Illumination device

Abstract

Provided is an illumination device (3) that is installed in a cabin (2a) of a vehicle and that emits illumination light. The illumination device (3) comprises: a light source (110); a housing (200) that has an opening (210) and accommodates the light source (110); and an irradiation range limiting member (300) that limits the irradiation range (4) of the illumination light of the illumination device (3). The illumination light of the illumination device (3) is irradiated on an operation unit provided in the vehicle. The irradiation range limiting member (300) has a through hole (310) through which a portion of the light emitted from the light source (110) passes, and a light blocking part (320) that blocks another portion of the light emitted from the light source (110). The irradiation range (4) of the illumination light of the illumination device (3) is limited by the contour of the through hole (310).

Description

Illumination device

[0001] The present invention relates to an illumination device, for example, an in-vehicle illumination device installed in the passenger compartment of a vehicle.

[0002] Various operation switches are provided on the instrument panel or door trim in the passenger compartment of a vehicle. However, since the interior of the vehicle is dark, it is difficult for the passenger to operate the operation buttons. Therefore, it is conceivable to install an illumination device in the passenger compartment of the vehicle to irradiate the operation buttons with illumination light. However, when an illumination device is installed in the passenger compartment, the illumination light emitted from the illumination device may enter the eyes of the passenger, causing the passenger to feel glare, or the illumination light may be reflected by the window glass or reflected into the window glass.

[0003] Therefore, conventionally, an illumination device has been proposed that converts light emitted from a light source into P-polarized light and projects the P-polarized light onto a projection portion provided above the instrument panel (Patent Document 1). Thereby, the illumination light emitted from the illumination device can be released to the outside of the vehicle without being reflected by the window glass. Further, by releasing the illumination light to the outside of the vehicle, it is possible to suppress the passenger from feeling dazzled.

[0004] Japanese Patent No. 6996287

[0005] However, if the illumination light is released to the outside of the vehicle, there is a risk that the passengers in the oncoming vehicle or people outside the vehicle may feel dazzled.

[0006] The present invention has been made to solve such problems, and an object thereof is to provide an illumination device capable of restricting and irradiating illumination light to a specific irradiation range.

[0007] To achieve the above object, one aspect of the illumination device according to the present invention is an illumination device installed in the passenger compartment of a vehicle and irradiating illumination light, comprising: a light source; a housing having an opening and housing the light source; and an irradiation range restricting member that restricts the irradiation range of the illumination light. The illumination light is irradiated onto an operation portion provided on the vehicle. The irradiation range restricting member has a through-hole through which a part of the light emitted from the light source passes, and a light shielding portion that shields another part of the light emitted from the light source. The irradiation range of the illumination light is restricted by the contour of the through-hole.

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to realize an illumination device that can limit the illumination light to a specific irradiation range.

[0009] Figure 1 is a top view of an automobile with an interior lighting system according to an embodiment. Figure 2 is a side cross-sectional view of an automobile with an interior lighting system according to an embodiment. Figure 3 is a perspective view of the area around the center console of an automobile with an interior lighting system according to an embodiment. Figure 4 is an external perspective view of the lighting device according to an embodiment. Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of the lighting device according to an embodiment. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the lighting device according to an embodiment when cut in a vertical plane. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the lighting device according to an embodiment when cut in a horizontal plane. Figure 8 is a diagram showing the interior of the vehicle when the lighting device according to an embodiment is turned on. Figure 9 is a diagram showing the irradiation range of the illumination light emitted from the lighting device according to an embodiment. Figure 10 is a front view of the irradiation range limiting member and light source according to an embodiment when viewed from the front. Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of a modified lighting device.

[0010] The embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiments described below are all specific examples of the present invention. Therefore, the numerical values, shapes, materials, components, arrangement positions of components, and connection configurations shown in the following embodiments are examples and are not intended to limit the present invention. Accordingly, among the components in the following embodiments, those not described in the independent claims representing the highest-level concept of the present invention will be described as optional components.

[0011] Each figure is a schematic diagram and not necessarily a strictly accurate representation. Therefore, the scale and other aspects may not necessarily be consistent across all figures. In each figure, substantially identical components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations are omitted or simplified.

[0012] In this specification, "forward" refers to the direction of travel when the vehicle is moving forward, and "rearward" refers to the direction of travel when the vehicle is moving backward. The right side when the vehicle is moving forward is referred to as "right direction," the left side when the vehicle is moving forward is referred to as "left direction," the ceiling side of the vehicle is referred to as "up" or "upper side," and the floor side of the vehicle is referred to as "down" or "lower side." In this specification, the terms "up" and "down" do not refer to the absolute upward direction (vertically upward) and downward direction (vertically downward) in terms of spatial perception, but may be used as terms defined by relative positional relationships.

