Light emitting emblem

Abstract

The present invention achieves a light emitting emblem with a reduced thickness. An emblem (1) comprises a first light guide (10) that guides light from a light source (20) along a light guide path (14) and causes the light to be emitted from a first emission surface (11) forming a portion of the light guide path. The light source is positioned in a light emission region in which a design emits light due to the light from the first emission surface.

Description

Illuminated Emblem

[0001] The present disclosure relates to luminous emblems.

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an emblem to be attached to a vehicle body. The emblem includes a substantially flat lower cover, an upper cover, and an emblem body, which are stacked in this order from bottom to top. The lower cover, the upper cover, and the emblem body form a mark that combines a substantially circular shape with a horizontal portion passing through the center of the circle. The emblem is divided by the horizontal portion and has an opening formed radially inward of the emblem. A component housing chamber is formed inside the lower cover and the upper cover. A circuit board is disposed over almost the entire area of ​​the component housing chamber, and multiple light sources are fixed to the circuit board.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2012-126339

[0004] However, the emblem disclosed in Patent Document 1 has a problem in that the light sources are arranged over almost the entire area, which makes the thickness of the entire area large.

[0005] One aspect of the present disclosure aims to realize a luminous emblem with reduced thickness.

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, an illuminating emblem according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a light source and a first light guide that guides light from the light source along a light guide path having the shape of at least a part of the design and emits the light from a first exit surface that forms part of the light guide path, the light guide path having an outer edge light guide path that follows the outer edge of the design and an inner light guide path that extends inward from the outer edge light guide path, and the light source is positioned within a light emitting area in which the design emits light using light from the first exit surface.

[0007] In addition, an illuminating emblem according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a light source and a first light guide that guides light from the light source along a light guide path having the shape of at least a part of the design and emits it from a first exit surface that forms part of the light guide path, and the portion where the light source is located is thicker on the back side of the first light guide opposite the first exit surface than other portions in a direction perpendicular to the first exit surface.

[0008] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a luminous emblem with reduced thickness can be realized.

[0009] 9 is a plan view showing an example of an emblem according to the first embodiment. FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the emblem according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along a plane perpendicular to the emission surface, showing an example of the shape of the light deflection section. FIG. 4 is a plan view of a protrusion as viewed from a direction perpendicular to the emission surface. FIG. 5 is a plan view of the vicinity of a housing section as viewed from a direction perpendicular to the emission surface. FIG. 6 is a view showing a more specific position of a light source. FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of the vicinity of a branch section in a first light guide. FIG. 8 is a view showing an example of an emblem according to a first modified example of the first embodiment. FIG. 9 is a view showing an example of an emblem according to a first modified example of the first embodiment, different from FIG. 9. FIG. 10 is a view showing an example of an emblem according to a second modified example of the first embodiment. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of an emblem according to the second modified example of the second embodiment. FIG. 12 is a view showing an example of an emblem according to a second modified example of the second embodiment. FIG. 13 is a view showing a specific example of a reflective structure section. FIG. 14 is a view showing an example of a second light guide according to a modified example of the second embodiment. FIG. 15 is a graph showing the light guide ratio at a bent section. FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing a specific example of the structure of a light source. FIG. 17 is a view showing an example of an emblem according to a third modified example of the first embodiment. FIG. 18 is a view showing an example of an emblem according to a fourth modified example of the first embodiment. Fig. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an emblem according to a fifth modified example of embodiment 1. Fig. 11 is a diagram showing an example of an emblem according to a sixth modified example of embodiment 1. Fig. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a reflective structure part according to a second modified example of embodiment 2. Fig. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a reflective structure part according to a third modified example of embodiment 2.

[0010] [Embodiment 1] Hereinafter, one embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail. Note that in the drawings, when there are multiple components that should be assigned the same reference numeral, only some of the components may be assigned the same reference numeral.

[0011] (Configuration of Emblem) Fig. 1 is a plan view showing an example of an emblem 1 according to embodiment 1. Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II in Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the emblem 1. In Fig. 3, reference numeral 301 denotes an exploded perspective view of the emblem 1 as seen from the side that a user normally views, and reference numeral 302 denotes an exploded perspective view of the emblem 1 as seen from the opposite side to the side that a user normally views.

[0012] The emblem 1 is an illuminating emblem for a vehicle that is placed on the surface of a body 90 of a vehicle, such as an automobile, and that visually displays a predetermined design to the user. The predetermined design may be, for example, a design indicating the manufacturer or brand of the body 90, but is not limited to this. The emblem 1 is not necessarily limited to an illuminating emblem for a vehicle, but may also be an illuminating emblem used on an item other than a vehicle. The emblem 1 may also be an illuminating logo, picture, or mark. For simplicity, in the following description, the predetermined design that the emblem 1 visually displays to the user may be simply referred to as the "design." As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 3, the emblem 1 includes a first light guide 10, a light source 20, a design shape portion 30, and a substrate 40.

[0013] The light source 20 causes light L to enter the first light guide 10. A specific example and the position of the light source 20 will be described later.

[0014] The first light guide 10 guides the light L in accordance with the design. The material of the first light guide 10 may be, for example, polycarbonate, acrylic, other translucent resin, or glass.

[0015] The first light guide 10 has a first light exit surface 11, a rear surface 12, and a side surface 13. The first light exit surface 11 is a surface located on the opposite side from the body 90 when the emblem 1 is placed on the surface of the body 90. The rear surface 12 is a surface on the opposite side from the first light exit surface 11. The side surface 13 is a surface connecting the first light exit surface 11 and the rear surface 12. The first light exit surface 11 and the rear surface 12 may be parallel to each other. Furthermore, the side surface 13 may be perpendicular to the first light exit surface 11 and the rear surface 12.

[0016] In the first light guide 10, a light guide path 14 is defined by the first emission surface 11, the back surface 12, and the side surface 13. The light guide path 14 has the shape of at least a part of the design. The light guide path 14 has an outer edge light guide path 141 that follows the outer edge of the design, and an inner light guide path 142 that extends inward from the outer edge light guide path 141. In FIG. 1 , the outer edge light guide path 141 has an annular shape without a starting point or an end point. However, the outer edge light guide path 141 may have a shape that has a starting point and an end point. For example, the outer edge light guide path 141 may have a shape in which a portion of the annular shape is interrupted.

[0017] The light guide 14 also has a branching portion 143 where the outer edge light guide 141 branches into the inner light guide 142, and a bending portion 144 where the inner light guide 142 is bent. In the example shown in Fig. 1 , the light guide 14 has two branching portions 143 and one bending portion 144. However, the number of branching portions 143 and bending portions 144 that the light guide 14 has is not limited to these.

[0018] The first light guide 10 guides the light L from the light source 20 along a light guide path 14. Specifically, the first light guide 10 guides the light L from the light source 20 by total reflection at the first emission surface 11, the back surface 12, and the side surfaces 13.

[0019] In the following description, the direction in which light L is guided inside the first light guide 10 may be referred to as the light guide direction. In addition, the side of the first emission surface 11 relative to the back surface 12 may be referred to as the upper side, and the side opposite to the upper side may be referred to as the lower side.

[0020] An optical deflection section 12a that deflects light L is provided on the rear surface 12 of the first light guide 10. The light L deflected by the optical deflection section 12a is not totally reflected by the first exit surface 11 and is emitted from the first exit surface 11.

