JP2015167124A - Vehicle lighting appliance - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To make a light guide body mounted to a vehicle uniformly emit light.SOLUTION: A light guide body 30 comprises a first light guide element 31, a second light guide element 32 and a third light guide element 33. The first light guide element 31 and the third light guide element 33 are formed of first mediums having first refractive indices. The second light guide element 32 has a second refractive index which is lower than the first refractive indices. A first incident face 31a and a second incident face 31b of the first light guide element 31 are arranged so that a part of light emitted from a light source 11 is made incident to the incident faces. A reflection face 31c of the first light guide element 31 is arranged so as to reflect light which is emitted from the light source 11, and made incident from the second incident face 31b. A first face 32a of the second light guide element 32 is arranged so that light which is made incident to the first incident face 31a and light which is reflected by the reflection face 31c pass therethrough. A second face 32b of the second light guide element 32 is arranged so that light which passes through the first face 32a passes therethrough, and includes a light dispersion element. The third light guide element 33 comprises an emission face 33a which is arranged so that light dispersed by the light dispersion element is emitted.

Description

  The present invention relates to a lamp mounted on a vehicle.

  As this kind of lamp, a configuration including a light source and a light guide is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The light emitted from the light source enters the light guide. The light incident on the light guide is subjected to reflection, refraction, scattering, and the like by various light guide elements provided on the light guide, and is emitted from a predetermined emission surface. As a result, the entire light guide body appears to emit light from those outside the vehicle.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 62-229701

  An object of this invention is to make the above light guides light-emit uniformly.

In order to achieve the above object, one aspect of the present invention is a lamp mounted on a vehicle,
A first light source;
A second light source;
A first light guide;
A second light guide disposed adjacent to the first light guide;
With
The first light guide is
A first light guide element comprising a first medium having a first refractive index;
A second light guide element comprising a second medium having a second refractive index that is less than or equal to the first refractive index;
A third light guide element comprising the first medium;
With
The first light guide element is:
A first incident surface arranged so that a part of the light emitted from the first light source is incident;
A second incident surface arranged so that a part of the light emitted from the first light source is incident;
A first reflecting surface arranged to reflect light emitted from the first light source and incident from the second incident surface;
With
The second light guide element is
A first surface arranged so that light incident on the first incident surface and light reflected by the first reflective surface pass through;
A second surface arranged to pass light passing through the first surface and including a first light diffusing element;
With
The second light guide is
A fourth light guide element comprising the first medium;
A fifth light guide element comprising the second medium;
A sixth light guide element comprising the first medium;
With
The fourth light guide element is
A third incident surface arranged so that a part of the light emitted from the second light source is incident;
A fourth incident surface arranged so that a part of the light emitted from the second light source is incident;
A second reflecting surface arranged to reflect light emitted from the second light source and incident from the fourth incident surface;
With
The fifth light guide element is:
A third surface disposed so that light incident on the third incident surface and light reflected by the second reflective surface pass through;
A fourth surface arranged to pass light passing through the third surface and including a second light diffusing element;
With
The third light guide element includes a first emission surface arranged so that a part of the light reflected by the second reflection surface and diffused by the second light diffusion element is emitted;
The sixth light guide element includes a second emission surface arranged so that a part of the light reflected by the first reflection surface and diffused by the first light diffusion element is emitted.

  When the light beams reflected by the first reflection surface and the second reflection surface are emitted from the first emission surface and the second emission surface while being separated from each other, the inventor determines a portion located between the light beams, i.e., adjacent first light beams. It was found that the vicinity of the boundary between one light guide and the second light guide emits light relatively darkly and prevents uniform light emission. According to the above configuration, the light beams reflected by the first reflecting surface and the second reflecting surface are prevented from being emitted from the first emitting surface and the second emitting surface while being separated from each other. Thereby, the vicinity of the boundary between the adjacent first light guide and the second light guide can be made to emit light with a uniform brightness with the surroundings. Therefore, the plurality of light guides can emit light uniformly.

The lamp described above can be configured as follows.
At least one of the first surface and the third surface includes a condensing part,
When the first surface includes the light collecting portion, the light collecting portion is arranged to collect at least part of the light incident on the first incident surface,
When the third surface includes the light collecting portion, the light collecting portion is disposed so as to collect at least a part of the light incident on the third incident surface.

  According to such a configuration, the light that has passed through the first incident surface of the first light guide element and the light that has passed through the second incident surface (the light that has passed through the third incident surface of the fourth light guide element and the fourth incident light). The direction of incidence on the second surface of the second light guide element (the fourth surface of the fifth light guide element) is aligned. Therefore, it is easy to improve the uniformity of diffused light by the first light diffusing element on the second surface (second light diffusing element on the fourth surface). Therefore, the first light guide (second light guide) can be made to emit light more easily. When each of the first surface and the third surface includes the light collecting portion, the plurality of light guides can emit light more easily.

Or said lamp | ramp may be comprised as follows.
At least one of the first light guide element and the fourth light guide element includes a condensing element made of a third medium having a third refractive index that is equal to or lower than the first refractive index,
When the first light guide element includes the light collecting element, the light collecting element is arranged to collect at least a part of the light incident on the first incident surface, and the first The surface of is arranged so that the light condensed by the condensing element is incident,
When the fourth light guide element includes the light collecting element, the light collecting element is arranged to collect at least a part of the light incident on the third incident surface, and the third light guide element The surface is arranged so that the light condensed by the condensing element is incident thereon.

