarged side view of the vicinity of the end face 22a (light entrance surface) on the base end portion BE22 side of the upper light guiding section 22 of the first inner lens 20 and the end face 31a1 (light exit surface) on the tip end portion FE31a side of the first branch light guiding section 31a of the second inner lens 30. [Figure 7] 7(a) is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 6, and FIG. 7(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 3 is a perspective view seen from the direction of the arrow A3 in FIG. 2. [Figure 9] 4 is a view of the housing 60 to which the second inner lens 30 is attached, as seen from the direction of the arrow A2 in FIG. 3. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0019] Hereinafter, a vehicle lamp 10 according to an 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(a) is a top view of the vehicle lamp 10 (housing 60 is omitted), and FIG. 1(b) is a side view (housing 60 is omitted).

[0021] The vehicle lamp 10 is a vehicle signal lamp that functions as a tail lamp and a side marker lamp, and is mounted on both the left and right sides of the rear end of a vehicle such as an automobile (not shown). Since the vehicle lamps 10 mounted on both the left and right sides have a symmetrical configuration, the following will representatively describe the vehicle lamp 10 mounted on the left side of the rear end of the vehicle (left side when facing the front of the vehicle). For ease of description, XYZ axes are defined below as shown in FIG. 1. 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] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the vehicle lamp 10. As shown in FIG.

[0023] 2, the vehicle lamp 10 includes a first inner lens 20, a second inner lens 30, a light source 40, a reflector 50, and a housing 60. The first inner lens 20 is disposed on the front side of the reflector 50. On the other hand, the second inner lens 30, the light source 40, and the housing 60 are disposed on the back side of the reflector 50.

[0024] The first inner lens 20 is made of a transparent resin such as acrylic or polycarbonate, and as shown in Figure 2, has a side portion 21 that is arranged on the outer surface (left side) of the vehicle, an upper light-guiding portion 22 that extends along the upper edge of the side portion 21, and a lower light-guiding portion 23 that extends along the lower edge of the side portion 21.

[0025] The upper light guiding portion 22 is a base end portion BE 22 The upper light guiding portion 22 is a rod-shaped light guiding portion having an end face 22a (light incident surface) on the side (vehicle front side). The upper light guiding portion 22 is an example of a first light guiding portion of the present invention. 22 The end surface 22a (light entrance surface) on the side is, for example, a flat surface perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (the direction in which the upper light guiding unit 22 extends). 22 The end surface 22a (light entrance surface) on the side of the upper light guiding portion 22 is an example of a first light entrance surface of the present invention. 22 It then extends in the X direction generally toward the rear of the vehicle, passes through a curved portion, wraps around to the rear end of the vehicle, and extends in the Y direction generally.

[0026] The outer peripheral surface of the upper light guiding section 22 includes a light output surface 22b (an example of a first light output surface of the present invention) disposed on the front side (rear side of the vehicle) and a reflecting surface (an example of a first reflecting surface of the present invention; not shown in FIG. 2) disposed on the opposite rear side. This reflecting surface includes a plurality of optical elements (not shown) that reflect (diffusely reflect) the light that is guided inside the upper light guiding section 22 and enters the reflecting surface, causing it to exit from the light output surface 22b. The optical elements are, for example, lens cuts (for example, V-grooves). The angle of the V-groove is determined so that the light exiting from the light output surface 22b satisfies the regulations regarding tail lamps.

[0027] The lower light guiding portion 23 is a base end portion BE 23 The base end BE is a rod-shaped light guide having an end face 23a (light entrance face) on the side (vehicle front side). 23 The end surface 23a (light entrance surface) on the side is, for example, a flat surface perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (the direction in which the lower light guiding portion 23 extends). 23 It then extends obliquely downward from there generally toward the rear of the vehicle (X direction), and then passes through a curved portion to wrap around the rear end of the vehicle and extend generally in the Y direction.

[0028] The outer peripheral surface of the lower light guiding section 23 includes a light output surface 23b disposed on the front side (rear side of the vehicle) and a reflecting surface (not shown in FIG. 2) disposed on the opposite rear side. The reflecting surface includes a plurality of optical elements (not shown) that reflect (diffusely reflect) the light that is guided inside the lower light guiding section 23 and enters the reflecting surface, causing the light to be output from the light output surface 23b. The optical elements are, for example, lens cuts (e.g., V-grooves). The angle of the V-groove is determined so that the light output from the light output surface 23b satisfies regulations related to tail lamps.

