Lenses and vehicle lighting fixtures equipped with lenses

Abstract

To provide a lens integrating a plurality of functions, and a lamp for a vehicle having the lens.SOLUTION: A lamp 1 for a vehicle comprises: a first light emitting element 11; a second light emitting element 12; a substrate 10 on which the first light emitting element 11 and the second light emitting element 12 are mounted; and a single lens 20 which includes a first region R1 provided with a first light distribution control step for light-distribution controlling light emitted from the first light emitting element 11, and a second region R2 provided with a step for light-distribution controlling light emitted from the second light emitting element 12, the second light distribution control step being different from the first light distribution control step, and the lens having an opening 24 partitioning the first region R1 and the second region R2. Light guide is partitioned by the opening 24 of the single lens 20, having a plurality of functions, which is provided between regions effecting those functions, such that unintended light guide is suppressed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a functionally integrated lens and a vehicle lamp including the lens. [Background Art]

[0002] A combination lamp integrating a plurality of lamps has a large number of constituent components. Integration of lenses such as inner lenses has been studied for the purpose of reducing the number of components by integrating and consolidating equivalent members of each lamp (for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior Art Documents] [Patent Documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2016-178009 [Summary of the Invention] [Problem to be Solved by the Invention]

[0004] However, a single lens obtained by integrating the lenses of a plurality of lamp units is prone to unintended light exposure or light guide at unintended positions, which causes a problem that the appearance of the lamp is deteriorated.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of this, and an object of the present invention is to provide a single lens integrating a plurality of functions, which suppresses unintended light exposure and light guide at unintended positions, and a vehicle lamp including the lens. [Means for Solving the Problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problem, the lens of the present disclosure is a single lens, and is configured to have a first region provided with a first light distribution control step, and a second region provided with a second light distribution control step different from the first light distribution control step, wherein an opening that partitions the first region and the second region is provided.

[0007] In this embodiment, the aperture divides the light guide within the lens, preventing light incident in one region from being guided to the other region, thereby suppressing light guidance and exposure to unintended areas.

[0008] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, a vehicle lamp is configured to include a first light-emitting element, a second light-emitting element, a substrate on which the first and second light-emitting elements are mounted, a first region provided with a first light distribution control step for controlling the light distribution of light emitted from the first light-emitting element, and a second region provided with a second light distribution control step, which is different from the first light distribution control step, for controlling the light distribution of light emitted from the second light-emitting element, and a single lens provided with an opening that separates the first region and the second region.

[0009] In this embodiment, the vehicle light fixture is equipped with the above-mentioned lens, which suppresses the guidance of light incident on one area to the other area, reducing unintended light guidance and exposure, and thus suppressing a decrease in the appearance of the vehicle light fixture.

[0010] In one embodiment, the system includes a bracket for holding the lens, the bracket having an engaging projection that engages with the opening, and the lens is held in the bracket by the engaging projection being inserted into the opening. When a part of the bracket engages with the lens opening, the light guide is interrupted at the opening, further suppressing unintended light guidance and exposure.

[0011] In one embodiment, a fixing portion for securing the lens is formed at the end of the engaging projection. This embodiment suppresses the reduction in rigidity when attaching the lens due to the provision of an opening.

[0012] In one embodiment, the bracket has a projection on the back side of the engaging projection, corresponding to the position of the engaging projection. Since the projection is provided between regions, the mixing of light emitted from each region is suppressed.

[0013] Furthermore, in one embodiment, the first and second light-emitting elements emit light in different colors. With the above configuration, since light guidance to unintended areas is suppressed, color mixing caused by using different light-emitting elements is also suppressed, thus allowing the use of light-emitting elements of different colors.

