Vehicle lamp and saddled vehicle comprising same

Abstract

A tail light (50) comprises an inner lens (10) that guides light from an LED light source (40) to an outer lens. The inner lens (10) has a light-guide part (16, 17) and a plurality of lens cut portions (15). The plurality of lens cut portions (15) include: a first inner lens cut portion (11) that overlaps with the LED light source (40) when viewed along the optical axis (K) of the LED light source (40); and a first outer lens cut portion (21) that is disposed at a position further away from the LED light source (40) than the first inner lens cut portion (11) and that that is separate from the first inner lens cut portion (11).

Description

Vehicle lighting fixture and saddle-type vehicle equipped with same

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle lamp and a straddle-type vehicle equipped with the same.

[0002] Conventionally, lighting fixtures equipped with LED light sources have been known as vehicle lighting fixtures such as taillights. LED light sources are so-called point light sources, and the illumination range of the LED light sources is relatively narrow. Therefore, vehicle lighting fixtures equipped with multiple LED light sources are used to illuminate a wide range.

[0003] However, vehicle lamps equipped with multiple LED light sources are relatively expensive. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 2010-287391 describes a vehicle lamp intended to brightly illuminate the entire outer lens using a single LED light source. In this vehicle lamp, the light-emitting portion of the inner lens is tapered. Furthermore, the tip of the light-emitting portion is offset laterally from the main optical axis of the LED light source. The inclined surface of the light-emitting portion is formed asymmetrically with respect to the main optical axis of the LED light source. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 2010-287391 describes that light from the LED light source is diffused over a wide area by the inclined surface of the light-emitting portion, and that the entire outer lens can be brightly illuminated using a single LED light source.

[0004] JP 2010-287391 A

[0005] However, according to the vehicle lamp disclosed in JP 2010-287391 A, the diffused light appears monotonous to those viewing the vehicle lamp, and some people may feel that the bright area is small.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle lamp that is easily perceived as large by a viewer even when equipped with only a small number of LED light sources, and a straddle-type vehicle equipped with the same.

[0007] The vehicle lamp disclosed herein includes an LED light source that emits light along an optical axis extending in a first direction, an outer lens, and an inner lens that guides the light from the LED light source to the outer lens. The inner lens has a light guide section and a plurality of lens cut sections, each consisting of a concave or convex section, that diffuse the light that has passed through the light guide section. The plurality of lens cut sections include a first inner lens cut section that is positioned to overlap the LED light source when viewed along the optical axis, and a first outer lens cut section that is positioned farther from the LED light source than the first inner lens cut section and separated from the first inner lens cut section. Note that the term "optical axis" used in this specification refers to the so-called main optical axis. The "optical axis" refers to the optical center axis of light emitted by the light source and is the direction of radiation with the highest luminous intensity.

[0008] According to the above-described vehicle lamp, the inner lens has a plurality of lens cut portions. Each lens cut portion diffuses light, thereby making the outer lens brighter. Among the plurality of lens cut portions, the first inner lens cut portion is located on the rear side (closer to the LED light source), and the first outer lens cut portion is located on the front side (farther from the LED light source), and they are separated from each other. Therefore, the inner lens appears to be shining in a three-dimensional manner. Therefore, even if the vehicle lamp does not have a large number of LED light sources, viewers are likely to perceive the vehicle lamp as large.

[0009] The distance in the first direction between the first inner lens cut portion and the first outer lens cut portion may be longer than the distance in the first direction between the first inner lens cut portion and the LED light source.

[0010] As a result, the distance between the first inner lens cut portion and the first outer lens cut portion is relatively long, so the inner lens appears to shine more three-dimensionally, and therefore viewers tend to perceive the vehicle lamp as larger.

[0011] The inner lens may have a first inner block having a plurality of lens cut portions arranged continuously, including the first inner lens cut portion. The first inner block may be disposed to the side of the optical axis and have an inclined surface inclined with respect to the optical axis.

[0012] When viewed along the optical axis, the portion of the inner lens that overlaps with the LED light source and its surrounding area tends to be brighter than the portion farther from the LED light source. This raises concerns that the brightness of the inner lens will be uneven, which in turn will result in uneven brightness of the outer lens. However, according to the above, the first inner block has an inclined surface that is inclined with respect to the optical axis. Because the inclined surface diffuses light in a direction inclined from the optical axis, the inner lens can illuminate a wide area of ​​the outer lens, thereby suppressing uneven brightness of the inner lens.