[0021] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along a plane perpendicular to the first exit surface 11, showing examples of the shape of the light deflection unit 12a. Different examples of the shape of the light deflection unit 12a are indicated by reference numerals 401 to 404 in FIG. The light deflection unit 12a may be a concave portion having a triangular cross section, as indicated by reference numeral 401. The light deflection unit 12a may also be a convex portion having a triangular cross section, as indicated by reference numeral 402. The light deflection unit 12a may also be a concave portion having an arc-shaped cross section, as indicated by reference numeral 403. The light deflection unit 12a may also be a convex portion having an arc-shaped cross section, as indicated by reference numeral 404. In either example, light L incident on the light deflection unit 12a is reflected and emitted from the first exit surface 11. The shape of the light deflection unit 12a is not limited to the example shown in FIG. 4.

[0022] The design shape portion 30 diffuses the light emitted from the first light exit surface 11 into the shape of the design. The design shape portion 30 may be arranged on the first light exit surface 11 side of the first light guide 10. Alternatively, the design shape portion 30 may seal the periphery of the first light guide 10. This allows the user to recognize the light diffused by the design shape portion 30 as the design. Note that if the shape of the light emitted from the first light guide 10 can be recognized as the shape of the design, the design shape portion 30 may be omitted.

[0023] When viewed from a direction perpendicular to the first light exit surface 11, the first light guide 10 is smaller than the decorative shape portion 30. That is, when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the first light exit surface 11, the entire first light guide 10 overlaps with the decorative shape portion 30. Furthermore, when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the first light exit surface 11, the decorative shape portion 30 has a portion that does not overlap with the first light guide 10. This allows the light emitted from the first light exit surface 11 to be diffused efficiently by the decorative shape portion 30.

[0024] The decorative portion 30 may contain both a light-diffusing material and a light-reflecting opaque material. This improves the concealment rate of the internal structure of the emblem 1 at the same thickness compared to when the decorative portion 30 contains only the light-diffusing material. Also, it improves the transmittance of light from the inside compared to when the decorative portion 30 contains only the opaque material.

[0025] Examples of opaque materials include pigments or dyes such as titanium dioxide or silica, and examples of diffusing materials include glass beads or glass pillars.

[0026] The substrate 40 supports the first light guide 10 and the design shape portion 30. The substrate 40 also has an annular protrusion 41 that protrudes toward the body 90. A through hole 42 into which the light source 20 is fitted is provided inside the protrusion 41.

[0027] The body 90 is formed with a hole 91 into which the protrusion 41 is fitted. By fitting the protrusion 41 into the hole 91, the position of the emblem 1 can be fixed on the surface of the body 90. Furthermore, a power line can be connected from inside the body 90 to the light source 20 via the hole 91 to supply power.

[0028] 5 is a plan view of the protrusion 41 as viewed from a direction perpendicular to the first light exit surface 11. In FIG. 5, examples of different shapes of the protrusion 41 are indicated by reference numerals 501 to 503. The protrusion 41 may have a circular shape in a planar view, as indicated by reference numeral 501. Alternatively, the protrusion 41 may have a square shape in a planar view, as indicated by reference numeral 502. Alternatively, the protrusion 41 may have a regular hexagonal shape in a planar view, as indicated by reference numeral 503.

[0029] 5, by forming a hole 91 in a shape corresponding to the shape of the protrusion 41 on the side of the body 90, the protrusion 41 can be fitted into the hole 91. Note that the shape of the protrusion 41 is not limited to the example shown in FIG.

[0030] (Position of light source) The light source 20 is disposed within the light-emitting area where the design emits light from the first light exit surface 11. That is, the light source 20 is disposed in a position that overlaps the design shape portion 30 in a plan view from a direction perpendicular to the first light exit surface 11. This eliminates the need to provide an extra, non-emitting structure to position the light source 20 outside the light-emitting area. This makes it possible to improve the appearance of the design that the emblem 1 visually recognizes to the user.

[0031] In particular, it is preferable that the light source 20 is disposed in at least one of the branching portion 143 and the bending portion 144. In Fig. 1, the light source 20 is disposed in one branching portion 143. Alternatively, the light source 20 may be disposed in a plurality of branching portions 143 and bending portions 144. For example, the light source 20 may be disposed in each of the two branching portions 143.

[0032] The light source 20 emits the light L in each direction from the branching portion 143 or the bending portion 144 where the light source 20 is disposed. This allows the light L emitted from the light source 20 to be guided efficiently.

[0033] Specifically, the first light guide 10 has a housing portion 15 that houses a part of the light source 20 at at least one of the branching portion 143 and the bending portion 144. The light-emitting portion of the light source 20 is housed in the housing portion 15. The light source 20 may emit light L from the housing portion 15 into the first light guide 10 so that the optical axis of the light source 20 is approximately parallel to the first emission surface 11.

[0034] In FIG. 1 , r denotes the radius of curvature of the inner side of the light guide 14 at the bent portion 144, and d denotes the width of the light guide 14 at the bent portion 144. At the bent portion 144, the radius of curvature r of the inner side of the light guide 14 may be 1.5 times or less the width d of the light guide 14. Furthermore, at the bent portion 144, the orientation of the center line of the inner light guide 142 may change by 30° or more. When the bent portion 144 has such a radius of curvature and exhibits a change in the orientation of the center line of the inner light guide 142, light guided from one side of the bent portion 144 to the bent portion 144 may leak out of the first light guide 10 without being totally reflected at the bent portion 144. In this case, light guided from one side of the bent portion 144 to the bent portion 144 is not efficiently guided to the other side of the bent portion 144.

[0035] 16 is a graph showing the light guide ratio at the bent portion 144. When the light guide ratio is 1.0, there is no light leakage, and as the light guide ratio decreases from 1.0, the light leakage increases.

[0036] 16, reference numeral 1601 indicates the light guide ratio versus the value of r / d when the change in the orientation of the center line of the inner light guide path 142 at the bend 144 is 30°. In reference numeral 1601, the horizontal axis represents the value of r / d, and the vertical axis represents the light guide ratio. As shown by reference numeral 1601, when the value of r / d is 1.5 or less, that is, when the radius of curvature r is 1.5 times or less the width d of the light guide path 14, the light guide ratio decreases significantly.

[0037] 16 , reference numeral 1602 denotes the light guide ratio relative to the change in the orientation of the center line of the inner light guide path 142 at the bent portion 144 when the value of r / d at the bent portion 144 is set to 1.5, 1.0, or 0.5. In reference numeral 1602, the horizontal axis represents the change in the orientation of the center line of the inner light guide path 142 at the bent portion 144, and the vertical axis represents the light guide ratio. Regardless of whether the value of r / d is 1.5, 1.0, or 0.5, the light guide ratio decreases significantly when the change in the orientation of the center line of the inner light guide path 142 at the bent portion 144 is 30° or more.

[0038] By arranging the light source 20 at such a bent portion 144 , it is possible to efficiently guide the light L from the light source 20 to both sides of the bent portion 144 .

[0039] When the light source 20 has its light-emitting portion accommodated in the accommodation portion 15, the light source 20 may have a peak amount of emitted light in a plane parallel to the first emission surface 11. Furthermore, the amount of emitted light in a direction shifted by 90° from the direction showing the peak amount of emitted light in a plane parallel to the first emission surface 11 may be 50% or more of the peak amount of light. For example, the light source 20 may emit a uniform amount of light L in all directions in a plane parallel to the first emission surface 11. This reduces unevenness in the amount of light L guided in each branch direction. Alternatively, the light source 20 may have multiple light-emitting surfaces, and emit light L from each of the multiple light-emitting surfaces in a plane parallel to the first emission surface 11.

