JP7727464B2 - beacon light - Google Patents

Description

This disclosure relates to vehicle lighting fixtures used in automobiles and the like, and in particular to marker lights.

Automobiles are equipped with marker lights, such as taillights and turn signals, to provide information to surrounding traffic. Because marker lights are equipment that is directly related to safety, their installation location, light intensity, and light distribution are regulated by law.

JP 2016-12460 A

Signal lights are equipment that contributes to safety, but they also have a significant impact on the design of a vehicle, with their shape and light emission having a significant impact not only on the sign light itself but also on the overall aesthetics of the vehicle.

This disclosure has been made in this context, and one exemplary purpose of one aspect thereof is to provide a marker light that can provide an aesthetically different appearance from conventional marker lights while complying with regulations.

One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a marker lamp. The marker lamp comprises a plurality of semiconductor light-emitting elements arranged side by side on a substrate, and a diffusing material provided to cover a portion of the plurality of semiconductor light-emitting elements. The first portion provided with the diffusing material emits light relatively uniformly, while the second portion not provided with the diffusing material emits light relatively non-uniformly.

In addition, any combination of the above components, or mutual substitution of components or expressions between methods, devices, systems, etc., are also valid aspects of the present invention or this disclosure. Furthermore, the description in this section (Means for Solving the Problems) does not explain all essential features of the present invention, and therefore, subcombinations of the described features may also constitute the present invention.

Certain aspects of the present disclosure can provide a different aesthetic appearance while complying with regulations.

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a marker lamp according to a first embodiment. 2 is a diagram showing a typical lighting state of the marker lamp of FIG. 1; FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically showing light rays in a lit state of the marker lamp of FIG. 1; FIG. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a marker lamp according to a comparative technique. 5 is a diagram showing the light distribution characteristics in the left-right direction of the marker lamp according to the first embodiment and the marker lamp shown in FIG. 4 . FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a marker lamp according to a second embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram schematically illustrating a lighting state of the marker lamp of FIG. 6 . FIG. 7 is a diagram schematically illustrating light rays when the marker lamp of FIG. 6 is turned on. 7 is a diagram showing the light distribution characteristics in the left-right direction of the marker lamp of FIG. 6. FIG. 10A and 10B are diagrams showing specific configuration examples of marker lights. 11A and 11B are diagrams showing modified examples of the optical member. FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of a marker lamp according to a third embodiment. 13(a)-(l) are diagrams showing other examples of non-lens elements that are optical steps. FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of a marker lamp according to a fourth embodiment. FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of a marker lamp according to a fifth embodiment. FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of a marker lamp according to a sixth embodiment.

(Outline of the embodiment)
A summary of some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be provided. This summary is intended to provide a simplified overview of some concepts of one or more embodiments in order to provide a basic understanding of the embodiments as a prelude to the more detailed description that follows. It is not intended to limit the scope of the invention or disclosure. Furthermore, this summary is not an exhaustive overview of all possible embodiments, nor does it limit essential elements of the embodiments. For convenience, the term "one embodiment" may refer to one embodiment (example or variant) or multiple embodiments (examples or variants) disclosed herein.

In one embodiment, the marker lamp comprises a plurality of semiconductor light-emitting elements arranged side by side on a substrate, and a diffusing material arranged to cover a portion of the plurality of semiconductor light-emitting elements. The first portion, where the diffusing material is provided, emits light relatively uniformly, while the second portion, where the diffusing material is not provided, emits light relatively non-uniformly.

"Emitting light relatively non-uniformly" can be understood as, for example, "emitting light in a manner in which the individual semiconductor light-emitting elements are distinguishable," and "emitting light relatively uniformly" can be understood as "emitting light in a manner in which the individual semiconductor light-emitting elements are indistinguishable." This configuration allows for a mixture of areas in which the semiconductor light-emitting elements emit light in a granular manner (second portion) and areas in which the semiconductor light-emitting elements emit light uniformly over a wide area (first portion), providing a different aesthetic appearance than before.

Furthermore, with regard to light distribution, the light distribution standards for signaling lamps require a high luminous intensity value in the center. However, if all light-emitting elements were covered with a diffusing material, the light would spread left and right and up and down, reducing the luminous intensity in the center, making it difficult to meet the light distribution standards. With this configuration, the light emitted from the semiconductor light-emitting elements in the second portion reaches the screen without being diffused, thereby increasing the luminous intensity in that portion. Therefore, by optimizing the area (proportion) and position of the second portion, it is possible to achieve a signaling lamp that meets the light distribution standards.

In one embodiment, the marker lamp may further include an optical member arranged to cover second portions of the plurality of semiconductor light-emitting elements. The optical member may include a plurality of optical elements arranged at a plurality of locations corresponding to the plurality of light-emitting elements.

In one embodiment, the optical element may be part of a cover that completely covers the multiple semiconductor light-emitting elements, thereby reducing manufacturing costs.