  The inventor makes the first incident due to the shape of the first light guide element (second light guide element) in the vicinity of the second incident surface of the first light guide element (fourth incident surface of the fourth light guide element). It has been found that the light beam that has passed through the surface (third incident surface) and the light beam reflected by the first reflecting surface (second reflecting surface) tend to be separated. When these light fluxes are emitted from the first emission surface (second emission surface) while being separated from each other, the portion located between the two light fluxes emits light relatively darkly, and the first light guide (second light guide) Hinders uniform light emission. However, according to the above configuration, the light beam including the light reflected by the first reflection surface (second reflection surface) and the light beam including the light that has passed through the condensing element are brought as close as possible. Can do. Thereby, it can suppress that a problem area | region emits light comparatively darkly. Therefore, the first light guide (second light guide) can be made to emit light more easily.

  When each of the first light guide element and the fourth light guide element is provided with a light collecting element, the second light guide element is used for the light passing through the first incident face and the light passing through the second incident face of the first light guide element. The direction of incidence on the second surface of the optical element is aligned. Therefore, it is easy to improve the uniformity of diffused light by the first light diffusing element on the second surface. Similarly, the light incident on the fourth surface of the fifth light guide element is aligned with respect to the light passing through the third incident surface of the fourth light guide element and the light passing through the fourth incident surface. Therefore, it is easy to improve the uniformity of diffused light by the second light diffusing element on the fourth surface. Therefore, a plurality of light guides can be made to emit light more easily.

In this case, the above-described lamp can be configured as follows.
The third medium is air.

  According to such a structure, a 1st condensing element and a 2nd condensing element can be formed at low cost. Therefore, the cost for obtaining a configuration capable of uniformly emitting a plurality of light guides can be suppressed.

The lamp described above can be configured as follows.
In the first surface, at least a portion through which the light reflected by the first reflecting surface passes has at least one step portion,
In the third surface, at least a portion through which light reflected by the second reflecting surface passes has at least one step portion.

  According to such a configuration, even in a configuration in which a plurality of light guides are arranged in an arc shape, the optical path length passing through the second light guide element while suppressing the deflection of light passing through the second light guide element Is easy to keep constant. Similarly, it is easy to make the optical path length passing through the fifth light guide element constant while suppressing the deflection of the light passing through the fifth light guide element. Thereby, even in the configuration in which the plurality of light guides are arranged in an arc shape, it is easy to improve the uniformity of the diffused light by the first light diffusing element on the second surface. Moreover, it is easy to improve the uniformity of the diffused light by the second light diffusing element on the fourth surface. Therefore, a plurality of light guides arranged in an arc shape can be caused to emit light uniformly.

The lamp described above can be configured as follows.
The envelope surface of the first light diffusing element and the envelope surface of the second light diffusing element form a plane,
The first light source and the second light source are arranged on a plane extending in parallel with the plane.

  According to such a structure, the space | interval of a 1st light source and a 1st light-diffusion element and the space | interval of a 2nd light source and a 2nd light-diffusion element correspond. Thereby, the optical path length of the light emitted from each light source can be easily managed, and the uniformity of the diffused light by the first light diffusing element on the second surface can be easily improved. Moreover, it is easy to improve the uniformity of the diffused light by the second light diffusing element on the fourth surface. Therefore, a plurality of light guides arranged in an arc shape can be caused to emit light uniformly.

The lamp described above can be configured as follows.
The second medium is air.

  According to such a configuration, the second light guide element and the fifth light guide element can be formed at low cost. Therefore, the cost for obtaining a configuration capable of uniformly emitting a plurality of light guides can be suppressed.

The lamp described above can be configured as follows.
At least one of the combination of the first light guide element and the fourth light guide element and the combination of the third light guide element and the sixth light guide element is a one-piece molded article.

  When the first light guide element and the fourth light guide element are one-piece molded products, the positioning accuracy of the first light guide element and the fourth light guide element is improved, and a plurality of light guides can emit light uniformly more easily. be able to. When the third light guide element and the sixth light guide element are one-piece molded products, not only the positioning accuracy of the third light guide element and the sixth light guide element is improved, but also the first light guide body and the second light guide element. Since there is no discontinuity of physical properties at the boundary of the body, it is possible to improve the straightness of light traveling beyond the boundary. Thereby, it becomes easy to guide a part of the light diffused by the first light diffusion element of the second light guide element in the first light guide to the sixth light guide element in the adjacent second light guide. Similarly, part of the light diffused by the second light diffusion element of the fifth light guide element in the second light guide can be easily guided to the third light guide element in the adjacent first light guide. Therefore, the plurality of light guides can emit light more easily.

The lamp described above can be configured as follows.
At least one of the combination of the first light guide element and the third light guide element and the combination of the fourth light guide element and the sixth light guide element is a one-piece molded article.

  According to such a configuration, positioning work is not necessary for at least one of the combination of the first light guide element and the third light guide element and the combination of the fourth light guide element and the sixth light guide element. Thereby, optical path length management becomes easy about at least one of a 2nd light guide element and a 5th light guide element. Therefore, the plurality of light guides can emit light more easily.

In order to achieve the above object, a second aspect of the present invention is a lamp mounted on a vehicle,
A light source;
A light guide;
With
The light guide is
A first light guide element comprising a first medium having a first refractive index;
A second light guide element comprising a second medium having a second refractive index that is less than or equal to the first refractive index;
A third light guide element comprising the first medium;
With
The first light guide element is:
A first incident surface arranged so that a part of the light emitted from the light source is incident;
A second incident surface arranged such that a part of the light emitted from the light source is incident;
A reflective surface arranged to reflect light emitted from the light source and incident from the second incident surface;
With
The second light guide element is
A first surface arranged so that light incident on the first incident surface and light reflected by the reflecting surface pass through;
A second surface arranged to pass light passing through the first surface and including a light diffusing element;
With
The third light guide element includes an emission surface arranged so that the light diffused by the light diffusion element is emitted.

