Cover for the vehicle identification light

Abstract

To secure high functionality and to achieve improvement in designability.SOLUTION: A cover of vehicular marker lamp which is mounted on a lamp housing having an opening in a state of covering the opening, in which light emitted from a light source is transmitted, and which is formed by injection molding using a metal mold includes: a first step formed as a cylindrical lens step in which a plurality of recessed parts extending in a predetermined direction is continuously arrayed; and a second step having a plurality of frame-like parts formed by four linear projection parts inclined with respect to a predetermined direction. The four linear projection parts are provided in a state of crossing with respect to the recessed parts, and the plurality of frame-like parts is provided continuously in a predetermined direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of a cover for a vehicle marker lamp through which light emitted from a light source attached to a lamp housing is transmitted.

Background Art

[0002] In a vehicle marker lamp, a light source and various other optical components are arranged inside a lamp outer casing composed of a cover and a lamp housing, and there is a type in which a lens step is formed on the inner surface of the cover (see, for example, Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2).

[0003] In a vehicle marker lamp having a cover formed with such a lens step, since the light emitted from the light source is controlled by the lens step, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of unevenness in the irradiated light and improve visibility. Further, since the appearance when the cover is visually recognized from the outside changes according to the shape of the lens step and the formation position in the cover, it is also possible to improve the designability by forming the lens step at a desired position in a desired shape.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] By the way, in the cover as described above, since the light emitted from the light source is controlled by the lens step, it is desired that the lens step be formed in a shape and position having high functionality.

[0006] Furthermore, since the appearance of the cover when viewed from the outside changes depending on the shape and formation position of the lens step, it is also desirable to improve the design while ensuring high functionality.

[0007] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a cover for a vehicle marker lamp that ensures high functionality and also improves design. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The cover for a vehicle marker lamp according to the present invention is a cover for a vehicle marker lamp that is attached to a lamp housing having an opening in a manner that covers the opening, allows light emitted from a light source to pass through, and is formed by injection molding using a mold, and comprises a first step formed as a cylindrical lens step in which a plurality of recesses extending in a predetermined direction are arranged in succession, and a second step having a plurality of frame-shaped portions formed by four linear protrusions that are inclined with respect to the predetermined direction, and the four linear protrusions are arranged in a manner that intersects with the recesses, and the plurality of frame-shaped portions are arranged in succession in the predetermined direction.

[0009] This allows the light emitted from the light source to be controlled by a first step having an array of recesses formed as cylindrical lens steps and a second step having multiple frame-shaped portions formed by protrusions inclined relative to the first step. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, the light emitted from the light source is controlled by a first step having an array of recesses formed as cylindrical lens steps and a second step having a plurality of frame-shaped portions formed by protrusions inclined relative to the first step. Therefore, good light distribution control is mainly performed by the first step, and the combination of the first and second steps increases visibility, ensuring high functionality while improving design. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments for implementing the cover of the vehicle identification lamp of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The cover is used, for example, in a vehicle identification lamp which is a combination lamp in which various lamps such as a tail lamp, a stop lamp, a turn signal lamp, a clearance lamp, etc. are combined.

[0013] In addition, hereinafter, the front-rear, up-down, left-right directions will be described with the light emission direction from the vehicle identification lamp as the front. However, the front-rear, up-down, left-right directions shown below are for convenience of explanation, and the implementation of the present invention is not limited to these directions.

[0014] The vehicle identification lamp 1 is attached, for example, to both left and right ends of the vehicle body, and includes a lamp housing 2 having an opening at the front end and a cover 3 for closing the opening of the lamp housing 2 (see FIG. 1). The lamp housing 2 and the cover 3 constitute a lamp outer housing 4, and the internal space of the lamp outer housing 4 is formed as a lamp chamber 5. Mounting holes 2a penetrating through in the front-rear direction are formed in the lamp housing 2.

[0015] The cover 3 is formed by injection molding using a mold. Therefore, each part of the cover 3 is integrally formed by solidifying the molten resin filled in the mold.

[0016] A lamp unit 6 is disposed in a lamp chamber 5. The lamp unit 6 includes a reflector 7, a holder 8, an extension 9, and a light source 10.

[0017] The reflector 7 is formed in a shallow concave shape that opens forward, and the inner surface (front surface) is formed as a reflecting surface 7a. The reflector 7 is formed with an insertion hole 7b that penetrates through in the front-rear direction.

