Lighting fixture for vehicle

Abstract

The present invention comprises: a first light guide having a plurality of first light guide lenses aligned mutually spaced apart in a predetermined direction and each having a first incident surface, and a first connecting section connecting adjacent first light guide lenses, the first light guide lenses and the first connecting sections being integrally formed; a second light guide having a plurality of second light guide lenses aligned mutually spaced apart in a predetermined direction and each having a second incident surface, and a second connecting section connecting adjacent second light guide lenses, the second light guide lenses and the second connecting section being integrally formed; a first light source emitting light which enters from the first incident surfaces; and a second light source emitting light which enters from the second incident surfaces. The first light guide lenses and the second light guide lenses are mutually spaced apart in a predetermined direction and positioned at least partially overlapping each other.

Description

Vehicle lighting fixtures

[0001] The present invention relates to a technical field of a vehicle lamp having a plurality of light guide sections that guide and emit incident light.

[0002] There is a type of vehicle lamp that has a light guide with an incident surface and an exit surface, and a light source that emits light, in which the light emitted from the light source enters through the incident surface, is guided by the light guide, and is emitted to the outside from the exit surface (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] In the vehicle lamp described in Patent Document 1, a plurality of light guides each having a light emitting portion formed in a flat or curved shape are arranged side by side in a predetermined direction, and light emitted from a light source is guided by each of the plurality of light guides, and the light is emitted from each light emitting portion of the plurality of light guides.

[0004] In such vehicle lamps having multiple light guides, by adjusting the width of the exit surface, the length of the exit surface, the position at which the exit surface is formed on the light guide, the orientation of the light exit portions of the multiple light guides, etc. as desired, it is possible to set various light emission conditions and thereby improve visibility and design.

[0005] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2020-9657

[0006] However, in the vehicle lamps described above, it is necessary to arrange multiple light guides according to the illumination area where light is required, which increases the number of parts and the work required to attach the light guides to other parts, which may increase the manufacturing costs of the vehicle lamps.

[0007] On the other hand, if the number of light guides is reduced in order to reduce the manufacturing costs of vehicle lighting fixtures, sufficient brightness may not be ensured in the illuminated area, and the high density and transparency (three-dimensional effect) created by overlapping light emitting sections may be lost, resulting in a decrease in design quality.

[0008] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle lamp that ensures high design quality while reducing the number of parts and thereby reducing manufacturing costs.

[0009] The vehicle lamp according to the present invention comprises: a first light guide body having a plurality of first light guide lens sections arranged at a distance in a predetermined direction, each having a first incident surface, and a first connecting section connecting adjacent first light guide lens sections, wherein the first light guide lens sections and the first connecting section are integrally formed; a second light guide body having a plurality of second light guide lens sections arranged at a distance in the predetermined direction, each having a second incident surface, and a second connecting section connecting adjacent second light guide lens sections, wherein the second light guide lens sections and the second connecting section are integrally formed; a first light source that emits light incident from the first incident surface, and a second light source that emits light incident from the second incident surface, wherein the first light guide lens sections and the second light guide lens sections are positioned at a distance in the predetermined direction and at least partially overlap each other.

[0010] This results in a configuration in which at least a portion of the first light-guiding lens portion in the first light-guiding body, whose parts are formed integrally, and at least a portion of the second light-guiding lens portion in the second light-guiding body, whose parts are formed integrally, overlap while being spaced apart.

[0011] According to the present invention, at least a portion of the first light-guiding lens portion in the first light-guiding body, whose parts are formed integrally, and at least a portion of the second light-guiding lens portion in the second light-guiding body, whose parts are formed integrally, are configured to overlap while being spaced apart, thereby ensuring high design quality and reducing manufacturing costs by reducing the number of parts.

[0012] 2 to 12 show an embodiment of the vehicle lamp of the present invention, and this figure is a perspective view of the vehicle lamp. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the vehicle lamp showing the internal structure. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the marker light unit. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the marker light unit as seen from a direction different from that of FIG. 3. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the marker light unit. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the marker light unit as seen from a direction different from that of FIG. 5. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the state in which the various parts of the marker light unit are in the process of being assembled. FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the state in which the various parts of the marker light unit are in the process of being assembled. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a part of the marker light unit. FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a configuration in which light of three different colors is emitted from each light source. FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a light guide lens portion composed of a containing portion and a non-containing portion. FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a configuration in which a connecting portion that does not contain light diffusing material is provided in addition to a light guide lens portion composed of a containing portion and a non-containing portion.

[0013] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A vehicle lamp according to an embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0014] The vehicle lamp 1 is attached to, for example, both the left and right ends of the rear end of the vehicle body and is used as a tail lamp, a turn signal lamp, and a welcome lamp. However, the vehicle lamp 1 is not limited to such a combination lamp, and may be any single lamp or combination lamp that functions at least as a vehicle marker lamp as long as it has a configuration including multiple light sources and a light guide. In particular, the vehicle lamp 1 can also be used as a clearance lamp, a turn signal lamp, and a daytime running lamp.

[0015] In the following, the front-rear, up-down, left-right directions will be described based on the vehicle on which the vehicle lamp 1 is installed. However, the front-rear, up-down, left-right directions described below are for the sake of convenience of explanation, and the implementation of the present invention is not limited to these directions. Furthermore, in the left-right direction, the center side of the vehicle is the inner side, and the side opposite the inner side is the outer side, and in the front-rear direction, the light irradiation direction will be described as the front.

[0016] The vehicle lamp 1 includes, for example, a lamp housing 2 having an opening at the front end and a cover 3 that closes the opening of the lamp housing 2 (see Figures 1 and 2). The vehicle lamp 1 may be formed in a shape that displaces from front to rear as it moves from the inner side to the outer side in the left-right direction, in which case the opening of the lamp housing 2 is formed from the front to the side.

[0017] The lamp housing 2 and the cover 3 constitute a lamp outer casing 4 , and the internal space of the lamp outer casing 4 is formed as a lamp chamber 5 .

[0018] A cover member 6 having a light-blocking function is disposed in the lamp chamber 5 (see FIG. 2). The cover member 6 functions as a bezel. The bezel may be formed by the cover member 6 and the lamp housing 2. The cover member 6 has a plate-shaped eaves portion 6a that faces substantially vertically and a side portion 6b that is inclined so as to be displaced downward as it moves away from the eaves portion 6a.