  The inventor determines that the light beam passing through the first incident surface and the light beam reflected by the reflecting surface are separated from each other due to the shape of the first light guide element including the first incident surface, the second incident surface, and the reflecting surface. The fact that it tends to be incident on the second light guide element was found. When these light beams are emitted from the emission surface while being separated from each other, the portion located between the two light beams emits light relatively darkly, thereby preventing uniform light emission. However, according to the above configuration, since the second surface of the second light guide element includes the light diffusing element, the light incident on the second light guide element is diffused and passes through the first incident surface. It is possible to prevent the emitted light beam and the light beam reflected by the reflection surface from being emitted from the emission surface while being separated from each other. Therefore, the light guide can be caused to emit light uniformly.

It is a figure which shows an illuminating device provided with the lamp unit which concerns on 1st embodiment. It is a figure which expands and shows a part of lamp unit of FIG. It is a figure which shows typically the lamp unit which concerns on 2nd embodiment. It is a figure which expands and shows a part of lamp unit of FIG. It is a figure which shows typically the lamp unit which concerns on 3rd embodiment. It is a figure which expands and shows a part of lamp unit of FIG. It is a figure which shows typically the lamp unit which concerns on 4th embodiment. It is a figure which expands and shows a part of lamp unit of FIG.

  Exemplary embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In each drawing used in the following description, the scale is appropriately changed to make each member a recognizable size.

  FIG. 1A is a front view showing a lighting device 1 mounted on a vehicle. FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view seen from above along line IB-IB in FIG. The illuminating device 1 is, for example, a daytime running lamp, a clearance lamp, or a turn signal lamp mounted on the front portion of the vehicle. The lighting device 1 shown in the figure is mounted on the left side of the front portion of the vehicle. Although illustration is omitted, the illuminating device 1 mounted on the right side of the front portion of the vehicle has a bilaterally symmetric configuration with that shown in the figure.

  The lighting device 1 includes a housing 2 and a translucent cover 3. The housing 2 opens forward. The translucent cover 3 is attached to the housing 2 so as to close the opening. The housing 2 and the translucent cover 3 define a lamp chamber 4.

  A lamp unit 5 (an example of a lamp) according to the first embodiment is accommodated in the lamp chamber 4. The lamp unit 5 includes a plurality of light emitting units 10. The plurality of light emitting units 10 are arranged in the left-right direction in the lamp chamber 4. Each of the plurality of light emitting units 10 includes a light source 11, a substrate 12, and a cap lens 13.

  In the present embodiment, a semiconductor light emitting element is used as each light source 11. Examples of the semiconductor light emitting element include a light emitting diode, a laser diode, and an organic EL element. Alternatively, a bulb light source can be used as each light source 11.

  Each substrate 12 includes a power feeding circuit for causing the corresponding light source 11 to emit light. Each substrate 12 supports the corresponding light source 11 and the corresponding cap lens 13. Each cap lens 13 is formed of a translucent material. Each cap lens 13 is disposed on the corresponding substrate 12 so as to cover the corresponding light source 11. Depending on the specifications of the optical system, each cap lens 13 may be omitted.

  The lamp unit 5 includes a light guide unit 20. The light guide unit 20 is disposed so as to cross the front of the plurality of light emitting units 10.

  As shown in FIG. 1B, the light guide unit 20 includes a plurality of light guides 30. Each light guide 30 is formed of a material having translucency. The plurality of light guides 30 are associated with the plurality of light sources 11 on a one-to-one basis. The light emitted from each light source 11 passes through the corresponding cap lens 13, the corresponding light guide 30, and the translucent cover 3 to illuminate the front of the illumination device 1.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically illustrating the configuration of the light guide unit 20. The plurality of light guides 30 include a first light guide 30a and a second light guide 30b. In the following description, the first light guide 30 a and the second light guide 30 b mean two adjacent light guides arbitrarily selected from the plurality of light guides 30. The plurality of light sources 11 include a first light source 11a and a second light source 11b. In the following description, the first light source 11a means a light source corresponding to the first light guide 30a selected as described above. The second light source 11b means a light source corresponding to the second light guide 30b selected as described above.

  The first light guide 30 a includes a first light guide element 31. The first light guide element 31 is made of a first medium having a first refractive index.

  The first light guide element 31 includes a first incident surface 31a. The first incident surface 31a is disposed so as to face the first light source 11a. The first incident surface 31a is a surface disposed so that a part of the light L1 emitted from the first light source 11a is incident thereon.

  The first light guide element 31 includes a second incident surface 31b. The second incident surface 31b is disposed so as to be adjacent to the first incident surface 31a in the left-right direction. The second incident surface 31b is a surface arranged such that a part L2 of the light emitted from the first light source 11a is incident thereon.

  The first light guide element 31 includes a first reflecting surface 31c. The first reflecting surface 31c is a surface disposed so as to reflect the light L2 emitted from the first light source 11a and passed through the second incident surface 31b. The light reflected by the first reflecting surface 31c becomes reflected light L3.

  The first light guide 30 a includes a second light guide element 32. The second light guide element 32 is made of a second medium having a second refractive index that is equal to or lower than the first refractive index. The second light guide element 32 is disposed in front of the first incident surface 31a, the second incident surface 31b, and the first reflecting surface 31c so as to cross the optical axis of the first light source 11a.

  The second light guide element 32 includes a first surface 32a. The first surface 32a is disposed at a position where the light L1 that has passed through the first incident surface 31a and the reflected light L3 reflected by the first reflecting surface 31c pass.

  The second light guide element 32 includes a second surface 32b. The second surface 32b is disposed at a position where the light L4 that has passed through the first surface 32a passes. The second surface 32b includes a first light diffusing element. Specifically, a plurality of minute cylindrical steps are arranged in the left-right direction. Each cylindrical step is a ridge having a surface convex on the side away from the first surface 32a and extending in the vertical direction. The light L4 that has passed through the first surface 32a is refracted by the cylindrical step formed on the second surface 32b and becomes diffused light L5.

