Vehicle lighting fixtures

Abstract

To improve visibility and designability during non-lighting of a light source while improving the degree of freedom for design with a simple configuration.SOLUTION: A vehicle lamp comprises: a light guide body that has an incidence surface into which light from a light source is made incident, and an emission surface formed at one end part, and guides light incident on the incidence surface and emits it from the emission surface; and a reflector that covers the other end part of the light guide body, and has at least a colored reflective surface. A lens step for internally reflecting light is formed on the light guide body. A part of natural light that is made incident into the light guide body during non-lighting of the light source is reflected on the reflective surface, and directed toward the lens step and the emission surface.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a technical field of a vehicle lamp having a light guide that guides incident light and emits it. [Background technology]

[0002] There is a type of vehicle lamp in which light emitted from a light source is guided by a light guide and emitted from the light output surface of the light guide (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The vehicle lamp described in Patent Document 1 is provided with a light guide in the shape of a round shaft extending in a predetermined direction, and is configured so that light that enters the light guide from the entrance surface is guided and emitted from the exit surface.

[0003] In a configuration using such a light guide, it is possible to widen the emission range from the emission surface and increase the freedom of the emission direction by changing the shape and length of the light guide, so that a simple configuration can improve the design freedom of vehicle lighting fixtures.

[0004] On the other hand, in recent years, it has become desirable for the internal structure of a vehicle lamp to be colored and visible even when the light source is not lit, from the viewpoint of visibility and design.

[0005] Therefore, some vehicle lamps are designed so that the internal structure of the vehicle lamp is colored to be visible when the light source is not lit (see, for example, Patent Document 2). In the vehicle lamp described in Patent Document 2, a colored layer is formed by printing on a substrate on which the light source is mounted, and when the light source is not lit, light (natural light) incident from outside the cover is refracted by a prism portion provided in the cover and reflected by the colored layer and a reflector, and the reflected light is transmitted through the cover, so that the internal structure of the vehicle lamp is colored to be visible. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-183143 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-65035 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] Incidentally, in vehicle lighting fixtures whose internal structure appears colored when the light source is off, it is possible to further increase visibility and design by having multiple parts of the internal structure appear colored.

[0008] On the other hand, the vehicle lamp described in the above-mentioned Patent Document 2 does not use a light guide, and therefore it is difficult to improve the degree of freedom in design by using a simple configuration as in the case where a light guide is used.

[0009] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle lamp that has a simple structure that allows for greater freedom in design, and also improves visibility and design when the light source is not lit. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] The vehicle lamp according to the present invention comprises: The light source is positioned opposite the a light guide having an incident surface on which light from a light source is incident and an exit surface formed at one end thereof, which guides the light incident on the incident surface and emits it from the exit surface; and a reflector covering the other end of the light guide and having at least a colored reflective surface; the light guide is provided with a light guide portion extending in a predetermined direction and guiding light incident from the light source, and a plate-shaped emission portion continuous with an outer peripheral surface of the light guide portion, one end face in the longitudinal direction of the light guide portion is formed as the incident surface, and the width in the same direction as the thickness direction of the emission portion is made larger than the thickness of the emission portion, and the light guide portion is covered with the reflector, The aforementioned Output part The lens has steps that reflect light internally. an extension having an insertion hole through which an end of the light emitting portion on the light guide portion side is inserted, the reflector and the light guide portion being shielded by the extension; When the light source is not turned on, a part of natural light incident on the light guide is reflected by the reflecting surface and directed toward the lens step and the light exit surface.

[0011] Another vehicle lamp according to the present invention comprises: The light source is positioned opposite the a light guide having an incident surface on which light from a light source is incident and an exit surface formed at one end thereof, which guides the light incident on the incident surface and emits it from the exit surface, and a colored portion is integrally formed on the light guide; the light guide is provided with a light guide portion extending in a predetermined direction and guiding light incident from the light source, and a plate-shaped emission portion continuous with an outer peripheral surface of the light guide portion, one end face in the longitudinal direction of the light guide portion is formed as the incident surface, and the width in the same direction as the thickness direction of the emission portion is larger than the thickness of the emission portion, and the colored portion is provided continuous with the light guide portion, The aforementioned Output part The lens has steps that reflect light internally. an extension having an insertion hole through which an end of the light emitting portion on the light guide portion side is inserted, the colored portion being shielded by the extension; When the light source is not lit, a part of natural light incident on the light guide is reflected by or transmitted through the colored portion and directed toward the lens step and the light exit surface.

