WO2014103743A1

WO2014103743A1 - Vehicle light

Info

Publication number: WO2014103743A1
Application number: PCT/JP2013/083392
Authority: WO
Inventors: 祐樹渡辺
Original assignee: 株式会社小糸製作所
Priority date: 2012-12-26
Filing date: 2013-12-12
Publication date: 2014-07-03

Abstract

One of the purposes of the present invention is to sufficiently provide lateral illumination using a vehicle light equipped with a light guide body even when the light guide body is arranged extending vertically. The vehicle light is configured such that light from a light source is incident from the bottom end surface and emitted from the front section (34a) with respect to a light guide body (34) arranged extending vertically. Additionally, the vehicle light is configured to have a projection step (34s2) formed at the front section (34a) of the light guide body (34) for deflecting and emitting a portion of the light guided through the light guide body (34) rightward. The light emitted from the projection step (34s2) can provide the lateral illumination.

Description

Vehicle lighting

The present invention relates to a vehicular lamp provided with a light guide.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as a vehicular lamp, there is known a vehicle lamp configured so that light from a light source is incident on one end surface of a light guide and emitted forward from the front surface portion.

[Patent Document 1] describes a light guide for such a vehicle lamp that is configured to bend and extend in a lateral direction from the bottom to the top.

In the vehicular lamp described in “Patent Document 1”, the light guided in the light guide body is internally reflected by the plurality of reflecting elements formed on the rear surface portion of the light guide body. It is configured as follows. And this vehicle lamp is comprised so that the light which spread | diffuses large in the left-right direction in the part extended in the horizontal direction of the light guide may be radiate | emitted.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2009-146722

Generally, the light emitted from the light guide is relatively easy to secure a large diffusion angle in the longitudinal direction (that is, the direction in which the light guide extends). However, it is difficult to ensure a large diffusion angle in the direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction. For this reason, when it arrange | positions so that a light guide may be extended in an up-down direction, there exists a problem that side irradiation cannot fully be performed.

The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, for example, and in a vehicular lamp provided with a light guide, even if the light guide is arranged to extend in the vertical direction. An object of the present invention is to provide a vehicular lamp that can sufficiently perform side irradiation.

In general, the light emitted from the light guide is relatively easy to secure a large diffusion angle in the longitudinal direction (that is, the direction in which the light guide extends). However, it is difficult to ensure a large diffusion angle in the direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction. And there exists a problem that the freedom degree of the arrangement | positioning will be restrict | limited by the characteristic of such a light guide.

The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, for example, and in a vehicular lamp provided with a light guide, the degree of freedom of arrangement of the light guide can be increased without impairing the lamp function. The object is to provide a vehicular lamp.

The present invention is intended to achieve the above object by devising the structure of the light guide.

That is, one aspect of the vehicular lamp according to the present invention is:
A light guide disposed so as to extend in the vertical direction, and a light source disposed so that light is incident on the light guide from an end surface in the vertical direction of the light guide, and is incident from the end surface. In the vehicular lamp configured to emit light forward from the front portion of the light guide,
A convex step is formed on the front portion of the light guide to deflect and emit part of the light guided through the light guide toward the side.

As long as the “light guide” is arranged so as to extend in the vertical direction, it may be constituted by a plate-like member, a rod-like member, or linearly in the vertical direction. It may be formed so as to extend, or may be formed so as to bend and extend in the vertical direction.

The “light source” may be disposed so that light is incident only from one end face of the light guide, or may be disposed so that light is incident also from the other end face.

The above-mentioned “convex step” is not particularly limited as long as it is formed in a convex shape on the front surface of the light guide. Further, the outgoing light deflected and emitted from the “convex step” to the side may be parallel light or diffused light, and may be in either the left or right direction. , Both left and right directions may be used.

As shown in the above configuration, the vehicular lamp according to the present invention allows light from a light source to be incident on a light guide disposed so as to extend in the vertical direction from the end surface in the vertical direction. It is comprised so that it may radiate | emit from a front part. However, a convex step for deflecting and emitting part of the light guided through the light guide toward the side is formed on the front surface of the light guide. Side irradiation light can be obtained by irradiation.

Therefore, according to the present invention, in the vehicular lamp provided with the light guide, the side illumination can be sufficiently performed even when the light guide is arranged so as to extend in the vertical direction.

In the above configuration, when the light guide is composed of a rod-shaped member, it is generally difficult to ensure a large horizontal diffusion angle of the light emitted from the light guide. Employment is particularly effective.

In the above configuration, if the convex step is formed so as to extend in the vertical direction, more side irradiation light can be secured.

In the above configuration, if the maximum deflection angle of the light deflected and emitted by the convex step is set to a value of 80 ° or more in the lateral direction with respect to the lamp front-rear direction, the side irradiation can be performed more reliably. Can do.

In the above configuration, the light guide is configured so that the front surface portion has a horizontal cross-sectional shape with a convex shape (for example, a convex curve shape such as an arc shape or a polygonal shape) toward the front, and the convex step If the structure is formed at a position away from the lateral center of the front surface of the light guide to the lateral side, the deflected emission to the side by the convex step is efficiently performed. Can do.