  The first light guide 30 a includes a third light guide element 33. The third light guide element 33 includes a first emission surface 33a. The first emission surface 33a is a smooth surface.

  The plurality of light guides 30 include a second light guide 30b. The plurality of light sources 11 includes a second light source 11b. The second light guide 30b is disposed adjacent to the first light guide 30a. In FIG. 2, the imaginary line B indicates the boundary between the adjacent first light guide 30a and second light guide 30b.

  The second light guide 30 b includes a fourth light guide element 34. The fourth light guide element 34 is made of a first medium having a first refractive index.

  The fourth light guide element 34 includes a third incident surface 34a. The third incident surface 34a is disposed so as to face the second light source 11b. The third incident surface 34a is a surface arranged such that a part L6 of the light emitted from the second light source 11b is incident thereon.

  The fourth light guide element 34 includes a fourth incident surface 34b. The fourth incident surface 34b is disposed so as to be adjacent to the third incident surface 34a in the left-right direction. The fourth incident surface 34b is a surface arranged so that a part L7 of the light emitted from the second light source 11b is incident thereon.

  The fourth light guide element 34 includes a second reflecting surface 34c. The second reflecting surface 34c is a surface disposed so as to reflect the light L7 emitted from the second light source 11b and passed through the fourth incident surface 34b. The light reflected by the second reflecting surface 34c becomes reflected light L8.

  The second light guide 30 b includes a fifth light guide element 35. The fifth light guide element 35 is made of a second medium having a second refractive index that is equal to or lower than the first refractive index. The fifth light guide element 35 is disposed in front of the third incident surface 34a, the fourth incident surface 34b, and the second reflecting surface 34c so as to cross the optical axis of the second light source 11b.

  The fifth light guide element 35 includes a third surface 35a. The third surface 35a is disposed at a position where the light L6 that has passed through the third incident surface 34a and the reflected light L8 reflected by the second reflecting surface 34c pass.

  The fifth light guide element 35 includes a fourth surface 35b. The fourth surface 35b is disposed at a position where the light L9 that has passed through the third surface 35a passes. The fourth surface 35b includes a second light diffusing element. Specifically, a plurality of minute cylindrical steps are arranged in the left-right direction. Each cylindrical step is a ridge having a surface convex on the side away from the first surface 32a and extending in the vertical direction. The light L9 that has passed through the third surface 35a is refracted by the cylindrical step formed on the fourth surface 35b, and becomes diffused light L10.

  The second light guide 30 b includes a sixth light guide element 36. The sixth light guide element 36 includes a second emission surface 36a. The second emission surface 36a is a smooth surface.

  The first reflective surface 31c of the first light guide element 31 and the second reflective surface 34c of the fourth light guide element 34 are adjacent to the boundary B between the first light guide 30a and the second light guide 30b. A part of the light L5 reflected by the first reflection surface 31c and then passed through the second light guide element 32 is adjacent beyond the boundary B due to the light diffusion effect by the first light diffusion element of the second surface 32b. The light enters the sixth light guide element 36 of the second light guide 30b and is emitted from the second light exit surface 36a. Similarly, a part of the diffused light L10 reflected by the second reflecting surface 34c and then passed through the fifth light guide element 35 is separated from the boundary B by the light diffusion effect by the second light diffusing element of the fourth surface 35b. It enters the third light guide element 33 of the first light guide body 30a adjacent beyond and exits from the first light exit surface 33a.

  That is, the first light exit surface 33a of the third light guide element 33 is configured such that a part of the light L10 diffused by the second light diffusion element included in the fourth surface 35b of the fifth light guide element 35 is emitted. Has been placed. The second light exit surface 36a of the sixth light guide element 36 is arranged so that a part L5 of the light diffused by the first light diffusion element included in the second surface 32b of the second light guide element 32 is emitted. ing.

  When the light beams reflected by the first reflection surface 31c and the second reflection surface 34c are emitted from the first emission surface 33a and the second emission surface 36a while being separated from each other, the light guide unit 20 is positioned between the light beams. The portion, that is, the vicinity of the boundary B between the adjacent first light guide 30a and the second light guide 30b emits light relatively darkly. However, according to the above configuration, the light beams reflected by the first reflecting surface 31c and the second reflecting surface 34c are emitted from the first emitting surface 33a and the second emitting surface 36a while being separated from each other. Is prevented. Thereby, the boundary B vicinity of the adjacent 1st light guide 30a and the 2nd light guide 30b can be light-emitted by the periphery and uniform brightness. Accordingly, the plurality of light guides 30 can emit light uniformly.

  In addition, each of the plurality of light guides 30 can emit light uniformly. The first light guide 30a will be described as an example. Due to the shape of the first light guide element 31 including the first light incident surface 31a, the second light incident surface 31b, and the first reflection surface 31c, the first light incident surface 31a. The light beam passing through and the light beam reflected by the first reflecting surface 31c tend to enter the second light guide element 32 while being separated (see the portion surrounded by the symbol A in FIG. 2). When these light beams are emitted from the first emission surface 33a while being separated from each other, the portion located between the two light beams emits light relatively darkly. However, according to the above configuration, since the second surface 32b of the second light guide element 32 includes the light diffusing element, the light L4 incident on the second light guide element 32 is converted to the diffused light L5. It is possible to prevent the light beam passing through one incident surface 31a and the light beam reflected by the first reflection surface 31c from being emitted from the first emission surface 33a while being separated from each other. Therefore, the first light guide 30a can emit light uniformly.