[0018] The holder 8 is formed in a cylindrical shape that penetrates through in the front-rear direction, and the rear end portion is attached to the outer peripheral portion of the reflector 7. The inner surface of the holder 8 may be formed as a reflecting surface.

[0019] The extension 9 has a base surface portion 11 that faces substantially in the front-rear direction and a cylindrical attached portion 12 that protrudes rearward from the base surface portion 11. Light transmission holes 11a, 11a are formed in the base surface portion 11 so as to be vertically spaced apart. The light transmission holes 11a are formed, for example, in a horizontally long rectangular shape. Note that the number of the light transmission holes 11a is arbitrary.

[0020] The extension 9 has the rear end portion of the attached portion 12 attached to the front end portion of the holder 8. Note that the extension 9 may be formed of a material having a transmittance lower than the transmittance of the light transmitted through the light transmission holes 11a, and may be configured such that light is also transmitted through portions of the base surface 11 other than the light transmission holes 11a, 11a.

[0021] As the light source 10, for example, a bulb type is used. However, a light emitting diode (LED) may be used as the light source 10. The light source 10 has a socket portion 10a and a bulb portion 10b, and the socket portion 10a is inserted into the mounting hole 2a and attached to the lamp housing 2. In a state where the light source 10 is attached to the lamp housing 2, it is inserted into the insertion hole 7b of the reflector 7 and the bulb portion 10b is positioned on the front side of the insertion hole 7b.

[0022] On the inner surface (rear surface) of the cover 3, step forming portions 13, 13 are formed at vertically spaced positions (see FIGS. 1 and 2). Although FIG. 2 is a front view of the cover 3, for ease of understanding, each line of the step forming portions 13, 13 formed on the inner surface of the cover 3 is shown by a solid line.

[0023] In a state where the cover 3 is attached to the holder 2, the step forming portions 13, 13 are respectively positioned directly in front of the light transmission holes 11a, 11a of the extension 9 (see FIG. 1). Note that the number and formation positions of the step forming portions 13 are arbitrary. The number of step forming portions 13 may be one, or three or more may be formed at vertically spaced positions.

[0024] The step forming portion 13 is composed of a first step 14 and a second step 15 (see FIGS. 2 and 3). The first step 14 and the second step 15 are formed in the same region of the cover 3.

[0025] The first step 14 is formed as a cylindrical lens step, and is formed by a plurality of recesses 16 extending in a predetermined direction, for example, the left - right direction, being arranged continuously in the vertical direction (see FIGS. 3 and 4). The recesses 16 are open rearward, and the surface forming the recesses 16 is a curved surface.

[0026] The first step 14 is a lens step having a role of ensuring the performance requirements for the light distribution of the light irradiated from the vehicle marker lamp 1 to the outside, and has a function of diffusing light.

[0027] The first step 14 has a length direction in the left - right direction which is a predetermined direction, a width direction in the vertical direction which is orthogonal to both the predetermined direction and the depth direction (front - rear direction) of the recess 16. The width W1 of the recess 16 is 1 mm or more and 15 mm or less, and the depth H1 of the recess 16 is 0.1 mm or more and 0.4 mm or less.

[0028] The second step 15 is configured by a plurality of diamond-shaped or square-shaped frame portions 17 arranged continuously in the predetermined direction, for example, the left-right direction (see FIG. 3). The frame portions 17 are formed by four linear convex portions 18 that protrude rearward, and the convex portions 18 are inclined with respect to the extension direction of the concave portions 16. The convex portions 18 are formed in a state that intersects with the concave portions 16.

[0029] In the step-forming portion 13, for example, four recesses 16 are formed continuously in the vertical direction to form a first step 14, and the continuous portion 17a of adjacent frame-shaped portions 17, 17 is aligned in the vertical direction with the continuous portion 16a between the second recess 16 and the third recess 16. The frame-shaped portion 17 is formed such that its upper end 17b and lower end 17c are aligned with both the upper and lower ends of the first step 14, respectively.

[0030] In this manner, in the cover 3, the continuous portions 17a of the frame-shaped portions 17, 17 and the continuous portions 16a of the recesses 16, 16 are aligned.

[0031] Therefore, since the continuous portions 17a of adjacent frame-shaped portions 17, 17 and the continuous portions 16a of adjacent recesses 16, 16 are in the same position, it is possible to form the frame-shaped portions 17 in a symmetrical position relative to the multiple recesses 16 that are lined up in succession, improving the appearance of the cover 3 when viewed from the outside and improving the design of the cover 3.