[0040] FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing a specific example of the structure of the light source 20. In the example shown in FIG. 17, the light source 20 has a light-emitting layer 20E and an upper reflective layer 20R. The light-emitting layer 20E emits light in all directions. The upper reflective layer 20R blocks and reflects light emitted upward from the light-emitting layer 20E. The light source 20 having such a structure emits light in all directions around the periphery in a planar view from a direction perpendicular to the substrate 40. Therefore, a single light source 20 can emit light in multiple directions in a planar view from a direction perpendicular to the substrate 40.

[0041] Fig. 6 is a plan view of the vicinity of the housing portion 15 as viewed from a direction perpendicular to the first exit surface 11. In Fig. 6, examples of different shapes of the housing portion 15 are indicated by reference numerals 601 to 603. In the housing portion 15, the first incident surface 151 is a surface whose normal direction differs from that of the first exit surface 11, and which is used to take light from the light source 20 into the inside of the first light guide 10.

[0042] The housing 15 may have two or more first incident surfaces 151. For example, the housing 15 may have a first incident surface 151 whose normal direction is approximately aligned with each of the branching directions in the branching section 143 where the housing 15 is located. In this case, light L from the light source 20 is more likely to be incident on the first light guide 10 compared to when there is only one first incident surface 151.

[0043] When the refractive index of the first light guide 10 is n, the angle of the first incident surface 151 may be within a range of 90°±(90°−2×asin(1 / n)) with respect to the direction of the center line of the first light guide 10. For example, in the example shown by reference numeral 602 in FIG. 6 , the angle of each of the three first incident surfaces 151 may be within a range of 90°±(90°−2×asin(1 / n)) with respect to the direction of the center line of the corresponding outer edge light guide path 141 or inner light guide path 142. When the first incident surface 151 has such an angle, light L from the light source 20 enters the first light guide 10 and is easily guided within the first light guide 10.

[0044] The housing portion 15 may be a recess having a rectangular cross section, as indicated by reference numeral 601. Alternatively, the housing portion 15 may be a notch formed by cutting out a part of the first light guide 10, as indicated by reference numerals 602 and 603. The example indicated by reference numeral 602 and the example indicated by reference numeral 603 differ in the number of first incident surfaces 151, with three in the example indicated by reference numeral 602 and two in the example indicated by reference numeral 603.

[0045] The portion of the light source 20 that is not housed in the housing portion 15 protrudes toward the rear surface 12 of the first light guide 10. In other words, the portion of the emblem 1 where the light source 20 is located is thicker on the rear surface 12 side than other portions in the direction perpendicular to the first light exit surface 11. For this reason, the light source 20 is difficult to see by a user viewing the emblem 1 from the first light exit surface 11 side of the first light guide 10. Furthermore, because the portion of the light source 20 that is thicker than other portions of the emblem 1 can be embedded in the body 90, the portion that protrudes from the surface of the body 90 can be made thinner.

[0046] Furthermore, the emblem 1 is visible to the user when attached to the body 90. A recess is provided on the surface of the body 90 at a location corresponding to the light source 20, which accommodates the light source 20 protruding downward from the rear surface 12. This allows the portion of the emblem 1 protruding from the surface of the body 90 to be made thinner.

[0047] Furthermore, the emblem 1 is configured so that the surface of the body 90 is visible in the area where the first light exit surface 11 is not present when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the first light exit surface 11. This gives the user a sense of luxury compared to when the surface of the body 90 is not visible.

[0048] Fig. 7 is a diagram showing a more specific position of the light source 20. In Fig. 7, outer contour portion 141a is a portion of the contour of outer edge light guide 141 that is on the outside of branch portion 143 when viewed from a direction perpendicular to first emission surface 11. Perpendicular lines 141b and 141c are perpendicular to outer contour portion 141a when viewed from a direction perpendicular to first emission surface 11, and pass through two boundary points P1 and P2 between inner light guide 142 and outer edge light guide 141, respectively. Line 141d is a straight line connecting two boundary points P1 and P2 between inner light guide 142 and outer edge light guide 141 when viewed from a direction perpendicular to first emission surface 11.

[0049] When light source 20 is located at branching portion 143, the center of light source 20 is located in area 141e surrounded by outer contour portion 141a, perpendicular lines 141b and 141c, and straight line 141d when viewed from a direction perpendicular to first emission surface 11. This allows light L from light source 20 to be efficiently guided to both outer edge light guide path 141 and inner light guide path 142 without being blocked by side surface 13.

[0050] (Radius of curvature of corner of branching portion) Fig. 8 is an enlarged view of the vicinity of the branching portion 143 in the first light guide 10. In Fig. 8, a contour portion 141f is the contour of the outer edge light guide path 141 at the branching portion 143. Furthermore, a contour portion 142a is the contour of the inner light guide path 142. The radius of curvature of a corner 16 at the branching portion 143 where the contour portion 141f and the contour portion 142a intersect is 10% or less of the width D of the inner light guide path 142 in the vicinity of the branching portion 143.

[0051] The angle of incidence of light L emitted from the light source 20 on the side surface 13 located at the corner 16 is smaller than the angle of incidence of light L on the side surface 13 located at the contour portion 141f or the contour portion 142a. Therefore, at the side surface 13 located at the corner 16, the light L may not be totally reflected and leak out of the first light guide 10. If the radius of curvature of the corner 16 is large, the area of ​​the side surface 13 located at the corner 16 becomes large, making it easier for light L to leak out of the first light guide 10. By setting the radius of curvature of the corner 16 to 10% or less of the width D of the inner light guide 142, the area of ​​the side surface 13 located at the corner 16 can be made sufficiently small.

[0052] There is no need to consider leakage of light L for the design shape portion 30. Therefore, the radius of curvature of the design shape portion 30 at the portion corresponding to the corner 16 may be larger than the radius of curvature of the connecting portion 143a.

[0053] (Variation 1) Fig. 9 is a diagram showing an example of an emblem 1A according to a first variation of embodiment 1. In Fig. 9, reference numeral 901 denotes a plan view seen from a direction perpendicular to the first light exit surface 11, reference numeral 902 denotes a perspective view of a first light guide 10A provided in the emblem 1A, and reference numeral 903 denotes a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in reference numeral 901. Fig. 10 is a diagram showing another example of the emblem 1A different from that shown in Fig. 9. In Fig. 10, reference numeral 1001 denotes a plan view seen from a direction perpendicular to the first light exit surface 11, reference numeral 1002 denotes a perspective view of the first light guide 10A provided in the emblem 1A, and reference numeral 1003 denotes a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B in reference numeral 1001.

[0054] The emblem 1A differs from the emblem 1 in that it includes a first light guide 10A instead of the first light guide 10. The first light guide 10A differs from the first light guide 10 in that it has a protrusion 144a on the first light exit surface 11 at the bent portion 144. The protrusion 144a is a portion of the first light exit surface 11 that protrudes upward along the direction in which the light guide path 14 is bent at the bent portion 144. The cross-sectional shape of the protrusion 144a may be triangular as indicated by reference numeral 903, or may be arc-shaped as indicated by reference numeral 1003.

[0055] At the bent portion 144, the angle of incidence of the light L with respect to the side surface 13 located on the outside tends to be small. Therefore, the light L is not reflected by the side surface 13 and tends to leak out of the first light guide 10. By forming the protrusions 144a on the first emission surface 11, the light L is reflected multiple times inside the protrusions 144a near the first emission surface 11 and is guided along the light guide path 14. Therefore, the light L is less likely to leak out of the first light guide 10.