[0029] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a reflector 50 to which the first inner lens 20 is attached, and a housing 60 to which the second inner lens 30 is attached.

[0030] The first inner lens 20 having the above configuration is attached to the reflector 50 with its back surface facing the front surface of the reflector 50, as shown in Fig. 3. The reflector 50 (mainly the front surface) is mirror-finished by aluminum deposition or the like, and this mirror-finished surface is visible through the first inner lens. Alternatively, the back surface of the first inner lens 20 may be mirror-finished by aluminum deposition or the like.

[0031] With the first inner lens 20 attached to the reflector 50, the hook portions 21a, 21b (see FIG. 2) and the like provided on the first inner lens 20 engage with the reflector 50.

[0032] FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view of the vicinity of the tip end of the side surface portion 21. As shown in FIG.

[0033] 4, the hook portion 21a (through hole formed therein) provided on the tip side of the side surface portion 21 is inserted into a through hole H1 formed in the reflector 50 and engages with an engagement portion (protrusion, not shown) provided on the back surface of the reflector 50. Also, the hook portion 21b (through hole formed therein) provided on the upper part of the first inner lens 20 engages with an engagement portion 51 (protrusion) provided on the upper part of the reflector 50.

[0034] Furthermore, the protrusions 21c, 21d provided on both the upper and lower sides of the hook portion 21a of the tip of the side surface portion 21 abut against the step portion 52 of the reflector 50. As a result, the first inner lens 20 is positioned with respect to the reflector 50 in the X direction.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 4, the base end portion BE of the upper light guiding portion 22 22 The lower end BE of the lower light guiding portion 23 is inserted into a through hole H2 formed in the reflector 50 (step portion 52 or a vertical wall). 23 The first inner lens 20 is inserted into a through hole H3 formed in the reflector 50 (the step portion 52 or the vertical wall) at the side thereof. As a result, the first inner lens 20 is positioned with respect to the reflector 50 in the YZ directions.

[0036] As described above, the first inner lens 20 is attached to the reflector 50 in a state where it is positioned relative to the reflector 50 in the XYZ directions.

[0037] The second inner lens 30 is made of a transparent resin such as acrylic or polycarbonate, and includes a light guiding portion 31 and an auxiliary support portion 32 as shown in FIG.

[0038] The light guide portion 31 has a base end BE 31 The light guide 31 (and the first branched light guide 31a described below) is an example of the second light guide of the present invention. 31 The end surface 33 (light entrance surface) on the side is, for example, a flat surface perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (the direction in which the light guide portion 31 extends). 31 The end surface 33 (light entrance surface) on the side of the light guide portion 31 is an example of a second light entrance surface of the present invention. 31 2) via a curved portion to the opposite side from the side where the first inner lens 20 is located, and branches into a first branching light guiding portion 31a, a second branching light guiding portion 31b, and a third branching light guiding portion 31c.

[0039] The first branched light guiding portion 31a extends upward via a curved portion and is folded back in a U-shape toward the side where the first inner lens 20 is disposed. 31a The end face 31a1 (light output face) on the side is, for example, a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (the direction in which the first branch light guiding section 31a extends). 31a The end face 31a1 (light output surface) on the side is an example of the second light output surface of the present invention.

[0040] The second branch light guiding portion 31b extends downward via a curved portion and is folded back in a U-shape toward the side where the first inner lens 20 is disposed. 31b The end face 31b1 (light output face) on the side is, for example, a flat surface perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (the direction in which the second branch light guiding section 31b extends).

[0041] The third branch light guiding section 31c extends in the X direction toward the front of the vehicle. The outer peripheral surface of the third branch light guiding section 31c includes a light output surface 31c1 arranged on the left side of the vehicle and a reflection surface 31c2 arranged on the opposite side. The reflection surface 31c2 includes a plurality of optical elements (not shown) that reflect (diffusely reflect) the light that is guided inside the third branch light guiding section 31c and enters the reflection surface 31c2, and output the light from the light output surface 31c1. The optical elements are, for example, lens cuts (for example, V-grooves). The angle of the V-groove is an angle that is determined so that the light output from the light output surface 31c1 satisfies the regulations regarding side marker lamps. FIG. 8 is a perspective view seen from the direction of arrow A3 in FIG. 8, auxiliary support 32 is disposed on the opposite side to the side where light guide 31 extends with respect to end face 33 (light incident surface) of light guide 31. Auxiliary support 32 supports base end BE of light guide 31 by arm portions 32a and 32b. 31 (outer peripheral surface). As a result, the auxiliary support part 32 is integrated with the light guide part 31 and constitutes a part of the second inner lens 30. The auxiliary support part 32 is supported by the arms 32a and 32b at the base end BE of the light guide part 31. 31Since the light from light source 40 entering from end face 33 (light entrance face) of light guiding portion 31 is controlled to be guided inside light guiding portion 31, rather than to the auxiliary support portion 32 side, an example has been described in which auxiliary support portion 32 having a frame-like form composed of arm portions 32a, 32b is used, but the present invention is not limited to this.