[0032] Furthermore, as described above, since the convex portion 18 is inclined relative to the extension direction of the concave portion 16, the fluidity of the molten resin is increased during injection molding of the cover 3, making it possible to ensure good moldability of the cover 3.

[0033] The second step 15 has a length direction in which the protrusions 18 extend, and a width direction in which the direction perpendicular to both the extension direction and the height direction of the protrusions 18 is perpendicular. The protrusions 18 are formed in an isosceles trapezoidal cross section (see FIG. 5). The protrusions 18 have a width W2 of 1 mm to 15 mm, a height H2 of 0.2 mm or less, and a base angle A of 30 degrees or less in the cross section.

[0034] The second step 15 also has a function of making the light source 10 disposed in the lamp chamber 5 difficult to be visually recognized from the outside, and it is possible to improve the visibility when the cover 3 is visually recognized from the outside. Therefore, regardless of the type of the light source used for the vehicle marker lamp 1, it is possible to improve the visibility, and by using a low-cost bulb type light source 10, the manufacturing cost of the vehicle marker lamp 1 can be reduced.

[0035] As described above, the cover 3 is formed by injection molding using a mold, and the position of the gate G, which is the inlet of the molten resin, is at the continuous portion 17a of the adjacent frame-shaped portions 17, 17 (see FIG. 2).

[0036] Since the position of the gate G is at the continuous portion 17a, the position of the gate G is at the continuous portion 17a of the frame-shaped portions 17, 17 that coincides with the continuous portion 16a of the recesses 16, 16, so that the gate mark is not conspicuous and the design property of the cover 3 can be improved.

[0037] In addition, it is desirable that the position of the gate G is formed at the central portion of the cover 3. By forming the position of the gate G at the central portion of the cover 3, it is easy to ensure a high fluidity of the molten resin up to the region forming the outer peripheral portion of the cover 3 in the cavity of the mold, and it is possible to ensure a high moldability of the cover 3 without causing a weld line.

[0038] In the vehicle marker lamp 1 configured as described above, when light is emitted from the light source 10, the emitted light is reflected by the reflecting surface 7a of the reflector 7 or travels toward the cover 3 as direct light. The light traveling toward the cover 3 passes through the light transmission holes 11a, 11a of the extension 9, passes through the step forming portions 13, 13 of the cover 3, and is irradiated outwardly. At this time, the light is irradiated outwardly in a state controlled by the step forming portions 13, 13, particularly the first steps 14, 14.

[0039] Furthermore, the light transmitted through the step forming portions 13, 13 of the cover 3 is mainly controlled by the first steps 14, 14, but in addition to the first steps 14, 14, it is also controlled by the second steps 15, 15 and irradiated outward.

[0040] Hereinafter, the measurement data by simulation regarding the dimensions of the first step 14 and the second step 15 will be described (see FIG. 6).

[0041] In the measurement by simulation, regarding the first step 14, confirmation was made regarding two items: the fluidity of the molten resin and the formation state of an appropriate light distribution pattern when the width W1 and depth H1 of the concave portion 16 were changed. Regarding the second step 15, confirmation was made regarding two items: the moldability of the cover 3 and the designability of the cover 3 when the width W2, height H2, and bottom angle A of the convex portion 18 were changed.

[0042] In FIG. 6, "○" indicates the case where each item is "extremely good", "△" indicates the case where each item is "good", and "×" indicates the case where each item is "bad".

[0043] Regarding the width W1 of the concave portion 16, confirmation was made regarding two items: the fluidity of the molten resin and the formation state of an appropriate light distribution pattern in the cases of less than 1 mm, 1 mm, 8 mm, 10 mm, and 15 mm.

[0044] Regarding the fluidity of the molten resin with respect to the width W1 of the concave portion 16, it was confirmed that when it was less than 1 mm, the fluidity of the molten resin was low and the cover 3 could not be processed, being "bad". However, when it was 1 mm, 8 mm, 10 mm, and 15 mm, it was confirmed that the fluidity of the molten resin was high and "extremely good". Regarding the formation state of an appropriate light distribution pattern with respect to the width W1 of the concave portion 16, when it was 15 mm, although there was a slight possibility that the light distribution pattern would be slightly insufficient compared to the originally required light distribution pattern, it was confirmed to be "good". When it was less than 1 mm, 1 mm, 8 mm, and 10 mm, it was confirmed that an appropriate light distribution pattern was formed and "extremely good".