[0013] (Embodiment) First, the vehicle interior lighting system 1 according to the embodiment will be described using Figures 1 to 3. Figure 1 is a top view of the vehicle 2 in the vehicle interior lighting system 1 according to the embodiment, and Figure 2 is a side cross-sectional view of the vehicle 2. Figure 3 is a perspective view of the area around the center console 70 in the vehicle 2. In Figures 1 and 2, the black squares indicate the position of the lighting device 3. Also, in Figure 2, the area indicated by dot-shaped hatching indicates the area inside the vehicle interior 2a that is illuminated by the lighting light from the lighting device 3.

[0014] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the vehicle interior lighting system 1 comprises a car 2 and a lighting device 3 installed in the car 2.

[0015] Automobile 2 is an example of a mobile vehicle and includes a vehicle having a passenger compartment 2a. The passenger compartment 2a in automobile 2 is composed of a plurality of interior lining members.

[0016] The passenger compartment 2a includes a ceiling 10, a floor 20, a pillar trim 30, and a door trim 40 as multiple interior lining members.

[0017] Automobile 2 has a front door 51 and a rear door 52. By opening and closing the front door 51 or the rear door 52, occupants can enter the passenger compartment 2a or exit the passenger compartment 2a. Each of the front door 51 and the rear door 52 is provided with a window pane.

[0018] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the passenger compartment 2a is equipped with front seats located at the front of the compartment 2a, namely a driver's seat 61 where the driver sits and a passenger seat 62 located next to the driver's seat 61. The passenger compartment 2a is also equipped with rear seats 63 located at the rear of the compartment 2a. The rear seats 63 can accommodate two or three passengers.

[0019] As shown in Figure 2, the ceiling 10 is a roof trim. The ceiling 10 is fixed to the roof 2b of the automobile 2. In this case, the ceiling 10 may be directly attached to the inner surface of the roof 2b, or it may be suspended from the roof 2b.

[0020] The floor 20 is a floor trim. Specifically, the floor 20 is a floor carpet fixed to the frame that constitutes the body structure of the automobile 2.

[0021] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the pillar trim 30 is composed of multiple pillars. Specifically, the pillar trim 30 has an A-pillar 31, which is a front pillar located next to the windshield, and a B-pillar 32, which is a central pillar located between the driver's seat 61 or passenger seat 62 and the rear seat 63. The pillar trim 30 may also have a C-pillar and a D-pillar located diagonally behind the rear seat 63.

[0022] As shown in Figure 2, the door trim 40 is an interior trim member that covers the door panel of the front door 51 and the rear door 52. The door trim 40 that makes up the inner surface of the front door 51 and the rear door 52 is provided with an armrest, an operating switch (operating button), a cup holder, a door handle, and a storage space. The operating switch is, for example, an open / close switch for opening and closing the window glass. Note that the front door 51 of the driver's seat 61 is provided with an operating switch other than the open / close switch as an operating button.

[0023] As shown in Figure 1, the automobile 2 has a center console 70. As shown in Figures 1 and 3, the center console 70 is located between the driver's seat 61 and the passenger seat 62. The center console 70 extends from the instrument panel 80 located at the front of the vehicle toward the rear of the vehicle. The front end of the center console 70 is integrally connected to the central part of the instrument panel 80.

[0024] The center console 70 is equipped with a shift lever 71 (select lever), operating switches 72, and a console box 73.

[0025] The shift lever 71 and the operating switches 72 are examples of operating parts provided in the vehicle. The shift lever 71 and the operating switches 72 are provided on the console surface 70a of the center console 70. The console box 73 is provided behind the console surface 70a.

[0026] The shift lever 71 is a lever operated by the driver to change the transmission speed while the vehicle 2 is moving forward or to move the vehicle 2 in reverse.

[0027] The operating switches 72 include a plurality of switches such as buttons and dial knobs to be pressed. Examples of the operating switches 72 include a parking button for switching the parking brake (handbrake) on and off, a power button for switching the engine of the automobile 2 on and off, a lighting button for switching the lighting device 3 on and off, an operating switch for the car audio system for operating the car audio system, and an operating switch for the car navigation system for operating the car navigation system.

[0028] The console box 73 is a storage box with a lid, and comprises a box body 73a and an armrest 73b. The box body 73a is a storage box having an opening that opens upward. The armrest 73b is a lid that covers the opening of the box body 73a. The armrest 73b is rotatably connected to the box body 73a by a hinge mechanism. In this embodiment, the armrest 73b is composed of a pair of lids that are paired in the vehicle width direction and opens like double doors. However, the armrest 73b may be configured to open only to the left or right, or only to the front or rear.

[0029] Furthermore, the center console 70 may also be provided with other features such as a cup holder, a cigarette lighter socket, a power socket, and a box-shaped recess with an open top.