[0012] As a result, in the vehicle lamp of the present invention and another aspect of the present invention, when the light source is turned on, the light emitted from the light source is guided by the light guide and emitted from the emission surface, and when the light source is not turned on, the lens step and the emission surface are colored and visible. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to the present invention, when the light source is turned on, the light emitted from the light source is guided by the light guide and emitted from the emission surface, and when the light source is turned off, the lens step and the emission surface are colored and visible, thereby improving the design freedom through a simple configuration and also improving the visibility and design when the light source is turned off. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] 2 to 9 show a first embodiment of the vehicle lamp of the present invention, and this figure is a schematic cross-sectional view of the vehicle lamp. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a light guide and a light source. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the optical path and the like when the light source is not lit. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a visual state when the light source is not lit. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing an example in which a colored base is arranged. [Figure 6] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating the optical paths and the like of a light guide provided with a plurality of emission portions when a light source is not lit. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing an example of a reflector having a plurality of different colors. [Figure 8]FIG. 10 is a perspective view of another light guide and light source. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing another light guide and a reflector. [Figure 10] 11 to 14 show a second embodiment of the vehicle lamp of the present invention, and this figure is a schematic cross-sectional view of the vehicle lamp. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a light guide in which a colored portion is provided at a different position. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the optical path and the like when the light source is not lit. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a light guide in which colored portions are provided at different positions. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing another light guide and the like together with an optical path. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A vehicle lamp according to an embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0016] In the following, the front, rear, up, down, left and right directions will be described assuming that the direction of light emitted from the vehicle lamp is the front. However, the front, rear, up, down, left and right directions shown below are for the convenience of explanation, and the present invention is not limited to these directions in terms of implementation.

[0017] The vehicle lamp of the present invention is preferably used as a clearance lamp, turn signal lamp, or daytime running lamp when attached to the front end of the vehicle body, and as a tail lamp or turn signal lamp when attached to the rear end of the vehicle body.The vehicle lamp of the present invention can also be used as other vehicle lamps, such as indicator lamps for autonomous driving, interior lamps, and illuminating lamps built into door handles.

[0018] First Embodiment First, a vehicle lamp 1 according to a first embodiment will be described (see FIGS. 1 to 9).

[0019] The vehicle lamp 1 comprises a lamp housing 2 that opens from the front or from the front to the side, and a cover 3 that closes the opening of the lamp housing 2 (see Figure 1). The lamp housing 2 and the cover 3 form a lamp outer casing 4, and the internal space of the lamp outer casing 4 forms a lamp chamber 5.

[0020] The lamp chamber 5 is provided with a light source 6 mounted on a substrate (not shown), a light guide 7 that guides the light emitted from the light source 6, an extension 8 that shields part of the light guide 7 from the front, and a reflector 9 that reflects the light (see FIGS. 1 and 2). In addition to the light source 6, light guide 7, extension 8, and reflector 9, the lamp chamber 5 may also include various components such as a shade.

[0021] For example, a light emitting diode (LED) is used as the light source 6. The light source 6 is positioned on the side of the light guide .

[0022] The light guide 7 is composed of a light guide section 10 extending in a predetermined direction, for example, the left-right direction, and a plate-shaped emission section 11 connected to the outer surface 10a of the light guide section 10, and the light guide section 10 and the emission section 11 are integrally formed from a transparent resin material or glass material.

[0023] The cross section of light guide 10 in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction is, for example, circular, and is formed like a round shaft. The end face of light guide 10 on the light source 6 side in the longitudinal direction is formed as incident surface 10b, and incident surface 10b is positioned facing light source 6. Light emitted from light source 6 is incident on incident surface 10b.

[0024] The shape of the light guide section 10 is not limited to a round shaft shape, and the cross section in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction may be other shapes such as a rectangle or an ellipse.

[0025] However, by forming the cross-sectional shape of the light-guiding section 10 in a circular shape in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, the shape of the light-guiding section 10 does not become angular, and it is possible to increase the area without excessively increasing the outer shape of the incident surface 10b, and it is possible to improve the light incidence efficiency while forming the light-guiding section 10 in a simple shape.

[0026] The light exit portion 11 is continuous with a part of the outer peripheral surface 10a of the light guide portion 10. The light exit portion 11 is formed in a flat plate shape, for example, a rectangular shape, and one long side is continuous with the outer peripheral surface 10a of the light guide portion 10. The shape of the light exit portion 11 is not limited to a flat plate shape, and may be formed in other shapes such as a curved plate shape. The light exit portion 11 is inclined, for example, so as to be displaced downward as it goes forward. However, the light exit portion 11 may also be inclined so as to be displaced upward as it goes forward.

