Vehicle lamp

Abstract

This vehicle lamp comprises a light guide plate (20). The light guide plate (20) comprises: an incident portion provided on a main surface; an emission portion (26) provided on the peripheral surface; a first reflecting portion (41) that reflects light from the incident portion in a first direction (P1) toward the emission portion (26) and parallel to the main surface; a second reflecting portion (42) that reflects light from the incident portion in a second direction (P2) opposite from the emission portion (26); a third reflecting portion (43) that reflects light from the second reflecting portion (42) in a third direction (P3), which is a vehicle width direction; a fourth reflecting portion (44) that reflects light from the incident portion in a fourth direction (P4) in the third direction (P3) relative to the second direction (P2); and a fifth reflecting portion (45) that reflects light from the third reflecting portion (43) and the fourth reflecting portion (44) toward the emission portion (26).

Description

Vehicle lighting

[0001] This disclosure relates to vehicle lighting equipment.

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a vehicle lighting fixture equipped with an edge-lit type lighting unit, which includes a lighting unit that causes light from a light source to enter a light guide plate from its main surface and emit light from the peripheral surface of the light guide plate. With this vehicle lighting fixture, a long and relatively bright light emission pattern can be realized by forming the end face of the light guide plate in an elongated shape.

[0003] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2019-117751

[0004] This disclosure is made in the circumstances described herein, and one of its exemplary purposes is to provide a technology for vehicle lighting fixtures equipped with edge-lit lighting units that enables a longer and relatively uniform light emission pattern without substantially increasing the number of light sources.

[0005] To solve the above problems, a vehicle lamp in one aspect of the present disclosure is a vehicle lamp equipped with a light guide plate and configured to emit light from a light source to the outside via the light guide plate, wherein the light guide plate has an incident portion provided on a main surface facing the light source, an outgoing portion provided on the circumferential surface which extends in the vehicle width direction when viewed from the front of the lamp, a first reflecting portion which reflects light from the incident portion in a first direction toward the outgoing portion and parallel to the main surface, a second reflecting portion which reflects light from the incident portion in a second direction opposite to the outgoing portion, a third reflecting portion which reflects light from the second reflecting portion in a third direction which is toward the vehicle width direction, a fourth reflecting portion which reflects light from the incident portion in a fourth direction which is toward the third direction relative to the second direction, and a fifth reflecting portion which reflects light from the third reflecting portion and the fourth reflecting portion toward the outgoing portion.

[0006] According to this disclosure, in a vehicle lighting fixture equipped with an edge-lit lighting unit, it is possible to achieve a longer and relatively uniform light emission pattern without substantially increasing the number of light sources.

[0007] This is a schematic front view of a vehicle light fixture according to an embodiment. This is a cross-sectional view of the light fixture unit of the vehicle light fixture shown in Figure 1. This is a plan view of the light guide plate of the light fixture unit shown in Figure 2. This is a perspective view of the light guide plate of the light fixture unit shown in Figure 2, viewed from the diagonally upper rear side of the light fixture. This is a perspective view of the light guide plate and light source of the light fixture unit shown in Figure 2, viewed from the diagonally lower front side of the light fixture. This is a plan view showing the fifth reflecting part of the first light guide part of the light guide plate of the light fixture unit shown in Figure 2 and its surrounding area.

[0008] The present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings, based on preferred embodiments. The embodiments are illustrative and not limiting, and not all features or combinations thereof described in the embodiments are necessarily essential to the disclosure. The same or equivalent components, members, and processes shown in each drawing will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions will be omitted where appropriate.

[0009] Figure 1 is a schematic front view of a vehicle light fixture 1 according to an embodiment. The vehicle light fixture 1 shown in Figure 1 may be located at the front of the vehicle or at the rear of the vehicle.

[0010] The vehicle lighting fixture 1 comprises a lamp body 10, a transparent outer cover 12 that covers the front opening of the lamp body 10, and a lighting unit 16 that is positioned in the lighting chamber 14, which is the space between the lamp body 10 and the outer cover 12.

[0011] When the vehicle lighting fixture 1 is positioned at the front of the vehicle, the lighting unit 16 can be used as, for example, a DRL (Daytime Running Lamp), clearance lamp, turn signal lamp, accessory lamp, or communication lamp. In this case, the vehicle lighting fixture 1 may include a headlight unit (not shown) configured to provide low beam and high beam functions.