[0030] The instrument panel 80 is a panel at the front of the vehicle that extends from the driver's seat 61 to the passenger seat 62. The portion of the instrument panel 80 facing the driver's seat 61 is equipped with instruments such as a speedometer, and the portion of the instrument panel 80 facing the passenger seat 62 is equipped with a storage box. As shown in Figure 3, the central part of the instrument panel 80 in the width direction is equipped with an air conditioning control switch 81, an audio control switch 82, and an air conditioning vent 83. In addition, the central part of the instrument panel 80 in the width direction may also be equipped with a display or the like.

[0031] The air conditioning control switch 81 and the audio control switch 82 are examples of control units provided in the vehicle, and are located in the lower central part 80a of the instrument panel 80. The lower central part 80a of the instrument panel 80 is the part located in the lower central part of the instrument panel 80 in the vehicle width direction, and is the part below the air conditioning vent 83. Specifically, the lower central part 80a of the instrument panel 80 is the area from the lower end of the air conditioning vent 83 to the front end of the console surface 70a of the center console 70.

[0032] The lighting device 3 is a lighting fixture that emits illumination light. The lighting device 3 is an interior lighting device (interior lighting) installed in the vehicle compartment 2a. As shown in Figure 3, the lighting device 3 is installed in the console box 73. In this embodiment, the lighting device 3 is installed in the box body 73a of the console box 73. Specifically, the lighting device 3 is embedded in the front side wall of the box body 73a.

[0033] The lighting device 3 emits white light as illumination. However, the color of the light emitted by the lighting device 3 is not limited to white light. Furthermore, the lighting device 3 may have functions to control the brightness and color temperature of the illumination light. This allows for changes in the brightness and color temperature of the illumination light emitted from the lighting device 3, thereby enabling the creation of different atmospheres within the vehicle compartment 2a.

[0034] The lighting device 3 is illuminated, for example, when the driver is operating the vehicle 2 (while driving). In other words, the lighting device 3 illuminates the vehicle 2 while it is in motion. The lighting device 3 may be illuminated not only while driving, but also when the vehicle is not in motion. For example, the lighting device 3 may be illuminated when an occupant gets into or out of the vehicle 2. Furthermore, the lighting device 3 may be illuminated not only at night, but also during the day. By illuminating the lighting device 3 during the day, an open and airy lighting space can be created.

[0035] Here, the specific configuration of the lighting device 3 will be explained using Figures 4 to 7. Figure 4 is an external perspective view of the lighting device 3 according to the embodiment. Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of the lighting device 3 according to the embodiment. Figures 6 and 7 are cross-sectional views of the lighting device 3 according to the embodiment. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view when cut by a vertical plane, and Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view when cut by a horizontal plane perpendicular to the vertical plane.

[0036] As shown in Figures 4 to 7, the lighting device 3 comprises a light source module 100, a housing 200, an illumination range limiting member 300, and a light-transmitting cover 400.

[0037] The light source module 100 includes a light source 110 that emits light and a substrate 120 on which the light source 110 is arranged. The light source module 100 emits light that becomes the illumination light for the lighting device 3. Specifically, the light emitted from the light source 110 of the light source module 100 becomes the illumination light for the lighting device 3.

[0038] In this embodiment, the light source 110 is an LED light source composed of light-emitting diodes (LEDs). Therefore, the lighting device 3 is an LED lighting device. The light source 110 is, for example, a white LED light source that emits white light.

[0039] In this embodiment, the light source module 100 is a COB (Chip On Board) type LED module. Therefore, the light source 110 has an LED chip directly mounted on the substrate 120 and a sealing member that seals the LED chip.

[0040] An LED chip is an example of a semiconductor light-emitting element that emits light in response to a predetermined DC power, and is a bare chip that emits monochromatic visible light. Specifically, the LED chip is a blue LED chip that emits blue light when power is applied. One or more LED chips are mounted on a substrate 120, for example.

[0041] The sealing member is, for example, a translucent resin. In this embodiment, the sealing member contains a phosphor as a wavelength conversion material that converts the wavelength of light from the LED chip. The sealing member is, for example, a phosphor-containing resin in which a phosphor is dispersed in a silicone resin. As the phosphor particles, if the LED chip is a blue LED chip, for example, a YAG-based yellow phosphor can be used to obtain white light. In this case, the yellow phosphor absorbs a portion of the blue light emitted by the blue LED chip, is excited, and emits yellow light. This yellow light and the blue light that was not absorbed by the yellow phosphor mix to become white light, and white light is emitted from the sealing member (light-emitting part).

[0042] When a plurality of LED chips are mounted on the substrate 120, the sealing member may be formed to seal all the LED chips together, or may seal the plurality of LED chips linearly by column, or may seal each LED chip individually one by one.

[0043] The substrate 120 is a mounting substrate for mounting LED chips. The substrate 120 is, for example, a ceramic substrate, a resin substrate, a metal base substrate, or the like. Note that on the substrate 120, a pair of electrode terminals for receiving DC power from the outside to cause the LED chips to emit light, and metal wirings for supplying DC power to the LED chips are provided. The electrode terminals are electrically connected to the power supply circuit by electric wires. The power supply circuit may be built in the lighting device 3, for example, or may be arranged outside the lighting device 3.

