Vehicle lighting

Abstract

To provide a vehicular lighting fixture that can sufficiently emit light forward of a vehicle.SOLUTION: A vehicular lighting fixture includes: a plurality of light sources arranged in a vertical direction and emitting light toward a front side; and an inner lens including an incident surface disposed on a front side of the plurality of light sources, having a vertically longitudinal plate shape, and having light from the light sources incident thereon and an emission surface for emitting light that is incident on the incident surface. In the inner lens, the emission surface is formed stepwise so as to be inclined on a back side from a vehicle inner side to a vehicle outer side in a horizontal direction and a front surface of a part that is formed stepwise is formed along the incident surface.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicular lamp. [Background Art]

[0002] There has been known a vehicular lamp including a lens having a slant shape formed on an exit surface thereof so as to correspond to left and right slant shapes of a vehicle (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior Art Literature] [Patent Literature]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent No. 6194040 [Summary of the Invention] [Problem to be Solved by the Invention]

[0004] In a configuration in which a slant shape is formed on an exit surface as in the vehicular lamp described in Patent Document 1, when an incident surface is not parallel to the exit surface, it becomes difficult for light to exit toward the front of the vehicle.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above, and an object thereof is to provide a vehicular lamp capable of sufficiently emitting light toward the front of a vehicle. [Means for Solving the Problem]

[0006] A vehicular lamp according to the present invention includes: a plurality of light sources arranged in the vertical direction, each emitting light toward a front side; and an inner lens disposed on the front side of the plurality of light sources, formed in a vertically elongated plate shape, having an incident surface on which light from the light sources is incident, and an exit surface that emits light incident from the incident surface, wherein the inner lens is formed in a stepped shape such that the exit surface is inclined toward a rear side from a vehicle inner side to a vehicle outer side in the left-right direction, and a front surface of the stepped portion is formed along the incident surface.

[0007] In the above-described vehicle lighting device, the inner lens has a shape in which both ends in the longitudinal direction are curved toward the inside of the vehicle.

[0008] The above-described vehicle lighting device further comprises light-shielding portions provided on the inner side of the vehicle, which are located on the end faces of the inner lens at both ends in the longitudinal direction.

[0009] In the above-described vehicle lighting device, the inner lens has its emission surface divided into multiple segments in the longitudinal direction.

[0010] The above-described vehicle lighting device further comprises an inner panel provided in the lighting chamber in which the light source and the inner lens are housed, and the inner lens is housed in such a state that it protrudes forward from the inner panel so that a part of the outer side of the vehicle is exposed.

[0011] In the above-described vehicle lighting device, the inner lens has a reflective surface for each light source that reflects light incident on the incident surface and diffused in the vertical direction toward the front.

[0012] In the above-described vehicle light fixture, the inner lens has a spherical recess on the incident surface that diffuses a portion of the light incident on the incident surface in the vertical direction.

[0013] In the above-described vehicle lighting device, one light source is provided at each height position in the vertical direction. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] The present invention provides a vehicle light fixture capable of emitting sufficient light toward the front of the vehicle. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0015] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view showing an example of a vehicle lighting fixture according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a front view showing an example of a vehicle lighting device according to this embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a diagram showing the configuration along the A-A cross-section in Figure 2. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a diagram showing the configuration along the B-B cross-section in Figure 2. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a diagram showing the configuration along the C-C cross-section in Figure 2. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a perspective view showing an example of a turn lamp unit. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a diagram showing an example of a turn light-emitting portion. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a diagram showing an example of a turn light-emitting portion. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a diagram showing an example of a state where a vehicle lamp is lit. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a diagram showing an example of a state where a vehicle lamp is lit. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a diagram showing an example of a state where a vehicle lamp is lit. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a diagram showing the configuration of a turn light-emitting portion according to another example. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is a diagram showing an example of a light-emitting state of a turn light-emitting portion. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is a diagram showing an example of a light-emitting state of a turn light-emitting portion. MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0016] Hereinafter, embodiments of a vehicle lamp according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The present invention is not limited to this embodiment. In addition, constituent elements in the following embodiments include those that can be easily replaced by a person skilled in the art, or those that are substantially identical.

[0017] In the following description, the front / rear, up / down, and left / right directions refer to the directions when the vehicle lighting equipment is mounted on the vehicle, as viewed from the driver's seat in the direction of vehicle travel. In this embodiment, the up / down direction is parallel to the vertical direction, and the front / rear and left / right directions are parallel to the horizontal direction. The center side of the vehicle in the left / right direction is referred to as the inside of the vehicle, and the sides of the vehicle in the left / right direction are referred to as the outside of the vehicle.

[0018] Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view showing an example of a vehicle lighting fixture 100 according to this embodiment. Figure 2 is a front view showing an example of a vehicle lighting fixture 100 according to this embodiment. Figure 3 is a diagram showing the configuration along cross-section AA in Figure 2. Figure 4 is a diagram showing the configuration along cross-section BB in Figure 2. Figure 5 is a diagram showing the configuration along cross-section CC in Figure 2. As shown in Figures 1 to 5, the vehicle lighting fixture 100 comprises a housing 10, a headlight unit 20, a lighting unit 30, and an inner panel 40. The vehicle lighting fixture 100 has a symmetrical configuration in the left-right direction.