  The 1st surface 32a in the 2nd light guide element 32 of the 1st light guide 30a contains the condensing part 32c. The condensing part 32c is arrange | positioned so that the light L1 which passed the 1st entrance plane 31a of the 1st light guide element 31 may be condensed. For example, the condensing part 32c is a cylindrical lens that has a surface convex toward the second surface 32b and extends in the vertical direction. The shape and arrangement of the light collecting portion 32c are determined so that, for example, the light L4 that has passed through the light collecting portion 32c travels in a direction parallel to the reflected light L3.

  The 3rd surface 35a in the 5th light guide element 35 of the 2nd light guide 30b contains the condensing part 35c. The condensing part 35c is arrange | positioned so that the light L6 which passed the 3rd entrance plane 34a of the 4th light guide element 34 may be condensed. For example, the condensing part 35c is a cylindrical lens that has a surface convex toward the fourth surface 35b and extends in the vertical direction. The shape and arrangement of the light collecting portion 35c are determined such that, for example, the light L9 that has passed through the light collecting portion 35c travels in a direction parallel to the reflected light L8.

  According to such a configuration, light that has passed through the first incident surface 31 a of the first light guide element 31 and light that has passed through the second incident surface 31 b are incident on the second surface 32 b of the second light guide element 32. The direction to do is aligned. Therefore, it is easy to improve the uniformity of the diffused light L5 by the first light diffusing element on the second surface 32b. Similarly, the light incident on the fourth surface 35b of the fifth light guide element 35 is aligned with respect to the light passing through the third incident surface 34a of the fourth light guide element 34 and the light passing through the fourth incident surface 34b. . Therefore, it is easy to improve the uniformity of the diffused light L10 by the second light diffusing element on the fourth surface 35b. Therefore, the plurality of light guides 30 can emit light more easily.

  FIG. 3 shows a lamp unit 5A according to the second embodiment. The lamp unit 5A includes a light guide unit 20A. FIG. 4A shows an enlarged part of the light guide unit 20A. FIG. 4B shows an enlarged view of the portion surrounded by the reference symbol VIB in FIG. Components having the same or similar functions as those of the lamp unit 5 according to the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals. A repetitive description of these components will be omitted.

  The first light guide element 31 of the first light guide 30 a includes a first light collecting element 37. The first light collecting element 37 is made of a third medium. The refractive index of the third medium is equal to or lower than the first refractive index of the first medium forming the first light guide element 31.

  The first light collecting element 37 includes a first light collecting portion 37a and a second light collecting portion 37b. The 1st condensing part 37a and the 2nd condensing part 37b are arrange | positioned so that at least one part of the light L1 which passed the 1st entrance plane 31a may be condensed. For example, the first light condensing part 37a is a cylindrical lens that has a surface convex toward the side away from the first incident surface 31a and extends in the vertical direction. For example, the second light condensing part 37b is a cylindrical lens that has a surface that is convex toward the side closer to the first incident surface 31a and extends in the vertical direction. The shape and arrangement of the first light collecting part 37a and the second light collecting part 37b are, for example, such that the light L11 that has passed through the first light collecting part 37a and the second light collecting part 37b travels in a direction parallel to the reflected light L3. Determined.

  The 2nd light guide element 32 is arrange | positioned so that the light L11 condensed by the 1st condensing part 37a and the 2nd condensing part 37b may pass.

  The fourth light guide element 34 of the second light guide 30b includes a second light collecting element 38. The second light collecting element 38 is made of a third medium. The refractive index of the third medium is equal to or lower than the first refractive index of the first medium forming the fourth light guide element 34.

  The 2nd condensing element 38 contains the 3rd condensing part 38a and the 4th condensing part 38b. The third light condensing part 38a and the fourth light converging part 38b are arranged so as to condense at least a part of the light L6 that has passed through the third incident surface 34a. For example, the third light condensing part 38a is a cylindrical lens that has a surface convex toward the side away from the third incident surface 34a and extends in the vertical direction. For example, the fourth light condensing unit 38b is a cylindrical lens that has a surface convex toward the side closer to the third incident surface 34a and extends in the vertical direction. The shape and arrangement of the third light collecting unit 38a and the fourth light collecting unit 38b are set such that, for example, the light L12 that has passed through the third light collecting unit 38a and the fourth light collecting unit 38b travels in a direction parallel to the reflected light L8. Determined.

  The fifth light guide element 35 is disposed so that the light L12 collected by the third light collecting portion 38a and the fourth light collecting portion 38b passes through.

  Due to the shape of the first light guide element 30a in the vicinity of the second light incident surface 31b of the first light guide element 31, the light beam that has passed through the first light incident surface 31a is separated from the light beam that has been reflected by the first reflective surface 31c. Tend to. When these light beams are emitted from the first emission surface 33a while being separated from each other, the portion located between both light beams (the region sandwiched between the virtual lines C1 and C2 in FIG. 4A) emits light relatively darkly. To do. However, according to the above configuration, the light beam including the light L3 reflected by the first reflecting surface 31c and the light beam including the light L11 that has passed through the first light collecting element 37 are brought as close as possible. Can do. Thereby, it can suppress that the area | region pinched | interposed by the virtual lines C1 and C2 emits light comparatively darkly. Therefore, the first light guide 30a can be made to emit light more easily.

  Similarly, the light beam that has passed through the third light incident surface 34a and the light beam that has been reflected by the second light reflecting surface 34c due to the shape of the fourth light guide element 34 in the vicinity of the fourth light incident surface 34b in the second light guide 30b. Tends to be separated. When these light beams are emitted from the second emission surface 36a while being separated from each other, the portion located between the two light beams emits light relatively darkly. However, according to the above configuration, the light beam including the light L8 reflected by the second reflecting surface 34c and the light beam including the light L12 that has passed through the second light collecting element 38 are brought as close as possible. Can do. Therefore, the second light guide 30b can emit light more easily.

