Vehicle lighting

Abstract

To provide a vehicular lighting fixture which has excellent designability in a light emitting state, while suppressing the number of components.SOLUTION: A vehicular lighting fixture includes: a light source; a light guide body extending in a left-to-right direction in a vehicle loaded state, and for guiding light from the light source and emitting the light from a side surface; an inner lens arranged along a side surface of the light guide body, and for guiding the light emitted from the light guide body and emitting the light to a front surface side; an inner housing for covering at least a back surface side of the inner lens; and an outer lens arranged on the front surface side of the inner lens. At least at two members out of the inner lens, the inner housing and the outer lens, deflection parts are provided for forming a light emitting pattern. The deflection parts of at least two members are arranged in such a manner that the light emitting patterns are overlapped in a front view respectively.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to vehicle lamps.

Background Art

[0002] There is known a vehicle lamp configured to allow light from a light source to enter a plate-shaped inner lens and exit from the inner lens toward the front of the vehicle (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the vehicle lamp as described above, when attempting to display a pattern when viewed from the front in the light-emitting state, it is necessary to additionally provide components for forming the pattern. For this reason, the number of components increases.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a vehicle lamp that is excellent in design in the light-emitting state while suppressing the number of components.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The vehicle lighting device according to this disclosure comprises a light source, a light guide extending in the left-right direction when mounted on a vehicle and guiding light from the light source and emitting it from the side, an inner lens arranged along the side of the light guide and guiding the light emitted from the light guide and emitting it to the front, an inner housing covering at least the rear side of the inner lens, and an outer lens arranged on the front side of the inner lens, wherein at least two of the inner lens, the inner housing, and the outer lens are provided with deflection portions for forming a light emission pattern, and the deflection portions of the at least two members are arranged such that their respective light emission patterns overlap when viewed from the front. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to this disclosure, the objective is to provide vehicle lighting fixtures that have excellent design in their illuminated state while keeping the number of parts to a minimum. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows an example of the rear of a vehicle according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view showing an example of a vehicle lighting fixture according to this embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing an example of a vehicle lighting system in an assembled state. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a vehicle lighting device according to this embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a vehicle lighting device according to this embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows an example of an inner lens according to the present invention. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is an enlarged view of a portion of Figure 6. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a magnified view of a portion of Figure 6. [Figure 9] Figure 9 shows the outer lens as viewed from the inside. [Figure 10] Figure 10 shows another example of a vehicle lighting fixture. [Figure 11] Figure 11 shows an example of a vertical cross-section of a vehicle light fixture at its center in the left-right direction. [Figure 12] Figure 12 shows an example of a vertical cross-section of a vehicle light fixture at its center in the left-right direction. [Figure 13] Figure 13 shows an example of a vertical cross-section of a vehicle light fixture at its center in the left-right direction. [Figure 14] Figure 14 shows an example of the inner lens viewed from the front when it is illuminated. [Figure 15] Figure 15 shows an example of the inner housing as viewed from the front when it is illuminated. [Figure 16] Figure 16 shows an example of the outer lens viewed from the front when it is illuminated. [Figure 17] Figure 17 shows an example of moiré pattern formation caused by two striped patterns. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The embodiments of the vehicle lighting equipment described herein will be explained below with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited by these embodiments. Furthermore, the components in the embodiments described below include those that are easily substituted or substantially identical to those that are easily substituted by those skilled in the art.

[0010] In this embodiment, the front and rear directions are defined as the directions when the device is mounted on a vehicle (vehicle-mounted state). For example, when mounted on the front of a vehicle, the front is forward and the rear is backward. When mounted on the rear of a vehicle, the rear is forward and the front is backward. When mounted on the side of a vehicle, the outside of the vehicle is forward and the inside of the vehicle is backward.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the rear part of the vehicle 1 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the vehicle 1 includes a vehicle body 2, a traveling device 3, and vehicle lamps 100. The vehicle body 2 has a driver's cab in which a driver rides. The vehicle body 2 is supported by the traveling device 3. The traveling device 3 has wheels to which tires 4 are attached, a steering device for changing the traveling direction of the vehicle 1, and a braking device for decelerating or stopping the traveling device 3. The vehicle 1 includes an entry / exit door provided on a side portion of the vehicle body 2 and a back door 7 provided on the rear portion of the vehicle body 2. The entry / exit door and the back door 7 are each movably supported by the vehicle body 2 via a hinge mechanism.