[0012] When the vehicle lighting fixture 1 is located at the rear of the vehicle, the lighting unit 16 can be used as, for example, a taillight, stop lamp, turn signal lamp, accessory lamp, or communication lamp.

[0013] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the lighting unit 16 of the vehicle lighting unit 1 in Figure 1. Figures 3 to 6 show the light guide plate 20 of the lighting unit 16 in Figure 2. Figure 3 is a plan view of the light guide plate 20. Figure 4 is a perspective view of the light guide plate 20 seen from the upper rear side of the lighting unit. Figure 5 is a perspective view of the light guide plate 20 seen from the lower front side of the lighting unit. The light source 32 is also shown in Figure 5. Figure 6 is a plan view showing the fifth reflecting part 45 of the first light guiding part 40_1 of the light guide plate 20 and its surroundings. The cross-section of the light guide plate 20 in the lighting unit 16 in Figure 2 corresponds to the cross-section of the light guide plate 20 along line A-A in Figure 3.

[0014] The lighting unit 16 comprises a light source unit 18 and a light guide plate 20.

[0015] The light source unit 18 is positioned below the light guide plate 20. The light source unit 18 includes a substrate 30 and at least one light source 32 mounted on the substrate 30. The substrate 30 is a circuit board such as a printed circuit board and is configured to control the light source 32 mounted on the substrate 30. The light source 32 is composed of, for example, one or more light-emitting elements. The light-emitting elements are typically LEDs (light-emitting diodes). However, the light-emitting elements may be other light-emitting elements such as LDs (laser diodes), organic or inorganic ELs (electroluminescent elements), etc.

[0016] The light guide plate 20 is a translucent, plate-shaped resin member, made of, for example, acrylic resin or polycarbonate resin. The light guide plate 20 includes a light guide plate body 22 and a fixing part 24 for fixing the light guide plate 20 to the lamp body 10. The light guide plate 20 is formed by injection molding. That is, the light guide plate body 22 and the fixing part 24 are integrally formed by injection molding.

[0017] The fixing portion 24 is continuous with the rear side of the light guide plate body 22. The fixing portion 24 is held in place by a pair of upper and lower brackets 28 and 29 (see Figure 2). Note that the gripping portions of brackets 28 and 29 are not shown in Figure 2. Brackets 28 and 29 are fixed directly or indirectly to the lamp body 10 (not shown in Figure 2). This fixes the fixing portion 24 and, consequently, the light guide plate 20 to the lamp body 10.

[0018] The light guide plate body 22 includes a first light guide portion 40_1, a second light guide portion 40_2, and a third light guide portion 40_3. That is, the light guide plate body 22 includes three light guide portions 40. The light source unit 18 includes the same number of light sources as the light guide portions of the light guide plate body 22. That is, the light source unit 18 includes three light sources 32.

[0019] The first light guide portion 40_1, the second light guide portion 40_2, and the third light guide portion 40_3 are arranged in this order from the vehicle width direction outer side to the center side in a front view of the lamp. The first light guide portion 40_1 is located on the vehicle width direction outer side and on the lamp rear side relative to the second light guide portion 40_2. For example, the incident portion 47 of the first light guide portion 40_1 is located on the vehicle width direction outer side and on the lamp rear side relative to the incident portion 47 of the second light guide portion 40_2. The second light guide portion 40_2 is located on the vehicle width direction outer side and on the lamp rear side relative to the third light guide portion 40_3. For example, the incident portion 47 of the second light guide portion 40_2 is located on the vehicle width direction outer side and on the lamp rear side relative to the incident portion 47 of the third light guide portion 40_3.

[0020] The first light guide portion 40_1, the second light guide portion 40_2, and the third light guide portion 40_3 are plate-shaped, and thus the light guide plate body 22 is also plate-shaped.

[0021] On the front peripheral surface portion of the first light guide portion 40_1, an emission portion 48 that functions as a light emitting surface is provided. Similarly, emission portions 48 that function as light emitting surfaces are also provided on the front peripheral surface portions of the second light guide portion 40_2 and the third light guide portion 40_3. The emission portion 48 of the first light guide portion 40_1, the emission portion 48 of the second light guide portion 40_2, and the emission portion 48 of the third light guide portion 40_3 constitute a continuous elongated emission portion 26 extending in the vehicle width direction in a front view of the lamp.

[0022] The emission portion 26 extends such that the further toward the vehicle width direction outer side it is, the more toward the lamp rear side it is located. Although not limited thereto, the emission portion 26 extends curving along the curved shape of the outer cover 12 (not shown in FIGS. 3 to 6).