[0044] Note that the light source module 100 is not limited to a COB type LED module. For example, the light source module 100 may be a surface mount (SMD: Surface Mount Device) type LED module. In this case, the light source 110 is an SMD type LED element, and one or more are mounted on the substrate 120. The SMD type LED element is a packaged LED light source, and includes a resin or ceramic white container (package) having a recess, one or more LED chips primarily mounted on the bottom of the recess of the container, and a sealing member filled in the recess of the container and sealing the LED chips. The sealing member is made of a light-transmissive resin material such as silicone resin, for example. When the LED chip is a blue LED chip, as the sealing member, a phosphor-containing resin containing a wavelength conversion material such as a phosphor is used. Thereby, white light is emitted from the LED element.

[0045] The light source module 100 is housed in the housing 200. The light source module 100 is arranged inside the housing 200 and fixed to the housing 200. Specifically, the substrate 120 of the light source module 100 is placed on a stepped portion provided on the inner wall of the housing 200 and fixed to the housing 200.

[0046] As shown in FIGS. 5 to 7, the housing 200 has an opening 210. The opening 210 is formed at the front end of the housing 200, and the light emitted from the light source 110 passes through this opening 210 and is emitted to the outside. In the present embodiment, the housing 200 is a cylindrical tube. Therefore, the cross-sectional shape of the housing 200 is rectangular. Specifically, the housing 200 is a square tube, and has a configuration in which a plurality of square tubes with different opening diameters are connected. Note that the tube axis of the housing 200 and the optical axis of the light source 110 coincide.

[0047] The housing 200 is an outer member that constitutes the outer shell of the lighting device 3. The housing 200 may be made of a resin material or a metal material. In the present embodiment, the housing 200 is made of a resin material such as PBT (polybutylene terephthalate). Note that the inner surface of the housing 200 is preferably black. Thereby, stray light generated inside the housing 200 can be absorbed by the inner surface of the housing 200. In this case, the housing 200 can be made of a black resin material.

[0048] As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, an irradiation range limiting member 300 is disposed inside the housing 200. The irradiation range limiting member 300 is disposed between the light source module 100 and the translucent cover 400. In the present embodiment, the irradiation range limiting member 300 is disposed closer to the translucent cover 400. Specifically, the irradiation range limiting member 300 is disposed so as to contact the inner surface of the translucent cover 400.

[0049] The irradiation range limiting member 300 limits the irradiation range (irradiation area) of the illumination light irradiated from the lighting device 3. The irradiation range limiting member 300 is a light shielding member (shade), and limits the irradiation range of the illumination light irradiated from the lighting device 3 by shielding the light emitted from the light source 110. As shown in FIG. 5, the irradiation range limiting member 300 has a through hole 310 through which a part of the light emitted from the light source 110 passes, and a light shielding portion 320 that shields another part of the light emitted from the light source 110. The irradiation range limiting member 300 is a flat slit plate having the through hole 310 as a slit.

[0050] The irradiation range limiting member 300 (light-shielding portion 320) may block light by absorbing it, or by specular or scattered reflection. For example, by making the surface of the irradiation range limiting member 300 black, it can block light by absorbing it. In this case, the entire irradiation range limiting member 300 may be made of a black material, or a black film may be formed on the surface of the substrate (resin substrate or metal substrate) that constitutes the irradiation range limiting member 300. Alternatively, by making the surface of the irradiation range limiting member 300 white, it can block light by scattering reflection. In this case, the irradiation range limiting member 300 may be made of a white material, or a white film may be formed on the surface of the substrate (resin substrate or metal substrate) that constitutes the irradiation range limiting member 300. Furthermore, by making the surface of the irradiation range limiting member 300 mirror-like, it can block light by specular reflection. When a black film or white film is formed on the substrate that constitutes the irradiation range limiting member 300, the substrate that constitutes the irradiation range limiting member 300 may be a transparent substrate.

[0051] In this embodiment, the irradiation range limiting member 300 is made of a light-absorbing material with a light transmittance of 10% or less, and blocks light by absorbing it. In this case, the irradiation range limiting member 300 can be made of a black resin material. This allows for efficient absorption and blocking of light that reaches the light-blocking portion 320. Furthermore, by making the irradiation range limiting member 300 of a black resin material, stray light generated within the housing 200 can also be absorbed. Polycarbonate resin or acrylic resin can be used as the resin material constituting the irradiation range limiting member 300.

[0052] The detailed configuration of the irradiation range limiting member 300 will be described later.

[0053] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the light-transmitting cover 400 is positioned in front of the irradiation range limiting member 300. Specifically, the light-transmitting cover 400 is positioned in contact with the front surface of the irradiation range limiting member 300.