[0019] The housing 10 is provided on both sides in the left-right direction at the front of the vehicle. The housing 10, together with the outer lens 11, forms a single lamp chamber R. The lamp chamber R includes the central part in the left-right direction at the front of the vehicle and is formed on both sides in the left-right direction. In a front view, the lamp chamber R has a rectangular shape extending in the left-right direction.

[0020] The headlight unit 20 is housed in the lamp chamber R. The headlight units 20 are positioned on the left and right sides of the front of the vehicle. The headlight units 20 project a headlight pattern in front of the vehicle. The headlight unit 20 has a low beam unit 21 and a high beam unit 22.

[0021] The low beam unit 21 projects a low beam pattern as a headlight pattern in front of the vehicle. The low beam unit 21 has a light source 23 and an illumination unit 24. The light source 23 can be a semiconductor type light source such as an LED, a laser light source, etc. The illumination unit 24 controls the light distribution of the light emitted from the light source 23 and projects it in front of the vehicle as a low beam pattern. The illumination unit 24 can be a reflector, a projection lens, etc.

[0022] The high beam unit 22 projects a high beam pattern as a headlight pattern in front of the vehicle. The high beam unit 22 is positioned, for example, on the outside of the vehicle relative to the low beam unit 21. The high beam unit 22 has a light source 25 and an illumination unit 26. The light source 25 can be, for example, a semiconductor light source such as an LED, or a laser light source. The illumination unit 26 controls the light distribution of the light emitted from the light source 25 and projects it in front of the vehicle as a high beam pattern. The illumination unit 26 can be, for example, a reflector, a projection lens, or the like.

[0023] The lighting unit 30 includes a clearance lamp unit 31, an emblem light-emitting unit 32, and a turn signal lamp unit 33.

[0024] The clearance lamp unit 31 and the emblem light-emitting unit 32 have a common light source 34 and light guide 35. The light source 34 can be a semiconductor light source such as an LED, a laser light source, or the like. The light source 34 is positioned so that its light-emitting surface 34a faces forward. The light source 34 emits light forward from its light-emitting surface 34a. For example, two light sources 34 are provided on each side of the lamp chamber R. On each side, the two light sources 34 are arranged side by side, one above the other, on the substrate 39. The substrate 39 is provided in common for the clearance lamp unit 31, the emblem light-emitting unit 32, and the turn lamp unit 33.

[0025] The light guide 35 guides the light emitted from the light source 34. The light guide 35 is installed such that its parts other than the front are covered by, for example, the light guide cover 12. The light guide 35 has a clearance light guide section 36 and an emblem light guide section 37.

[0026] The clearance light guide section 36 has an incident surface 36a facing the light source 34. The clearance light guide section 36 extends forward from the incident surface 36a and is curved inward towards the vehicle so as to align with the upper clearance light-emitting section 51 and the lower clearance light-emitting section 52 of the clearance lamp unit 31, which will be described later. In a front view, the clearance light guide section 36 is positioned to overlap the upper clearance light-emitting section 51 and the lower clearance light-emitting section 52. The clearance light guide section 36 guides the light incident from the light source 34 onto the incident surface 36a and emits it forward toward the upper clearance light-emitting section 51 and the lower clearance light-emitting section 52.

[0027] The emblem light guide section 37 is formed, for example, in an annular shape. The emblem light guide section 37 is located in the center of the lamp chamber R in the left-right direction and is positioned to overlap with the emblem light-emitting section 53, which will be described later, when viewed from the front. The emblem light guide section 37 is connected to the clearance light guide section 36. The emblem light guide section 37 guides the light that is guided from the light source 34 through the clearance light guide section 36 and emits it forward toward the emblem light-emitting section 53, which will be described later.

[0028] The clearance lamp units 31 are positioned on the left and right sides of the front of the vehicle in the lamp chamber R. The clearance lamp unit 31 has an upper clearance light-emitting section 51 and a lower clearance light-emitting section 52. In this embodiment, the upper clearance light-emitting section 51 and the lower clearance light-emitting section 52 are made of light-transmitting members that transmit light, such as an inner lens. The upper clearance light-emitting section 51 and the lower clearance light-emitting section 52 emit light when light is emitted from the clearance light guide section 36 of the light guide 35.

[0029] The upper clearance light-emitting section 51 is positioned above the illumination sections 24 and 26 of the headlight unit 20 in a front view and extends in the left-right direction. The lower clearance light-emitting section 52 is positioned below the illumination sections 24 and 26 of the headlight unit 20 in a front view and extends in the left-right direction. The upper clearance light-emitting section 51 and the lower clearance light-emitting section 52 have a shape that has thickness in the front-rear direction and are provided projecting forward from the base section 41 of the inner panel 40.

