Vehicle lighting fixtures

Abstract

To provide a light body for a vehicle capable of efficiently obtaining emission light outward in a vehicle width direction required according to a law by effectively distributing light emitted from a light source while improving visibility and a design property from outside.SOLUTION: A light body 1 for a vehicle comprises a lens 4, and a light emission body 6 emitting light B toward an outer face 10a of a lens body 10 via the lens 4. An inner face 10b of the lens body 10 has a lens cut area AR, and at least one lens cut part 16 for distributing the light B incident on the lens 4 from the light emission body 6 outward along a direction of an optical axis OP is formed in the lens cut area, and the light body has an additional reflection face 18 formed at one part of the lens cut area. The additional reflection face 18 internally reflects the light B internally reflected on the outer face 10a, among the lights B incident on the lens 4 from the light emission body 6, and orients the light B so that it is emitted outward along a direction crossing with the direction of the optical axis OP.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle lamp body.

Background Art

[0002] A vehicle lamp body provided on a motorcycle or the like includes a housing, a substrate on which a light source is mounted provided inside the housing, and a lens that covers the front surface of the housing. The light emitted from the light source is emitted outward through the lens. The lens is formed such that the light incident from the light source is oriented in a predetermined direction. This is an attempt to improve the visibility and design of the light emitted through the lens from the outside.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, depending on the angle of the light incident on the lens, there is a case where the light is internally reflected by the lens and becomes light that does not contribute to the visibility and design of the vehicle lamp body from the outside. In addition, there is a problem that it is difficult to efficiently obtain the light emitted outward in the vehicle width direction required by regulations.

[0005] Therefore, the present invention provides a vehicle lamp body that can effectively distribute the light emitted from the light source while improving the visibility and design from the outside, and can efficiently obtain the light emitted outward in the vehicle width direction required by regulations.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To solve the above problems, in a first aspect of the present invention, a vehicle lamp body provided on a vehicle comprises a lens and a light source disposed on the inner surface side of the lens and emitting light to the outer surface side of the lens through the lens, wherein the inner surface of the lens has a lens cut region, and at least one lens cut portion is formed in the lens cut region to distribute light so that light incident into the lens from the light source is emitted outward along the optical axis, and an additional reflective surface is formed in a part of the lens cut region, and the additional reflective surface is oriented to internally reflect the light that has been internally reflected on the outer surface from the light source incident into the lens, and to emit light outward along a direction intersecting the optical axis.

[0007] This configuration allows most of the light from the light source to be emitted along the optical axis through the outer surface of the lens. This improves the visibility and aesthetic appeal of the vehicle's lighting fixture from the outside. Furthermore, the light reflected internally by the lens can be emitted along a direction intersecting the optical axis using an additional reflective surface. Therefore, vehicle lighting units can efficiently obtain the outward-facing light in the vehicle width direction required by regulations, using a simple structure.

[0008] In a second aspect of the present invention, the vehicle lamp body of the first aspect comprises a plurality of light sources and a plurality of lens cut regions corresponding to each light source, and the additional reflective surface is located outside the light source in the vehicle width direction within the lens cut region located on the outermost side in the vehicle width direction.

[0009] By configuring it in this way, the vehicle light unit can more efficiently and reliably obtain the outward-facing light in the vehicle width direction required by law.