[0027] The thickness T of the emission section 11 is smaller than the width H of the light guide section 10 in the vertical direction (see FIG. 3). Therefore, the width H of the light guide section 10 in the same direction as the thickness direction of the emission section 11 is larger than the thickness T of the emission section 11.

[0028] The tip end surface of the light emitting portion 11 is formed as a light emitting surface 11a facing forward (see FIGS. 2 and 3). The light guided by the light guiding portion 10 is emitted from the light emitting surface 11a.

[0029] A plurality of lens steps 12 are formed in the light output section 11. The lens steps 12 are formed on the lower surface of the light output section 11 and are arranged, for example, in a staggered pattern spaced apart alternately in the front, back, left and right directions. The lens steps 12 may be of the same size or may be of different sizes. The lens steps 12 have the function of totally reflecting (internal reflection) the light traveling inside the light output section 11.

[0030] The surface of the light emitting portion 11 on the side where the lens step 12 is not formed in the thickness direction is formed as a light emitting surface 11b.

[0031] The width of the emission section 11 in the front-to-rear direction can be set to any size depending on the size of the lamp chamber 5 and its relationship with other members arranged in the lamp chamber 5. For example, the emission section 11 can be formed in a shape in which the width in the front-to-rear direction changes in the longitudinal direction of the light guide section 10.

[0032] The extension 8 has a function of shielding the light guide section 10 of the light guide 7 from the front side, and has a horizontally elongated insertion hole 8a formed in the extension 8 (see FIG. 1). The end of the light output section 11 on the light guide section 10 side is inserted into the insertion hole 8a of the extension 8. Therefore, the light guide section 10 is located behind the extension 8 and is shielded from the front side by the extension 8.

[0033] The reflector 9 is formed, for example, in the shape of a horizontally long semi-cylinder, and is positioned so as to cover the light guide section 10 from the rear side. Therefore, the reflector 9 is positioned behind the extension 8, and is shielded from the front side together with the light guide section 10 by the extension 8. The inner surface of the reflector 9 is formed as a reflective surface 9a. The reflector 9 is colored in a predetermined color, such as blue or green. The colored state of the reflector 9 is shown in matte finish in Figure 3.

[0034] It is sufficient that at least the reflective surface 9a of the reflector 9 is colored. The color of the reflector 9 is lighter than the color of the light emitted from the light source 6.

[0035] In the vehicle lamp 1 configured as described above, when light is emitted from the light source 6, the emitted light enters from the incident surface 10b and is guided by the light guide section 10, and the light guided by the light guide section 10 is directed toward the exit surface 11a or the lens step 12 while being totally reflected (internal reflection), and is emitted from the exit surface 11a or the light exit surface 11b, passes through the cover 3, and is irradiated toward the outside.

[0036] When light emitted from the light source 6 is guided by the light guiding unit 10, some of the light may exit the light guiding unit 10 toward the reflector 9, and the light reflected by the reflective surface 9a of the reflector 9 may enter the light guiding unit 10 again and be emitted from the exit surface 11a or the light exit surface 11b. At this time, the color of the light that enters from the light source 6, is totally reflected by the light guiding unit 10, and is emitted from the exit surface 11a or the light exit surface 11b may be mixed with the color of the light imparted to the reflector 9. However, as described above, the color imparted to the reflector 9 is made lighter than the color of the light emitted from the light source 6. Therefore, the light reflected by the reflective surface 9a is unlikely to affect the color of the light emitted from the exit surface 11a or the light exit surface 11b, and light of a predetermined appropriate color is emitted from the exit surface 11a or the light exit surface 11b, passes through the cover 3, and is irradiated toward the outside.

[0037] On the other hand, when the light source 6 is not lit, natural light outside the vehicle lamp 1 is transmitted through the cover 3 and enters the light guide 7 from the exit surface 11a of the exit portion 11 (see ray A in FIG. 3). A part of the light that enters the light guide 7 from the exit surface 11a is totally reflected and exits from the light guide 10 towards the reflector 9, reflected by the reflecting surface 9a, enters the light guide 10 again, and is emitted from the exit surface 11a (see ray A in FIG. 3 and pear-shaped portion F in FIG. 4).

[0038] Therefore, when the light source 6 is not lit, the light exit surface 11a is visually recognized by a viewer as being colored in the color given to the reflector 9.

[0039] At the same time, when the light source 6 is not lit, natural light outside the vehicle lamp 1 is transmitted through the cover 3 and enters the light guide 7 from the light exit surface 11b of the exit portion 11 (see ray B in FIG. 3). A portion of the light that enters the light guide 7 from the light exit surface 11b is totally reflected by the lens step 12 and exits from the light guide 10 toward the reflector 9, is reflected by the reflecting surface 9a and enters the light guide 10 again, is totally reflected by the lens step 12 and exits from the light exit surface 11b (see ray B in FIG. 3 and pear-shaped portion G in FIG. 4).

