Vehicle lighting

Abstract

To provide a vehicle lamp fitting which can form various patterns while having a simple structure formed with a small number of components.SOLUTION: A vehicle lamp fitting 10 includes: a lamp fitting unit 12 having a display area 40; and a control unit 14 which performs lighting control of the lamp fitting unit 12. The lamp fitting unit 12 has: a first linear light emission part 71 and a second linear light emission part 72 which incline relative to a vertical direction while intersecting with each other at a center point C in the display area 40; and an arc shaped light emission part 73 extending in a circumferential direction centered on the center point C.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to vehicle lamps.

Background Art

[0002] Vehicle lamps are considered to form various patterns in order to inform people around the vehicle of information (see, for example, Patent Document 1, etc.). This vehicle lamp enables display of various patterns by arranging a large number of light-emitting parts (LEDs) vertically and horizontally in a predetermined range on the light-emitting surface, and can inform people around of various information by forming patterns with various expressions.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the above-described vehicle lamp, since a large number of light-emitting parts are arranged vertically and horizontally, the structure is complex and the number of parts increases, and complicated control for individually turning on and off these many light-emitting parts is required.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a vehicle lamp that can form various patterns while having a simple structure with a small number of parts.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The vehicle lighting device of this disclosure comprises a lighting unit having a display area and a control unit for controlling the lighting of the lighting unit, wherein the lighting unit has a first linear light-emitting section and a second linear light-emitting section that intersect at a center point in the display area and are inclined with respect to the vertical, and an arc-shaped light-emitting section that extends in the circumferential direction with respect to the center point. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the vehicle lighting device disclosed herein, it is possible to form various patterns with a simple structure using a small number of parts. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is an explanatory diagram showing a vehicle equipped with the vehicle lighting device of Example 1 according to this disclosure. [Figure 2] This is a schematic perspective view showing the individual components of a vehicle lighting system in disassembled form. [Figure 3] This is a block diagram showing the configuration of a control system including vehicle lighting fixtures. [Figure 4] This is an explanatory diagram showing the display area as viewed from the front. [Figure 5] This is an explanatory diagram showing the positional relationship between each light source and each light-emitting section. [Figure 6] This is an explanatory diagram showing a cross-section obtained along line II in Figure 5. [Figure 7] This is an explanatory diagram showing a cross-section obtained along line II-II in Figure 5. [Figure 8] This is an explanatory diagram showing a cross-section similar to that of Figure 6 in Modified Example 1. [Figure 9] This is an explanatory diagram showing a cross-section similar to that of Figure 7 in Modification Example 1. [Figure 10] This is an explanatory diagram showing a cross-section similar to that of Figure 6 in Modified Example 2. [Figure 11] This is an explanatory diagram showing a cross-section similar to that of Figure 7 in Modification Example 2. [Figure 12] This is an explanatory diagram showing how a pair of vehicle lights form the first design. [Figure 13]An explanatory diagram showing a state in which a pair of vehicle lamps form a second pattern. [Figure 14] An explanatory diagram showing a state in which a pair of vehicle lamps form a third pattern. [Figure 15] An explanatory diagram showing a state in which a pair of vehicle lamps form a fourth pattern. [Figure 16] An explanatory diagram showing a state in which a pair of vehicle lamps form a fifth pattern. [Figure 17] An explanatory diagram showing a state in which a pair of vehicle lamps form a sixth pattern. [Figure 18] An explanatory diagram showing a state in which a pair of vehicle lamps form a seventh pattern. [Figure 19] An explanatory diagram showing a state in which a pair of vehicle lamps form an eighth pattern. [Figure 20] An explanatory diagram showing a state in which a pair of vehicle lamps form a ninth pattern. [Figure 21] An explanatory diagram showing a state in which a pair of vehicle lamps form a tenth pattern. [Figure 22] An explanatory diagram showing a state in which a pair of vehicle lamps form an eleventh pattern. [Figure 23] An explanatory diagram showing a state of one display area of Modification 1 as viewed from the front. [Figure 24] An explanatory diagram showing a state of one display area of Modification 2 as viewed from the front. [Figure 25] An explanatory diagram showing a state of one display area of Modification 3 as viewed from the front.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, the vehicle lamp 10 of Example 1 of the vehicle lamp according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

Examples

[0010] An example of a vehicle light according to this disclosure, the vehicle light fixture 10 of Embodiment 1, will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 22. As shown in Figure 1, the vehicle light fixture 10 of Embodiment 1 is used as a light fixture for a vehicle 1 such as an automobile, and forms various patterns of expression toward people around the vehicle 1 or occupants of oncoming vehicles. In the following description, the direction of travel when the vehicle 1 is moving straight will be described as the front-rear direction, the vertical direction when the vehicle 1 is mounted will be described as the up-down direction, and the direction perpendicular to the front-rear direction and the up-down direction will be described as the width direction. The vehicle light fixtures 10 of Embodiment 1 are installed in pairs at the front of the vehicle 1, spaced apart in the width direction. These two vehicle light fixtures 10 have basically the same configuration except that they are mounted in different positions. For this reason, in the following, one configuration will be described simply as the vehicle light fixture 10.

[0011] As shown in Figure 2, the vehicle lighting fixture 10 comprises a mounting base 11, a lighting unit 12, an outer lens 13, and a control unit 14. The mounting base 11 is the location where the corresponding lighting unit 12 is installed, and has a plate-shaped upright plate portion 11a perpendicular to the front-rear direction, and a plate-shaped bottom plate portion 11b perpendicular to the upright plate portion 11a and provided at the lower end, which is long in the width direction. The lighting unit 12 is installed on the mounting base 11 by placing the lighting unit 12 on the bottom plate portion 11b and fixing its housing portion 31, which will be described later, to the upright plate portion 11a. Note that the structure and installation method of the mounting base 11 can be set as appropriate, as long as it is on which the lighting unit 12 is installed, and is not limited to the configuration of Embodiment 1.

[0012] This lighting unit 12 is illuminated as needed under the control of the control unit 14, and by forming a pattern in pairs at both ends in the width direction of the vehicle 1, it can display a variety of expressions. The configuration of this lighting unit 12 will be described later.

[0013] In this mounting base 11, support arms 11c are provided in pairs, one above the other, near both ends in the width direction of the vertical plate portion 11a. Each of these support arms 11c is provided so as to protrude from the vertical plate portion 11a to the front in the front-to-back direction, beyond each lighting unit 12, and an outer lens 13 is attached to its tip. In other words, each support arm 11c supports the outer lens 13 so as to cover the front side of the lighting unit 12 in the front-to-back direction with the outer lens 13.

[0014] The outer lens 13 covers the corresponding light fixture unit 12, and in Embodiment 1, it can be made invisible from the outside (mainly the front side in the front-to-back direction in Embodiment 1) when the light fixture unit 12 is turned off. When the corresponding light fixture unit 12 is lit, the outer lens 13 is made of a material that can transmit light from it and is in the shape of a plate perpendicular to the front-to-back direction. The outer lens 13 may also be made transparent so that the light fixture unit 12 is visible when it is turned off, and is not limited to the configuration of Embodiment 1.

[0015] The control unit 14 comprehensively controls the lighting operation of the lighting units 12 of the pair of vehicle lighting fixtures 10. As shown in Figure 3, the control unit 14 is connected to a camera 15, an environment detection unit 16, a vehicle information detection unit 17, and a lighting switch 18, and is capable of receiving signals (data) from them. This connection can be wired or wireless, as long as it enables the reception of signals from the camera 15, environment detection unit 16, vehicle information detection unit 17, and lighting switch 18. The control unit 14 comprehensively controls the lighting operation of the pair of lighting units 12 using signals from the camera 15, environment detection unit 16, vehicle information detection unit 17, and lighting switch 18. This control will be described later.

[0016] Camera 15 acquires images of the surroundings, including the front of the vehicle 1 on which the vehicle lights 10 are mounted, and in Embodiment 1, it is located at the front of the vehicle 1. When the vehicle's drive system is started, Camera 15 photographs the area around the front of the vehicle 1 and outputs a signal (image data) indicating the image to the control unit 14. As will be described later, this signal (image data) is used by the control unit 14 (and its information processing unit 22, which will be described later) to detect objects present around the front of the vehicle 1 by image analysis. Camera 15 may be provided exclusively for the operation of the vehicle lights 10, which will be described later, but it may also be located at the front of the vehicle 1, for example, among cameras provided on the front, rear, left, and right of the vehicle 1 to acquire images of the entire surroundings of the vehicle 1 and form an overhead view image, or it may be provided for a drive recorder or collision avoidance mechanism. Furthermore, as long as Camera 15 acquires images of the area around the vehicle 1 on which the vehicle lights 10 are mounted, its location can be set as appropriate and is not limited to the configuration of Embodiment 1. Therefore, the camera 15 works in cooperation with the information processing unit 22 to function as an object detection unit that detects objects around the vehicle 1.

[0017] The environmental detection unit 16 detects the environment surrounding the vehicle 1 on which the vehicle lighting fixture 10 is installed. This surrounding environment serves as a criterion for determining the operation of the lighting unit 12 of the vehicle lighting fixture 10, and includes, for example, the brightness around the vehicle 1 and the weather around the vehicle 1. For this reason, the environmental detection unit 16 can be configured as a brightness sensor to detect brightness or as an information acquisition unit that can acquire weather information. It should be noted that the environmental detection unit 16 is not limited to the configuration of Embodiment 1 and can be set as appropriate as long as it detects the surrounding environment that serves as a criterion for determining the operation of the lighting unit 12, as will be described later.