[0042] The second inner lens 30 having the above-mentioned configuration is attached to a housing 60 as shown in FIG.

[0043] When the second inner lens 30 is attached to the housing 60, the positioning pins p1, p2, p3, and p4 (see FIG. 2) provided on the housing 60 are aligned with the positioning holes H formed in the second inner lens 30. p1 , H p2 , H p3 , H p4 (See FIG. 2) As a result, the second inner lens 30 is positioned relative to the housing 60 in the YZ directions.

[0044] In addition, the second inner lens 30 is prevented from rotating relative to the housing 60. p1 indicates the tip portion FE of the first branch light guiding portion 31a 31a The positioning hole H is formed in the flange F1 on the side of the p2 is a tip end FE of the second branch light guiding portion 31b. 31b The positioning hole H is formed in the flange portion F2 provided on the side of the p3 , H p4 are formed on flange portions F3 and F4 provided on the auxiliary support portion 32. Positioning pins p1~p4, positioning hole H p1 ~H p4 The specific arrangement of the above will be described. FIG. 9 is a view of the housing 60 to which the second inner lens 30 is attached, as seen from the direction of the arrow A2 in FIG. As shown in FIG. 9, the distance between the positioning pins p1 and p2 in the Y direction is L3, and the distance between the positioning pins p1 and p2 in the Z direction is L4 (L4>L3). p1and positioning hole H p2 The distance between the positioning pins p3 and p4 in the Y direction is L3, and the distance between the positioning pins p3 and p4 in the Z direction is L4 (L4>L3). The distance between the positioning pins p3 and p4 in the Y direction is L5, and the distance between the positioning pins p4 and p4 in the Z direction is L6 (L6>L5). Similarly, the positioning holes H p3 and positioning hole H p4 The spacing between the positioning pins in the Y direction is L5, and the spacing between the positioning pins in the Z direction is L6 (L6>L5). The positioning pin p3 is disposed at approximately the same height as the light source 40 in the Z direction. The positioning pins p3 and p4 are disposed on the same plane (a plane parallel to the YZ plane). The positioning pins p3 and p4 are disposed on both sides of the end face 33 (light entrance surface) of the light guiding section 31 in the Y direction. The number and positions of the positioning pins and positioning holes are as follows: p1 ~H p4 However, the present invention is not limited to this. The engagement of the positioning pin and the positioning hole can prevent the second inner lens 30 (the second light entrance surface) from rotating relative to the light source. This can ensure the distance between the second light entrance surface and the light source.

[0045] Further, the tip portion FE of the first branched light guiding portion 31a 31a 6. The flange portion F1 provided on the second inner lens 30 side abuts against the housing 60 (step portion 61) (see FIG. 7(a)). FIG. 7(a) is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 6. Although not shown, the flange portions F2 to F4 similarly abut against the housing 60. This positions the second inner lens 30 relative to the housing 60 in the X direction.

[0046] As described above, the second inner lens 30 is attached to the housing 60 in a state where it is positioned relative to the housing 60 in the XYZ directions.

[0047] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the housing 60 to which the reflector 50 is attached.

[0048] 5, the reflector 50 to which the first inner lens 20 is attached is attached to a housing 60 to which the second inner lens 30 is attached. When the reflector 50 is attached to the housing 60, the third branched light guiding portion 31c (light output surface 31c1) of the second inner lens 30 is exposed from a notch 53 provided in the reflector 50 (see FIG. 5).

[0049] Next, the base end portion BE of the upper light guiding portion 22 of the first inner lens 20 22 The end surface 22a (light incident surface) on the side is aligned with the tip end FE of the first branched light guiding portion 31a of the second inner lens 30 in the vehicle longitudinal direction (X direction), the vehicle width direction (Y direction), and the vertical direction (Z direction). 31a An example of a positioning structure for positioning the light emitting surface 31a1 (light output surface) on the side will be described.