[0010] In a third aspect of the present invention, in a vehicle lamp according to the first or second aspect, the lens cut region includes a direct cut region in which light incident from the light source into the lens is directly guided to the outer surface of the lens, and a reflective cut region in which light incident from the light source into the lens is first internally reflected within the lens cut region and then guided to the outer surface of the lens, wherein at least the lens cut region is formed in the reflective cut region, and one of the lens cut regions formed in the reflective cut region is such that light is blocked at the boundary between the direct cut region and the reflective cut region. The lens includes a boundary cut portion having an interface surface along the axial direction, the boundary cut portion having a direct illumination range in which light incident into the lens from the light source via the interface surface is directly guided to the outer surface of the lens, and a reflected range in which light incident into the lens from the light source via the interface surface is first internally reflected within the boundary cut portion and then guided to the outer surface of the lens, the direct illumination range on the interface surface being denoted as γ, the point furthest from the light source within the direct illumination range γ being denoted as a1, the point closest to the light source within the direct illumination range γ being denoted as b1, and the boundary cut portion having an interface surface along the interface surface being guided to the outer surface of the lens, the direct illumination range on the interface surface being denoted as γ, the point furthest from the light source within the direct illumination range γ being denoted as b1, and the Let a2 be the point where light incident into the lens undergoes internal reflection on the outer surface of the lens, let b2 be the point where light incident into the lens via point b1 undergoes internal reflection on the outer surface of the lens, let a3 be the point where the light internally reflected at point a2 undergoes internal reflection again on the inner surface of the lens, let b3 be the point where the light internally reflected at point b2 undergoes internal reflection again on the inner surface of the lens, let t1 be the thickness of the lens parallel to the optical axis between point a1 and point a2, or the thickness of the lens parallel to the optical axis between point b1 and point b2, and between point a2 and front Let t2 be the thickness of the lens parallel to the optical axis direction between point a3 and the lens, or the thickness of the lens parallel to the optical axis direction between point b2 and point b3, let α2 be the angle between the direction of light in the lens after it is incident through point a1 and the optical axis direction, let α3 be the angle between the direction of light in the lens after it is incident through point a2 and the optical axis direction, let β2 be the angle between the direction of light in the lens after it is incident through point b1 and the optical axis direction, and let β3 be the angle between the direction of light in the lens after it is incident through point b2 and the optical axis direction.When the distance between the light source and point a1 in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis is La1, the distance between the light source and point a3 in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis is La3, the distance between the light source and point b1 in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis is Lb1, the distance between the light source and point b3 in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis is Lb3, and the distance of the additional reflective surface from the light source in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis is Lr, then the distances La3, Lb3, and Lr are: La3 ≈ La1 + t1 × tanα2 + t2 × tanα3 Lb3 ≈ Lb1 + t1 × tanβ2 + t2 × tanβ3 La3 ≤ Lr ≤ Lb3 It satisfies the condition.

[0011] This configuration allows for the placement of additional reflective surfaces in appropriate locations. As a result, vehicle lighting units can more efficiently and reliably obtain the outward-facing light emission required by law in the vehicle width direction.

[0012] In a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the vehicle lamp body of the third aspect, the lens is formed such that light incident into the lens via the direct illumination range γ is internally reflected by the outer surface of the lens, and further internally reflected by the additional reflective surface, and then the light is emitted through the outer surface of the lens in a direction inclined by 80° or more with respect to the optical axis.

[0013] By configuring it in this way, the vehicle's lighting unit can emit light as far outward as possible in the direction of the vehicle's width.

[0014] In a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the vehicle lamp body of the fourth aspect, let b4 be the point at which the light reflected internally at point b3 is emitted through the outer surface of the lens, let β5 be the angle between the light emitted through point b4 and the optical axis, let θb3 be the angle between the direction perpendicular to the optical axis and the additional reflective surface, let θb4 be the angle between the outer surface at point b4 and the direction perpendicular to the optical axis, and let n' be the refractive index of the lens. Then, when angle β5 is, β5 ≈ 80° Satisfies, and the angle θb3 is θb3 ≒ [arcsin{sin(β5 - θb4)×n’} - β3 + θb4] / (-2) Satisfies.

[0015] By configuring in this way, light can be surely emitted outward in the vehicle width direction.

Advantages of the Invention

[0016] According to the present invention, the vehicle lamp body can effectively distribute the light emitted from the light source while improving the visibility and design from the outside, and efficiently obtain the light emitted outward in the vehicle width direction required by regulations.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0017] [Figure 1] It is a perspective view of the vehicle lamp body in an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is an exploded perspective view of the vehicle lamp body in an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] It is a perspective view of the lens in an embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the rear. [Figure 4] It is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV of FIG. 1. [Figure 5] It is a diagram for explaining the formation position of the additional reflecting surface in an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] It is an enlarged view of part VI of FIG. 5. [Figure 7] It is an enlarged view of part VII of FIG. 5. [Figure 8] It is an enlarged view of part VIII of FIG. 5. [Figure 9] It is an enlarged view of part IX of FIG. 5.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0018] Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described based on the drawings. <​​​​Figure 1 is a perspective view of the vehicle light unit 1. Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the vehicle light unit 1. The vehicle light unit 1 is a so-called turn signal, which is installed on the front or rear of the side of the body of a motorcycle (not shown), for example. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the vehicle light unit 1 comprises a housing 2, a circuit board 3 housed within the housing 2, and a lens 4 attached to the housing 2.