[0030] The left and right upper clearance light-emitting sections 51 each have a first horizontal section 51a, an inclined section 51b, and a second horizontal section 51c. The first horizontal section 51a extends horizontally from the outer end of the vehicle toward the inner end of the vehicle. The inclined section 51b extends diagonally downward from the first horizontal section 51a toward the center of the vehicle in the left-right direction. The second horizontal section 51c extends horizontally from the inclined section 51b toward the inner end of the vehicle. The inner end of the second horizontal section 51c is connected to the emblem light-emitting section 53, which will be described later.

[0031] Furthermore, the left and right lower clearance light-emitting sections 52 each have a first horizontal section 52a, an inclined section 52b, and a second horizontal section 52c. The first horizontal section 52a extends horizontally from the outer end of the vehicle toward the inner end of the vehicle. The inclined section 52b extends diagonally upward from the first horizontal section 52a toward the center of the vehicle in the left-right direction. The second horizontal section 52c extends horizontally from the inclined section 52b toward the inner end of the vehicle. The inner end of the second horizontal section 52c is connected to the emblem light-emitting section 53, which will be described later.

[0032] By providing the inclined portions 51b and 52b, the upper clearance light-emitting portion 51 and the lower clearance light-emitting portion 52 are formed to move closer in the vertical direction from the outer side of the vehicle in the left-right direction towards the center of the vehicle.

[0033] The upper clearance light-emitting section 51 is positioned with its rear surface 51r facing the clearance light guide section 36. Light emitted from the clearance light guide section 36 enters the rear surface 51r. The upper clearance light-emitting section 51 emits light from its front surface 51f and upper surface 51e. The upper clearance light-emitting section 51 becomes illuminated by emitting light from its front surface 51f and upper surface 51e, which protrude from the inner panel 40.

[0034] Similarly, the lower clearance light-emitting section 52 is positioned with its rear surface 52r facing the clearance light guide section 36. Light emitted from the clearance light guide section 36 enters the rear surface 52r. The lower clearance light-emitting section 52 emits light from its front surface 52f and upper surface 52e, which protrude from the inner panel 40. The lower clearance light-emitting section 52 becomes luminous by emitting light from its front surface 52f and upper surface 52e.

[0035] The upper clearance light-emitting section 51 has an upper pattern 51p arranged horizontally on its upper surface 51e. The lower clearance light-emitting section 52 has a lower pattern 52p arranged horizontally on its upper surface 52e. Figure 3 shows the lower pattern 52p, but the upper pattern 51p has a similar configuration. In this embodiment, the upper pattern 51p and the lower pattern 52p are configured, for example, with multiple linear sections extending in the front-to-back direction arranged at intervals in the left-to-right direction. By providing the upper pattern 51p and the lower pattern 52p, when the upper clearance light-emitting section 51 and the lower clearance light-emitting section 52 emit light, patterns corresponding to the upper pattern 51p and the lower pattern 52p are visible on the upper surfaces 51e and 52e, respectively.

[0036] The emblem illuminating unit 32 is located in the lamp chamber R and illuminates the vehicle's emblem. The emblem illuminating unit 32 has an emblem illuminating section 53. The emblem illuminating section 53 is located in the center in the left-right direction within the lamp chamber R. As the emblem illuminating section 53, a light-transmitting material that transmits light, such as an inner lens, is used. The emblem illuminating section 53 is held by the emblem holding section 44. The emblem holding section 44 is attached to the inner panel 40.

[0037] The emblem light-emitting section 53 has a rear surface 53r and a front surface 53f. Light emitted from the emblem light guide section 37 of the light guide body 35 enters the rear surface 53r. Light that enters from the rear surface 53r exits the front surface 53f. The emblem light-emitting section 53 becomes illuminated when light is emitted from the front surface 53f.

[0038] The emblem light-emitting section 53 is connected to the vehicle-side ends of the left and right upper clearance light-emitting sections 51 and lower clearance light-emitting sections 52. The emblem light-emitting section 53 illuminates at the same timing as the left and right upper clearance light-emitting sections 51 and lower clearance light-emitting sections 52. In this embodiment, the emblem light-emitting section 53 is, for example, annular when viewed from the front and is arranged around the emblem 55. The shape of the emblem light-emitting section 53 when viewed from the front is not limited to annular, but may be other shapes, patterns, etc.

[0039] The turn lamp unit 33 is positioned on the outside of the vehicle relative to the left and right headlight units 20 in the lamp chamber R. The turn lamp unit 33 has a light source 38. The light source 38 can be a semiconductor type light source such as an LED, a laser light source, etc. The light source 38 is positioned so that its light-emitting surface 38a faces forward. The light source 38 emits light forward from its light-emitting surface 38a. For example, three light sources 38 are provided on each side of the lamp chamber R. On each side, the three light sources 38 are arranged vertically on the substrate 39. One light source 38 is provided at each height position in the vertical direction. In other words, in a single turn lamp unit 33, there are no more than two light sources 38 arranged horizontally at each height position.

