JP4078441B2 - Automotive signal lights - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an automobile signal lamp that is provided, for example, at the rear of an automobile and used as a so-called stop tail lamp.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, such an automobile signal lamp is configured, for example, as shown in FIG.
[0003]
In FIG. 3, an automobile signal lamp 1 is configured as a so-called stop / tail lamp, and includes a housing 2 attached to a rear portion of a vehicle body (not shown) of the automobile, and a bulb as a light source provided in the housing 2. 3, a reflection surface 4 provided on the inner surface of the housing 2, and a cover 5 formed so as to cover the entire front surface of the housing 2.
[0004]
The housing 2 is formed in a concave shape from the front so as to surround the bulb 3 from the front, with reference to a paraboloid of revolution centered around the filament of the bulb 3, for example.
[0005]
The reflection surface 4 is provided on the inner surface of the housing 2 so as to reflect the light from the bulb 3 and guide it to the rear of the automobile, and is composed of a large number of minute reflection surfaces.
Here, each of the minute reflecting surfaces is formed in a convex shape having a predetermined curvature.
[0006]
The cover 5 is made of a translucent material, for example, and is attached to the periphery of the housing 2 so as to seal the inside of the housing 2 including the bulb 3.
Further, the cover 5 is provided with a reflector 5a having a concavo-convex shape that does not partially transmit light outside the optical axis extending rearward from the bulb 3.
[0007]
According to the automotive signal lamp 1 having such a configuration, when the bulb 3 is lit, the light emitted from the bulb 3 travels backward, either directly or after being reflected by the reflecting surface 4 on the inner surface of the housing 2. Thus, the light beam is irradiated toward the rear of the vehicle body of the automobile through the cover 5.
At that time, the light reflected by the individual minute reflecting surfaces of the reflecting surface 4 is diffused on the basis of the convex shape, and is irradiated to a relatively wide angle range with respect to the rear. Thereby, the visibility from the back wide angle range can be ensured.
[0008]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
By the way, there are various light distribution standards for the vehicle signal lamp 1 having such a configuration, and in order to comply with these light distribution standards, for example, at least specifications for the United States, Europe and Japan must be prepared.
On the other hand, if the stop / tail lamp of the same specification is used, the reflective surface 4 formed so as to satisfy the minimum value of the stop lamp light distribution for the US will be used as it is for the European / domestic market. The maximum value of light distribution will exceed European and domestic light distribution standards.
For this reason, conventionally, as indicated by the symbol A in FIG. 4, the entire reflecting surface 4 described above is nested, and a reflecting surface 4 having a minute reflecting surface shape corresponding to each specification is prepared. The corresponding reflecting surface 4 is attached in the housing 2 for each specification.
[0009]
As a result, in the case of specifications for Europe and Japan, each minute reflecting surface of the reflecting surface 4 is denoted by reference numeral 4a in FIG. 5, and the minute reflecting surface for the United States indicated by reference numeral 4b in FIG. Compared with (illustrated with dotted lines), by reducing the curvature, the diffusion at the time of reflection is made wider, and the maximum value of the tail lamp light distribution is reduced.
It should be noted that the maximum value of the tail lamp light distribution is the γ direction having a larger width β with respect to the width α of the reflecting surface with respect to the rear in FIG.
[0010]
However, in the specifications for the United States and the specifications for Europe and Japan, the lighting is caused by the difference in the diffusion state at the time of reflection due to the difference in curvature of the minute reflecting surfaces 4a and 4b on the reflecting surface 4 when viewed from the rear. The feeling will be different. That is, in the case of specifications for the United States, as shown in FIG. 6A, since the curvature of the minute reflecting surface 4a is large, it can be observed as a relatively large bright spot, but in the case of specifications for Europe and Japan. As shown in FIG. 6B, since the curvature of the minute reflecting surface 4b is small, it is observed as a relatively small luminescent spot, which is not preferable.
[0011]
In view of the above, an object of the present invention is to provide an automobile signal lamp that can provide a good lighting feeling in any light distribution standard in accordance with various light distribution standards.