[0050] When the reflector 50 is attached to the housing 60, as shown in FIG. 7A, the reflector 50 (tip) is in contact with the tip FE of the first branch light guiding section 31a. 31a The first inner lens 20 comes into contact with the flange portion F1 provided on the side of the housing 60, and the flange portion F1 is pressed against the housing 60 (step portion 61). 22 The end surface 22a (light incident surface) on the side is located at a position slightly closer to the tip end FE of the first branched light guiding portion 31a of the second inner lens 30 in the X direction. 31a The light emitting surface 31a is positioned relative to the end surface 31a1 (light output surface) on the side.

[0051] Specifically, the base end portion BE of the upper light guiding portion 22 of the first inner lens 20 22 The side is shorter than the tip of the reflector 50 in the X direction (shorter by a distance L1, see FIG. 7(a)). The distance L1 is, for example, 1 mm. Therefore, when the tip of the reflector 50 is in contact with the flange portion F1, the base end portion BE of the upper light guiding portion 22 of the first inner lens 20 is shorter than the tip of the reflector 50 in the X direction (shorter by a distance L1, see FIG. 7(a)). 22 The end surface 22a (light incident surface) on the side is located at a position slightly closer to the tip end FE of the first branched light guiding portion 31a of the second inner lens 30 in the X direction. 31aThe first inner lens 20 is positioned with a space corresponding to the distance L1 between the end surface 31a1 (light output surface) on the side of the first inner lens 20 (see FIG. 6). 22 the end face 22a (light incident surface) on the side and the tip portion FE of the first branched light guiding portion 31a of the second inner lens 30 31a 1 is an enlarged side view of the vicinity of end face 31a1 (light output surface) on the side.

[0052] Similarly, although not shown, the base end portion BE of the lower light guiding portion 23 of the second inner lens 20 23 The side is shorter than the tip of the reflector 50 in the X direction (shorter by a distance L2). The distance L2 is, for example, 1 mm. Therefore, the tip of the reflector 50 is closer to the tip FE of the second branch light guiding portion 31b of the second inner lens 30 than the tip FE of the second branch light guiding portion 31b of the second inner lens 30. 31b When the base end BE of the lower light guiding portion 23 of the first inner lens 20 is in contact with the flange portion F2 provided on the 23 The end surface 23a (light incident surface) on the side is located at a position closer to the tip end FE of the second branched light guiding portion 31b of the second inner lens 30 in the X direction. 31b The light emitting surface 31b1 is positioned so as to be spaced from the end surface 31b1 (light output surface) on the side of the light emitting surface 31b2 by a distance L2 (see FIG. 6).

[0053] In addition, in a state where the reflector 50 is attached to the housing 60, as shown in FIG. 7(b), the base end portion BE of the upper light guiding portion 22 of the first inner lens 20 22 side (outer peripheral surface) of the tip portion FE of the first branched light guiding portion 31a of the second inner lens 30. 31a 7(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB of FIG. 7(a). The cross section of the stopper portion F1a is concave. Therefore, the base end portion BE of the upper light guiding portion 22 of the first inner lens 20 that is in contact with the stopper portion F1a 22 The side (outer peripheral surface) is guided along the stopper portion F1a (concave shape) to the bottom of the concave shape.

[0054] As a result, the base end portion BE of the upper light guiding portion 22 of the first inner lens 20 22The end face 22a (light incident face) on the side is located at a position slightly closer to the tip end FE of the first branched light guiding portion 31a of the second inner lens 30 in the YZ direction. 31a The light emitting surface 31a is positioned relative to the end surface 31a1 (light output surface) on the side.

[0055] Similarly, although not shown, the base end portion BE of the lower light guiding portion 23 of the first inner lens 20 23 The end face 23a (light incident face) on the side is located at a position slightly closer to the tip end FE of the second branched light guiding portion 31b of the second inner lens 30 in the YZ direction. 31b The light emitting surface 31b1 is positioned relative to the end surface 31b1 (light output surface) on the light emitting surface 31b.

[0056] By being positioned as described above, the base end portion BE of the upper light guiding portion 22 of the first inner lens 20 22 The central axis (optical axis) of the end face 22a (light incident surface) on the side and the tip end FE of the first branched light guiding portion 31a of the second inner lens 30 31a The central axis (optical axis) of the end face 31a1 (light output face) of the second inner lens 30 is generally aligned with the central axis (optical axis) of the end face 31a1 of the first branch light guiding portion 31a of the second inner lens 30. 31a The light emitted from the end face 31a1 (light output face) on the side is efficiently guided to the base end portion BE of the upper light guiding portion 22 of the first inner lens 20. 22 This allows light to enter the end face 22a (light entrance face) on the side.