[0040] The turn signal unit 33 has turn signal light-emitting sections 54 on the left and right sides. For the turn signal light-emitting sections 54, a light-transmitting member that transmits light, such as an inner lens, is used. Figure 6 is a perspective view showing an example of the turn signal unit 33. Figure 6 shows an example of the turn signal unit 33 located on the left side of the front of the vehicle. Figures 7 and 8 show examples of the turn signal light-emitting section 54. Figure 7 is a view from the outside of the vehicle, and Figure 8 is a view from above. The turn signal light-emitting section 54 is arranged to extend vertically from a position corresponding to the outer end of the upper clearance light-emitting section 51 to a position corresponding to the outer end of the lower clearance light-emitting section 52. In this embodiment, the turn signal light-emitting section 54 is longitudinal in the vertical direction.

[0041] Light-shielding sections 45 are provided between the turn-emitting section 54 and the vehicle-external end of the upper clearance-emitting section 51, and between the turn-emitting section 54 and the vehicle-external end of the lower clearance-emitting section 52. The turn-emitting section 54 emits light from the light emitted from the light source 38. The turn-emitting section 54 is provided projecting forward from the housing. The turn-emitting section 54 is provided so that its side surface 54e and emission surface 54f are visible from the outside.

[0042] The turn-emitting section 54 has a shape in which both ends in the longitudinal direction (up and down direction) are curved toward the inside of the vehicle. That is, the turn-emitting section 54 has a flat plate section 54a, an upper curved section 54b, and a lower curved section 54c.

[0043] The flat plate portion 54a is positioned in the center in the longitudinal direction. The flat plate portion 54a is, for example, a rectangular flat plate.

[0044] The upper curved portion 54b is positioned above the flat portion 54a in the longitudinal direction. The upper curved portion 54b is formed to curve upward from the flat portion 54a toward the inside of the vehicle. The upper curved portion 54b is positioned such that the end face 54h, which is provided at the upper end in the longitudinal direction, faces toward the inside of the vehicle. As described above, the light-shielding portion 45 is provided on the inside of the end face 54h toward the inside of the vehicle. The end face 54h is provided facing the end face on the outside of the vehicle of the upper clearance light-emitting portion 51, with the light-shielding portion 45 in between.

[0045] The lower curved portion 54c is positioned below the flat portion 54a in the longitudinal direction. The lower curved portion 54c is formed to curve downward from the flat portion 54a toward the inside of the vehicle. The lower curved portion 54c is positioned such that the end face 54i, which is provided at the lower end in the longitudinal direction, faces toward the inside of the vehicle. As described above, the light-shielding portion 45 is provided on the inside of the end face 54i toward the inside of the vehicle. The end face 54i is provided facing the end face on the outside of the vehicle of the lower clearance light-emitting portion 52, with the light-shielding portion 45 in between.

[0046] The turn-emitting section 54 has an incident surface 54r and an exit surface 54f. The incident surface 54r is positioned opposite the light-emitting surface 38a of the light source 38. Light emitted from the light-emitting surface 38a is incident on the incident surface 54r. The exit surface 54f is directed forward, and light incident from the incident surface 54r is emitted from it. The turn-emitting section 54 becomes a light-emitting state when light is emitted from the exit surface 54f.

[0047] The ejection surface 54f has a shape that slopes backward from the inside to the outside of the vehicle in the left-right direction, a so-called slant shape. As shown in Figure 8, in this embodiment, the ejection surface 54f is formed in a stepped shape so as to slope backward (towards the rear) from the inside to the outside of the vehicle in the left-right direction. The ejection surface 54f is formed in multiple steps from the inside to the outside of the vehicle. The front step surface 54d of the stepped portion of the ejection surface 54f is formed along the incident surface 54r. In addition, the side step surface 54g of the stepped portion of the ejection surface 54f is positioned to face outwards from the vehicle.

[0048] The turn-emitting section 54 has an emission surface 54f that is divided into multiple segments 54s in the longitudinal direction. Each segment 54s is formed in a shape that constitutes, for example, a fisheye lens. However, the shape of each segment 54s is not limited to the shape that constitutes a fisheye lens.

[0049] The inner panel 40 is positioned in the lamp chamber R, extending across both sides in the left-right direction. The inner panel 40 has a base portion 41, an upper frame portion 42, and a lower frame portion 43. The base portion 41 is positioned perpendicular or intersecting in the front-rear direction. In the lamp chamber R, the base portion 41 is positioned to cover the periphery of the illumination portion 24 of the low beam unit 21, the illumination portion 26 of the high beam unit 22, the upper clearance light-emitting portion 51, the lower clearance light-emitting portion 52, the emblem light-emitting portion 53, and the turn signal light-emitting portion 54.

[0050] The base portion 41 has openings 41a, 41b, 41c, 41d, and 41e. Opening 41a is provided at a position corresponding to the illumination portion 24 of the low beam unit 21 and the illumination portion 26 of the high beam unit 22. Opening 41b is provided at a position corresponding to the upper clearance light-emitting portion 51. The upper clearance light-emitting portion 51 is provided so as to penetrate opening 41b in the front-rear direction and protrude forward from opening 41b. Opening 41c is provided at a position corresponding to the lower clearance light-emitting portion 52. The lower clearance light-emitting portion 52 is provided so as to penetrate opening 41c in the front-rear direction and protrude forward from opening 41c. Opening 41d is provided at a position corresponding to the emblem light-emitting portion 53. Opening 41e is provided at a position corresponding to the turn signal light-emitting portion 54.