[0020] When the vehicle light unit 1 is installed at the front of the vehicle (not shown), the lens 4 is positioned to face forward. When the vehicle light unit 1 is installed at the rear of the vehicle (not shown), the lens 4 is positioned to face rearward. In this embodiment, the vehicle light unit 1 is described as being installed at the front of the left side of the vehicle. In the figure, arrow FR indicates the front of the vehicle, arrow UP indicates the top of the vehicle, and arrow LH indicates the left side of the vehicle. The vehicle width direction and the left-right direction of the vehicle body coincide. The left side is the outermost part of the vehicle width direction in the vehicle light unit 1.

[0021] <Housing> The housing 2 is formed of, for example, resin. The housing 2 is box-shaped with an opening 2a at the front and is elongated in the vehicle width direction. A butt wall 8 is formed around the entire inner circumference of the housing 2. The front end 8a of the butt wall 8 is located near the opening 2a. The front end 8a of the butt wall 8 is located behind the front end 2c that forms the opening 2a of the housing 2.

[0022] An insertion hole 2b is formed on the inside of the housing 2 in the vehicle width direction. The housing 2 is fixed to the vehicle body (not shown) by attaching the insertion hole 2b to the vehicle body. Multiple harnesses 5 are inserted through the insertion hole 2b. The circuit board 3 housed inside the housing 2 is electrically connected to a battery (not shown) via the harnesses 5.

[0023] <Circuit board> The substrate 3 is formed to be elongated in the vehicle width direction to correspond to the shape of the housing 2. The mounting surface of the substrate 3 is oriented in the front-to-back direction. Multiple (for example, four in this embodiment) light-emitting elements 6 are mounted on the front surface 3a of the mounting surface of the substrate 3, that is, the surface on the side of the opening 2a of the housing 2. The light-emitting elements 6 are examples of light sources in the claims, such as LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes). However, they are not limited to these, and various electrical devices and elements can be used as light sources.

[0024] Multiple (for example, three in this embodiment) through-holes 7 are formed in the substrate 3. The through-holes 7 are arranged in a line in the shorter direction. The through-holes 7 are also located between the two light-emitting elements 6, closer to the inside in the vehicle width direction. The harness 5 is inserted into the through-holes 7 from the rear surface 3b side of the substrate 3 and joined to the substrate 3. The light emitter 6 emits light forward, but the light itself spreads radially. In the following description, the optical axis OP (see the dashed line in Figure 2) refers to the direction that passes through the center of each light emitter 6 and is parallel to the direction normal to the front surface 3a of the substrate 3.

[0025] <Lens> Figure 3 is a perspective view of lens 4 from the rear. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view along the line IV-IV in Figure 1. As shown in Figures 2 to 4, the lens 4 is attached to the housing 2, for example, using an adhesive, to close the opening 2a. The lens 4 is made of a highly permeable resin material. For example, the lens 4 is made of acrylic resin (PMMA) or polycarbonate resin (PC).

[0026] The lens 4 is formed to be elongated in the vehicle width direction to correspond to the shape of the opening 2a of the housing 2. The lens 4 has a plate-shaped lens body 10 that bulges slightly forward. The lens body 10 has a rectangular flat outer surface 11 that is elongated in the vehicle width direction and is formed on most of the outer surface (front surface) 10a, and an inclined outer surface 12 that extends diagonally backward from the periphery of the flat outer surface 11. The flat outer surface 11 and the inclined outer surface 12 are smoothly connected via a curved outer surface 13.

[0027] The shape of the outer edge of the inclined outer surface 12 is the same as the shape of the outer edge of the front end 2c of the housing 2. A first abutment wall 14 projecting toward the rear is integrally formed on the outer edge of the inclined outer surface 12. The rear end 14a of the first abutment wall 14 abuts against the front end 2c of the housing 2. On the inner surface (rear surface) 10b of the lens body 10, a second abutment wall 15 is integrally molded around its entire circumference, projecting rearward from a point closer to the center of the lens body 10 than the first abutment wall 14. The second abutment wall 15 protrudes further rearward than the first abutment wall 14. The rear end 15a of the second abutment wall 15 abuts against the abutment wall 8 of the housing 2. In this way, the lens 4 is fixed to the housing 2, for example, using adhesive.

[0028] The inner surface 10b of the lens body 10 is divided into multiple lens cut regions AR within the area surrounded by the second abutment wall 15. Each lens cut region AR is positioned opposite the light-emitting element 6 in the front-to-back direction. In other words, for example, four lens cut regions AR are formed on the inner surface 10b of the lens body 10. Multiple lens cut portions 16 are formed in each lens cut region AR.

