Vehicle and lighting element used in the vehicle

Abstract

The purpose of the present invention is to provide: a vehicle in which the size of an inner lens in the direction in which laser light is emitted can be reduced while efficiently forming a target light distribution, thereby making it possible to improve the degree of freedom in designing the layout of the inner lens, and thus a lighting element; and the lighting device used in the vehicle. The inner lens is configured so as to form a light distribution by causing laser light that has entered the inner lens to exit the inner lens via the front surface and the back surface, and so that the size of the inner lens in a direction orthogonal to the direction in which the front surface and the back surface face each other is larger than the size of the inner lens in the direction in which the front surface and the back surface face each other. The front surface is configured so that laser light totally reflected by each of a plurality of total reflection surfaces included in the back surface is caused to exit the inner lens while being diffused, thereby forming the light distribution.

Description

Vehicle and lighting device used in the vehicle

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle and a lighting device used in the vehicle.

[0002] Conventionally, as a lighting device used in a vehicle, for example, a device configured such that LED light is emitted through an inner lens is known. In recent years, a device configured such that laser light is emitted through an inner lens is also known (see, for example, Patent Document 1 below).

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-17097

[0004] A lighting device used in a vehicle is required to efficiently form a desired light distribution. In addition, for a lighting device used in a vehicle, it is required to improve the design freedom regarding the inner lens and, by extension, the layout of the lighting device. In order to improve the design freedom regarding the inner lens and, by extension, the layout of the lighting device, for example, it is conceivable to reduce the size of the inner lens. Specifically, it is conceivable to reduce the size of the inner lens in the direction in which light is emitted.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle and a lighting device used in the vehicle that can reduce the size of the inner lens in the direction in which light is emitted while efficiently forming a desired light distribution, thereby improving the design freedom regarding the inner lens and, by extension, the layout of the lighting device.

[0006] The inventors of this invention have investigated measures to achieve the above objective. As a result, they have obtained the following findings. Lighting devices used in vehicles are configured to emit light to the outside of the vehicle. Therefore, the lighting devices are installed so as to be exposed on the surface of the vehicle. Reducing the size of the inner lens in the direction from which light is emitted contributes to improving the design freedom regarding the layout of the inner lens and, by extension, the lighting device. In lighting devices used in vehicles, the inner lens contributes to forming the desired light distribution. In order to form the desired light distribution while reducing the size of the inner lens in the direction from which light is emitted, for example, it is conceivable to provide multiple total reflection surfaces on the back surface facing the front surface of the inner lens, and to allow light to enter from an incident surface provided on the side surface connecting the front and back surfaces of the inner lens. Each of the multiple total reflection surfaces is configured to directly receive the light that has entered the inner lens and to totally reflect the light. Comparing the cases where the light incident on the inner lens is LED light versus laser light, the efficiency (luminous flux utilization rate) is better when using laser light than when using LED light. Specifically, the proportion of light that travels in the intended direction when emitted from the inner lens is higher when using laser light than when using LED light. This is because lasers have a smaller light-emitting area than LEDs. In other words, the combination of laser light and a total reflection surface is compatible. One reason for this is that, for example, when laser light is incident on each of multiple total reflection surfaces, it is possible to suppress variations in the angle of incidence of the laser light to each total reflection surface. Furthermore, in a lighting device configured so that laser light is emitted through an inner lens, the inner lens can be positioned at a distance from the laser light source that outputs the laser light. There is a high degree of design freedom regarding the relative positional relationship between the inner lens and the laser light source. Therefore, there is a high degree of design freedom regarding the layout of the inner lens, and by extension, the lighting device. This invention was completed based on these findings. This invention adopts the following configuration.

[0007] (1) A vehicle comprising a laser light source and an inner lens configured to form a light distribution by receiving and emitting laser light output from the laser light source, wherein the inner lens includes a front surface, a back surface provided opposite to the front surface, and an incident surface provided on the side connecting the front surface and the back surface, configured to receive the laser light, wherein the laser light that has been incident on the inner lens is emitted from the inner lens using the front surface and the back surface to form the light distribution, and the size of the inner lens in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the front surface and the back surface face each other is larger than the size of the inner lens in the direction in which the front surface and the back surface face each other, wherein the front surface and the back surface are provided with different lens cuts, thereby, the back surface includes a plurality of total reflection surfaces, each of the plurality of total reflection surfaces is configured to directly receive the laser light that has been incident on the inner lens and to totally reflect the laser light toward the front surface, and the front surface is The laser light, which is totally reflected by each of the plurality of total reflection surfaces and travels through the inner lens, is diffused in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the laser light travels and emitted to the outside of the inner lens, thereby forming the light distribution.