[0012] In the present embodiment, the vehicle lamps 100 are provided on each of the left and right sides of the rear portion of the vehicle body 2. In the present embodiment, since the vehicle lamps 100 are provided on the rear portion of the vehicle body 2, the rear side in the front-rear direction is described as the front side of the vehicle lamps 100, and the front side in the front-rear direction is described as the back side of the vehicle lamps 100.

[0013] The vehicle lamps 100 include functional lamps. Examples of the functional lamps include a tail lamp provided on the rear portion of the vehicle body 2 and lit in conjunction with the lighting of the head lamp, a stop lamp provided on the rear portion of the vehicle body 2 and lit in conjunction with the operation of the braking device, and a rear turn signal lamp provided on the rear portion of the vehicle body 2 and lit to indicate the traveling direction of the vehicle 1 to the surroundings.

[0014] The vehicle lamps 100 are arranged on the vehicle body 2 side, for example. In the present embodiment, the vehicle body 2 is a fixed part. Also, the back door 7 is a movable part. The structure of the vehicle lamps 100 provided on the left side of the rear portion of the vehicle body 2 and the structure of the vehicle lamps 100 provided on the right side of the rear portion of the vehicle body ② are symmetric in the left-right direction and have substantially the same structure. Hereinafter, the vehicle lamps 100 provided on the right side of the rear portion of the vehicle body 2 will be mainly described, and the description of the vehicle lamps 100 provided on the left side of the rear portion of the vehicle body 2 will be simplified or omitted.

[0015] Figures 2 to 5 schematically show an example of a vehicle lighting fixture 100 according to this embodiment. Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view showing an example of a vehicle lighting fixture 100. Figure 3 is a perspective view showing an example of a vehicle lighting fixture 100 in an assembled state. The upper part of Figure 3 shows the outer lens 15 removed, and the lower part shows the outer lens 15 attached. Figures 4 and 5 show the inside of the vehicle lighting fixture 100 viewed from the right.

[0016] The vehicle lighting fixture 100 comprises a light source 10, a light guide 20, an inner lens 30, an outer lens 40, and a housing 50.

[0017] The light source 10 can be, for example, a semiconductor light source such as an LED, or a laser light source. The light source 10 has a light-emitting surface 11 that emits light.

[0018] The light guide 20 is rod-shaped. The light guide 20 extends in a curved direction towards the rear, for example, from the inside of the vehicle to the outside of the vehicle, so as to conform to the slant shape of the vehicle lamp 100. In this embodiment, the light guide 20 is positioned on the front side relative to the light source 10.

[0019] The light guide 20 has an end face 21 and a side surface 22. The end face 21 faces the light-emitting surface 11 of the light source 10. The end face 21 is positioned facing the light-emitting surface 11 of the light source 10. The end face 21 causes light from the light source 10 to enter the interior of the light guide 20. In the light guide 20, the end face 21 is positioned, for example, at the end on the outside and rear side of the vehicle. This shape allows light from the light source 10 to be properly guided inside the vehicle lighting fixture 100 which has a slant shape.

[0020] Side surface 22 emits light that has entered the interior. A prism portion 22a (see Figure 4, etc.) is formed on the lower end side of side surface 22 when mounted on a vehicle. The prism portion 22a reflects light that has entered from the end surface 21 and been internally reflected by side surface 22 in a predetermined direction, i.e., upward when mounted on a vehicle. The light reflected by the prism portion 22a is emitted upward from side surface 22 of the light guide 20.

[0021] The inner lens 30 guides the light emitted from the light guide 20 and emits it at least in the forward direction when mounted on the vehicle. The inner lens 30 has a rod-shaped portion 31, a plate-shaped portion 32, and a rib portion 33. The inner lens 30 is provided, for example, with the rod-shaped portion 31, plate-shaped portion 32, and rib portion 33 as a single component.

[0022] The rod-shaped portion 31 is rod-shaped. The rod-shaped portion 31 extends linearly, for example, along the vertical direction. The rod-shaped portion 31 has an end face 31a and a side surface 31b. The end face 31a faces the side surface 22 of the light guide 20. The rod-shaped portion 31 is positioned such that the end face 31a faces the side surface 22 of the light guide 20 with a gap D in a predetermined direction (upward). The end face 31a allows light emitted from the side surface 22 of the light guide 20 to enter its interior.