One aspect of the vehicular lamp according to the present invention is as follows:
A light guide disposed so as to extend in a predetermined direction; and a light source disposed so that light is incident on the light guide from an end surface in the predetermined direction of the light guide, and is incident from the end surface. In the vehicle lamp configured to emit the forward light from the front portion of the light guide forward,
The cross-sectional shape along the plane orthogonal to the predetermined direction of the front portion of the light guide is set to a convex curve shape,
A cross-sectional shape along a plane orthogonal to the predetermined direction of the rear surface portion of the light guide body is a pair of first lines extending rearward from both end positions of the convex curve with curves or straight lines having a smaller curvature than the convex curve 1 line and a second line connecting the rear end positions of the pair of first lines,
The front part and the rear part of the light guide are formed so as to be connected smoothly,
A portion of the rear surface portion of the light guide where the second line is located is subjected to a light reflection process for internally reflecting a part of the light guided through the light guide toward the front. It is.

The specific direction of the “predetermined direction” is not particularly limited, and for example, the vertical direction and the horizontal direction can be adopted.

The specific shape of each “first line” is not particularly limited as long as it is formed so as to extend rearward from a position or a straight line having a smaller curvature than the convex curve from both end positions of the convex curve. It is not something.

The above-mentioned “light reflection process” is not particularly limited as long as it is a process that allows a part of the light guided in the light guide to be internally reflected toward the front. For example, a process of forming a plurality of reflective elements or applying a textured process can be employed.

As shown in the above configuration, in the vehicular lamp according to the present invention, the cross-sectional shape along the plane perpendicular to the predetermined direction (that is, the longitudinal direction of the light guide) in the front surface portion of the light guide is set to a convex curve shape. Has been. Further, a cross-sectional shape along the plane of the rear surface portion of the light guide has a pair of first lines extending rearward from the both end positions of the convex curve with a curve or straight line having a smaller curvature than the convex curve, The second line connecting these rear end positions is formed, and the front surface portion and the rear surface portion of the light guide are formed so as to be smoothly connected. Then, the portion where the second line is located in the rear surface portion of the light guide is subjected to a light reflection process for internally reflecting a part of the light guided through the light guide toward the front. Therefore, the following effects can be obtained.

That is, light incident on the light guide from its longitudinal end face is guided through the light guide while being internally reflected at the rear surface area where the second line on the rear face is located. The light is emitted from the front. At that time, a part of the light internally reflected in the rear surface area subjected to the light reflection processing of the rear surface portion is internally reflected by total reflection in the side surface region extending in the cross-sectional shape of the first line in the rear surface portion, and then reflected on the front surface portion. Will be reached. The light emitted from the front surface after being internally reflected by this side region is deflected and emitted in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, rather than the light emitted from the front surface as it is after being internally reflected by each reflecting element as in the prior art. The angle is large.

Since a large light diffusion angle in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction can be ensured in this way, a light distribution function as a vehicular lamp is ensured even if the light guide is not arranged to extend in the left-right direction. can do. Therefore, the freedom degree of arrangement | positioning of a light guide can be raised.

Moreover, since the light guide is formed so that the front surface portion and the rear surface portion are smoothly connected, light diffusion in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction can be performed without unevenness.

Thus, according to the present invention, in the vehicular lamp provided with the light guide, the degree of freedom of arrangement of the light guide can be increased without impairing the lamp function.

In the above configuration, if the convex curve is formed of an arc, a larger light diffusion angle in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction can be secured.

In the above configuration, if each of the first lines is configured as a straight line, the internal reflection at each of the first lines can be performed by regular reflection, thereby making it easy to calculate the optical path. Is possible.

In the above configuration, when the predetermined direction (that is, the longitudinal direction of the light guide) is set in the vertical direction, in the conventional configuration, it is difficult to secure a sufficient diffusion angle in the horizontal direction, Employing the configuration of the present invention is particularly effective.

At this time, if a convex step for deflecting and emitting a part of the light guided through the light guide toward the side is formed on the front surface portion of the light guide, Side emission light can be obtained more easily by the emitted light.

According to the present invention, for example, in a vehicular lamp provided with a light guide, even if the light guide is arranged to extend in the vertical direction, the vehicle can sufficiently perform side irradiation. A lighting fixture can be provided.

Further, according to the present invention, for example, in a vehicle lamp provided with a light guide, it is possible to provide a vehicle lamp that can increase the degree of freedom of arrangement of the light guide without impairing the lamp function.

It is a front view which shows the vehicle lamp which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. II-II sectional view of FIG. Detailed view of the main part of FIG. The perspective view which shows the light guide unit of the said vehicle lamp FIG. 6A is a view similar to FIG. 3 showing a light guide according to a first modification of the embodiment, and FIG. 5B is a view showing a light guide according to a second modification of the embodiment. Figure similar to 3 The figure similar to FIG. 3 which shows the light guide which concerns on the 3rd modification of the said embodiment. The front view which shows the light guide unit which concerns on the 4th modification of the said embodiment. VIII-VIII sectional view of FIG. (A) is the same figure as FIG. 3 which shows the light guide which concerns on the 5th modification of the said embodiment, (b) is a figure which shows the light guide which concerns on the 6th modification of the said embodiment. Figure similar to 3 The front view which shows the vehicle lamp which concerns on the 7th modification of the said embodiment.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a front view showing a vehicular lamp 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line II-II in FIG.