[0013] The inner lens may include one or more second inner lens cut portions spaced apart from the first inner lens cut portion in a direction perpendicular to the first direction, and a distance in the first direction between the second inner lens cut portion and the first outer lens cut portion may be longer than a distance in the first direction between the second inner lens cut portion and the LED light source.

[0014] This makes the vehicle lamp appear larger to the viewer.

[0015] The inner lens may have a first inner block having a plurality of lens cut portions, including the first inner lens cut portion, arranged in a continuous line, and one or more second inner blocks having a plurality of lens cut portions, including the second inner lens cut portion, arranged in a continuous line. The first inner block and the second inner block may extend in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The first inner block and the second inner block may be spaced apart from each other in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction.

[0016] This makes the vehicle lamp appear larger to the viewer.

[0017] The second inner block may be disposed closer to the first direction than the first inner block.

[0018] This makes the inner lens appear to shine more three-dimensionally, and therefore makes the vehicle lamp appear larger to the viewer.

[0019] The inner lens may include a second outer lens cut portion disposed farther from the LED light source than the first inner lens cut portion and separated from the first inner lens cut portion. The first outer lens cut portion may be disposed on a side of the first inner lens cut portion in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The second outer lens cut portion may be disposed on an opposite side of the first inner lens cut portion in the second direction.

[0020] This makes the vehicle lamp appear larger to the viewer.

[0021] The inner lens may have a first outer block having a plurality of lens cut portions, including the first outer lens cut portion, arranged continuously, and a second outer block having a plurality of lens cut portions, including the second outer lens cut portion, arranged continuously. The first outer block and the second outer block may extend in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction, or in a direction inclined with respect to the third direction. The first outer block and the second outer block may be spaced apart from each other in the second direction.

[0022] This makes the vehicle lamp appear larger to the viewer.

[0023] The first outer block and the second outer block may extend in such a way that the further they go in the first direction, the more they go in the third direction.

[0024] This makes the inner lens appear to shine more three-dimensionally, and therefore makes the vehicle lamp appear larger to the viewer.

[0025] The plurality of lens cut portions may be disposed farther from the LED light source than the first inner lens cut portion and may include a second outer lens cut portion separated from the first inner lens cut portion. The inner lens may have a first outer block including a plurality of lens cut portions, including the first outer lens cut portion, arranged in a continuous line, and a second outer block including a plurality of lens cut portions, including the second outer lens cut portion, arranged in a continuous line. The first outer block and the second outer block may extend in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction, or in a direction inclined with respect to the third direction. The first outer block and the second outer block may be spaced apart from each other in the second direction. When viewed along the optical axis, the first inner block and the second inner block may be disposed between the first outer block and the second outer block.

[0026] This makes the vehicle lamp appear larger to the viewer.

[0027] When viewed along the optical axis, when the distance between the optical axis and the part of the plurality of lens cut portions that is farthest from the optical axis is r, the ratio of the total area of ​​the plurality of lens cut portions to a circle having a radius of r and centered on the optical axis may be 20 to 40%.

[0028] This allows the inner lens to illuminate a wide range of the outer lens while ensuring local brightness of the outer lens.

[0029] The vehicle lamp may include only one of the LED light sources as a light source.

[0030] This allows the cost of the vehicle lamp to be reduced.

[0031] The saddle-type vehicle disclosed herein includes the vehicle lamp.

[0032] The saddle-type vehicle disclosed herein may include a vehicle body and a tail light disposed at a rear portion of the vehicle body, the tail light being the vehicle lamp. The first direction, the second direction, and the third direction may be rearward in a vehicle longitudinal direction, leftward in a vehicle lateral direction, and upward in a vehicle vertical direction, respectively.

[0033] The first inner block and the second inner block may be formed such that, when viewed from the rear of the vehicle, the inner block located higher has a larger dimension in the left-right direction of the vehicle. The first outer block and the second outer block may extend outward in the vehicle width direction as they go higher when viewed from the rear of the vehicle.

