JP4122964B2 - License plate lighting device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an illuminating device capable of effectively increasing the designability of a license plate part and also improving the sense of unity of the license plate part with a vehicle. <P>SOLUTION: This illuminating device comprises a light source, a light lead-in plate disposed on the front side of the license plate, leading the light of the light source therein, and radiating the led-in light to the license plate side, and a decorative cover installed to cover the outer edge part of the light lead-in plate. A cutout is formed at the outer edge part of the light lead-in plate so that the decorative surface of the decorative cover is flush with the decorative surface of the light lead-in plate at least in the boundary area of both of these surfaces when the decorative cover is installed. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO&amp;NCIPI

Description

[0001]
[Industrial application fields]
The present invention relates to a lighting device used for lighting a vehicle license plate.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In a license plate of a vehicle, the display surface is irradiated with light in order to improve visibility at night. In such a front light type illumination method, a method of irradiating the license plate directly with light from a light source installed above, below or on the side of the license plate is generally used. There has also been proposed a method in which the light is converted into planar light using a light guide plate (light guide) and then used as illumination light. For example, a light guide is installed so as to cover the display surface of the license plate, and light from the light source is introduced from the upper part of the light guide to emit surface light from the surface of the light guide facing the license plate. A license plate illumination device for illuminating a plate has been proposed (see Patent Document 1).
[0003]
[Patent Document 1]
US Pat. No. 5,150,960
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In the license plate illumination device using the light guide as described above, a design cover is generally mounted so as to cover the outer edge of the light guide. By using such a design cover, the light source part is shielded from light, the structure part is shielded, and the like is improved. However, in such a configuration, a step is generated between the surface of the design cover and the surface of the light guide plate that is not covered by the design cover, and the design of the entire lighting device becomes uneven. As a result, the decorativeness of the license plate portion is deteriorated and a sense of unity with the vehicle cannot be obtained.
[0005]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and provides the following configuration.
A light source;
A light guide plate that is disposed on the front side of the license plate, introduces light of the light source, and emits the introduced light to the license plate side, the light guide plate having a notch on the outer edge thereof;
A design cover mounted so as to cover the outer edge of the light guide plate,
In the license plate illumination device, the design surface of the design cover and the design surface of the light guide plate are at least flush with each other in a boundary region between them.
[0006]
According to the above configuration, when the design cover is attached to the light guide plate, the design surface of the design cover and the design surface of the light guide plate are flush with each other in the boundary region between them. That is, there is no substantial step at the boundary between the design cover and the light guide plate. Therefore, in the surface design of the license plate portion, the unevenness resulting from the mounting of the design cover is eliminated, and the design property of the license plate portion is remarkably improved. In addition, the sense of unity between the license plate portion and the vehicle is enhanced by the fact that the unevenness is not observed.
[0007]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
(light source)
As the light source, an LED, a light bulb (bulb), a fluorescent lamp, a cold cathode tube, or the like can be used. Among these, it is preferable to employ an LED. The LED light source is a light source suitable for continuous lighting for a long time because of low power consumption and heat generation and long life. Further, since it is small in size, it requires less space for the light source, and the lighting device of the present invention can be reduced in size and thickness. This also improves the handling properties of the lighting device. Further, since LEDs are resistant to vibration and impact, there is an advantage that a highly reliable lighting device can be configured.
[0008]
The type of LED is not particularly limited, and various types such as a shell type and a chip type can be adopted. The light emission color of the light source to be employed is not particularly limited, and a light source that emits light in the visible region such as white, red, orange, green, and blue can be employed. As a preferable light source, one emitting white light can be cited. This is because, if a light source that emits white light is used, the number, characters, and background displayed on the license plate can be observed (viewed) in the original color. On the other hand, if a light source of a color other than white is used, the design of the license plate can be changed or the design can be enhanced, for example, by adding color to the license plate.
[0009]
A light source that emits light in the ultraviolet region can also be used. In this case, a phosphor that receives and fluoresces light in the ultraviolet region can be used together. Note that a light source capable of emitting light in the visible region and the ultraviolet region may be used.
When using a phosphor, for example, a layer containing the phosphor can be provided on the surface of the light guide plate. Such a layer containing a phosphor can be formed by printing or applying a phosphor-containing ink or paint, or by attaching a sheet containing the phosphor. Moreover, a fluorescent substance can be contained in the light guide plate. In such a configuration, fluorescence is generated in the light guide plate, and illumination is performed by emitting this fluorescence from the light emitting surface of the light guide plate. In the case where the phosphor is contained in the light guide plate, it is particularly preferable to use an organic phosphor. This is because if the organic phosphor is used, the transparency of the light guide plate can be maintained, and a clear lighting effect can be obtained.
[0010]
Instead of containing the phosphor in the light guide plate, it can also be contained in the license plate that is the object of illumination. For example, the display part (numerals, characters, etc.) of the license plate can be formed using a paint or ink containing a phosphor, or a layer containing a phosphor can be provided on the surface of the display part. In such a configuration, the ultraviolet light emitted from the light source is applied to the license plate through the light guide, and the phosphor of the display unit is excited. As a result, the display part of the license plate is lit and displayed by fluorescence.
[0011]
The kind of fluorescent substance is not specifically limited, It can employ | adopt regardless of an organic type and an inorganic type. By using an organic phosphor, it is possible to obtain fluorescent light with a clear feeling as described above. On the other hand, when an inorganic phosphor is used, fluorescent light with a matte feeling can be obtained. Phosphors having various fluorescent colors can be employed. For example, phosphors having fluorescent colors of red, green, or blue, which are the three primary colors of light, and phosphors that fluoresce their intermediate colors can be used. . A plurality of phosphors can be used in combination. For example, a red phosphor, a green phosphor, and a blue phosphor can be mixed and used.
[0012]
You may comprise the light source in this invention using several LED, a bulb | bulb, etc. In this case, a plurality of light sources of the same type can be used, or light sources having different emission colors can be used in combination. By using a plurality of light sources, it is possible to obtain effects such as an increase in illuminance or illumination of various emission colors by color mixing of light. Note that the number of light sources used can be determined by comprehensively considering the luminance of each light source, the size of the light guide plate, the required illuminance, and the like. As an example of using a plurality of light sources, a combination of three types of red LEDs, green LEDs, and blue LEDs can be given. According to such a light source, white light can be obtained by the color mixture of each LED. Moreover, if the light emission state and light emission amount of each LED are controlled, light of a desired color can be obtained.