[0008] According to the vehicle in (1), laser light enters the inner lens. The laser light that enters the inner lens is totally reflected by each of the multiple total reflection surfaces on the back. Specifically, each of the multiple total reflection surfaces directly receives the laser light that enters the inner lens and totally reflects the laser light toward the front. The laser light that has been totally reflected by each of the multiple total reflection surfaces travels through the inner lens. The laser light is then emitted from the front to the outside of the inner lens. In other words, the laser light is emitted in a direction where the front and back are opposite each other. Here, the size of the inner lens in the direction perpendicular to the direction in which the front and back are opposite each other is larger than the size of the inner lens in the direction in which the front and back are opposite each other. In addition, the laser light emitted from the front is diffused in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the laser light that has been totally reflected by each of the multiple total reflection surfaces travels. According to the above vehicle, the size of the inner lens in the direction from which the laser light is emitted (i.e., the direction in which the front and back face each other) can be reduced while efficiently forming the desired light distribution. This improves the design flexibility regarding the layout of the inner lens, and by extension, the lighting equipment used in the vehicle.

[0009] A vehicle is a device for transportation. A vehicle is configured to operate in a manned or unmanned (automated) form. A vehicle can be a personal transport vehicle. For example, it may also be a public transport vehicle such as a bus. Examples of personal transport vehicles include automobiles and saddle-type vehicles. A vehicle may or may not have wheels. Examples of vehicles without wheels include ships with propellers, drones and helicopters with propellers, snowmobiles, and watercraft. A vehicle may or may not have a cabin. Examples of vehicles with a cabin include automobiles and helicopters. An example of a vehicle is a small vehicle that seats one or two people. Another example of a vehicle is a saddle-type vehicle. A saddle-type vehicle is a vehicle equipped with a saddle-type seat. A saddle-type vehicle is a vehicle configured so that the occupant rides in a position as if straddling a saddle. Saddle-type vehicles are not limited to scooter-type, moped-type, off-road-type, or on-road-type motorcycles, but also include snowmobiles, watercraft, and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs). Saddle-type vehicles may have at least one front wheel and at least one rear wheel. Saddle-type vehicles are not limited to motorcycles, but may also be three-wheeled vehicles with a pair of left and right wheels for the front or rear, or four-wheeled vehicles with a pair of left and right wheels for the front and rear. Saddle-type vehicles may be configured to turn in a leaning position toward the inside of a curve. The vehicle may be, for example, a tilting vehicle whose body tilts when turning. In a tilting vehicle, for example, the wheels may tilt together with the body when turning. A tilting vehicle may be configured, for example, so that the rider does not ride in a saddle-like position. Other examples of vehicles include golf carts, caterpillar-type snow vehicles, and snowplows. The laser light source is configured to emit laser light. For example, the laser light source is configured to emit laser light having a specific wavelength. The laser light emitted from the laser light source is, for example, blue laser light. The position of the laser light source within the vehicle is not particularly limited.A laser light source, for example, receives power from an external source and outputs light to the outside. The power supplied to the laser light source is stored in a battery installed in the vehicle, for example. In other words, the laser light source receives power from a battery installed in the vehicle and outputs light. "Forming a light distribution" includes, for example, shaping a light distribution so that light from the laser light source is irradiated onto an area present around the vehicle. "Forming a light distribution" includes, for example, shaping a light distribution so that light from the laser light source is irradiated onto an area present in front of or in the direction of travel of the vehicle. "Forming a light distribution" includes, for example, irradiating an area present around the vehicle with light from the laser light source. "Forming a light distribution" includes, for example, irradiating an area present in front of or in the direction of travel of the vehicle with light from the laser light source. The formed light distribution can be projected onto a screen placed around the vehicle, for example. The laser light incident on the inner lens may have a different wavelength than the wavelength when it is output from the laser light source. In other words, the laser light incident on the inner lens may have a different color than the color when it is output from the laser light source. The laser light emitted from the laser light source may be incident on the inner lens via, for example, a laser light color changing member. The laser light color changing member is configured to be incident on the laser light emitted from the laser light source, to change the color of the incident laser light to a color different from the color of the incident laser light, and to emit the laser light whose color has been changed. The laser light color changing member is, for example, a phosphor. In short, the laser light incident on the inner lens may be light generated from the laser light emitted from the laser light source. The front and back each constitute a part of the surface of the inner lens. "The front and back are facing each other" includes, for example, the front and back facing each other through the interior of the inner lens. "The front and back are facing each other" includes, for example, when either the front or the back is viewed from the front, that one covers the other. The front is, for example, located outside the vehicle than the back. The back is, for example, located inside the vehicle than the front.The back surface is, for example, the portion of the inner lens surface located opposite the front surface. The front and back surfaces do not have to be parallel. The back surface may be, for example, inclined overall with respect to the front surface. Different lens cuts are applied to the front and back surfaces. This means that lens cuts are applied to both the front and back surfaces, and these lens cuts are different from each other. The lens cuts on the front surface are, for example, applied in a straight line. These straight lens cuts are applied to the front surface so as to extend in the direction in which the laser light enters the inner lens. The lens cuts applied to the front surface may be partially different. By applying lens cuts to the front surface, the front surface is configured to have, for example, multiple cylindrical lenses. The lens cuts on the back surface are, for