As shown in these drawings, the vehicular lamp 10 according to the present embodiment is a combination lamp provided at the right front end portion of the vehicle, and is a transparent light-transmitting light attached to the lamp body 12 and its front end opening. The reflector unit 20, the light guide unit 30, and the amber bulb 40 are incorporated in the lamp chamber formed by the cover 14. The reflector unit 20 functions as a head lamp, the light guide unit 30 functions as a clearance lamp, and the amber bulb 40 functions as a front turn signal lamp.

As for the vehicular lamp 10, in FIG. 2, the direction indicated by X is “front” (also “front” as a vehicle), and the direction indicated by Y is “left direction” orthogonal to “front”.

The translucent cover 14 is curved so as to wrap around toward the rear side toward the vehicle width direction outer side (that is, the right side).

The reflector unit 20 includes a light source bulb 22 and a reflector 24 that reflects light from the light source bulb 22 forward. In that case, the reflector 24 is formed so that the edge 24a on the outer side in the vehicle width direction extends in a substantially arc shape.

The light guide unit 30 includes a light source 32 and a light guide 34 arranged so that light from the light source 32 enters.

The light guide 34 is a transparent synthetic resin molded product made of acrylic resin or the like, and is configured as a rod-shaped light guide that extends in the vertical direction. At this time, the light guide 34 is formed so as to be curved and extend at substantially equal intervals from the edge 24 a of the reflector 24.

The light source 32 is a light emitting diode that emits white light, and is disposed in the vicinity of the lower end surface 34c of the light guide 34 so that the light emitting surface faces the lower end surface 34c. The light source 32 is supported by a light source support member 36, and the light source support member 36 is supported by the lamp body 12.

The light guide unit 30 is configured such that light from the light source 32 incident from the lower end surface 34c of the light guide 34 is emitted forward from the front surface portion 34a.

The amber bulb 40 is a light source bulb that emits light in amber color, and is disposed outside the light guide unit 30 in the vehicle width direction.

As shown in FIG. 2, the light guide 34 is supported by a light guide support member 52 disposed near the rear of the light guide 34, and the light guide support member 52 is supported by the lamp body 12. Has been. An extension panel 54 extending in the vertical direction is disposed in the lamp chamber in a state of being close to the left and right sides of the light guide 34. The extension panel 54 is disposed so as to surround the reflector 24 and is supported by the lamp body 12.

In FIG. 1, the vehicle lamp 10 is shown with the light guide support member 52 and the extension panel 54 removed, in order to clearly show the arrangement of the light guide unit 30.

FIG. 3 is a detailed view of the main part of FIG. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the light guide unit 30.

As shown in these figures, the light guide 34 has a horizontal cross-sectional shape (more precisely, a cross-sectional shape along a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the light guide 34) having the following shape. Yes.

That is, the front surface portion 34a of the light guide 34 has a horizontal cross-sectional shape set to a convex curve shape (specifically, an arc shape). In addition, the rear surface portion 34b of the light guide 34 has a pair of first lines L1 that extend in a straight line with the horizontal cross-sectional shape inclined in a direction approaching each other from both end positions of the convex curve toward the rear, and these The second line L2 extends linearly in the left-right direction so as to connect the rear end positions of the pair of first lines L1. That is, in the rear surface portion 34b, a portion where the pair of first lines L1 is located is configured as a pair of side surface regions 34b1, and a portion where the second line L2 is located is configured as a rear surface region 34b2.

The light guide 34 is formed so that the front surface portion 34a and the side surface region 34b1 of the rear surface portion 34b are smoothly connected (that is, connected without causing a step or a bend).

In the rear surface region 34b2 of the rear surface portion 34b of the light guide body 34, a plurality of reflection elements 34s1 for internally reflecting a part of the light guided in the light guide body 34 toward the front by total reflection are introduced. The optical body 34 is formed in a sawtooth shape continuously in the longitudinal direction.

A convex step 34 s 2 is formed on the front surface 34 a of the light guide 34 to deflect and emit part of the light guided through the light guide 34 toward the outside in the vehicle width direction. At this time, the convex step 34s2 is formed over the entire length of the light guide 34 with a wedge-like cross-sectional shape at a position away from the center position in the left-right direction on the front surface portion 34a of the light guide 34 in the vehicle width direction. Yes.

The light guide 34 has a horizontal cross-sectional shape that is symmetrical with respect to the axis Ax extending in the front-rear direction of the lamp, except for the portion where the convex step 34s2 is formed.

The light incident on the light guide 34 is guided to the upper end surface 34d while repeating internal reflection by total reflection at the front surface portion 34a and the rear surface portion 34b. In FIGS. The optical path of the light guided through the body 34 is shown with reference to the center of the arc constituting the horizontal cross-sectional shape of the front surface portion 34a.

During this light guide, the light that has reached the rear surface region 34b2 of the rear surface portion 34b is internally reflected toward the front by each reflecting element 34s1, and is emitted forward from the front surface portion 34a.

At that time, part of the light internally reflected by each of the reflecting elements 34s1 is internally reflected by total reflection at the side surface region 34b1 of the rear surface portion 34b and then reaches the front surface portion 34a. The light reaching the front surface portion 34a in this way has a larger deflection outgoing angle in the left-right direction than the light emitted from the front surface portion 34a of the light guide 34 as it is after being internally reflected by each reflecting element 34s1. Become.