[0054] The light-transmitting cover 400 is attached to the housing 200 so as to cover the opening 210 of the housing 200. Specifically, the light-transmitting cover 400 is attached to the opening 210 of the housing 200. In this case, it is preferable that the light-transmitting cover 400 is attached to the housing 200 such that the gap between it and the housing 200 is 1 mm or less. This prevents foreign matter such as dust or insects from entering the inside of the housing 200 through the gap between the light-transmitting cover 400 and the housing 200.

[0055] The light-transmitting cover 400 transmits light that has passed through the through-hole 310 of the illumination range limiting member 300. As shown in Figures 4 to 7, in this embodiment, the light-transmitting cover 400 is the outer casing member of the illumination device 3. Therefore, the light-emitting surface 410 of the light-transmitting cover 400 is the outer surface of the illumination device 3 and is exposed. As a result, the light emitted from the light-emitting surface 410 of the light-transmitting cover 400 becomes the illumination light of the illumination device 3. The light emitted from the light-transmitting cover 400 irradiates a predetermined illumination range.

[0056] The light-transmitting cover 400 is a light-transmitting member that transmits light and is formed using a light-transmitting material. In this embodiment, the light-transmitting cover 400 is a transparent cover made of a transparent material. Specifically, the light-transmitting cover 400 is made of a transparent resin material such as acrylic or polycarbonate, or a transparent material such as glass.

[0057] The light-transmitting cover 400 is not limited to a transparent cover, but may also control the light distribution of light that passes through the through-hole 310 of the irradiation range limiting member 300. In this case, the light-transmitting cover 400 may be a diffuser cover that scatters and transmits incident light. As a result, the light that passes through the through-hole 310 of the irradiation range limiting member 300 is diffused (scattered) by the light-transmitting cover 400, which is a diffuser cover, and irradiates a predetermined irradiation range.

[0058] The lighting device 3 configured in this way emits illumination light to the side. Specifically, as shown in Figure 2, the lighting device 3 emits illumination light towards the front of the vehicle. As described above, the lighting device 3 is installed in the console box 73 of the center console 70 and emits illumination light towards the lower center 80a of the instrument panel 80. Therefore, as shown in Figure 8, the illumination range 4 of the illumination light emitted from the lighting device 3 is a specific illumination area that includes the lower center 80a of the instrument panel 80. Figure 8 is a diagram showing the interior of the vehicle interior 2a when the lighting device 3 is turned on. In Figure 8, areas without dot-shaped hatching indicate areas illuminated by illumination light from the lighting device 3.

[0059] As shown in Figure 8, the lower central part 80a of the instrument panel 80 is provided with an air conditioner control switch 81 and an audio control switch 82 as operating parts. Therefore, the illumination light from the lighting device 3 shines on the air conditioner control switch 81 and the audio control switch 82, which are the operating parts.

[0060] In this embodiment, the lighting device 3 not only illuminates the lower central part 80a of the instrument panel 80, but also illuminates the console surface 70a of the center console 70. Therefore, as shown in Figure 8, the illumination range 4 of the lighting device 3 includes the lower central part 80a of the instrument panel 80 and the console surface 70a of the center console 70. Since the console surface 70a of the center console 70 is provided with a shift lever 71 and operating switches 72 as operating parts, the lighting device 3 also illuminates the shift lever 71 and operating switches 72, which are operating parts.

[0061] The contour (bright-dark boundary) of the illumination range 4 emitted from the illumination device 3 has a clear difference in brightness. In the area surrounding the contour of the illumination range 4, the contrast ratio (difference in brightness) between the inner region (bright area) and the outer region (dark area) of the illumination range 4 is, for example, 5:1 to 100:1. The contour of the illumination range 4, which has such a large difference in brightness between the inside and outside, is defined by the illumination range limiting member 300.

[0062] Here, the detailed configuration of the irradiation range limiting member 300 will be explained using Figures 9 and 10. Figure 9 is a diagram showing the irradiation range 4 of the illumination light emitted from the lighting device 3. Figure 10 is a front view of the irradiation range limiting member 300 and the light source 110 as seen from the front. In Figure 10, point O indicates the center (emission center) of the light source 110.

[0063] The illumination range 4 of the illumination light shown in Figure 9 is limited by the contour of the through-hole 310 of the illumination range limiting member 300. Specifically, the contour of the illumination range 4 shown in Figure 9 corresponds to the contour of the through-hole 310 shown in Figure 10. In other words, the contour of the illumination range 4 of the illumination light is defined by the contour of the through-hole 310. The contour of the illumination range 4 is located on the extension of the line connecting the center O of the light source 110 and the contour of the through-hole 310.

[0064] In this embodiment, the contour of the illumination range 4 of the illumination light includes a first contour portion 4a (thick line in Figure 9), a second contour portion 4b (dashed line in Figure 9), a third contour portion 4c (dotted line in Figure 9), and a fourth contour portion 4d (double-dotted line in Figure 9). The contour of the through hole 310 also includes a first contour portion 310a (thick line in Figure 10), a second contour portion 310b (dashed line in Figure 10), a third contour portion 310c (dotted line in Figure 10), and a fourth contour portion 310d (double-dotted line in Figure 10).