example, applied in an arc shape. By applying lens cuts to the back surface, the back surface is configured to have, for example, a Fresnel lens. There may be portions of the front and back surfaces that do not have lens cuts. That is, at least a portion of each surface may not have lens cuts. The sides constitute part of the surface of the inner lens. Sides are provided, for example, to connect the respective peripheries of the front and back surfaces. Sides are provided, for example, to connect the front and back surfaces around the entire circumference. The incident surface is provided on a part of the side surface. The incident surface constitutes a part of the side surface. The incident surface only needs to be configured so that laser light is incident on it. The incident surface is, for example, one of the side surfaces of the inner lens that passes through when laser light emitted from the front surface of the inner lens to form a light distribution is incident on the inner lens. "An inner lens that includes a front surface and a back surface provided opposite to the front surface, configured such that the size of the inner lens in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the front and back surfaces face each other is greater than the size of the inner lens in the direction in which the front and back surfaces face each other" is, for example, a plate-shaped inner lens. The direction in which the front and back surfaces face each other is, for example, the direction in which one of the front and back surfaces covers the other when viewed from the front. The direction in which the front and back surfaces face each other is, for example, the direction in which the front surface is viewed from the front. The direction in which the front and back surfaces face each other is, for example, the thickness direction in a plate-shaped inner lens.The size of the inner lens in the direction in which the front and back surfaces face each other is, for example, the distance between one end and the other end of the inner lens in that direction. The size of the inner lens in the direction in which the front and back surfaces face each other is, for example, the maximum dimension of the inner lens in that direction. The size of the inner lens in the direction in which the front and back surfaces face each other is, for example, the dimension in the thickness direction of a plate-shaped inner lens. For example, the dimension in the thickness direction of a plate-shaped inner lens does not have to be constant in the direction perpendicular to that direction. In this case, the dimension in the thickness direction of a plate-shaped inner lens is, for example, the maximum dimension in the thickness direction of a plate-shaped inner lens. The direction perpendicular to the direction in which the front and back surfaces face each other is, for example, the direction in which the laser beam enters the inner lens, or the direction perpendicular to the direction in which the laser beam enters the inner lens when the front surface is viewed from the front. The size of the inner lens in the direction perpendicular to the direction in which the front and back surfaces face each other is, for example, the distance between one end and the other end of the inner lens in that direction. The size of the inner lens in the direction perpendicular to the direction in which the front and back surfaces face each other is, for example, the maximum dimension of the inner lens in that direction. The size of the inner lens in the direction perpendicular to the direction in which the front and back surfaces face each other is, for example, the dimension perpendicular to the thickness direction in a plate-shaped inner lens. The dimension perpendicular to the thickness direction in a plate-shaped inner lens is, for example, in the case of a plate-shaped inner lens with a rectangular front surface, the length of one side of the rectangle, the length of the shorter side of the rectangle, the length of the longer side of the rectangle, the width direction of the rectangle, and the length of the longitudinal side of the rectangle. The dimension perpendicular to the thickness direction in a plate-shaped inner lens is, for example, the length of the line segment connecting the intersection points of a line passing through the center of the outer shape of the front surface and the periphery of the front surface. The length of the line segment may vary depending on the direction in which the line passing through the center of the outer shape of the front surface extends. In this case, for example, the maximum length of the line segment corresponds to the dimension perpendicular to the thickness direction in a plate-shaped inner lens."Emitting laser light incident on the inner lens out of the inner lens using the front and back surfaces" means that the laser light incident on the inner lens is totally reflected toward the front by each of the multiple total reflection surfaces included in the back surface, and the totally reflected laser light is emitted out of the inner lens by the front surface, diffusing in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the totally reflected laser light travels. The laser light incident on the inner lens is the laser light that enters the inner lens from the incident surface. The laser light incident on the inner lens travels, for example, from the incident surface toward the multiple total reflection surfaces within the inner lens. The laser light incident on the inner lens travels, for example, only within the inner lens before reaching each of the multiple total reflection surfaces. The laser light that has reached each of the multiple total reflection surfaces in this way is totally reflected toward the front by each of the multiple total reflection surfaces. "Each of the multiple total reflection surfaces directly receives the laser light incident on the inner lens" includes, for example, the fact that the laser light incident on the inner lens reaches or is incident on each of the multiple total reflection surfaces without being refracted and / or totally reflected by the inner lens as it travels through the inner lens from the incident surface toward the multiple total reflection surfaces. "Each of the multiple total reflection surfaces directly receives the laser light incident on the inner lens" also includes, for example, that at least a portion of each of the multiple total reflection surfaces is positioned to face the incident surface of the inner lens in the direction in which the optical axis of the light incident on the inner lens extends. The laser light totally reflected by each of the multiple total reflection surfaces travels, for example, only within the inner lens and then reaches the front surface. The laser light that has reached the front surface in this way is diffused by the front surface in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the laser light is traveling, and then emitted to the outside of the inner lens. Total reflection by the total reflection surfaces is what is known as internal total reflection. In other words, the laser light is totally reflected by each of the multiple total reflection surfaces within the inner lens.