  Moreover, according to said structure, about the light which passed through the 1st incident surface 31a of the 1st light guide element 31, and the light which passed through the 2nd incident surface 31b, it is on the 2nd surface 32b of the 2nd light guide element 32. The incident direction is aligned. Therefore, it is easy to improve the uniformity of the diffused light L5 by the first light diffusing element on the second surface 32b. Similarly, the light incident on the fourth surface 35b of the fifth light guide element 35 is aligned with respect to the light passing through the third incident surface 34a of the fourth light guide element 34 and the light passing through the fourth incident surface 34b. . Therefore, it is easy to improve the uniformity of the diffused light L10 by the second light diffusing element on the fourth surface 35b. Therefore, the plurality of light guides 30 can emit light more easily.

  As shown to (a) of FIG. 4, the 1st surface 32a of the 2nd light guide element 32 in the 1st light guide 30a contains the several level | step-difference part. As shown in FIG. 4B, each stepped portion extends in a direction extending in a direction parallel to the traveling direction of the light L3 and L11 incident on the second light guide element 32 and in a direction orthogonal to the traveling direction. Includes face. Similarly, the third surface 35a of the fifth light guide element 35 in the second light guide 30b includes a plurality of step portions. Each step portion includes a surface extending in a direction parallel to the traveling direction of the light L8 and L12 incident on the fifth light guide element 35 and a surface extending in a direction orthogonal to the traveling direction.

  According to such a configuration, even in the configuration in which the plurality of light guides 30 are arranged in an arc shape, the second light guide element is suppressed while suppressing the deflection of the light L3 and L11 passing through the second light guide element 32. It is easy to make the optical path length passing through 32 constant. Similarly, it is easy to make the optical path length passing through the fifth light guide element 35 constant while suppressing the deflection of the light L8 and L12 passing through the fifth light guide element 35. Thereby, even in the configuration in which the plurality of light guides 30 are arranged in an arc shape, it is easy to improve the uniformity of the diffused light L5 by the first light diffusing element on the second surface 32b. Further, it is easy to improve the uniformity of the diffused light L10 by the second light diffusing element on the fourth surface 35b. Therefore, the plurality of light guides 30 arranged in an arc shape can be caused to emit light uniformly.

  In the present embodiment, the first light exit surface 33a of the third light guide element 33 in the first light guide 30a and the second light exit surface 36a of the sixth light guide element 36 in the second light guide 30b are respectively light. Contains diffusing elements. Thereby, the uniform light emission property of each light guide is further enhanced.

  FIG. 5 shows a lamp unit 5B according to the third embodiment. The lamp unit 5B includes a light guide unit 20B. FIG. 6 shows an enlarged part of the light guide unit 20B. Components having the same or similar functions as those of the lamp unit 5 according to the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals. A repetitive description of these components will be omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 6, in the first surface 32a of the second light guide element 32, the portion through which the light L3 reflected by the first reflection surface 31c of the first light guide element 31 passes has a stepped portion. ing. The step portion includes a surface extending in a direction parallel to the traveling direction of the light L3 incident on the second light guide element 32 and a surface extending in a direction orthogonal to the traveling direction. Similarly, in the third surface 35a of the fifth light guide element 35, the portion through which the light L8 reflected by the second reflection surface 34c of the fourth light guide element 34 passes has a stepped portion. The step portion includes a surface extending in a direction parallel to the traveling direction of the light L8 incident on the fifth light guide element 35 and a surface extending in a direction orthogonal to the traveling direction.

  According to such a configuration, even in the configuration in which the plurality of light guides 30 are arranged in an arc shape, the second light guide element 32 is suppressed while suppressing the deflection of the light L3 passing through the second light guide element 32. It is easy to make the optical path length that passes through constant. Similarly, it is easy to make the optical path length passing through the fifth light guide element 35 constant while suppressing the deflection of the light L8 passing through the fifth light guide element 35. Thereby, even in the configuration in which the plurality of light guides 30 are arranged in an arc shape, it is easy to improve the uniformity of the diffused light L5 by the first light diffusing element on the second surface 32b. Further, it is easy to improve the uniformity of the diffused light L10 by the second light diffusing element on the fourth surface 35b. Therefore, the plurality of light guides 30 arranged in an arc shape can be caused to emit light uniformly.

  Also in the present embodiment, the first light exit surface 33a of the third light guide element 33 in the first light guide 30a and the second light exit surface 36a of the sixth light guide element 36 in the second light guide 30b are respectively light. Contains diffusing elements. Thereby, the uniform light emission property of each light guide is further enhanced.

  FIG. 7 shows a lamp unit 5C according to the fourth embodiment. The lamp unit 5C includes a light guide unit 20C. FIG. 8 shows an enlarged part of the light guide unit 20C. Components having the same or similar functions as those of the lamp unit 5 according to the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals. A repetitive description of these components will be omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the plurality of light sources 11 are arranged so as to be positioned on a plane P1 indicated by a one-dot chain line. As shown in FIG. 8, the plane P1 extends in parallel with the plane P2 indicated by the alternate long and short dash line. The envelope surface of the first light diffusion element included in the second surface 32b of the second light guide element 32 and the envelope surface of the second light diffusion element included in the fourth surface 35b of the fifth light guide element 35. Forms a plane P2.

  According to such a structure, the space | interval of the 1st light source 11a and a 1st light-diffusion element and the space | interval of the 2nd light source 11b and a 2nd light-diffusion element correspond. Thereby, it is easy to manage the optical path length of the light emitted from each light source, and it is easy to improve the uniformity of the diffused light L5 by the first light diffusion element of the second surface 32b. Further, it is easy to improve the uniformity of the diffused light L10 by the second light diffusing element on the fourth surface 35b. Therefore, the plurality of light guides 30 arranged in an arc shape can be caused to emit light uniformly.