[0013]
A light source is arranged facing a position where light can be introduced into the light guide plate during use (for example, one or a plurality of end faces of the light guide plate). In use, the light source is preferably disposed to face the end face of the light guide plate. In this way, the introduced light is well guided in the light guide plate, and as a result, light can be emitted from a wider range of the light emission surface of the light guide plate, and the light is emitted with less unevenness in illuminance. Can be done. For example, one or a plurality of light sources can be arranged to face the upper end surface, lower end surface, left end surface, and / or right end surface of the light guide plate. Especially, it is preferable to arrange | position a light source so that the upper end surface of a light-guide plate may be opposed. That is, it is preferable to irradiate light from the light source from above the light guide plate toward the lower end. In the case where the light diffusing process described later is performed on the design surface of the light guide plate, for example, if light from the light source is introduced from the lower end surface of the light guide plate, a lot of light traveling obliquely upward from the back side is incident on the design surface. Most of the light radiated from the surface to the outside is light that goes diagonally upward or upward. Here, since the viewpoint of an observer (for example, a driver of another vehicle) is usually located obliquely upward as viewed from the illumination device, a lot of light travels toward the viewpoint of the observer, and as a result, the license plate As a result, the light guide plate design surface emits light and is observed, making it difficult to see the license plate. On the other hand, if the light source is arranged above the light guide plate and light is introduced from the upper end of the light guide plate, most of the light emitted from the design surface of the light guide plate is directed downward or downward, that is, from the viewpoint of the observer. The light traveling in the direction is small, and as a result, the phenomenon that the design surface of the light guide plate emits light and the license plate becomes difficult to see as described above is prevented. Note that the same effect can be obtained when the light source is arranged on the side of the light guide plate (one of the left and right ends, or both left and right ends). Since the amount of emitted light is reduced, it can be said that the position above the light guide plate is most suitable as the position of the light source.
[0014]
As a specific example of the arrangement mode of the light source, there can be mentioned an embodiment in which a plurality of LEDs are linearly arranged in a state of facing one end face (preferably the upper end face) of the light guide plate. In such an embodiment, there is an advantage that the configuration of a circuit used for lighting each LED can be simplified.
[0015]
Here, when the light amount of the light source is not sufficient or when a sufficient light guiding effect cannot be obtained, there is a possibility that the light distribution in the light guide plate may be uneven. For example, the amount of light decreases in a region away from the light source, and as a result, illuminance unevenness may occur in the light emitted from the light emitting surface of the light guide plate. In such a case, it is preferable to dispose the light source so that light is introduced from both the upper and lower or left and right ends of the light guide plate. For example, a row of LEDs is arranged facing the upper end surface of the plate-shaped light guide plate, and a row of LEDs is arranged similarly facing the lower end surface of the light guide plate. Alternatively, the LEDs in a row are used so as to face the left end surface and the right end surface of the light guide plate, respectively. In addition, LED can also be arrange | positioned on four sides so that each end surface of upper and lower sides and right and left may be opposed. Further, the LEDs can be arranged on three sides of the left and right end surfaces and the upper end surface or the left and right end surfaces and the lower end surface.
From the viewpoint of the light introduction efficiency and the compactness of the apparatus, it is preferable to design so that the light source is disposed in the vicinity of the light guide plate.
[0016]
(Light guide plate)
The light guide plate introduces light from the light source, converts the introduced light into planar light, and then radiates it onto the display surface of the license plate. As described above, the light guide plate includes a light introduction surface for introducing light from the light source and a light emission surface for radiating the introduced light to the outside. A surface observed from the outside, that is, a surface opposite to the license plate side (excluding a portion covered with the design cover) is referred to as a design surface in this specification.
[0017]
In consideration of the size of the license plate to be illuminated, it is preferable to use a light guide plate having a light emission surface with a planar view area that can cover the entire license plate. In order to make the structure more compact, it is more preferable to use a light guide plate whose light emission surface has a plan view shape substantially the same as or slightly larger than that of the license plate. It is preferable to use a light guide plate that is as thin as possible as long as the effect of the light guide for irradiating the licensed light onto the license plate is sufficiently obtained and there is no problem in strength. For example, a light guide plate having a thickness of 1 mm to 15 mm can be used as the light guide plate. If it is thinner than this, it is not preferable because sufficient mechanical strength cannot be obtained. Further, if it is thicker than this, it is not preferable because an installation space is required unnecessarily, and it is not preferable because the manufacturing cost increases. A light guide plate having a thickness of preferably 2 mm to 10 mm, more preferably 2 mm to 5 mm can be used.
[0018]
A cutout (mounting portion) for mounting the design cover is formed on the outer edge portion of the light guide plate. The design cover is attached through the cutout, and as a result, the outer edge (part or whole) of the light guide plate is covered with the design cover. Here, when the design cover is mounted, the shape, size, etc. of this notch are designed so that the design surface of the design cover and the design surface of the light guide plate are flush with each other at least in the boundary region between them. . For example, as illustrated in the examples described later, the design surface of the design cover and the design surface of the light guide plate are formed by forming the outer edge of the light guide plate one step lower by an amount corresponding to the thickness of the design cover. Can be flush. However, the notch formed in the outer edge portion of the light guide plate is not limited to such a flat surface, and may be, for example, a portion in which a concave portion or a convex portion is formed. If such a configuration is adopted and the back surface side of the design cover is made to have a shape corresponding to the concave portion or the convex portion, the concave portion or the convex portion formed in the notch and a part of the back surface of the design cover are engaged. The design cover can be more securely fixed. In addition, positioning of the design cover is facilitated, and improvement in work efficiency can be expected.
[0019]
When the lighting device of the present invention is used (attached to the license plate portion), the light guide plate is preferably close to the license plate. This is because the license plate portion can be configured to be thinner. For example, the lighting device is preferably configured so that the light guide plate is in close contact with the license plate during use. However, it is also possible to use a light guide plate in which a space is formed between the light guide plate and the license plate during use. By adopting a configuration in which the seal of the license plate is housed inside such a light guide plate, it becomes unnecessary to seal the seal portion, and the light guide plate can be opened and closed without removing the seal. Further, a layer for promoting the diffusion of light can be interposed between the light guide plate and the license plate. For example, a light guide plate in which a layer containing a light diffusing material is formed on the surface facing the license plate can be used. Such a layer containing a light diffusing material can be formed by attaching a sheet in which the light diffusing material is dispersed, applying a resin containing the light diffusing material, or the like.
[0020]
It is preferable to form a light reflection layer on a surface other than the light introduction surface, the light emission surface, and the design surface of the light guide plate. This is because light is efficiently emitted from the light emitting surface by preventing light leakage from the surface. If a light reflection layer is provided, this not only reflects light but also diffuses light, which can promote light diffusion in the light guide plate, and thus emit light with more uniform brightness from the light emitting surface. can do.
[0021]
An uneven portion can be formed on the surface of the light emitting surface or the design surface of the light guide plate. Irregularities can also be formed on both sides. By this uneven part, the light of the light source introduced into the light guide plate can be reflected, and the irregular reflection and diffusion of the light within the light guide plate can be promoted.