[0045] Regarding the depth H1 of the recess 16, confirmation was carried out on two items: the fluidity of the molten resin and the formation state of an appropriate light distribution pattern, for the cases of 0.1 mm, 0.2 mm, 0.3 mm, 0.4 mm, and 0.5 mm or more.

[0046] Regarding the fluidity of the molten resin with respect to the depth H1 of the recess 16, it was confirmed that when it was 0.5 mm or more, weld lines occurred and it was "defective", but when it was 0.3 mm and 0.4 mm, although there was a possibility of weld line generation, the fluidity of the molten resin was sufficient and it was confirmed to be "good", and when it was 0.1 mm and 0.2 mm, the fluidity of the molten resin was high and it was confirmed to be "extremely good". Regarding the formation state of an appropriate light distribution pattern with respect to the depth H1 of the recess 16, it was confirmed that an appropriate light distribution pattern was formed and it was "extremely good" in any of the cases of 0.1 mm, 0.2 mm, 0.3 mm, 0.4 mm, and 0.5 mm or more.

[0047] Thus, based on the results of the measurement data by simulation regarding each dimension of the first step 14, the determination of "defective" was excluded, and it is desirable that the width W1 of the recess 16 be 1 mm or more and 15 mm or less, and the depth of the recess 16 be 0.1 mm or more and 0.4 mm or less.

[0048] When the width W1 of the recess 16 is 1 mm or more and 15 mm or less, and the depth of the recess 16 is 0.1 mm or more and 0.4 mm or less, sufficient fluidity of the molten resin during the molding of the cover 3 is ensured, and sufficient functionality as a cylindrical lens step is ensured with respect to the light distribution performance. Therefore, the generation of weld lines can be suppressed and high moldability of the cover 3 can be ensured, and a desired light distribution pattern can be surely formed in the vehicle marker lamp 1.

[0049] Regarding the width W2 of the convex portion 18, confirmation was carried out on two items: the moldability of the cover 3 and the design property of the cover 3, for the cases of less than 1 mm, 1 mm, 3 mm, 10 mm, and 15 mm.

[0050] Regarding the moldability of the cover 3 with respect to the width W2 of the convex portion 18, when it is less than 1 mm, it was confirmed that the moldability of the cover 3 is low and the cover 3 cannot be processed, being "defective". However, when it is 1 mm, although there is a risk of the occurrence of a weld line, good moldability of the cover 3 is ensured and it was confirmed to be "good". When it is 3 mm, 10 mm, and 15 mm, high moldability of the cover 3 is ensured and it was confirmed to be "extremely good". Regarding the designability of the cover 3 with respect to the width W2 of the convex portion 18, when it is 10 mm and 15 mm, sufficient designability of the cover 3 is ensured and it was confirmed to be "good". When it is less than 1 mm, 1 mm, and 3 mm, high designability of the cover 3 is ensured and it was confirmed to be "extremely good".

[0051] Regarding the height H2 of the convex portion 18, confirmation was carried out on two items, namely the moldability of the cover 3 and the designability of the cover 3, for the cases of 0 mm, less than 0.1 mm, 0.1 mm, 0.2 mm, and 0.3 mm.

[0052] Regarding the moldability of the cover 3 with respect to the height H2 of the convex portion 18, when it is 0.3 mm, it was confirmed that a weld line occurs and it is "defective". However, when it is 0.2 mm, although there is a risk of the occurrence of a weld line, good moldability of the cover 3 is ensured and it was confirmed to be "good". When it is 0 mm, less than 0.1 mm, and 0.1 mm, high moldability of the cover 3 is ensured and it was confirmed to be "extremely good". Regarding the designability of the cover 3 with respect to the height H2 of the convex portion 18, when it is 0 mm, it was confirmed that the designability of the cover 3 is low and it is "defective". When it is 1 mm, sufficient designability of the cover 3 is ensured and it was confirmed to be "good". When it is 0.1 mm, 0.2 mm, and 0.3 mm, high designability of the cover 3 is ensured and it was confirmed to be "extremely good".

[0053] Regarding the bottom angle A of the convex portion 18, confirmation was carried out on two items, namely the moldability of the cover 3 and the designability of the cover 3, for the cases of less than 10 degrees, 10 degrees, 15 degrees, 30 degrees, and 35 degrees or more.