[0034] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a vehicle lamp that is easily perceived as large by a viewer even when equipped with only a small number of LED light sources, and a straddle-type vehicle equipped with the same.

[0035] Fig. 1 is a left side view of a motorcycle according to an embodiment. Fig. 2 is a front view of the tail light. Fig. 3 is a left side view of the tail light. Fig. 4 is a front view of the tail light when the outer lens is removed. Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line V-V in Fig. 2. Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI in Fig. 2. Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the inner lens. Fig. 8 is a horizontal cross-sectional view of the inner lens. Fig. 9 is a schematic diagram of the inner block and the outer block when viewed along the optical axis of the LED light source.

[0036]

[0016] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a vehicle lamp and a saddle-ride type vehicle will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 is a left side view of a motorcycle 1, which is an example of a saddle-ride type vehicle. The motorcycle 1 includes a vehicle body and a tail light 50, which is an example of a vehicle lamp, disposed at the rear of the vehicle body.

[0037] The motorcycle 1 includes a body frame 2 having a head pipe 3, a power unit 5 supported by the body frame 2, a seat 7 supported by the body frame 2, a front wheel 8F, and a rear wheel 8B. A steering shaft (not shown) is rotatably supported by the head pipe 3. A handlebar 9 is fixed to an upper part of the steering shaft. A front fork 4 is fixed to a lower part of the steering shaft. The front wheel 8F is attached to the lower end of the front fork 4. The power unit 5 has a driving source for traveling such as an internal combustion engine or an electric motor. The front end of a rear arm 6 is swingably supported by the power unit 5 via a pivot shaft 6a. The rear wheel 8B is attached to the rear end of the rear arm 6.

[0038] FIG. 2 is a front view of the taillight 50, as viewed from the rear in the vehicle longitudinal direction. FIG. 3 is a left side view of the taillight 50. The taillight 50 includes an inner case 45 and an outer lens 20. FIG. 4 is a front view of the taillight 50 with the outer lens 20 removed. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line V-V in FIG. 2. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI in FIG. 2. The taillight 50 includes an LED light source 40 that emits light along an optical axis K extending in a first direction A1, and an inner lens 10 that guides the light from the LED light source 40 to the outer lens 20. The optical axis K refers to the optical center axis of light emitted by the LED light source 40, or the so-called main optical axis. The optical axis K coincides with the direction of emission of the maximum luminous intensity from the LED light source 40.

[0039] The second direction A2 is a direction perpendicular to the first direction A1. The third direction A3 is a direction perpendicular to the first direction A1 and the second direction A2. Here, the first direction A1 corresponds to the rear in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The second direction A2 corresponds to the left in the lateral direction of the vehicle. The third direction A3 corresponds to the upper direction in the vertical direction of the vehicle. In the following description of the tail light 50, the first direction A1 may be referred to as the outer side, and the opposite side to the first direction A1 may be referred to as the inner side. For a person viewing the tail light 50 from behind the motorcycle 1, the outer side corresponds to the front side of the tail light 50, and the inner side corresponds to the rear side of the tail light 50.

[0040] As shown in Figure 5, the tail light 50 according to this embodiment includes only a single LED light source 40 as a light source. The tail light 50 does not include any other light source than the LED light source 40. The LED light source 40 is arranged to be oriented in the first direction A1. The LED light source 40 is arranged inside the inner lens 10. The LED light source 40 is arranged forward of the inner lens 10 in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

[0041] The outer lens 20 is fixed to the inner case 45. The inner lens 10 is disposed in a space partitioned by the outer lens 20 and the inner case 45. The inner lens 10 and the outer lens 20 are transparent. Note that, in this specification, "transparent" also includes so-called translucency. The inner lens 10 is colorless, and the color of the outer lens 20 is red. However, the colors of the inner lens 10 and the outer lens 20 are not particularly limited. The materials of the inner lens 10 and the outer lens 20 are not particularly limited. Here, the inner lens 10 and the outer lens 20 are made of synthetic resin.