[0023] The side surface 31b emits light that has entered the interior. A prism portion 31c is formed on the rear side of the side surface 31b when it is mounted on a vehicle. The prism portion 31c reflects light that has entered from the end surface 31a and been internally reflected by the side surface 31b to the front side when it is mounted on a vehicle. The light reflected by the prism portion 31c is emitted from the side surface 31b of the rod-shaped portion 31 in the forward direction. In this embodiment, the light reflected by the prism portion 31c is emitted, for example, from the side surface 31b to the rear of the vehicle.

[0024] The plate-shaped portion 32 is formed integrally with the rod-shaped portion 31. The plate-shaped portion 32 connects adjacent rod-shaped portions 31. The plate-shaped portion 32 is, for example, flat and is arranged along the vertical direction to correspond to the rod-shaped portion 31. The plate-shaped portion 32 has an incident surface 32a, a reflective surface 32b, and an exit surface 32c.

[0025] The incident surface 32a faces the side surface 22 of the light guide 20. The incident surface 32a is positioned facing the end surface 21 of the light guide 20. The incident surface 32a causes the light emitted from the end surface 21 to enter the interior of the rod-shaped portion 31.

[0026] The reflective surface 32b has a prism portion 32d formed on its rear side when mounted on a vehicle. The prism portion 32d reflects light that enters from the incident surface 32a and is internally reflected from each surface of the plate-like portion 32 toward the exit surface 32c.

[0027] The emission surface 32c emits the light reflected by the prism section 32d. In this embodiment, as will be described later, the emission surface 32c emits the light reflected by the prism section 32d in the direction normal to the emission surface 32c, that is, diagonally rearward or to the side of the vehicle.

[0028] The rib portion 33 protrudes forward from at least one end 30e in the left-right direction of the inner lens 30. The end 30e is the end on the inside of the vehicle. The rib portion 33 is, for example, plate-shaped and has a first surface 33a and a second surface 33b. The first surface 33a is the surface located on the inside of the vehicle. The second surface 33b is the surface located on the outside of the vehicle. The rib portion 33 emits light from the second surface 33b. The rib portion 33 has a prism portion 33c on the first surface 33a. The prism portion 33c internally reflects the light traveling through the inside of the rib portion 33. Due to the prism portion 33c, the light traveling through the inside of the rib portion 33 is internally reflected and emitted from the second surface 33b.

[0029] The outer lens 40 directs the light emitted from the inner lens 30 to the outside of the vehicle light fixture 100. The outer lens 40 is plate-shaped. The outer lens 40 has a shape that curves toward the rear from the inside to the outside of the vehicle. The outer lens 40, together with the housing 50, houses the various parts of the vehicle light fixture 100. The outer lens 40 is formed using, for example, a transparent resin material or a resin material of the same color as the illuminated color.

[0030] The outer lens 40 has a front portion 41 and a leg portion 42. The front portion 41 is positioned on the front side of the inner lens 30. The front portion 41 may have a light-diffusing portion (not shown) on its inner surface. The leg portion 42 is positioned on the side (left side) of the back door 7 of the light guide 20. The leg portion 42 is a portion that extends diagonally from the gap-side end of the front portion 41 toward the rear side.

[0031] The leg portion 42 has a prism portion 42a. The prism portion 42a is formed on the inner surface of the leg portion 42. The prism portion 42a reflects light that enters the outer lens 40 from the back door 7 side back towards the back door 7 side.

[0032] The housing 50 holds the light source 10, the light guide 20, the inner lens 30, and the outer lens 40. The housing 50 has an inner housing 51 that holds the inner lens 30 and a lens housing 52 that holds the outer lens 40. The inner housing 51 is positioned to cover the entire back surface of the inner lens 30.

[0033] Figure 6 shows an example of the inner lens 30 according to this embodiment. Figures 7 and 8 are enlarged views of a part of Figure 6 (rib portion 33). Figure 7 is a perspective view, and Figure 8 is a plan view. As shown in Figures 6 to 8, the inner lens 30 has a band-shaped prism portion 30a formed on the front side of each of the rod-shaped portion 31 and plate-shaped portion 32, extending in the vertical direction. The prism portion 30a is provided over the entire length of the inner lens 30 in the direction in which it extends.