[0051] The upper frame portion 42 is provided so as to protrude forward from the lower edge of the opening 41b of the base portion 41. The upper frame portion 42 extends across the entire left-right direction of the opening 41b. The upper frame portion 42 is positioned along the lower surface 51d of the upper clearance light-emitting portion 51. The upper frame portion 42 is provided so as to be along the first horizontal portion 51a, the inclined portion 51b, and the second horizontal portion 51c of the upper clearance light-emitting portion 51. In other words, the lower surface 51d of the upper clearance light-emitting portion 51 is covered by the upper frame portion 42 over its entire left-right direction. The upper clearance light-emitting portion 51 is provided so that its upper surface 51e and front surface 51f are visible from the outside. As shown in Figure 4, the front end surface 42f of the upper frame portion 42 is flush with the front surface 51f of the upper clearance light-emitting portion 51.

[0052] Furthermore, the lower frame portion 43 is provided so as to protrude forward from the lower edge of the opening 41c of the base portion 41. The lower frame portion 43 is provided over the entire left-right direction of the opening 41c. The lower frame portion 43 is positioned along the lower surface 52d of the lower clearance light-emitting portion 52. The lower frame portion 43 is provided so as to be along the first horizontal portion 52a, the inclined portion 52b, and the second horizontal portion 52c of the lower clearance light-emitting portion 52. In other words, the lower surface 52d of the lower clearance light-emitting portion 52 is covered by the lower frame portion 43 over the entire left-right direction. The lower clearance light-emitting portion 52 is provided so that its upper surface 52e and front surface 52f are visible from the outside. As shown in Figure 4, the front end surface 43f of the lower frame portion 43 is flush with the front surface 52f of the lower clearance light-emitting portion 52.

[0053] Next, the operation of the vehicle lighting fixture 100 configured as described above will be explained. Figures 9 to 11 show an example of the vehicle lighting fixture 100 in a lit state. Figures 9 to 11 show the vehicle lighting fixture 100 as viewed from the front. When a signal to light up each part of the vehicle lighting fixture 100 is supplied from the vehicle, the vehicle lighting fixture 100 receives the signal from the vehicle. For example, when a signal to light up the clearance lamp unit 31 is received, the vehicle lighting fixture 100 controls the light emission of the light source 34 based on the signal. This light emission control causes light to be emitted from the light source 34. The light emitted from the light source 34 is guided by the clearance light guide section 36 of the light guide body 35, and a portion of the light is emitted toward the upper clearance light emitting section 51 and the lower clearance light emitting section 52. As shown in Figure 9, the light incident on the upper clearance light emitting section 51 causes the upper surface 51e and the front surface 51f of the upper clearance light emitting section 51 to emit light. Light incident on the lower clearance light-emitting section 52 causes the upper surface 52e and front surface 52f of the lower clearance light-emitting section 52 to emit light. At this time, the upper surface 51e of the upper clearance light-emitting section 51 displays a pattern corresponding to the upper pattern 51p. Similarly, the upper surface 52e of the lower clearance light-emitting section 52 displays a pattern corresponding to the lower pattern 52p. In this way, a highly aesthetically pleasing illumination state is achieved.

[0054] Furthermore, some of the light guided by the clearance light guide section 36 reaches the emblem light guide section 37. This light is guided by the emblem light guide section 37 and emitted to the emblem light-emitting section 53. As shown in Figure 9, the emblem light-emitting section 53 emits light due to the light incident on it. In this way, the emblem light-emitting section 53 emits light at the same timing as the upper clearance light-emitting section 51 and the lower clearance light-emitting section 52.

[0055] Furthermore, for example, when a signal is received to illuminate the low beam unit 21 and the high beam unit 22, the vehicle lighting device 100 controls the light emission of the light source 23 of the low beam unit 21 and the light source 25 of the high beam unit 22 based on the signal. The light emitted from the light sources 23 and 25 is distributed and irradiated in front of the vehicle by the irradiation units 24 and 26. As a result, a low beam pattern and a high beam pattern are formed in front of the vehicle.

[0056] In the vehicle lighting system 100, when the low beam unit 21 and high beam unit 22 are turned on, the clearance lamp unit 31 may also be turned on. In such cases, as shown in Figure 10, when light is projected from the illumination units 24 and 26 toward the front of the vehicle, the upper clearance light-emitting unit 51, the lower clearance light-emitting unit 52, and the emblem light-emitting unit 53 also emit light. In this embodiment, an upper frame portion 42 is provided along the lower surface 51d of the upper clearance light-emitting unit 51, and a lower frame portion 43 is provided along the lower surface 52d of the lower clearance light-emitting unit 52. As a result, the light from the illumination units 24 and 26 and the light emitted from the upper clearance light-emitting unit 51 and the lower clearance light-emitting unit 52 are clearly distinguishable and visible.