[0042] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the inner lens 10. The inner lens 10 has light guide sections 16 and 17 and multiple lens cut sections 15. The lens cut sections 15 are formed as concave or convex sections and are configured to diffuse light that passes through the light guide sections 16 or 17. The lens cut sections 15 may be formed by cutting a portion of the inner lens 10 into a concave or convex shape, or by molding a concave or convex section without cutting the inner lens 10. The inner lens 10 has inner blocks 31 to 36, each of which has multiple lens cut sections 15 arranged in a row, and outer blocks 37 and 38, each of which has multiple lens cut sections 15 arranged in a row. The inner blocks 31 to 36 are positioned inward of the outer blocks 37 and 38.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 4, the inner blocks 31 to 36 each extend in the second direction A2. Each of the inner blocks 31 to 36 is formed by a plurality of lens cut portions 15 that are continuously arranged without gaps in the second direction A2. The inner blocks 31 to 36 are arranged in the third direction A3. The inner blocks 31 to 35 are spaced apart from one another. A light guide portion 16 is disposed between the inner block 31 and the inner block 32, between the inner block 32 and the inner block 33, between the inner block 33 and the inner block 34, and between the inner block 34 and the inner block 35. The inner blocks 31 to 36 protrude outward from the light guide portion 16 (see FIG. 6).

[0044] The dimensions of the inner blocks 31 to 36 in the second direction A2 increase toward the third direction A3. The higher the inner block, the larger the dimension in the left-right direction of the vehicle. The dimension of inner block 31 in the second direction A2 is larger than the dimension of inner block 32 in the second direction A2. The dimension of inner block 32 in the second direction A2 is larger than the dimension of inner block 33 in the second direction A2. The dimension of inner block 33 in the second direction A2 is larger than the dimension of inner block 34 in the second direction A2. The dimension of inner block 34 in the second direction A2 is larger than the dimension of inner block 35 in the second direction A2. The dimension of inner block 35 in the second direction A2 is larger than the dimension of inner block 36 in the second direction A2.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 4 , the inner block 33 has a first inner lens cut portion 11 positioned so as to overlap the LED light source 40 when viewed along the optical axis K. FIG. 8 is a horizontal cross-sectional view of the inner lens 10 including the optical axis K. As shown in FIG. 8 , the inner block 33 has convex portions 14 protruding in the first direction A1 on both sides of the first inner lens cut portion 11. The convex portions 14 are positioned to the sides of the optical axis K. The convex portions 14 have inclined surfaces 14 a and 14 b inclined with respect to the optical axis K. Note that "inclined with respect to the optical axis K" as used herein means being non-parallel to the optical axis K. The inclined surface 14 a is a surface inclined from the optical axis K so as to move away from the optical axis K as it moves in the first direction A1. The inclined surface 14 b is a surface inclined from the optical axis K so as to move closer to the optical axis K as it moves in the first direction A1.

[0046] As shown in Figure 4, the inner block 32 above the inner block 33 has a second inner lens cut portion 12 spaced apart in the third direction A3 from the first inner lens cut portion 11. The inner block 34 below the inner block 33 has a second inner lens cut portion 12 spaced apart in the opposite direction to the third direction A3 from the first inner lens cut portion 11. Here, the position of the first inner lens cut portion 11 in the second direction A2 is equal to the position of the second inner lens cut portion 12 in the second direction A2.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 6 , the positions of the inner blocks 31 to 36 in the first direction A1 are such that the further they are from the optical axis K in the third direction A3, and the further they are from the optical axis K in the opposite direction to the third direction A3. Inner block 31 is positioned outward from inner block 32, and inner block 32 is positioned outward from inner block 33. Inner block 34 is positioned outward from inner block 33, inner block 35 is positioned outward from inner block 34, and inner block 36 is positioned outward from inner block 35. Similarly, the light guiding sections 16 positioned between the inner blocks 31 to 35 are positioned outward from the optical axis K in the third direction, and the further they are from the optical axis K in the opposite direction to the third direction. The inner blocks 31 to 36 and the light guiding sections 16 between them are formed concavely toward the inside.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 4 , the outer blocks 37 and 38 extend in a direction inclined with respect to the third direction A3. The outer blocks 37 and 38 are formed by a plurality of lens cut portions 15 that are continuously arranged without gaps in a direction inclined with respect to the third direction A3. The outer blocks 37 and 38 are spaced apart from each other in the second direction A2. When viewed along the optical axis K, the inner blocks 31 to 36 are disposed between the outer blocks 37 and 38. The outer block 37 extends more in the second direction A2 as it approaches the third direction A3. The outer block 38 extends more in the opposite direction to the second direction A2 as it approaches the third direction A3. The distance between the outer blocks 37 and 38 in the second direction A2 increases as it approaches the third direction A3. The ends of the outer blocks 37 and 38 in the third direction A3 are closer to the third direction A3 than the inner block 31, and the ends of the outer blocks 37 and 38 in the opposite direction to the third direction A3 are closer to the opposite side of the third direction A3 than the inner block 36.