[0018] The vehicle information detection unit 17 detects information about the vehicle 1 on which the vehicle lighting unit 10 is installed. This information about the vehicle 1 may include, for example, whether the vehicle 1 is moving, actions performed on the vehicle 1 (e.g., flashing headlights or sudden braking), the state of the vehicle 1 (e.g., whether a warning lamp is illuminated), or, if the vehicle 1 is configured to be rechargeable, whether the vehicle 1 is being charged. For this reason, the vehicle information detection unit 17 can be configured as a vehicle speed sensor or as an information acquisition unit that can acquire information about the vehicle 1. It should be noted that the vehicle information detection unit 17 is not limited to the configuration of Embodiment 1 and can be set appropriately as long as it detects information about the vehicle 1 that serves as a criterion for determining the operation of the lighting unit 12, as will be described later.

[0019] The lighting switch 18 is operated to turn on the lighting unit 12 of each vehicle lighting fixture 10, or to start the lighting operation of the lighting unit 12. This lighting switch 18 can be made up of a button, lever, switch, etc., located within the range of operation of the driver or passenger. Note that the lighting switch 18 may have any other configuration as long as it can be operated by the driver or passenger, and is not limited to the configuration of Embodiment 1. Furthermore, the lighting switch 18 may be an automatic lighting switch that automatically turns on the lighting unit 12 by detecting the illuminance around the vehicle 1, and is not limited to the configuration of Embodiment 1.

[0020] The control unit 14 includes a lighting control unit 21 and an information processing unit 22. The lighting control unit 21 drives the lighting of the lighting unit 12 and can individually light up each light source 35 (see Figure 2) in the lighting unit 12, or any number of the light sources 35 can be arbitrarily combined and lit simultaneously. The lighting control unit 21 can also select the color in which each light source 35 of the lighting unit 12 is lit. In Embodiment 1, the lighting control unit 21 drives the lighting of the lighting unit 12 according to the information input from the information processing unit 22. Although Figure 3 shows the control unit 14 connected to a single lighting unit 12 to constitute a vehicle lighting device 10, it may also be connected to two lighting units 12 and controlled in coordination with each other, and is not limited to the example shown in Figure 3.

[0021] The information processing unit 22 acquires information about objects and the environment around the vehicle 1 based on signals input from the camera 15 and the environment detection unit 16. For example, the information processing unit 22 identifies objects in the image acquired by the camera 15. These objects include, for example, pedestrians walking in front of the vehicle 1, oncoming vehicles, and bicycles. The information processing unit 22 identifies a pedestrian in the image from the camera 15 and outputs information about the pedestrian's position to the lighting control unit 21. As another example, the information processing unit 22 identifies the brightness around the vehicle 1 based on signals from the environment detection unit 16 and outputs information about that brightness to the lighting control unit 21. Furthermore, as yet another example, the information processing unit 22 identifies the weather around the vehicle 1 based on signals from the environment detection unit 16 and outputs information about that weather to the lighting control unit 21. In addition, as yet another example, the information processing unit 22 identifies that the vehicle 1 is in a charging state based on signals from the vehicle information detection unit 17 and outputs information about that charging state to the lighting control unit 21. As another example, the information processing unit 22 identifies the action performed on the vehicle 1 based on the signal from the vehicle information detection unit 17 and outputs information about that action to the lighting control unit 21.

[0022] Next, the configuration of the lighting unit 12 will be described. The lighting unit 12 has a housing box 31, a circuit board 32, a plurality of inner lenses 33, and an inner panel 34. The housing box 31 houses the circuit board 32, the inner lenses 33, and the inner panel 34, and has a rectangular parallelepiped shape with the front side open in the front-to-back direction. This housing box 31 is attached to the mounting base 11, thereby allowing the lighting unit 12 to be installed on the mounting base 11.

[0023] The substrate 32 is a plate-shaped substrate located at the innermost part of the housing box 31 and is equipped with multiple light sources 35. These light sources 35 are composed of light-emitting elements such as LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes). The light sources 35 are provided in correspondence to 21 light-emitting units (41 to 64 (see Figure 4)) which will be described later. The number of light sources 35 for each of these light-emitting units can be set as appropriate. In Embodiment 1, at least the light sources 35 corresponding to the arc-shaped light-emitting units 42, 44 and the partitioned light-emitting units 52, 54, which will be described later, can be illuminated in two types: white light (first emission color) and amber light (second emission color), while the light sources corresponding to the remaining light-emitting units can be illuminated in white light (first emission color) (see Figures 6, 8, and 10). In this embodiment, the light source 35 has a configuration in which a white light (first emission color) LED chip and an amber light (second emission color) LED chip are arranged in parallel, enabling illumination with two different emission colors (see Figures 7, 9, and 11). Note that the color (wavelength band), number of colors, and configuration of each light source 35 can be set as appropriate and are not limited to embodiment 1. When the substrate 32 is housed in the housing section 31, a lighting control circuit, which is driven under the control of the lighting control unit 21, is connected to it, and power can be supplied from there as needed to light up each light source 35.

[0024] The inner lens 33 propagates the light emitted from each light source 35 as uniform light towards the front in the front-to-back direction, and is provided individually in correspondence to each light source 35. The inner lens 33 is shaped to correspond to each light-emitting part and has an incident surface 33a on the rear side in the front-to-back direction, i.e., facing the corresponding light source 35, and an exit surface 33b located on the front side in the front-to-back direction, i.e., towards the inner panel 34 (see Figure 6, etc.). The inner lens 33 receives the light emitted from the light source 35 from the incident surface 33a, scatters the light, propagates it to the exit surface 33b, and emits the light from the exit surface 33b, so that the entire exit surface 33b lights up uniformly. Here, the inner lens 33 may scatter light by providing fine irregularities on the exit surface 33b.

[0025] The inner panel 34 constitutes a partition for individually separating the inner lenses 33 (and their emission surfaces 33b) when the lighting unit 12 is viewed from the front in the front-to-back direction. The inner panel 34 in Embodiment 1 is made of a rectangular plate-like member with a plurality of notches 34a provided therein. Each notch 34a is shaped to correspond to each inner lens 33 (and its emission surface 33b), and allows light emitted from each inner panel 34 to pass through.

[0026] Therefore, when each light source 35 in the lighting unit 12 is turned on, the light from it is guided to the corresponding inner lens 33 and emitted from its emission surface 33b. The lighting unit 12 then uses the inner panel 34 to individually partition each inner lens 33 (and its emission surface 33b), so that each inner lens 33 (emission surface 33b) can be illuminated according to its shape, i.e., the shape of each notch 34a in the inner panel 34. Thus, in the lighting unit 12, each inner lens 33 and the inner panel 34 work together to form multiple light-emitting parts (41 to 64 (see Figure 4, etc.)) that differ in position and shape from each other. In the lighting unit 12, the areas in the inner panel 34 where each notch 34a is provided become display areas 40 where each light-emitting part is provided and illuminated as appropriate.

[0027] Next, the configuration of each light-emitting part in the display area 40 of the lighting unit 12 will be explained using Figure 4. In the following explanation, we will use the top, bottom, left, and right directions in Figure 4, which shows the lighting unit 12 (display area 40) viewed from the front in the front-to-back direction. First, in the lighting unit 12, the display area 40 is divided into four areas by two boundary lines passing through the center point C. In the following explanation, one boundary line will be called the first boundary line Lb1 and the other boundary line will be called the second boundary line Lb2. In the display area 40 of Embodiment 1, the first boundary line Lb1 is set to be tilted 45 degrees to the right with respect to the vertical direction (plane including the vertical direction) passing through the center point C, and the second boundary line Lb2 is set to be tilted 45 degrees to the left with respect to the vertical direction (plane including the vertical direction) passing through the center point C. Therefore, the first boundary line Lb1 and the second boundary line Lb2 are perpendicular to each other at the center point C.

[0028] In the display area 40, the area above the center point C, between the first boundary line Lb1 and the second boundary line Lb2, is defined as the upper light-emitting area Au, and the area to the right of the center point C, between the first boundary line Lb1 and the second boundary line Lb2, is defined as the right light-emitting area Ar. Also in the display area 40, the area below the center point C, between the first boundary line Lb1 and the second boundary line Lb2, is defined as the lower light-emitting area Ad, and the area to the left of the center point C, between the first boundary line Lb1 and the second boundary line Lb2, is defined as the left light-emitting area Al. Furthermore, in the display area 40, a single circumference Cf with a predetermined radius centered on the center point C is defined.

[0029] The lighting unit 12 has an upper arc-shaped light-emitting section 41 located in the upper light-emitting area Au and extending along the circumference Cf of the display area 40, and a right-side arc-shaped light-emitting section 42 located in the right-side light-emitting area Ar and extending along the circumference Cf. The lighting unit 12 also has a lower arc-shaped light-emitting section 43 located in the lower light-emitting area Ad and extending along the circumference Cf of the display area 40, and a left-side arc-shaped light-emitting section 44 located in the left-side light-emitting area Al and extending along the circumference Cf.