[0029] The multiple lens cut sections 16 are for distributing the light incident on the lens 4 so that it is emitted forward along the optical axis OP direction. In the description of the embodiments, "alongside" includes directions that are not necessarily parallel to the target direction. "Alongside" also includes directions that are approximately close to the target direction. In the following description, the angle of this "alongside" direction with respect to the target direction will also be described as necessary.

[0030] Multiple lens cut portions 16 are formed as convex ridges projecting backward from the inner surface 10b of the lens body 10. Multiple lens cut portions 16 are formed in a concentric circle shape centered on the optical axis OP of each light-emitting element 6. Multiple lens cut portions 16 are formed so that the inner circumferential surface 16a on the optical axis OP side is aligned with the direction of the optical axis OP. Multiple lens cut portions 16 are formed so that the outer circumferential surface 16b on the opposite side of the inner circumferential surface 16a moves away from the corresponding optical axis OP as it moves forward. For this reason, multiple lens cut portions 16 are formed to taper towards the rear (projection direction). Rounded chamfer portions 17 are formed at the tips of multiple lens cut portions 16.

[0031] Light B from the corresponding light-emitting elements 6 is incident on the lens cut portions 16 formed in this manner, and then the light B is emitted from each outer surface 11, 12, and 13 after passing through the lens 4. In this case, the behavior of light B is as follows: (X1) Light B that enters the lens 4 is directly guided to the flat outer surface 11. (X2) Light B incident into lens 4 passes through the lens cut section 16, is internally reflected by the outer surface 16b, and is then guided to the outer surfaces 11, 12, and 13.

[0032] The above (X1) is the case when light B enters lens 4 from a region close to the optical axis OP. Hereafter, this region will be referred to as the direct cut-off region AD. The above (X2) is the case when light B enters the lens 4 from a region that is further away from the optical axis OP than the direct cut-off region AD. Hereafter, such a region will be referred to as the reflection cut-off region AH. The protruding height TD of the lens cut portion 16 formed in the direct cut region AD is lower than the protruding height TH of the lens cut portion 16 formed in the reflection cut region AH.

[0033] Here, among the lens cut portions 16 formed in the reflection cut region AH, the lens cut portion 16 formed closest to the direct light cut region AD is referred to as the boundary cut portion 16K. The inner circumferential surface 16a of the boundary cut portion 16K is located on the boundary C between the direct light cut region AD and the reflection cut region AH. In the following description, the inner circumferential surface 16a of the boundary cut portion 16K will be referred to as the boundary surface 16c.

[0034] The behavior of light incident into lens 4 through interface surface 16c is as follows: (Y1) Light B, which is incident into the lens 4 via the interface surface 16c, is directly guided to the flat outer surface 11. (Y2) Light B that enters the lens 4 via the interface surface 16c passes through the lens cut portion 16, is internally reflected by the outer surface 16b, and is then guided to the flat outer surface 11. The range (Y1) described above is the base side of the boundary cut portion 16K of the boundary surface 16c. Hereafter, this range will be referred to as the direct sunlight range γ. The range (Y2) described above is the area of ​​the interface surface 16c that is closer to the tip of the boundary cut portion 16K than the direct sunlight range γ.

[0035] Light B incident into lens 4 via the direct illumination range γ has a small incident angle θ with respect to the flat outer surface 11. As a result, such light B is not emitted forward through the flat outer surface 11 but is internally reflected by the flat outer surface 11 (see arrow Z1 in Figure 4). Therefore, an additional reflective surface 18 was formed in the lens cut region AR located on the outermost side in the vehicle width direction among the multiple lens cut regions AR.

[0036] The additional reflective surface 18 has the role of distributing light so that light B, which is incident into the lens 4 via the direct illumination range γ, is internally reflected by the flat outer surface 11 and then internally reflected again, so that light B is emitted outward in the vehicle width direction along a direction perpendicular to the optical axis OP direction. The direction perpendicular to the optical axis OP direction includes not only the direction that is perfectly perpendicular to the optical axis OP direction, but also directions that approximate this perpendicular direction. Specifically, the direction perpendicular to the optical axis OP direction is, for example, a direction that is approximately 80° with respect to the optical axis OP. Below, the formation position of the additional reflective surface 18 will be described in detail in order to accurately realize the role of the additional reflective surface 18.

[0037] <Regarding the formation location of the additional reflective surface> Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating the formation position of the additional reflective surface 18. Figure 5 corresponds to the aforementioned Figure 4. Figure 6 is an enlarged view of section VI in Figure 5. Figure 7 is an enlarged view of section VII in Figure 5. Figure 8 is an enlarged view of section VIII in Figure 5. Figure 9 is an enlarged view of section IX in Figure 5. The formation position of the additional reflective surface 18 will be explained based on Figures 4 to 9. Here, the symbols shown in Figures 4 through 9 are defined as follows.