[0049] 5, the outer blocks 37 and 38 are disposed outward of the inner blocks 31 to 36. A light guide portion 17 extending in the first direction A1 is provided on the opposite side of the outer blocks 37 and 38 from the first direction A1. The distance in the first direction A1 between the outer blocks 37 and 38 and the LED light source 40 is greater than the distance in the first direction A1 between the inner blocks 31 to 36 and the LED light source 40.

[0050] 6, the outer blocks 37 and 38 are inclined relative to the vertical. The outer blocks 37 and 38 extend in the third direction A3 as they move in the first direction A1. The outer blocks 37 and 38 are positioned further outward as they move in the third direction A3.

[0051] As shown in FIG. 5 , the outer block 37 has a first outer lens cut portion 21 that is positioned farther from the LED light source 40 than the first inner lens cut portion 11. The outer block 38 has a second outer lens cut portion 22 that is positioned farther from the LED light source 40 than the first inner lens cut portion 11. The first outer lens cut portion 21 and the second outer lens cut portion 22 are separated from the first inner lens cut portion 11. The first outer lens cut portion 21 is positioned on the second direction A2 side of the first inner lens cut portion 11, and the second outer lens cut portion 22 is positioned on the opposite side of the second direction A2 from the first inner lens cut portion 11. Here, the positions of the first inner lens cut portion 11, the first outer lens cut portion 21, and the second outer lens cut portion 22 in the third direction A3 are all equal to one another (see FIG. 4 ).

[0052] As shown in Fig. 5, the distance L1 in the first direction A1 between the first inner lens cut portion 11 and the first outer lens cut portion 21 is longer than the distance L2 in the first direction A1 between the first inner lens cut portion 11 and the LED light source 40. As shown in Fig. 6, the distance L3 in the first direction A1 between the second inner lens cut portion 12 and the second outer lens cut portion 22 of the inner block 32 is longer than the distance L4 in the first direction A1 between the second inner lens cut portion 12 of the inner block 32 and the LED light source 40. The position of the first outer lens cut portion 21 in the first direction A1 and the position of the second outer lens cut portion 22 are equal. Therefore, the distance L3 in the first direction A1 between the second inner lens cut portion 12 of the inner block 32 and the first outer lens cut portion 21 is longer than the distance L4 in the first direction A1 between the second inner lens cut portion 12 of the inner block 32 and the LED light source 40. Similarly, the distance in the first direction A1 between the second inner lens cut portion 12 of the inner block 34 and the first outer lens cut portion 21 or the second outer lens cut portion 22 is longer than the distance in the first direction A1 between the second inner lens cut portion 12 of the inner block 34 and the LED light source 40.

[0053] From the perspective of illuminating a wide range of the outer lens 20, it is preferable that the total area of ​​the lens cut portions 15 is large. On the other hand, from the perspective of ensuring localized illuminance of the outer lens 20, it is preferable that the total area of ​​the lens cut portions 15 is small. FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing the inner blocks 31 to 36 and the outer blocks 37 and 38 when viewed along the optical axis K. As described above, the inner blocks 31 to 36 and the outer blocks 37 and 38 are each composed of a plurality of lens cut portions 15. FIG. 9 shows the arrangement of the lens cut portions 15 when viewed along the optical axis K. The distance between the optical axis K and the portion 15d of the lens cut portion 15 farthest from the optical axis K is defined as r. C is defined as a circle having a radius r and centered on the optical axis K. In this embodiment, when viewed along the optical axis K, the ratio of the total area of ​​the lens cut portions 15 to the circle C having a radius r and centered on the optical axis K is set to 20 to 40%.