[0010] According to one aspect of the present invention, the vehicle can adopt the following configuration: (2) The vehicle according to (1), wherein in a first reference cross section that includes the optical axis of the laser light incident on the inner lens and extends in a direction in which the front and back surfaces face each other, the plurality of total reflective surfaces are arranged in the direction in which the optical axis extends, and the end of each of the optical axes closer to the downstream is closer to the front surface than the end of the optical axis closer to the upstream, and two of the plurality of total reflective surfaces that are arranged in the direction in which the optical axis extends satisfy the following relationship, which is that when viewed in the direction in which the optical axis extends, the total reflective surface that is closer to the downstream of the optical axis is partially covered by the total reflective surface that is closer to the upstream of the optical axis.

[0011] According to the vehicle in (2), when viewed in the direction in which the optical axis extends, of the two total reflection surfaces aligned in the direction in which the optical axis extends, the total reflection surface closer to the downstream of the optical axis is partially covered by the total reflection surface closer to the upstream of the optical axis. The size of the inner lens in the direction in which the front and back surfaces face each other can be made smaller.

[0012] The optical axis of the laser beam incident on the inner lens is, for example, a virtual ray that indicates the path of the laser beam incident on the inner lens. This virtual ray indicates, for example, the portion of the laser beam incident on the inner lens that has the highest luminosity. The optical axis of the laser beam incident on the inner lens extends, for example, in the direction in which the laser beam incident on the inner lens travels. Viewing in the direction in which the optical axis extends means, for example, viewing from upstream to downstream of the optical axis. Viewing in the direction in which the optical axis extends means, for example, viewing in the direction in which the laser beam incident on the inner lens travels. Each of the multiple total reflection surfaces is, for example, inclined with respect to the optical axis of the laser beam incident on the inner lens in the first reference cross section. Each of the multiple total reflection surfaces is, for example, configured to be inclined at the same angle with respect to the optical axis in the first reference cross section.

[0013] According to one aspect of the present invention, the vehicle may adopt the following configuration: (3) The vehicle according to (1) or (2), wherein the incident surface includes a laser beam incident surface that protrudes toward the upstream of the optical axis of the laser beam incident on the inner lens and has a convex curved surface that extends in a direction intersecting a first reference cross section that includes the optical axis and extends in a direction in which the front and back surfaces face each other.

[0014] According to the vehicle in (3), the laser light incident on the inner lens from the laser light incidence curve can be converted into parallel light that travels along the optical axis within the inner lens. The size of the inner lens in the direction in which the front and back surfaces face each other can be reduced.

[0015] The convex surface appears, for example, as a convex curve in the first reference cross section. The convex surface is configured to protrude most far upstream of the optical axis at the point where the convex curve appearing in the first reference cross section intersects the optical axis. The convex surface is configured, for example, so that the convex curve appearing in the first reference cross section is symmetric with respect to the optical axis. The laser beam incident surface is configured to appear, for example, as a straight line or curve in the second reference cross section which includes the optical axis and is perpendicular to the first reference cross section. The straight line or curve is configured, for example, so that it is symmetric with respect to the optical axis. The laser beam incident surface is configured, for example, so that it extends in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis when viewed in the direction in which the optical axis extends. The laser beam incident surface is configured, for example, so that it is symmetric with respect to the first reference cross section when viewed in the direction in which the optical axis extends.