[0019] The cover member 6 is attached to, for example, the rear surface of the lamp housing 2 and disposed in the lamp chamber 5 .

[0020] A first light guide 9, a second light guide 10, a first extension 11, a second extension 12, a third extension 13, and a substrate 14 are arranged in the lamp chamber 5 (see FIGS. 3 to 6). The first light guide 9, the second light guide 10, the first extension 11, the second extension 12, the third extension 13, and the substrate 14 are configured as a marker light unit 15, and a part of the marker light unit 15 is shielded by the cover member 6, so that the shielded part cannot be seen from the outside through the cover 3.

[0021] As will be described later, the marker light unit 15 is constructed by assembling, in order from below, a first extension 11, a first light guide 9, a second extension 12, a second light guide 10, a third extension 13, and a substrate 14, for example.

[0022] The first light guide body 9 is integrally formed with a plurality of first light guide lens portions 16 and first connecting portions 17 that connect the plurality of first light guide lens portions 16 together.

[0023] The number of first light guide lens portions 16 in the first light guide body 9 can be any number as long as it is plural. For ease of understanding, the following describes an example of a first light guide body 9 having three first light guide lens portions 16 and two first connecting portions 17.

[0024] The first light guide lens portions 16, 16, 16 are positioned side by side at equal intervals in the left-right direction, for example.

[0025] The base material of the first light guide 9 is formed from a transparent resin material such as acrylic or polycarbonate, and the resin material contains a light diffusing material. Metal oxide particles, such as titanium dioxide particles, are used as the light diffusing material. The light diffusing material contained in the first light guide 9 is, for example, a type known as a micro-diffusing material, which has low diffusivity.

[0026] The average particle size of the light diffusing material is, for example, 150 to 500 nm, preferably 160 to 450 nm, more preferably 170 to 450 nm, even more preferably 200 to 400 nm, and particularly preferably 220 to 400 nm. The content of the light diffusing material relative to the total mass of the first light guiding lens section 16 is, for example, 0.1 to 100 ppm by mass, preferably 0.1 to 50 ppm by mass, and more preferably 0.1 to 10 ppm by mass.

[0027] In the first light guide 9, the first connecting portion 17 does not necessarily have to contain a light diffusing material.

[0028] The first light-guiding lens portion 16 is provided as a light-guiding portion 18 except for its rear end portion, and the rear end portion is provided as a mounting protrusion 19 that protrudes rearward from the light-guiding portion 18. The light-guiding portion 18 is formed, for example, in the shape of a twisted flat plate, and is formed in a shape that widens in width toward the front. The shape of the light-guiding portion 18 is arbitrary, and for example, the width of the approximately rear half portion may be constant and the width of the approximately front half portion may be widened toward the front.

[0029] The rearmost end face of the light guide 18 is formed as a first incident surface 18a, and the frontmost end face is formed as a first exit surface 18b. The first incident surface 18a faces upward, and the first exit surface 18b faces forward or diagonally to the side (outward) of the front.

[0030] Light-guiding section 18 is formed in a twisted flat plate shape, so that one surface in the thickness direction faces diagonally upward to the side or diagonally upward toward the front, and this surface is formed as second light-emitting surface 18c. A reflective step (total reflection step) (not shown) is formed on the other surface in the thickness direction of light-guiding section 18. Reflective steps (total reflection steps) are also formed on both end surfaces in the width direction of light-guiding section 18.

[0031] The mounting projection 19 projects rearward from the rear end of the light guide portion 18, and for example, the upper surface is formed to be flush with the first incident surface 18a.

[0032] The first connecting portion 17 connects two adjacent first light guiding lens portions 16, and both left and right ends thereof are continuous with the rear ends of the two adjacent first light guiding lens portions 16. The first connecting portion 17 is inclined so as to be displaced rearward as it goes outward in the left-right direction. Therefore, between adjacent first light guiding lens portions 16, 16, the first light guiding lens portion 16 located on the outer side in the left-right direction is shifted rearward relative to the first light guiding lens portion 16 located on the inner side in the left-right direction.

[0033] The second light guide body 10 is integrally formed with a plurality of second light guide lens portions 20 and second connecting portions 21 that connect the plurality of second light guide lens portions 20 together.

[0034] The number of second light guide lens portions 20 in the second light guide body 10 may be any number as long as it is plural, and for ease of understanding, an example of the second light guide body 10 provided with three second light guide lens portions 20 and two second connecting portions 21 will be described below. However, it is desirable that the number of second light guide lens portions 20 is the same as the number of first light guide lens portions 16.

[0035] The second light guide lens portions 20, 20, 20 are positioned side by side at equal intervals in the left-right direction, for example.

[0036] Similar to the first light guide 9, the second light guide 10 has a base material formed of a transparent resin material such as acrylic or polycarbonate, and the resin material contains a light diffusing material. Metal oxide particles, such as titanium dioxide particles, are used as the light diffusing material. The average particle size and content of the light diffusing material are similar to those of the light diffusing material contained in the first light guide 9.

[0037] In the second light guide 10, the second connecting portion 21 does not necessarily need to contain a light diffusing material.

[0038] The second light guiding lens unit 20 has a portion excluding a rear end portion provided as a light guiding portion 22, and the rear end portion is provided as a mounting protrusion 23 that protrudes forward from the light guiding portion 22. The light guiding portion 22 is formed, for example, in the shape of a twisted flat plate, and is formed in a shape that widens in width toward the front. Note that the shape of the light guiding portion 22 is arbitrary, and like the light guiding portion 18 of the first light guiding lens unit 16, for example, the light guiding portion 22 may be formed in a shape in which the width of the approximately rear half portion is constant and the width of the approximately front half portion widens toward the front.

[0039] The rearmost end face of the light guide 22 is formed as a second incident surface 22a, and the frontmost end face is formed as a first exit surface 22b. The second incident surface 22a faces upward, and the first exit surface 22b faces forward or diagonally to the side (outward) of the front.