[0054] As shown in FIG. 2 , the outer lens 20 has an upper wall 20A, a lower wall 20B, a left wall 20L, a right wall 20R, and a rear wall 20C. As shown in FIG. 6 , the upper wall 20A is located above the inner lens 10 and extends in the longitudinal and transverse directions of the vehicle. The lower wall 20B is located below the inner lens 10 and extends in the longitudinal and transverse directions of the vehicle. As shown in FIG. 5 , the left wall 20L is located to the left of the light guiding section 17 of the inner lens 10 and the outer block 37 and extends in the longitudinal and transverse directions of the vehicle. The right wall 20R is located to the right of the light guiding section 17 of the inner lens 10 and the outer block 38 and extends in the longitudinal and transverse directions of the vehicle. As shown in FIG. 6 , the rear wall 20C is located behind the inner lens 10. The rear wall 20C extends in the left-right direction of the vehicle and, like the outer blocks 37 and 38 of the inner lens 10, extends in a direction inclined from the vertical so as to approach the third direction A3 as it approaches the first direction A1.

[0055] As described above, according to this embodiment, the inner lens 10 has multiple lens cut portions 15. Each lens cut portion 15 diffuses light, thereby making the outer lens 20 shine brightly. The multiple lens cut portions 15 include a first inner lens cut portion 11 and a first outer lens cut portion 21 that are separated from each other. To a person viewing the taillight 50 from behind the motorcycle 1, the first inner lens cut portion 11 is located at the rear (i.e., the front side in the vehicle's fore-and-aft direction), and the first outer lens cut portion 21 is located at the front side (i.e., the rear side in the vehicle's fore-and-aft direction). The first inner lens cut portion 11 and the first outer lens cut portion 21 are separated front to back. Therefore, depending on the viewer, the inner lens 10 appears to glow three-dimensionally. Therefore, even if the taillight 50 does not have a large number of LED light sources 40, a viewer may easily perceive the taillight 50 as large.

[0056] According to this embodiment, the distance L1 in the first direction A1 between the first inner lens cut portion 11 and the first outer lens cut portion 21 is longer than the distance L2 in the first direction A1 between the first inner lens cut portion 11 and the LED light source 40 (see FIG. 5 ). Because the distance between the first inner lens cut portion 11 and the first outer lens cut portion 21 is relatively long, the inner lens 10 appears to glow more three-dimensionally. This makes the taillight 50 appear larger to viewers.

[0057] Incidentally, the portion of the inner lens 10 that overlaps with the LED light source 40 when viewed along the optical axis K (in this embodiment, the first inner lens cutout 11) and its surrounding area tend to be brighter than the portion farther from the LED light source 40 (see FIG. 4 ). This raises concerns about uneven brightness across the outer lens 20. However, according to this embodiment, the inner block 33, an example of a "first inner block," has a convex portion 14 disposed to the side of the optical axis K, and the convex portion 14 has inclined surfaces 14a and 14b that are inclined relative to the optical axis K (see FIG. 8 ). Because the inclined surfaces 14a and 14b diffuse light in a direction inclined from the optical axis K, the inner lens 10 can illuminate a wide area of ​​the outer lens 20, thereby suppressing uneven brightness across the inner lens 10.

[0058] According to this embodiment, the inner lens 10 has a second inner lens cut portion 12 that is spaced apart from the first inner lens cut portion 11 in the third direction A3 and in the direction opposite to the third direction A3 (see FIG. 4). Therefore, depending on the viewer, the inner lens 10 appears to glow more three-dimensionally. Even if the taillight 50 does not have a large number of LED light sources 40, the viewer may easily perceive the taillight 50 as large.

[0059] According to this embodiment, the inner lens 10 has inner blocks 32 and 34, which are examples of "second inner blocks," in addition to the inner block 33 (see FIG. 4). Therefore, depending on the viewer, the inner lens 10 appears to glow more three-dimensionally. Even if the tail light 50 does not have a large number of LED light sources 40, the viewer is likely to perceive the tail light 50 as large.

[0060] According to this embodiment, the inner blocks 32 and 34 are disposed closer to the first direction A1 than the inner block 33 (see FIG. 6). This makes the inner lens 10 appear to shine more three-dimensionally. Even if the tail light 50 does not have a large number of LED light sources 40, viewers tend to perceive the tail light 50 as large.