The irregularities here include groove shapes such as triangular grooves, square grooves, and round grooves, and pit shapes. A plurality of uneven portions having different shapes may be used in combination. Such irregularities can be formed continuously, or can be formed discontinuously such as dots. Moreover, it may be formed regularly or randomly.
Such a concavo-convex part can be formed by scraping off a part of the surface of the light guide plate using a needle-like or saw-toothed processing tool, or by performing a cutting process or a polishing process on the surface of the light guide plate. Alternatively, such a concavo-convex portion can also be formed by producing a light guide plate by molding using a mold in which a desired concavo-convex portion is formed.
[0022]
A surface that tapers toward the light emitting surface as the distance from the light source can be formed on the design surface of the light guide plate. The entire design surface of the light guide plate may be such a tapered surface. For example, when the light source is disposed facing the upper end surface of the light guide plate, the design surface of the light guide plate can be a surface that tapers from the upper end surface toward the lower end surface. When the design surface of the light guide plate is such a tapered surface, for example, if the light of the light source is introduced from the upper end surface of the light guide plate so that its optical axis is parallel to the light emission surface of the light guide plate, the introduced light is Efficiently reaches the design surface of the light guide plate, and then reaches the light diffusion layer formed on the surface, so that efficient light reflection and diffusion occurs by the light diffusion layer. Thereby, the light distribution in the light guide plate is made more uniform, and light with less illuminance unevenness can be emitted from the light emitting surface of the light guide plate.
[0023]
The material of the light guide plate is not particularly limited as long as it is transparent to the light from the light source. The light guide plate is preferably made of a transparent material (including colorless and transparent, and colored and transparent). Moreover, it is preferable to comprise a light-guide plate with the material which is easy to process and was excellent in durability. As a material of the light guide plate, for example, acrylic resin, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polycarbonate resin, epoxy resin, glass, or the like can be used.
[0024]
A light source is disposed inside or outside the light guide plate. In the former case, for example, a space for storing the light source is provided in a part of the light guide plate. For example, a groove for storing the light source can be provided on the end face (upper end face, lower end face, or left and right end faces) of the light guide plate. In such a configuration in which the light guide plate has a space for storing the light source, the light source and the light guide plate are integrally configured, so that the sealing performance is improved, and the lighting device has a high dustproof and waterproof effect. Also, good light guiding efficiency and reduction in assembly man-hours can be expected. On the other hand, since it becomes necessary to design the light guide plate in consideration of the waterproof measures for the light source unit, the structure of the light guide plate becomes complicated. On the other hand, according to the configuration in which the light source is disposed outside the light guide plate, that is, the configuration in which the light source unit is separated from the light guide plate, the design freedom of the light source unit and the light guide plate is increased, and both can be made compact. Moreover, the structure of the whole illuminating device is also simplified. Furthermore, the light source part can obtain a sufficient waterproof / dustproof effect even with a simple structure. In addition, in use, it is possible to adopt a configuration in which the light source unit is fixed to the vehicle side and the license plate can be attached by sliding, opening and closing the light guide plate. In such a configuration, there is no movement of the light source when attaching or detaching the license plate, there is less risk of damage to the light source during the operation, and wiring to the light source becomes easier and simpler. And a further simplification of the overall structure of the lighting device is achieved.
[0025]
It is preferable to form a light diffusion layer on the design surface of the light guide plate. According to such a configuration, the light distribution in the light guide plate is made uniform by the action of the light diffusion layer, and light with less luminance unevenness can be emitted from the light emitting surface.
This light diffusion layer can be composed of two or more light transmissive materials having different refractive indexes. Specifically, for example, the light diffusion layer can be formed of a material obtained by mixing one or more particles made of a material having a refractive index different from that of the light-transmitting base material. If the light diffusing layer is formed of two or more kinds of light transmissive materials, the transparency is high, and at the same time, good light reflection and diffusion can be performed by the difference in refractive index between the constituent components. Therefore, it becomes a light guide portion that can ensure the transparency required for the front light and radiate the uniformed light from the light emitting surface. Further, by forming such a light diffusing layer, a matte effect is achieved, and the occurrence of glare due to external light on the surface of the design surface of the light guide plate can be prevented or reduced.
[0026]
As the substrate here, a material having high light transmittance can be suitably used. For example, an epoxy resin, an acrylic resin, a silicone resin, or a polycarbonate resin is employed. Two or more kinds of materials can be used as the material for the substrate. On the other hand, the material of the particles mixed into the base material is not particularly limited as long as it has a high light transmittance and a refractive index different from that of the base material. For example, acrylic resin or glass can be used. The size (particle size) of the particle is not particularly limited, but if it is too large, the particle may be directly observed with the naked eye and the surface design of the light guide may be degraded. Therefore, the particle diameter of the particles is preferably smaller than the light diffusion layer thickness. As a more specific particle diameter, for example, the average particle diameter is 3 μm to 20 μm, preferably 6 μm to 12 μm.
[0027]
Here, the particle content in the light diffusing layer is the required light transmittance of the light diffusing layer and the degree of dispersion and coating of the particles, the light transmittance of the base material and each of the particles, and the necessary glare prevention. The degree of the effect can be determined in consideration of, for example, base material: particles of 100: 1 to 100: 60, preferably 100: 10 to 100: 50 on a weight basis.
[0028]
Similarly, the thickness of the light diffusion layer can be determined in consideration of the required light transmittance of the light diffusion layer, the average particle diameter of the particles contained therein, and the like, for example, 1 μm to 50 μm, preferably 5 μm. The thickness is set to ˜30 μm, more preferably 10 μm to 20 μm. However, the thickness of the light diffusion layer is preferably larger than the average particle size of the particles contained therein. By doing so, the particles are easily embedded in the light diffusion layer, and the surface of the light diffusion layer becomes smooth. The thickness of the light diffusion layer is preferably smaller than twice the average particle diameter. The relationship between the thickness (t) of the light diffusion layer and the average particle diameter (r) of the particles is expressed by the following equation.
[Formula 1]
r <t <2r
By making the relationship between the thickness of the light diffusion layer and the average particle diameter in this way, the particles in the light diffusion layer are arranged side by side in a plane, and when a plurality of particles are formed in multiple stages. In comparison, irregular reflection in the light diffusion layer is suppressed, and as a result, efficient light emission from the light emitting surface is performed. That is, light with higher luminance can be obtained.