[0014] In one embodiment, the substrate is a single substrate on which the first and second light-emitting elements are mounted. By using a lens with the above configuration, the substrate can also have integrated functions. A single substrate can be used, which reduces the number of components in the lighting fixture. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] As is clear from the above explanation, it is possible to provide a single lens that integrates multiple functions, a lens that suppresses exposure and light guidance in unintended areas, and a vehicle lighting device equipped with such a lens. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0016] [Figure 1] This shows the arrangement of a vehicle lighting fixture according to a preferred embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view illustrating the general configuration of the lighting equipment for the vehicle. [Figure 3] This is a front view of the vehicle's lighting fixture. [Figure 4] This is an end view along the line IV-IV in Figure 3. [Figure 5] This is an exploded perspective view of the vehicle's lighting fixture. [Figure 6] This shows the inner lens. [Figure 7] Show the bracket. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0017] Hereinafter, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The embodiments are illustrative rather than limiting of the invention, and not all features and combinations thereof described in the embodiments are necessarily essential to the invention. In addition, in the following description of the embodiments and modified examples, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and repeated descriptions are appropriately omitted.

[0018] (Embodiment) Figure 1 shows an arrangement state of a vehicular lamp 1 according to a preferred embodiment of the configuration of the present disclosure.

[0019] Figure 1 is a rear view of the left rear portion of a vehicle CAR equipped with the vehicular lamp 1. The vehicular lamp 1 is a rear combination lamp including a turn signal lamp TURN, a stop lamp STOP, and a back lamp BACK, and is disposed as a pair of left and right at the left and right rear ends of the vehicle CAR.

[0020] Each of the lamps is configured to have substantially the same size. The upper region of the vehicular lamp 1 is configured as the turn signal lamp TURN, the central region is configured as the stop lamp STOP, and the lower region is configured as the back lamp BACK.

[0021] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of the vehicular lamp 1. Figure 3 is a front view of the vehicular lamp 1. Figure 4 is an end view taken along line IV-IV in Figure 3. Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of the vehicular lamp 1. In the explanatory diagrams of the vehicular lamp 1 and its constituent members (Figures 2 to 7), the light exit surface is defined as the front of the vehicular lamp 1, and each direction will be described based on this. When the vehicular lamp 1 is disposed on the vehicle CAR, it is rotated 180 degrees and mounted to the vehicle body.

[0022] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the vehicular lamp 1 has a vertically elongated substantially rectangular parallelepiped outer shape, and each of the lamps (TURN, STOP, BACK) constituting the vehicular lamp 1 is visually recognized as a substantially square of substantially the same shape when viewed from the front. The vehicle light fixture 1 comprises a lamp body 2 and a lamp cover 4 as a lamp housing. The lamp body 2 has an open shape with a front surface that is the light emission surface, as well as a top surface, a bottom surface, and one side (the left side in this embodiment). In other words, the lamp body 2 consists only of a rectangular back and a right side. The lamp cover 4 is attached to the opening of the lamp body 2, forming a light chamber S inside. As a lamp housing, the lamp cover 4 constitutes the front, top surface, bottom surface, and left side.

[0023] The lamp cover 4 is a so-called outer cover, and is a nearly transparent lens made of a light-transmitting transparent resin such as polycarbonate. However, it is not limited to this, and the lamp cover 4 may have optical steps formed therein to diverge and diffuse the light emitted from the light source when each lamp is lit.

[0024] The lamp chamber S primarily houses a circuit board 10, an inner lens 20, and a bracket 30 that holds the circuit board 10 and the inner lens 20. Although each is a single unit, the circuit board 10 and the inner lens 20 each provide the functions of a turn signal lamp (TURN), a stop lamp (STOP), and a reverse lamp (BACK). Specifically, the upper region of the circuit board 10 and the inner lens 20 functions as a turn signal lamp (TURN), the central region functions as a stop lamp (STOP), and the lower region functions as a reverse lamp (BACK).

[0025] (substrate) The circuit board 10, inner lens 20, and bracket 30 housed within the lamp chamber S will be described in detail. First, the circuit board 10 will be explained.

[0026] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the substrate 10 is configured as a rectangular flat plate, and the first light-emitting element 11, the second light-emitting element 12, and the third light-emitting element 13 are mounted on its surface with their light-emitting surfaces facing forward. The substrate 10 is long in the vertical direction, and the three light-emitting elements 11, 12, and 13 are arranged at equal intervals in the vertical direction, approximately in the center of the width direction of the substrate 10. That is, when the rectangular substrate 10 is divided into roughly three equal parts vertically, the first light-emitting element 11 is positioned approximately in the center of the upper region, the second light-emitting element 12 is positioned approximately in the center of the central region, and the third light-emitting element 13 is positioned approximately in the center of the lower region.