[0034] Furthermore, the rib portion 33 has prism portions 33c and 33d. The prism portion 33c is provided on the first surface 33a on the inside of the vehicle. The prism portion 33c has a strip-like shape that runs vertically. The prism portion 33c diffuses the light traveling inside the rib portion 33 and reflects it internally. The prism portion 33d is provided on the second surface 33b on the outside of the vehicle. The prism portion 33d has a strip-like shape that runs vertically. The prism portion 33d emits the light diffused by the prism portion 33c toward the outside of the vehicle. The pitch of the prism portion 33c is larger than that of the prism portion 33d. In other words, the prism portion 33d is more finely formed than the prism portion 33c.

[0035] Figure 9 shows the outer lens 40 as viewed from the inside. As shown in Figure 9, the outer lens 40 has a prism portion 42a formed on the inner side (outside the vehicle) of the leg portion 42. The prism portion 42a is a strip-shaped element that runs vertically. This prism portion 42a internally reflects light that enters the outer lens 40 from the back door 7 side towards the back door 7 side.

[0036] Next, an example of when the vehicle lighting device 100 configured as described above is illuminated will be explained. Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of the vehicle lighting device 100. In Figure 10, some components are simplified or omitted. When the driver performs a predetermined operation to illuminate the turn lamp, such as operating the turn signal or the hazard switch, the vehicle lighting device 100 acquires an operation signal from the operating device. A control circuit provided on the substrate of the light source 10 controls the emission of light from the light source 10 according to the acquired signal.

[0037] Light is emitted from the light-emitting surface 11 of the light source 10. This light enters the light guide body 20 from the end face 21, is internally reflected by the prism portion 22a, and is emitted from the emission portion 22b on the side surface 22.

[0038] Of the light emitted from the emission section 22b, the light L1 that enters the interior from the end face 31a of the rod-shaped section 31 is internally reflected by the prism section 31c, as shown in Figure 10, and emitted from the side surface 31b. The light L1 emitted from the side surface 31b passes through the outer lens 40, as shown in Figure 10, for example, and is emitted over a predetermined range from the front side of the vehicle lamp 100 to the outside of the vehicle. In this case, for example, by pre-setting the reflection direction of the prism section 31c for each rod-shaped section 31, it is possible to set the emission direction of light L1 for each rod-shaped section 31. This makes it possible to emit light L1 over a wide range from the front side of the vehicle lamp 100 to the outside of the vehicle.

[0039] Furthermore, of the light emitted from the emission section 22b, the light L2 that enters the interior of the plate-shaped section 32 from the incident surface 32a is internally reflected by the prism section 32d of the reflective surface 32b, as shown in Figure 10, and is emitted from the emission surface 32c in the direction normal to the emission surface 32c. The emission surface 32c is generally inclined outward relative to the front direction of the vehicle lamp 100. Therefore, in the plate-shaped section 32, light L2 is emitted from the emission surface 32c in an oblique or lateral direction relative to the front direction. The light L2 emitted from the emission surface 32c passes through the outer lens 40 and is emitted diagonally rearward or to the side of the vehicle.

[0040] Furthermore, of the light emitted from the emission section 22b, the light L1 (hereinafter referred to as light L3) that enters the rod-shaped section 31 located at the innermost end 30e of the vehicle is internally reflected by the prism section 31c and enters the rib section 33. The light L3 that enters the rib section 33 is internally reflected outwards by the prism section 33c and diffused. The diffused light L3 is emitted from the prism section 33d of the second surface 33b in a direction inclined outwards relative to the front of the vehicle (diagonally to the right relative to the front). Therefore, an observer viewing the vehicle light fixture 100 from the right rear will see the light emitted from the prism section 33d. Consequently, to that observer, the vehicle light fixture 100 will appear to be lit up to the left end in the left-right direction.

[0041] Figures 11 to 13 show an example of a vertical cross-section at the center of the vehicle lighting fixture 100 in the left-right direction. As shown in Figures 11 to 13, in the vehicle lighting fixture 100 according to this embodiment, two of the components of the inner lens 30, inner housing 51, and outer lens 40 are provided with stripe-forming portions 60 as deflection portions for forming a light emission pattern.