Of the light reaching the front surface portion 34a, the light reaching the convex step 34s2 is internally reflected directly from the right side surface portion 34s2R or by total reflection at the left side surface portion 34s2L, and then directed outward from the right side surface portion 34s2R toward the vehicle width direction. Will be emitted.

The convex step 34s2 includes a right side surface portion 34s2R and a left side surface portion 34s2L so that the maximum deflection angle of the light deflected and emitted by the convex step 34s2 becomes a value of 80 ° or more with respect to the lamp front-rear direction. The tilt angle is set.

Next, the function and effect of this embodiment will be described.

The vehicular lamp 10 according to the present embodiment causes light from the light source 32 to enter the light guide 34 disposed so as to extend in the vertical direction from the lower end surface 34c thereof and from the front surface portion 34a. Although configured to emit, a convex step 34 s 2 that deflects and emits part of the light guided in the light guide 34 toward the right side is provided on the front surface 34 a of the light guide 34. Since it is formed, the side irradiation light can be obtained by the light emitted from the convex step 34s2.

Therefore, according to the present embodiment, in the vehicular lamp 10 including the light guide 34, the side illumination can be sufficiently performed even though the light guide 34 is arranged to extend in the vertical direction. it can.

At this time, the light guide 34 of the present embodiment is composed of a rod-shaped member, and it is generally difficult to ensure a large diffusion angle in the horizontal direction of the light emitted from the light guide 34. It is particularly effective to adopt the configuration of the form.

In the present embodiment, since the convex step 34s2 is formed to extend in the vertical direction, a larger amount of side irradiation light can be secured.

Further, in the present embodiment, the maximum deflection angle of the light deflected and emitted to the right side by the convex step 34s2 is set to a value of 80 ° or more with respect to the front-rear direction of the lamp. This can be done more reliably.

At that time, the light guide 34 of the present embodiment has a horizontal cross-sectional shape in which the front surface portion 34a is convex toward the front, and the convex step 34s2 is in the left-right direction of the front surface portion 34a. Since it is formed at a position away from the center position on the right side, it is possible to efficiently perform the deflection emission to the right side by the convex step 34s2.

In addition, in the present embodiment, the horizontal cross-sectional shape of the rear surface portion 34b of the light guide 34 is a pair of first lines L1 extending from the both end positions of the convex curve constituting the front surface portion 34a in a straight line toward the rear, and these The second line L2 that connects the rear end positions of the light guide body 34 and the front surface portion 34a and the rear surface portion 34b of the light guide 34 are smoothly connected. Then, in the rear surface region 34b2 (that is, the portion where the second line L2 is located) of the rear surface portion 34b, light reflection for internally reflecting a part of the light guided in the light guide 34 toward the front. Since the plurality of reflective elements 34s1 are formed as a process, the following operational effects can be obtained.

That is, the light incident on the light guide 34 from its lower end surface 34 c is reflected inside the light guide 34 and reflected by the respective reflecting elements 34 s 1 and forward from the front surface 34 a of the light guide 34. In this case, a part of the light internally reflected by the plurality of reflecting elements 34s1 formed in the rear surface region 34b2 of the rear surface portion 34b is part of the side surface region 34b1 (that is, the first line) of the rear surface portion 34b. In the portion where L1 is located), the inner surface is reflected by total reflection and then reaches the front surface portion 34a. Then, the light emitted from the front surface 34a after being internally reflected by the side surface region 34b1 is more right and left than the light emitted from the front surface 34a of the light guide 34 after being internally reflected by each reflecting element 34s1 as in the prior art. The deflection emission angle in the direction (that is, the direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction) is large.

Therefore, while ensuring a large diffusion angle in the left-right direction of the emitted light from the light guide 34, it is possible to obtain light irradiated to the right side by the emitted light from the convex step 34s2.

Moreover, since the light guide 34 is formed so that the front surface portion 34a and the rear surface portion 34b are smoothly connected, light diffusion in the left-right direction can be performed without unevenness.

In the above-described embodiment, the convex step 34s2 is described as being formed over the entire length of the light guide 34. However, a configuration in which the convex step 34s2 is intermittently formed in the longitudinal direction of the light guide 34 is also possible. .

In the above embodiment, the convex step 34s2 is described as being formed in a wedge-shaped cross-sectional shape, but a configuration in which the convex step 34s2 is formed in a cross-sectional shape other than this is also possible.

In the above embodiment, the horizontal sectional shape of the rear surface region 34b2 in the rear surface portion 34b of the light guide 34 is described as being defined by the second line L2 extending linearly. Even in the case of a configuration defined by a curve having a smaller curvature than the convex curve that defines the cross-sectional shape of the front surface portion 34a of the body 34, it is possible to obtain the same operational effects as in the above embodiment.

In the above embodiment, the light source 32 is described as being disposed in the vicinity of the lower end surface 34c of the light guide 34. However, the configuration in which the light source 32 is disposed in the vicinity of the upper end surface 34d, the lower end surface 34c, and the upper It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which each is disposed in the vicinity of the end face 34d.