[0012]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
According to the present invention, the object is that the housing is attached to the rear part of the vehicle body, the light source disposed in the housing, and the inner surface of the housing so as to reflect the light beam from the light source backward. Provided as a whole is concave and has a large number of minute convex cut reflecting surfaces and covers the entire front surface of the housing, and a part located outside the optical axis extending backward from the light source is light. Including a cover formed so as to have a reflector that does not transmit light, and various light distribution standards are provided only for regions where the reflective surface corresponds to at least the reflector when viewed from the rear. Nested as multiple types of reflective parts that change the tilt angle with respect to the optical axis of each cut without changing the curvature of each cut so as to have satisfactory reflection characteristics Characterized in that it is replaceably configured by automobile signal lamp, it is achieved.
[0013]
In the vehicle signal lamp according to the present invention, preferably, each of the cuts of the reflecting parts is selected to have a relatively large inclination angle with respect to the optical axis in order to increase the minimum value of the stop lamp light distribution behind the vehicle.
[0014]
The vehicle signal lamp according to the present invention is preferably selected such that each cut of the reflective component has a relatively small inclination angle with respect to the optical axis in order to reduce the maximum value of the tail lamp light distribution in the direction of a predetermined angle outside from the rear of the vehicle. Has been.
[0015]
According to the above configuration, the reflective component having a cut of an inclination angle corresponding to various light distribution regulations is attached to the housing in a nesting manner only at least in a region corresponding to the reflector as viewed from the rear of the reflective surface. Since the vehicle signal lamp corresponding to various light distribution regulations can be configured using the common housing and cover, the cost of the entire vehicle signal light can be reduced.
[0016]
Here, no matter what kind of reflective surface is mounted, the light reflected by each cut of the reflective component from the light source has the same curvature of each cut on any type of reflective surface. Will be diffused as well.
In addition, since the reflective parts are not visible from the rear, the lighting feeling by changing multiple types of reflective parts does not change in any type of reflective surface, and a good lighting feeling is achieved in any reflective part. As a result, the nesting portion can be made small, so that the cost can be reduced.
[0017]
In order to increase the minimum value of the stop lamp light distribution at the rear of the automobile for each cut of the reflective component, when the inclination angle with respect to the optical axis is selected to be relatively large, the light incident on each cut from the light source However, based on the relatively large inclination angle of each cut, the light is reflected and diffused slightly from the rear toward the outside in a predetermined angle direction, so that the minimum value of the stop lamp light distribution at the rear of the automobile is sufficiently satisfied. be able to.
[0018]
If each of the cuts of the reflecting parts is selected to have a relatively small inclination angle with respect to the optical axis in order to reduce the maximum value of tail lamp light distribution in the direction of a predetermined angle outside from the rear of the automobile, each cut from the light source is performed. Is reflected and diffused slightly backward as a whole based on the relatively small inclination angle of each cut, so that the light distribution in the predetermined direction of the outside is reduced, and The maximum value of the rear tail lamp light distribution can be reduced.
[0019]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2.
The embodiments described below are preferable specific examples of the present invention, and thus various technically preferable limitations are given. However, the scope of the present invention is particularly limited in the following description. As long as there is no description of the effect, it is not restricted to these aspects.
[0020]
FIG. 1 shows the configuration of an embodiment of an automotive signal lamp according to the present invention.
In FIG. 1, an automobile signal lamp 10 is configured as a so-called stop / tail lamp, and includes a housing 11 attached to a rear portion of a vehicle body (not shown) of the automobile, and a bulb as a light source provided in the housing 11. 12, a reflection surface 13 provided on the inner surface of the housing 11, and a cover 14 formed so as to cover the entire front surface of the housing 11.
[0021]
The housing 11 is formed in a concave shape from the front so as to surround the bulb 12 from the front, for example, with reference to a paraboloid of revolution focusing on the vicinity of the filament of the bulb 12.