[0042] The vehicle light fixture 100A shown in Figure 11 has stripe-forming sections 60 on the inner lens 30 and inner housing 51. The stripe-forming section 60 of the inner lens 30 is the prism section (inner prism section) 31c described above. The prism section 31c forms a light emission pattern P1 (see Figure 14) along the horizontal direction when viewed from the front.

[0043] The stripe-forming portion 60 of the inner housing 51 has a light-reflecting portion 51c. The light-reflecting portion 51c forms a light emission pattern P2 (see Figure 15) along the horizontal direction or a direction inclined with respect to the horizontal direction when viewed from the front. The light-reflecting portion 51c is provided on the opposing surface 51a of the inner housing 51 that faces the back surface of the inner lens 30. The light-reflecting portion 51c is formed of a metal film such as aluminum. The light-reflecting portion 51c is formed in a stripe shape along the horizontal direction or a direction inclined with respect to the horizontal direction. Multiple light-reflecting portions 51c are arranged vertically, spaced apart from each other, to form a stripe pattern.

[0044] The vehicle light fixture 100B shown in Figure 12 has stripe-forming sections 60 on the inner lens 30 and the outer lens 40. The stripe-forming section 60 of the inner lens 30 is the prism section 31c described above. The prism section 31c forms a light emission pattern P1 (see Figure 14) along the horizontal direction when viewed from the front.

[0045] The stripe-forming portion 60 of the outer lens 40 has a prism portion (outer prism portion) 41c. The prism portion 41c forms a light emission pattern P3 (see Figure 16) along the horizontal direction or a direction inclined with respect to the horizontal direction when viewed from the front. The prism portion 41c is provided on the incident surface 41a of the front portion 41 of the outer lens 40. The prism portion 41c is formed in a concave or convex shape with respect to the incident surface 41a. The prism portion 41c is formed in a strip shape along the horizontal direction or a direction inclined with respect to the horizontal direction. Multiple prism portions 41c are arranged vertically, spaced apart from each other, to form a stripe pattern.

[0046] The vehicle light fixture 100C shown in Figure 13 has stripe-forming portions 60 on the inner housing 51 and outer lens 40. In this case, the prism portion 31c of the inner lens 30 does not need to be provided.

[0047] The striped portion 60 of the inner housing 51 has a light-reflecting portion 51c. The light-reflecting portion 51c forms an emission pattern P2 (see Figure 15) along a linear direction when viewed from the front. This linear direction is not limited to the horizontal direction when viewed from the front. For example, it may be in the vertical direction when viewed from the front. The light-reflecting portion 51c is provided on the opposing surface 51a of the inner housing 51. The light-reflecting portion 51c is formed of a metal film such as aluminum. The light-reflecting portion 51c is formed in a strip shape along the linear direction corresponding to the emission pattern P2. Multiple light-reflecting portions 51c are arranged in a striped pattern, perpendicular to the extension direction, with gaps between them.

[0048] The stripe-forming portion 60 of the outer lens 40 has a prism portion 41c. The prism portion 41c forms a light emission pattern P3 (see Figure 16) along a direction inclined with respect to the linear direction when viewed from the front. The prism portion 41c is provided on the incident surface 41a of the front portion 41 of the outer lens 40. The prism portion 41c is formed in a concave or convex shape with respect to the incident surface 41a. The prism portion 41c is formed in a strip shape along a direction inclined with respect to the linear direction. Multiple prism portions 41c are arranged in a manner perpendicular to the extension direction, spaced apart from each other, to form a stripe pattern.

[0049] Figure 14 shows an example of the inner lens 30 as viewed from the front in the light-emitting state. As shown in Figures 14(A) to 14(C), in the light-emitting state, the inner lens 30 (30A to 30C) has striped light-emitting patterns P1 (P1A to P1C) formed horizontally by the prism portion 31c (striped portion 60).