[0057] Furthermore, for example, when a signal is received to light up the turn lamp unit 33, the vehicle lighting device 100 controls the emission of light from the light source 38 based on the signal. This emission control causes light to be emitted from the light source 38. The light emitted from the light source 38 is directed toward the turn light emitting section 54. As shown in Figure 11, the emission surface 54f of the turn light emitting section 54 emits light due to the light incident on the turn light emitting section 54. In this embodiment, the turn light emitting section 54 is arranged to extend vertically from a position corresponding to the outer end of the upper clearance light emitting section 51 to a position corresponding to the outer end of the lower clearance light emitting section 52. Therefore, for example, when the turn light emitting section 54 emits light while the upper clearance light emitting section 51 and the lower clearance light emitting section 52 are emitting light, the emission surface 54f of the turn light emitting section 54 emits light so as to connect the front surface 51f of the upper clearance light emitting section 51 and the front surface 52f of the lower clearance light emitting section 52. In this way, a highly aesthetically pleasing illumination state is achieved. Furthermore, the turn-emitting section 54 is provided with its side surface 54e visible from the outside, and its emission surface 54f is positioned to protrude forward of the lamp chamber R relative to the inner panel 40. Therefore, in the illumination state, the area protruding forward from the inner panel 40 appears to be emitting light. In this way, a high level of aesthetic appeal can be achieved in the illumination state.

[0058] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 8, in this embodiment, the turn-emitting section 54 is formed in a stepped shape such that the emission surface 54f, which is the emission surface, slopes backward from the inside to the outside of the vehicle in the left-right direction, and the front step surface 54d of the stepped portion is formed along the incident surface 54r. Therefore, the light L1 incident from the incident surface 54r is emitted forward from the front step surface 54d which is parallel to the incident surface 54r. Thus, the emission efficiency in the front direction of the vehicle can be improved.

[0059] Furthermore, since the emission surface 54f is formed in a stepped shape as described above, the side stepped surface 54g of the stepped portion is positioned to face outwards from the vehicle. As a result, the light L2 incident from the incidence surface 54r is internally reflected by the side stepped surface 54g and emitted from the front stepped surface 54d toward the inside of the vehicle. Therefore, a viewing angle on the inside of the vehicle can be secured.

[0060] Figure 12 shows the configuration of a turn-emitting section 154 according to another example. Figure 12 shows the turn-emitting section 154 as viewed from the outside of the vehicle. As shown in Figure 12, in addition to the configuration of the turn-emitting section 54 described above, the turn-emitting section 154 has reflective surfaces 61, 62, 63, 64 and a recess 65. The reflective surfaces 61, 62, 63, 64 reflect the light that enters the incident surface 154r and diffuses within the lens toward the front. The reflective surfaces 61, 62, 63, 64 are formed in a parabolic shape toward the front of the vehicle from the incident surface 154r.

[0061] Reflective surfaces 61, 62, 63, and 64 are provided for each light source 38. In the example shown in Figure 13, three light sources 38 are arranged vertically. Hereinafter, the positions of the three light sources will be referred to as upper, middle, and lower, from top to bottom. The incident surface 154r has an upper incident section 66 facing the upper light source 38, a middle incident section 67 facing the middle light source 38, and a lower incident section 68 facing the lower light source 38. The turn-emitting section 154 is formed in a state where it is cut out by the reflective surfaces 61, 62, 63, and 64, extending forward from the incident surface 154r side.

[0062] The reflective surface 61 is positioned below the upper incident section 66 on the incident surface 154r. The reflective surface 61 is positioned in a downward convex shape. The reflective surface 61 internally reflects the light incident on the upper incident section 66 from the upper light source 38 toward the front. Note that the reflective surface 61 may also be positioned above the upper incident section 66 in addition to below it.

[0063] The reflective surface 62 is located below the reflective surface 61 and above the middle incident section 67. The reflective surface 62 is positioned in an upward convex shape. The reflective surface 63 is located below the middle incident section 67. The reflective surface 63 is positioned in a downward convex shape. The reflective surfaces 62 and 63 internally reflect the light incident on the middle incident section 67 from the middle light source 38 toward the front.

[0064] The reflective surface 64 is located below the reflective surface 63 and above the lower incident section 68. The reflective surface 64 is positioned in an upward-convex shape. The reflective surface 64 internally reflects the light incident on the lower incident section 68 from the lower light source 38 toward the front. The reflective surface 64 may also be positioned below the lower incident section 68 in addition to above it.

[0065] The recesses 65 are provided in the upper incident section 66, the middle incident section 67, and the lower incident section 68 of the incident surface 154r. The recess 65 provided in the upper incident section 66 refracts a portion of the light incident on the upper incident section 66 toward the reflective surface 61. The recess 65 provided in the middle incident section 67 refracts a portion of the light incident on the middle incident section 67 toward the reflective surfaces 62 and 63. The recess 65 provided in the lower incident section 68 refracts a portion of the light incident on the lower incident section 68 toward the reflective surface 64. By providing the recesses 65, more light is supplied to the reflective surfaces 61, 62, 63, and 64.