[0023] Next, the first light guide portion 40_1 will be described in detail.

[0024] The first light guide portion 40_1 includes a first reflecting portion 41, a second reflecting portion 42, a third reflecting portion 43, a fourth reflecting portion 44, a fifth reflecting portion 45, a sixth reflecting portion 46, an incident portion 47, an emitting portion 48, a first standing wall portion 49, and a second standing wall portion 50.

[0025] The incident portion 47 is provided on the first main surface (lower surface) 40a of the first light guide portion 40_1, and faces the light source 32. The emitting portion 48 is provided on the peripheral surface portion on the lamp front side of the first light guide portion 40_1. In order to cause the emitting portion 48 to emit light with uniform brightness, a large number of light-diffusing steps 48a are provided over the entire region at a uniform density. The large number of light-diffusing steps 48a may be fisheye steps.

[0026] The first reflecting portion 41, the second reflecting portion 42, the fourth reflecting portion 44, and the sixth reflecting portion 46 are provided on the second main surface (upper surface) 40b side of the first light guide portion 40_1. The first reflecting portion 41, the second reflecting portion 42, and the fourth reflecting portion 44 face the incident portion 47 in the vertical direction. The second reflecting portion 42 and the fourth reflecting portion 44 are substantially adjacent to each other in the vehicle width direction, and the fourth reflecting portion 44 is located on the vehicle width direction outer side relative to the second reflecting portion 42. The first reflecting portion 41 is located on the emitting portion 48 side relative to the second reflecting portion 42 and the fourth reflecting portion 44, that is, on the lamp front side relative to the second reflecting portion 42 and the fourth reflecting portion 44. The sixth reflecting portion 46 is located on the emitting portion 48 side of the first reflecting portion 41 and the fifth reflecting portion 45, that is, on the lamp front side of the first reflecting portion 41 and the fifth reflecting portion 45.

[0027] The third reflecting portion 43 and the fifth reflecting portion 45 are formed on the peripheral surface portion of the first light guide portion 40_1. The second reflecting portion 42 is located on the lamp rear side of the first reflecting portion 41 and the third reflecting portion 43. The fourth reflecting portion 44 is located on the vehicle width direction outer side relative to the second reflecting portion 42.

[0028] The first reflecting portion 41 directs the light from the incident portion 48 to the first direction P toward the emitting portion 48 １ which is parallel to the first main surface 40a or the second main surface 40b, the first direction P １ is configured to reflect the light. The first direction P １ is, but not limited to, the forward direction in the lamp front-rear direction. The first reflecting portion 41 is not particularly limited, and the first direction P １It may be a reflecting surface having a shape based on a paraboloid of revolution that opens toward the relevant direction.

[0029] The second reflecting portion 42 is configured to direct the light from the incident portion 47 in a second direction P opposite to the emitting portion 48 ２ to reflect the light, in other words, to reflect the light toward the third reflecting portion 43 located behind the second reflecting portion 42. The second direction P ２ is not limited thereto, and is a direction along the first main surface 40a or the second main surface 40b, which is a rearward direction in the front-rear direction of the lamp. The second reflecting portion 42 is not particularly limited, and the second direction P ２ may be a reflecting surface having a shape based on a paraboloid of revolution that opens toward the relevant direction. In the illustrated example, the reflecting surface as the second reflecting portion 42 is not particularly limited, and is divided into four parts in order to diffuse light in the vehicle width direction to obtain uniform light emission.

[0030] The third reflecting portion 43 reflects the light from the second reflecting portion 42 in a third direction P that is more toward the vehicle width direction side than the second direction P ２ ３ . The third reflecting portion 43 is not limited thereto, and in the illustrated example, the third direction P is closer to the second direction P than to the vehicle width direction ２ . That is, the third direction P ３ is not limited thereto, and in the illustrated example, has a component directed outward in the vehicle width direction and a component directed toward the rear side of the lamp. The third direction P ３ is not limited thereto, and is a direction along the first main surface 40a or the second main surface 40b. The third reflecting portion 43 is not particularly limited, and may be a planar reflecting surface as illustrated, or may be a multi-stage reflecting surface in which a plurality of minute reflecting surfaces are connected in a stepped manner.