[0050] The inner lens 30A shown in Figure 14(A) has a configuration in which the prism sections 31c are arranged in a matrix in the vertical and horizontal directions. The inner lens 30B shown in Figure 14(B) has a configuration in which the prism sections 31c are not provided in a part of the region (the central right part) in the vertical and horizontal directions. The inner lens 30C shown in Figure 14(C) has a configuration in which the prism sections 31c are not provided in a part of the region (the central part) in the vertical direction that is aligned with the horizontal direction. In this way, by forming a region in which the prism sections 31c are not provided, the light emission pattern P1 by the inner lens 30 can be changed.

[0051] Figure 15 shows an example of the inner housing 51 as viewed from the front in the light-emitting state. In the inner housing 51A shown in Figure 15(A), the light-reflecting portion 51c, which is the stripe-forming portion 60, is formed along the horizontal direction. In this configuration, when the inner housing 51A in the light-emitting state is viewed from the front, the light-reflecting portion 51c (stripe-forming portion 60) forms a striped light-emitting pattern P2 (P2A) along the horizontal direction.

[0052] In the inner housing 51B shown in Figure 15(B), the light-reflecting portion 51c, which is the stripe-forming portion 60, is formed along a direction inclined with respect to the horizontal. In this configuration, when the inner housing 51B in the light-emitting state is viewed from the front, the light-reflecting portion 51c (stripe-forming portion 60) forms a striped light-emitting pattern P2 (P2B) along the horizontal direction.

[0053] Figure 16 shows an example of the outer lens 40 as viewed from the front in the light-emitting state. In the outer lens 40A shown in Figure 16(A), the prism portion 41c, which is the stripe-forming portion 60, is formed along the horizontal direction. In this configuration, when the outer lens 40A is viewed from the front in the light-emitting state, the prism portion 41c (stripe-forming portion 60) forms a striped light-emitting pattern P3 (P3A) along the horizontal direction.

[0054] In the outer lens 40B shown in Figure 16(B), the prism portion 41c, which is the stripe-forming portion 60, is formed along a direction inclined with respect to the horizontal. In this configuration, when the outer lens 40B is viewed from the front in its light-emitting state, the prism portion 41c (stripe-forming portion 60) forms a striped light-emitting pattern P3 (P3B) along the horizontal direction.

[0055] In this embodiment, in a configuration where striped portions 60 are formed on two of the components of the inner lens 30, inner housing 51, and outer lens 40, when the illuminated vehicle light 100 is viewed from the front, two of the light emission patterns P1, P2, and P3 corresponding to the striped portions 60 are visible in an overlapping state.

[0056] As described above, the vehicle light fixture 100A shown in Figure 11 has stripe-forming sections 60 on the inner lens 30 and the inner housing 51. In this case, the stripe-forming section 60 (prism section 31c) of the inner lens 30 and the stripe-forming section 60 (light-reflecting section 51c) of the inner housing 51 are arranged so that their respective light emission patterns P1 and P2 form a moiré pattern when viewed from the front.

[0057] Furthermore, the vehicle light fixture 100B shown in Figure 12 has stripe-forming sections 60 on the inner lens 30 and the outer lens 40. In this case, the stripe-forming section 60 (prism section 31c) of the inner lens 30 and the stripe-forming section 60 (prism section 41c) of the outer lens 40 are arranged so that their respective light emission patterns P1 and P3 form a moiré pattern when viewed from the front.

[0058] Furthermore, the vehicle light fixture 100C shown in Figure 13 has stripe-forming sections 60 on the inner housing 51 and the outer lens 40. In this case, the stripe-forming section 60 (light-reflecting section 51c) of the inner housing 51 and the stripe-forming section 60 (prism section 41c) of the outer lens 40 are arranged so that their respective light emission patterns P2 and P3 form a moiré pattern when viewed from the front.

[0059] Figure 17 shows an example of moiré formation by two striped patterns. As shown in Figures 17(A) and (B), by superimposing two striped patterns S1 and S2 that have the same stripe extension direction but different pitches, interference fringes S3, known as parallel moiré, are formed as shown in Figure 17(C).

[0060] Therefore, in this embodiment, the stripe-forming portions 60 of two of the components among the inner lens 30, inner housing 51, and outer lens 40 can be provided to form two light-emitting patterns in which the direction of extension of the stripes is the same, and the spacing (pitch) in the direction perpendicular to the direction of extension is different. With this configuration, when the vehicle light fixture 100 is viewed from the front in its illuminated state, a parallel moiré pattern can be seen, formed by the overlapping of two light-emitting patterns P1, P2, and P3 that correspond to the stripe-forming portions 60.