[0040] Light-guiding section 22 is formed in a twisted flat plate shape, so that one surface in the thickness direction faces obliquely to the upper side or obliquely forward, and this surface is formed as second light-emitting surface 22 c. A reflective step (total reflection step) (not shown) is formed on the other surface in the thickness direction of light-guiding section 22. Reflective steps (total reflection steps) are also formed on both end surfaces in the width direction of light-guiding section 22.

[0041] The mounting projection 23 projects forward from the rear end of the light guide portion 22, and for example, the upper surface is formed to be flush with the second incident surface 22a.

[0042] The second connecting portion 21 connects two adjacent second light guiding lens portions 20, and both left and right ends of the second connecting portion 21 are continuous with the rear ends of the two adjacent second light guiding lens portions 20. The second connecting portion 21 is inclined so as to be displaced rearward as it goes outward in the left-right direction. Therefore, between adjacent second light guiding lens portions 20, 20, the second light guiding lens portion 20 located on the outer side in the left-right direction is positioned rearward relative to the second light guiding lens portion 20 located on the inner side in the left-right direction.

[0043] The first extension 11 has a plate-shaped fastening base 24 facing vertically, an arrangement section 25 that protrudes upward from the fastening base 24 and in which the first light guide lens section 16 is arranged, a shielding plate 26 that is continuous with the front end of the arrangement section 25 and extends left and right, and fastening protrusions 27, 27 that protrude left and right from both left and right ends of the shielding plate 26. The arrangement section 25 has a plurality of arrangement recesses 25a that are inclined from above to diagonally downward and forward, and are formed spaced apart on the left and right. Portions of the upper end surface of the arrangement section 25 that are continuous with the arrangement recesses 25a are formed as mounting surfaces 25b. The shielding plate 26 is formed as a gently curved surface that convex forward. A plurality of insertion notches 26a are formed spaced apart in the left and right direction on the upper edge of the shielding plate 26.

[0044] The second extension 12 has an arrangement section 28 in which the second light guide lens section 20 is arranged, a shielding plate section 29 that is continuous with the front end of the arrangement section 28 and extends left and right, and fastening protrusions 30, 30 that protrude left and right from both left and right ends of the shielding plate section 29. The arrangement section 28 has a plurality of arrangement recesses 28a that are inclined diagonally downward from above to the front and are formed spaced apart on the left and right. The upper end surface of the arrangement section 28 is formed as a receiving surface 28b. The shielding plate section 29 is formed as a gently curved surface that convex forward. A plurality of insertion notches 29a are formed spaced apart in the left and right direction on the lower edge of the shielding plate section 29, and a plurality of insertion notches 29b are formed spaced apart in the left and right direction on the upper edge of the shielding plate section 29.

[0045] The third extension 13 has a shielding plate 31 extending generally laterally, a plurality of mounting protrusions 32 protruding rearward from the lower end of the shielding plate 31, and fastening protrusions 33, 33 protruding left and right from both left and right ends of the shielding plate 31. The shielding plate 31 is formed with a gently curved surface that protrudes forward. A plurality of insertion notches 31a are formed at the lower edge of the shielding plate 31, spaced apart in the left and right direction. The mounting protrusions 32 are formed in a generally triangular shape and have mounting bosses 32a protruding upward.

[0046] The substrate 14 is disposed in the lamp chamber 5 facing up and down and is gently curved so as to be convex forward (see FIGS. 3 to 5). A plurality of first light sources 34 and a plurality of second light sources 35 are mounted on the underside of the substrate 14.

[0047] The first light sources 34 and the second light sources 35 are arranged in two rows, one in front and one in back, and are mounted alternately in the left-right direction. Therefore, the first light sources 34 and the second light sources 35 are mounted alternately on the board 14 in the left-right direction in the front row, and are also mounted alternately on the board 14 in the left-right direction in the back row.

[0048] The procedure for assembling each part of the marker lamp unit 15 configured as above will be described below (see FIGS. 5 to 9).

[0049] As described above, the marker light unit 15 is constructed by assembling the first extension 11, the first light guide 9, the second extension 12, the second light guide 10, the third extension 13, and the substrate 14 in the following order from the bottom.

[0050] First, the first light guide 9 is attached to the first extension 11 from above (see FIG. 7 ). The first light guide 9 is attached to the first extension 11 by attaching the attachment protrusions 19 of the first light guide 9 to the attachment surfaces 25 b of the first extension 11 by screwing or the like. When the first light guide 9 is attached to the first extension 11, the rear portions of the first light guide lens units 16 are arranged along the arrangement recesses 25 a, and the front portions of the first light guide lens units 16 protrude from the insertion notches 26 a to the front of the shielding plate unit 26.

[0051] Next, the second extension 12 is assembled to the first extension 11 from above (see FIGS. 7 and 8). The assembly of the second extension 12 to the first extension 11 is performed by placing the shielding plate portion 29 of the second extension 12 on the shielding plate portion 26 of the first extension 11 and placing the fastening protrusions 30, 30 of the second extension 12 on the fastening protrusions 27, 27 of the first extension 11. With the second extension 12 assembled to the first extension 11, the front portions of the first light guiding lens portions 16, 16, 16 protrude forward from the insertion notches 26 a, 26 a, 26 a and the insertion notches 29 a, 29 a, 29 a, respectively, toward the front of the shielding plate portion 26 and the shielding plate portion 29.

[0052] Next, the second light guide 10 is attached to the second extension 12 from above (see FIG. 8 ). The second light guide 10 is attached to the second extension 12 by arranging the rear portions of the second light guide lens units 20 along the arrangement recesses 28 a. When the second light guide 10 is attached to the second extension 12, the front portions of the second light guide lens units 20 protrude from the insertion notches 29 b to the front of the shielding plate unit 29.