[0031] The fourth reflecting portion 44 directs the light from the incident portion 47 in a fourth direction P on the side of the third direction P with respect to the second direction P ２ ３ ４ to reflect the light. The fourth direction P ４ is not limited thereto, and in the illustrated example, has a component directed outward in the vehicle width direction and a component directed toward the rear side of the lamp. The fourth direction P ４ is not limited thereto, and is a direction along the first main surface 40a or the second main surface 40b. The fourth direction P​​​４ In the illustrated example, this is the third direction P. ３ It is the same as above. The fourth reflecting part 44 is not particularly limited, but the fourth direction P ４ The reflective surface may also be a shape based on a paraboloid of revolution that opens toward the left.

[0032] Light from the third reflecting section 43 is incident on the portion of the fifth reflecting section 45 that is relatively close to the third reflecting section 43, and light from the fourth reflecting section 44 is incident on the portion of the fifth reflecting section 45 that is relatively far from the third reflecting section.

[0033] Note that the fourth direction P ４ This is the third direction P ３ It may be different from the fourth direction P. ４ This is the third direction P ３ The direction may be closer to the vehicle width direction. In this case, the light from the fourth reflector 44 is incident on the portion of the fifth reflector 45 that is further away from the third reflector 43.

[0034] The fifth reflecting section 45 directs light from the third reflecting section 43 and the fourth reflecting section 44 toward the emission section 48 in a fifth direction P. ５ It reflects off the fifth direction P. ５ However, this does not apply, but is a direction along the first main surface 40a or the second main surface 40b, and is a forward direction in the front-to-back direction of the lamp. However, in the illustrated example, it is a fifth direction P. ５ P is the first direction １ It is the same as this.

[0035] The sixth reflecting section 46 reflects a portion of the light from the first reflecting section 41 in the sixth direction. The sixth reflecting section 46 also reflects a portion of the light from the fifth reflecting section 45 in the sixth direction. The sixth direction is the direction that approaches the first main surface 40a as it approaches the emission section 48 (i.e., a diagonally downward direction). The sixth reflecting section 46 is configured so that the light reflected by the sixth reflecting section 46 is emitted diagonally downward from the lower part of the emission section 48 toward the front of the lamp. The sixth reflecting section 46 is not particularly limited, but may be a planar reflective surface that is inclined so that it approaches the first main surface 40a as it approaches the emission section 48, as shown in the figure.

[0036] The outer cover 12 has numerous light-diffusing steps 12a (see Figure 2) formed therein to scatter the light from the emission section 48 in the width direction (i.e., vertical direction) of the emission section 48. The light-diffusing steps 12a are formed over a wider area than the emission section 48, and especially in the area below the emission section 48. A portion of the light directed toward the emission section 48 is reflected by the sixth reflecting section 46 and emitted diagonally downward from the bottom of the emission section 48 toward the front of the lamp, and incident on the portion of the light-diffusing steps 12a below the emission section 48, thereby achieving a relatively wide light emission.

[0037] The first vertical wall portion 49 is located on the outer side of the first reflecting portion 41 in the vehicle width direction and on the front side of the fifth reflecting portion 45 of the lamp, extending generally in the front-rear direction of the lamp and facing the first reflecting portion 41 in the vehicle width direction. The first vertical wall portion 49 has diffuse reflecting elements 49a formed thereon that diffusely reflect incident light. The diffuse reflecting elements 49a may be a plurality of convex or concave cylindrical steps or fisheye steps, or they may be textured (fine irregularities).

[0038] Some of the light reflected by the fifth reflecting section 45 may enter the first vertical wall section 49, be reflected there, and exit from the exiting section 26. However, since a diffuse reflecting element 49a is formed on the first vertical wall section 49, point illumination caused by light reflected by the first vertical wall section 49 is suppressed. In addition, light from the light source 32 may unintentionally enter the first vertical wall section 49, but since a diffuse reflecting element 49a is formed on the first vertical wall section 49, point illumination caused by such light is also suppressed.

[0039] The second vertical wall portion 50 is located on the inside of the first reflecting portion 41 in the vehicle width direction. The second vertical wall portion 50 extends generally in the front-rear direction of the lamp. The second vertical wall portion 50 extends from a position directly beside the first reflecting portion 41 to a position in front of the lamp beyond the first reflecting portion 41. In the illustrated example, the second vertical wall portion 50 is continuous with the fifth reflecting portion 45 of the light guide portion 40 adjacent to it on the inside in the vehicle width direction. In the illustrated example, the front side of the second vertical wall portion 50 faces the third reflecting portion 43 of the light guide portion 40 adjacent to it on the inside in the vehicle width direction in the vehicle width direction.