The light diffusion layer is formed by a process such as printing, and the thickness thereof is substantially uniform. On the other hand, it is also possible to employ a light diffusion layer whose thickness increases continuously or stepwise as it moves away from the light introduction surface of the light guide plate. Adopting such a light diffusing layer is expected that the amount of light reaching the light diffusing layer decreases as the distance from the light introduction surface decreases, and this causes unevenness in the light distribution within the light guide plate. Thus, the reflection and diffusion efficiency can be enhanced in the region where the amount of light that reaches is insufficient, so that the light distribution in the light guide plate can be made uniform throughout. For the same purpose, when the light diffusing layer is composed of the base material and the particles as described above, the content of the particles in the light diffusing layer increases continuously or stepwise as the distance from the light introduction surface increases. Can be.
[0029]
Silica or the like can be added to the light diffusing layer for the purpose of adjusting the viscosity of the forming material when forming the light diffusing layer and promoting good dispersion of particles in the substrate. For example, when silica or the like is added, a light diffusion effect can be obtained in addition to the above effect, that is, the reflection and diffusion effects of the light diffusion layer can be enhanced.
[0030]
The light transmittance of the light guide plate of the present invention is adjusted to, for example, 70% to 95%. This is to ensure the transparency required as a light guide for the front light. Moreover, it is for suppressing effectively that a glare generate | occur | produces on the surface of a light-diffusion layer, ie, the surface of a light-guide plate. Preferably, the light transmittance is adjusted to 80% to 90%. If the light transmittance of the light guide plate is in such a range, the occurrence of glare can be more effectively prevented while sufficiently ensuring transparency. The light transmittance can be appropriately adjusted according to the type and thickness of the light guide plate material used, the configuration (material, thickness, etc.) of the light diffusion layer, and the like.
[0031]
In order to radiate light from the light emitting surface with less unevenness in illuminance, it is preferable to form a light diffusion layer on substantially the entire design surface of the light guide plate. However, it is also possible to form a light diffusion layer on a part of the design surface of the light guide plate so that a predetermined pattern is formed in plan view. The pattern here may be irregular, but the light is uniformly reflected and diffused over the entire light diffusing layer so that light with less illuminance unevenness is emitted from the light emitting surface. It is preferable to adopt a typical one. Examples of the regular pattern include a pattern in which dots having a desired size are formed in a matrix, a slit pattern, a lattice pattern, and the like. In this case, the ratio of the area of the light diffusion layer in the design surface is, for example, 20% to 70%. Preferably, it is 30% to 50%. By providing the light diffusing layer partially rather than the entire surface in this way, an effect of preventing the design surface from appearing white when light enters the design surface from the outside can be obtained.
[0032]
The surface of the light diffusion layer can also be coated with a light transmissive material. Thereby, the light diffusion layer can be protected from dirt and scratches. Further, if an ultraviolet absorbing material is used for the coating, the light diffusion layer can be protected from deterioration and damage due to ultraviolet rays.
[0033]
(Design cover)
The design cover is a member that covers the outer edge of the light guide plate. Typically, a design cover that covers a light source and a substrate on which the light source is mounted in addition to the outer edge of the light guide plate is used. The design cover is provided mainly for the purpose of improving the design of the lighting device. In other words, by using the design cover, the design of the lighting device is enhanced by its own design and by hiding the light source portion and the like. By using the design cover, the outer edge of the light guide plate can be protected from external impact. In addition, you may comprise a design cover integrally with a light-guide plate.
[0034]
As the design cover, a cover that covers the entire outer edge of the light guide plate can be employed. In this case, it becomes a frame-shaped design cover. A design cover that covers only a part of the outer edge of the light guide plate can also be used. For example, a design cover that covers only the upper outer edge portion of the light guide plate or the upper outer edge portion and the left and right outer edge portions of the light guide plate can be used.
It is preferable that the design cover covers not only the upper surface of the outer edge portion of the light guide plate but also the end surface. This is because leakage of light from the end face of the light guide plate can be prevented, and improvement in design of the lighting device can be expected.
As described above, when a concave portion or a convex portion is provided in the notched portion of the outer edge portion of the light guide plate, the back surface side of the design cover has a shape corresponding to the concave portion or the like. By doing so, as described above, the design cover can be easily fixed and positioning can be facilitated.
[0035]
The material of the design cover is not particularly limited. For example, synthetic resin such as polycarbonate resin and acrylic resin, aluminum, and steel metal can be used as the material. A design cover can be produced by processing these materials into a desired shape. The surface may be painted or plated. For example, by applying the same color as the body color of the vehicle on which the lighting device of the present invention is to be installed, a lighting device rich in unity with the vehicle is configured.
[0036]
In the design cover, it is preferable that a light reflection process is performed on a surface facing the light guide plate when it is mounted on the light guide plate. According to such a configuration, the light radiated to the outside from the light guide plate can be reflected on the surface that has been subjected to the light reflection process and introduced into the light guide plate again. Therefore, the light utilization efficiency is improved, and the lighting device has a high lighting effect. In consideration of light reflection efficiency, it is preferable that the light-reflected surface is as close as possible to the light guide plate surface.
[0037]
Depending on the processing of the end face of the light guide plate, the leaked light may be almost negligible. Further, depending on how the light is viewed, the observation of light from the end face (and / or edge) of the light guide plate has a decorative effect. Furthermore, it is possible to create a light emitting mode in which a cutting effect or the like is applied to the end face (and / or edge) of the light guide plate to obtain a more decorative effect. That is, light can be actively emitted from the end face (and / or edge) of the light guide plate, and this can be used for decoration of the illumination target. As described above, depending on the purpose and design of the lighting device of the present invention, it may not be necessary to hide the end face of the light guide plate, or it may be preferable to make it bare. In such a case, a design cover that covers only a part rather than the entire outer edge of the light guide plate is preferably used.
[0038]
It is good also as a structure by which the design cover is mounted | wore after attaching the illuminating device (however, a state which does not include a design cover) of this invention to a vehicle. That is, the design cover and other members constituting the lighting device of the present invention may be provided separately.
[0039]
(Seal member)
In a state where the lighting device of the present invention is attached to a vehicle and the license plate is mounted (in use), it is preferable to include a member that seals the inside of the lighting device (that is, the space where the license plate is installed). This is to provide waterproofness and dustproofness and to ensure high visibility of the license plate over a long period of time. What seals directly between the edge of a light-guide plate and a vehicle main body as such a sealing member is employable. In such a configuration, the light guide plate is directly connected to the vehicle body via the seal member. Therefore, the support plate (base frame) used for installing and fixing the lighting device can be omitted, and as a result, the number of parts can be reduced, and the associated weight and manufacturing cost can be reduced.
A seal member made of a known material such as silicone rubber can be used. Moreover, about the shape of a sealing member, the shape normally used for a seal | sticker, such as a rib shape, is employable.
[0040]
(base)
A member (base) that is used while being fixed to the vehicle is used as necessary. When such a base is used, a light guide plate is connected to the base, and a license plate is inserted between the two.