[0038] n: refractive index of the atmosphere (in this embodiment, n ≈ 1) n': Refractive index of lens 4 Lr: Formation range of the additional reflective surface 18 γ: Direct range θ1: Angle between the interface surface 16c where the direct illumination range γ is formed and the optical axis OP. a1: The point in the direct light range γ that is furthest from the corresponding light source 6. b1: The point within the direct light range γ that is closest to the corresponding light source 6. a2: The point where light B, which entered the lens 4 via point a1, is internally reflected off the outer surface 10a of the lens body 10. b2: The point where light B, which entered the lens 4 via point b1, is internally reflected off the outer surface 10a of the lens body 10. a3: The point where light B, which has been internally reflected at point a2, is internally reflected again at the inner surface 10b of the lens body 10. b3: The point where light B, which has been internally reflected at point b2, is internally reflected again at the inner surface 10b of the lens body 10. a4: The point where light B, which has been internally reflected at point a3, is emitted through the outer surface 10a of the lens body 10. b4: The point where light B, which has been internally reflected at point b3, is emitted through the outer surface 10a of the lens body 10. t1: The thickness of lens 4 parallel to the optical axis OP direction between point a1 and point a2, or the thickness of lens 4 parallel to the optical axis OP direction between point b1 and point b2. t2: The thickness of lens 4 parallel to the optical axis OP direction between point a2 and point a3, or the thickness of lens 4 parallel to the optical axis OP direction between point b2 and point b3.

[0039] Below, we define the symbols related to the behavior of light B incident into lens 4 via point a1 (see light B1 in Figures 5 to 9). Fa: The distance between the light-emitting element 6 and point a1 in the direction of the optical axis OP (focal length). La1: The distance between the light-emitting element 6 and point a1 in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis OP. La2: The distance between the light-emitting element 6 and point a2 in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis OP. La3: The distance between the light emitter 6 and point a3 in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis OP. La4: The distance between the light emitter 6 and point a4 in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis OP. θa2: Angle between the outer surface 10a of the lens body 10 at point a2 and the direction perpendicular to the optical axis OP. θa3: Angle between the outer surface 10a of the lens body 10 at point a3 and the direction perpendicular to the optical axis OP. θa4: Angle between the outer surface 10a of the lens body 10 at point a4 and the direction perpendicular to the optical axis OP. α1: Angle between the light B before it enters point a1 and the optical axis OP. α2: Angle between the light B incident via point a1 and the optical axis OP. α3: Angle between the light B after internal reflection at point a2 and the optical axis OP. α4: Angle between the light B after internal reflection at point a3 and the optical axis OP. α5: Angle between light B emitted through point a4 and the optical axis OP

[0040] Here, the relationship between α1 and α5 is as follows: In other words, as shown in Figure 6, α1 = arctan(Fa / La) n×sin(90-α1-θ1)=n'×sin(90-α2-θ1) 90-α2-θ1=arcsin{sin(90-α1-θ1) / n'} α2=arcsin{sin(90-α1-θ1) / n'}-90+θ1

[0041] As shown in Figure 7, α² - θa² = α³ + θa² α3 = α2 - 2 × θa² As shown in Figure 8, α3 - θa3 = α4 + θa3 α4-α3-2×θa3 As shown in Figure 9, n'×sin(α4-θa4)=n×sin(α5-θa4) α5-θa4=arcsin{sin(α4-θa4)×n'} α5=arcsin{sin(α4-θa4)×n'}+θa4

[0042] From the above, the relationship between La1 and La4 is as follows: La2 ≈ La1 + t1 × tanα2 La3 ≈ La1 + t1 × tanα2 + t2 × tanα3 ... (1)