[0053] Next, the third extension 13 is assembled to the second extension 12 from above (see FIG. 9 ). The assembly of the third extension 13 to the second extension 12 is performed by placing the shielding plate portion 31 of the third extension 13 on the shielding plate portion 29 of the second extension 12 and placing the fastening protrusions 33, 33 of the third extension 13 on the fastening protrusions 30, 30 of the second extension 12. At this time, parts of the mounting protrusions 32, 32, 32 of the third extension 13 are positioned below the mounting protrusions 23, 23, 23 of the second light guide 10, respectively, and the mounting protrusions 23, 23, 23 are attached to the mounting protrusions 32, 32, 32, respectively, by screwing or the like. When the third extension 13 is assembled to the second extension 12 and the second light guide 10 is attached to the third extension 13, the front portions of the second light guide lens units 20, 20, 20 are respectively protruded from the insertion notches 31 a, 31 a, 31 a and the insertion notches 29 b, 29 b, 29 b toward the front of the shielding plate unit 29 and the shielding plate unit 31. When the third extension 13 is assembled to the second extension 12, the receiving surface 28 b of the second extension 12 is positioned slightly above the second incident surfaces 22 a, 22 a, 22 a of the second light guide lens unit 20 and the first incident surfaces 18 a, 18 a, 18 a of the first light guide lens unit 16.

[0054] Finally, the board 14 is attached to the third extension 13. The board 14 is attached to the third extension 13 by attaching the board 14 to the mounting bosses 32a, 32a, 32a of the third extension 13 with screws or the like. When the board 14 is attached to the third extension 13, the board 14 is supported from below by the receiving surface 28b of the second extension 12, ensuring a stable positioning state of the board 14.

[0055] As described above, the first extension 11, the first light guide 9, the second extension 12, the second light guide 10, the third extension 13, and the substrate 14 are assembled in order from below to form the marker light unit 15, with the first light source 34 and the second light source 35 in the front row positioned facing the second incident surface 22a of the second light guide 10 from above, and the first light source 34 and the second light source 35 in the rear row positioned facing the first incident surface 18a of the first light guide 9 from above.

[0056] In the state where the marker lamp unit 15 is constructed, the first light guide lens portions 16 of the first light guide body 9 and the second light guide lens portions 20 of the second light guide body 10 are positioned alternately in the left-right direction, spaced apart at a fixed interval, and at least partially overlapping in the left-right direction (see FIG. 5 ). At this time, the first incident surface 18 a of the first light guide lens portion 16 and the second incident surface 22 a of the second light guide lens portion 20 that are adjacent to each other are aligned in the left-right direction (see FIG. 6 ). Furthermore, the first incident surfaces 18 a, 18 a, 18 a are positioned behind the second incident surfaces 22 a, 22 a, 22 a, respectively (see FIGS. 6 and 9 ).

[0057] The second incident surface 22a and the first incident surface 18a, which are positioned at the front and rear, are positioned at the front and rear, sandwiching the upper end of the arrangement portion 28 of the second extension 12. Therefore, the second incident surface 22a and the first incident surface 18a, which are positioned at the front and rear, are close to each other in the front-to-rear direction, and the distance between the first light source 34 and the second light source 35 in the front row and the first light source 34 and the second light source 35 in the rear row is accordingly reduced. Note that in this case, the second incident surface 22a and the first incident surface 18a, which are positioned at the front and rear, may be positioned with a shift in the left-right direction.

[0058] As described above, the distance between the first light source 34 and the second light source 35 in the front row and the first light source 34 and the second light source 35 in the back row is reduced, which makes it possible to reduce the size of the substrate 14 in the front-to-back direction, thereby making it possible to miniaturize the substrate 14.

[0059] As described above, the receiving surface 28b of the second extension 12 is positioned slightly above the second incident surface 22a and the first incident surface 18a, and the first light sources 34 and second light sources 35 in the front row and the first light sources 34 and second light sources 35 in the rear row are positioned on opposite sides of the upper end portion of the arrangement portion 25 in the second extension 12. Therefore, the upper end portion of the arrangement portion 25 functions as a partition portion 28c that separates the first light sources 34 and second light sources 35 in the front row from the first light sources 34 and second light sources 35 in the rear row.

[0060] As described above, the second extension 12 is provided with a partition 28c, which prevents light emitted from the first light source 34 and the second light source 35 in the front row from entering through the first incident surface 18a and also prevents light emitted from the first light source 34 and the second light source 35 in the rear row from entering through the second incident surface 22a, thereby reducing the number of parts and preventing unnecessary light from entering through the first incident surface 18a and the second incident surface 22a.

[0061] Furthermore, when the marker light unit 15 is configured, the rear portion of the first light guide 9, the rear portion of the second light guide 10, and the substrate 14 are shielded from the front by the shielding plate portion 26 of the first extension 11, the shielding plate portion 29 of the second extension 12, and the shielding plate portion 31 of the third extension 13 (see Figure 5).

[0062] The marker light unit 15 is disposed in the lamp chamber 5 by fastening the fastening base portion 24 of the first extension 11, the fastening protrusions 27, 27 of the first extension 11, the fastening protrusions 30, 30 of the second extension 12, and the fastening protrusions 33, 33 of the third extension 13 to the respective portions of the lamp housing 2 by screwing or the like. When the marker light unit 15 is disposed in the lamp chamber 5, the first emission surface 18b of the first light guide 9 and the first emission surface 22b of the second light guide 10 are oriented in the direction in which the strongest light is desired to be emitted.

[0063] Since light is emitted from first exit surface 18b and first exit surface 22b in an edge-emitting state, and light is emitted from second exit surface 18c and second exit surface 22c in a surface-emitting state, it is possible to emit light with higher brightness from first exit surface 18b and first exit surface 22b. Therefore, as described above, by aligning first exit surface 18b and first exit surface 22b in a state in which it is desired to irradiate the most intense light, it is possible to efficiently form a desired light distribution pattern.

[0064] In the marker light unit 15 configured as described above, when light is emitted from the first light source 34, the emitted light enters the first light guide 9 or the second light guide 10 from the first incident surface 18a or the second incident surface 22a, and is guided by the light guide portion 18 or the light guide portion 22. The light guided by the light guide portion 18 is emitted from the first exit surface 18b and the second exit surface 18c, passes through the cover 3, and is irradiated toward the outside. On the other hand, the light guided by the light guide portion 22 is emitted from the first exit surface 22b and the second exit surface 22c, passes through the cover 3, and is irradiated toward the outside.

[0065] At this time, since the first light-guiding lens section 16 and the second light-guiding lens section 20 contain a light diffusing material, the light is emitted from the first light-guiding lens section 16 and the second light-guiding lens section 20 in a diffused state.