[0056] Furthermore, at the bent portion 144 where the protrusion 144a is provided, the radius of curvature of the inside of the light guide 14 is 1.5 times or less the width of the light guide 14. At the bent portion 144 having such a radius of curvature, light L is particularly likely to leak outside the first light guide 10. In the emblem 1A, by providing the bent portion 144 with the protrusion 144a, it is possible to reduce leakage of light L outside the first light guide 10.

[0057] 11 is a diagram showing an example of an emblem 1B according to a second modification of embodiment 1. The emblem 1B differs from the emblem 1 in that it includes a transmittance reducing portion 25.

[0058] The transmittance reduction section 25 blocks at least a portion of the light L from the light source 20. The transmittance reduction section 25 may be a section in which a material or a pigment that absorbs the light L from the light source 20 is disposed. Alternatively, the transmittance reduction section 25 may be a section in which a material that reflects the light L from the light source 20 is disposed, or a section having a shape that reflects the light L.

[0059] The transmittance reducing portion 25 is located in a region of the first light exit surface 11 near the light source 20. The transmittance reducing portion 25 may be located below the design shape portion 30 or above the first light guide 10.

[0060] In the emblem 1, some of the light L from the light source 20 may leak toward the first light exit surface 11 near the light source 20. In this case, the area near the light source 20 becomes brighter than other areas, resulting in uneven brightness. By including the transmittance reduction portion 25, the emblem 1B can reduce uneven brightness of the design caused by the leakage of light L near the light source 20.

[0061] 18 is a diagram showing an example of an emblem 1C according to a third modification of embodiment 1. In addition to the configuration of emblem 1, emblem 1C further includes an inner wall 43. Inner wall 43 is provided upright on substrate 40. Inner wall 43 is located between side surface 13 of first light guide 10 and design shape portion 30.

[0062] The decorative shape portion 30 is joined to the substrate 40 on the opposite side of the inner wall 43 from the first light guide 10. Specifically, the substrate 40 may further have an extension portion 44 extending from the inner wall 43 to the opposite side of the first light guide 10. The decorative shape portion 30 may be joined to the extension portion 44 by, for example, bonding with an adhesive or ultrasonic welding.

[0063] In this case, when manufacturing the emblem 1C, the material of the design shape portion 30 melted by the adhesive or ultrasonic waves is blocked by the inner wall 43. This has the effect of preventing abnormal light emission and deterioration of uneven brightness due to light leakage or absorption caused by adhesive or the like adhering to the light guide.

[0064] Furthermore, when the emblem 1C is in use, the light that is not reflected by the side surface 13 can be blocked by the inner wall 43. Therefore, deterioration in the appearance of the design that the user sees of the emblem 1C, which is caused by light leaking from the side surface 13, is reduced.

[0065] 19 is a diagram showing an example of an emblem 1D according to a fourth modification of embodiment 1. In addition to the configuration of emblem 1, emblem 1D further includes a semi-transmissive reflective film 35 that three-dimensionally covers the surface of the design shape portion 30. Here, "three-dimensionally covering" means covering not only the surface of the design shape portion 30 on the first light guide 10 side of the first exit surface 11, but also the surface of the design shape portion 30 on the side of the side surface 13.

[0066] In the emblem 1D, the semi-transmissive reflective film 35 can reflect and return a portion of the light emitted from the first light guide 10. As a result, the light ultimately emitted from the emblem 1D can be made uniform, improving the quality of the design as perceived by the user. Furthermore, in the emblem 1D, the semi-transmissive reflective film 35 also improves the reflectance of external light, thereby improving the quality of the design as perceived by the user when the light source 20 is not emitting light.

[0067] In particular, it is preferable that the light transmittance of the semi-transmissive reflective film 35 be 35% or less. If the light transmittance of the semi-transmissive reflective film 35 is too high, external light will pass through the semi-transmissive reflective film 35 when the light source 20 is not emitting light, and the interior of the emblem 1D will be visible due to the returned light reflected internally, degrading the appearance of the design. By setting the light transmittance of the semi-transmissive reflective film 35 to 35% or less, degradation of the appearance of the design is reduced.

[0068] (Variation 5) Figure 20 is a diagram showing an example of an emblem 1E according to a fifth variation of embodiment 1. Emblem 1E differs from emblem 1 in that it includes substrate 40A instead of substrate 40. Substrate 40A differs from substrate 40 in that it has a curved shape. In the example shown in Figure 20, substrate 40A has a shape in which the center is convex upward relative to the outer edge, relative to the flat surface indicated by the dashed line. However, the curved shape of substrate 40A is not limited to this.

[0069] The curved shape of the substrate 40A is a shape that fits the surface of a body 90 (see FIG. 2) of a vehicle such as an automobile, thereby improving the stability of the emblem 1E when attached to the body 90.

[0070] (Variation 6) Figure 21 is a diagram showing an example of an emblem 1F according to a sixth variation of embodiment 1. In addition to the configuration of emblem 1, emblem 1F further includes a transparent layer 32. Transparent layer 32 is a layer formed of a material that transmits light. The radius of curvature at the corners of transparent layer 32 may be larger than the radius of curvature at the corners of design shape portion 30. Emblem 1F maintains the appearance of the design while mitigating the risk of injury from the corners of design shape portion 30.

[0071] [Embodiment 2] Another embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below. For ease of explanation, the same reference numerals will be used to designate components having the same functions as those described in the above embodiment, and the description thereof will not be repeated.

[0072] Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of an emblem 2 according to embodiment 2. In plan view, the emblem 2 may have the same shape as the emblem 1 of embodiment 1. Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the emblem 2 taken along the same cross section as the cross section along line II-II in Fig. 1. As shown in Fig. 12, the emblem 2 differs from the emblem 1 in that it includes a light source 20A instead of the light source 20 and further includes a second light guide 50.

[0073] The light source 20A emits light L from the rear surface 12 side of the first light guide 10 toward the first exit surface 11. That is, the direction in which the light L is emitted from the light source 20A is a direction that is not parallel to the first exit surface 11. The position of the light source 20A in a plan view from a direction perpendicular to the first exit surface 11 may be the same as the position of the light source 20. On the other hand, the position of the light source 20A in the direction perpendicular to the first exit surface 11 is located below the position of the light source 20. Specifically, the light source 20A may be housed inside the body 90 through a hole 91 formed in the body 90.

[0074] Fig. 13 is an enlarged view of the vicinity of the light source 20A in the emblem 2. As shown in Fig. 13, the emblem 2 includes a lens 26 near the light source 20A. The lens 26 is located between the light source 20A and the second light guide 50. Specifically, the light source 20A and the lens 26 may be integrated bullet-type LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes).

[0075] The lens 26 narrows the directivity of the light L emitted from the light source 20A. Therefore, by providing the emblem 2 with the lens 26, the light L emitted from the light source 20A can be efficiently incident on the second light guide 50. Note that the lens 26 is not essential to the emblem 2.

[0076] The second light guide 50 is a rod-shaped member through which light L is guided. The second light guide 50 has a second incident surface 51, a reflective structure 52, and a second exit surface 53. The second incident surface 51 is a surface onto which light L emitted from the light source 20A is incident. The reflective structure 52 is a portion having a structure that reflects light from the light source 20A in a direction parallel to the first exit surface 11. This allows light L emitted from the light source 20A in a direction not parallel to the first exit surface 11 to be directed in a direction parallel to the first exit surface 11. The reflective structure 52 is located at the end of the second light guide 50 on the first exit surface 11 side. The second exit surface 53 is a surface from which light L reflected by the reflective structure 52 is emitted. The material of the second light guide 50 may be the same as or different from the material of the first light guide 10 described above.