[0041]
The lighting device of the present invention is used by being attached to the rear portion of a vehicle body such as a license plate or a bumper or a trunk grid on which the license plate is installed.
The illuminating device of the present invention can be formed integrally with the license plate. In this case, the illuminating device of the present invention incorporating the license plate is attached to a bumper, a trunk grid, or the like.
[0042]
【Example】
Hereinafter, the configuration of the present invention will be described in more detail using examples.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a license plate illumination device 1 (hereinafter referred to as “illumination device 1”) according to an embodiment of the present invention. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing how the lighting device 1 is attached.
The illuminating device 1 is roughly composed of a light guide plate 10, a plurality of LEDs 20 arranged on a substrate 25, a support plate 30, and a design cover 40.
The light guide plate 10 is a flat plate member made of an acrylic resin material, and the outer edge portion 13 of the light guide plate 10 has a shape that is lowered one step from the design surface (surface observed from the outside) 12 side toward the light emission surface 11 side. I am doing. In this embodiment, the light guide plate 10 having the outer edge portion 13 having a thickness of about 2 mm and the other portions having a thickness of about 4 mm is used. As shown in the drawing, the design surface 12 of the light guide plate 10 has substantially the same shape and area in plan view as the license plate 100. Note that the license plate 100 is not dedicated to the lighting device 1 but is widely used in general. That is, it is not necessary to prepare a special license plate for the lighting device 1.
[0043]
The design surface 12 of the light guide plate 10 is formed with an infinite number of substantially triangular grooves continuous in a dotted line in the vertical direction so as to be alternated in the horizontal direction. The infinite number of grooves are formed more densely in a region farther from the upper end surface 14. Specifically, in the region closest to the upper end surface 14 side, grooves having a length of about 1.77 mm, a width of about 0.22 mm, and a depth of about 0.1 mm are formed at a pitch of about 0.5 mm in the vertical direction. . The lateral pitch of the grooves is about 1.47 mm. On the other hand, a groove having a length of about 1.62 mm, a width of about 0.21 mm, and a depth of about 0.08 mm is formed in the vicinity of the center of the light guide plate 10 at a pitch of about 0.49 mm. The lateral pitch of the grooves is about 1.16 mm. Further, in the region farthest from the upper end surface 14, grooves having a length of about 1.26 mm, a width of about 0.22 mm, and a depth of about 0.06 mm are formed at a pitch of about 0.27 mm in the vertical direction. The lateral pitch of the grooves is about 0.36 mm.
Such a groove | channel can be formed by processing so that the light-guide plate design surface 12 may be scratched with the processing tool provided with the countless metal needle on the surface.
The light guide plate surface (light emission surface) 11 on the license plate 100 side has a mirror shape.
[0044]
The LEDs 20 are mounted in a row on the substrate 25. Then, by fixing the substrate 25 to a predetermined position of the design cover 40 described later, the LEDs 20 are arranged in a row facing the upper end surface 14 of the light guide plate 10. In addition, each LED 20 is disposed in the vicinity of the upper end surface 14 of the light guide plate 10 so that the light of the LED 20 is efficiently introduced into the light guide plate 10.
[0045]
In addition to the LEDs 20, a protective resistor is mounted on the substrate 25, and a wiring pattern is formed so that the LEDs 20 are connected in series. Each LED 20 may be connected in parallel.
In this embodiment, a total of 16 bullet-type, white-emitting LEDs 20 are used. A current is supplied to the LED 20 via a wiring (not shown).
[0046]
The support plate 30 is a member provided to fix the position of the license plate 100. As shown in FIG. 2, the license plate 100 is placed between the support plate 30 and the light guide plate 10. When the license plate 100 is attached to a bumper, a trunk grid, etc., screws 50 and 51 are used (see FIGS. 1 and 3), and the license plate 100 is sandwiched between the light guide plate 10 and the support plate 30 to The position is fixed. In addition, you may comprise the support plate 30 integrally with the design cover 40 mentioned later.
[0047]
A frame-shaped design cover 40 is attached so as to cover the outer edge portion 13 of the light guide plate 10. The thickness of the design cover 40 is about 2 mm, which is the same as the step at the outer edge portion 13 of the light guide plate 10, and when the design cover 40 is attached, the design (surface) 41 of the design cover 40 and the design of the light guide plate 10. The surface 12 and the surface 12 are flush with each other without causing a step. 2 and 3, since the upper surface of the outer edge 13 of the light guide plate 10 and the rear surface of the design cover 40 are fitted, the design cover 40 can be easily mounted and positioned. be able to.
[0048]
The surface of the design cover 40 is painted in the same color as the vehicle on which the lighting device 1 is installed. By performing the surface treatment in this manner, the sense of unity between the lighting device 1 and the vehicle is enhanced. Of course, it is possible to make the surface (design surface) of the design cover 40 stand out by painting or plating with a color different from the vehicle (including similar colors).
A region 42 facing the light guide plate 10 on the back surface of the design cover 40 is mirror-finished by attaching a light-reflective seal. In addition to the light-reflective seal, it can be mirrored by applying light-reflective ink or printing.
In addition, between the design cover 40 and the light guide plate 10 is sealed for the purpose of fixing the position of the light guide plate 10, waterproofing, and dust prevention (reference numeral 45).
The design cover 40 can be configured such that the license plate 100 can be inserted into the design cover 40 by sliding from above, below, or from the side. For example, an opening for inserting a license plate is provided in the upper part of the design cover 40.
The lighting device 1 having the above configuration is installed and fixed to a body 70 of an automobile using screws 50 and 51 (see FIG. 3).
[0049]
Next, the illumination aspect of the illuminating device 1 is demonstrated. First, current is supplied to each LED 20 in conjunction with lighting of the vehicle width lamp (small lamp), and white light is emitted from each LED 20. The white light is introduced from the upper end surface 14 of the light guide plate 10 to the light guide plate 10. The light that guides the light guide plate 10 is reflected and diffused by grooves provided on the light guide plate design surface 12. As a result, light traveling toward the light guide plate light emission surface 11 is generated, and light is emitted through the light guide plate light emission surface 11. Further, the diffusion of light in the light guide plate 10 is promoted by the action of the grooves. Here, since the grooves are formed so that the density increases as the distance from the upper end surface 14 increases as described above, the diffused reflection and diffusion of light are performed more efficiently in the region farther from the upper end surface 14. The light distribution is made uniform. Therefore, the light emitted from the light guide plate light emitting surface 11 has light intensity unevenness greatly reduced throughout. As a result, planar light having a uniform light intensity is emitted from the light guide plate light emitting surface 11. Therefore, the license plate surface is illuminated with planar light (white light) with little illuminance unevenness, and the visibility of characters and numbers displayed there is effectively enhanced.