[0040] Therefore, when the light source 6 is not lit, the portion where the lens step 12 exists is visually recognized by the viewer as being colored in the color given to the reflector 9.

[0041] As described above, the light guide 7 is provided with a light guide section 10 that extends in a predetermined direction and guides light emitted from the light source 6, and a plate-shaped exit section 11 that is continuous with the outer peripheral surface 10a of the light guide section 10, and the width H of the light guide section 10 in the same direction as the thickness T of the exit section 11 is larger than the thickness of the exit section 11.

[0042] Therefore, since the light guided by the light guide section 10, whose width H is larger than the thickness T of the exit section 11, is emitted from the exit surface 11a of the exit section 11, the amount of light emitted from the light source 6 incident on the entrance surface 10b increases, thereby increasing the light utilization efficiency and improving visibility and design.

[0043] In the above configuration, for example, a colored base 50 colored in a dark color such as black may be disposed below the light guide 7 (see FIG. 5).

[0044] In a configuration in which the colored base 50 is arranged, the light guide 7 becomes difficult to see due to the presence of the colored base 50 when the light source 6 is not lit, and the viewer perceives the exit surface 11a, which is colored by the color applied to the reflector 9, and the portion where the lens step 12 is present as floating against a black background.

[0045] Therefore, it is possible to further improve the visibility and design when the light source 6 is not lit.

[0046] Furthermore, the vehicle lamp 1 may be configured such that a plurality of continuous exit portions 11 are provided on different surfaces of the light guide portion 10 (see FIG. 6). In this case, when the light source 6 is not lit, natural light outside the vehicle lamp 1 is incident on the light guide 7 and is reflected by the reflecting surface 9a of the reflector 9 and enters the light guide portion 10 again, and the viewer sees the exit surfaces 11a of the plurality of exit portions 11 and the portions where the lens steps 12 are present as being colored in the color applied to the reflector 9.

[0047] Therefore, it is possible to further improve the visibility and design when the light source 6 is not lit, and it is also possible to effectively utilize light and improve brightness when the light source 6 is lit.

[0048] Furthermore, in the vehicle lamp 1, the reflector 9 may be formed with a plurality of differently colored portions (see FIG. 7). For example, the reflective surface 9a may be configured to have a plurality of differently colored portions P, P, ..., and the portions P, P, ... may be positioned in a state where they are spaced apart or continuous in the left-right direction. Note that at least two of the portions P, P, ... are colored differently.

[0049] With this configuration, when the light source 6 is not lit, the viewer can see that each part is colored in a different color, thereby further improving the design.

[0050] Although the above describes an example of light guide 7 having light guide section 10 and emission section 11, light guide 13 may be used instead of light guide 7 (see FIGS. 8 and 9). Light guide 13 is a light guide formed in various shapes and called a light guide (irregular shaped light guide) with one side surface serving as an incident surface, and below is shown, as an example, light guide 13 formed in a gently curved shape. Note that light guide 13 may be formed in a shape other than the shapes shown below.

[0051] The light guide 13 is made of a transparent resin material or glass material. One side of the light guide 13 is formed as an incident surface 13a, and the incident surface 13a is positioned facing the multiple light sources 6. The multiple light sources 6 are positioned at intervals in the longitudinal direction of the incident surface 13a, and light emitted from the multiple light sources 6 is incident on the incident surface 13a.

[0052] The light guide 13 is inclined, for example, so as to be displaced downward as it goes forward, but the light guide 13 may also be inclined so as to be displaced upward as it goes forward.

[0053] The tip end surface of the light guide 13 is formed as an output surface 13b facing forward. A plurality of lens steps 12 are formed on the light guide 13. The plurality of lens steps 12 are formed on the lower surface of the light guide 13 and are, for example, arranged in a staggered pattern spaced apart alternately in the front, back, left, and right directions. The lens steps 12 have the function of totally reflecting (internal reflection) the light traveling inside the light guide 13.

[0054] The surface of the light guide 13 in the thickness direction on which the lens step 12 is not formed is formed as the light output surface 13c. The width of the light guide 13 in the front-to-rear direction can be set to any size depending on the size of the lamp chamber 5 and its relationship with other components placed in the lamp chamber 5.

[0055] The rear end of the light guide 13 is located behind the extension 8 and is shielded from the front by the extension 8 .