[0030] The lighting unit 12 has a central light-emitting section 45 located at the center point C of the display area 40. This central light-emitting section 45 is approximately square in shape and is tilted at a 45-degree angle with respect to the center point C. Therefore, the four sides of the central light-emitting section 45 are positioned perpendicular to either the first boundary line Lb1 or the second boundary line Lb2.

[0031] The luminaire unit 12 has an upper-right linear light-emitting section 46 that extends upward and to the right along the first boundary line Lb1 from the vicinity of the central light-emitting section 45, i.e., the center point C, in the display area 40. This upper-right linear light-emitting section 46 is located between the upper light-emitting area Au and the right light-emitting area Ar. The luminaire unit 12 also has a lower-right linear light-emitting section 47 that extends downward and to the right along the second boundary line Lb2 from the vicinity of the central light-emitting section 45, i.e., the center point C, in the display area 40. This lower-right linear light-emitting section 47 is located between the right light-emitting area Ar and the lower light-emitting area Ad. Furthermore, the luminaire unit 12 has a lower-left linear light-emitting section 48 that extends downward and to the left along the first boundary line Lb1 from the vicinity of the central light-emitting section 45, i.e., the center point C, in the display area 40. This lower-left linear light-emitting section 48 is located between the lower light-emitting area Ad and the left light-emitting area Al. The lighting unit 12 has a left-upper linear light-emitting section 49 that extends upward and to the left along the second boundary line Lb2 from the vicinity of the central light-emitting section 45, i.e., the center point C, in the display area 40. This left-upper linear light-emitting section 49 is located between the left-side light-emitting area Al and the upper light-emitting area Au.

[0032] The luminaire unit 12 has an upper compartment light-emitting section 51 located in the display area 40, at a position demarcated by the upper arc light-emitting section 41, the upper left linear light-emitting section 49, and the upper right linear light-emitting section 46. In Embodiment 1, the outer shape of this upper compartment light-emitting section 51 is such that it follows the inner edges of the upper arc light-emitting section 41, the upper left linear light-emitting section 49, and the upper right linear light-emitting section 46 (approximately parallel to each of the inner edges), and the overall shape is approximately fan-shaped with the upper side being arc-shaped. The luminaire unit 12 also has a right compartment light-emitting section 52 located in the display area 40, at a position demarcated by the right arc light-emitting section 42, the upper right linear light-emitting section 46, and the lower right linear light-emitting section 47. In Embodiment 1, the right-side compartment light-emitting section 52 has an outer shape that follows the inner edges of the right-side arc light-emitting section 42, the upper right linear light-emitting section 46, and the lower right linear light-emitting section 47 (approximately parallel to each inner edge), and as a whole, it has a roughly fan-shaped form with the right side being arc-shaped. Furthermore, the luminaire unit 12 has a lower compartment light-emitting section 53 located in the display area 40, at a position partitioned by the lower arc light-emitting section 43, the lower right linear light-emitting section 47, and the lower left linear light-emitting section 48. In Embodiment 1, the lower compartment light-emitting section 53 has an outer shape that follows the inner edges of the lower arc light-emitting section 43, the lower right linear light-emitting section 47, and the lower left linear light-emitting section 48 (approximately parallel to each inner edge), and as a whole, it has a roughly fan-shaped form with the lower side being arc-shaped. The lighting unit 12 has a left-side partitioned light-emitting section 54 located in the display area 40, at a position partitioned by the left-side arc-shaped light-emitting section 44, the lower-left linear light-emitting section 48, and the upper-left linear light-emitting section 49. In Embodiment 1, the left-side partitioned light-emitting section 54 has an outer shape that follows the inner edges of the left-side arc-shaped light-emitting section 44, the lower-left linear light-emitting section 48, and the upper-left linear light-emitting section 49 (approximately parallel to each of the inner edges), and as a whole, it has a roughly fan-shaped form with the left side being arc-shaped.

[0033] The lighting unit 12 has an upper right shared light-emitting section 55 located between the upper arc light-emitting section 41 and the right arc light-emitting section 42 on the first boundary line Lb1 in the display area 40. This upper right shared light-emitting section 55 can draw an arc with the same diameter as the upper arc light-emitting section 41 and the right arc light-emitting section 42, as well as the same straight line as the upper right straight light-emitting section 46 and the lower left straight light-emitting section 48. The lighting unit 12 also has a lower right shared light-emitting section 56 located between the right arc light-emitting section 42 and the lower arc light-emitting section 43 on the second boundary line Lb2 in the display area 40. This lower right shared light-emitting section 56 can draw an arc with the same diameter as the right arc light-emitting section 42 and the lower arc light-emitting section 43, as well as the same straight line as the lower right straight light-emitting section 47 and the upper left straight light-emitting section 49. Furthermore, the luminaire unit 12 has a lower left shared light-emitting section 57 located between the lower arc light-emitting section 43 and the left arc light-emitting section 44 on the first boundary line Lb1 in the display area 40. This lower left shared light-emitting section 57 can draw an arc with the same diameter as the lower arc light-emitting section 43 and the left arc light-emitting section 44, as well as the same straight line as the lower left straight light-emitting section 48 and the upper right straight light-emitting section 46. The luminaire unit 12 also has an upper left shared light-emitting section 58 located between the left arc light-emitting section 44 and the upper arc light-emitting section 41 on the second boundary line Lb2 in the display area 40. This upper left shared light-emitting section 58 can draw an arc with the same diameter as the left arc light-emitting section 44 and the upper arc light-emitting section 41, as well as the same straight line as the upper left straight light-emitting section 49 and the lower right straight light-emitting section 47.

[0034] The lighting unit 12 has an upper right additional light-emitting section 61 located outside the upper right shared light-emitting section 55 on the first boundary line Lb1 in the display area 40, that is, outside the circumference (circumference Cf) drawn by the upper arc light-emitting section 41 and the right arc light-emitting section 42. This upper right additional light-emitting section 61 can draw the same straight line as the upper right linear light-emitting section 46 and the lower left linear light-emitting section 48. The lighting unit 12 also has a lower right additional light-emitting section 62 located outside the lower right shared light-emitting section 56 on the second boundary line Lb2 in the display area 40, that is, outside the circumference (circumference Cf) drawn by the right arc light-emitting section 42 and the lower arc light-emitting section 43. This lower right additional light-emitting section 62 can draw the same straight line as the lower right linear light-emitting section 47 and the upper left linear light-emitting section 49. Furthermore, the luminaire unit 12 has a lower left additional light-emitting section 63 located outside the lower left shared light-emitting section 57 on the first boundary line Lb1 in the display area 40, that is, outside the circumference (circumference Cf) drawn by the lower arc light-emitting section 43 and the left arc light-emitting section 44. This lower left additional light-emitting section 63 can draw the same straight line as the lower left linear light-emitting section 48 and the upper right linear light-emitting section 46. The luminaire unit 12 also has an upper left additional light-emitting section 64 located outside the upper left shared light-emitting section 58 on the second boundary line Lb2 in the display area 40, that is, outside the circumference (circumference Cf) drawn by the left arc light-emitting section 44 and the upper arc light-emitting section 41. This upper left additional light-emitting section 64 can draw the same straight line as the upper left linear light-emitting section 49 and the lower right linear light-emitting section 47.

[0035] As described above, in the luminaire unit 12, in the display area 40, the upper right additional light-emitting section 61, the upper right shared light-emitting section 55, the upper right linear light-emitting section 46, the central light-emitting section 45, the lower left linear light-emitting section 48, the lower left shared light-emitting section 57, and the lower left additional light-emitting section 63 draw a single straight line extending on the first boundary line Lb1, constituting the first linear light-emitting section 71. Furthermore, in the luminaire unit 12, in the display area 40, the upper left additional light-emitting section 64, the upper left shared light-emitting section 58, the upper left linear light-emitting section 49, the central light-emitting section 45, the lower right linear light-emitting section 47, the lower right shared light-emitting section 56, and the lower right additional light-emitting section 62 draw a single straight line extending on the second boundary line Lb2, constituting the second linear light-emitting section 72. Thus, the first linear light-emitting section 71 and the second linear light-emitting section 72 share the central light-emitting section 45.

[0036] Furthermore, in the luminaire unit 12, four arc-shaped light-emitting sections (41 to 44) and four shared light-emitting sections (55 to 58) constitute an arc-shaped light-emitting section 73 that extends along a single circumference Cf (circumferential direction). Thus, the first linear light-emitting section 71 and the arc-shaped light-emitting section 73 share the upper right shared light-emitting section 55 and the lower left shared light-emitting section 57. Also, the second linear light-emitting section 72 and the arc-shaped light-emitting section 73 share the upper left shared light-emitting section 58 and the lower right shared light-emitting section 56.