[0027] The three light-emitting elements 11, 12, and 13 can be LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes), LDs (Laser Diodes), ELs (Electro Luminescence), etc.

[0028] In this embodiment, the first light-emitting element 11 is composed of an orange LED that emits orange light and functions as a light source for the turn signal lamp TURN. The second light-emitting element 12 is composed of a red LED that emits red light and functions as a light source for the stop lamp STOP. The third light-emitting element 13 is composed of a white LED that emits white light and functions as a light source for the backup lamp BACK. The circuit board 10 is also equipped with a circuit (not shown) that controls the current applied to the light-emitting elements 11, 12, and 13.

[0029] Two fixing holes 16 for securing the substrate 10 are formed on each of the left and right side edges of the substrate 10.

[0030] (Inner lens) Next, the inner lens 20 will be described. Figure 6 shows the inner lens 20. Figure 6(A) is a front perspective view of the inner lens 20. Figure 6(B) is a rear perspective view of the inner lens 20. Figure 6(C) is an end view of the inner lens 20.

[0031] The inner lens 20 is an injection-molded product made of transparent resin, with a generally uniform thickness. When viewed from the front, it is the same size and shape as the substrate 10, and has a vertically elongated rectangular outer shape.

[0032] The inner lens 20 is assembled in front of the substrate 10 and is a component for controlling the light distribution of the light emitted from the light-emitting elements 11, 12, and 13. The light emitted from the light-emitting elements 11, 12, and 13 is incident on the inner lens 20, refracted or internally reflected within the inner lens 20, guided within the inner lens 20, and then emitted with predetermined light distribution characteristics.

[0033] The inner lens 20 is a single lens with multiple functions integrated into it, and each of the three regions roughly divided vertically has a function for shaping the light distribution of a different lamp. The upper region, the first region R1, has the function for shaping the light distribution of the turn signal lamp TURN, the central region, the second region R2, has the function for shaping the light distribution of the stop lamp STOP, and the lower region, the third region R3, has the function for shaping the light distribution of the backup lamp BACK. Each region R1, R2, and R3 corresponds to the arrangement of the light-emitting elements 11, 12, and 13, and is configured to receive the emitted light from each light-emitting element.

[0034] In the inner lens 20, the first region R1, the second region R2, and the third region R3 each have a first convex portion 21, a second convex portion 22, and a third convex portion 23 that bulge significantly forward in a container-like shape. The convex portions 21, 22, and 23 are hollow and are configured as rectangular boxes with an open back surface. A common flange surface 29 is provided around the openings of the convex portions 21, 22, and 23, and the convex portions 21, 22, and 23 are connected to each other by the flange surface 29. The flange surface 29 is the back surface of the inner lens 20 and serves as the mounting surface to the bracket 30.

[0035] The protrusions 21, 22, and 23 are formed with light distribution control steps that diverge and diffuse the incident light, causing it to exit from the outer surface and form a predetermined light distribution. The steps may be conventionally known configurations such as fisheye steps, Fresnel steps, cylindrical steps, or triangular steps, and the type is not limited. In this embodiment, the external shape is configured as an equivalent box-shaped convex shape, but it is not limited to this, and bowl-shaped, parabolic, rectangular, etc. may be used, and it is not a problem if each region has a different shape in order to perform the function.

[0036] When the inner lens 20 is assembled to the front of the substrate 10, the light-emitting elements 11, 12, and 13 are positioned inside the protrusions 21, 22, and 23, respectively.

[0037] A first light distribution control step ST1 is provided in the first protrusion 21 formed in the first region R1, which receives light emitted from the first light-emitting element 11 and emits it from its outer surface to form the light distribution of the turn signal lamp TURN. Through the first light distribution control step ST1, the orange light emitted from the first light-emitting element 11 is received by the inner surface of the first protrusion 21, emits from the surface of the inner lens 20, passes through the lamp cover 4, and forms the light distribution of the turn signal lamp TURN in front of the vehicle lamp 1.