[0057] Similarly, the base end portion BE of the lower light guiding portion 23 of the first inner lens 20 23 The central axis (optical axis) of the end face 23a (light incident surface) on the side and the tip end FE of the second branch light guiding portion 31b of the second inner lens 30 31b The central axis (optical axis) of the end face 31b1 (light output face) of the second branch light guiding portion 31b of the second inner lens 30 is generally aligned with the central axis (optical axis) of the end face 31b1 of the second inner lens 30. 31b The light emitted from the end face 31b1 (light output face) on the side is efficiently guided to the base end portion BE of the lower light guiding portion 23 of the first inner lens 20. 23 This allows light to enter the end face 23a (light entrance face) on the side.

[0058] As described above, the reflector 50 is disposed at the base end BE of the upper light guiding portion 22 of the first inner lens 20 in the XYZ directions. 22The end face 22a (light incident face) on the side faces the tip portion FE of the first branched light guiding portion 31a of the second inner lens 30. 31a The lower light guiding portion 23 of the first inner lens 20 is positioned relative to the end surface 31a1 (light output surface) on the side of the first inner lens 20, and the base end portion BE of the lower light guiding portion 23 of the first inner lens 20 is positioned relative to the end surface 31a1 (light output surface) on the side of the first inner lens 20 in the XYZ directions. 23 The end surface 23a (light incident surface) on the side is aligned with the tip portion FE of the second branched light guiding portion 31b of the second inner lens 30. 31b The light emitting element 31 is attached to the housing 60 in a state where it is positioned relative to the end face 31b1 (light output surface) on the side of the light emitting element 31.

[0059] The light source 40 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 40 emits a luminous flux (luminous flux of 25 lm or more) greater than the luminous flux (approximately 20 lm) emitted by light sources generally used in tail lamps. This makes it possible to satisfy regulations related to tail lamps and side marker lamps even if light loss occurs in the curved portion of the second inner lens 30, etc.

[0060] The light source 40 is inserted into a through hole H4 (see FIG. 2) formed in the housing 60, and the light emitting portion of the light source 40 is aligned with the base end portion BE of the light guiding portion 31 of the second inner lens 30. 31 The light source 40 is attached to the housing 60 so as to face the end surface 33 (light incident surface) of the left side of the vehicle (facing the left side of the vehicle). The optical axis AX of the light source 40 (see Figs. 1(a) and 3) extends generally in the vehicle width direction (Y direction).

[0061] The reflector 50 is a decorative member having at least one of its front and back sides mirror-finished by aluminum deposition or the like.

[0062] In the vehicle lamp 10 having the above-described configuration, by turning on the light source 40, a light distribution pattern for a tail lamp and a light distribution pattern for a side marker lamp can be formed.

[0063] When the light source 40 is turned on, the light from the light source 40 is guided to the base end portion BE of the light guide portion 31 of the second inner lens 30. 31The light enters light guiding section 31 from end face 33 (light entrance surface) on the first side, and is guided through light guiding section 31 while repeatedly undergoing internal reflection (total reflection) within light guiding section 31. Then, the light from light source 40 guided through light guiding section 31 enters first branch light guiding section 31a, second branch light guiding section 31b, and third branch light guiding section 31c.

[0064] The light from the light source 40 that has entered the first branched light guiding portion 31a is guided through the first branched light guiding portion 31a while repeatedly undergoing internal reflection (total reflection) within the first branched light guiding portion 31a, and reaches a tip end FE of the first branched light guiding portion 31a. 31a The light is output from the end face 31a1 (light output face) on the side of the first inner lens 20 and reaches the base end portion BE 22 The light enters the upper light guiding section 22 from end face 22a (light entrance surface) on the side, and is guided through the upper light guiding section 22 while repeatedly undergoing internal reflection (total reflection) within the upper light guiding section 22. Then, the light from the light source 40 guided through the upper light guiding section 22 is internally reflected (diffuse reflected) by a reflecting surface (optical element), and exits from the light exit surface 22b of the upper light guiding section 22.

[0065] Similarly, the light from the light source 40 that has entered the second branch light guiding section 31b is guided through the second branch light guiding section 31b while repeatedly undergoing internal reflection (total reflection) within the second branch light guiding section 31b, and reaches a tip end FE of the second branch light guiding section 31b. 31b The light is output from the end face 31b1 (light output face) on the side of the first inner lens 20 and reaches the base end portion BE 23 The light enters lower light guiding section 23 from end surface 23a (light entrance surface) on the lower side, and is guided through lower light guiding section 23 while repeatedly undergoing internal reflection (total reflection) within lower light guiding section 23. Then, the light from light source 40 guided through lower light guiding section 23 is internally reflected (diffusely reflected) by a reflecting surface (optical element), and exits from light exit surface 23b of lower light guiding section 23.