[0037] Next, an example of the arrangement of each light source 35 for each light-emitting section (41 to 64) in the lighting unit 12 will be explained using Figure 5. In the lighting unit 12 (vehicle lighting unit 10) of Embodiment 1, as shown in Figure 5, the number of light sources 35 for each light-emitting section (41 to 64) is arranged in a balanced manner according to the size of each light-emitting section when the lighting unit 12 is viewed from the front in the front-rear direction. That is, the lighting unit 12 arranges each light source 35 so as to be distributed substantially evenly with respect to the emission surface 33b of the inner lens 33 that constitutes each light-emitting section (41 to 64). In detail, in the four arc-shaped light-emitting sections (41 to 44), five light sources 35 are arranged at substantially equal intervals along the circumference Cf (see Figure 4). In the four linear light-emitting sections (46 to 49), three light sources 35 are arranged at substantially equal intervals along the corresponding first boundary line Lb1 or second boundary line Lb2 (see Figure 4). In the four sectioned light-emitting parts (51 to 54), three light sources 35 are arranged in a positional relationship corresponding to the three corners of the roughly fan-shaped section. In the central light-emitting part 45, the four shared light-emitting parts (55 to 58), and the four additional light-emitting parts (61 to 64), a single light source 35 is positioned approximately at the center of each. Therefore, by simultaneously illuminating the corresponding light sources 35 in each light-emitting part (41 to 64), the entire surface of the inner lens 33's emission surface 33b can be illuminated almost uniformly.

[0038] In addition, in the lighting unit 12, the shapes of the incident surface 33a and the outgoing surface 33b of the inner lens 33 are set so that the light emitted from each corresponding light source 35 illuminates each light-emitting part (41 to 64) more uniformly over its entire surface. An example of this is shown in Figures 6 and 7. Figure 6 shows a cross-section of the inner lens 33 that becomes the central light-emitting part 45, and Figure 7 shows a cross-section of the inner lens 33 that becomes the right-side arc-shaped light-emitting part 42. Here, the configuration of the inner lens 33 with respect to the light source 35 is substantially the same for all light-emitting parts (41 to 64), as is clear from the fact that Figures 6 and 7 are substantially the same. In the inner lens 33, as shown in Figures 6 and 7, the central part of the incident surface 33a is concave inward (opposite side from the light source 35), and it has a curved incident surface part 33c that is curved outward in the center, and an annular incident surface part 33d that surrounds it. Furthermore, a frustoconical reflective surface 33e is provided around the incident surface 33a, surrounding the annular incident surface portion 33d.

[0039] The curved incident surface 33c faces the light source 35 in the axial direction, and causes light emitted from the light source 35 to enter the inner lens 33 as light traveling forward in the axial direction. The annular incident surface 33d is provided protruding toward the light source 35, and causes light from the light source 35 that does not travel toward the curved incident surface 33c to enter the inner lens 33. The reflective surface 33e is formed at a position where light that has entered the inner lens 33 from the annular incident surface 33d travels. When the reflective surface 33e reflects the light that has entered from the annular incident surface 33d, it becomes light traveling forward in the axial direction. The reflective surface 33e may reflect light using total internal reflection, or it may reflect light by bonding aluminum, silver, etc., to it by vapor deposition or painting.

[0040] The emission surface 33b causes the light incident from the incident surface 33a to be emitted axially forward. The emission surface 33b is provided with a surface 33f (a so-called prism) with fine irregularities formed throughout its entire surface, which diffuses the light incident from the incident surface 33a and causes it to be emitted axially forward, that is, outside the inner lens 33. Here, in the inner lens 33 that constitutes each light-emitting section (41 to 64), the above-described configuration on the incident surface 33a is provided individually for each light source 35, and the above-described configuration on the emission surface 33b extends throughout its entire surface. As a result, each light-emitting section (41 to 64) can efficiently allow light from its corresponding light source 35 to be incident into the inner lens 33, and can emit the light almost uniformly from the entire surface of the emission surface 33b.

[0041] In the luminaire unit 12, as shown in Figures 5 and 6, each light source 35 corresponding to the two upper and lower arc-shaped light-emitting sections (41, 43), four linear light-emitting sections (46 to 49), two upper and lower partitioned light-emitting sections (51, 53), a central light-emitting section 45, four shared light-emitting sections (55 to 58), and four additional light-emitting sections (61 to 64) is composed of a single white light (first emission color) LED chip. Also, in the luminaire unit 12, as shown in Figures 5 and 7, each light source 35 corresponding to the two left and right arc-shaped light-emitting sections (42, 44) and two left and right partitioned light-emitting sections (52, 54) is configured with a white light (first emission color) LED chip and an amber light (second emission color) LED chip arranged in parallel.

[0042] In this lighting unit 12, each of the light-emitting parts (41 to 64) described above is turned on and off simultaneously, in multiples, or individually, by the corresponding light source 35 being lit under the control of the control unit 14. In the lighting unit 12 of Embodiment 1, all light sources 35 are capable of illuminating with white light (first emission color), and all light-emitting parts (41 to 64) can be illuminated with white light (first emission color). In addition, in the lighting unit 12 of Embodiment 1, the light sources 35 corresponding to the right-side arc-shaped light-emitting part 42, the left-side arc-shaped light-emitting part 44, the right-side partitioned light-emitting part 52, and the left-side partitioned light-emitting part 54 are capable of illuminating with two types of light: white light (first emission color) and amber light (second emission color). Therefore, in the lamp unit 12 of Example 1, the right-side arc-shaped light-emitting section 42, the left-side arc-shaped light-emitting section 44, the right-side compartment light-emitting section 52, and the left-side compartment light-emitting section 54 can be illuminated simultaneously, in multiples, or individually with two types of light: white light (first emission color) or amber light (second emission color). Furthermore, since the lamp unit 12 is provided with an annular incident surface section 33d surrounding the light source 35, even light with a large emission angle (angle with respect to the emission light axis) from the light source 35 can be guided into the inner lens 33 and emitted from the emission surface 33b, allowing for more efficient use of light from the light source 35.

[0043] The shape of the inner lens 33 is not limited to the example described above. Another example, the inner lens 33A of Modification 1 is shown in Figures 8 and 9. This inner lens 33A differs from the inner lens 33 in Figures 6 and 7 in the structure of the incident surface 33aA. A Fresnel lens portion 33g is provided over the entire area of ​​this incident surface 33aA. This Fresnel lens portion 33g constitutes a Fresnel lens consisting of multiple lens portions divided concentrically around the emission optical axis of the light source 35, and the focal point is set near the light source 35 (its light-emitting surface) (near the center of both light-emitting surfaces in a configuration where two LED chips are arranged side by side (Figure 9)). Therefore, the inner lens 33A causes the light emitted from the light source 35 to travel approximately parallel to the emission optical axis through the Fresnel lens portion 33g and enters the interior from the incident surface 33aA. In this inner lens 33A, the emission surface 33b is provided with an uneven surface 33f over its entire surface, similar to the inner lens 33, allowing the incident light to be emitted almost uniformly from the entire emission surface 33b. Furthermore, in the luminaire unit 12 having the inner lens 33A, all light-emitting parts (41 to 64) can be illuminated with white light (first emission color), just as in the case with the inner lens 33, and the right-side arc-shaped light-emitting part 42, the left-side arc-shaped light-emitting part 44, the right-side compartment light-emitting part 52, and the left-side compartment light-emitting part 54 can also be illuminated with amber light (second emission color). In this luminaire unit 12, since the Fresnel lens part 33g is provided over the entire surface of the incident surface 33aA, the light that has traveled from the light source 35 to the incident surface 33aA can be traveled within the inner lens 33A almost parallel to the emission optical axis and emitted from the emission surface 33b, allowing for more efficient use of the light from the light source 35.

[0044] Figures 10 and 11 show the inner lens 33B, which is a modified example of another design. Compared to the inner lens 33 (see Figures 6 and 7) and inner lens 33A (see Figures 8 and 9), the structure of the incident surface 33aB of this inner lens 33B is different. This incident surface 33aB is a flat surface. Furthermore, the distance between the incident surface 33aB and the light source 35 of the inner lens 33B is smaller than that of the inner lens 33 (compared to the distance up to the curved incident surface portion 33c) and the inner lens 33A. As a result, the inner lens 33B can direct light with a large emission angle from the light source 35 towards the incident surface 33aB, and allow it to enter the interior from that incident surface 33aB. In this inner lens 33B, the emission surface 33b is provided with an uneven surface 33f over its entire surface, similar to the inner lens 33, and the incident light can be emitted almost uniformly from the entire surface 33b. In the luminaire unit 12 having this inner lens 33B, all light-emitting parts (41 to 64) can be illuminated with white light (first emission color), similar to the case with inner lenses 33 and 33A, and the right-side arc-shaped light-emitting part 42, the left-side arc-shaped light-emitting part 44, the right-side compartment light-emitting part 52, and the left-side compartment light-emitting part 54 can also be illuminated with amber light (second emission color). Furthermore, in the luminaire unit 12, the incident surface 33aB is a flat surface and the distance to the light source 35 is narrowed, so the light emitted from the light source 35 can be efficiently directed to the incident surface 33aB, and from there it is incident into the inner lens 33B and emitted from the exit surface 33b, thus utilizing the light from the light source 35 more efficiently. In addition, in the luminaire unit 12, the configuration of the inner lens 33B can be simplified, and the required positioning accuracy between the inner lens 33B and the light source 35 can be reduced, resulting in a simpler configuration.

[0045] Since the vehicle light fixture 10 has a light fixture unit 12 configured as described above, various patterns can be displayed by selecting and illuminating some of the light-emitting parts (41 to 64). In particular, in Embodiment 1, two vehicle light fixtures 10 (light fixture units 12) are installed on the vehicle 1 at a predetermined distance apart in the width direction, so the two light fixture units 12 can be likened to human eyes, and various expressions can be created by the patterns formed by the two light fixture units 12. The first to eleventh patterns, as examples of these patterns, will be explained using Figures 12 to 22. The configuration of each of these patterns is executed by the control unit 14 based on a program stored in internal memory, etc.