[0061] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 17(D) and (E), by superimposing two striped patterns S4 and S5 whose stripe extension directions are inclined relative to each other, interference fringes S6, known as rotational moiré, are formed as shown in Figure 17(F).

[0062] Therefore, in this embodiment, the stripe-forming portions 60 of two of the components among the inner lens 30, inner housing 51, and outer lens 40 are provided to form two light-emitting patterns in which the direction of extension of the stripes is inclined when viewed from the front. With this configuration, when the vehicle light fixture 100 is viewed from the front in its illuminated state, a rotating moiré pattern can be seen, which is formed by the overlapping of two light-emitting patterns P1, P2, and P3 that correspond to the stripe-forming portions 60.

[0063] As described above, the vehicle lighting device 100 according to this embodiment includes a light source 10, a light guide 20 that extends in the left-right direction when mounted on a vehicle and guides light from the light source 10 and emits it from the side, an inner lens 30 arranged along the side of the light guide 20 and guides light emitted from the light guide 20 and emits it to the front, an inner housing 51 that covers at least the rear side of the inner lens 30, and an outer lens 40 arranged on the front side of the inner lens 30. At least two of the inner lens 30, inner housing 51, and outer lens 40 are provided with stripe-forming portions 60 for forming striped light emission patterns P1, P2, and P3 when viewed from the front, and the stripe-forming portions 60 of at least two of the members are arranged so that their respective light emission patterns P1, P2, and P3 overlap when viewed from the front.

[0064] In this configuration, stripe-forming sections 60 are provided on two of the components of the inner lens 30, inner housing 51, and outer lens 40. The stripe-forming sections 60 of each of the two components are arranged so that the light emission patterns P1, P2, and P3 overlap when viewed from the front. As a result, a moiré pattern can be formed by the overlapping light emission patterns when viewed from the front. This improves the design appearance in the illuminated state without requiring the addition of separate components for forming the moiré pattern.

[0065] In the vehicle light fixture 100 according to this embodiment, the two components are an inner lens 30 and an inner housing 51. The deflection portion of the inner lens 30 has a striped portion 60 for forming a striped light emission pattern P1, and the striped portion 60 of the inner lens 30 has a striped prism portion 31c that forms the light emission pattern P1 along the horizontal direction when viewed from the front. The deflection portion of the inner housing 51 has a striped portion 60 for forming a striped light emission pattern P2, and the striped portion 60 of the inner housing 51 has a striped light reflecting portion 51c that forms the light emission pattern P2 along the horizontal direction or a direction inclined with respect to the horizontal direction when viewed from the front. With this configuration, it is possible to form a moiré pattern while utilizing the light emission pattern P1 along the horizontal direction formed by the inner lens 30.

[0066] In the vehicle light fixture 100 according to this embodiment, the two components are an inner lens 30 and an outer lens 40. The deflection portion of the inner lens 30 has a striped portion 60 for forming a striped light emission pattern P1, and the striped portion 60 of the inner lens 30 has a prism portion 31c that forms the light emission pattern P1 along the horizontal direction when viewed from the front. The deflection portion of the outer lens 40 also has a striped portion 60 for forming a striped light emission pattern P1, and the striped portion 60 of the outer lens 40 has a striped prism portion 41c that forms the light emission pattern P3 along the horizontal direction or a direction inclined with respect to the horizontal direction when viewed from the front. With this configuration, it is possible to form a moiré pattern while utilizing the horizontal light emission pattern P1 formed by the inner lens 30.

[0067] In the vehicle light fixture 100 according to this embodiment, the two components are an inner housing 51 and an outer lens 40. The deflection portion of the inner housing 51 has a striped portion 60 for forming a striped light emission pattern P1, and the striped portion 60 of the inner housing 51 has a striped light-reflecting portion 51c that forms a light emission pattern P2 along a linear direction when viewed from the front. The deflection portion of the outer lens 40 also has a striped portion 60 for forming a striped light emission pattern P1, and the striped portion 60 of the outer lens 40 has a striped prism portion 41c that forms a light emission pattern P3 along a direction inclined with respect to the linear direction when viewed from the front. With this configuration, moiré patterns can be formed without using an inner lens 30.