[0061] According to this embodiment, the inner lens 10 has a first outer lens cut portion 21 arranged on the second direction A2 side of the first inner lens cut portion 11, as well as a second outer lens cut portion 22 arranged on the opposite side of the first inner lens cut portion 11 from the second direction A2 (see FIG. 4). Therefore, depending on the viewer, the inner lens 10 appears to glow more three-dimensionally. Even if the taillight 50 does not have a large number of LED light sources 40, viewers are likely to perceive the taillight 50 as large.

[0062] According to this embodiment, the inner lens 10 has an outer block 37, which is an example of a "first outer block," and an outer block 38, which is an example of a "second outer block." The outer blocks 37 and 38 each extend in a direction inclined with respect to the third direction A3 and are spaced apart from each other in the second direction A2 (see FIG. 4). Therefore, depending on the viewer, the inner lens 10 appears to glow more three-dimensionally. Even if the tail light 50 does not have a large number of LED light sources 40, the viewer is likely to perceive the tail light 50 as large.

[0063] According to this embodiment, the outer blocks 37 and 38 extend in the third direction A3 as they extend in the first direction A1 (see FIG. 6 ). This makes the inner lens 10 appear to glow more three-dimensionally. Even if the taillight 50 does not have a large number of LED light sources 40, viewers tend to perceive the taillight 50 as large.

[0064] According to this embodiment, when viewed along the optical axis K, when the distance between the optical axis K and the portion 15d of the lens cut portion 15 that is farthest from the optical axis K is r, the ratio of the total area of ​​the lens cut portion 15 to a circle C having a radius of r and centered on the optical axis K is 20 to 40% (see FIG. 9 ). This makes it possible to illuminate a wide range of the outer lens 20 while maintaining local brightness of the outer lens 20.

[0065] According to this embodiment, the tail light 50 includes only one LED light source 40 as a light source, which allows the tail light 50 to be manufactured at low cost.

[0066] Although one embodiment of the vehicle lamp and the straddle-type vehicle has been described above, the above embodiment is merely an example, and various other embodiments are possible.

[0067] In the above embodiment, the outer blocks 37 and 38 extend in a direction inclined with respect to the third direction A3 (see FIG. 4), but the outer blocks 37 and 38 may extend in the third direction A3.

[0068] In the above embodiment, the tail light 50 includes only one LED light source 40 as a light source, but the tail light 50 may include two or more LED light sources 40 .

[0069] The vehicle lamp is not limited to the tail light 50. The vehicle lamp may be a lamp other than the tail light 50.

[0070] A saddle-ride type vehicle is a vehicle on which a rider sits astride. The saddle-ride type vehicle is not limited to the motorcycle 1. The saddle-ride type vehicle may be, for example, a three-wheeled motor vehicle, an ATV (All Terrain vehicle), or a snowmobile.

[0071] DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Motorcycle (saddle-ride type vehicle) 10 Inner lens 11 First inner lens cut portion 12 Second inner lens cut portion 14a, 14b Inclined surface 15 Lens cut portion 16, 17 Light guide portion 20 Outer lens 21 First outer lens cut portion 22 Second outer lens cut portion 32, 34 Inner block (second inner block) 33 Inner block (first inner block) 37 Outer block (first outer block) 38 Outer block (second outer block) 40 LED light source 50 Tail light (vehicle lamp) A1 First direction A2 Second direction A3 Third direction K Optical axis

Claims

1. A vehicle lamp comprising: an LED light source that emits light along an optical axis extending in a first direction; an outer lens; and an inner lens that guides the light from the LED light source to the outer lens, wherein the inner lens has a light guide portion and a plurality of lens cut portions, each consisting of a concave or convex portion, that diffuses the light that has passed through the light guide portion, and the plurality of lens cut portions include a first inner lens cut portion that is positioned so as to overlap with the LED light source when viewed along the optical axis, and a first outer lens cut portion that is positioned farther from the LED light source than the first inner lens cut portion and is separated from the first inner lens cut portion.