[0056] A reflector 14 is disposed behind the extension 8. The reflector 14 is, for example, shaped to extend substantially in the left-right direction, has a U-shaped cross section in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, and is positioned so as to cover the rear end of the light guide 13. Therefore, the reflector 14, together with the rear end of the light guide 13, is shielded from the front by the extension 8. The inner surface of the reflector 14 is formed as a reflective surface 14a. The reflector 14 is colored a predetermined color, such as blue or green. The colored reflector 14 is shown in matte finish in Figure 9.

[0057] It is sufficient that at least the reflective surface 14a of the reflector 14 is colored. The color of the reflector 14 is lighter than the color of the light emitted from the light source 6.

[0058] In a configuration having a light guide 13, when light is emitted from a light source 6, the emitted light enters from the incident surface 13a and is guided by the light guide 13, and the light guided by the light guide 13 is totally reflected (internal reflection) toward the exit surface 13b or the lens step 12, and is emitted from the exit surface 13b or the light exit surface 13c, passes through the cover 3, and is irradiated toward the outside.

[0059] When light emitted from the light source 6 is guided by the light guide 13, some of the light may be emitted from the rear end of the light guide 13 toward the reflector 14, and the light reflected by the reflecting surface 14a of the reflector 14 may again enter the light guide 13 and be emitted from the exit surface 13b or the exit surface 13c. At this time, the color of the light incident from the light source 6, totally reflected by the light guide 13, and emitted from the exit surface 13b or the exit surface 13c may be mixed with the color of the light imparted to the reflector 14. However, as described above, the color imparted to the reflector 14 is lighter than the color of the light emitted from the light source 6. Therefore, the light reflected by the reflecting surface 14a is unlikely to affect the color of the light emitted from the exit surface 13b or the exit surface 13c, and light of a predetermined appropriate color is emitted from the exit surface 13b or the exit surface 13c, transmitted through the cover 3, and irradiated toward the outside.

[0060] On the other hand, when the light source 6 is not lit, natural light outside the vehicle lamp 1 is transmitted through the cover 3 and enters the light guide 13 from the exit surface 13b. A part of the light that enters the light guide 13 from the exit surface 13b is totally reflected and emitted from the light guide 13 towards the reflector 14, reflected by the reflecting surface 14a, and enters the light guide 13 again, where it is totally reflected and emitted from the exit surface 13b.

[0061] Therefore, when the light source 6 is not lit, the viewer sees the exit surface 13b as being colored in the color given to the reflector 14.

[0062] At the same time, when the light source 6 is not lit, natural light outside the vehicle lamp 1 is transmitted through the cover 3 and enters the light guide 13 from the light output surface 13c. A portion of the light that enters the light guide 13 from the light output surface 13c is totally reflected by the lens step 12 and emitted from the light guide 13 toward the reflector 14, reflected by the reflecting surface 14a and again incident on the light guide 13, and then totally reflected by the lens step 12 and emitted from the light output surface 13c.

[0063] Therefore, when the light source 6 is not lit, the portion where the lens step 12 exists is visually recognized by the viewer as being colored in the color given to the reflector 14.

[0064] As described above, the vehicle lamp 1 according to the first embodiment includes light guides 7, 13 that guide incident light and emit it from emission surfaces 11a, 13b, and reflectors 9, 14 that cover the other ends of the light guides 7, 13 and have colored reflective surfaces 9a, 14a. The light guides 7, 13 are formed with lens steps 12 that internally reflect light, and when the light source 6 is not lit, part of the natural light that enters the light guides 7, 13 is reflected by the reflective surfaces 9a, 14a and directed toward the lens steps 12 and emission surfaces 11a, 13b.

[0065] Therefore, when the light source 6 is turned on, the light emitted from the light source 6 is guided by the light guides 7 and 13 and emitted from the emission surfaces 11a and 13b, and when the light source 6 is turned off, the lens step 12 and the emission surfaces 11a and 13b are colored and visible, thereby improving the degree of freedom in design through a simple configuration and also improving the visibility and designability when the light source 6 is turned off.

[0066] Furthermore, since the reflectors 9, 14 and the other ends of the light guides 7, 13 are shielded by the extension 8, when the inside of the vehicle lamp 1 is viewed from the outside of the vehicle, the colored structure for making it visible is not visible, thereby improving the appearance and design of the vehicle lamp 1.

[0067] <Second embodiment> Next, a vehicle lamp 1A according to a second embodiment will be described (see FIGS. 10 to 14).