[0050]
Here, in the illuminating device 1, the surface of the design cover 40 and the design surface 12 of the light guide plate 10 are flush with each other, and there is no substantial step at the boundary between the two. Therefore, the surface design of the illuminating device 1 is excellent in design without a sense of unevenness. Further, since there is no unevenness, the sense of unity with the vehicle is enhanced, and the design of the entire vehicle is improved. Thus, according to the structure of the illuminating device 1, the license plate part excellent in design property and rich in a sense of unity with a vehicle is comprised.
[0051]
In the above embodiment, the light guide plate 10 having a shape in which the outer edge portion on the design surface side is lowered by one step is used. However, for example, a light guide plate 15 having a shape as shown in FIG. 4 may be used. 4, the same members as those in FIG. 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted. In this example, in addition to the outer edge 18 on the design surface 17 side being lowered by one step, the light guide plate 15 having a shape in which the central portion on the light emitting surface 16 side is lowered by one step is used. When such a light guide plate 15 is used, the outer edge portion 18 of the light guide plate 15 is not linearly connected to the other region (center portion), and the amount of light traveling to the outer edge portion 18 is suppressed. As a result, the light density at the central portion of the light guide plate where the light emitting surface 16 is formed is increased, so that light with higher luminance can be emitted from the light emitting surface 16 and the illumination effect is improved. In addition, the end face of the region related to the substantial light guide, that is, the entire step surface 19 is covered by the back surface 42 of the design cover 40 that has been subjected to the mirror surface treatment, and the light is guided by the reflection action of the back surface 42. Reintroduction of light into the optical plate 15 is effectively performed. Therefore, improvement of the lighting effect can be expected from this point.
[0052]
Still another example of the shape of the light guide plate 15 is shown in FIG. In FIG. 5, the same members as those in FIG. 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted. In this example, a convex portion 68 a is formed on the upper surface of the outer edge portion 68 of the light guide plate 65. A concave portion 62 is formed on the back side of the design cover 60 so as to correspond to the convex portion 68a. If the combination of the light guide plate 65 and the design cover 60 as described above is used, the design cover 60 can be positioned more easily by fitting the convex portions 68a of the light guide plate 65 and the concave portions 62 of the design cover 60. It becomes possible to fix the design cover 60 more reliably.
[0053]
Next, a license plate illumination device 11 (hereinafter referred to as “illumination device 11”) which is another embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. The illuminating device 11 includes a base 110, a light guide 120, and a light source unit 130. The base 110 is a substantially flat plate-like member, which is provided with two holes 115 used for fixing the vehicle at substantially the center, and two holes 118 used for fixing the license plate 150 at the upper part. Prepare. Two locking claws 112 used for fixing the light guide 120 are formed on both edges of the upper end portion of the base 110. In addition, two connecting portions (base side connecting portions) 111 used for connecting to the light guide 120 are formed on the left and right sides, respectively.
[0054]
The light guide 120 is roughly composed of a substantially flat light guide plate 121 and a design cover 129 that covers the peripheral portion thereof. The light guide plate 121 is a flat plate having a thickness of about 4 mm, excluding the outer edge portion 121c, and is made of an acrylic resin. The light guide plate 121 has a shape in which the outer edge portion 121c is lowered by one step from the design surface (surface observed from the outside) 121a side toward the light emission surface 121b side. The outer edge portion 121c has a thickness of about 2 mm.
[0055]
A light diffusion layer (not shown) is formed in almost the entire region on the design surface (observation surface) 121a of the light guide plate 121. This light diffusion layer is a layer in which acrylic beads having an average particle diameter of about 10 μm are dispersed in a base material made of an acrylic resin, and the thickness thereof is about 12 μm. The content of acrylic beads in the light diffusing layer is such that the acrylic beads are 40 with respect to the substrate 100 on a weight basis. Such a light diffusing layer can be formed by printing or applying a clear ink containing a desired amount of acrylic beads on a region of the design surface 121a of the light guide plate 121 where the light diffusing layer is to be formed. In addition, according to printing, the light-diffusion layer which has a desired planar view pattern (for example, dot matrix shape) can be formed easily. The back surface of the light guide plate 121 (that is, the surface on the base 110 side) is the light emitting surface 121b. The surface of the light emitting surface 121b has a mirror shape, and the surface of the light guide plate end surface other than the surface for introducing light from the light source unit 130 is roughened.
[0056]
The upper end portion 122 of the light guide plate 121 is formed in a cylindrical shape in the left-right direction, and the light source unit 130 is installed in this portion. At the lower end portion of the light guide plate 121, columnar connection portions (light guide side connection portions) 123 used for connection to the base 110 are formed on the left and right sides, respectively. The base-side connecting portion 111 is formed in a shape that follows the outer periphery of the cylindrical light guide-side connecting portion 123, and the rotating shaft portion is configured by slidably connecting both connecting portions. ing. Here, as shown in FIG. 9, a stopper projection 123a is formed in a part of the light guide side connection portion 123. On the other hand, a base side connection portion at a position corresponding to the stopper projection 123a is formed. A punched window 111 a is formed in 111. The stopper projection 123a is positioned substantially at the center of the window 111a of the board-side connecting portion 11 when the light guide 20 is closed (see FIG. 9). Then, as shown in FIG. 12, when the light guide 120 is opened by a predetermined amount, the stopper projection 123 a comes into contact with the lower end of the window 111 a of the base side connection portion 111. In this way, the light guide 120 is held in an open state at a predetermined angle. In other words, opening beyond a predetermined angle is prevented.
[0057]
On the other hand, the upper side of the base side connecting portion 111 is open (see FIGS. 9 and 12), and the light guide side connecting portion 123 can slide upward along the inner peripheral surface of the base side connecting portion 111. Yes. As shown in FIG. 13, the stopper projection 123 a of the light guide side connection portion 123 comes into contact with the upper end of the window 111 a of the base side connection portion 111 by sliding a certain distance. As a result, the light guide 120 is slidable by a predetermined distance. Even when the light guide 120 is slid upward, the connection between the light guide 120 and the base 110 is maintained. That is, the stopper projection 123a functions as a holding unit, and the light guide 120 is prevented from being detached from the base 110 during sliding.
[0058]
On the other hand, a locking projection 127 is provided at the upper end of the light guide 120, and a locking claw 112 is provided at the upper end of the base 110 correspondingly (see FIG. 11). When the light guide 120 is slid as described above, the locking claw 112 moves downward as viewed from the light guide, thereby releasing the locked state (see FIG. 14). On the contrary, when the light guide 120 is slid downward with the light guide 120 closed, the respective locking claws 112 of the base 110 are engaged with the protrusions 127 of the corresponding light guide 120, respectively. 110 is fixed. As described above, in the illumination device 11 according to the present embodiment, the light guide 120 is fixed to the base 110 and released by sliding the light guide 120 in the vertical direction.