[0038] Similarly, the second protrusion 22 formed in the second region R2 is provided with a second light distribution control step ST2 that receives light emitted from the second light-emitting element 12, and has it exit from its outer surface to form the light distribution for the stop lamp STOP. Due to the second light distribution control step ST2, the red light emitted from the second light-emitting element 12 is received by the inner surface of the second protrusion 22, exits from the surface of the inner lens 20, and after passing through the lamp cover 4, forms the light distribution for the stop lamp STOP in front of the vehicle lamp 1.

[0039] Similarly, the third protrusion 23 formed in the third region R3 is provided with a third light distribution control step ST3 that receives light emitted from the third light-emitting element 13, and has it exit from the outer surface to form the light distribution of the back lamp BACK. Through the third light distribution control step ST3, the white light emitted from the third light-emitting element 13 is received by the inner surface of the third protrusion 23, exits from the surface of the inner lens 20, and passes through the lamp cover 4, forming the light distribution of the back lamp BACK in front of the vehicle lamp 1.

[0040] A narrow and elongated first opening 24 is formed on the flange surface 29 between the first protrusion 21 and the second protrusion 22, separating the first region R1 and the second region R2. Similarly, a narrow and elongated second opening 25 is formed on the flange surface 29 between the second protrusion 22 and the third protrusion 23, separating the second region R2 and the third region R3.

[0041] Due to the openings provided between the regions, light incident from one region is not guided to the other region, but mainly exits from the region from which it was incident. In a single inner lens 20 having multiple functions, openings 24 and 25 are provided to separate the regions R1, R2, and R3 of each function, thereby separating the light guide and suppressing exposure and light guidance in unintended areas. This suppresses a decline in the appearance and function of the vehicle lighting fixture 1.

[0042] At the left and right ends of the first opening 24, through holes 26, 26 are formed that penetrate in the thickness direction, with a portion overlapping the first opening 24. Similarly, at the left and right ends of the second opening 25, through holes 26, 26 are formed that penetrate in the thickness direction. The four through holes 26 are fixing parts for attaching the inner lens 20 to the bracket 30, and the inner lens 20, together with the substrate 10, is fastened to the bracket 30 by the first fixing member 50 (see Figure 5). By providing the fixing parts of the inner lens 20 near the openings 24, 25, the reduction in strength of the inner lens 20 when it is attached due to the presence of the openings is suppressed.

[0043] (bracket) Next, we will describe the bracket 30. Figure 7 shows the bracket 30. Figure 7(A) is a front perspective view of the bracket 30. Figure 7(B) is a rear perspective view of the bracket 30.

[0044] The bracket 30 is positioned on the back of the substrate 10 and the inner lens 20, and engages with and holds both components. The substrate 10 and the inner lens 20 are attached to the lamp body 2 via the bracket 30.

[0045] The bracket 30 has a flat, rectangular base surface 39. A rectangular housing portion 43 is formed on the back of the base surface 39, slightly recessed toward the front. The housing portion 43 is provided to accommodate a part of the inner lens 20 and the substrate 10 in overlapping positions. For this reason, the housing portion 43 is formed to correspond to the shapes of the inner lens 20 and the substrate 10.

[0046] First, the rectangular shape of the housing section 43 is formed to correspond to the outer shapes of the substrate 10 and the inner lens 20. On the bottom surface of the housing section 43, rectangular first engagement holes 31, second engagement holes 32, and third engagement holes 33 are formed in a vertical direction, corresponding to the first, second, and third protrusions 21, 22, and 3rd protrusions 23 of the inner lens 20. In addition, a first engagement protrusion 37 is provided on the bottom surface of the housing section 43, extending in the width direction, between the first engagement hole 31 and the second engagement hole 32, to engage with the first opening 24 of the inner lens 20. Similarly, a second engagement protrusion 38 is provided on the bottom surface of the housing section 43, extending in the width direction, between the second engagement hole 32 and the third engagement hole 33, to engage with the second opening of the inner lens 20. Furthermore, first bosses 41, 41 for fastening the substrate 10 and the inner lens 20 are formed at the left and right ends of the first engagement protrusion 37 and the second engagement protrusion 38, respectively.