[0066] In the above, an example is shown in which light is emitted from the second exit surfaces 18c and 22c in addition to the first exit surfaces 18b and 22b, but it is also possible to configure the first light guide 9 and the second light guide 10 so that light is emitted from the first exit surfaces 18b and 22b but not from the second exit surfaces 18c and 22c.

[0067] In the marker light unit 15, the first light sources 34, 34, ... and the second light sources 35, 35, ... can be individually controlled to be turned on and off by a control circuit not shown, and the brightness of the light emitted from the first light sources 34, 34, ... and the second light sources 35, 35, ... can be individually changed by controlling the current value supplied to the first light sources 34, 34, ... and the second light sources 35, 35, ....

[0068] Therefore, various light emission states can be realized in the vehicle lamp 1. For example, the first light source 34 is turned on to emit red light as a tail lamp, and the second light source 35 is turned on to emit amber (yellow) light as a turn signal lamp. The light as a turn signal lamp can be emitted even when the tail lamp light is being emitted.

[0069] When light is emitted from the vehicle lamp 1 as a tail lamp, in addition to the normal lighting state, it is possible to create a state in which light is emitted from the first light-guiding lens units 16, 16, 16 and the second light-guiding lens units 20, 20, 20 to express a gradation in which the brightness increases sequentially in the left-right direction, or a state in which light is emitted from either the first light-guiding lens units 16, 16, 16 or the second light-guiding lens units 20, 20, 20 to express alternating high and low brightness in the left-right direction.

[0070] On the other hand, when light as a turn signal lamp is emitted from the vehicle lamp 1, it is possible to make the light emitted as a turn signal lamp, for example, blink when light as a tail lamp is being emitted, and also, when light as a tail lamp is not being emitted, it is possible to make the light emitted sequentially in the left and right directions with a time difference, for example, in a so-called sequential state or a blinking state.

[0071] The vehicle lamp 1 can also emit light as a welcome lamp that is turned on when the vehicle door is remotely unlocked, etc. In this case, for example, it is possible to emit light in various states, such as a flashing state or a sequential state, within a predetermined period of time.

[0072] As described above, the vehicle lamp 1 is capable of realizing a variety of light emission states, and as a configuration for realizing such a variety of light emission states, a first light guide 9 having a plurality of first light guide lens portions 16 and a second light guide 10 having a plurality of second light guide lens portions 20 are provided.

[0073] In the vehicle lamp 1, the first light guide 9 has a plurality of first light guide lens portions 16 and a first connecting portion 17 formed integrally therewith, and the second light guide 10 has a plurality of second light guide lens portions 20 and a second connecting portion 21 formed integrally therewith, and the first light guide lens portions 16 and the second light guide lens portions 20 are positioned so as to be spaced apart in a predetermined direction and so as to overlap at least partially in the left-right direction.

[0074] Therefore, at least a portion of the first light-guiding lens portion 16 in the first light-guiding body 9, whose parts are integrally formed, and at least a portion of the second light-guiding lens portion 20 in the second light-guiding body 10, whose parts are integrally formed, are configured to overlap while being spaced apart, thereby ensuring high design quality and reducing manufacturing costs by reducing the number of parts.

[0075] In particular, since light is emitted from a plurality of first light-guiding lens sections 16 and a plurality of second light-guiding lens sections 20 that are at least partially overlapping each other, sufficient brightness is ensured in the illuminated area, and the overlapping creates a sense of high density and transparency (three-dimensional effect), making it possible to ensure a high-brightness light illumination state that ensures high designability.

[0076] Furthermore, since the first light-guiding lens section 16 and the second light-guiding lens section 20 are positioned alternately, the first light-guiding lens section 16 and the second light-guiding lens section 20 are arranged in a regular configuration, ensuring high design quality while easily controlling the on / off of the first light source 34 and the second light source 35.

[0077] Furthermore, since the first light-guiding lens portion 16 and the second light-guiding lens portion 20 are formed in a twisted shape, it is possible to arbitrarily set the direction of light incident on the first incident surface 18a and the second incident surface 22a and the direction of light emitted from the first light guide 9 and the second light guide 10, thereby improving the design freedom of the vehicle lamp 1 and making the vehicle lamp 1 more compact.

[0078] Furthermore, the first incident surface 18a and the second incident surface 22a are located at different positions in at least one of the front-to-back direction or the left-to-right direction, and the first light source 34 and the second light source 35 are all mounted on a single substrate 14.

[0079] Therefore, since all of the first light source 34 and the second light source 35, which emit light incident from the first incident surface 18a and the second incident surface 22a, respectively, which are located at different positions in at least one of the front-to-back or left-to-right directions, are mounted on a single board 14, it is possible to reduce the number of parts and simplify the assembly process of the board 14 with other parts.

[0080] In addition, a first extension 11, a second extension 12 and a third extension 13 are provided to which at least one of the first light guide 9 or the second light guide 10 is attached or held, and the second extension 12 is arranged between the first light guide 9 and the second light guide 10.

[0081] Therefore, since the first extension 11, the first light guide 9, the second extension 12, the second light guide 10, and the third extension 13 are arranged in this order, it becomes possible to assemble the first extension 11, the first light guide 9, the second extension 12, the second light guide 10, and the third extension 13 in this order, thereby improving the workability of assembling the first extension 11, the first light guide 9, the second extension 12, the second light guide 10, and the third extension 13.

[0082] Furthermore, since the first extension 11, the second extension 12, and the third extension 13 have a function of holding the first light guide 9 and the second light guide 10 in addition to a function of blocking the respective parts positioned inside the lamp chamber 5 when viewed from the outside, it is possible to minimize the number of engaging portions, ribs, etc. for holding and positioning the first light guide 9 and the second light guide 10. Therefore, it is possible to simplify the internal structure of the vehicle lamp 1 and to suppress unintended incidence of light on the first light guide 9 and the second light guide 10 due to light reflection at the engaging portions, ribs, etc.

[0083] In addition, the marker light unit 15 may be configured to have two extensions out of the first extension 11, the second extension 12, and the third extension 13.

[0084] As described above, the vehicle lamp 1 is capable of realizing various light emission states, and when the first light source 34 is turned on and red light is emitted as a tail lamp, the second light source 35 may be turned on and amber (yellow) light is emitted as a turn signal lamp.