[0065] Each of the first contour 4a, second contour 4b, third contour 4c, and fourth contour 4d in the irradiation area 4 corresponds to each of the first contour 310a, second contour 310b, third contour 310c, and fourth contour 310d in the through hole 310.

[0066] As shown in Figure 10, the through-hole 310 of the irradiation range limiting member 300 includes a first through-hole 311 and a second through-hole 312. The first through-hole 311 is located above the second through-hole 312. The opening area of ​​the second through-hole 312 is larger than the opening area of ​​the first through-hole 311. As shown in Figure 10, when the irradiation range limiting member 300 is viewed from above, the light source 110 overlaps with the first through-hole 311.

[0067] The first through-hole 311 is a portion of the through-hole 310 that illuminates the lower central part 80a of the instrument panel 80 with a portion of the illumination light from the lighting device 3. In other words, the light emitted from the light source 110 that passes through the first through-hole 311 is illuminated on the lower central part 80a of the instrument panel 80 as part of the illumination light from the lighting device 3. The contour of the first through-hole 311 constitutes the first contour portion 310a in the through-hole 310.

[0068] The first contour 310a of the through hole 310 prevents illumination light from illuminating areas outside the first contour 4a of the illumination light irradiation range 4. Specifically, illumination light can be prevented from illuminating areas other than the central lower part 80a of the instrument panel 80. Specifically, illumination light can be illuminating only the central lower part 80a of the instrument panel 80.

[0069] In this embodiment, the width of the illumination range 4 of the illumination light at the lower center 80a of the instrument panel 80 is approximately the same as the width of the lower center 80a of the instrument panel 80, but is not limited to this. For example, the width of the illumination range 4 of the illumination light at the lower center 80a of the instrument panel 80 may be greater than or equal to the width of the lower center 80a of the instrument panel 80.

[0070] The second through-hole 312 is a portion of the through-hole 310 that illuminates the console surface 70a of the center console 70 with the remaining portion of the illumination light from the lighting device 3. In other words, the light emitted from the light source 110 that passes through the second through-hole 312 is illuminated on the console surface 70a of the center console 70. The contour of the second through-hole 312 constitutes the second contour portion 310b, the third contour portion 310c, and the fourth contour portion 310d in the through-hole 310.

[0071] The second contour portion 310b, the third contour portion 310c, and the fourth contour portion 310d in the through hole 310 prevent illumination light from illuminating the area outside the region enclosed by the second contour portion 4b, the third contour portion 4c, and the fourth contour portion 4d of the illumination light irradiation range 4. Specifically, illumination light can be prevented from illuminating areas other than the console surface 70a of the center console 70. Specifically, illumination light can be illuminating only the console surface 70a of the center console 70.

[0072] Furthermore, the second contour portion 310b and the third contour portion 310c of the through-hole 310 prevent the illumination light from the lighting device 3 from reflecting off the console surface 70a and shining on the driver. In addition, the fourth contour portion 310d of the through-hole 310 prevents the illumination light from the lighting device 3 from reflecting off the console surface 70a and shining on the windshield.

[0073] As shown in Figure 10, in this embodiment, the first through-hole 311 in the through-hole 310 is rectangular, and the second through-hole 312 in the through-hole 310 has a shape that includes a trapezoid. Specifically, the second through-hole 312 has a shape in which a trapezoid and a rectangle are joined to the base of the trapezoid. The second through-hole 312 may also be a trapezoid only. In the trapezoid that constitutes the second through-hole 312, the top side is between 2 and 20 times the base side.

[0074] As described above, the lighting device 3 according to this embodiment includes a light source 110 and an illumination range limiting member 300 that limits the illumination range 4 of the lighting device 3. The illumination light from the lighting device 3 is directed onto an operating section provided on the vehicle. The illumination range limiting member 300 has a through hole 310 through which a portion of the light emitted from the light source 110 passes, and a light-shielding portion 320 that blocks the other portion of the light emitted from the light source 110, and the illumination range 4 of the lighting device 3 is limited by the contour of the through hole 310.

[0075] This configuration allows the illumination light from the lighting device 3 to be limited to a specific illumination range 4. As a result, the illumination light from the lighting device 3 is not released outside the vehicle, preventing occupants of oncoming vehicles or people outside the vehicle from being dazzled by the illumination light from the lighting device 3. Furthermore, by limiting the illumination light from the lighting device 3 to a specific illumination range 4, it is possible to prevent the illumination light from entering the eyes of the occupants of the vehicle 2 and causing them to be dazzled, as well as preventing the illumination light from reflecting off the window glass or being reflected on the window glass.