[0047] When the inner lens 20 is first attached to the back of the bracket 30, the first protrusion 21, second protrusion 22, and third protrusion 23 of the inner lens 20 are inserted into and engage with the first engagement hole 31, second engagement hole 32, and third engagement hole 33 of the bracket 30, respectively, in the housing section 43. Furthermore, the first opening 24 and second opening 25 of the inner lens 20 are inserted into and engage with the first engagement protrusion 37 and second engagement protrusion 38 of the bracket 30. In addition, the four first bosses 41 of the bracket 30 are inserted into the four insertion holes 26 of the inner lens 20. As a result, the inner lens 20 is housed in the housing section 43 with the protrusions 21, 22, and 23 exposed forward from the engagement holes 31, 32, and 33 of the bracket 30 (see Figure 4).

[0048] The substrate 10 is then placed on top of the inner lens 20 in the housing section 43. The fixing holes 16 of the substrate 10 are formed to correspond to the first boss 41, and the substrate 10 is housed in the housing section 43 by inserting the first boss 41 through the fixing holes 16 and bringing the front surface of the substrate 10 into contact with the back surface of the flange surface 29 of the inner lens 20 (see Figure 4).

[0049] With the substrate 10 overlapping the inner lens 20 and housed in the housing 43, the first fixing member 50, such as a flanged tapping screw, is fastened to the first boss 41, and the substrate 10 and inner lens 20 are attached to the bracket 30 (see Figure 5).

[0050] The bracket 30 has four corners each with a second boss 42 that protrudes to the back surface. The second fixing member 60 is inserted through a hole 3 formed on the back surface of the lamp body 2 and fastened to these second bosses 42, thereby attaching the substrate 10 and inner lens 20 to the lamp body 2 via the bracket 30 (see Figure 5).

[0051] The bracket 30 is an injection-molded product made of a non-transparent resin. By engaging a part of the bracket 30 with the openings 24 and 25 provided between the regions of the inner lens 20, the guidance of light incident into the inner lens 20 from each region to other regions is further suppressed, and exposure from the openings is also prevented.

[0052] The bracket 30 has flat, plate-shaped projections 34 and 35 that protrude forward on the back side of the engaging projections 37 and 38, that is, on the front side of the base surface 39. Since the engaging projections 37 and 38 are formed to correspond to the openings 24 and 25 that separate the regions of the inner lens 20, the projections 34 and 35 also separate each region and work to suppress interference between the light emitted from each region.

[0053] Specifically, the first projection 34, provided in correspondence with the first engaging projection 37, is formed between the first region R1 and the second region R2. Light emitted from the first region R1 that attempts to be emitted further downward (in front of the second region R2) is prevented from entering the lower region by the first projection 34. Similarly, even if some of the light emitted from the second region R2 attempts to be emitted further upward (in front of the first region R1), it is prevented from entering the upper region by the first projection 34. The first projection 34 suppresses the mixing or blending of light distribution between the turn signal lamp TURN, formed in the first region R1 and projected forward, and the stop lamp STOP, formed in the second region R2 and projected forward, from illuminating other regions. Similarly, the second projection 35 provided on the back side of the second engaging projection 38 suppresses the mixing or blending of light distribution between the stop lamp STOP formed in the second region R2 and the backup lamp BACK formed in the third region R3.

[0054] The substrate 10 is provided with mounting holes 16, but there are no openings through which the engaging protrusions 37 and 38 of the bracket 30 are inserted. The engaging protrusions 37 and 38 are set to a height that prevents them from interfering with the substrate 10 as they protrude from the flange surface 29 to the back surface of the inner lens 20, and the substrate 10 fits into the housing 43 and is stably positioned. This is because providing an opening for engagement in the substrate would lead to a decrease in the rigidity of the substrate and an increase in the substrate molding process, so this is suppressed. Furthermore, the opening for engagement would hinder the heat conduction of the heat generated when the light-emitting element is lit, preventing insufficient heat dissipation and a decrease in the luminous efficiency of the light-emitting element. By not providing an opening for engagement between light sources, heat generated when the element is lit is transferred to the entire single substrate 10 to ensure heat dissipation.