[0054] Regarding the moldability of the cover 3 with respect to the bottom angle A of the convex portion 18, when it is 35 degrees or more, it was confirmed that a weld line occurs and it is "defective". However, when it is 30 degrees, although there is a possibility of a weld line occurring, good moldability of the cover 3 is ensured and it is confirmed to be "good". When it is less than 10 degrees and between 10 degrees and 15 degrees, high moldability of the cover 3 is ensured and it is confirmed to be "extremely good". Regarding the designability with respect to the bottom angle A of the convex portion 18, when it is less than 10 degrees, sufficient designability of the cover 3 is ensured and it is confirmed to be "good". When it is 10 degrees, 15 degrees, 30 degrees, and 35 degrees or more, high designability of the cover 3 is ensured and it is confirmed to be "extremely good".

[0055] As described above, based on the results of the measurement data by simulation regarding each dimension of the second step 15, the determination of "defective" is excluded, and it is desirable that the width W2 of the convex portion 18 is 1 mm or more and 15 mm or less, the height of the convex portion 18 is 0.2 mm or less, and the bottom angle in the cross-sectional shape of the convex portion is 30 degrees or less.

[0056] When the width W2 of the convex portion 18 is 1 mm or more and 15 mm or less, the height of the convex portion 18 is 0.2 mm or less, and the bottom angle in the cross-sectional shape of the convex portion is 30 degrees or less, sufficient fluidity of the molten resin during the molding of the cover 3 is ensured. Therefore, the generation of weld lines can be suppressed, high moldability can be ensured, and the designability can be improved.

[0057] As described above, the cover 3 includes a first step 14 formed as a cylindrical lens step in which a plurality of recesses 16 extending in a predetermined direction are continuously arranged, and a second step 15 having a plurality of frame-shaped portions 17 formed by four linear convex portions 18 inclined with respect to the predetermined direction. The four convex portions 18 are provided in a state of intersecting the recesses 16, and the plurality of frame-shaped portions 17 are continuously provided in the predetermined direction.

[0058] Therefore, the light emitted from the light source is controlled by a first step 14 in which the recesses 16 formed as cylindrical lens steps are arranged and a second step 15 having a plurality of frame-shaped portions 17 formed by convex portions 18 inclined with respect to the first step 14. As a result, good light distribution control is mainly performed by the first step 14, and the visibility is enhanced by the combination of the first step 14 and the second step 15, so that high functionality can be ensured and the design can be improved.

Explanation of Signs

[0059] 2... Lamp housing, 3... Cover, 10... Light source, 14... First step, 15... Second step, 16... Recess, 16a... Continuous portion, 17... Frame-shaped portion, 17a... Continuous portion, 18... Convex portion

Claims

1. A cover for a vehicle marker lamp that is attached to a lamp housing having an opening in a state of covering the opening, through which light emitted from a light source is transmitted and which is formed by injection molding using a mold, comprising: a first step formed as a cylindrical lens step in which a plurality of recesses extending in a predetermined direction are arranged continuously; a second step having a plurality of frame-shaped portions formed by four linear convex portions inclined with respect to the predetermined direction, wherein the four linear convex portions are provided in a state of intersecting the recesses, and a plurality of the frame-shaped portions are provided continuously in the predetermined direction. A cover for a vehicle marker lamp.

2. The cover for a vehicle marker lamp according to claim 1, wherein a continuous portion of the continuously arranged frame-shaped portions in the predetermined direction coincides with a continuous portion of the continuously arranged recesses. The cover for a vehicle marker lamp according to claim 1.

3. The cover for a vehicle marker lamp according to claim 2, wherein the position of the gate of the molten resin is at the continuous portion of the frame-shaped portion. The cover for a vehicle marker lamp according to claim 2.

4. In the first step, the predetermined direction is the length direction, and a direction orthogonal to both the predetermined direction and the depth direction of the recess is the width direction. The width of the recess is 1 mm or more and 15 mm or less. The depth of the recess is 0.1 mm or more and 0.4 mm or less. The cover for a vehicle marker lamp according to claim 1, claim 2, or claim 3.

5. In the second step, the extending direction of the convex portion is the length direction, and a direction orthogonal to both the extending direction of the convex portion and the height direction is the width direction. The convex portion is formed in an isosceles trapezoid shape in cross section. The width of the convex portion is 1 mm or more and 15 mm or less. The height of the convex portion is 0.2 mm or less. The base angle in the cross-sectional shape of the convex portion is 30 degrees or less. The cover for a vehicle marker lamp according to claim 1, claim 2, claim 3, or claim 4.

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