[0066] As described above, the light emitted from the light exit surface 22b of the upper light-guiding section 22 and the light emitted from the light exit surface 23b of the lower light-guiding section 23 realize a light distribution pattern for a tail lamp.

[0067] On the other hand, the light from light source 40 that enters third branch light guiding section 31c is guided through third branch light guiding section 31c while repeatedly undergoing internal reflection (total reflection) within third branch light guiding section 31c. Then, the light from light source 40 guided through third branch light guiding section 31c is internally reflected (diffusely reflected) by reflecting surface 31c2 (optical element) and exits from light exit surface 31c1 of third branch light guiding section 31c.

[0068] As described above, a light distribution pattern for a side marker lamp is realized by the light exiting from the light exit surface 31c1 of the third branch light-guiding portion 31c.

[0069] As described above, according to this embodiment, even if the light source 40 is arranged on the back side of the reflector 50 while being covered by the reflector 50, the light from the light source 40 can be incident on the first inner lens 20 (upper light-guiding section 22, lower light-guiding section 23) arranged on the front side of the reflector 50.

[0070] This is because, first, the first inner lens 20 and the second inner lens 30 are separate from each other, and second, the base end portion BE 22 The end face 22a (light incident surface) on the side and the tip portion FE of the first branched light guiding portion 31a of the second inner lens 30 31a Thirdly, the end surface BE of the lower light guiding portion 23 of the first inner lens 20 is disposed in a state where the end surface 31a1 (light output surface) of the lower light guiding portion 23 of the first inner lens 20 faces the end surface 31a2 of the lower light guiding portion 23 of the first inner lens 20 with a space therebetween. 23 The end face 23a (light incident surface) on the side and the tip portion FE of the second branched light guiding portion 31b of the second inner lens 30 31b This is because the end face 31b1 (light output surface) on the side is disposed opposite to the end face 31b2 with a space therebetween.

[0071] According to this embodiment, the base end portion BE of the upper light guiding portion 22 of the first inner lens 20 22 The end face 22a (light incident surface) on the side and the tip portion FE of the first branched light guiding portion 31a of the second inner lens 30 31a The space between the end face 31a1 (light output face) on the side of the reflector 50 can be covered with a reflector 50 so that it cannot be seen from the outside.

[0072] First, the base end portion BE of the upper light guiding portion 22 of the first inner lens 20 22 side is inserted into a through hole H2 formed in the reflector 50; and secondly, the base end portion BE of the upper light guiding portion 22 of the first inner lens 20 is inserted into the through hole H2 formed in the reflector 50. 22 The end face 22a (light incident surface) on the side and the tip portion FE of the first branched light guiding portion 31a of the second inner lens 30 31a This is because the end face 31a1 (light output surface) on the side facing the rear surface of the reflector 50 faces each other with a space therebetween.

[0073] Similarly, the base end portion BE of the lower light guiding portion 23 of the first inner lens 20 23 The end face 23a (light incident surface) on the side and the tip portion FE of the second branched light guiding portion 31b of the second inner lens 30 31b The space between the end face 31b1 (light output face) on the side of the reflector 50 can be covered with a reflector 50 so that it cannot be seen from the outside.

[0074] First, the base end portion BE of the lower light guiding portion 23 of the first inner lens 20 23 side is inserted into a through hole H3 formed in the reflector 50; and secondly, the base end portion BE of the lower light guiding portion 23 of the first inner lens 20 is inserted into the through hole H3 formed in the reflector 50. 23 The end face 23a (light incident surface) on the side and the tip portion FE of the second branched light guiding portion 31b of the second inner lens 30 31b This is because the end face 31b1 (light output surface) on the side facing the rear face of the reflector 50 faces each other with a space therebetween.

[0075] In addition, according to the present embodiment, since the positioning structure is provided, by attaching the reflector 50 to which the first inner lens 20 is attached to the housing 60 to which the second inner lens 30 is attached, the base end BE of the upper light guiding portion 22 of the first inner lens 20 can be aligned. 22 The end face 22a (light incident face) on the side is aligned with the tip end FE of the first branched light guiding portion 31a of the second inner lens 30 in the XYZ directions. 31a This allows the tip portion FE of the first branched light guiding portion 31a of the second inner lens 30 to be positioned relative to the end face 31a1 (light output surface) on the side of the first branched light guiding portion 31a.31a The light emitted from the end face 31a1 (light output face) on the side is efficiently guided to the base end portion BE of the upper light guiding portion 22 of the first inner lens 20. 22 This allows light to enter the end face 22a (light entrance face) on the side.