[0076] In this case, the lighting device 3 according to this embodiment illuminates the control section provided on the instrument panel 80. Specifically, the lighting device 3 illuminates the air conditioning control switch 81 and the audio control switch 82 provided on the instrument panel 80. Furthermore, the lighting device 3 according to this embodiment also illuminates the control section provided on the center console 70. Specifically, the lighting device 3 illuminates the shift lever 71 and the control switches 72 provided on the center console 70.

[0077] By illuminating the control panel with light from the lighting device 3 in this way, not only is the light from the lighting device 3 prevented from escaping outside the vehicle, but the visibility of the control panel is also improved. As a result, the driver can more easily see the control panel at night, thus improving its operability.

[0078] Furthermore, since the control panel is a molded object with uneven surfaces, illuminating it with the light from the lighting device 3 allows shadows to be created by the unevenness of the control panel (the molded object). As a result, the control panel can be made to stand out with the light from the lighting device 3, creating a high-quality atmosphere inside the vehicle compartment 2a. For example, the occupants can experience a rich sense of exhilaration.

[0079] In particular, in the lighting device 3 of this embodiment, the illumination light is projected to the side. This makes it easier to cast shadows on the control section provided on the center console 70, thereby emphasizing the sense of shadow on the control section of the center console 70. As a result, the control section can be made to stand out more with the illumination light from the lighting device 3.

[0080] Furthermore, in the lighting device 3 according to this embodiment, the illumination range 4 of the illumination light includes the central lower part 80a of the instrument panel 80. Specifically, the illumination range 4 of the illumination light includes not only the central lower part 80a of the instrument panel 80, but also the console surface 70a of the center console 70.

[0081] Thus, according to the lighting device 3 of this embodiment, the illumination range limiting member 300 allows the illumination light from the lighting device 3 to be limited to the central lower part 80a of the instrument panel 80 and the console surface 70a of the center console 70.

[0082] Furthermore, in the lighting device 3 according to this embodiment, the through-hole 310 of the irradiation range limiting member 300 has a first through-hole 311 for irradiating a portion of the illumination light of the lighting device 3 onto the central lower part 80a of the instrument panel 80, and a second through-hole 312 for irradiating another portion of the illumination light of the lighting device 3 onto the console surface 70a of the center console 70, with the first through-hole 311 located above the second through-hole 312.

[0083] With this configuration, the through-hole 310 of the illumination range limiting member 300 can limit the illumination range 4 of the lighting device 3 to the central lower part 80a of the instrument panel 80 and the console surface 70a of the center console 70.

[0084] (Modifications) The lighting device according to the present invention has been described above based on embodiments, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments.

[0085] For example, in the above embodiment, the light emitted from the light source 110 was directly incident on the irradiation range limiting member 300, but this is not limited to this. For example, as in the illumination device 3A shown in Figure 11, at least one light control member 500 that controls the light distribution of the light emitted from the light source 110 may be provided between the light source 110 and the irradiation range limiting member 300. The light control member 500 has an optical effect that narrows the light distribution angle of the light emitted from the light source 110 by 10% or more. For example, the light control member 500 is a lens that focuses the light emitted from the light source 110.

[0086] Furthermore, in this modified example, the sum of the length from the light source 110 to the light control member 500 in the light emission direction of the light source 110 and the longer of the length of the light source 110 and the length of the light control member 500 in a direction perpendicular to the light emission direction of the light source 110 is preferably 50% or less of the sum of the total length of the lighting device 3A in the light emission direction of the light source 110 and the total length of the lighting device 3A in a direction perpendicular to the light emission direction of the light source 110. This makes it possible to realize a compact lighting device 3A even when the light control member 500 is added.

[0087] Furthermore, in this modified example, the light control member 500 is preferably attached to the housing 200 immediately before or after the opening 210 of the housing 200 such that the gap between it and the housing 200 is 1 mm or less. This prevents foreign matter such as dust or insects from entering the inside of the housing 200 through the gap between the light control member 500 and the housing 200.

[0088] Furthermore, although not shown in the figures, in the lighting device 3 of the above embodiment, a trimming section may be arranged between the light source 110 and the opening 210 of the housing 200 to trim the light emitted from the light source 110 so that the color temperature of the light emitted from the light source 110 is at least 1000K lower. This makes it possible to extract light with a higher color temperature from the light emitted from the light source 110 and raise the color temperature of the central part of the illumination light irradiated from the lighting device 3, and also suppress color unevenness of the illumination light irradiated from the lighting device 3.

[0089] Furthermore, although the lighting device 3 was installed in the console box 73 in the above embodiment, it is not limited to this.

[0090] Furthermore, although the light source of the lighting device 3 in the above embodiment was an LED light source, it is not limited to this. For example, the light source of the lighting device 3 may be an existing light source such as a fluorescent lamp, xenon lamp, or halogen lamp. However, by using an LED light source for the light source of the lighting device 3, power consumption can be reduced, and the lighting device 3 can be lit with a DC power supply.