[0066] Figure 13 shows an example of the light emission state of the turn-emitting section 54. As shown in Figure 13(A), light emitted from the light source 38 and incident on the incident surface 54r of the turn-emitting section 54 travels forward while being diffused in the vertical direction. Light that is diffused at a large angle in the vertical direction does not contribute to light emission even when it reaches the exit surface 54. The dimensions of the turn-emitting section 54 are set in the front-to-back direction so that the light L3 that contributes to light emission from the light incident on the incident surface 54r reaches the entire range of the exit surface 54f in the vertical direction. Therefore, light can be emitted over the entire exit surface 54f.

[0067] Figure 13(B) shows a turn-emitting section 254 according to a comparative example. The turn-emitting section 254 has a shorter front-to-back dimension than the turn-emitting section 54 according to this embodiment, and the other configurations are the same as the turn-emitting section 54. In the turn-emitting section 254 shown in Figure 13(B), the front-to-back dimension is shorter than that of the turn-emitting section 54, so the light L4 that contributes to light emission from the light incident on the incident surface 254r does not reach the entire range of the output surface 254f in the vertical direction. As a result, when viewed from the front, a low-light emission region D with low light intensity in the vertical direction is formed.

[0068] Figure 14 shows an example of the light emission state of the turn-emitting unit 154. As shown in Figure 14, in the turn-emitting unit 154, the light L5 that contributes to light emission from the light incident on the incident surface 154r reaches a portion of the output surface 254f in the vertical direction. In addition, because the turn-emitting unit 154 has reflective surfaces 61, 62, 63, and 64, it can reflect the light L6 that is incident from the upper incident section 66, the middle incident section 67, and the lower incident section 68 and diffuses in the vertical direction toward the front. In this way, the incident light L6 that diffuses in the vertical direction can be effectively utilized. For this reason, even if the dimensions of the turn-emitting unit 154 in the front-to-back direction are shortened, for example, sufficient light can be supplied to the entire vertical direction of the output surface 54f. For this reason, it is possible to miniaturize the turn-emitting unit 154 in the front-to-back direction.

[0069] As described above, the vehicle light fixture 100 according to this embodiment includes a plurality of light sources 38 arranged vertically and emitting light forward, and a turn-emitting unit 54 positioned in front of the plurality of light sources 38, which is elongated in the vertical direction and has an incident surface 54r into which light from the light sources 38 enters, and an exit surface 54f into which light that has entered from the incident surface 54r exits. The turn-emitting unit 54 is formed in a stepped shape such that the exit surface 54f slopes backward from the inside to the outside of the vehicle in the left-right direction, and the front step surface 54d of the stepped portion is formed along the incident surface 54r.

[0070] With this configuration, light incident from the incident surface 54r is emitted forward from the front surface 54d, which is parallel to the incident surface 54r. Therefore, in the turn-emitting section 54, which is designed to be a long plate in the vertical direction to improve aesthetics, the emission efficiency toward the front of the vehicle can be improved. As a result, a vehicle light fixture 100 that can emit sufficient light toward the front of the vehicle can be provided.

[0071] In the vehicle light fixture 100 according to this embodiment, the turn-emitting section 54 has an upper curved section 54b and a lower curved section 54c that are curved toward the inside of the vehicle. With this configuration, the turn-emitting section 54, which has an upper curved section 54b and a lower curved section 54c that are curved toward the inside of the vehicle, can improve the emission efficiency toward the front of the vehicle.

[0072] In the vehicle light fixture 100 according to this embodiment, a light-shielding portion 45 is further provided on the vehicle side of the end faces 54h and 54i, which are located at the longitudinal ends of the upper curved portion 54b and lower curved portion 54c of the turn light-emitting portion 54. With this configuration, it is possible to suppress light leakage from the end faces 54h and 54i to the vehicle side. In addition, by providing the light-shielding portion 45, it is possible to suppress light leakage to the inside. For example, if white light is generated from the upper clearance light-emitting portion 51 and the lower clearance light-emitting portion 52 and amber light is generated from the turn light-emitting portion 54, it is possible to suppress the mixing of the white light from the upper clearance light-emitting portion 51 and the lower clearance light-emitting portion 52 and the amber light from the turn light-emitting portion 54.

[0073] In the vehicle light fixture 100 according to this embodiment, the turn-emitting section 54 has an emission surface 54f that is divided into multiple segments 54s in the longitudinal direction. With this configuration, the emission of light can be controlled for each segment 54s.

[0074] In the vehicle lighting device 100 according to this embodiment, an inner panel 40 is provided in the lighting chamber R that houses the light source 38 and the turn-emitting section 54, and the turn-emitting section 54 is housed in a state in which it protrudes forward from the inner panel 40 such that a part of the outer side surface 54e of the vehicle is exposed. With this configuration, when the light is emitted, the emission surface 54f appears to be emitting light while protruding forward from the inner panel 40. In this way, a high level of design aesthetics can be achieved when the light is emitted.