2. A vehicle lamp as described in claim 1, wherein the distance in the first direction between the first inner lens cut portion and the first outer lens cut portion is longer than the distance in the first direction between the first inner lens cut portion and the LED light source.

3. A vehicle lamp as described in claim 1, wherein the inner lens has a first inner block consisting of a plurality of lens cut portions, including the first inner lens cut portion, arranged in a continuous line, and the first inner block is arranged to the side of the optical axis and has an inclined surface inclined relative to the optical axis.

4. A vehicle lamp as described in claim 1, wherein the inner lens includes one or more second inner lens cut portions spaced apart from the first inner lens cut portion in a direction perpendicular to the first direction, and the distance in the first direction between the second inner lens cut portion and the first outer lens cut portion is longer than the distance in the first direction between the second inner lens cut portion and the LED light source.

5. The inner lens has a first inner block having a plurality of lens cut portions including the first inner lens cut portion arranged in a continuous line, and one or more second inner blocks having a plurality of lens cut portions including the second inner lens cut portion arranged in a continuous line, the first inner block and the second inner block extending in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and the first inner block and the second inner block spaced apart from each other in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction. A vehicle lamp as described in claim 4.

6. The vehicular lamp according to claim 5, wherein the second inner block is disposed on the side of the first inner block in the first direction.

7. A vehicle lamp as described in claim 1, wherein the inner lens is positioned farther from the LED light source than the first inner lens cut portion and includes a second outer lens cut portion separated from the first inner lens cut portion, the first outer lens cut portion is positioned on a side of the first inner lens cut portion in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and the second outer lens cut portion is positioned on the opposite side of the first inner lens cut portion in the second direction.

8. A vehicle lamp as described in claim 7, wherein the inner lens has a first outer block having a plurality of lens cut portions including the first outer lens cut portion arranged in a continuous line, and a second outer block having a plurality of lens cut portions including the second outer lens cut portion arranged in a continuous line, the first outer block and the second outer block extending in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction or in a direction inclined with respect to the third direction, and the first outer block and the second outer block spaced apart from each other in the second direction.

9. The vehicular lamp according to claim 8, wherein the first outer block and the second outer block extend in such a way that the further they extend in the first direction, the more they extend in the third direction.

10. The vehicle lamp described in claim 4, wherein the plurality of lens cut portions are arranged farther from the LED light source than the first inner lens cut portion and include a second outer lens cut portion separated from the first inner lens cut portion, the inner lens has a first outer block consisting of a plurality of lens cut portions including the first outer lens cut portion arranged in succession, and a second outer block consisting of a plurality of lens cut portions including the second outer lens cut portion arranged in succession, the first outer block and the second outer block extend in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction or in a direction inclined with respect to the third direction, the first outer block and the second outer block are spaced apart from each other in the second direction, and when viewed along the optical axis, the first inner block and the second inner block are arranged between the first outer block and the second outer block.

11. The vehicular lamp according to claim 1, wherein, when viewed along the optical axis, the ratio of the total area of ​​the plurality of lens cut portions to a circle having a radius of r and centered on the optical axis is 20 to 40%, where r is the distance between the optical axis and the portion of the plurality of lens cut portions that is farthest from the optical axis.

12. A vehicle lamp according to claim 1, comprising only a single LED light source as a light source.

13. A straddle-type vehicle equipped with a vehicle lamp according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. A saddle-type vehicle comprising: a vehicle body; and a tail light arranged at the rear of the vehicle body, wherein the tail light is a vehicle lamp as defined in claim 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10, and wherein the first direction, the second direction, and the third direction are respectively rearward in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, leftward in the lateral direction of the vehicle, and upward in the vertical direction of the vehicle.

15. A saddle-type vehicle comprising: a vehicle body; and a tail light arranged at the rear of the vehicle body, wherein the tail light is a vehicle lamp as defined in claim 10; wherein the first direction, the second direction, and the third direction are respectively rearward in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, leftward in the lateral direction of the vehicle, and upward in the vertical direction of the vehicle; wherein the first inner block and the second inner block are formed so that, when viewed from the rear of the vehicle, the inner block located higher has a larger dimension in the lateral direction of the vehicle; and wherein the first outer block and the second outer block extend outward in the width direction of the vehicle as they go higher, when viewed from the rear of the vehicle.

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