[0022]
The reflection surface 13 is provided on the inner surface of the housing 11 so as to reflect the light from the bulb 12 and guide it to the rear of the automobile, and is composed of a large number of minute reflection surfaces.
Here, each of the minute reflecting surfaces is formed in a convex shape having a predetermined curvature.
[0023]
The cover 14 is made of, for example, a translucent material, and the periphery of the cover 14 is attached to the periphery of the housing 11 by welding or the like in order to protect the inside of the housing 11 including the bulb 12. The internal space of is sealed.
Further, the cover 14 is provided with a reflector 14a having a concavo-convex shape that does not partially transmit light outside the optical axis extending rearward from the bulb 12.
[0024]
The above configuration is substantially the same configuration as the conventional automotive signal lamp 1 shown in FIG. 3, but the automotive signal lamp 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention has a configuration in which the reflection surface 13 is different.
That is, the reflective surface 13 is configured as a reflective component 13a that can be replaced in a nested manner in a part of the region corresponding to the reflector 14a of the cover 14 when viewed from the rear.
[0025]
A plurality of types of reflection portions 13a are prepared so as to correspond to various light distribution regulations, and among these reflection portions 13a, an appropriate type of reflection portion 13a is nested in the housing 11. As a result, the vehicle signal lamp 10 that conforms to the light distribution regulation corresponding to the reflection portion 13a can be configured.
[0026]
Here, in the specification for the United States, for example, the reflection portion 13a is relatively arranged with respect to the optical axis in which each cut extends along the inner surface of the housing 11, that is, rearward from the bulb 12, as shown in FIG. It is formed with a large inclination angle.
As a result, the light incident on each cut from the bulb 12 is basically reflected and diffused toward the outer predetermined direction (γ direction described later) as a whole.
[0027]
On the other hand, for example, in the specification for Europe and Japan, the reflection portion 13a is arranged so that each cut faces slightly rearward from the inner surface of the housing 11, as shown in FIG. It is formed with a relatively small inclination angle with respect to the extending optical axis.
Thereby, the light incident on each cut from the bulb 12 is basically reflected and diffused backward as a whole.
[0028]
The automotive signal lamp 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention is configured as described above, and lights up when the bulb 12 is supplied with power. A part of the light emitted from the bulb 12 is reflected directly and partly by the reflecting surface 13, and is irradiated rearward through the cover 14.
At that time, the incident light from the bulb 12 is diffused and reflected based on the convex shape of the cut in each cut of the reflection surface 13, and the horizontal and vertical directions with respect to the optical axis extending backward from the bulb 12. By diffusing and irradiating, the light distribution standard is satisfied.
[0029]
Here, when the reflective component 13a mounted in a nested manner is a reflective component of the US specification shown in FIG. 2A, the incident light from the bulb 12 is cut in each cut of the reflective component 13a. Thus, the light is reflected toward a predetermined direction (γ direction) outside, satisfying the minimum value behind the stop lamp light distribution and satisfying the US light distribution standard.
[0030]
On the other hand, when the reflective component 13a mounted in a telescopic manner is a reflective component with specifications for Europe and Japan shown in FIG. 2B, the incident from the bulb 12 is performed at each cut of the reflective component 13a. The light is basically reflected backward by the cut, and the maximum value in the γ direction of the tail lamp is reduced to meet the light distribution standards in Europe and Japan.
[0031]
In this case, since the reflection component 13a has the same curvature as that of the reflection component 13a of the US specification, the diffusion range of incident light from the bulb 12 is the same, and the lighting feeling is not changed. Therefore, a good lighting feeling can be obtained.
Furthermore, since the reflection component 13a cannot be observed because it corresponds to the reflector 14a of the cover 14 when viewed from the back, the lighting feeling when the reflection component 13a of the US specification is attached and It does not change, and a good lighting feeling can be obtained.