In the above-described embodiment, the light source diode is used as the light source 32. However, other types of light sources may be used.

In the above embodiment, the light guide 34 is described as being arranged so as to bend and extend in the vertical direction, but it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the light guide 34 is arranged so as to extend linearly.

In the above embodiment, the case where the vehicular lamp 10 is a combination lamp provided at the right front end portion of the vehicle has been described, but the same configuration as the above embodiment is adopted regardless of the location and function provided in the vehicle. By doing so, it is possible to obtain the same effect as the above-described embodiment.

Further, in the vehicular lamp 10 according to the present embodiment, the cross-sectional shape along a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal direction (that is, a predetermined direction) of the front surface portion 34a of the light guide 34 is set to a convex curve shape, The cross-sectional shape along the plane of the rear surface portion 34b of the light guide 34 is a second line connecting the rear end positions with a pair of first lines L1 that extend straight backward from both end positions of the convex curve. It is formed with the line L2, and is formed so that the front surface part 34a and the rear surface part 34b of the light guide 34 are smoothly connected. Then, in the rear surface region 34b2 (that is, the portion where the second line L2 is located) of the rear surface portion 34b, light reflection for internally reflecting a part of the light guided in the light guide 34 toward the front. Since the plurality of reflective elements 34s1 are formed as a process, the following operational effects can be obtained.

That is, the light incident on the light guide 34 from its lower end surface 34 c is reflected inside the light guide 34 and reflected by the respective reflecting elements 34 s 1 and forward from the front surface 34 a of the light guide 34. It will be emitted towards. At that time, a part of the light internally reflected by the plurality of reflecting elements 34s1 formed in the rear surface region 34b2 of the rear surface portion 34b is totally reflected in the side surface region 34b1 (that is, the portion where the first line L1 is located) of the rear surface portion 34b. Therefore, the light reaches the front surface portion 34a after being internally reflected. Then, the light emitted from the front surface 34a after being internally reflected by the side surface region 34b1 is more right and left than the light emitted from the front surface 34a of the light guide 34 after being internally reflected by each reflecting element 34s1 as in the prior art. The deflection emission angle in the direction (that is, the direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction) is large.

Since the light diffusion angle in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction can be ensured in this way, the light guide unit 30 is used as the light guide unit 30 even though the light guide 34 is arranged to extend in the vertical direction. A light distribution function can be secured. Therefore, the freedom degree of arrangement | positioning of the light guide 34 can be raised.

In addition, since the light guide 34 is formed so that the front surface portion 34a and the rear surface portion 34b are smoothly connected to each other, the light diffusion in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction can be performed uniformly. it can.

Thus, according to this embodiment, in the vehicular lamp 10 provided with the light guide 34, the degree of freedom of arrangement of the light guide 34 can be increased without impairing the lamp function.

At this time, in this embodiment, since the cross-sectional shape along the plane orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the front surface portion 34a of the light guide 34 is set in an arc shape, the light diffusion angle in the direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction is set. Can be secured larger.

Further, in the present embodiment, since each first line L1 is constituted by a straight line, internal reflection at each of these first lines L1 can be performed by regular reflection, which facilitates optical path calculation. Can be performed.

In the case where the light guide 34 is arranged so as to extend in the vertical direction as in the vehicular lamp 10 according to the present embodiment, it is difficult to ensure a sufficient diffusion angle in the horizontal direction with the conventional configuration. Therefore, it is particularly effective to adopt the configuration of this embodiment.

At this time, in the present embodiment, a convex step 34s2 is formed on the front surface portion 34a of the light guide 34 so as to deflect and emit part of the light guided through the light guide 34 toward the right side. Therefore, it is possible to obtain side irradiation light more easily by the light emitted from the convex step 34s2.

In the above-described embodiment, the light guide 34 is described as being arranged so as to bend and extend in the vertical direction. However, the configuration in which the light guide 34 is arranged to extend linearly, the horizontal direction, or other oblique directions. It is also possible to adopt a configuration that is arranged so as to extend.

Next, a modification of the above embodiment will be described.

First, a first modification of the above embodiment will be described.

FIG. 5A is a view similar to FIG. 3, showing a light guide 134 according to this modification.

As shown in FIG. 6A, the light guide 134 of the present modification has the same basic configuration as that of the above embodiment, but the configuration of the rear surface region 134b2 of the rear surface portion 134b is the same as that of the above embodiment. It is different from the case of form.

That is, in the light guide 134 of the present modification, a plurality of reflective elements 34s1 as formed in the light guide 34 of the above embodiment are formed on the rear surface region 134b2 of the rear surface part 134b as a light reflection process. Instead, it has been textured instead.

After entering the light guide 134, the light that has reached the rear surface region 134b2 of the rear surface portion 134b is internally reflected in all directions in the rear surface region 134b2, and at this time, the light that has been internally reflected toward the front side is reflected. The component is emitted forward from the front surface portion 134a through an optical path as shown in the figure.

The light that reaches the front surface portion 134a includes light that has been internally reflected by the rear surface region 134b2 of the rear surface portion 134b and then internally reflected by total reflection at the side surface region 134b1 of the rear surface portion 134b. As in the case of the above embodiment, the light emitted from the light has a large diffusion angle in the left-right direction.