[0068] The technical scope of this disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above, and modifications can be made as appropriate without departing from the spirit of this disclosure. For example, although the above embodiments were described using a configuration in which the inner lens 30 has a rib portion 33 as an example, the invention is not limited to this configuration. The rib portion 33 may be omitted.

[0069] In the above embodiment, a configuration in which stripe-forming portions 60 are provided on two of the components of the inner lens 30, inner housing 51, and outer lens 40 was described as an example, but the configuration is not limited to this. For example, a configuration in which deflection portions (stripe-forming portions 60) are provided on three of the components of the inner lens 30, inner housing 51, and outer lens 40 may be used.

[0070] Furthermore, although the above embodiment described an example in which a stripe-forming section 60 is provided as the deflection section, the configuration is not limited to this. The deflection section may also be configured to form a light emission pattern with a pattern different from the stripe pattern. [Explanation of symbols]

[0071] D...Gap, L1,L2,L3...Light, P1,P2,P3...Emitting pattern, S1,S2,S4,S5...Striped pattern, S3,S6...Interference fringe, 1...Vehicle, 2...Vehicle body, 3...Running gear, 4...Tire, 7...Back door, 10...Light source, 11...Emitting surface, 15,40,40A,40B...Outer lens, 20...Light guide, 21,31a...End face, 22,31b...Side, 22a,30a,31c,32d,33c,33d,41c,42a...Prism part, 22b...Emitting part 30, 30A, 30B, 30C... Inner lens, 30e... End, 31... Rod-shaped part, 32... Plate-shaped part, 32a, 41a... Incident surface, 32b... Reflecting surface, 32c... Outgoing surface, 33... Rib part, 33a... First surface, 33b... Second surface, 41... Front part, 42... Leg part, 50... Housing, 51, 51A, 51B... Inner housing, 51a... Opposing surface, 51c... Light reflecting part, 52... Lens housing, 60... Stripe forming part, 100, 100A, 100B, 100C... Vehicle lighting fixture

Claims

1. Light source and A light guide extends in the left-right direction when mounted on a vehicle, guides light from the light source, and emits it from the side, An inner lens is positioned along the side surface of the light guide and guides the light emitted from the light guide to the front side, An inner housing that covers at least the rear side of the inner lens, An outer lens positioned on the front side of the inner lens, Equipped with, At least two of the components of the inner lens, the inner housing, and the outer lens are provided with deflection portions for forming a light emission pattern. The deflection portions of the at least two members are arranged such that their respective light emission patterns overlap when viewed from the front. Vehicle lighting fixtures.

2. The two components are the inner lens and the inner housing, The deflection portion of the inner lens has a stripe-forming portion for forming a striped light emission pattern. The stripe-forming portion of the inner lens has a striped inner prism portion that forms the light emission pattern along the horizontal direction when viewed from the front, The deflection portion of the inner housing has a stripe-forming portion for forming a striped light emission pattern, The stripe-forming portion of the inner housing has striped light-reflecting portions that form the light emission pattern along the horizontal direction or a direction inclined with respect to the horizontal direction when viewed from the front. A vehicle light fixture according to claim 1.

3. The two components are the inner lens and the outer lens, The deflection portion of the inner lens has a stripe-forming portion for forming a striped light emission pattern. The stripe-forming portion of the inner lens has an inner prism portion that forms the light emission pattern along the horizontal direction when viewed from the front, The deflection portion of the outer lens has a stripe-forming portion for forming a striped light emission pattern. The stripe-forming portion of the outer lens has a striped outer prism portion that forms a light emission pattern along the horizontal direction or a direction inclined with respect to the horizontal direction when viewed from the front. A vehicle light fixture according to claim 1.

4. The two components are the inner housing and the outer lens, The deflection portion of the inner housing has a stripe-forming portion for forming a striped light emission pattern, The stripe-forming portion of the inner housing has striped light-reflecting portions that form the light-emitting pattern along a straight line when viewed from the front, The deflection portion of the outer lens has a stripe-forming portion for forming a striped light emission pattern. The stripe-forming portion of the outer lens has a striped outer prism portion that forms the light emission pattern along a direction inclined with respect to the linear direction when viewed from the front. A vehicle light fixture according to claim 1.

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