[0046] As shown in Figure 12, the first symbol consists of an arc-shaped light-emitting section 73, that is, four arc-shaped light-emitting sections (41 to 44) and four shared light-emitting sections (55 to 58), which emit white light. Therefore, the first symbol can be made to appear as if its eyes are open, for example, to have a calm expression.

[0047] As shown in Figure 13, the second symbol is designed so that the first linear light-emitting section 71 and the second linear light-emitting section 72 light up with white light. In other words, the second symbol is designed so that the upper right additional light-emitting section 61, the upper right shared light-emitting section 55, the upper right linear light-emitting section 46, the central light-emitting section 45, the lower left linear light-emitting section 48, the lower left shared light-emitting section 57, the lower left additional light-emitting section 63, the upper left additional light-emitting section 64, the upper left shared light-emitting section 58, the upper left linear light-emitting section 49, the lower right linear light-emitting section 47, the lower right shared light-emitting section 56, and the lower right additional light-emitting section 62 light up with white light. As a result, the second symbol can be made to appear as if the eyes are crossed out (penalty marks), which can be used to represent, for example, a dejected expression or an expression indicating some kind of bad situation.

[0048] As shown in Figure 14, the third design consists of an upper arc-shaped light-emitting section 41, an upper right shared light-emitting section 55, and an upper left shared light-emitting section 58, all of which emit white light. Therefore, the third design can be made to appear as if the eyes are forming an upward-convex arc, allowing for expressions such as smiling or happy faces.

[0049] As shown in Figure 15, the fourth symbol is designed so that the lower arc-shaped light-emitting section 43, the lower right shared light-emitting section 56, and the lower left shared light-emitting section 57 all emit white light. Therefore, the fourth symbol can be made to appear as if the eyes are forming a downward-convex arc, which can be used to create expressions such as crying, sadness, or disappointment.

[0050] As shown in Figure 16, the fifth design consists of an arc-shaped light-emitting section 73, i.e., four arc-shaped light-emitting sections (41 to 44) and four shared light-emitting sections (55 to 58), in addition to a left-side section light-emitting section 54 that emits white light. Therefore, the fifth design can appear to be looking to the left (right side as seen from the vehicle 1) when viewed from the front, and can represent, for example, someone paying attention to or focusing on the left side (right side as seen from the vehicle 1).

[0051] As shown in Figure 17, the sixth design consists of an arc-shaped light-emitting section 73, i.e., four arc-shaped light-emitting sections (41 to 44) and four shared light-emitting sections (55 to 58), in addition to a lower section light-emitting section 53 that emits white light. Therefore, the sixth design can appear to be looking downwards or towards the center of the vehicle 1 when viewed from the front, and can represent, for example, someone paying attention to or focusing on the downwards or towards the center of the vehicle 1.

[0052] As shown in Figure 18, the seventh design consists of an arc-shaped light-emitting section 73, i.e., four arc-shaped light-emitting sections (41 to 44) and four shared light-emitting sections (55 to 58), in addition to a right-side section light-emitting section 52 that emits white light. Therefore, the seventh design can appear to be looking to the right (left side from the perspective of vehicle 1) when viewed from the front, and can represent, for example, someone paying attention to or looking at the right side (left side from the perspective of vehicle 1).

[0053] As shown in Figure 19, the eighth design, when viewed from the front, consists of a left-hand light fixture unit 12 with an arc-shaped light-emitting section 73, i.e., four arc-shaped light-emitting sections (41 to 44) and four shared light-emitting sections (55 to 58), all emitting white light. The right-hand light fixture unit 12, when viewed from the front, consists of an upper right additional light-emitting section 61, an upper right shared light-emitting section 55, an upper right linear light-emitting section 46, a central light-emitting section 45, a lower right linear light-emitting section 47, a lower right shared light-emitting section 56, and a lower right additional light-emitting section 62, all emitting white light. As a result, the eighth design can be made to appear as if only the right eye is closed when viewed from the front, creating an expression such as a wink. This eighth design can also be made to appear as if the left and right sides of the left and right light fixture units 12 are reversed, resulting in a similar expression with the left and right sides reversed.

[0054] As shown in Figure 20, the ninth symbol is designed so that the upper right additional light-emitting section 61, the upper right shared light-emitting section 55, the upper right linear light-emitting section 46, the central light-emitting section 45, the upper left linear light-emitting section 49, the upper left shared light-emitting section 58, and the upper left additional light-emitting section 64 all emit white light. In addition, the right arc light-emitting section 42, the lower right shared light-emitting section 56, the lower arc light-emitting section 43, the lower left shared light-emitting section 57, and the left arc light-emitting section 44 of the ninth symbol also emit white light. As a result, the ninth symbol can be made to appear as if the eyelids (eyebrows) are lowered, for example, to give the impression of a troubled expression. In particular, since the upper right additional light-emitting section 61 and the upper left additional light-emitting section 64 of the ninth symbol are illuminated, the lower arc can be made to give the impression that it is an eye, and the V-shaped lines can be made to give the impression that it is an eyelid or eyebrow.

[0055] As shown in Figure 21, the tenth design, when viewed from the front, consists of a left-side light fixture unit 12 where the upper left shared light-emitting section 58, upper left linear light-emitting section 49, central light-emitting section 45, lower right linear light-emitting section 47, lower right shared light-emitting section 56, lower arc light-emitting section 43, lower left shared light-emitting section 57, and left arc light-emitting section 44 all emit white light. Similarly, the right-side light fixture unit 12, when viewed from the front, consists of a right-side shared light-emitting section 55, upper right linear light-emitting section 46, central light-emitting section 45, lower left linear light-emitting section 48, lower left shared light-emitting section 57, lower arc light-emitting section 43, lower right shared light-emitting section 56, and right arc light-emitting section 42 all emit white light. As a result, the tenth design can be made to appear as if both eyes are slanted outwards, for example, to represent an angry expression. In particular, since the 10th symbol does not illuminate the upper right additional light-emitting section 61 and the upper left additional light-emitting section 64, it can give the impression that the shape of the eye is slanted upwards.

[0056] As shown in Figure 22, the 11th design illuminates in the same areas as the 5th design (see Figure 16). Furthermore, in the 11th design, the left arc-shaped light-emitting section 44 and the left compartment light-emitting section 54 of the left-side lighting unit 12 (when viewed from the front) illuminate with amber light (second light-emitting color), while the remaining light-emitting sections (41 to 43, 55 to 58) illuminate with white light. Additionally, in the 11th design, the right-side lighting unit 12 (when viewed from the front) illuminates with white light in the same areas as the 5th design (see Figure 16). Therefore, the 11th design can appear to be looking to the left (right side as viewed from the vehicle 1), and can represent, for example, someone paying attention to or focusing on the left side (right side as viewed from the vehicle 1). Furthermore, the 11th design, when viewed from the front, makes the left-side arc-shaped light-emitting section 44 and the left-side section light-emitting section 54 appear as amber light, thus resembling the signal of a turn signal on the left side (right side when viewed from the vehicle 1), and thus assisting in indicating a turn signal.

[0057] Next, we will describe an example of a situation in which the vehicle light fixture 10 is illuminated. Note that the combination of the situation and the resulting pattern shown below is merely an example and does not necessarily correspond to actual conditions, nor is it limited to the examples shown below.

[0058] During normal driving, for example, when the information processing unit 22 determines, based on signals from the camera 15, the environment detection unit 16, and the vehicle information detection unit 17, that the vehicle 1 and its surroundings are in a normal state with no particular problems, the vehicle lighting unit 10 forms a first pattern (see Figure 12) under the control of the lighting control unit 21. As a result, the vehicle lighting unit 10 can display its first pattern to the surroundings, informing those around that the vehicle 1 is in a normal state with no particular problems.

[0059] The vehicle light fixture 10 may, for example, detect that the vehicle 1 is properly charging based on a signal from the vehicle information detection unit 17, and under the control of the lighting control unit 21, form a first pattern (see Figure 12) or a third pattern (see Figure 14). Then, by displaying its first pattern or third pattern to the surroundings, the vehicle light fixture 10 can inform those around that the vehicle 1 is properly charging.

[0060] For example, when the information processing unit 22 detects a person suddenly appearing based on a signal from the camera 15, the vehicle light fixture 10 forms a second pattern (see Figure 13) under the control of the lighting control unit 21. This allows the vehicle light fixture 10 to display its second pattern to those around it, especially the person who suddenly appeared, thereby informing those around it and the person that it is in a dangerous situation.

[0061] For example, when the information processing unit 22 detects that the vehicle 1 has a low charge level or that the charging operation is not working properly based on a signal from the vehicle information detection unit 17, the vehicle lighting device 10 may, under the control of the lighting control unit 21, form a second pattern (see Figure 13), a fourth pattern (see Figure 15), or a ninth pattern (see Figure 20). Then, by displaying the second pattern, fourth pattern, or ninth pattern to the surroundings, the vehicle lighting device 10 can inform those around it that the vehicle 1 has a low charge level or that the charging operation is not working properly.

[0062] The vehicle light 10 may, for example, detect that the weather around the vehicle 1 is good (sunny, etc.) based on a signal from the environmental detection unit 16, and then, under the control of the lighting control unit 21, form a first pattern (see Figure 12) or a third pattern (see Figure 14). By displaying the first or third pattern to the surroundings, the vehicle light 10 can give the impression that the weather is good and that the vehicle 1 is in a good mood, making driving the vehicle 1 more enjoyable.