  The above embodiment is merely an example for facilitating understanding of the present invention. The configuration according to the above embodiment can be changed or improved as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention. In addition, it is obvious that equivalents are included in the technical scope of the present invention.

  In the light guide unit 20 according to the first embodiment and the light guide unit 20B according to the third embodiment, the first surface 32a of the second light guide element 32 includes the light collecting portion 32c, and the fifth The third surface 35a of the light guide element 35 includes a light collecting portion 35c. However, at least one of the light collecting unit 32c and the light collecting unit 35c may be omitted depending on the specifications of the optical system.

  In the light guide unit 20 </ b> A according to the second embodiment, the first light guide element 31 includes a first light collection element 37, and the fourth light guide element 34 includes a second light collection element 38. However, at least one of the first light collecting element 37 and the second light collecting element 38 may be omitted depending on the specifications of the optical system.

  In each of the embodiments described above, examples of the first medium forming the first light guide element 31, the third light guide element 33, the fourth light guide element 34, and the sixth light guide element 36 include the first Examples thereof include a transparent resin and glass having a refractive index. The second medium forming the second light guide element 32 and the fifth light guide element 25 is air.

  According to such a configuration, the second light guide element 32 and the fifth light guide element 35 can be formed at low cost. Therefore, the cost for obtaining a configuration capable of uniformly emitting light from the plurality of light guides 30 can be suppressed.

  If the second refractive index is equal to or lower than the first refractive index, at least one of the second light guide element 32 and the fifth light guide element 35 is formed of a translucent material such as transparent resin or glass. sell.

  In the light guide unit 20A according to the second embodiment, the third medium forming the first light collecting element 37 and the second light collecting element 38 is air.

  According to such a structure, the 1st condensing element 37 and the 2nd condensing element 38 can be formed at low cost. Therefore, the cost for obtaining a configuration capable of uniformly emitting light from the plurality of light guides 30 can be suppressed.

  If the second refractive index is equal to or lower than the first refractive index, at least one of the first light condensing element 37 and the second light condensing element 38 is formed of a translucent material such as transparent resin or glass. sell.

  In the light guide unit 20A according to the second embodiment, the light guide unit 20B according to the third embodiment, and the light guide unit 20C according to the fourth embodiment, the third light guide element 33 and the sixth light guide. Element 36 is part of one-piece molded article 21.

  According to such a configuration, not only the positioning accuracy of the third light guide element 33 and the sixth light guide element 36 is improved, but also the physical properties at the boundary B between the first light guide 30a and the second light guide 30b. Since there is no discontinuity, the straightness of light traveling beyond the boundary B can be improved. Thereby, a part of the light L5 diffused by the first light diffusion element of the second light guide element 32 in the first light guide 30a is guided to the sixth light guide element 36 in the adjacent second light guide 30b. It becomes easy. Similarly, a part of the light L10 diffused by the second light diffusion element of the fifth light guide element 35 in the second light guide 30b is guided to the third light guide element 33 in the adjacent first light guide 30a. It becomes easy. Therefore, the plurality of light guides 30 can emit light more easily.

  The first light guide element 31 and the fourth light guide element 34 are part of the one-piece molded product 22. According to such a configuration, the positioning accuracy of the first light guide element 31 and the fourth light guide element 34 is improved, and the plurality of light guide bodies 30 can emit light more uniformly.

  At least one of the combination of the first light guide element 31 and the fourth light guide element 34 and the combination of the third light guide element 33 and the sixth light guide element 36 is joined to the light guide element formed as a separate body. Can be integrated. In this case, the joint surface corresponds to the boundary B between the first light guide 30a and the second light guide 30b.

  In the light guide unit 20A according to the second embodiment, the light guide unit 20B according to the third embodiment, and the light guide unit 20C according to the fourth embodiment, the one-piece molded product 21 and the one-piece molded product 22 are It is a separate body. That is, the second light guide element 32 and the fifth light guide element 35 are formed by the gap defined between the one-piece molded product 21 and the one-piece molded product 22.

  However, at least one of the combination of the first light guide element 31 and the third light guide element 33 and the combination of the fourth light guide element 34 and the sixth light guide element 36 may be a one-piece molded article. For example, in the light guide unit 20 according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the fourth light guide element 34 and the sixth light guide element 36 of the second light guide 30b are one-piece molded products. As another example, in the light guide unit 20A according to the second embodiment, the light guide unit 20B according to the third embodiment, and the light guide unit 20C according to the fourth embodiment, A one-piece molded product may be formed by integrally connecting the lower part of the fifth light guide element 35.

  According to such a configuration, positioning work is unnecessary for at least one of the combination of the first light guide element 31 and the third light guide element 33 and the combination of the fourth light guide element 34 and the sixth light guide element 36. . This facilitates optical path length management for at least one of the second light guide element 32 and the fifth light guide element 35. Therefore, the plurality of light guides 30 can emit light more easily.

  Which of the plurality of light guide elements is a one-piece molded product can be appropriately determined according to the specifications of the optical system. For example, in the light guide unit 20 according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the third light guide element 33 of the first light guide 30a and the fourth light guide element 34 of the second light guide 30b are integrated. Molded.

  In each of the above-described embodiments, the configuration in which the lamp unit is installed in the lighting device mounted on the front portion of the vehicle is illustrated. The lamp unit according to the present invention can also be installed in a lighting device mounted at the rear of the vehicle. Examples of such an illuminating device include a tail lamp, a stop lamp, a clearance lamp, and a rear fog lamp.