[0085] In this case, in order to maintain sufficient chromaticity of light as a turn signal lamp, the tail lamp is set to be lit with a low light intensity, but in the marker lamp unit 15, the first light-guiding lens section 16 and the second light-guiding lens section 20 contain a light diffusing material, so even when the tail lamp is lit with a low light intensity, the light is diffused by the light diffusing material, making it less likely that uneven brightness will occur when the tail lamp is lit.

[0086] Incidentally, there is a type of vehicle lamp that has a light guide having a light guide lens portion with an incident surface and an exit surface, and a light source that emits light, in which the light emitted from the light source is incident on the incident surface, guided by the light guide lens portion, and emitted to the outside from the exit surface (see, for example, JP 2021-51950 A).

[0087] In the vehicle lamp described in the above document, a light source is arranged facing each of the two incident surfaces of a light guide, and light emitted from one of the light sources and guided by the light guide is emitted from the exit surface of the light guide as, for example, light for a clearance lamp, and light emitted from the other light source and guided by the light guide is emitted from the exit surface of the light guide as, for example, light for a turn signal lamp.

[0088] In this way, light guided by a single light guide can be used as light for lamps with different functions, thereby simplifying the structure by reducing the number of parts and improving functionality.

[0089] In vehicle lighting fixtures that use the above-mentioned light guide to function as lamps with different functions, the light may be turned on with a low light output depending on the function being performed.In this case, the low light output may result in uneven brightness in the light emitted from the light guide.

[0090] Furthermore, in the above-described vehicle lighting fixtures, when multiple light sources are turned on simultaneously, the amount of light emitted by one of the lights may be reduced in order to maintain sufficient chromaticity of the other light, but even in this case, the amount of light emitted by the other light may be reduced, which may result in uneven brightness.

[0091] In the marker light unit 15, the first light-guiding lens section 16 and the second light-guiding lens section 20 contain a light diffusing material, and different colored light emitted from the first light source 34 and the second light source 35 is incident from different parts of the first incident surface 18a or the second incident surface 22a, and the different colored light incident from the first incident surface 18a or the second incident surface 22a is mixed inside the first light-guiding lens section 16 and the second light-guiding lens section 20 and emitted in a mixed state.

[0092] Therefore, the mixed light emitted from the first light source 34 and the second light source 35 and incident from different parts of the first incident surface 18a or the second incident surface 22a is diffused by the light diffusing material and emitted from the first light-guiding lens section 16 and the second light-guiding lens section 20, thereby preventing uneven brightness regardless of the lighting state of the first light source 34 and the second light source 35.

[0093] In addition, the highly bright light emitted as a turn signal lamp when the second light source 35 is turned on is also diffused by the light diffusing material, so that a so-called point light condition in which one part is highly bright is less likely to occur, and uneven brightness when the second light source 35 is turned on can also be prevented.

[0094] In the marker light unit 15, a first light source 36, a second light source 37, and a third light source 38, each emitting light of a different color, may be mounted on the substrate 14 instead of the first light source 34 and the second light source 35 (see FIG. 10 ). In this case, the light emitted from the first light source 36, the second light source 37, and the third light source 38 is incident on the first light guide 9 or the second light guide 10 from the first incident surface 18 a or the second incident surface 22 a.

[0095] For example, red light, green light, and blue light (RGB) are emitted from the first light source 36, the second light source 37, and the third light source 38, respectively. In this case, by simultaneously turning on two or three of the first light source 36, the second light source 37, and the third light source 38, mixed color light is emitted from the first light guide 9 or the second light guide 10. Therefore, by adjusting the brightness of each emitted light or changing the combination of light sources to be turned on, it is possible to emit light of various colors from the first light guide 9 or the second light guide 10, thereby producing various effects with different emission states.

[0096] Such various effects with different emission states are suitable, for example, when light from a welcome lamp is emitted.

[0097] Furthermore, by configuring one of the first light source 36, the second light source 37, and the third light source 38 to emit red light and the other to emit amber light, it becomes possible to emit light as a tail lamp by turning on only the light source that emits red light, and it becomes possible to emit light as a turn signal lamp by turning on only the light source that emits amber light.

[0098] As described above, the vehicle lamp 1 is capable of controlling the current values ​​supplied to the first light source 34 and the second light source 35. In this case, for example, by gradually increasing the current value supplied to the first light source 34 or the second light source 35 to increase the amount of light, the light emission area from the first light guide 9 or the second light guide 10 gradually increases from the first incident surface 18 a or the second incident surface 22 a toward the first exit surface 18 b, 22 b, making it appear as if the light is moving from rear to front. Furthermore, by repeatedly controlling the current value supplied to the second light source 35 to gradually increase and then gradually decrease it, it appears as if the light is expanding or contracting in the front-to-rear direction.

[0099] Therefore, in a vehicle lamp, by controlling the current value in this manner, it is possible to perform an advanced performance of the emission state in which the light moves. This performance is particularly suitable for emitting light from a turn signal lamp or a welcome lamp. As described above, by making it possible to change the light amount of at least one light source, for example, the second light source 35, the emission state of the light incident from the first light guide lens unit 16 or the second light guide lens unit 20 changes in accordance with the change in light amount, so that it is possible to realize a desired emission state of light in accordance with changes in the external environment or changes in the running state of the vehicle.

[0100] In addition, the emission state in which the above-described light movement occurs can also be achieved, for example, by sequentially increasing or decreasing the number of light sources that are turned on among multiple light sources positioned opposite the first incident surface 18a or the second incident surface 22a.

[0101] Therefore, by controlling the sequential turning on and off of such multiple light sources, the amount of light incident from the first incident surface 18a or the second incident surface 22a that is emitted from the first light-guiding lens unit 16 or the second light-guiding lens unit 20 increases or decreases sequentially, so that the desired light emission state in response to changes in the external environment or changes in the vehicle's driving state can be achieved through simple control.

[0102] Furthermore, the first light-guiding lens section 16 and the second light-guiding lens section 20 contain a light diffusing material, and when the amount of light is small, the light is diffused by the light diffusing material and the light does not easily reach the first exit surfaces 18b and 22b. Therefore, it is easy to realize an exit state in which the light movement is caused by gradually changing the light exit area as described above.