[0091] Furthermore, although the above embodiment uses an automobile 2 as an example of a mobile body, it is not limited to this. Specifically, the mobile body may be a vehicle other than an automobile, such as a railway car, as long as it has a passenger compartment. In other words, the lighting device 3 may be installed inside the passenger compartment of a vehicle other than an automobile.

[0092] Furthermore, the present invention also includes forms obtained by applying various modifications to the above embodiments and their respective modifications that a person skilled in the art could conceive, as well as forms realized by arbitrarily combining the components and functions of the above embodiments and their respective modifications without departing from the spirit of the present invention. In addition, the present invention also includes arbitrary combinations of one or more components in each of the multiple claims described in the claims of this application. Furthermore, when the cited claims described in the claims of this application are made into a multi-claim or multi-multi-claim that references any multiple claims (for example, when each claim is made into a multi-claim or multi-multi-claim that references all of the higher-level claims), all forms obtained by combinations of all claims included in that multi-claim or multi-multi-claim are also included in the present invention.

[0093] 2a Vehicle interior 3, 3A Lighting device 4 Irradiation range 70 Center console 70a Console surface 80 Instrument panel 80a Lower center 110 Light source 200 Housing 210 Opening 300 Irradiation range limiting member 310 Through hole 311 First through section 312 Second through section 320 Light shielding section 400 Light-transmitting cover 410 Light-emitting surface 500 Light control member

Claims

1. A lighting device installed inside the passenger compartment of a vehicle, which emits illumination light, comprising: a light source; a housing having an opening and housing the light source; and an illumination range limiting member that limits the illumination range of the illumination light, wherein the illumination light is emitted onto an operating section provided in the vehicle, and the illumination range limiting member has a through-hole through which a portion of the light emitted from the light source passes, and a light-shielding portion that blocks the other portion of the light emitted from the light source, and the illumination range of the illumination light is limited by the contour of the through-hole.

2. The illumination device according to claim 1, wherein the illumination light is irradiated to the side.

3. The illumination device according to claim 1, wherein the contour of the illumination range of the illumination light is located on the extension of the line connecting the center of the light source and the contour of the through hole.

4. The lighting device according to claim 1, further comprising at least one light control member for controlling the light distribution of light emitted from the light source.

5. The lighting device according to claim 4, wherein the light control member narrows the beam angle of the light emitted from the light source by 10% or more.

6. The lighting device according to claim 4, wherein the sum of the length from the light source to the light control member in the light emission direction of the light source and the longer of the length of the light source and the length of the light control member in a direction perpendicular to the light emission direction of the light source is 50% or less of the sum of the total length of the lighting device in the light emission direction of the light source and the total length of the lighting device in a direction perpendicular to the light emission direction of the light source.

7. The lighting device according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the light control member is attached to the housing such that the gap between the housing and the light control member is 1 mm or less immediately before or after the opening.

8. The lighting device according to claim 1, comprising a light-transmitting cover attached to the opening of the housing, wherein the light-transmitting cover transmits light that has passed through the through hole, and the light-emitting surface of the light-transmitting cover is the light-emitting surface of the lighting device.

9. The light-transmitting cover controls the light distribution of light that has passed through the through-hole, as described in claim 8.

10. The light-transmitting cover is attached to the housing such that the gap between the housing and the cover is 1 mm or less, the lighting device according to claim 8 or 9.

11. The lighting device according to claim 1, further comprising a trimming section disposed between the light source and the opening, wherein the trimming section trims the light emitted from the light source such that the color temperature of the light emitted from the light source is at least 1000K lower.

12. The lighting device according to claim 1, wherein the operating unit is provided on the instrument panel.

13. The illumination device according to claim 12, wherein the illumination range of the illumination light includes the lower central part of the instrument panel.

14. The illumination device according to claim 12, wherein the illumination range of the illumination light is the lower center of the instrument panel and the console surface of the center console.

15. The lighting device according to claim 14, wherein the through-hole has a first through-hole for irradiating a portion of the illumination light onto the lower central part of the instrument panel, and a second through-hole for irradiating another portion of the illumination light onto the console surface of the center console, the first through-hole being located above the second through-hole.

16. The lighting device according to claim 15, wherein the first penetration portion is rectangular.

17. The lighting device according to claim 15, wherein the second penetration portion is trapezoidal, or has a shape in which a rectangle is joined to the base of the trapezoid.

18. The lighting device according to claim 17, wherein in the trapezoid, the top side is more than twice but not more than 20 times the bottom side.

19. The lighting device according to any one of claims 15 to 18, wherein the opening area of ​​the second penetration is larger than the opening area of ​​the first penetration.

20. The lighting device according to any one of claims 14 to 18, wherein the width of the illumination range of the illumination light at the lower center of the instrument panel is greater than or equal to the width of the lower center of the instrument panel.

Images