  5: Lamp unit, 11: Light source, 11a: First light source, 11b: Second light source, 20 (20A, 20B, 20C): Light guide unit, 21, 22: One-piece molded product, 30: Light guide, 30a : 1st light guide, 30b: 2nd light guide, 31, 1st light guide element, 31a: 1st incident surface, 31b: 2nd incident surface, 31c: 1st reflective surface, 32: 2nd light guide Element, 32a: First surface 32a: Second surface, 32c: Condensing part, 33: Third light guide element, 33a: First light exit surface, 34: Fourth light guide element, 34a: Third light entrance surface , 34b: fourth incident surface, 34c: second reflecting surface, 35: fifth light guide element, 35a: third surface, 35b: fourth surface, 35c: condensing part, 36: third light guide element 36a: second exit surface, 37: first condensing element, 38: second condensing element, L1: light incident on the first entrance surface, L2: second entrance surface Incident light, L3: Light reflected on the first reflecting surface, L4: Light incident on the first surface, L5: Light diffused on the first light diffusing element, L6: Light incident on the third incident surface L7: light incident on the fourth incident surface, L8: light reflected on the second reflecting surface, L9: light incident on the second surface, L10: light diffused on the second light diffusing element, L11: Light collected on the first light collecting element, L12: Light condensed on the second light collecting element, P1: Plane on which a plurality of light sources are arranged, P2: First light diffusing element and second light diffusing Element envelope

Claims (10)

A lamp mounted on a vehicle,
A first light source;
A second light source;
A first light guide;
A second light guide disposed adjacent to the first light guide;
With
The first light guide is
A first light guide element comprising a first medium having a first refractive index;
A second light guide element comprising a second medium having a second refractive index that is less than or equal to the first refractive index;
A third light guide element comprising the first medium;
With
The first light guide element is:
A first incident surface arranged so that a part of the light emitted from the first light source is incident;
A second incident surface arranged so that a part of the light emitted from the first light source is incident;
A first reflecting surface arranged to reflect light emitted from the first light source and incident from the second incident surface;
With
The second light guide element is
A first surface arranged so that light incident on the first incident surface and light reflected by the first reflective surface pass through;
A second surface arranged to pass light passing through the first surface and including a first light diffusing element;
With
The second light guide is
A fourth light guide element comprising the first medium;
A fifth light guide element comprising the second medium;
A sixth light guide element comprising the first medium;
With
The fourth light guide element is
A third incident surface arranged so that a part of the light emitted from the second light source is incident;
A fourth incident surface arranged so that a part of the light emitted from the second light source is incident;
A second reflecting surface arranged to reflect light emitted from the second light source and incident from the fourth incident surface;
With
The fifth light guide element is:
A third surface disposed so that light incident on the third incident surface and light reflected by the second reflective surface pass through;
A fourth surface arranged to pass light passing through the third surface and including a second light diffusing element;
With
The third light guide element includes a first emission surface arranged so that a part of the light reflected by the second reflection surface and diffused by the second light diffusion element is emitted;
The sixth light guide element includes a second emission surface arranged so that a part of the light reflected by the first reflection surface and diffused by the first light diffusion element is emitted.
Light fixture. At least one of the first surface and the third surface includes a condensing part,
When the first surface includes the light collecting portion, the light collecting portion is arranged to collect at least part of the light incident on the first incident surface,
When the third surface includes the light collecting portion, the light collecting portion is arranged to collect at least a part of the light incident on the third incident surface,
The lamp according to claim 1. At least one of the first light guide element and the fourth light guide element includes a condensing element made of a third medium having a third refractive index that is equal to or lower than the first refractive index,
When the first light guide element includes the light collecting element, the light collecting element is arranged to collect at least a part of the light incident on the first incident surface, and the first The surface of is arranged so that the light condensed by the condensing element is incident,
When the fourth light guide element includes the light collecting element, the light collecting element is arranged to collect at least a part of the light incident on the third incident surface, and the third light guide element The surface of is arranged so that the light condensed by the condensing element is incident,
The lamp according to claim 1. In the first surface, at least a portion through which the light reflected by the first reflecting surface passes has at least one step portion,
In the third surface, at least a portion through which light reflected by the second reflecting surface passes has at least one step portion.
The lamp according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The envelope surface of the first light diffusing element and the envelope surface of the second light diffusing element form a plane,
The first light source and the second light source are disposed on a plane extending in parallel with the plane.
The lamp according to any one of claims 1 to 4. The second medium is air;
The lamp according to any one of claims 1 to 5. The third medium is air;
The lamp according to claim 3. At least one of the combination of the first light guide element and the fourth light guide element and the combination of the third light guide element and the sixth light guide element is a one-piece molded article.
The lamp according to any one of claims 1 to 7. At least one of the combination of the first light guide element and the third light guide element and the combination of the fourth light guide element and the sixth light guide element is a one-piece molded article.
The lamp according to any one of claims 1 to 8. A lamp mounted on a vehicle,
A light source;
A light guide;
With
The light guide is
A first light guide element comprising a first medium having a first refractive index;
A second light guide element comprising a second medium having a second refractive index that is less than or equal to the first refractive index;
A third light guide element comprising the first medium;
With
The first light guide element is:
A first incident surface arranged so that a part of the light emitted from the light source is incident;
A second incident surface arranged such that a part of the light emitted from the light source is incident;
A reflective surface arranged to reflect light emitted from the light source and incident from the second incident surface;
With
The second light guide element is
A first surface arranged so that light incident on the first incident surface and light reflected by the reflecting surface pass through;
A second surface arranged to pass light passing through the first surface and including a light diffusing element;
With
The third light guide element includes an emission surface arranged so that the light diffused by the light diffusion element is emitted.
Light fixture.

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