Further, of the light reaching the front surface portion 134a, the light reaching the convex step 134s2 is reflected from the right side surface portion 134s2R directly or by internal reflection by total reflection at the left side surface portion 134s2L as in the case of the above embodiment. The light is emitted from the surface portion 134s2R toward the outside in the vehicle width direction.

The convex step 134s2 includes a right side surface portion 134s2R and a left side surface portion 134s2L so that the maximum deflection angle of the light deflected and emitted by the convex step 134s2 becomes a value of 80 ° or more with respect to the lamp front-rear direction. The tilt angle is set.

Even in the case of adopting the configuration of the present modification, the side irradiation can be reliably performed while sufficiently securing the diffusion angle in the left-right direction.

Next, a second modification of the above embodiment will be described.

FIG. 5B is a view similar to FIG. 3, showing the light guide 234 according to this modification.

As shown in FIG. 4B, the light guide 234 of the present modification is the same as that of the above embodiment in the basic configuration, but the configuration of the rear surface portion 234b is the same as that of the above embodiment. Is different.

That is, also in the light guide 234 according to this modification, a plurality of reflective elements 234s1 are formed in the rear surface region 234b2 of the rear surface portion 234b, but the side surface region 234b1 of the rear surface portion 234b is the front surface portion of the light guide 234 It has an arcuate cross-sectional shape obtained by extending 234a as it is.

After entering the light guide 234, the light that has reached the rear surface region 234b2 of the rear surface portion 234b is internally reflected toward the front by each reflecting element 234s1, and is emitted forward from the front surface portion 234a. Become.

Of the light reaching the front surface portion 234a, the light reaching the convex step 234s2 is reflected from the right side surface portion 234s2R directly or after being internally reflected by total reflection at the left side surface portion 234s2L as in the case of the above embodiment. The light is emitted from the surface portion 234s2R toward the outside in the vehicle width direction.

The convex step 234s2 includes a right side surface portion 234s2R and a left side surface portion 234s2L so that the maximum deflection angle of the light deflected and emitted by the convex step 234s2 becomes a value of 80 ° or more in the lateral direction with respect to the lamp front and rear direction. The tilt angle is set.

Even when the configuration of the present modification is employed, side irradiation can be performed reliably.

Next, a third modification of the above embodiment will be described.

FIG. 6 is a view similar to FIG. 3, showing a light guide 334 according to this modification.

As shown in the figure, the light guide 334 of this modification is the same in the basic configuration as in the above embodiment, but the configuration of the front surface portion 334a is different from that in the above embodiment. Yes.

That is, in the light guide body 234 according to this modification, the convex step 334s2 is formed on the front surface portion 334a, and the convex step 334s2 is formed at the center position in the left-right direction of the front surface portion 334a. Yes.

Similar to the convex step 34s2 of the above embodiment, the convex step 334s2 has a wedge-shaped cross-section and is formed over the entire length of the light guide 34, but has a horizontal cross-sectional shape that is symmetrical with respect to the axis Ax. .

After entering the light guide 334, the light that has reached the rear surface region 334b2 of the rear surface portion 334b is internally reflected toward the front by each of the reflecting elements 334s1, and is emitted forward from the front surface portion 334a. Become.

The light that reaches the front surface portion 334a includes light that is internally reflected by the rear surface region 334b2 of the rear surface portion 334b and then internally reflected by total reflection in the side surface region 334b1 of the rear surface portion 334b. As in the case of the above embodiment, the emitted light from the light has a large diffusion angle in the left-right direction.

Of the light reaching the front surface portion 334a, the light reaching the convex step 334s2 is internally reflected directly from the right side surface portion 334s2R or by total reflection at the left side surface portion 334s2L and then outward from the right side surface portion 334s2R toward the vehicle width direction. In addition, the light is emitted from the left side surface 334s2L directly or from the left side 334s2L to the inside in the vehicle width direction after being internally reflected by total reflection at the right side 334s2R.

In the case of adopting the configuration of this modified example, it is possible to sufficiently perform the side irradiation in both the left and right directions while sufficiently securing the diffusion angle in the left and right directions.

Next, a fourth modification of the above embodiment will be described.

FIG. 7 is a front view showing a light guide unit 430 according to this modification, and FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII in FIG.

As shown in these drawings, the light guide unit 430 according to the present modification includes two light sources 432 and a light guide 434 arranged so that light from the two light sources 432 is incident thereon. It has become.

The light guide 434 is a transparent synthetic resin molded product made of acrylic resin or the like, and is configured as a plate-like light guide that extends in the vertical direction. The light guide 434 has a certain width in the vehicle width direction and extends linearly in the vertical direction.

Each light source 432 is a light emitting diode that emits white light, and is disposed in the vicinity of the lower end surface 434c of the light guide 434 so that the light emitting surface faces the lower end surface 434c. These two light sources 432 are supported by a common light source support member 436 at positions separated from each other in the vehicle width direction.

The light guide unit 430 is configured such that light from each light source 432 incident from the lower end surface 434c of the light guide 434 is emitted forward from the front surface portion 434a.

On the rear surface portion 434b of the light guide 434, a plurality of dots 434s1 are formed at equal intervals in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction, respectively.