[0076] Similarly, by attaching the reflector 50 to which the first inner lens 20 is attached to the housing 60 to which the second inner lens 30 is attached, the base end portion BE 23 The end surface 23a (light incident surface) on the side is aligned with the tip portion FE of the second branched light guiding portion 31b of the second inner lens 30 in the XYZ directions. 31b This allows the tip portion FE of the second branch light guiding portion 31b of the second inner lens 30 to be positioned relative to the end face 31b1 (light output surface) on the side of the second inner lens 30. 31b The light emitted from the end face 31b1 (light output face) on the side is efficiently guided to the base end portion BE of the lower light guiding portion 23 of the first inner lens 20. 23 This allows light to enter the end face 23a (light entrance face) on the side.

[0077] Next, a modified example will be described.

[0078] In the above embodiment, an example using two light guiding sections, the upper light guiding section 22 and the lower light guiding section 23, has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the upper light guiding section 22 or the lower light guiding section 23 may be omitted. Furthermore, three or more light guiding sections may be used.

[0079] In the above embodiment, the three branch light guiding sections, the first branch light guiding section 31a, the second branch light guiding section 31b, and the third branch light guiding section 31c, are used, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, one, two, or four or more branch light guiding sections may be used.

[0080] In the above embodiment, the base end portion BE 22 an upper light guiding portion 22 extending generally in the X direction toward the rear of the vehicle from the base end portion BE and then turning around to the rear end of the vehicle via a curved portion and extending generally in the Y direction; 23In the above example, the lower light guiding section 22 extends obliquely downward from the vehicle rear (X direction) and then curves around the vehicle rear end and extends in the Y direction, but the present invention is not limited to this example. In other words, light guiding sections of various shapes may be used depending on the vehicle design and the lamp design.

[0081] In the above embodiment, the vehicle lamp of the present invention is applied to a tail lamp and a side marker lamp, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the vehicle lamp of the present invention may be applied to other vehicle signal lamps such as a position lamp, a front combination lamp, a rear combination lamp, and a position lamp.

[0082] The numerical values ​​shown in the above embodiments are all examples, and it goes without saying that suitable numerical values ​​different from these can be used.

[0083] The above-described embodiments are merely examples in all respects. The present invention should not be construed as being limited by the description of the above-described embodiments. The present invention can be implemented in various other forms without departing from the spirit or main characteristics thereof. [Explanation of symbols]

[0084] 10...vehicle lamp, 20...first inner lens, 21...side portion, 21a, 21b...hook portion, 21c, 21d...convex portion, 22...upper light guiding portion, 22a...end face (light entrance face), 22b...light exit face, 23...lower light guiding portion, 23a...end face (light entrance face), 23b...light exit face, 30...second inner lens, 31...light guiding portion, 31a...first branched light guiding portion, 31a1 ...end surface (light exit surface), 31b...second branch light guiding section, 31b1...end surface (light exit surface), 31c...third branch light guiding section, 31c1...light exit surface, 31c2...reflecting surface, 32...auxiliary support section, 33...end surface (light entrance surface), 40...light source, 50...reflector, 50...decorative member, 51...engagement section, 52...step section, 60...housing, 61...step section, AX...optical axis, BE 22 ...Proximal end, BE 23 ...Proximal end, BE 31 …Base end portion, F1-F4…Flange portion, F1a…Stopper portion, FE 31a …Tip, FE31b …Tip, H1-H4…Through holes

Claims

1. Decorative materials; A first inner lens disposed on the front surface side of the decorative member; A light source disposed on the back side of the decorative member; A second inner lens is disposed on the back side of the decorative member, The first inner lens includes a first light entrance surface, a first light exit surface, a first light guide portion that guides the light entering from the first light entrance surface, and a first reflection surface that reflects the light guided within the first light guide portion and causes the light to exit from the first light exit surface, The second inner lens includes a second light entrance surface disposed to face the light source, a second light exit surface disposed to face the first light entrance surface across a space, and a second light guide portion that guides light from the light source that enters through the second light entrance surface to the second light exit surface, The second light guide portion extends from near the light source to a side opposite to a side on which the first inner lens is disposed, and is folded back via a curved portion.