[0068] The vehicle lamp 1A described below differs from the vehicle lamp 1 described above only in that it does not have a reflector and that the colored portion is formed integrally with the light guide. Therefore, only the portions that differ from the vehicle lamp 1 will be described in detail, and the other portions will be given the same symbols as those used for similar portions in the vehicle lamp 1, and detailed descriptions will be omitted.

[0069] A light source 6, a light guide 21, and an extension 8 are arranged in the lamp chamber 5 (see FIG. 10).

[0070] The light guide 21 is composed of a light guide section 10, a colored section 22 provided integrally with the light guide section 10, and an emission section 11, and the light guide section 10, the colored section 22, and the emission section 11 are integrally formed from a resin material or a glass material. The vehicle lamp 1A does not include a reflector 9.

[0071] The colored portion 22 is formed integrally with the light-guiding portion 10 by, for example, two-color molding, and is colored in a predetermined color such as blue or green. The color of the colored portion 22 is lighter than the color of the light emitted from the light source 6.

[0072] The colored portion 22 is continuous with approximately the rear half of the outer peripheral surface 10a of the light-guiding portion 10. For example, the colored portion 22 is provided in a state of protruding rearward from the light-guiding portion 10. The colored portion 22 functions as a reflector. However, the colored portion 22 is capable of transmitting light.

[0073] In addition, the cross section of the light guide 21, which is a combination of the light guide section 10 and the colored section 22, may be circular in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (see FIG. 11). With this configuration, the colored section 22 does not protrude from the light guide section 10, and therefore the light guide 21 can be made smaller.

[0074] In the vehicle lamp 1A configured as described above, when light is emitted from the light source 6, the emitted light enters from the incident surface 10b and is guided by the light guide section 10, and the light guided by the light guide section 10 is directed toward the exit surface 11a or the lens step 12 while being totally reflected (internal reflection), and is emitted from the exit surface 11a or the light exit surface 11b, passes through the cover 3, and is irradiated toward the outside.

[0075] When light emitted from light source 6 is guided by light guide section 10, there is a possibility that some of the light will be reflected by colored section 22 and emitted from light exit surface 11a or light exit surface 11b, but as described above, the color imparted to colored section 22 is lighter than the color of the light emitted from light source 6. Therefore, the light reflected by colored section 22 is unlikely to affect the color of the light emitted from light exit surface 11a or light exit surface 11b, and light of a predetermined appropriate color is emitted from light exit surface 11a or light exit surface 11b, passes through cover 3, and is irradiated towards the outside.

[0076] On the other hand, when the light source 6 is not lit, natural light outside the vehicle lamp 1A is transmitted through the cover 3 and enters the light guide 21 from the exit surface 11a of the exit portion 11 (see light ray C in FIG. 12 ). A part of the light that enters the light guide 21 from the exit surface 11a is totally reflected toward the light guide 10, reflected by the colored portion 22, and emitted from the exit surface 11a.

[0077] Therefore, when the light source 6 is not lit, the exit surface 11a is visually recognized by a viewer as being colored in the color given to the colored portion 22.

[0078] At the same time, when the light source 6 is not lit, natural light outside the vehicle lamp 1A is transmitted through the cover 3 and enters the light guide 21 from the light exit surface 11b of the exit portion 11 (see light ray D in FIG. 12). A portion of the light that enters the light guide 21 from the light exit surface 11b is totally reflected by the lens steps 12 toward the light guide 10, is reflected by the colored portions 22, is totally reflected by the lens steps 12, and is emitted from the light exit surface 11b.

[0079] Therefore, when the light source 6 is not lit, the portion where the lens step 12 exists is visually recognized by the viewer as being colored in the color given to the colored portion 22.

[0080] As described above, the light guide 21 is provided with a light guide section 10 that extends in a predetermined direction and guides light incident from the light source 6, and a plate-shaped exit section 11 that is continuous with the outer peripheral surface 10a of the light guide section 10, and the width H of the light guide section 10 in the same direction as the thickness T of the exit section 11 is larger than the thickness of the exit section 11.

[0081] Therefore, since the light guided by the light guide section 10, whose width H is larger than the thickness T of the exit section 11, is emitted from the exit surface 11a of the exit section 11, the amount of light emitted from the light source 6 incident on the entrance surface 10b increases, thereby increasing the light utilization efficiency and improving visibility and design.

[0082] In the above-described configuration, similarly to the vehicle lamp 1, for example, a colored base that is colored in a dark color such as black may be disposed below the light guide 21.

[0083] In such a configuration, when the light source 6 is not lit, the light guide 21 is difficult to see due to the presence of the colored base, and the viewer perceives the exit surface 11a, which is colored by the color applied to the colored portion 22, and the portion where the lens step 12 is present, as floating against a black background.