Further, four convex steps 434s2 extending in the vertical direction are formed on the front surface portion 434a of the light guide 434. These four convex steps 434 s 2 are arranged in two upper and lower stages at positions separated from each other in the vertical direction at two positions separated from each other in the vehicle width direction so as to be positioned above the two light sources 432. At that time, two convex steps 434 s 2 positioned at the lower stage have their lower end edges positioned at the lower end surface 434 c of the light guide 434, and the upper convex edges of the two convex steps 434 s 2 positioned at the upper stage are guided. It is located on the upper end surface 434d of the light body 434.

The horizontal sectional shape of each convex step 434s2 is the same as that of the convex step 334s2 of the light guide 334 of the third modification.

In the light guide unit 430 of this modification, the light from each light source 432 that has entered the light guide 434 and then has reached the rear surface portion 434b is reflected internally by total reflection toward the front at each dot 434s1. And it will radiate | emit toward the front from the front-surface part 434a.

Of the light reaching the front surface portion 434a, the light reaching each convex step 434s2 is internally reflected by total reflection at the left side surface portion 434s2L, then exits from the right side surface portion 434s2R to the outside in the vehicle width direction, and the right side thereof. After being internally reflected by total reflection at the surface portion 434s2R, the light is emitted from the left side surface portion 434s2L inward in the vehicle width direction.

Even in the case where the light guide 434 is configured as a plate-like light guide as in the present modification, side irradiation in both the left and right directions can be sufficiently performed.

At this time, in the present modification example, the four convex steps 434s2 are arranged at two positions apart from each other in the vertical direction. By adopting such a configuration, the light guide The amount of light emitted from 434 to the side can be adjusted as appropriate.

Next, a fifth modification of the above embodiment will be described.
FIG. 9A is a view similar to FIG. 3, showing a light guide 1134 according to this modification.

As shown in FIG. 5A, the light guide 1134 of this modification is the same as that of the above embodiment in terms of the basic configuration, but is convex like the light guide 34 of the above embodiment. This is different from the above embodiment in that the step 34s2 is not formed.

After entering the light guide 1134, the light that has reached the rear surface region 1134b2 of the rear surface portion 1134b is internally reflected toward the front by each reflecting element 1134s1, and is emitted forward from the front surface portion 1134a. Become.

At that time, part of the light internally reflected by each of the reflecting elements 1134s1 is internally reflected by total reflection at the side surface region 1134b1 of the rear surface portion 1134b and then reaches the front surface portion 1134a. The light reaching the front surface portion 1134a in this way is deflected and emitted in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, rather than the light emitted from the front surface portion 1134a of the light guide 1134 as it is after being internally reflected by each reflecting element 1134s1. The angle is large.

Moreover, since the light guide 1134 is formed so that the front surface portion 1134a and the rear surface portion 1134b are smoothly connected, light diffusion in the direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction can be performed without unevenness.

Therefore, even when the configuration of the present modification is employed, the degree of freedom of arrangement of the light guide 1134 can be increased without impairing the lamp function.

Next, a sixth modification of the above embodiment will be described.

FIG. 9B is a view similar to FIG. 3, showing a light guide 1234 according to this modification.

As shown in FIG. 4B, the light guide 1234 of the present modification has the same basic configuration as that of the fifth modification, but is along a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The cross-sectional shape is different from that in the above embodiment.

That is, in the light guide 1234 according to this modification, each first line C1 that defines the horizontal cross-sectional shape of the side surface region 1234b1 of the rear surface portion 1234b is not a straight line like each first line L1 in the above embodiment. The light guide body 1234 is composed of a curve having a smaller curvature than the convex curve that defines the cross-sectional shape of the front surface portion 1234a. At that time, the side surface region 1234b1 of the rear surface portion 1234b is formed so as to be smoothly connected to the front surface portion 1234a.

After entering the light guide 1234, the light that has reached the rear surface region 1234b2 of the rear surface portion 1234b is internally reflected toward the front by each of the reflecting elements 1234s1, and is emitted forward from the front surface portion 1234a. Become.

At that time, part of the light internally reflected by each of the reflecting elements 1234s1 is internally reflected by total reflection at the side surface region 1234b2 of the rear surface portion 1234b and then reaches the front surface portion 1234a. At this time, the position and angle at which the internally reflected light reaches the front surface portion 1234a are different from those in the fifth modified example, but the light reaching the front surface portion 1234a in this way is reflected by each reflection. The deflection emission angle in the direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction is larger than the light emitted from the front surface portion 1234a of the light guide 1234 as it is after being internally reflected by the element 1234s1.

Moreover, since the light guide 1234 is formed so that the front surface portion 1234a and the rear surface portion 1234b are smoothly connected, light diffusion in the direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction can be performed without unevenness.

Therefore, even when the configuration of the present modification is employed, the degree of freedom of arrangement of the light guides 1234 can be increased without impairing the lamp function.

Next, a seventh modification of the above embodiment will be described.

FIG. 10 is a front view showing a vehicular lamp 1310 according to this modification.

As shown in the figure, the vehicular lamp 1310 according to the present embodiment is also a combination lamp provided at the right front end of the vehicle, and a transparent translucent cover attached to the lamp body 1312 and its front end opening. The reflector unit 1320, the light guide unit 1330, and the amber bulb 1340 are incorporated in the lamp chamber formed by the lamp 1314.