[0063] The vehicle light 10 may, for example, detect bad weather (rain, snow, etc.) around the vehicle 1 based on a signal from the environmental detection unit 16, and under the control of the lighting control unit 21, form a second pattern (see Figure 13) or a fourth pattern (see Figure 15). By displaying the second or fourth pattern to the surroundings, the vehicle light 10 can give the impression that the vehicle 1 is warning about the bad weather, thus making drivers more cautious while driving the vehicle 1.

[0064] For example, the vehicle light fixture 10, based on signals from the camera 15 and the vehicle information detection unit 17, will sequentially form the fifth pattern (see Figure 16), the sixth pattern (see Figure 17), and the seventh pattern (see Figure 18) under the control of the lighting control unit 21 when the vehicle 1 is stopped before a crosswalk and a pedestrian is moving across the crosswalk, as determined by the information processing unit 22. In other words, for example, the vehicle light fixture 10 will form the fifth pattern when the pedestrian is to the right front of the vehicle 1, the sixth pattern when the pedestrian moves to the front of the vehicle 1, and the seventh pattern when the pedestrian moves to the left front of the vehicle 1. This allows the vehicle light fixture 10 to show the pedestrian and those around it that its gaze is watching over the pedestrian's movement, providing a sense of security to the pedestrian and creating a peaceful atmosphere in the surroundings.

[0065] For example, the vehicle light fixture 10, based on signals from the camera 15 and the vehicle information detection unit 17, can form the eighth pattern (see Figure 19) under the control of the lighting control unit 21 when the vehicle 1 is stopped before a crosswalk and pedestrians are moving across the crosswalk. By displaying this eighth pattern to pedestrians and those around them, the vehicle light fixture 10 can give the impression of signaling to the pedestrians to move, thereby providing pedestrians with a sense of security and creating a pleasant atmosphere. Alternatively, the vehicle light fixture 10 may be capable of detecting actions such as yielding the right of way (letting pedestrians or oncoming vehicles pass) (e.g., flashing headlights) based on signals from the vehicle information detection unit 17, and when such actions are detected, the eighth pattern can be formed under the control of the lighting control unit 21. In this case as well, by showing the eighth pattern to pedestrians and oncoming vehicles (and their occupants), the vehicle's lighting device 10 can give the impression to pedestrians and those around that it is willingly yielding the right of way, thereby creating a sense of security and a friendly atmosphere for pedestrians and occupants of oncoming vehicles.

[0066] For example, when the information processing unit 22 detects that the vehicle 1 is in a bad state based on a signal from the vehicle information detection unit 17, the vehicle lighting device 10 may form a second pattern (see Figure 13), a fourth pattern (see Figure 15), or a ninth pattern (see Figure 20) under the control of the lighting control unit 21. Then, by displaying its second pattern, fourth pattern, or ninth pattern to the surroundings, the vehicle lighting device 10 can inform those around it that the vehicle 1 is in a bad state.

[0067] For example, when the information processing unit 22 detects that the vehicle 1 has braked suddenly based on a signal from the vehicle information detection unit 17, the vehicle light 10 may form a 10th pattern (see Figure 21) under the control of the lighting control unit 21. Then, by displaying the 10th pattern to the surroundings, the vehicle light 10 can inform the person who caused the sudden braking and those around that a dangerous situation occurred.

[0068] The vehicle light fixture 10 may, for example, form an 11th pattern (see Figure 22) under the control of the lighting control unit 21 when the information processing unit 22 detects that the vehicle 1 has activated its turn signal (turn signal has been illuminated) based on a signal from the vehicle information detection unit 17. In the example of Figure 22, the 11th pattern shows the vehicle 1 activating its turn signal for a right turn, and is illuminated entirely with white light, while the left arc-emitting part 44 and the left compartment-emitting part 54 of the left-side light fixture unit 12 (when viewed from the front) emit amber light (second emission color). Therefore, by displaying the 11th pattern to the surroundings, the vehicle light fixture 10 can inform those around it that the vehicle 1 is about to turn right. Here, the 11th pattern may be formed by flashing the left arc-emitting part 44 and the left compartment-emitting part 54 of the left-side light fixture unit 12 (when viewed from the front) under the control of the lighting control unit 21.

[0069] As described above, various patterns are formed in various situations by the vehicle lighting device 10. However, for example, the pattern (expression) formed may also be changed depending on whether it is daytime or nighttime based on a signal from the environment detection unit 16. Furthermore, the vehicle lighting device 10 may change the pattern (expression) formed depending on the type of object (e.g., pedestrian, oncoming vehicle, bicycle, etc.) detected by the information processing unit 22 based on a signal from the camera 15.

[0070] Here, conventional vehicle lighting devices described in prior art documents enable the display of various patterns by using a display device composed of numerous light-emitting units (LEDs) arranged in a matrix within a predetermined range. This conventional vehicle lighting device can form a desired pattern by appropriately turning each light-emitting unit of the display device on and off. However, conventional vehicle lighting devices require a display device with a complex structure and many light-emitting units, as well as complex control to appropriately turn each light-emitting unit of the display device on and off according to the pattern.

[0071] In contrast, the vehicle light fixture 10 has a first linear light-emitting section 71 composed of seven light-emitting sections (45, 46, 48, 55, 57, 61, 63) and a second linear light-emitting section 72 composed of seven light-emitting sections (45, 47, 49, 56, 58, 62, 64) in the display area 40 of the light fixture unit 12. The vehicle light fixture 10 also has an arc-shaped light-emitting section 73 composed of eight light-emitting sections (41 to 44, 55 to 58) and four partitioned light-emitting sections (51 to 54) in the display area 40 of the light fixture unit 12. Furthermore, the first linear light-emitting section 71 and the second linear light-emitting section 72 share a central light-emitting section 45, and the two linear light-emitting sections 71 and 72 and the arc-shaped light-emitting section 73 share four shared light-emitting sections (55 to 58). Based on these considerations, the vehicle lighting device 10 can form various patterns by arranging 21 light-emitting units in the manner described above, changing their shape and position as appropriate, thereby conveying various information to those in the vicinity. Furthermore, compared to conventional vehicle lighting devices that use indicators configured by arranging light-emitting units in a matrix within a predetermined range, the vehicle lighting device 10 can suppress structural complexity and reduce the number of parts, while also making it easier to control the on / off state according to the pattern.

[0072] Furthermore, the vehicle light fixture 10 has a shared central light-emitting section 45 and four shared light-emitting sections (55 to 58) in the first linear light-emitting section 71, the second linear light-emitting section 72, and the arc-shaped light-emitting section 73, so that the number of parts can be suppressed while effectively increasing the types of patterns that can be formed. In particular, the vehicle light fixture 10 has a central light-emitting section 45 that is roughly square in shape and tilted at a 45-degree angle with respect to the center point C, so that the central light-emitting section 45 can be illuminated together with two linear light-emitting sections that are adjacent in the circumferential direction with respect to the center point C among the four linear light-emitting sections (46 to 49), thereby appropriately representing the vertices of a V shape.

[0073] The vehicle lighting device 10 of Example 1 can provide the following effects and benefits. The vehicle light fixture 10 has a light fixture unit 12 having a display area 40, which includes a first linear light-emitting section 71 and a second linear light-emitting section 72 that intersect at a center point C in the display area 40 and are inclined with respect to the vertical, and an arc-shaped light-emitting section 73 that extends in the circumferential direction centered on the center point C. Therefore, the vehicle light fixture 10 can form various patterns by lighting the first linear light-emitting section 71, the second linear light-emitting section 72, and the arc-shaped light-emitting section 73, which have different shapes and positions, individually or in appropriate combinations. Furthermore, since the vehicle light fixture 10 forms various patterns using the first linear light-emitting section 71, the second linear light-emitting section 72, and the arc-shaped light-emitting section 73, the number of parts can be reduced, resulting in a simple structure, and control of on / off according to the pattern can be easily achieved.

[0074] Furthermore, the vehicle light fixture 10 has a light fixture unit 12 that has at least one partitioned light-emitting section (reference numerals 51 to 54 in Embodiment 1) surrounded by at least a portion of the first linear light-emitting section 71, at least a portion of the second linear light-emitting section 72, and at least a portion of the arc-shaped light-emitting section 73. Therefore, the vehicle light fixture 10 can increase the variety of patterns that can be formed by appropriately combining and lighting the partitioned light-emitting sections. In addition, since the vehicle light fixture 10 only has at least one partitioned light-emitting section added, the increase in the number of parts can be suppressed, the complexity of the structure can be suppressed, and the control of turning the lights on and off according to the pattern can be made easy.

[0075] The vehicle light fixture 10 has an arc-shaped light-emitting section 73 which includes an upper arc-shaped light-emitting section 41 located above the center point C, a right arc-shaped light-emitting section 42 located to the right, a lower arc-shaped light-emitting section 43 located below, and a left arc-shaped light-emitting section 44 located to the left. Therefore, by appropriately combining and illuminating the four arc-shaped light-emitting sections (41 to 44), the vehicle light fixture 10 can increase the variety of patterns that can be formed using the arc-shaped light-emitting section 73. Furthermore, since the vehicle light fixture 10 has four arc-shaped light-emitting sections in the upper, lower, left, and right directions, it can form various expressions with a small number of parts, suppressing structural complexity and making it easy to control the on / off state according to the pattern.