[0043] Next, we define the symbols related to the behavior of light B incident into lens 4 via point b1 (see light B2 in Figures 5 to 9). Fb: The distance between the light-emitting element 6 and point b1 in the direction of the optical axis OP (focal length). Lb1: The distance between the light emitter 6 and point b1 in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis OP. Lb2: The distance between the light emitter 6 and point b2 in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis OP. Lb3: The distance between the light emitter 6 and point b3 in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis OP. Lb4: The distance between the light emitter 6 and point b4 in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis OP. θb2: Angle between the outer surface 10a of the lens body 10 at point b2 and the direction perpendicular to the optical axis OP. θb3: Angle between the outer surface 10a of the lens body 10 at point b3 and the direction perpendicular to the optical axis OP. θb4: Angle between the outer surface 10a of the lens body 10 at point b4 and the direction perpendicular to the optical axis OP. β1: Angle between the light B before it enters point b1 and the optical axis OP. β2: Angle between the light B incident through point b1 and the optical axis OP. β3: Angle between the light B after internal reflection at point b2 and the optical axis OP. β4: Angle between the light B after internal reflection at point b3 and the optical axis OP. β5: Angle between light B emitted through point b4 and the optical axis OP

[0044] Here, the relationship between β1 and β5 is as follows: In other words, as shown in Figure 6, β1 = arctan(Fb / Lb) n×sin(90-β1-θ1)=n'×sin(90-β2-θ1) 90-β2-θ1=arcsin{sin(90-β1-θ1) / n'} β2=arcsin{sin(90-β1-θ1) / n'}-90+θ1

[0045] As shown in Figure 7, β2 - θb2 = β3 + θb2 β3 = β2 - 2 × θb² As shown in Figure 8, β3 - θb3 = β4 + θb3 β4-β3-2×θb3 As shown in Figure 9, n'×sin(β4-θb4)=n×sin(β5-θb4) β5-θb4=arcsin{sin(β4-θb4)×n'} β5=arcsin{sin(β4-θb4)×n'}+θb4

[0046] Here, the setting angle θb3 of the additional reflective surface 18 can be expressed using the equation β5 as shown in equation (2) below. It is desirable to set β5 = 80°. This is because by setting it in this way, it is possible to obtain light B that is emitted outward in the vehicle width direction as required by law. When the setting angle θb3 of the additional reflective surface 18 is set to the angle β5 = 80°, it is shown in the following equation (3). That is, β5-θb4=arcsin[sin{(β3-2×θb3)-θb4}×n']×n' arcsin{sin(β5-θb4)×n'}=(β3-2×θb3)-θb4 θb3=[arcsin{sin(β5-θb4)×n'}-β3+θb4] / (-2) ···(2) θb3=[arcsin{sin(80-θb4)×n'}-β3+θb4] / (-2) ···(3) Equation (3) above does not need to be completely satisfied, and should include an approximate range due to manufacturing tolerances.

[0047] Based on the above, the relationship between Lb1 and Lb4 is as follows: Lb2 ≈ Lb1 + t1 × tanβ2 Lb3 ≈ Lb1 + t1 × tanβ2 + t2 × tanβ3 ... (4) Therefore, the formation range Lr of the additional reflective surface 18 is, La3 ≤ Lr ≤ Lb3 ···(5) It satisfies the condition.

[0048] As described above, in the embodiment, the inner surface 10b of the lens body 10 (lens 4) has a lens cut region AR. The lens cut region AR has a plurality of lens cut sections 16 formed therein that distribute the light B incident from the light emitter 6 into the lens 4 so that it is emitted outward along the optical axis OP direction. An additional reflective surface 18 is formed in a part of the lens cut region AR. The additional reflective surface 18 internally reflects the light B that has been internally reflected by the outer surface 10a of the light incident from the light emitter 6 into the lens 4, and distributes the light B so that it is emitted outward along a direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction.

[0049] Therefore, most of the light B from the light-emitting element 6 can be emitted along the optical axis OP direction through the outer surface 10a of the lens body 10 (lens 4). This improves the visibility and aesthetic appeal of the vehicle light unit 1 from the outside. Furthermore, the light B reflected internally by lens 4 can be emitted along a direction perpendicular to the optical axis OP direction using the additional reflective surface 18. Therefore, it is possible to efficiently obtain the outward-facing light in the vehicle width direction required by regulations with a simple structure.

[0050] In particular, the vehicle light unit 1 is equipped with multiple light-emitting elements 6 (four in this embodiment). It is equipped with multiple lens cut regions AR corresponding to each light-emitting element 6. The additional reflective surface 18 is positioned outside the light-emitting element 6 in the vehicle width direction in the lens cut region AR located on the outermost side in the vehicle width direction. As a result, the vehicle light unit 1 can more efficiently and reliably obtain the light emitted outward in the vehicle width direction as required by law.