[0055] By combining the inner lens 20 with the above configuration, it becomes possible to mount light-emitting elements of different colors on a single substrate 10. Not only the lens but also the substrate can have its functions integrated. Similarly, the bracket, which is a mounting member for optical components, can be a single bracket 30, allowing a single substrate 10 with three functions and an inner lens 20 to be mounted on the lamp body 2. The functions of each lamp component are integrated and consolidated, enabling multi-functionality in a single lamp unit. A multi-functional vehicle lighting fixture can be provided that is easy to assemble with a small number of parts, reducing the assembly time and weight of the lighting fixture.

[0056] (modified version) The configuration of this disclosure is not limited to rear combination lamps, but is also suitable for other vehicle lighting devices that have two or more functions, such as headlights and marker lights. In addition, the configuration of this disclosure can be applied not only to inner lenses, but also to other lenses as optical components, such as outer lenses.

[0057] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first light-emitting element 11, the second light-emitting element 12, and the third light-emitting element 13 were all light sources of different colors used in different lamps, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the configuration can be applied to integrated light sources and lenses that perform different functions. For example, the configuration can be applied to a light source unit of a combination lamp that includes a tail lamp and a stop lamp that use the same red light. The configuration can also be used in a low-beam lamp unit that includes a first light source for forming the lower region of the low-beam light distribution, a second light source for forming the upper region of the low-beam light distribution including the cut line, and a single inner lens in which a first light distribution control step for the first light source and a second light distribution control step for the second light source are formed. The configuration can also be applied to lamp units that superimpose light irradiation patterns formed by multiple light source units to form a predetermined light distribution pattern.

[0058] Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these embodiments are merely examples of the present invention, and it is possible to combine them based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art, and such forms are also included within the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0059] 1: Vehicle lighting fixtures 10: Circuit board 11: First light-emitting element 12: Second light-emitting element 13: Third light-emitting element 20: Inner lens 24: First opening 25: Second opening 26: Through hole (mounting part) 30: Bracket 34: 1st protrusion 35:Second protrusion 37:First engagement convex part 38:Second engagement protrusion R1: 1st area R2: 2nd area R3: 3rd area ST1: First light distribution control step ST2: Second light distribution control step ST3: Third light distribution control step

Claims

1. It is a single lens, It has a first region where a first light distribution control step is provided, and a second region where a second light distribution control step different from the first light distribution control step is provided. An opening is provided that separates the first region and the second region. The opening has a fixing portion formed therein for fixing the lens. A lens for use in vehicle lighting fixtures, characterized by the following features.

2. First light-emitting element, The second light-emitting element, A substrate on which the first light-emitting element and the second light-emitting element are mounted, A single lens comprising a first region provided with a first light distribution control step for controlling the light distribution of light emitted from the first light-emitting element, and a second region provided with a second light distribution control step different from the first light distribution control step for controlling the light distribution of light emitted from the second light-emitting element, wherein an aperture is provided to separate the first region and the second region, A bracket for holding the lens, Equipped with, The bracket has an engaging projection that engages with the opening, The lens is held in the bracket by having the engaging projection inserted into the opening. The engaging projection has a fixing portion formed therein for fixing the lens. A vehicle lighting device characterized by the following features.

3. The bracket has a projection on the back side of the engaging projection that corresponds to the position of the engaging projection. The vehicle lighting device according to feature 2.

4. The first light-emitting element and the second light-emitting element emit light in different colors. A vehicle light fixture according to claim 2 or 3.

5. The substrate is a single substrate on which the first light-emitting element and the second light-emitting element are mounted. A vehicle light fixture according to claim 2 or 3.

6. The substrate is a single substrate on which the first light-emitting element and the second light-emitting element are mounted. The vehicle lighting device according to feature 4.

Images