[0075] In the vehicle light fixture 100 according to this embodiment, the turn-emitting section 154 has reflective surfaces 61, 62, 63, and 64 for each light source 38 that reflect light that is incident on the incident surface 154r and diffuses in the vertical direction toward the front. With this configuration, the incident light that diffuses in the vertical direction can be effectively utilized, so even if the dimensions of the turn-emitting section 154 in the front-to-back direction are shortened, for example, sufficient light can be supplied to the entire vertical direction of the emission surface 54f. For this reason, it is possible to miniaturize the turn-emitting section 154 in the front-to-back direction.

[0076] In the vehicle light fixture 100 according to this embodiment, the turn-emitting section 154 has a spherical recess 65 on the incident surface 154r that diffuses a portion of the light incident on the incident surface 154r in the vertical direction. With this configuration, more light can be supplied to the reflective surfaces 61, 62, 63, and 64. By providing the recess 65 and the reflective surfaces 61, 62, 63, and 64, the luminous flux from the light source 38 can be utilized efficiently, and the turn-emitting section 154 can emit light uniformly.

[0077] In the vehicle lighting device 100 according to this embodiment, one light source 38 is provided at each height position in the vertical direction. This configuration allows for a design that is aesthetically pleasing while keeping the number of light sources 38 low, even when using a vertically elongated turn-emitting section 54.

[0078] The technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and modifications can be made as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, in the above embodiments, the turn-light emitting unit 54 was described as being provided at the front of the vehicle, but it is not limited to this. The turn-light emitting unit 54 may also be provided at the rear of the vehicle. In this case, the front side becomes the rear, and the rear side becomes the front. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0079] L1, L2, L3, L4, L5, L6…Light, R…Lamp chamber, 10…Housing, 11…Outer lens, 12…Light guide cover, 20…Headlight unit, 21…Low beam unit, 22…High beam unit, 23, 25, 34, 38…Light source, 24, 26…Irradiation section, 30…Lamp unit, 31…Clearance lamp unit, 32…Emblem illumination unit, 33…Ta Lamp unit, 34a, 38a...light-emitting surface, 35...light guide, 36...clearance light guide section, 36a, 54r, 154r...incident surface, 37...emblem light guide section, 39...substrate, 40...inner panel, 41...base section, 41a, 41b, 41c, 41d, 41e...opening, 42...upper frame section, 42f, 43f, 54h, 54i...end face, 43...lower frame section, 44... Emblem holding part, 45...light-shielding part, 51...upper clearance light-emitting part, 51a, 52a...first horizontal part, 51b, 52b...inclined part, 51c, 52c...second horizontal part, 51d, 52d...bottom surface, 51e, 52e...top surface, 51f, 52f, 53f...front surface, 51p...upper pattern, 51r, 52r, 53r...rear surface, 52...lower clearance light-emitting part, 52p...lower pattern, 53... Emblem light-emitting section, 54, 154... Turn light-emitting section, 54a... Flat section, 54b... Upper curved section, 54c... Lower curved section, 54d... Front stepped surface, 54e... Side surface, 54f, 154f... Emitting surface, 54g... Side stepped surface, 54s... Segment, 55... Emblem, 61, 62, 63, 64... Reflective surface, 65... Recess, 66... ​​Upper incident section, 67... Middle incident section, 68... Lower incident section, 100... Vehicle light fixture

Claims

1. Multiple light sources are arranged vertically, emitting light towards the front, An inner lens is positioned on the front side of a plurality of the aforementioned light sources, is a vertically elongated plate shape, and has an incident surface into which light from the light sources enters, and an exit surface into which light that enters from the incident surface exits. Equipped with, The inner lens is formed in a stepped shape such that the exit surface slopes backward from the inside to the outside of the vehicle in the left-right direction, and the front surface of the stepped portion is formed along the incident surface. The inner lens has a shape in which both ends in the longitudinal direction are curved toward the inside of the vehicle. Vehicle lighting fixtures.

2. The inner lens further comprises light-shielding portions provided at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the end faces, which are positioned on the vehicle side. A vehicle light fixture according to claim 1.

3. The inner lens has an exit surface that is divided into multiple segments in the longitudinal direction. A vehicle light fixture according to claim 1.

4. The lamp chamber, which houses the light source and the inner lens, further comprises an inner panel, The inner lens is housed in such a state that it protrudes forward from the inner panel so that a portion of the outer side of the vehicle is exposed. A vehicle light fixture according to claim 1.

5. The inner lens has a reflective surface for each light source that reflects light incident on the incident surface and diffuses in the vertical direction toward the front. A vehicle light fixture according to claim 1.

6. The inner lens has a spherical recess on the incident surface that diffuses a portion of the light incident on the incident surface in the vertical direction. The vehicle light fixture according to claim 5.

7. The aforementioned light sources are provided one at each height position in the vertical direction. A vehicle light fixture according to claim 1.

Images