[0040] The second vertical wall portion 50 has a diffuse reflecting element 50a that diffusely reflects incident light. The diffuse reflecting element 50a may be a plurality of convex or concave cylindrical steps or fisheye steps, or it may be a textured surface (fine irregularities).

[0041] Some of the light reflected by the first reflecting section 41 may enter the second vertical wall section 50, be reflected there, and exit from the exiting section 26. However, since a diffuse reflecting element 50a is formed on the second vertical wall section 50, point illumination caused by light reflected by the second vertical wall section 50 is suppressed. In addition, light leaking from the fifth reflecting section 45 of the light guide section 40 adjacent to the inside in the vehicle width direction may enter the second vertical wall section 50 from the outside. However, since a diffuse reflecting element 50a is formed on the second vertical wall section 50, point illumination caused by such light is also suppressed.

[0042] To summarize the first light guide section 40_1, a portion of the light emitted by the light source 32 is reflected by the first reflector section 41 and emitted from the emission section 48. Another portion of the light emitted by the light source 32 is reflected in that order by the second reflector section 42, the third reflector section 43, and the fifth reflector section 45 and emitted from the emission section 48. At least another portion of the light emitted by the light source 32 is reflected in that order by the fourth reflector section 44 and the fifth reflector section 45 and emitted from the emission section 48. A portion of the light heading towards the emission section 48 is reflected by the sixth reflector section 46 and emitted diagonally downward from the bottom of the emission section 48 towards the front of the luminaire.

[0043] Next, we will explain the differences between the second light guide section 40_2 and the third light guide section 40_3 and the first light guide section 40_1.

[0044] The second light guide section 40_2 and the third light guide section 40_3 each have a first reflecting section 41, a second reflecting section 42, a third reflecting section 43, a fifth reflecting section 45, a sixth reflecting section 46, an incident section 47, an outgoing section 48, a first vertical wall section 49, and a second vertical wall section 50, respectively. In other words, unlike the first light guide section 40_1, the second light guide section 40_2 and the third light guide section 40_3 do not have a fourth reflecting section 44.

[0045] Unlike the third reflecting part 43 of the first light guiding part 40_1, the third reflecting part 43 of the second light guiding part 40_2 and the third light guiding part 40_3 reflect light from the second reflecting part 42 in the direction of the vehicle width.

[0046] The fifth reflective portion 45 of the second light guide portion 40_2 and the third light guide portion 40_3 is not particularly limited, but may be a multi-stage reflective surface in which a plurality of minute reflective surfaces are arranged in a stepped manner, as shown in the figure, or it may be a planar reflective surface.

[0047] The first vertical wall portion 49 faces both the first reflective portion 41 and the second reflective portion 42 in the vehicle width direction.

[0048] To summarize the second light guide section 40_2 and the third light guide section 40_3, a portion of the light emitted by the light source 32 is reflected by the first reflecting section 41 and emitted from the emission section 48. At least the remaining portion of the light emitted by the light source 32 is reflected in that order by the second reflecting section 42, the third reflecting section 43, and the fifth reflecting section 45 and emitted from the emission section 48.

[0049] If the first light guide 40_1 is configured in the same way as the second light guide 40_2 and the third light guide 40_3, then the portion of the emitting section 48 located on the outside in the vehicle width direction of the first reflecting section 41, the second reflecting section 42, the third reflecting section 43, and the fifth reflecting section 45, that is, the outer edge portion of the emitting section 26 in the vehicle width direction, cannot be made to emit light. On the other hand, if the first light guide 40_1 can be enlarged to the area enclosed by the dashed line in Figure 3, then even if the first light guide 40_1 is configured in the same way as the second light guide 40_2 and the third light guide 40_3, light can reach the edge portion of the emitting section 26, and the edge portion of the emitting section 26 can be made to emit light. However, in this case, the vehicle light fixture 1 becomes larger. Also, if a light source 32 is added to the area enclosed by the dashed line in Figure 3, the edge portion of the emitting section 26 can be made to emit light. However, in this case as well, the vehicle light fixture 1 becomes larger. Furthermore, the vehicle lighting fixture 1 will become more expensive.