[0077] The reflective structure 52 may be a flat or curved surface that reflects the light L from the light source 20A in two or more directions parallel to the first light exit surface 11. In this case, there is no need to provide a component as the reflective structure 52 in the second light guide 50, and therefore the number of components can be reduced.

[0078] The second light guide 50 may be, for example, a prismatic rod having a bottom surface that serves as the second incident surface 51 and an upper surface that faces the bottom surface and functions as the reflective structure 52. In this case, part of the side surface of the prismatic rod serves as the second exit surface 53.

[0079] In the emblem 2, the light source 20A emits light L from the rear surface 12 side through the second light guide 50 into the first light guide 10. In this case, a general light source that does not emit light L in all directions within a plane can be used as the light source 20A. This reduces the cost of the emblem 2.

[0080] In the emblem 2, at least a portion of the second light guide 50 is housed in the housing portion 15 of the first light guide 10. Specifically, the second light guide 50 is housed in the housing portion 15 so that light L that enters from the second incident surface 51, is reflected by the reflective structure portion 52, and is emitted from the second exit surface 53 enters the first light guide 10.

[0081] Fig. 14 is a diagram showing specific examples of the reflecting structure 52. In Fig. 14, different specific examples of the reflecting structure 52 are shown with reference numerals 1401 to 1404.

[0082] The reflecting structure 52 may have two flat reflecting surfaces that reflect light L, as indicated by reference numeral 1401. Alternatively, the reflecting structure 52 may have two curved reflecting surfaces that reflect light L, as indicated by reference numeral 1402. Alternatively, when the reflecting structure 52 has a curved shape, the width of the second light guide 50 in the vicinity of the second incident surface 51 in a direction parallel to the second incident surface 51 may be narrower than the width of the reflecting structure 52 in that direction, as indicated by reference numeral 1403. Alternatively, the reflecting structure 52 may have three or more reflecting surfaces, as indicated by reference numeral 1404.

[0083] (Modification 1) Fig. 15 is a diagram showing an example of a second light guide 50A according to a first modification of embodiment 2. In Fig. 15, different examples of the second light guide 50A are indicated by reference numerals 1501 to 1503. The examples indicated by reference numerals 1501 to 1503 in Fig. 15 correspond to the examples of the reflective structure 52 indicated by reference numerals 1401 to 1403 in Fig. 14.

[0084] As shown in FIG. 15 , in this modification, the second light guide 50A is integrated with the first light guide 10. That is, a portion of the first light guide 10 functions as the second light guide 50A. In this case, for example, at the branching portion 143 of the first light guide 10 where the light source 20A is disposed, the region of the back surface 12 facing the light source 20A may be protruded downward. Also, for example, a reflective structure 52 may be provided in the region of the first emission surface 11 of the first light guide 10 located on the optical axis of the light L emitted from the light source 20A. This allows the number of parts to be reduced compared to when the second light guide 50 is separate from the first light guide 10.

[0085] (Modification 2) Fig. 22 is a diagram showing an example of a reflective structure 52A according to a second modification of the second embodiment. In Fig. 22, the second light guide 50A has the reflective structure 52A, but the second light guide 50 may have the reflective structure 52A. In Fig. 22, reference numerals 2201 to 2203 show different examples of the reflective structure 52A. The reflective structure 52A differs from the reflective structure 52 in that it includes a transmission surface 54. The transmission surface 54 transmits light from the light source 20. This allows the vicinity of the reflective structure 52A to emit light.

[0086] The shape of the transmission surface 54 is not particularly limited as long as it is a shape that can transmit light from the light source 20. The shape of the transmission surface 54 may be, for example, a flat surface as shown by reference numeral 2201, a curved surface that is convex toward the light source 20 as shown by reference numeral 2202, or a curved surface that is convex toward the opposite side to the light source 20 as shown by reference numeral 2203.

[0087] Specifically, the reflective structure 52A may include a first reflecting surface 551 that reflects light from the light source 20 in a first direction parallel to the first emission surface 11, and a second reflecting surface 552 that reflects the light in a second direction parallel to the first emission surface 11 and different from the first direction. The transmission surface 54 may be located between the first reflecting surface 551 and the second reflecting surface 552. The reflective structure 52A may also include another reflecting surface that reflects the light from the light source 20 in a direction different from the first direction and the second direction. This allows the light from the light source 20 to be reflected in multiple directions parallel to the first emission surface 11 and to emit light in the vicinity of the reflective structure 52A.

[0088] Furthermore, a dot pattern protruding outward may be formed on the first reflecting surface 551 and the second reflecting surface 552. The cross section of the dot pattern may be, for example, semicircular or triangular. In this case, light incident on the dot pattern is emitted without being reflected. In this case, the distribution of light visible near the reflecting structure 52A can be controlled by adjusting the position and / or number of the dot pattern.

[0089] (Variation 3) Figure 23 is a diagram showing an example of a first light guide 10B according to a third variation of embodiment 2. The first light guide 10B has a recess 17 that houses the reflective structure 52 of the second light guide 50. Furthermore, the first light guide 10B is provided with an emission structure 56 that emits light from the light source 20 at a location located above the reflective structure 52. For simplicity, only some of the emission structures 56 are labeled in Figure 23.

[0090] The output structure 56 may be, for example, a plurality of recesses provided on the surface of the first output surface 11. The angle of incidence of light on such an output structure 56 is smaller than the angle of incidence on a flat surface. As a result, the light is not reflected by the output structure 56 and is output from the first light guide 10.

[0091] 23 , for example, light reflected by the reflective structure 52 toward the first emission surface 11 near the reflective structure 52 enters the emission structure 56. In addition, for example, as shown by the dashed arrow in Fig. 23 , (i) light reflected by the reflective structure 52 that has been guided back through the first light guide 10 and returned, and / or (ii) when there are multiple light sources 20, light from a light source 20 other than the light source 20 closest to the emission structure 56 also enters the emission structure 56. By emitting these lights from the emission structure 56, it is possible to illuminate the vicinity of the reflective structure 52.

[0092] [Embodiment 3] In the emblem 1, the chromaticity of the light emitted from the first light exit surface 11 may be shifted to yellow or red from the chromaticity of the light L emitted by the light source 20 due to the influence of the design shape portion 30 and / or the semi-transmissive reflective film 35. For example, a chromaticity shift occurs when the design shape portion 30 and / or the semi-transmissive reflective film 35 contains In. The emblem 1 may have a configuration that offsets such a chromaticity shift.

[0093] For example, the chromaticity of the light L emitted by the light source 20 may be shifted toward the blue side relative to the white point. Specifically, the chromaticity of the light L may be X<0.33 and Y<0.33. An additive may be added to the first light guide 10 to negatively shift the chromaticity of the light L in both X and Y. An additive may be added to the material of the design shape portion 30 or the semi-transmissive reflective film 35 to negatively shift the chromaticity of the transmitted light in both X and Y. Specific examples of additives include blue pigments or dyes (copper phthalocyanine, ultramarine blue, etc.). Alternatively, the emblem 1 may further include a chromaticity-adjusting sheet that negatively shifts the chromaticity of the transmitted light in both X and Y.