However, in this modification, the light guide unit 1330 is arranged above the reflector unit 1320. The light guide unit 1330 includes a light guide 1334 that extends linearly in the left-right direction when the lamp is viewed from the front, and a light emitting surface in the vicinity of the right end surface 1334c of the light guide 1334 that faces the right end surface 1334c. The light source 1332 is arranged.

At that time, the light source 1332 has the same configuration as the light source 32 of the above-described embodiment, and the light guide 1334 has a cross-sectional shape along a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the fifth modification. It has the same cross-sectional shape as the light guide 1134.

Even in the case where the light guide 1334 is arranged so as to extend in the left-right direction as in the light guide unit 1330 of this modification, the emitted light from the front end 1334a spreads greatly in the left-right direction. Not only will it have light, it will also have a certain degree of spread in the vertical direction.

In addition, since the light guide 1334 is formed so that the front surface portion 1334a and the rear surface portion 1334b are smoothly connected, light diffusion in the vertical direction can be performed uniformly.

Therefore, when the light guide 1334 is arranged as in this modification, the light distribution function as the light guide unit 1330 can be easily ensured.

It should be noted that the numerical values shown as specifications in the above-described embodiment and its modifications are merely examples, and it goes without saying that these may be set to different values as appropriate.

Further, the present invention is not limited to the configurations described in the above embodiment and its modifications, and configurations with various other changes can be adopted.

Although the present invention has been described in detail and with reference to specific embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
This application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2012-283447 filed on December 26, 2012, Japanese Patent Application No. 2012-283448 filed on December 26, 2012, the contents of which are here Incorporated as a reference.

10, 1310: vehicle lamp,
12, 1312: Lamp body 14, 1314: Translucent cover 20, 1320: Reflector unit 22: Light source bulb 24: Reflector 24a:

Edge part

30, 430, 1330:

Light guide unit

32, 432, 1332:

Light source

34, 134, 234, 334, 434, 1134, 1234, 1334: Light guides 34a, 134a, 234a, 334a, 434a, 1134a, 1234a, 1334a:

Front part

34b, 134b, 234b, 334b, 434b, 1134b, 1234b, 1334b : Rear surface portion 34b1, 134b1, 234b1, 334b1, 1134b1, 1234b1: Side surface region 34b2, 134b2, 234b2, 334b2, 1134b2, 1234b2:

Rear surface region

34c, 434c: Lower end surface 34d, 434 : Upper end surface 34s1, 234s1, 334s1, 1134s1, 1234s1: Reflective element 34s2, 134s2, 234s2, 334s2, 434s2: Convex step 34s2L, 134s2L, 234s2L, 334s2L, 434s2L: Left side portion 34s2R, 134s2L, 234S2L, 334L2234 Right side surface portion 36, 436: light source support member 40, 1340: amber bulb 52: light guide support member 54: extension panel 1334c: right end surface 434s1: dot notation Ax: axis C1, L1: first line L2: second line

Claims

A light guide disposed so as to extend in the vertical direction, and a light source disposed so that light is incident on the light guide from an end surface in the vertical direction of the light guide, and is incident from the end surface. In the vehicular lamp configured to emit light forward from the front portion of the light guide,
A vehicular lamp, wherein a convex step for deflecting and emitting a part of light guided through the light guide in a lateral direction is formed on a front surface portion of the light guide.
The vehicular lamp according to claim 1, wherein the light guide is formed of a rod-shaped member.
The vehicle lamp according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the convex step is formed so as to extend in a vertical direction.
The vehicle-use vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a maximum deflection angle of light deflected and emitted by the convex step is set to a value of 80 ° or more laterally with respect to the lamp front-rear direction. Light fixture.
The front portion of the light guide has a horizontal cross-sectional shape that is convex toward the front,
The vehicular lamp according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the convex step is formed at a position away from the lateral center of the front surface portion of the light guide body in the lateral direction. .
A light guide disposed so as to extend in a predetermined direction; and a light source disposed so that light is incident on the light guide from an end surface in the predetermined direction of the light guide, and is incident from the end surface. In the vehicle lamp configured to emit the forward light from the front portion of the light guide forward,
The cross-sectional shape along the plane orthogonal to the predetermined direction of the front portion of the light guide is set to a convex curve shape,
A cross-sectional shape along a plane orthogonal to the predetermined direction of the rear surface portion of the light guide body is a pair of first lines extending rearward from both end positions of the convex curve with a curve or straight line having a smaller curvature than the convex curve. 1 line and a second line connecting the rear end positions of the pair of first lines,
The front part and the rear part of the light guide are formed so as to be connected smoothly,
The portion where the second line is located in the rear surface portion of the light guide is subjected to a light reflection process for internally reflecting a part of the light guided in the light guide toward the front, Vehicle lamp.
The vehicular lamp according to claim 6, wherein the convex curve is formed by an arc.
The vehicle lamp according to claim 6 or 7, wherein each of the first lines is constituted by a straight line.
The vehicle lamp according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the predetermined direction is set in a vertical direction.
The vehicular lamp according to claim 9, wherein a convex step for deflecting and emitting a part of the light guided through the light guide in a lateral direction is formed on a front surface portion of the light guide.