[0076] The vehicle light fixture 10 has an additional light-emitting section (61 to 64) positioned outside the circumference on which the arc-shaped light-emitting section 73 is provided, with the first linear light-emitting section 71 and the second linear light-emitting section 72 being the first linear light-emitting section 71 and the second linear light-emitting section 72 being the second linear light-emitting section 72 being the second linear light-emitting section 72 being the second linear light-emitting section 72 being the second linear light-emitting section 72 being the third

[0077] The vehicle light fixture 10 has a first linear light-emitting section 71 which includes at least an upper-right linear light-emitting section 46 extending upwards from the vicinity of the center point C, and a lower-left linear light-emitting section 48 extending downwards from the vicinity of the center point C. The vehicle light fixture 10 also has a second linear light-emitting section 72 which includes at least an upper-left linear light-emitting section 49 extending upwards from the vicinity of the center point C, and a lower-right linear light-emitting section 47 extending downwards from the vicinity of the center point C. Therefore, by appropriately combining and illuminating the four linear light-emitting sections (46 to 49), the vehicle light fixture 10 can increase the variety of patterns that can be formed using the first linear light-emitting section 71 and the second linear light-emitting section 72. Furthermore, since the vehicle light fixture 10 has four linear light-emitting sections in the up, down, left, and right directions, it can form various expressions with a small number of parts, suppressing structural complexity and making it easy to control the on / off state according to the pattern.

[0078] The vehicle light fixture 10 has a first linear light-emitting section 71 which includes an upper right shared light-emitting section 55 located between the upper arc light-emitting section 41 and the right arc light-emitting section 42, and a lower left shared light-emitting section 57 located between the lower arc light-emitting section 43 and the left arc light-emitting section 44. The vehicle light fixture 10 also has a second linear light-emitting section 72 which includes a lower right shared light-emitting section 56 located between the right arc light-emitting section 42 and the lower arc light-emitting section 43, and an upper left shared light-emitting section 58 located between the left arc light-emitting section 44 and the upper arc light-emitting section 41. Therefore, by appropriately combining and illuminating the four shared light-emitting sections (55 to 58), the vehicle light fixture 10 can increase the variety of patterns that can be formed using the first linear light-emitting section 71, the second linear light-emitting section 72, and the arc light-emitting section 73. Furthermore, the vehicle light fixture 10 has four shared light-emitting sections (55 to 58) that can each form a first linear light-emitting section 71, a second linear light-emitting section 72, and an arc-shaped light-emitting section 73, thus suppressing an increase in the number of parts.

[0079] The vehicle light fixture 10 has a first linear light-emitting section 71 and a second linear light-emitting section 72 that share a central light-emitting section 45 located at the center point C. Therefore, the vehicle light fixture 10 can effectively increase the variety of patterns that can be formed while suppressing an increase in the number of parts.

[0080] The vehicle light fixture 10 allows at least a portion of the first linear light-emitting section 71, the second linear light-emitting section 72, and the arc-shaped light-emitting section 73 (in Embodiment 1, the right arc-shaped light-emitting section 42, the left arc-shaped light-emitting section 44, the right section light-emitting section 52, and the left section light-emitting section 54) to be illuminated in a first light color and in a second light color. As a result, the vehicle light fixture 10 can have a simple structure with a reduced number of parts, easy control of on / off according to the design, and effectively increase the variety of designs that can be formed.

[0081] The vehicle lighting device 10, controlled by a control unit 14, controls the lighting of the lighting unit 12 according to the detection results of objects detected by an object detection unit (camera 15 in Embodiment 1) that detects objects around the vehicle 1. Therefore, the vehicle lighting device 10 can change the pattern it forms according to the position and type of objects around the vehicle 1, and can effectively convey information to the area around the vehicle 1.

[0082] The vehicle lighting fixture 10 has a control unit 14 that controls the lighting of the lighting fixture unit 12 according to the detection results of the environment detected by the environment detection unit 16, which detects the environment around the vehicle 1. Therefore, the vehicle lighting fixture 10 can change the pattern it forms according to the environment around the vehicle 1, such as brightness and weather, and can effectively convey information to the area around the vehicle 1.

[0083] The vehicle lighting fixtures 10 are provided in pairs in the width direction, so that the two lighting units 12 are arranged in pairs in the width direction. As a result, the two vehicle lighting fixtures 10 can be made to look like human eyes by linking the two lighting units 12 together to form a pattern, and a variety of expressions can be formed more appropriately.

[0084] Therefore, the vehicle light fixture 10 of Embodiment 1 according to this disclosure can form various patterns while having a simple structure with a small number of parts.

[0085] Although the vehicle lighting device of this disclosure has been described above based on Example 1, the specific configuration is not limited to Example 1, and changes or additions to the design are permitted as long as they do not deviate from the gist of the invention as described in each claim of the patent.

[0086] In Embodiment 1, both lamp units 12 (display area 40) of the vehicle lamp 10 have 21 light-emitting parts provided in the shape and position described above. However, as long as it has a first linear light-emitting part 71 and a second linear light-emitting part 72 that intersect at the center point C and are inclined with respect to the vertical direction, and an arc-shaped light-emitting part 73 that extends in the circumferential direction with the center point C as the center point, the number, position and shape of the light-emitting parts can be set as appropriate, and it is not limited to the configuration of Embodiment 1. A modified example of this, the vehicle lamp 10A, is shown in Figure 23. Compared to the vehicle lamp 10, the vehicle lamp 10A does not have four additional light-emitting parts (61 to 64), and the other configurations are the same as those of the vehicle lamp 10. For this reason, the vehicle lamp 10A has a first linear light-emitting part 71A composed of an upper right shared light-emitting part 55, an upper right linear light-emitting part 46, a central light-emitting part 45, a lower left linear light-emitting part 48, and a lower left shared light-emitting part 57. Furthermore, the vehicle lamp 10A comprises a second linear light-emitting section 72A, consisting of a left upper shared light-emitting section 58, a left upper linear light-emitting section 49, a central light-emitting section 45, a right lower linear light-emitting section 47, and a right lower shared light-emitting section 56. Similar to the vehicle lamp 10, the vehicle lamp 10A comprises an arc-shaped light-emitting section 73, consisting of four arc-shaped light-emitting sections (41 to 44) and four shared light-emitting sections (55 to 58). This vehicle lamp 10A can be composed of 17 light-emitting sections and can form a pattern substantially identical to that of the vehicle lamp 10. Therefore, the vehicle lamp 10A can further reduce the complexity of its structure and the number of parts, while also allowing for easier control of the on / off switching in accordance with the pattern.

[0087] Next, Figure 24 shows a modified example, vehicle lamp 10B. Compared to vehicle lamp 10, vehicle lamp 10B does not have a central light-emitting section 45, and the shape of the four linear light-emitting sections (46B to 49B) has been changed, while the other configurations are the same as vehicle lamp 10. The ends of the four linear light-emitting sections (46B to 49B) on the side of the center point C have vertices that are perpendicular to each other along the vertical and width directions. Therefore, vehicle lamp 10B has a first linear light-emitting section 71B composed of an upper right additional light-emitting section 61, an upper right shared light-emitting section 55, an upper right linear light-emitting section 46B, a lower left linear light-emitting section 48B, a lower left shared light-emitting section 57, and a lower left additional light-emitting section 63. Furthermore, the vehicle lamp 10B comprises a second linear light-emitting section 72B, consisting of an upper left additional light-emitting section 64, an upper left shared light-emitting section 58, an upper left linear light-emitting section 49B, a lower right linear light-emitting section 47B, a lower right shared light-emitting section 56, and a lower right additional light-emitting section 62. Similar to the vehicle lamp 10, the vehicle lamp 10B comprises an arc-shaped light-emitting section 73, consisting of four arc-shaped light-emitting sections (41 to 44) and four shared light-emitting sections (55 to 58). As a result, even without a central light-emitting section 45, the vehicle lamp 10B can form a pattern nearly identical to that of the vehicle lamp 10, using only 20 light-emitting sections. Therefore, the vehicle lamp 10B can further reduce the complexity of its structure and the number of parts, while also facilitating on / off control to match the pattern.

[0088] Next, Figure 25 shows the vehicle light fixture 10C as a third modification. Compared to the vehicle light fixture 10B, the vehicle light fixture 10C does not have four shared light-emitting parts (55 to 58) and four additional light-emitting parts (61 to 64), and the shape of the four arc light-emitting parts (41C to 44C) has been changed, while the other configurations are the same as those of the vehicle light fixture 10B. The length of the four arc light-emitting parts (41C to 44C) in the circumferential direction centered on the center point C is greater than that of each arc light-emitting part (41 to 44) of the vehicle light fixture 10B, and their ends are close together (facing each other in the circumferential direction). Therefore, the vehicle lamp 10C has a first linear light-emitting section 71C formed by the upper right linear light-emitting section 46B and the lower left linear light-emitting section 48B, a second linear light-emitting section 72C formed by the upper left linear light-emitting section 49B and the lower right linear light-emitting section 47B, and an arc-shaped light-emitting section 73C formed by the four arc-shaped light-emitting sections (41C to 44C). As a result, the vehicle lamp 10C can form a pattern that is substantially the same as that of the vehicle lamp 10 even if it is composed of 12 light-emitting sections without the central light-emitting section 45, the four shared light-emitting sections (55 to 58), and the four additional light-emitting sections (61 to 64). Therefore, the vehicle lamp 10C can further suppress structural complexity and reduce the number of parts, and control the on / off state according to the pattern can be easily performed.