[0050] In contrast, according to this embodiment, the third reflecting section 43 and the fourth reflecting section 44 of the first light guide section 40_1 each direct light in the third direction P rather than in the vehicle width direction. ３ , fourth direction P ４In other words, by reflecting the light diagonally backward, the light can reach the end of the emission section 26 without enlarging the first light guide section 40_1 or adding a light source 32, and the end of the emission section 26 can be made to emit light. This means that a long light emission pattern can be realized.

[0051] Furthermore, the longer the optical path length, the more the light is attenuated. Also, the more reflections the light undergoes, the more it is attenuated. In contrast, the light reflected by the fourth reflector 44 and the fifth reflector 45 and reaching the emission unit 48 has a longer optical path length but fewer reflections compared to the light reflected by the second reflector 42, the third reflector 43, and the fifth reflector 45 and reaching the emission unit 48. As a result, the light from both ends up having roughly the same brightness. Therefore, a relatively uniform brightness emission pattern can be achieved.

[0052] Next, the configuration of the fifth reflecting section 45 of the first light guide section 40_1 will be described in detail.

[0053] To reduce the size of the lighting unit 16, the fifth reflector 45 extends roughly in the vehicle width direction from the outer end of the emission section 26 in the vehicle width direction. In this case, if the light from the third reflector 43 and the fourth reflector 44 is to be reflected once, the critical angle cannot be satisfied, and the light may leak out without being reflected by the fifth reflector 45. Therefore, the fifth reflector 45 is configured as follows.

[0054] The fifth reflective section 45 has a plurality of steps 60 that are generally aligned in the vehicle width direction. Each of the plurality of steps 60 is a roughly triangular prism-shaped step that extends in the thickness direction (generally vertical direction) of the first light guide section 40_1 and has its apex on the rear side of the lamp.

[0055] Each of the steps 60 has a first protruding surface 61 located on the opposite side of the third reflective portion 43 in the vehicle width direction (in other words, on the outside in the vehicle width direction), and a second protruding surface 62 located on the side of the third reflective portion 43 in the vehicle width direction (in other words, on the center side in the vehicle width direction).

[0056] The second protruding surface 62 has a first plane 65 and a second plane 66. The first plane 65 is connected to the first protruding surface 61, and the second plane 66 is connected to the third reflector 43 side of the first plane 65. The acute angle θ between the first plane 65 and the front-rear direction of the lamp １ The acute angle θ between the second plane and the front-to-back direction of the light fixture. ２ The relationship is θ １ <θ ２ The length L of the first protruding surface on the second main surface (upper surface) 40b is as follows: １ and the length L of the first plane of the second protruding surface ２１ and the length L of the second plane of the second protruding surface ２２ The relationship is, L １ > L ２２ > L ２１ That is. Also, L １ <L ２１ +L ２２ That is. Also, L ２２ / L ２１ The step size decreases as it moves further away from the third reflecting section 43.

[0057] Multiple steps 60 are configured to satisfy (A) and (B) below.

[0058] (A) The multiple steps 60 are configured such that a portion of the light that has been guided through the inside of the light guide plate 20 and reached the i-th (i=1, 2, ...) step 60_i is emitted from the i-th step 60_i, enters the (i+1) step 60_(i+1) adjacent to the outside of the i-th step 60_i in the vehicle width direction, undergoes internal reflection at the (i+1) step 60_(i+1) and is directed toward the emission section 48.

[0059] More specifically, the multiple steps 60 are configured such that light from the third reflecting section 43 or the fourth reflecting section 44 is guided inside the first light guiding section 40_1 and reaches the first protruding surface 61 of the i-th step 60_i, then exits the i-th step 60_i from the first protruding surface 61, enters the interior of the (i+1) step 60_(i+1) from the first plane 65 of the second protruding surface 62 of the (i+1) step 60_(i+1), enters the first portion 61a of the first protruding surface 61 of the (i+1) step 60_(i+1) near the first plane 65, is internally reflected by the first portion 61a, and is directed toward the exit section 48.

[0060] (B) The steps 60 are configured such that at least a portion of the light that has been guided through the inside of the light guide plate 20 and reached the (i+1) step is reflected twice internally in the (i+1) step and directed toward the emission section 48.

[0061] More specifically, in the multiple steps 60, light from the third reflecting section 43 or the fourth reflecting section 44 is guided inside the first light guiding section 40_1 and reaches the second plane 66 of the second protruding surface 62 of the (i+1) step 60_(i+1). This light is internally reflected by the second plane 66, incident on the second portion 61b of the first protruding surface 61 of the same (i+1) step 60_(i+1) near the (i+2) step 60_(i+2), internally reflected by the second portion 61b, and then directed toward the emission section 48.