2. A vehicle lamp to be mounted on a vehicle, Decorative materials; A first inner lens disposed on the front surface side of the decorative member; A light source disposed on the back side of the decorative member; A second inner lens is disposed on the back side of the decorative member, The first inner lens includes a first light entrance surface, a first light exit surface, a first light guide portion that guides the light entering from the first light entrance surface, and a first reflection surface that reflects the light guided within the first light guide portion and causes the light to exit from the first light exit surface, The second inner lens includes a second light entrance surface disposed to face the light source, a second light exit surface disposed to face the first light entrance surface across a space, and a second light guide portion that guides light from the light source that enters through the second light entrance surface to the second light exit surface, A vehicle lamp, wherein an optical axis of the light source extends in a width direction of the vehicle.

3. Decorative materials; A first inner lens disposed on the front surface side of the decorative member; A light source disposed on the back side of the decorative member; A second inner lens is disposed on the back side of the decorative member, The first inner lens includes a first light entrance surface, a first light exit surface, a first light guide portion that guides the light entering from the first light entrance surface, and a first reflection surface that reflects the light guided within the first light guide portion and causes the light to exit from the first light exit surface, The second inner lens includes a second light entrance surface disposed to face the light source, a second light exit surface disposed to face the first light entrance surface across a space, and a second light guide portion that guides light from the light source that enters through the second light entrance surface to the second light exit surface, a housing; and a reflector attached to the housing; The first inner lens is attached to the decorative member, The second inner lens is attached to the housing, The present invention further includes a positioning structure that positions the first light-entering surface of the first inner lens relative to the second light-exiting surface of the second inner lens in the vehicle longitudinal direction, the vehicle width direction, and the vertical direction when the decorative member to which the first inner lens is attached is attached to the housing to which the second inner lens is attached, the second light guiding section has the second light entrance surface on a base end side, extends from the base end side to a side opposite to the side where the first inner lens is disposed, and is a rod-shaped light guiding section branched into a first branched light guiding section and a second branched light guiding section each having at least the second light exit surface, When the decorative member to which the first inner lens is attached is attached to the housing to which the second inner lens is attached, the reflector abuts against a flange portion provided on the second branch light-guiding section and presses the flange portion against the housing, thereby positioning the first light-entering surface of the first inner lens relative to the second light-exiting surface of the second inner lens in the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle.

4. The vehicle lamp described in claim 3, wherein when the decorative member to which the first inner lens is attached is attached to the housing to which the second inner lens is attached, the outer surface of the first inner lens abuts against a concave-shaped stopper portion provided on the second inner lens and is guided along the concave shape to the bottom of the concave stopper portion, thereby positioning the first light entering surface of the first inner lens relative to the second light exiting surface of the second inner lens in the vehicle width direction and vertical direction.

5. The decorative member has a through hole formed therein, the through hole penetrating the front surface and the back surface, The first light incident surface side of the first light guiding portion is inserted into the through hole, The vehicle lamp of claim 1 or 2, wherein the first light entrance surface of the first inner lens and the second light exit surface of the second inner lens face each other across a space on the back side of the decorative member so that light exiting from the second light exit surface enters from the first light entrance surface.

6. Further comprising a housing; The first inner lens is attached to the decorative member, The second inner lens is attached to the housing, The vehicle lamp of claim 1 or 2, further comprising a positioning structure that positions the first light entering surface of the first inner lens relative to the second light exit surface of the second inner lens in the vehicle fore-and-aft direction, vehicle width direction, and vertical direction when the decorative member to which the first inner lens is attached is attached to the housing to which the second inner lens is attached.

7. The vehicular lamp according to claim 3 , wherein the second light guide portion extends from the vicinity of the light source toward a side opposite to a side where the first inner lens is disposed, and is folded back via a curved portion.

8. 7. The vehicular lamp according to claim 3, wherein an optical axis of the light source extends in a width direction of a vehicle on which the vehicular lamp is mounted.

9. The second light guiding section further includes a branched light guiding section branched from the second light guiding section, The vehicle lamp according to claim 1 , wherein the branching light-guiding portion includes a third light exiting surface and a second reflecting surface that reflects the light guided within the branching light-guiding portion so that the light exits from the third light exiting surface.

10. The light source is a light source that emits a luminous flux of 25 lm or more, The vehicular lamp according to claim 1 , wherein the vehicular lamp functions as a tail lamp by the light emitted from the first light emitting surface.

Images