[0032]
In this way, according to the automotive signal lamp 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention, the light from the bulb 12 is reflected directly or by the reflecting surface 13 and diffused and irradiated toward the rear of the automobile. The light is diffused and irradiated toward the rear of the automobile by the reflecting component 13a having a large number of minute cuts whose inclination angles are changed in accordance with various light distribution standards.
As a result, the light reflected and diffused by the reflective component 13a is basically irradiated rearward in a predetermined angle direction according to the inclination angle, for example, the stop lamp distribution in the rear in the US light distribution standard. The minimum value of light is met or the maximum value of tail lamp light distribution is reduced to meet the maximum value of tail lamps in European and domestic light distribution standards.
[0033]
In the above-described embodiment, the case of a stop / tail lamp has been described as an automobile signal lamp. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the present invention can be applied to an automobile signal lamp such as a so-called combination lamp including a stop lamp and a tail lamp. Is clear.
In the above-described embodiment, the reflective component 13a has been described with respect to two types of the US specification and the European / domestic specification. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the reflective component 13a has three or more types of specifications. It may be formed so as to have cuts with different inclination angles with respect to the optical axis extending rearward so as to have different reflection characteristics.
[0034]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, the reflective component having the cut of the inclination angle corresponding to various light distribution regulations is nested in the housing only in the region corresponding to the reflector as viewed from the rear of the reflective surface. Since the vehicle signal light corresponding to various light distribution regulations can be configured by using the common housing and cover, the cost of the entire vehicle signal light can be reduced.
Here, no matter what kind of reflective surface is mounted, the light reflected by each cut of the reflective component from the light source has the same curvature of each cut on any type of reflective surface. Will be diffused as well.
In addition, since the reflective parts are not visible from the rear, the lighting feeling by changing multiple types of reflective parts does not change in any type of reflective surface, and a good lighting feeling is achieved in any reflective part. As a result, the nesting portion can be made small, so that the cost can be reduced.
In this way, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide an automobile signal lamp that can obtain a good lighting feeling even if the maximum value of the tail lamp light distribution is reduced.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a schematic sectional view showing an embodiment of an automotive signal lamp according to the present invention.
2 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing (A) a US specification cut and (B) a European / domestic cut in the automotive signal lamp of FIG. 1. FIG.
FIGS. 3A and 3B are a front view and a schematic cross-sectional view as seen from the rear, respectively, showing a configuration of an example of a conventional automobile signal lamp.
4 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a nesting portion of a reflection surface of the automotive signal lamp of FIG. 3;
5 is a partial enlarged cross-sectional view showing a cut of a reflection surface of the automobile signal lamp of FIG. 3; FIG.
6 is a schematic front view showing lighting states of (A) US specifications and (B) European / domestic specifications in the automotive signal lamp of FIG. 3;
[Explanation of symbols]
10 Car Signal Light 11 Housing 12 Bulb (Light Source)
13 Reflecting surface 13a Reflecting component 14 Cover 14a Reflector

Claims (3)

A housing attached to the rear of the car body;
A light source disposed in the housing;
A reflective surface as a whole provided on the inner surface of the housing so as to reflect the light beam from the light source toward the rear, and having a number of minute convex cuts;
A cover that covers the entire front surface of the housing and is formed so as to have a reflector that does not transmit light, with a portion located outside the optical axis extending backward from the light source;
In automotive signal lights, including
The reflection surface has a reflection characteristic that satisfies various light distribution standards only in a region corresponding to the reflector at least when viewed from the rear, with respect to the optical axis of each cut without changing the curvature of each cut. A signal light for automobiles, which is configured to be replaceable in a nesting manner as a plurality of types of reflecting parts having different inclination angles. 2. The angle of inclination with respect to the optical axis is selected to be relatively large in order to increase the minimum value of the stop lamp light distribution at the rear of the automobile for each cut of the reflective component. Signal light for automobiles. The angle of cut with respect to the optical axis is selected to be relatively small in order to reduce the maximum value of the tail lamp light distribution in a predetermined angle direction outside the rear part of the automobile. The signal lamp for automobiles according to 1 or 2.

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