[0051] In a direction perpendicular to the optical axis OP, the distance La3 between the light-emitting element 6 and point a3 satisfies equation (1). In a direction perpendicular to the optical axis OP, the distance Lb3 between the light-emitting element 6 and point b3 satisfies equation (4). The formation range Lr of the additional reflective surface 18 satisfies equation (5). Therefore, the additional reflective surface 18 can be placed in an appropriate location. Thus, the vehicle lamp body 1 can obtain light emitted outward in the vehicle width direction, as required by law, more efficiently and reliably.

[0052] Lens 4 is formed such that light B, incident into lens 4 via the direct illumination range γ, is internally reflected by the outer surface 10a of the lens body 10 (lens 4), and further internally reflected by the additional reflective surface 18, before being emitted through the outer surface 10a of the lens body 10 (lens 4) in a direction inclined at 80° or more with respect to the optical axis OP direction. Therefore, the vehicle lamp body 1 can emit light B as far outward as possible in the vehicle width direction.

[0053] As described above, the angle β5 between the light B emitted through point b4 and the optical axis OP satisfies β5 = 80°. The angle θb3 between the outer surface 10a of the lens body 10 at point b3 and the direction perpendicular to the optical axis OP satisfies equation (3) above. Therefore, the vehicle lamp body 1 can reliably emit light B outward in the vehicle width direction.

[0054] The vehicle light unit 1 can improve external visibility and aesthetic appeal. Furthermore, the light B reflected internally by the lens 4 can be emitted along a direction perpendicular to the optical axis OP using the additional reflective surface 18. Therefore, it is possible to efficiently obtain the outward-facing light in the vehicle width direction required by regulations with a simple structure. Thus, it can contribute to Goal 11 of the United Nations-led Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), "Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable."

[0055] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but includes various modifications to the embodiments described above, without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, in the above-described embodiment, the vehicle light unit 1 was described as a so-called turn signal, installed on the front or rear of the side of the body of a motorcycle (not shown). However, it is not limited to this, and the configuration of the vehicle light unit 1 can be adopted as a light unit used in various vehicles, such as four-wheeled vehicles.

[0056] In the above-described embodiment, the vehicle light unit 1 was described in a case where, for example, it has four light-emitting elements 6, and four lens cut areas AR are formed corresponding to the light-emitting elements 6. However, it is not limited to this, and the number of light-emitting elements 6 can be one or more. The number of lens cut areas AR may also be changed according to the number of light-emitting elements 6.

[0057] In the above-described embodiment, the lens cut portion 16 formed in each lens cut region AR was described as being formed in a concentric circle shape centered on the optical axis OP of each light-emitting element 6. However, it is not limited to this, and the lens cut portion 16 can be of various shapes, such as a square, triangular, hexagonal, octagonal, or elliptical shape when viewed from the direction of the optical axis OP. In particular, in the case of a polygon, an even number of sides, that is, a square, hexagonal, or octagonal shape, is preferable because the lens cut portion 16 will be vertically symmetrical and horizontally symmetrical. By adopting such a shape, the emitted light can be diffused evenly to the surroundings.

[0058] In the above-described embodiment, a case was explained in which multiple lens cut portions 16 are formed in each lens cut region AR. However, the invention is not limited to this, and it is sufficient that at least one lens cut portion 16 is formed in each lens cut region AR. Furthermore, it is sufficient that at least one lens cut portion 16 is formed in the reflection cut region AH.

[0059] In the above-described embodiment, the additional reflective surface 18 was described as having the role of distributing light so that light B, which is incident into the lens 4 via the direct illumination range γ, is internally reflected by the flat outer surface 11 and then internally reflected again, so that light B is emitted outward in the vehicle width direction along a direction perpendicular to the optical axis OP direction. However, it is not limited to this, and the additional reflective surface 18 only needs to distribute light along a direction intersecting the optical axis OP direction. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0060] 1...Vehicle light unit, 2...Housing, 2a...Opening, 2b...Through hole, 2c...Front end, 3...Substrate, 3a...Front, 3b...Rear, 4...Lens, 5...Harness, 6...Light emitter, 7...Through hole, 8...Butt wall, 8a...Front end, 10...Lens body, 10a...Outer surface, 10b...Inner surface, 11...Flat outer surface, 12...Inclined outer surface, 13...Curved outer surface, 14...First butt wall, 14a...Rear end, 15...Second butt wall, 15a...Rear end, 16...Lens cut section, 16a...Inner circumferential surface, 16b...Outer circumferential surface, 16c...Boundary surface, 16K...Boundary cut section, 17...Rounded chamfer section, 18...Additional reflective surface, AD...Direct cut area, AH...Reflection cut area, AR...Lens cut area, B, B1, B2...Light, C...Boundary, OP...Optical axis, TD, TH...Protrusion height