[0016] According to one aspect of the present invention, the vehicle can adopt the following configuration: (4) The vehicle according to (3), wherein the laser light incident surface is configured to have a concave curve that is concave toward the downstream of the optical axis in a second reference cross section that includes the optical axis and is perpendicular to the first reference cross section.

[0017] According to the vehicle in (4), the laser beam incidence surface is configured to be concave toward the downstream of the optical axis when viewed in the direction in which the front and back surfaces face each other. For example, even if the laser beam spreads in a direction intersecting the optical axis in the second reference cross section, the range in which the laser beam enters the inner lens perpendicular or nearly perpendicular to the laser beam incidence surface can be widened. The range in which parallel light travels within the inner lens can be widened. Since the surfaces that form the light distribution, i.e., the front and back surfaces, can be widely utilized, it becomes easier to form the desired light distribution.

[0018] The concave curve is configured, for example, to be most concave toward the downstream of the optical axis at the position where it intersects the optical axis in the second reference cross section. The concave curve is configured, for example, to be symmetrical with respect to the optical axis in the second reference cross section. The concave curve is formed, for example, to form an arc. The center of the arc is, for example, the position where a light emission section is provided. The light emission section is, for example, the output section of a laser light source, the downstream end of an optical fiber connected to a laser light source (i.e., the part from which laser light is emitted from the optical fiber), or a laser light color changing member configured to change the color of the incident laser light to a color different from the color of the incident laser light, and to emit the laser light with the changed color. The laser light incident surface is configured to be concave toward the downstream of the optical axis when viewed in a direction in which the front and back surfaces face each other. The laser light incident surface is configured, for example, to have a concave curve toward the downstream of the optical axis at the end closer to the upstream of the optical axis when viewed in a direction in which the front and back surfaces face each other.

[0019] According to one aspect of the present invention, the vehicle can adopt the following configuration: (5) A vehicle according to any of (1) to (4), further comprising a laser light color changing member provided to receive the laser light output from the laser light source, and configured to change the color of the incident laser light to a color different from the color of the incident laser light, and to emit the laser light whose color has been changed, thereby configuring the inner lens to receive the laser light output from the laser light source and whose color has been changed by the laser light color changing member.

[0020] In the vehicle described in (5), laser light whose color has been changed by the laser light color changing member is incident on the inner lens. Then, the laser light whose color has been changed is emitted from the inner lens. With regard to the layout of the inner lens, and by extension the lighting equipment used in the vehicle, the degree of design freedom can be improved, and the degree of design freedom for the color of the light emitted from the inner lens can also be improved.

[0021] The laser light color changing member is provided between the laser light source and the inner lens in the path along which the laser light output from the laser light source travels. For example, if an optical fiber is provided between the laser light source and the inner lens, the laser light color changing member may be provided between the optical fiber and the laser light source, within the optical fiber, or between the optical fiber and the inner lens. The laser light color changing member is, for example, a phosphor. The phosphor is configured such that, when blue laser light output from the laser light source is incident on it, it converts the blue laser light into white light and emits it. "Changing the color of the incident laser light to have a different color from the color of the incident laser light, and emitting the laser light with the changed color" can be achieved, for example, by using photoluminescence. The laser light with the changed color is the light generated by the laser light output from the laser light source.

[0022] According to one aspect of the present invention, the vehicle can adopt the following configuration: (6) A vehicle according to any of (1) to (5), further comprising an optical fiber provided through which the laser light output from the laser light source passes, wherein the inner lens is configured such that the laser light output from the laser light source and passing through the optical fiber is incident on it.

[0023] According to the vehicle in (6), the laser light that has passed through the optical fiber enters the inner lens. The inner lens can be positioned away from the laser light source. This further improves the design flexibility regarding the layout of the inner lens, and by extension, the lighting equipment used in the vehicle.

[0024] The optical fiber is placed between the inner lens and the laser light source. The optical fiber may or may not be connected to the laser light source.

[0025] According to one aspect of the present invention, the vehicle may adopt the following configuration: (7) A vehicle according to any of (1) to (6), wherein the vehicle is a saddle-type vehicle or an inclined vehicle.