[0094] By having the emblem 1 have one or more of these configurations, the chromaticity of the light finally emitted from the emblem 1 can be adjusted to a target color such as white.

[0095] [Additional Notes] The present disclosure can also be expressed as follows.

[0096] The luminous emblem of aspect 1 of the present disclosure comprises a light source and a first light guide that guides light from the light source along a light guide path having the shape of at least a portion of a design and emits it from a first exit surface that forms part of the light guide path, and the light source is arranged within a light emitting area where the design emits light using light from the first exit surface.

[0097] The luminous emblem according to aspect 2 of the present disclosure is the same as that of aspect 1, wherein the light guide path has an outer edge light guide path that follows the outer edge of the design and an inner light guide path that extends inward from the outer edge light guide path, and the light source is disposed in at least one of (i) the branch point from the outer edge light guide path to the inner light guide path, and (ii) the bend where the inner light guide path is bent.

[0098] The luminous emblem of aspect 3 of the present disclosure is, in aspect 1 or 2, further provided with a design shape portion that is arranged on the side of the first exit surface relative to the first light guide and that diffuses the light emitted from the first exit surface into the shape of the design.

[0099] The luminous emblem according to aspect 4 of the present disclosure is the same as aspect 3, wherein the first light guide is smaller than the design shape portion when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the first light exit surface.

[0100] The luminous emblem of aspect 5 of the present disclosure is the same as aspect 2, except that at the bent portion, the inner radius of curvature of the light guide is 50% or less of the width of the light guide, and the orientation of the center line of the inner light guide changes by 30° or more.

[0101] The luminous emblem of aspect 6 of the present disclosure is, in aspect 2 or 5, such that the light source is arranged at the branching portion, and the center of the light source is located in an area surrounded by an outer contour portion of the contour of the outer edge light guide path that is on the outside at the branching portion, two perpendicular lines to the outer contour portion that are perpendicular to the outer contour portion and pass through two boundary points between the inner light guide path and the outer edge light guide path, and a straight line connecting the two boundary points, when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the first exit surface.

[0102] The luminous emblem of aspect 7 of the present disclosure comprises a light source and a first light guide that guides light from the light source along a light guide path having the shape of at least a portion of the design and emits it from a first exit surface that forms part of the light guide path, and the portion where the light source is located is thicker on the back side of the first light guide opposite the first exit surface than other portions in a direction perpendicular to the first exit surface.

[0103] The luminous emblem of aspect 8 of the present disclosure is, in aspect 2, 5 or 6, wherein the light source is arranged at at least one branching point from the outer edge light guide path to the inner light guide path, and the first light guide has two or more surfaces whose normal is different from the first exit surface of the first light guide, so that light from the light source enters the branching point.

[0104] The luminous emblem of aspect 9 of the present disclosure is, in aspect 8, such that the angle of the first incident surface is within the range of 90°±(90°-2×asin(1 / n)) with respect to the direction of the center line of the first light guide, when the refractive index of the first light guide is n.

[0105] The luminous emblem of aspect 10 of the present disclosure is, in any one of aspects 1 to 9, such that the light source has a peak in the amount of emitted light in a first direction parallel to the first emission surface, and the amount of emitted light in a direction parallel to the first emission surface and shifted 90° from the first direction is 50% or more of the amount of emitted light in the first direction.

[0106] The luminous emblem of aspect 11 of the present disclosure is, in any of aspects 1 to 10, further provided with a second light guide that guides light from the light source to the first light guide, and causes light to enter the first light guide via the second light guide from the back side opposite the first exit surface.

[0107] The luminous emblem of aspect 12 of the present disclosure is the same as in aspect 11, except that the second light guide has a reflective structure at the end on the first exit surface side that reflects light from the light source in a direction parallel to the first exit surface.

[0108] A luminous emblem according to aspect 13 of the present disclosure is in aspect 12, wherein the reflective structure is a flat or curved surface that reflects light from the light source in two or more directions parallel to the first light exit surface.

[0109] A luminous emblem according to aspect 14 of the present disclosure is any one of aspects 11 to 13, wherein the second light guide is integral with the first light guide.

[0110] The luminous emblem according to aspect 15 of the present disclosure is any one of aspects 11 to 14, further comprising a lens between the light source and the second light guide that narrows the directionality of the light emitted from the light source.

[0111] The luminous emblem of aspect 16 of the present disclosure is, in aspect 2, 5, 6 or 8, wherein the light source is arranged at the branching portion, and the radius of curvature of the corner at the branching portion where the outline of the outer edge light guide path intersects with the outline of the inner light guide path is 10% or less of the width of the inner light guide path in the vicinity of the branching portion.

[0112] The luminous emblem according to aspect 17 of the present disclosure is the same as aspect 2, 5, 6, 8 or 16, in that the bent portion has a protrusion on the first light exit surface that runs along the direction in which the light guide path is bent.

[0113] The luminous emblem according to aspect 18 of the present disclosure is the same as aspect 17, wherein the inner radius of curvature of the light guide path at the bent portion is 1.5 times or less the width of the light guide path.

[0114] The luminous emblem of aspect 19 of the present disclosure is any one of aspects 1 to 18, in which a transmittance reduction section that reduces the transmittance of light from the light source is arranged in an area of ​​the first exit surface near the light source.

[0115] The luminous emblem according to aspect 20 of the present disclosure is a luminous emblem for a vehicle in any one of aspects 1 to 19, which is attached to the body of a vehicle.

[0116] The luminous emblem of aspect 21 of the present disclosure is, in aspect 3 or 4, further comprising a substrate supporting the first light guide and the design shape portion, and a side wall erected on the substrate and positioned between the first light guide and the design shape portion, and the design shape portion is joined to the substrate on the side opposite the first light guide to the side wall.

[0117] The luminous emblem according to aspect 22 of the present disclosure is the luminous emblem of aspect 3, 4, or 21, further comprising a semi-transparent reflective film that covers the surface of the design shape portion in a three-dimensional manner.

[0118] A luminous emblem according to aspect 23 of the present disclosure is the same as aspect 22, in which the light transmittance of the semi-transparent reflective film is 35% or less.

[0119] The luminous emblem according to aspect 24 of the present disclosure is the same as aspect 3, in that the design shape portion includes both a diffusing material that diffuses light and an opaque material that reflects light.

[0120] A luminous emblem according to aspect 25 of the present disclosure is the same as aspect 12 or 13, in which the reflective structure includes a transmissive surface that transmits light from the light source.

[0121] The luminous emblem of aspect 26 of the present disclosure is, in aspect 25, wherein the reflective structure includes a first reflective surface that reflects light from the light source in a first direction parallel to the first exit surface, and a second reflective surface that reflects light in a second direction parallel to the first exit surface and different from the first direction, and the transparent surface is located between the first reflective surface and the second reflective surface.

[0122] The luminous emblem of aspect 27 of the present disclosure is, in aspect 12 or 13, provided with an emission structure that emits light from the light source at a portion of the first emission surface located above the reflective structure.

[0123] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims. Embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the technical means disclosed in different embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present disclosure.

[0124] [Summary] The present invention can also be expressed as follows.

[0125] In order to solve the above problems, an illuminating emblem according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a light source and a first light guide that guides light from the light source along a light guide path having the shape of at least a part of the design and emits the light from a first exit surface that forms part of the light guide path, the light guide path having an outer edge light guide path that follows the outer edge of the design and an inner light guide path that extends inward from the outer edge light guide path, and the light source is positioned within a light emitting area in which the design emits light using light from the first exit surface.