[0059]
The design cover 129 is a resin frame-like member and covers the outer edge portion 121 c of the light guide plate 121. The thickness of the design cover 129 is about 4 mm, which is the same as the step at the outer edge 121c of the light guide plate 121, and the surface (design surface) 129a of the design cover 129 and the design surface 121a of the light guide plate 121 produce a step at the boundary. It will be the same without any problems. The surface of the design cover 129 may be plated or painted (for example, the same color as the body of the vehicle to be installed). Moreover, the design cover 129 can also be manufactured using a metal material. For example, the design cover 129 can be formed by processing a metal plate into a frame shape and coating the surface thereof.
[0060]
As shown in FIG. 7, a guide groove 125 for adjusting the position of the license plate 150 and a protrusion 126 are provided inside the outer edge of the light guide 120. The guide groove 125 is formed inside the left and right edges of the light guide 120, and the protrusion 126 is formed inside the bottom edge of the light guide 120. A seal member 140 is disposed along the inner peripheral surface of the guide groove 125.
[0061]
The light source unit 130 includes a plurality of LEDs 131 arranged in a line on a substrate 132. A total of eight LEDs 131 of the lens type and those emitting white light were used. In addition, the type of LED to be used and the emission color are not particularly limited.
In addition to the LEDs 131, a protective resistor (not shown) and a control circuit (not shown) are mounted on the substrate 132, and a wiring pattern (not shown) on the surface of which the LEDs 131 are connected in series. Is formed. Each LED 131 may be connected in parallel. Electric power is supplied to the light source unit 130 via a wiring (not shown). In this embodiment, the light source unit 130 is separated from the base 110 and the light guide 120, but may be configured integrally with the base 110 or the light guide 120. In the configuration of the present embodiment, the light source unit 130 is installed on the light guide 120 side, but may be installed on the base 110 side.
[0062]
In using the lighting device 11, first, the base 110 is installed and fixed to the body of the automobile using the screw hole 115 provided in the central portion thereof. Before the license plate 150 is mounted, the light guide 120 is fixed to the base 110 by the locking mechanism including the locking claw 112 of the base 110 and the projection 127 of the light guide. That is, the light guide 120 is temporarily fixed. When the license plate 150 is mounted, the light guide 120 is first slid upward to release the fixation, and then the upper end of the light guide 120 is utilized using the rotating shaft provided at the lower end of the lighting device 11. Open the side (see FIG. 8). When the light guide 120 is opened to a predetermined angle, as described above, the light guide 120 is temporarily fixed by the action of the stopper projection 123a in the rotating shaft portion (state of FIG. 8B). In this state, the license plate 150 is inserted along the guide groove 125 provided on the inner side of the light guide 120, and then the light guide 120 is closed and fixed to the base 110 in the reverse order of the opening. Finally, the license plate 150 is fixed and sealed using fixing holes (118, 151, 128) provided in the light guide 120, the license plate 150, and the base 110, respectively. In this state, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the edges of the light guide 120 and the license plate 150 are sealed by the seal member 140. In this embodiment, the seal member 140 is sandwiched between the light guide 120 and the license plate 150 so as to be sealed between them. However, the installation position of the seal member 140 is outside the license plate 150 and the base 110 It is also possible to seal between the edge of the light guide and the edge of the light guide 120. In such a configuration, the entire license plate 150 is sealed by the seal member.
[0063]
In the illuminating device 11 having the above-described configuration, the light guide 120 is connected to the base 110 so that the light guide 120 can be opened and closed by the rotating shaft portion, so that the license can be obtained by a simple method such as opening and closing the light guide 120 without removing it. A plate 150 can be mounted. Therefore, the license plate 150 can be mounted with high work efficiency.
Further, since the rotation shaft portion is provided at the lower end portion of the lighting device, the upper end side of the light guide 120 is opened and closed, and the license plate 150 can be mounted more easily.
Further, a locking mechanism including a locking claw 112 of the base 110 and a light guide protrusion 127 is provided, and the light guide 120 can be temporarily fixed to the base 110 when the light guide 120 is in a closed state. it can. Therefore, it is possible to keep the light guide 120 in a so-called temporarily fixed state before mounting the license plate 150, so that the license plate 150 can be easily handled at the time of new shipment or the like, and when the license plate 150 is mounted. Workability is also improved.
[0064]
Further, when the light guide 120 is in the closed state, the light guide 120 can be slid up and down or left and right with respect to the base portion 110, and the light guide 120 is closed and fixed to the base portion 110 by the slide. Conversion between the state and the state in which the light guide 120 can be opened and closed is performed. Therefore, the light guide 120 can be switched between the locked state and the openable / closable state by a simple operation such as sliding of the light guide 120, and the workability when the license plate 150 is mounted is extremely good.
Further, the light guide 120 can be prevented from falling off when the license plate is mounted by the stopper projection 123a. Therefore, not only the workability can be improved but also the license plate 150 can be mounted more safely.
In addition, since the guide groove 125 is provided, position adjustment when the license plate is mounted can be easily performed, and workability is improved.
[0065]
Next, the illumination aspect of the illuminating device 11 is demonstrated. First, power is supplied to each LED 131 in conjunction with lighting of the vehicle width lamp (small lamp), and white light is emitted from each LED 131. This white light is introduced into the light guide plate 121 from its upper end. While the introduced light is guided through the light guide plate 121, most of the light reaches the light diffusion layer formed on the design surface 121a. In the light diffusion layer, incident light is reflected and diffused by the difference in refractive index between the base material and the acrylic beads. As a result, light in the direction of the light emitting surface 121b is generated, and light is finally emitted through the light emitting surface 121b. Here, since a good light reflection / diffusion action is achieved in the light diffusion layer, the light distribution in the light guide plate 121 is made uniform, and at the same time, efficient light emission from the light emission surface is performed. . As a result, the light emitted from the light emitting surface has a very small illuminance unevenness and a high illuminance throughout. Therefore, the surface of the license plate 150 is illuminated with high-illumination planar light (white light) with little illuminance unevenness, and the visibility of characters and numbers displayed there is effectively enhanced. Further, since the light guide plate 121 is highly transparent, it does not become an obstacle when the characters and numbers on the license plate 150 are visually recognized even when the LED 131 is turned off (daytime). Therefore, the license plate portion to which the license plate illumination device 11 of the present embodiment is applied has high visibility at both daytime and nighttime.