[0026] Saddle-type vehicles or inclined vehicles are suitable for use as vehicles according to the present invention because their bodies are compact. More specifically, the following applies: In a saddle-type vehicle, for example, the occupant rides while straddling a seat. Inclined vehicles require the occupant to shift their weight when performing actions such as turning. Therefore, saddle-type vehicles or inclined vehicles have a more compact body compared to typical four-wheeled vehicles with a cabin. Generally, saddle-type vehicles or inclined vehicles require maneuverability, agility, and simplicity. Consequently, there is a very high demand for miniaturization and weight reduction for saddle-type vehicles or inclined vehicles. The vehicle of the present invention can efficiently form the desired light distribution while reducing the size of the inner lens in the direction from which the laser light is emitted, thereby improving the design freedom regarding the layout of the inner lens and, consequently, the lighting device. The layout of the inner lens and, consequently, the lighting device can be easily adapted to saddle-type vehicles or inclined vehicles, which have a high demand for miniaturization and weight reduction. Therefore, saddle-type vehicles or inclined vehicles are suitable as vehicles of the present invention.

[0027] According to one aspect of the present invention, a lighting device used in a vehicle can adopt the following configuration: A lighting device used in a vehicle according to any one of (1) to (7), comprising the laser light source and the inner lens.

[0028] According to the above-described lighter, laser light enters the inner lens. The laser light that enters the inner lens is totally reflected by each of the multiple total reflection surfaces on the back. Specifically, each of the multiple total reflection surfaces directly receives the laser light that enters the inner lens and totally reflects the laser light toward the front. The laser light totally reflected by each of the multiple total reflection surfaces travels through the inner lens. This laser light is then emitted from the front to the outside of the inner lens. In other words, the laser light is emitted in a direction where the front and back surfaces are opposite each other. Here, the size of the inner lens in the direction perpendicular to the direction in which the front and back surfaces are opposite each other is larger than the size of the inner lens in the direction perpendicular to that direction. In addition, the laser light emitted from the front is diffused in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the laser light totally reflected by each of the multiple total reflection surfaces travels. According to the above-described lighting device, the size of the inner lens in the direction from which the laser light is emitted (i.e., the direction in which the front and back faces each other) can be reduced while efficiently forming the desired light distribution. This improves the design flexibility regarding the layout of the inner lens and, consequently, the lighting device.

[0029] The lighting device is configured, for example, to maintain the physical light distribution setting of the lighting device. The lighting device is configured, for example, to illuminate an area present around the vehicle with light from a laser light source. This area is, for example, present in front of or in the direction of travel of the vehicle. In other words, the lighting device may be a headlight configured to illuminate an area present in front of or in the direction of travel of the vehicle with light from a light source.

[0030] The above-mentioned and other objectives, features, aspects and advantages of this invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of embodiments of this invention made in reference to the accompanying drawings. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any or all combination of one or more related enumerated items. As used herein, the use of the terms "including," "comprising," or "having" and their variations specifies the presence of described features, processes, operations, elements, components and / or equivalents thereof, but may include one or more of steps, operations, elements, components and / or groups thereof. Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) have the same meaning as generally understood by those skilled in the art to which this invention belongs. Terms such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having meanings consistent with their meanings in the context of the relevant technology and this disclosure, and not as ideal or overly formal unless expressly defined herein. It is understood that numerous technologies and processes are disclosed in this description of the invention. Each of these has its own individual benefit, and each can be used in conjunction with one or more, or possibly all, of the other disclosed technologies. Therefore, for clarity, this description refrains from unnecessarily repeating all possible combinations of the individual steps. Nevertheless, the specification and claims should be read with the understanding that all such combinations are within the scope of the invention and claims. The following description provides numerous specific details for illustrative purposes to provide a complete understanding of the invention. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the invention can be practiced without these specific details. This disclosure should be considered illustrative of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments shown in the following drawings or description.

[0031] According to the present invention, the size of the inner lens in the direction from which the laser light is emitted can be reduced while efficiently forming the desired light distribution, thereby improving the design flexibility regarding the layout of the inner lens and, consequently, the lighting device.

[0032] This is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention, and a perspective cross-sectional view conceptually showing a part of the inner lens provided by the vehicle. This is a drawing showing an example of an inner lens provided by a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention, where (A) is a cross-sectional view at the first reference cross-section, (B) is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the main part, and (C) is a view from arrow C. This is a conceptual diagram showing another example of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] The embodiments described below are merely examples. The present invention is not to be interpreted in any way as being limited by the embodiments described below.

[0034] A vehicle 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figure 1. The vehicle 10 is, for example, a saddle-type vehicle or an inclined vehicle.