[0084] Therefore, it is possible to further improve the visibility and design when the light source 6 is not lit.

[0085] Furthermore, in the vehicle lamp 1A, the colored portion 22 is capable of transmitting light, so that natural light in the lamp chamber 5 can be transmitted through the colored portion 22 from the rear side thereof and enter the light guide portion 10 and the light exit portion 11. When the light source 6 is not lit, and natural light is transmitted through the colored portion 22 and enters the light exit portion 11, part of the incident light is emitted from the light exit surface 11a, and is also totally reflected by the lens step 12 and exits from the light exit surface 11b.

[0086] Therefore, when the light source 6 is not lit, natural light that has passed through the colored portion 22 in the lamp chamber 5 is also emitted from the exit surface 11a or the light exit surface 11b, and the exit surface 11a and the portion where the lens step 12 is located are visually colored in the color assigned to the colored portion 22.

[0087] Furthermore, similar to the vehicle lamp 1, the vehicle lamp 1A may also be configured so that a plurality of continuous emission portions 11 are provided on different surfaces of the light guide portion 10. In this case, when the light source 6 is not lit, natural light from outside the vehicle lamp 1A that is incident on the light guide 21 is reflected by the colored portions 22, and the viewer sees the emission surfaces 11a of the plurality of emission portions 11 and the portions where the lens steps 12 are present as colored by the color imparted to the colored portions 22.

[0088] Therefore, it is possible to further improve the visibility and design when the light source 6 is not lit, and it is also possible to effectively utilize light and improve brightness when the light source 6 is lit.

[0089] Furthermore, in the vehicle lamp 1A, similar to the reflector 9 of the vehicle lamp 1, the colored portion 22 may be formed with a plurality of different colored portions.

[0090] With this configuration, when the light source 6 is not lit, the viewer can see that each part is colored in a different color, thereby further improving the design.

[0091] Furthermore, although the above example shows that the colored portion 22 is provided at the rear end of the light guide 21, the light guide 21 may also be configured such that the colored portion 22 is continuous with the front end of the light guide 10 and is provided between the light guide 10 and the exit portion 11 (see FIG. 13 ). In this case, when the light source 6 is not lit, natural light that is incident on the light guide 21 from outside the vehicle lamp 1A is reflected by the light guide 10, passes through the colored portion 22, and is emitted from the exit surface 11 a or the light exit surface 11 b, so that the exit surface 11 a and the area where the lens step 12 is present are colored in the color imparted to the colored portion 22 and are visually recognized.

[0092] Although the above describes an example of light guide 21 having light guide section 10, emission section 11, and colored section 22, light guide 23 may be used instead of light guide 21 (see FIG. 14). Like light guide 13, light guide 23 is a light guide formed in various shapes and having one side surface as an incident surface, which is called a light guide (irregular shaped light guide). Furthermore, light guide 23 has the same configuration as light guide 13 except that colored section 22 is provided at the rear end, and therefore the configuration of light guide 23 will be briefly described.

[0093] The tip end surface of the light guide 23 is formed as an emission surface 23a facing forward. The surface of the light guide 23 on the side where the lens step 12 is not formed in the thickness direction is formed as a light exit surface 23b. The rear end of the light guide 23 is provided as a colored portion 22.

[0094] The colored portion 22 of the light guide 23 is positioned behind the extension 8, and the colored portion 22 is shielded from the front by the extension 8.

[0095] In a configuration having a light guide 23, when light is emitted from the light source 6, the emitted light is guided by the light guide 23, and the light guided by the light guide 23 undergoes total reflection (internal reflection) toward the exit surface 23a or the lens step 12, and is emitted from the exit surface 23a or the light exit surface 23b, passes through the cover 3, and is irradiated toward the outside.

[0096] When light emitted from light source 6 is guided by light guide 23, there is a possibility that some of the light will be reflected by colored portion 22 and emitted from light exit surface 23a or light exit surface 23b, but as described above, the color imparted to colored portion 22 is lighter than the color of light emitted from light source 6. Therefore, the light reflected by colored portion 22 is unlikely to affect the color of light emitted from light exit surface 23a or light exit surface 23b, and light of a predetermined appropriate color is emitted from light exit surface 23a or light exit surface 23b, passes through cover 3, and is irradiated to the outside.

[0097] On the other hand, when the light source 6 is not lit, natural light outside the vehicle lamp 1A is transmitted through the cover 3 and enters the light guide 23 from the exit surface 23a. A portion of the light that enters the light guide 23 from the exit surface 23a is reflected by the colored portion 22 and exits from the exit surface 23a.