[0126] According to the above configuration, there is no need to provide an extra non-emitting structure for disposing the light source outside the light emitting area, which can improve the appearance of the design.

[0127] In addition, in an illuminating emblem according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the light source is arranged in at least one of (i) the branching portion from the outer edge light guide path to the inner light guide path, and (ii) the bending portion where the inner light guide path is bent.

[0128] According to the above configuration, the first light guide guides light from the light source along the light guide path and emits it from the first emission surface. The light source is disposed at at least one of the branching portion and the bending portion of the light guide path. Therefore, the light emitted from the light source can be efficiently guided in each direction from the branching portion or the bending portion.

[0129] In addition, the luminous emblem according to one embodiment of the present disclosure further includes a design shape portion that is arranged on the side of the first light guide that faces the first exit surface and that diffuses the light emitted from the first exit surface into the shape of the design.

[0130] According to the above configuration, the light emitted from the first light exit surface is diffused by the design shape portion, and therefore the user can recognize the light diffused by the design shape portion as a design.

[0131] In addition, in the luminous emblem according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the first light guide is smaller than the design shape portion when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the first light exit surface.

[0132] According to the above configuration, the light emitted from the first emission surface is efficiently diffused by the design shape portion.

[0133] In addition, in an illuminating emblem according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, at the bent portion, the inner radius of curvature of the light guide path is 1.5 times or less the width of the light guide path, and the direction of the center line of the inner light guide path changes by 30 degrees or more.

[0134] According to the above configuration, light is not efficiently guided from one side of the bent portion to the other side. By arranging a light source at such a bent portion, light can be efficiently guided to both sides of the bent portion.

[0135] Furthermore, in an illuminating emblem according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the light source is disposed at the branching portion, and the center of the light source is located in an area surrounded by an outer contour portion of the contour of the outer edge light guide path that is on the outside at the branching portion, two perpendicular lines to the outer contour portion that are perpendicular to the outer contour portion and pass through two boundary points between the inner light guide path and the outer edge light guide path, and a straight line connecting the two boundary points, when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the first exit surface.

[0136] According to the above configuration, light from the light source is efficiently guided to both the outer edge light guide path and the inner light guide path.

[0137] In addition, an illuminating emblem according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a light source and a first light guide that guides light from the light source along a light guide path having the shape of at least a part of the design and emits it from a first exit surface that forms part of the light guide path, and the portion where the light source is located is thicker on the back side of the first light guide opposite the first exit surface than other portions in a direction perpendicular to the first exit surface.

[0138] With the above configuration, the light source is less visible from the first light exit surface side. Also, since the thicker portion of the luminous emblem can be embedded in the object to be attached, the portion that protrudes from the surface of the object to be attached can be made thinner.

[0139] Furthermore, in an illuminating emblem according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the light source is arranged at at least one branch point from the outer edge light guide path to the inner light guide path, and the first light guide has two or more surfaces whose normal is different from the first exit surface of the first light guide, so that light from the light source enters the branch point.

[0140] According to the above configuration, light traveling from the light source in the direction of each normal line is more likely to enter the first light guide.

[0141] Furthermore, in an illuminating emblem according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the angle of the first incident surface is within the range of 90°±(90°-2×asin(1 / n)) with respect to the direction of the center line of the first light guide, when the refractive index of the first light guide is n.

[0142] According to the above configuration, light from the light source is incident on the first light guide and is easily guided within the first light guide.

[0143] Furthermore, in an illuminating emblem according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the light source has a peak amount of emitted light in a first direction parallel to the first emission surface, and the amount of emitted light in a direction parallel to the first emission surface and shifted 90° from the first direction is 50% or more of the amount of emitted light in the first direction.

[0144] According to the above configuration, it is possible to reduce variations in the amount of light emitted from the light source in each direction.

[0145] In addition, the luminous emblem according to one embodiment of the present disclosure further includes a second light guide that guides light from the light source to the first light guide, and causes light to enter the first light guide via the second light guide from the back side opposite the first exit surface.

[0146] According to the above configuration, a general light source can be used as the light source provided in the luminous emblem, thereby reducing the cost of the luminous emblem.

[0147] In addition, an illuminating emblem according to one aspect of the present disclosure has a reflective structure at the end of the second light guide on the first exit surface side, which reflects light from the light source in a direction parallel to the first exit surface.

[0148] According to the above configuration, light emitted from the light source in a direction not parallel to the first light exit surface can be directed in a direction parallel to the first light exit surface.

[0149] In addition, in the luminous emblem according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the reflective structure is a flat or curved surface that reflects light from the light source in two or more directions parallel to the first light exit surface.

[0150] According to the above configuration, there is no need to provide a component that functions as a reflective structure separately from the second light guide, which reduces the number of components in the luminous emblem.

[0151] In addition, in the luminous emblem according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the second light guide is integral with the first light guide.

[0152] According to the above configuration, a part of the first light guide functions as the second light guide, so that the number of parts of the luminous emblem can be reduced.

[0153] Furthermore, the luminous emblem according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a lens between the light source and the second light guide that narrows the directionality of the light emitted from the light source.

[0154] According to the above configuration, the light emitted from the light source can be efficiently incident on the second light guide.

[0155] Furthermore, in an illuminating emblem according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the light source is arranged at the branching portion, and the radius of curvature of the corner at the branching portion where the outline of the outer edge light guide path intersects with the outline of the inner light guide path is 10% or less of the width of the inner light guide path in the vicinity of the branching portion.

[0156] According to the above configuration, the area of ​​the branching portion where the light from the light source is not totally reflected can be made sufficiently small.

[0157] In addition, the luminous emblem according to one aspect of the present disclosure has a protrusion portion on the first emission surface at the bent portion, which extends along the direction in which the light guide path is bent.

[0158] According to the above configuration, light guided near the first light exit surface at the bent portion is guided along the light guide path while being reflected multiple times inside the protrusion portion, thereby making it less likely for light to leak outside the first light guide.

[0159] In addition, in the luminous emblem according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the inner radius of curvature of the light guide path at the bent portion is 1.5 times or less the width of the light guide path.

[0160] According to the above configuration, by providing the protruding portions at the bent portions where light is particularly likely to leak, it is possible to reduce light leakage.

[0161] In addition, in the luminous emblem according to one aspect of the present disclosure, a transmittance reduction portion that reduces the transmittance of light from the light source is arranged in an area of ​​the first light exit surface near the light source.

[0162] According to the above configuration, it is possible to reduce unevenness in brightness caused by light leakage in the region of the first light exit surface near the light source.

[0163] Furthermore, an illuminating emblem according to one aspect of the present disclosure is an illuminating emblem for a vehicle that is attached to the body of a vehicle.

[0164] According to the above configuration, the design indicating the manufacturer or brand of the body can be visually recognized by the user.

[0165] In addition, the luminous emblem according to one embodiment of the present disclosure further comprises a substrate supporting the first light guide and the design shape portion, and a side wall erected on the substrate and positioned between the first light guide and the design shape portion, and the design shape portion is joined to the substrate on the side opposite the first light guide relative to the side wall.

[0166] According to the above configuration, the first light guide is prevented from being bonded to the decorative portion by an adhesive or the like that bonds the decorative portion to the substrate, and the side surfaces of the first light guide can be shielded from light.

[0167] Furthermore, the luminous emblem according to one aspect of the present disclosure further comprises a semi-transparent reflective film that three-dimensionally covers the surface of the design shape portion.

[0168] According to the above configuration, the quality of the design can be improved both when light is emitted and when light is not emitted.