Claims

1. In a vehicle light fixture installed on a vehicle, Lens and, A light source is positioned on the inner surface side of the lens and emits light to the outer surface side of the lens through the lens, Equipped with, The inner surface of the lens has a lens cut region, The lens cut region has at least one lens cut portion formed therein that distributes light so that light incident from the light source into the lens is emitted outward along the optical axis. Having an additional reflective surface formed in a part of the aforementioned lens cut region, The additional reflective surface is oriented such that it internally reflects the light that has been internally reflected by the outer surface from the light source into the lens, and the light is emitted outward along a direction intersecting the optical axis. The aforementioned lens cut area is A direct cut region in which light incident from the light source into the lens is directly guided to the outer surface of the lens, Light incident from the light source into the lens is first internally reflected within the lens cut portion and then guided to the outer surface of the lens in a reflection cut region, It has, At least the lens cut portion is formed in the reflection cut region, One of the lens cut portions formed in the reflection cut region includes a boundary cut portion having an interface surface along the optical axis direction at the boundary between the direct cut region and the reflection cut region, The aforementioned boundary cut portion is A direct illumination range in which light incident from the light source through the interface into the lens is directly guided to the outer surface of the lens, The reflection range is defined as the reflection range in which light incident from the light source into the lens via the interface is reflected internally within the boundary cut portion and then guided to the outer surface of the lens, It has, Let γ be the direct illumination range on the interface, let a1 be the point in the direct illumination range γ furthest from the light source, let b1 be the point in the direct illumination range γ closest to the light source, let a2 be the point where light incident into the lens via point a1 is internally reflected on the outer surface of the lens, let b2 be the point where light incident into the lens via point b1 is internally reflected on the outer surface of the lens, let a3 be the point where the light internally reflected at point a2 is internally reflected again on the inner surface of the lens, let b3 be the point where the light internally reflected at point b2 is internally reflected again on the inner surface of the lens, let t1 be the thickness of the lens parallel to the optical axis between point a1 and point a2 or the thickness of the lens parallel to the optical axis between point b1 and point b2, and let t1 be the thickness of the lens parallel to the optical axis between point a2 and point a3 or the front of point b2 parallel to the optical axis between point b2 and point b3 Let t2 be the thickness of the lens, α2 be the angle between the direction of light in the lens after it is incident through point a1 and the optical axis direction, α3 be the angle between the direction of light in the lens after it is incident through point a2 and the optical axis direction, β2 be the angle between the direction of light in the lens after it is incident through point b1 and the optical axis direction, β3 be the angle between the direction of light in the lens after it is incident through point b2 and the optical axis direction, La1 be the distance between the light source and point a1 in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction, La3 be the distance between the light source and point a3 in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction, Lb1 be the distance between the light source and point b1 in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction, Lb3 be the distance between the light source and point b3 in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction, and Lr be the distance of the additional reflective surface from the light source in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction. The aforementioned distances La3, Lb3, and Lr are, La3 ≈ La1 + t1 × tanα2 + t2 × tanα3 Lb3 ≈ Lb1 + t1 × tanβ2 + t2 × tanβ3 La3 ≤ Lr ≤ Lb3 Satisfying A vehicle light fixture characterized by the following features.

2. The light source comprises multiple such light sources, Each of the aforementioned light sources comprises a plurality of lens cut regions corresponding to the aforementioned light source, The additional reflective surface is located within the lens cut region that is positioned furthest out in the vehicle width direction, and is positioned outward in the vehicle width direction relative to the light source. The vehicle light fixture according to feature 1.

3. The vehicle lamp body according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the lens is formed such that light incident into the lens through the direct illumination range γ is internally reflected by the outer surface of the lens, and further internally reflected by the additional reflective surface, and then the light is emitted through the outer surface of the lens in a direction inclined at 80° or more with respect to the optical axis.

4. Let b4 be the point where the light reflected internally at point b3 is emitted through the outer surface of the lens. Let β5 be the angle between the light emitted through point b4 and the optical axis, let θb3 be the angle between the direction perpendicular to the optical axis and the additional reflective surface, let θb4 be the angle between the outer surface at point b4 and the direction perpendicular to the optical axis, and let n' be the refractive index of the lens. Angle β5 is, β５≒８０° Satisfying the conditions, The angle θb3 is, θb3≒[arcsin{sin(β5-θb4)×n'}-β3+θb4] / (-2) Satisfying The vehicle light fixture according to feature 3.

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