[0103] Below, a description is given of first light guiding lens section 16 configured to partially not contain a light diffusing material (see FIG. 11 ). Note that a configuration that partially does not contain a light diffusing material can also be applied to second light guiding lens section 20 of second light guide body 10, but below, as an example, a configuration that partially does not contain a light diffusing material of first light guiding lens section 16 will be described. Below, first light guiding lens section 16 configured to partially not contain a light diffusing material will be described as first light guiding lens section 16A.

[0104] The first light guide lens portion 16A of the first light guide 9 has a base material formed from a transparent material and is composed of a non-containing portion 16a that does not contain a light diffusing material and a containing portion 16b that contains a light diffusing material.

[0105] The rear portion of the first light guiding lens portion 16A, including the first incident surface 18a, is provided as a non-containing portion 16a, and the portion other than the non-containing portion 16a is provided as a containing portion 16b. This configuration is formed, for example, by two-color molding using a mold.

[0106] For example, a first light source 34 that emits red light and a second light source 35 that emits amber light are positioned opposite to each other on the first incident surface 18a. The non-containing portion 16a of the first light guiding lens portion 16A is formed of a transparent material that does not contain a light diffusing material, and light can be totally reflected at the end surface 16c on the side where the second light source 35 is positioned, for example.

[0107] Red light A emitted from first light source 34 and incident on first light guide lens portion 16A from first incident surface 18a is guided along the twisted shape of first light guide lens portion 16A. At this time, light A travels downward from first incident surface 18a and is guided by a lower region of containing portion 16b, and is emitted from, for example, region C, which is approximately the lower half of first exit surface 18b.

[0108] On the other hand, amber light B emitted from second light source 35 and incident on first light guiding lens portion 16A from first incident surface 18a is guided along the twisted shape of first light guiding lens portion 16A. At this time, light B travels downward from first incident surface 18a to reach end surface 16c, is totally reflected by end surface 16c, and is guided to the upper region of containing portion 16b, and is emitted from region D, which is approximately the upper half of first exit surface 18b, for example.

[0109] Therefore, the red light emitted from the first light source 34 is emitted from the region C, which is approximately the lower half of the first light exit surface 18b, and the amber light emitted from the second light source 35 is emitted from the region D, which is approximately the upper half of the first light exit surface 18b.

[0110] In the first light guide 9 and the second light guide 10 formed in such a twisted shape, by forming non-containing portions 16a and containing portions 16b, it is possible to separate the emission area and irradiate light of different colors toward different areas.

[0111] Next, a configuration in which a light diffusing material is not contained in a part of the first light guide lens portion 16A or in the first connecting portion 17 will be described (see FIG. 12 ). Note that a configuration in which a light diffusing material is not contained can also be applied to the second connecting portion 21 of the second light guide body 10. In the following, the first connecting portion 17 in which a light diffusing material is not contained will be described as the first connecting portion 17A.

[0112] For ease of explanation, the following describes a configuration in which two first light guiding lens units 16A, 16A are connected by a first connecting unit 17A. Furthermore, for ease of understanding, hereinafter, one first light guiding lens unit 16A will be referred to as first light guiding lens unit 16X and the other first light guiding lens unit 16A will be referred to as first light guiding lens unit 16Y, the first light source 34 and the second light source 35 positioned opposite first incident surface 18a of first light guiding lens unit 16X will be referred to as first light source 34X and second light source 35X, respectively, and the first light source 34 and the second light source 35 positioned opposite first incident surface 18a of first light guiding lens unit 16Y will be referred to as first light source 34Y and second light source 35Y, respectively.

[0113] First connecting portion 17A does not contain a light diffusing material and is formed of, for example, a transparent material. Therefore, first connecting portion 17A provided continuously to non-containing portions 16a, 16a in first light guiding lens portion 16X and first light guiding lens portion 16Y as well as non-containing portions 16a, 16a are also transparent and do not contain a light diffusing material.

[0114] In such a configuration, for example, when light is emitted from the first light source 34X and the second light source 35X, the light emitted from the first light source 34X and the second light source 35X is guided by the first light-guiding lens portion 16X and is emitted from the first exit surface 18b and the second exit surface 18c.

[0115] At this time, because the portion including first incident surface 18a of first light guiding lens unit 16X is formed as non-containing portion 16a, light is not diffused in non-containing portion 16a and light is unlikely to be emitted from non-containing portion 16a toward adjacent first light guiding lens unit 16Y. Furthermore, even if part of the light emitted from first light source 34X and second light source 35X is incident on first connecting portion 17A, first connecting portion 17A does not contain a light diffusing material and therefore the light is not diffused in first connecting portion 17A, so the light is unlikely to be incident from first connecting portion 17A to adjacent first light guiding lens unit 16Y.

[0116] On the other hand, the same is true when light is emitted from the first light source 34Y and the second light source 35Y, and the light is not diffused in the non-containing portion 16a and the first connecting portion 17A of the first light-guiding lens portion 16Y, and light is less likely to be emitted from the non-containing portion 16a and the first connecting portion 17A toward the adjacent first light-guiding lens portion 16X.

[0117] Therefore, since unintended light is unlikely to be incident on each other between adjacent first light guide lens section 16X and first light guide lens section 16Y, light is unlikely to mix between adjacent first light guide lens section 16X and first light guide lens section 16Y, and problems due to color mixing are unlikely to occur.

[0118] Specifically, the amber light emitted from the second light source 35X has a higher brightness than the red light emitted from the first light source 34X. For example, when light is emitted from the first light source 34Y and the second light source 35Y, if the light emitted from the second light source 35X enters the first light-guiding lens unit 16Y, the red light emitted from the first light source 34Y, the amber light emitted from the second light source 35Y, and the amber light emitted from the second light source 35X will mix. When this color mixing occurs, the chromaticity of the red light emitted from the first light source 34Y will decrease, changing it to a color closer to yellow, and the chromaticity of the amber light emitted from the second light source 35Y will increase, changing it to a color closer to deep yellow or orange, which may cause a problem in which light of a predetermined color is not emitted from the first light-guiding lens unit 16Y.