[0098] Therefore, when the light source 6 is not lit, the light exit surface 23a is visually recognized by a viewer as being colored in the color given to the colored portion 22.

[0099] At the same time, when the light source 6 is not lit, natural light outside the vehicle lamp 1A is transmitted through the cover 3 and enters the light guide 23 from the light exit surface 23b. A portion of the light that enters the light guide 23 from the light exit surface 23b is totally reflected by the lens steps 12, reflected by the colored portions 22, totally reflected by the lens steps 12, and then emitted from the light exit surface 23b.

[0100] Therefore, when the light source 6 is not lit, the portion where the lens step 12 exists is visually recognized by the viewer as being colored in the color given to the colored portion 22.

[0101] As described above, the vehicle lamp 1A according to the second embodiment includes light guides 21, 23 that guide incident light and emit it from the emission surfaces 11a, 23a, and the colored portions 22 are integrally formed with the light guides 21, 23. The light guides 21, 23 are formed with lens steps 12 that internally reflect light, and when the light source 6 is not lit, a portion of the natural light that enters the light guides 21, 23 is reflected by or transmitted through the colored portions 22 and directed toward the lens steps 12 and the emission surfaces 11a, 23a.

[0102] Therefore, when the light source 6 is turned on, the light emitted from the light source 6 is guided by the light guides 21, 23 and emitted from the emission surfaces 11a, 23a, and when the light source 6 is turned off, the lens step 12 and the emission surfaces 11a, 23a are colored and visible, thereby improving the degree of freedom in design through a simple configuration and also improving the visibility and designability when the light source 6 is turned off.

[0103] Furthermore, since the colored portion 22 is shielded by the extension 8, when the inside of the vehicle lamp 1A is viewed from the outside of the vehicle, the structure for making it visible by coloring it is not visible, thereby improving the appearance and design of the vehicle lamp 1A. [Explanation of symbols]

[0104] DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1...vehicle lamp, 6...light source, 7...light guide, 8...extension, 9...reflector, 9a...reflective surface, 10...light guide section, 10a...outer peripheral surface, 10b...incident surface, 11...exit section, 11a...exit surface, 12...lens step, 13...light guide, 13a...incident surface, 13b...exit surface, 14...reflector, 14a...reflective surface, 1A...vehicle lamp, 21...light guide, 22...colored section, 23...light guide, 23a...exit surface

Claims

1. A light guide body having an incident surface positioned opposite a light source, on which light from the light source is incident, and an exit surface formed at one end, which guides the light incident on the incident surface and emits it from the exit surface; a reflector covering the other end of the light guide and having at least a colored reflective surface; the light guide body is provided with a light guide portion extending in a predetermined direction and guiding the light incident from the light source, and a plate-shaped emission portion continuous with an outer peripheral surface of the light guide portion, one end face in the longitudinal direction of the light guide portion is formed as the incident surface, and a width in the same direction as the thickness direction of the light output portion is made larger than a thickness of the light output portion, the light guide portion is covered by the reflector, The light exit portion is formed with a lens step that internally reflects light, an extension having an insertion hole through which an end of the light emitting portion on the light guide portion side is inserted; the reflector and the light guiding portion are shielded by the extension, When the light source is not lit, a part of the natural light incident on the light guide is reflected by the reflecting surface and directed toward the lens step and the light exit surface. Vehicle lighting fixtures.

2. A light guide body having an incident surface positioned opposite a light source, on which light from the light source is incident, and an exit surface formed at one end, which guides the light incident on the incident surface and emits it from the exit surface, a colored portion is integrally provided on the light guide; the light guide body is provided with a light guide portion extending in a predetermined direction and guiding the light incident from the light source, and a plate-shaped emission portion continuous with an outer peripheral surface of the light guide portion, one end face in the longitudinal direction of the light guide portion is formed as the incident surface, and a width in the same direction as the thickness direction of the light output portion is made larger than a thickness of the light output portion, the colored portion is provided continuously with the light guiding portion, The light exit portion is formed with a lens step that internally reflects light, an extension having an insertion hole through which an end of the light emitting portion on the light guide portion side is inserted; the colored portion is shielded by the extension, When the light source is not lit, a part of natural light incident on the light guide is reflected by the colored portion or transmitted through the colored portion and directed toward the lens step and the light exit surface. Vehicle lighting fixtures.

3. The light emitting section is inclined so as to be displaced upward or downward in the direction of light irradiation.

3. A vehicle lamp according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The lens step is formed on a surface of the light emitting portion in a direction inclined in the up-down direction.

4. A vehicle lamp according to claim 3.

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