[0169] In addition, in the luminous emblem according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the light transmittance of the semi-transparent reflective film is 35% or less.

[0170] According to the above configuration, deterioration in the appearance of the design caused by external light passing through the semi-transmissive reflective film and returning light reflected inside the film making the inside of the luminous emblem visible is reduced.

[0171] In addition, in the luminous emblem according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the design shape portion includes both a diffusing material that diffuses light and an opaque material that reflects light.

[0172] According to the above configuration, the concealment rate of the internal structure of the luminous emblem can be improved, and the transmittance of light from the inside can be improved.

[0173] In addition, in the luminous emblem according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the reflective structure includes a transmissive surface that transmits light from the light source.

[0174] According to the above configuration, it is possible to emit light in the vicinity of the reflective structure portion.

[0175] Furthermore, in an illuminating emblem according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the reflective structure includes a first reflective surface that reflects light from the light source in a first direction parallel to the first exit surface, and a second reflective surface that reflects the light in a second direction parallel to the first exit surface and different from the first direction, and the transmitting surface is located between the first reflective surface and the second reflective surface.

[0176] According to the above configuration, light from the light source can be reflected in a plurality of directions parallel to the first light exit surface, and can be made to emit light in the vicinity of the reflective structure portion.

[0177] In addition, in an illuminating emblem according to one aspect of the present disclosure, an emission structure for emitting light from the light source is provided in a portion of the first emission surface located above the reflective structure.

[0178] According to the above configuration, it is possible to emit light in the vicinity of the reflective structure portion.

[0179] 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A Emblem (light-emitting emblem) 10, 10A First light guide 11 First emission surface 14 Light guide path 141 Outer edge light guide path 141 Outer edge light guide path 141a Outer contour portion 142 Inner light guide path 143 Branch portion 143a Connection portion 144 Bent portion 144a Protrusion portion 151 First incidence surface 16 Corner 20, 20A Light source 25 Transmittance reduction portion 26 Lens 30 Design shape portion 50, 50A Second light guide 52 Reflection structure portion

Claims

1. A luminous emblem comprising: a light source; and a first light guide that guides light from said light source along a light guide path having the shape of at least a part of a design and causes the light to exit from a first exit surface that forms part of said light guide path, wherein said light source is positioned within a light emitting area where said design emits light due to the light from said first exit surface.

2. The luminous emblem described in claim 1, wherein the light guide path has an outer edge light guide path that follows the outer edge of the design and an inner light guide path that extends inward from the outer edge light guide path, and the light source is located at at least one of (i) the branch point from the outer edge light guide path to the inner light guide path, and (ii) the bend where the inner light guide path is bent.

3. An illuminating emblem as described in claim 1, further comprising a design shape portion arranged on the side of the first light guide facing the first exit surface and diffusing the light emitted from the first exit surface into the shape of the design.

4. A luminous emblem as described in claim 3, wherein the first light guide is smaller than the design shape portion when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the first light exit surface.

5. A luminous emblem as described in claim 2, wherein at the bent portion, the inner radius of curvature of the light guide is 1.5 times or less the width of the light guide, and the direction of the center line of the inner light guide changes by 30 degrees or more.

6. The luminous emblem described in claim 2, wherein the light source is disposed at the branching portion, and the center of the light source is located in an area surrounded by an outer contour portion of the contour of the outer edge light guide path that is on the outside at the branching portion, two perpendicular lines to the outer contour portion that are perpendicular to the outer edge light guide path and pass through two boundary points between the inner light guide path and the outer edge light guide path, respectively, and a straight line connecting the two boundary points.

7. A luminous emblem comprising: a light source; and a first light guide that guides light from the light source along a light guide path having the shape of at least a part of a design and causes the light to exit from a first exit surface that forms part of the light guide path, wherein the portion where the light source is located is thicker on the rear side opposite the first exit surface of the first light guide than other portions in a direction perpendicular to the first exit surface.

8. The luminous emblem described in claim 2, wherein the light source is disposed at at least one branching section from the outer edge light guide path to the inner light guide path, and the first light guide has two or more first incident surfaces having a different normal from the first exit surface of the first light guide, through which light from the light source enters the branching section.

9. A luminous emblem as described in claim 8, wherein the angle of the first incident surface is within the range of 90°±(90°-2×asin(1 / n)) with respect to the direction of the center line of the first light guide, where n is the refractive index of the first light guide.

10. A luminous emblem as described in claim 1 or 7, wherein the light source has a peak amount of emitted light in a first direction parallel to the first emission surface, and the amount of emitted light in a direction parallel to the first emission surface and shifted by 90° from the first direction is 50% or more of the amount of emitted light in the first direction.

11. An illuminating emblem as described in claim 1 or 7, further comprising a second light guide that guides light from the light source to the first light guide, and light is incident on the first light guide via the second light guide from the rear side opposite the first light exit surface.

12. A luminous emblem as described in claim 11, wherein the second light guide has a reflective structure at its end on the first exit surface side that reflects light from the light source in a direction parallel to the first exit surface.

13. The luminous emblem according to claim 12, wherein the reflective structure is a flat or curved surface that reflects light from the light source in two or more directions parallel to the first light exit surface.

14. The luminous emblem of claim 11, wherein the second light guide is integral with the first light guide.

15. The luminous emblem according to claim 11, further comprising a lens between the light source and the second light guide, for narrowing the directionality of the light emitted from the light source.

16. A luminous emblem as described in claim 2, wherein the light source is disposed at the branching portion, and the radius of curvature of the corner at the branching portion where the outline of the outer edge light guide path intersects with the outline of the inner light guide path is 10% or less of the width of the inner light guide path in the vicinity of the branching portion.

17. The luminous emblem according to claim 2, wherein the bending portion has a protrusion on the first light exit surface that is aligned with the bending direction of the light guide path.

18. The luminous emblem according to claim 17, wherein the inner radius of curvature of the light guide at the bent portion is 1.5 times or less the width of the light guide.

19. A luminous emblem as described in claim 1 or 7, wherein a transmittance reduction section that reduces the transmittance of light from the light source is arranged in the area of ​​the first light exit surface near the light source.

20. The luminous emblem according to claim 1 or 7, which is a luminous emblem for a vehicle to be attached to the body of a vehicle.

21. A luminous emblem as described in claim 3, further comprising a substrate that supports the first light guide and the design shape portion, and a side wall that is erected on the substrate and positioned between the first light guide and the design shape portion, wherein the design shape portion is joined to the substrate on the side of the side wall opposite the first light guide.

22. The luminous emblem according to claim 3, further comprising a semi-transparent reflective film that covers the surface of the design shape portion in a three-dimensional manner.

23. The luminous emblem according to claim 22, wherein the light transmittance of the semi-transparent reflective film is 35% or less.

24. The luminous emblem according to claim 3, wherein the design shape portion includes both a diffusing material that diffuses light and an opaque material that reflects light.

25. The luminous emblem according to claim 12, wherein the reflective structure includes a transparent surface that transmits light from the light source.

26. A luminous emblem as described in claim 25, wherein the reflective structure includes a first reflective surface that reflects light from the light source in a first direction parallel to the first light exit surface, and a second reflective surface that reflects the light in a second direction parallel to the first light exit surface and different from the first direction, and the transparent surface is located between the first reflective surface and the second reflective surface.

27. A luminous emblem as described in claim 12, wherein an emission structure for emitting light from the light source is provided in a portion of the first emission surface located above the reflective structure.

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