[0062] If multiple steps 60 satisfy (A) and (B), light can reach both the first portion 61a and the second portion 61b of the first protruding surface 61, i.e., a relatively wide area of ​​the first protruding surface 61. This makes it possible to achieve a relatively uniform light emission pattern.

[0063] The present disclosure has been described above based on embodiments. These embodiments are illustrative, and it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications are possible in combinations of their components and processing processes, and that such modifications are also within the scope of the present disclosure. Such modifications will be described below.

[0064] (Modification 1) Unlike the embodiment, the light guide plate body 22 may include only the first light guide portion 40_1. Alternatively, the light guide plate body 22 may include the first light guide portion 40_1 and the second light guide portion 40_2, but not the third light guide portion 40_3. Alternatively, the light guide plate body 22 may include a light guide portion similar to the second light guide portion 40_2 and the third light guide portion 40_3 on the vehicle width direction center side of the third light guide portion 40_3. In other words, the light guide plate body 22 only needs to include at least the first light guide portion 40_1.

[0065] (Modification 2) The plurality of steps 60 of the fifth reflecting portion 45 of the first light guide portion 40_1 may be configured to satisfy only (A) above. In this case, for example, each of the plurality of steps may be configured such that the second protruding surface has only the first plane (i.e., does not have the second plane).

[0066] The multiple steps 60 of the fifth reflecting section 45 of the first light guide section 40_1 may be configured to satisfy only (B) above. In this case, for example, each of the multiple steps may be configured such that the second protruding surface has only the second plane (i.e., does not have the first plane).

[0067] (Modification 3) Unlike the embodiment and the modification described above, the luminaire unit 16 may have an inverted configuration. That is, the light source unit 18 may be positioned relative to the light guide plate 20, an incident portion 47 may be provided on the second main surface (upper surface) 40b of the light guide plate 20, and a first reflecting portion 41, a second reflecting portion 42, a fourth reflecting portion 44, and a sixth reflecting portion 46 may be provided on the first main surface (lower surface) 40a of the light guide plate 20.

[0068] Any combination of the embodiments and modifications described above is also useful as an embodiment of the present invention. The new embodiments resulting from these combinations possess the combined effects of the respective embodiments and modifications. Furthermore, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the functions to be performed by each component described in the claims can be achieved by each component shown in the embodiments and modifications individually or in combination thereof.

[0069] The above embodiments and variations can be generalized to obtain the following embodiments.

[0070] [Aspect 1] A vehicle lamp comprising a light guide plate, configured to emit light from a light source to the outside via the light guide plate, wherein the light guide plate comprises: an incident portion provided on a main surface facing the light source; an outgoing portion provided on a circumferential surface, the outgoing portion extending in the vehicle width direction when viewed from the front of the lamp; a first reflecting portion that reflects light from the incident portion in a first direction toward the outgoing portion and parallel to the main surface; a second reflecting portion that reflects light from the incident portion in a second direction opposite to the outgoing portion; a third reflecting portion that reflects light from the second reflecting portion in a third direction toward the vehicle width direction; a fourth reflecting portion that reflects light from the incident portion in a fourth direction toward the third direction relative to the second direction; and a fifth reflecting portion that reflects light from the third reflecting portion and the fourth reflecting portion toward the outgoing portion.

[0071] [Aspect 2] The vehicle lamp according to aspect 1, wherein a plurality of steps are formed in the fifth reflecting portion, and the plurality of steps are configured such that at least a portion of the light that guides light through the inside of the light guide plate and reaches the i-th (i=1, 2, ...) step is emitted from the i-th step, incident on the (i+1) step, internally reflected at the (i+1) step and directed toward the emission portion.

[0072] [Aspect 3] The vehicle lamp according to aspect 1 or 2, wherein a plurality of steps are formed in the fifth reflecting portion, and each of the plurality of steps is configured such that at least a portion of the light that guides through the inside of the light guide plate and reaches the step is reflected twice internally and directed toward the emission portion.

[0073] [Aspect 4] The vehicle lamp according to Aspect 1, wherein the fifth reflecting section has a plurality of steps formed thereon, and the plurality of steps are configured such that a portion of the light that has been guided through the inside of the light guide plate and reached the i-th (i=1, 2, ...) step is emitted from the i-th step, incident on the (i+1) step, undergoes internal reflection at the (i+1) step and heads toward the emission section, and a portion of the light that has been guided through the inside of the light guide plate and reached the (i+1) step undergoes internal reflection twice at the i-th step and heads toward the emission section.