[0035] Vehicle 10 comprises a laser light source 20 and an inner lens 30. The laser light source 20 is configured to output laser light. The inner lens 30 is configured to receive the laser light output from the laser light source 20 and to emit the received laser light, thereby forming a light distribution. Here, the lighting device 100 used in vehicle 10 comprises a laser light source 20 and an inner lens 30.

[0036] The inner lens 30 includes a front surface 32, a back surface 34, and a side surface 36. The back surface 34 is positioned opposite the front surface 32. The side surface 36 connects the front surface 32 and the back surface 34. The side surface 36 includes an incident surface 361. In other words, the incident surface 361 is provided on the side surface 36. The incident surface 361 is configured to receive laser light.

[0037] The inner lens 30 is configured to form a light distribution by using the front surface 32 and back surface 34 to cause the laser light incident on the inner lens 30 to be emitted from the inner lens 30. The inner lens 30 is configured such that the size of the inner lens 30 in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the front surface 32 and back surface 34 face each other is larger than the size of the inner lens 30 in the direction in which the front surface 32 and back surface 34 face each other.

[0038] Here, the front surface 32 and the back surface 34 are provided with different lens cuts. As a result, the front surface 32 and the back surface 34 are configured as follows: The back surface 34 includes a plurality of total reflection surfaces 341. Each of the plurality of total reflection surfaces 341 is configured to directly receive the laser light incident on the inner lens 30 and to totally reflect the laser light toward the front surface 32. The front surface 32 is configured to diffuse the laser light that has been totally reflected by each of the plurality of total reflection surfaces 341 and is traveling through the inner lens 30 in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the laser light is traveling, and to emit it out of the inner lens 30, thereby forming a light distribution.

[0039] According to Vehicle 10, laser light enters the inner lens 30. The laser light that enters the inner lens 30 is totally reflected by each of the multiple total reflection surfaces 341 on the back surface 34. Specifically, each of the multiple total reflection surfaces 341 directly receives the laser light that enters the inner lens 30 and totally reflects the laser light toward the front surface 32. The laser light that has been totally reflected by each of the multiple total reflection surfaces 341 travels through the inner lens 30. The laser light is then emitted from the front surface 32 to the outside of the inner lens 30. In other words, the laser light is emitted in a direction where the front surface 32 and the back surface 34 are facing each other. Here, the size of the inner lens 30 in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the front surface 32 and the back surface 34 are facing each other is larger than the size of the inner lens 30 in a direction perpendicular to that direction. In addition, the laser light emitted from the front surface 32 is diffused in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the laser light that has been totally reflected by each of the multiple total reflection surfaces 341 travels. According to the vehicle 10, the size of the inner lens 30 in the direction from which the laser light is emitted (i.e., the direction in which the front 32 and rear 34 face each other) can be reduced while efficiently forming the desired light distribution. This improves the design flexibility regarding the layout of the inner lens 30 and, consequently, the lighting device 100.

[0040] Figure 2 is a diagram showing an example of an inner lens 30. In the examples shown in Figures 2(A) and (B), in the first reference cross section, the plurality of total reflection surfaces 341 are arranged in the direction in which the optical axis L1 extends, and the end of each optical axis L1 that is closer to the downstream end is closer to the front surface 32 than the end that is closer to the upstream end, and two of the plurality of total reflection surfaces 341 that are arranged in the direction in which the optical axis L1 extends are configured to satisfy the following relationship. This relationship means that, when viewed in the direction in which the optical axis L1 extends, of the two total reflection surfaces 341 that are arranged in the direction in which the optical axis L1 extends, the total reflection surface 341 that is closer to the downstream end of the optical axis L1 is partially covered by the total reflection surface 341 that is closer to the upstream end of the optical axis L1. Here, the first reference cross section is a cross section that includes the optical axis L1 of the laser light incident on the inner lens 30 and extends in the direction in which the front surface 32 and the back surface 34 face each other.

[0041] The incident surface 361 is configured to include a laser light incident curved surface 3611. In the examples shown in FIGS. 2(A) and 2(C), the laser light incident curved surface 3611 is configured to have a convex curved surface that extends in a direction intersecting the first reference cross-section while protruding toward the upstream of the optical axis L1 of the laser light incident on the inner lens 30.