[0089] In Example 1 (including the above-described modifications), a vehicle light fixture 10 is provided in a vehicle 1 driven by a driver. However, the vehicle light fixture may also be provided in a vehicle with an autonomous driving function, and is not limited to the configuration of Example 1.

[0090] Furthermore, in Embodiment 1 (including the above-described modifications), the vehicle light fixture 10 is installed at the front of the vehicle 1. However, the vehicle light fixture 10 may be installed on the side, rear, or other parts of the vehicle 1, as long as it displays various patterns formed on the periphery of the vehicle 1, and is not limited to the configuration of Embodiment 1.

[0091] Furthermore, in Example 1 (including the above-mentioned modifications), the lights can be illuminated with white light as the first light-emitting color and amber light as the second light-emitting color. However, the first and second light-emitting colors can be set as appropriate and are not limited to the configuration of Example 1. For example, if the vehicle light fixture 10 is installed at the rear of the vehicle 1, by setting red light as the second light-emitting color, it can be made to resemble a brake light (reverse lamp) signal, thereby assisting the indication of the brake light.

[0092] In Example 1 (including the above-described variations), the right-side arc-shaped light-emitting section 42, the left-side arc-shaped light-emitting section 44, the right-side partitioned light-emitting section 52, and the left-side partitioned light-emitting section 54 are capable of being illuminated in a first light-emitting color and a second light-emitting color. However, any of the light-emitting sections in the first linear light-emitting section 71, the second linear light-emitting section 72, and the arc-shaped light-emitting section 73 may be capable of being illuminated in a first light-emitting color and a second light-emitting color, and the configuration is not limited to Example 1.

[0093] In Example 1 (including the above-mentioned modifications), the first linear light-emitting section 71 (first boundary line Lb1) and the second linear light-emitting section 72 (second boundary line Lb2) are each inclined at 45 degrees with respect to the vertical direction (the plane including the vertical direction). Therefore, the upper light-emitting region Au, the right light-emitting region Ar, the lower light-emitting region Ad, and the left light-emitting region Al are of equal size. However, the first linear light-emitting section 71 (first boundary line Lb1) and the second linear light-emitting section 72 (second boundary line Lb2) may each be inclined at an angle smaller than 45 degrees with respect to the vertical direction (the plane including the vertical direction), and the configuration is not limited to Example 1. That is, the right light-emitting region Ar and the left light-emitting region Al may be larger than the upper light-emitting region Au and the lower light-emitting region Ad, and the configuration is not limited to Example 1. With this configuration, the areas of the right-side arc-emitting section 42, the left-side arc-emitting section 44, the right-side partitioned section 52, and the left-side partitioned section 54 can be increased, thus emphasizing the left and right indications in the width direction, i.e., the display area 40. Here, the lower limit values ​​of the first linear light-emitting section 71 (first boundary line Lb1) and the second linear light-emitting section 72 (second boundary line Lb2) with respect to the vertical direction (plane including the vertical direction) can be set as appropriate, provided that the visibility of the upper light-emitting area Au and the lower light-emitting area Ad is ensured, that is, the area of ​​the upper arc-emitting section 41, the lower arc-emitting section 43, and the upper partitioned section 51 is ensured to be sufficient for the area of ​​the lower partitioned section 53. Here, the above lower limit values ​​can be, for example, 20 degrees, and preferably 30 degrees.

[0094] In Example 1 (including the above-described modifications), the vehicle light fixture 10 has a single light fixture unit 12, and two vehicle light fixtures 10 are installed in pairs at the front of the vehicle 1, spaced apart in the width direction. However, the vehicle light fixture 10 may also have a pair of light fixture units 12. In this case, for example, the mounting base 11 can be made long in the width direction, with the light fixture units 12 installed near both ends of the base in the width direction, and the outer lens 13 can also be made long in the width direction to cover both light fixture units 12. With such a configuration, by simply installing a single vehicle light fixture 10 at the front of the vehicle 1, both light fixture units 12 can be made to look like human eyes. In this configuration, other items can be installed between the two light fixture units 12 on the mounting base 11, so the space between them can be utilized. Note that whether the vehicle light fixture 10 has a single light fixture unit 12 or a pair of light fixture units 12, the structure and installation method can be set as appropriate and are not limited to the above-described configuration. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0095] 10, 10A, 10B, 10C Vehicle lighting fixtures 12 Lighting fixture unit 14 Control unit 15 Camera (Constituting an object detection unit as an example) 16 Environment detection unit 40 Display area 41 Upper arc light-emitting unit 42 Right arc light-emitting unit 43 Lower arc light-emitting unit 44 Left arc light-emitting unit 45 Center light-emitting unit 46 Upper right straight line light-emitting unit 47 Lower right straight line light-emitting unit 48 Lower left straight line light-emitting unit 49 Upper left straight line light-emitting unit 51 Upper section light-emitting unit (as a section light-emitting unit) 52 Right section light-emitting unit (as a section light-emitting unit) 53 Lower section light-emitting unit (as a section light-emitting unit) 54 Left section light-emitting unit (as a section light-emitting unit) 55 Upper right shared light-emitting unit 56 Lower right shared light-emitting section 57 Lower left shared light-emitting section 58 Upper left shared light-emitting section 61 Upper right additional light-emitting section (as an additional light-emitting section) 62 Lower right additional light-emitting section (as an additional light-emitting section) 63 Lower left additional light-emitting section (as an additional light-emitting section) 64 Upper left additional light-emitting section (as an additional light-emitting section) 71 First linear light-emitting section 72 Second linear light-emitting section 73 Arc-shaped light-emitting section C Center point

Claims

1. A lighting unit having a display area, The system includes a control unit that controls the lighting of the aforementioned lighting unit, In the aforementioned display area, a first boundary line and a second boundary line are set that intersect at the center point and are inclined with respect to the vertical direction. The luminaire unit has a first linear light-emitting section extending along the first boundary line and a second linear light-emitting section extending along the second boundary line, and an arc-shaped light-emitting section extending in the circumferential direction centered on the center point. The luminaire unit has at least one partitioned light-emitting section surrounded by at least a portion of the first linear light-emitting section, at least a portion of the second linear light-emitting section, and at least a portion of the arc-shaped light-emitting section. The aforementioned lighting unit comprises an inner panel provided with a plurality of notches for transmitting light, and a plurality of light sources provided to match the plurality of notches, wherein the first linear light-emitting section, the second linear light-emitting section, the arc-shaped light-emitting section, and the partitioned light-emitting section are partitioned by corresponding notches, and is a vehicle lighting device.

2. The vehicle lamp according to claim 1, characterized in that the arc-shaped light-emitting portion comprises an upper arc-shaped light-emitting portion located above the center point, a right arc-shaped light-emitting portion located to the right of the center point, a lower arc-shaped light-emitting portion located below the center point, and a left arc-shaped light-emitting portion located to the left of the center point.

3. The vehicle lamp according to claim 2, characterized in that the first linear light-emitting section and the second linear light-emitting section each have an additional light-emitting section arranged outside the circumference on which the arc-shaped light-emitting section is provided.

4. The first linear light-emitting section includes at least an upper-right linear light-emitting section extending upward from the vicinity of the center point, and a lower-left linear light-emitting section extending downward from the vicinity of the center point, The vehicle lamp according to claim 2, characterized in that the second linear light-emitting section comprises at least an upper-left linear light-emitting section extending upward to the left from the vicinity of the center point, and a lower-right linear light-emitting section extending downward to the right from the vicinity of the center point.

5. The first linear light-emitting section has an upper right shared light-emitting section located between the upper arc light-emitting section and the right arc light-emitting section, and a lower left shared light-emitting section located between the lower arc light-emitting section and the left arc light-emitting section. The vehicle lamp according to claim 4, characterized in that the second linear light-emitting section has a right lower shared light-emitting section located between the right arc light-emitting section and the lower arc light-emitting section, and a left upper shared light-emitting section located between the left arc light-emitting section and the upper arc light-emitting section.

6. The vehicle lamp according to claim 1, characterized in that the first linear light-emitting section and the second linear light-emitting section share a central light-emitting section located at the central point.

7. The vehicle lamp according to claim 1, characterized in that the first linear light-emitting section and the second linear light-emitting section are inclined at an angle of 45 degrees or less with respect to the vertical direction.

8. The vehicle light fixture according to claim 1, characterized in that at least a portion of the first linear light-emitting section, the second linear light-emitting section, and the arc-shaped light-emitting section is capable of illuminating with a first light-emitting color and illuminating with a second light-emitting color different from the first light-emitting color.

9. The vehicle lighting device according to claim 1, characterized in that the control unit controls the lighting of the lighting unit according to the detection result of the object detected by the object detection unit that detects objects around the vehicle.

10. The vehicle lighting device according to claim 1, characterized in that the control unit controls the lighting of the lighting unit according to the detection result of the environment detected by the environment detection unit that detects the environment around the vehicle.

11. The vehicle lighting device according to claim 1, characterized in that the lighting units are provided in pairs in the width direction.

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