[0074] [Aspect 5] The vehicle lamp according to any one of aspects 1 to 4, wherein the emission portion extends so as to the outside in the vehicle width direction it is located towards the rear of the lamp, the light guide plate is further provided with another incident portion on the main surface that faces another light source, the incident portion is located further out in the vehicle width direction and towards the rear of the lamp than the other incident portion, and the third direction and the fourth direction are directions having a component toward the outside in the vehicle width direction and a component toward the rear of the lamp.

[0075] [Aspect 6] A vehicle light fixture according to any one of aspects 1 to 5, wherein the third direction is a direction closer to the second direction than the vehicle width direction, and the fourth direction is a direction closer to the second direction than the vehicle width direction.

[0076] [Aspect 7] The vehicle lamp according to any one of aspects 1 to 6, wherein the light guide plate further has a sixth reflecting portion that reflects a portion of the light from the first reflecting portion and the fifth reflecting portion in a sixth direction that approaches the main surface as it approaches the emission portion.

[0077] This disclosure can be used in vehicle lighting equipment.

[0078] 1 Vehicle lighting fixture, 20 Light guide plate, 26 Emitting section, 32 Light source, 40 Light guide section, 40_1 First light guide section, 40_2 Second light guide section, 40_3 Third light guide section, 40a First main surface, 41 First reflecting section, 42 Second reflecting section, 43 Third reflecting section, 44 Fourth reflecting section, 45 Fifth reflecting section, 46 Sixth reflecting section, 47 Incident section, 48 Emitting section.

Claims

1. A vehicle lamp comprising a light guide plate, configured to emit light from a light source to the outside via the light guide plate, wherein the light guide plate comprises: an incident portion provided on a main surface facing the light source; an outgoing portion provided on a circumferential surface, extending in the vehicle width direction when viewed from the front of the lamp; a first reflecting portion that reflects light from the incident portion in a first direction toward the outgoing portion and parallel to the main surface; a second reflecting portion that reflects light from the incident portion in a second direction opposite to the outgoing portion; a third reflecting portion that reflects light from the second reflecting portion in a third direction toward the vehicle width direction; a fourth reflecting portion that reflects light from the incident portion in a fourth direction toward the third direction relative to the second direction; and a fifth reflecting portion that reflects light from the third reflecting portion and the fourth reflecting portion toward the outgoing portion.

2. The fifth reflective section has a plurality of steps formed therein, and the plurality of steps are configured such that at least a portion of the light that guides light through the inside of the light guide plate and reaches the i-th (i=1, 2, ...) step exits from the i-th step, enters the (i+1) step, is internally reflected at the (i+1) step and heads toward the exit section, as described in claim 1.

3. The vehicle lamp according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of steps are formed in the fifth reflective portion, and each of the plurality of steps is configured such that at least a portion of the light that guides through the inside of the light guide plate and reaches the step is reflected twice internally and directed toward the emission portion.

4. The fifth reflective section has a plurality of steps formed therein, the plurality of steps are configured such that a portion of the light that has been guided through the inside of the light guide plate and reached the i-th (i=1, 2, ...) step is emitted from the i-th step, incident on the (i+1) step, undergoes internal reflection at the (i+1) step and heads toward the emission section, and a portion of the light that has been guided through the inside of the light guide plate and reached the (i+1) step undergoes internal reflection twice at the i-th step and heads toward the emission section, the vehicle lamp according to claim 1.

5. The vehicle lamp according to claim 1, wherein the emission portion extends so as to the outside in the vehicle width direction it is located towards the rear of the lamp, the light guide plate is further provided with another incident portion on its main surface that faces another light source, the incident portion is located further out in the vehicle width direction and towards the rear of the lamp than the other incident portion, and the third direction and the fourth direction are directions having a component toward the outside in the vehicle width direction and a component toward the rear of the lamp.

6. The vehicle light fixture according to claim 1, wherein the third direction is closer to the second direction than the vehicle width direction, and the fourth direction is closer to the second direction than the vehicle width direction.

7. The vehicle lamp according to claim 1, wherein the light guide plate further has a sixth reflecting portion that reflects a portion of the light from the first reflecting portion and the fifth reflecting portion in a sixth direction that approaches the main surface as it approaches the emission portion.

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