[0042] As is clear from the examples shown in FIGS. 2(A) and 2(C), the laser light incident curved surface 3611 is configured to have a concave curve that is recessed toward the downstream of the optical axis L1 in the second reference cross-section. Here, the second reference cross-section is a cross-section that includes the optical axis L1 and is orthogonal to the first reference cross-section.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 3(A), the vehicle 10 may further include a laser light color changing member 40. The laser light color changing member 40 is provided so that the laser light output from the laser light source 20 is incident thereon, changes the color of the incident laser light to have a color different from the color of the incident laser light, and is configured to emit the laser light whose color has been changed. By providing the laser light color changing member 40, the inner lens 30 is configured such that the laser light output from the laser light source 20 and whose color has been changed by the laser light color changing member 40 is incident thereon.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 3(B), the vehicle 10 may further include an optical fiber 50. The optical fiber 50 is provided so that the laser light output from the laser light source 20 passes therethrough. By providing the optical fiber 50, the inner lens 30 is configured such that the laser light output from the laser light source 20 and that has passed through the optical fiber 50 is incident thereon.

[0045] (Other Embodiments) Embodiments and modifications described and illustrated herein are for the purpose of facilitating the understanding of this disclosure and do not limit the spirit of this disclosure. The above embodiments and modifications may be modified and improved without departing from the spirit. This spirit includes equivalent elements, modifications, deletions, combinations (e.g., combinations of features spanning embodiments and modifications), improvements, and changes that can be recognized by a person skilled in the art based on the embodiments disclosed herein. The limitations in the claims should be interpreted broadly based on the terms used in those claims and should not be limited to the embodiments and modifications described herein or in the prosecution of this application. Such embodiments and modifications should be interpreted as non-exclusive. For example, in this specification, the terms “preferred” and “good” are non-exclusive and mean “preferred but not limited to” and “good but not limited to.”

[0046] 10 Vehicle 20 Laser light source 30 Inner lens 32 Front 34 Back 341 Total reflection surface 361 Incident surface 3611 Laser light incident curved surface 40 Laser light color changing component 50 Optical fiber 100 Lighting device L1 Optical axis

Claims

1. A vehicle comprising a laser light source and an inner lens configured to form a light distribution by receiving and emitting laser light output from the laser light source, wherein the inner lens includes a front surface, a back surface provided opposite to the front surface, and an incident surface provided on the side connecting the front surface and the back surface, configured to receive the laser light, wherein the laser light that has been incident on the inner lens is emitted from the inner lens using the front surface and the back surface to form the light distribution, and the size of the inner lens in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the front surface and the back surface face each other is larger than the size of the inner lens in the direction in which the front surface and the back surface face each other, wherein the front surface and the back surface are provided with different lens cuts, thereby, the back surface includes a plurality of total reflection surfaces, each of the plurality of total reflection surfaces is configured to directly receive the laser light that has been incident on the inner lens and to totally reflect the laser light toward the front surface, and the front surface is The laser light, which is totally reflected by each of the plurality of total reflection surfaces and travels through the inner lens, is diffused in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the laser light travels and emitted to the outside of the inner lens, thereby forming the light distribution.

2. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein in a first reference cross section that includes the optical axis of the laser beam incident on the inner lens and extends in a direction in which the front and back surfaces face each other, the plurality of total reflective surfaces are arranged in the direction in which the optical axis extends, and the end of each of the optical axes closer to the downstream is closer to the front surface than the end of the optical axis closer to the upstream, and two of the plurality of total reflective surfaces that are arranged in the direction in which the optical axis extends satisfy the following relationship, which is that when viewed in the direction in which the optical axis extends, the total reflective surface closer to the downstream of the optical axis is partially covered by the total reflective surface closer to the upstream of the optical axis.

3. The vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the incident surface includes a laser beam incident surface that protrudes toward the upstream direction of the optical axis of the laser beam incident on the inner lens, and has a convex curved surface that extends in a direction intersecting a first reference cross section that includes the optical axis and extends in a direction in which the front and back surfaces face each other.

4. The vehicle according to claim 3, wherein the laser beam incident surface is configured to have a concave curve that is concave toward the downstream of the optical axis in a second reference cross section that includes the optical axis and is perpendicular to the first reference cross section.

5. A vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a laser light color changing member provided to receive the laser light output from the laser light source, and configured to change the color of the incident laser light to a color different from the color of the incident laser light, and to emit the laser light whose color has been changed, thereby configuring the inner lens to receive the laser light output from the laser light source and whose color has been changed by the laser light color changing member.

6. A vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising an optical fiber through which the laser light output from the laser light source passes, wherein the inner lens is configured to receive the laser light output from the laser light source and having passed through the optical fiber.

7. A vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the vehicle is a saddle-type vehicle or an inclined vehicle.

8. A lighting device for use in a vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 7, comprising the laser light source and the inner lens.

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