[0119] However, as described above, by configuring the first connecting portion 17A in addition to the non-containing portions 16a, 16a so that no light diffusing material is contained, it is less likely that light will mix between the adjacent first light-guiding lens portion 16X and first light-guiding lens portion 16Y, and problems due to color mixing are less likely to occur.

[0120] As described above, first light guiding lens units 16X and 16Y are each composed of non-containing portion 16a and containing portion 16b, non-containing portion 16a is provided as a portion having first incident surface 18a, and first connecting portion 17 is configured not to contain a light diffusing material, thereby making it difficult for light incident from first incident surface 18a to be emitted toward the adjacent first light guiding lens unit 16X or 16Y. Therefore, it is possible to ensure good emission of light of the intended color from first light guiding lens units 16X and 16Y.

[0121] Note that the configuration in which no light diffusing material is contained in the first connecting portion 17A in addition to the non-containing portions 16a, 16a as described above is also effective when light is emitted only from one of the first light sources 34 or one of the first light source 34 and the second light source 35. Specifically, for example, when light is emitted only from the first light source 34X or only from the first light source 34X and the second light source 35X, light is less likely to be incident on the adjacent first light guiding lens portion 16Y, and intended light is emitted from the first light guiding lens portion 16X while no light is emitted from the first light guiding lens portion 16Y, thereby ensuring the intended light emission state.

[0122] In a configuration in which the light diffusing material is not contained in first connecting portion 17A in addition to non-containing portions 16 a, 16 a as described above, first light guiding lens portions 16X, 16Y may each have recesses 39 formed therein that are recessed in a direction approaching containing portion 16 b. In such a configuration, the bottom surface forming recess 39 serves as first incident surface 18 a, and first light sources 34X, 34Y and second light sources 35X, 35Y are positioned in recess 39 facing first incident surface 18 a.

[0123] With this configuration, first incident surface 18a and containing portion 16b are positioned close to each other, shortening the light-guiding distance in non-containing portion 16a of light incident from first incident surface 18a, and first incident surface 18a is separated from first connecting portion 17A, making it even more difficult for light incident from first incident surface 18a and guided by non-containing portion 16a to be emitted toward adjacent first light-guiding lens portions 16X and 16Y, and making it possible to efficiently ensure that light of the intended color is emitted from first light-guiding lens portions 16X and 16Y.

[0124] Although the above description has been given as an example of the vehicle lamp 1 having two light guides, the first light guide 9 and the second light guide 10, the vehicle lamp 1 may be configured to have only one light guide. It is also possible to have a configuration in which the multiple first light guide lens portions 16 are not formed integrally with the first connecting portion 17, that is, the first connecting portion 17 does not exist, and the multiple first light guide lens portions 16 are formed separately. Similarly, it is also possible to have a configuration in which the multiple second light guide lens portions 20 are not formed integrally with the second connecting portion 21, that the second connecting portion 21 does not exist, and the multiple second light guide lens portions 20 are formed separately.

[0125] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1...vehicle lamp, 9...first light guide, 10...second light guide, 11...first extension, 12...second extension, 13...third extension, 14...substrate, 16...first light guide lens section, 17...first connecting section, 18a...first incident surface, 20...second light guide lens section, 21...second connecting section, 22...light guide section, 22a...second incident surface, 34... First light source, 35...second light source, 36...first light source, 37...second light source, 38...third light source, 16A...first light guiding lens portion, 16a...non-containing portion, 16b...containing portion, 17A...first connecting portion, 16X...first light guiding lens portion, 34X...first light source, 35X...second light source, 16Y...first light guiding lens portion, 34Y...first light source, 35Y...second light source, 39...recess

Claims

1. a first light guide body including a plurality of first light guide lens portions arranged apart from each other in a predetermined direction, each having a first incident surface, and a first connecting portion connecting adjacent first light guide lens portions, the first light guide lens portions and the first connecting portion being integrally formed; a second light guide body including a plurality of second light guide lens portions arranged apart from each other in a predetermined direction, each having a second incident surface, and second connecting portions connecting adjacent second light guide lens portions, the second light guide lens portions and the second connecting portions being integrally formed; a first light source that emits light incident on the first incident surface; a second light source that emits light incident on the second incident surface, The first light guiding lens portion and the second light guiding lens portion are positioned in a state where they are spaced apart in a predetermined direction and at least partially overlap each other. Vehicle lighting fixtures.

2. The first light guiding lens portions and the second light guiding lens portions are alternately positioned in a predetermined direction.

2. A vehicle lamp according to claim 1.

3. The first light guiding lens portion and the second light guiding lens portion are formed in a twisted shape.

3. A vehicle lamp according to claim 1 or 2.

4. the first incident surface and the second incident surface are located at different positions in at least one of the front-rear direction and the left-right direction, The first light source and the second light source are all mounted on one substrate.

3. A vehicle lamp according to claim 1 or 2.

5. a plurality of extensions to which at least one of the first light guide and the second light guide is attached are provided; One of the extensions is disposed between the first light guide and the second light guide.

3. A vehicle lamp according to claim 1 or 2.

6. a light guide lens portion having an incident surface and containing at least a light diffusing material; a plurality of light sources each emitting light of a different color, the emitted light being incident on the incident surface; the light beams emitted from the plurality of light sources are incident on different portions of the incident surface, The light beams of different colors incident on the incident surface are mixed inside the light guiding lens unit and then emitted from the light guiding lens unit, A plurality of the light guide lens portions are provided, The plurality of light guide lens portions are formed in a twisted shape and are connected by connecting portions, the light guide lens portion is composed of a non-containing portion that does not contain the light diffusing material and a containing portion that contains the light diffusing material, The connecting portion does not contain the light diffusing material, The non-containing portion is provided as a portion having the incident surface. Vehicle lighting fixtures.

7. The amount of light emitted from at least one of the plurality of light sources is variable.

7. A vehicle lamp according to claim 6.

8. Turning on or off the plurality of light sources in sequence 7. A vehicle lamp according to claim 6.

9. a recess formed in the light guide lens portion that is recessed in a direction approaching the containing portion, The bottom surface forming the recess is the incident surface.

7. A vehicle lamp according to claim 6.