[0066]
Here, in the illuminating device 11, the surface 129a of the design cover 129 and the design surface 121a of the light guide plate 121 are flush with each other, and there is no substantial step at the boundary between the two. Therefore, the surface design of the illuminating device 11 is excellent in design with no sense of unevenness. Further, since there is no unevenness, the sense of unity with the vehicle is enhanced, and the design of the entire vehicle is improved. Thus, according to the structure of the illuminating device 11, the license plate part excellent in design property and rich in a sense of unity with a vehicle is comprised.
[0067]
In the license plate illumination devices 1 and 11 described above, LEDs are used as light sources, but bulbs, cold cathode tubes, and the like can be used instead.
[0068]
The present invention is not limited to the description of the embodiment of the invention. Various modifications may be included in the present invention as long as those skilled in the art can easily conceive without departing from the description of the scope of claims.
[0069]
【The invention's effect】
In the illuminating device of the present invention, unevenness is not observed at the boundary between the design cover and the light guide plate, and it is possible to configure a license part that is excellent in design and rich in unity with the vehicle. Moreover, since the illuminating device of this invention can be applied to a general license plate, it is highly versatile. Furthermore, it is possible to install and fix the lighting device of the present invention only by using screws that are usually used for fixing the license plate. It can also be used as a wide range of uses.
[0070]
The following matters are disclosed below.
11. The license plate illumination device according to claim 1, wherein the light source is configured separately from the light guide plate.
12 10. In use, the light source is fixed to the vehicle side, and the light guide plate is connected to the vehicle in an openable / closable state. The license plate illumination device described in 1.
13. A seal member that directly seals between the outer edge of the light guide plate and the vehicle main body when in use is further provided. And 12. The license plate illumination device according to any one of the above.
14 A light source;
The base,
A light guide plate that introduces light from the light source and emits the introduced light to the base side, and is mounted so as to cover the outer edge portion of the light guide plate having a notch in the outer edge portion thereof. A light guide portion provided with a design cover;
A rotating shaft portion provided at one of the upper, lower, left and right ends of the base portion and connected to the base portion in a state where the light guide portion can be opened and closed;
A license plate illumination device, wherein a design surface of the design cover and a design surface of the light guide plate are at least flush with each other in a boundary region between the two.
15. A member for sealing edges of the light guide portion and the license plate in a state where the license plate is mounted; The license plate illumination device described in 1.
16. 13. A member for sealing edges of the base and the light guide in a state where the license plate is mounted; The license plate illumination device described in 1.
17. 13. A light diffusion layer made of two or more kinds of light transmissive materials having different refractive indexes is formed on a design surface located on the opposite side of the light emitting surface that emits light in the light guide plate; -16. The license plate illumination device according to any one of the above.
18. 16. The light diffusion layer is formed by containing particles made of a material having a refractive index different from that of a light-transmitting base material. The license plate illumination device described in 1.
19. The particles are made of acrylic resin; 18. The license plate illumination device described in 1.
20. 18. the light reflecting layer is formed by printing; The license plate illumination device described in 1.
21. 16. the light diffusion layer is formed in a dot matrix on the design surface; The license plate illumination device described in 1.
22. 18. The ratio of the area of the light diffusion layer to the area of the design surface is 20% to 70%. The license plate illumination device described in 1.
23. 16. The light transmittance from the light diffusion layer in the direction of the light emitting surface is 70% to 95%. -22. The license plate illumination device according to any one of the above.
24. 16. the light diffusion layer contains silica; -23. The license plate illumination device according to any one of the above.
25. 16. The light transmittance in the direction of the light emitting surface from the light diffusion layer is 80% to 90%. -24. The license plate illumination device according to any one of the above.
26. 16. The average particle diameter of the particles is 3 μm to 20 μm. 25. The license plate illumination device according to any one of -24.
27. 16. The average particle diameter of the particles is 12 μm to 16 μm. 25. The license plate illumination device according to any one of -24.
28. 16. The content ratio of the base material and the particles in the light diffusion layer is 100: 1 to 100: 60 on a weight basis. -24. The license plate illumination device according to any one of the above.
29. 16. The content ratio of the base material and the particles in the light diffusion layer is 100: 10 to 100: 50 on a weight basis, -24. The license plate illumination device according to any one of the above.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a license plate illumination device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA of FIG.
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing how the lighting apparatus 1 is attached.
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a light guide plate used in the embodiment.
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing another example of the light guide plate.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a license plate illumination device 11 according to another embodiment of the present invention.
7 is a cross-sectional view taken along arrow A in FIG.
FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along arrow B in FIG. (A) represents a state in which the light guide 20 is closed, and (B) represents an open state.
FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along arrow C in FIG.
FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along arrow D in FIG.
11 is a cross-sectional view taken along arrow E in FIG.
FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing the state of the rotating shaft when the light guide 120 is opened.
FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing the state of the rotating shaft when the light guide 120 is slid upward.
FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view showing a state of an upper edge portion of the license lighting device 11 when the light guide 120 is slid upward.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 11 License plate lighting device
10 121 Light guide plate
13 121c Light guide plate outer edge
20 131 White LED
40 129 Design cover
45 140 Seal member
100 150 License plate
110 Base
111 Base side connection
112 Locking claw
120 Light Guide
123 Light guide side connection
123a Protrusion for stopper
125 guide groove
127 Protrusion for locking

Claims (6)

A light source composed of LEDs and emitting white light;
A light guide plate that is disposed on the front side of the license plate, introduces the light of the light source, and emits the introduced light to the license plate side by a light diffusion layer formed on the design surface. And a design cover that is mounted so as to cover an outer edge portion of the light guide plate and that is subjected to a light reflection process on a surface facing the light guide plate when mounted on the light guide plate. A light guide section ,
A base to which the light guide portion is attached;
A rotating shaft portion provided at a lower end portion of the base portion and connected to the base portion in a state where the light guide portion can be opened and closed;
A license plate illumination device, wherein a design surface of the design cover and a design surface of the light guide plate are at least flush with each other in a boundary region between the two. A stopper projection is provided at the lower end of the light guide plate,
A window is provided at the lower end of the base,
2. The license plate illumination device according to claim 1, wherein when the light guide portion is opened by a predetermined amount, the stopper projection comes into contact with a lower end of the window. 3. The license plate illumination device according to claim 2, wherein when the light guide plate is slid upward for a certain distance, the protrusion for stopper comes into contact with an upper end of the window. The light guide part is provided with a protrusion for locking at the upper end,
The base has a locking claw at its upper end;
4. The license according to claim 2, wherein the locking claw is engaged with the protrusion and the light guide is fixed to the base by sliding the light guide downward in a closed state. 5. Plate lighting device. The license plate illumination device according to claim 1 , wherein the light source is disposed to face an end surface of the light guide plate. The license plate illumination device according to claim 5 , wherein the light source includes a plurality of LEDs, and the plurality of LEDs are linearly arranged in a state of facing one end face of the light guide plate.

Images