In one embodiment, the optical element may be a lens element. The lens can control the directionality of the light emitted from the first light-emitting element.

In one embodiment, the optical element may be a non-lens element. The non-lens element can change the appearance of the light emitted from the first light-emitting element without significantly affecting the light distribution characteristics, thereby providing a novel aesthetic appearance.

In one embodiment, the plurality of semiconductor light-emitting elements may include a plurality of first light-emitting elements that emit light in a first color and a plurality of second light-emitting elements that emit light in a second color.

In one embodiment, the multiple optical elements may include multiple first optical elements provided at multiple locations corresponding to the multiple first light-emitting elements. The first optical elements may be lens elements or non-lens elements.

In one embodiment, the plurality of optical elements may further include a plurality of second optical elements provided at a plurality of locations corresponding to the plurality of second light-emitting elements. The first optical elements and the second optical elements may have different structures.

In one embodiment, the first optical element may be a lens element, and the second optical element may be a non-lens element. In one embodiment, the first optical element may be a lens element with a first structure, and the second optical element may be a lens element with a second structure. In one embodiment, one lens element may be a concave lens and the other a convex lens, or they may be lenses of the same type but with different focal lengths. In one embodiment, the first optical element and the second optical element may be non-lens elements with different shapes or structures.

In one embodiment, the first color is amber and the marker light may also function as a turn signal light.

In one embodiment, the second color is red and the marker light may also function as a tail lamp.

(Embodiment)
The present disclosure will be described below based on preferred embodiments with reference to the drawings. The same or equivalent components, parts, and processes shown in each drawing are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions will be omitted where appropriate. Furthermore, the embodiments are illustrative and do not limit the disclosure, and all features and combinations thereof described in the embodiments are not necessarily essential to the disclosure.

In this specification, "a state in which component A is connected to component B" refers not only to cases in which component A and component B are directly physically connected, but also to cases in which component A and component B are indirectly connected via other components that do not substantially affect their electrical connection state or impair the function or effect achieved by their connection.

Similarly, "a state in which component C is provided between components A and B" includes not only cases in which components A and C, or components B and C, are directly connected, but also cases in which they are indirectly connected via other components that do not substantially affect their electrical connection state or impair the function or effect achieved by their combination.

(Embodiment 1)
1 is an exploded perspective view of a marker lamp 100 according to a first embodiment. In this embodiment, the marker lamp 100 has a single function. In this example, the marker lamp 100 has the function of a turn signal lamp.

The marker light 100 includes a substrate 102, multiple semiconductor light-emitting elements (hereinafter simply referred to as light-emitting elements) 104, and a diffusing material 110. The multiple light-emitting elements 104 are arranged side by side on the substrate 102. In this example, the substrate 102 is rectangular, and the multiple light-emitting elements 104 are arranged regularly and at substantially equal intervals within a rectangular light-emitting area 150 on the substrate 102. LEDs (light-emitting diodes) are preferred for the light-emitting elements 104, but LDs (laser diodes) and organic EL (electroluminescence) elements can also be used. The color of the light-emitting elements 104 is selected depending on the function of the marker light 100; for a turn signal lamp, amber light-emitting elements are used. The marker light 100 in Figure 1 further includes a lighting circuit for the light-emitting elements 104, a housing for the substrate 102, a lens cover, and the like, but these are not shown here.

The diffusion material 110 is provided so as to cover a portion of the plurality of light-emitting elements 104. In this example, the light-emitting region 150 is divided into a lower first region (also referred to as the first portion) 152 and an upper second region (also referred to as the second portion) 154, and the diffusion material 110 is provided so as to cover the first region 152.

The above is the configuration of the marker light 100.

Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing the illuminating state of the marker lamp 100 of Figure 1. In this marker lamp 100, in the first section 160 where the diffusing material 110 is provided, the light emitted by the light-emitting elements 104 is diffused within the diffusing material 110, making it impossible or difficult to distinguish the individual light-emitting elements 104, and therefore the light appears to be emitted relatively uniformly.

On the other hand, in the second portion 162 where the diffusion material 110 is not provided, the light emitted by the light-emitting element 104 is emitted from the marker lamp 100 without being diffused by the diffusion material 110. Therefore, in the second portion 162, the individual light-emitting elements 104 appear to emit light in a manner that allows them to be identified.

In this way, the marker lamp 100 has areas where the multiple light-emitting elements 104 appear to emit light uniformly over a wide area as a single unit, and areas where the multiple light-emitting elements 104 appear to emit light independently, presenting an aesthetically different from conventional designs.

Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing light rays when the marker lamp 100 of Figure 1 is turned on. Figure 3 shows the marker lamp 100 as viewed from the side. The light emitted from the light-emitting element 104a in the first portion 160 is diffused by the diffusing material 110, losing its directionality and being emitted widely in the vertical and horizontal directions. On the other hand, the light emitted from the light-emitting element 104b in the second portion 162 is not diffused by the diffusing material 110 and is emitted while maintaining the original directionality of the light-emitting element. In other words, the light distribution characteristics of the marker lamp 100 are a combination of the light distribution characteristics of the first portion 160 and the second portion 162. Based on their light emission modes, the first portion 160 can be referred to as a diffused portion or diffused region, and the second portion 162 can be referred to as a direct-irradiation portion or direct-irradiation region.

One advantage of the marker light 100 becomes clear when compared with comparative technology. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of a marker light 100R according to comparative technology. In this marker light 100R, all of the light-emitting elements 104 are covered by a diffusing material 110. As a result, the entire marker light 100R appears to emit light uniformly. Furthermore, the light emitted from the diffusing material 110 has low directionality, and is emitted in a wide, vertical and horizontal direction.

Figure 5 shows the light distribution characteristics in the left-right direction of the marker lamp 100 according to embodiment 1 and the marker lamp 100R of Figure 4. Figure 5 also shows the light distribution standard, which requires a luminous intensity greater than this standard. In the comparative technology, light is emitted not only in front of the lamp but also widely in the up-down and left-right directions, resulting in low luminous intensity near the center and falling below the standard. In contrast, in this embodiment, the light emitted from the second portion 162 maintains the directivity of the original light-emitting element, allowing for strong illumination near the center of the light distribution. This makes it possible to form a light distribution pattern that meets the light distribution standard.

(Embodiment 2)
6 is a diagram showing a marker lamp 100A according to embodiment 2. The marker lamp 100A includes an optical member 120A. The optical member 120A is provided so as to cover second portions of the plurality of semiconductor light emitting elements 104 included in the second region 154.

Optical member 120A has multiple optical steps 122 formed on it. The multiple optical steps 122 are multiple optical elements formed repeatedly on a plane.

The multiple optical steps 122 are provided at multiple locations corresponding to the multiple first light-emitting elements 104, and when the marker lamp 100A is viewed from the front, the corresponding optical steps 122 and light-emitting elements 104 overlap each other.

In this embodiment, the optical step 122 is a lens element (designated 122a) formed in a step shape on the optical element 120A. The lens element 122a may be a convex lens or a concave lens, and may be formed on either surface of the optical element 120A.

The above is the configuration of the marker lamp 100A. Next, we will explain its operation.

Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showing the illuminating state of the marker lamp 100A of Figure 6. This marker lamp 100 emits light in the first portion 160 where the diffusing material 110 is provided, in the same manner as in embodiment 1 (Figure 2).

On the other hand, in the second portion 162 where the optical element 120A is provided, the light emitted by the light-emitting element 104 has its optical path corrected by the optical step 122 (lens element 122a) on the optical element 120A and is emitted from the marker lamp 100A. Therefore, in the second portion 162, each light-emitting element 104 appears to emit light in a distinguishable manner.

In this way, the marker lamp 100 has areas where the multiple light-emitting elements 104 appear to emit light uniformly over a wide area as a single unit, and areas where the multiple light-emitting elements 104 appear to emit light independently, presenting an aesthetically different from conventional designs.

Figure 8 is a schematic diagram showing light rays when the marker lamp 100A of Figure 6 is turned on. Figure 8 shows the marker lamp 100A as viewed from the side. The light emitted from the light-emitting element 104a of the first portion 160 is diffused by the diffusing material 110, losing its directivity and being emitted widely in the vertical and horizontal directions. On the other hand, the light emitted from the light-emitting element 104b of the second portion 162 passes through the lens element 122a of the optical member 120A, and the optical path is corrected according to the shape and focal length of the lens element 122a. In the example of Figure 8, the light emitted from the light-emitting element 104b is partially or completely collimated by the lens element 122a, resulting in more directivity when emitted.

Figure 9 is a diagram showing the light distribution characteristics in the left-right direction of the marker lamp 100A in Figure 6. Figure 9 also shows the light distribution characteristics of the first embodiment (Figure 1) and the comparative technology, as well as the light distribution standards. In embodiment 2, the light emitted from the second portion 162 is emitted with even higher directivity than in embodiment 1, and therefore can illuminate the center of the light distribution even more strongly than in embodiment 1.

Due to heat dissipation constraints, it may be necessary to use a chip with low brightness as the light-emitting element 104. In such cases, it is conceivable that the configuration of embodiment 1 may not be able to meet the light distribution standards. In such cases, embodiment 2 makes it possible to modify the optical path of the light emitted by light-emitting element 104b according to the optical characteristics of the optical step 122 formed in optical element 120A, thereby forming a light distribution pattern that meets the light distribution standards.

Figures 10(a) and (b) show a specific example configuration of a marker lamp 100A. The marker lamp 100A in Figure 10(a) includes a transparent cover 130 that covers the light-emitting element 104 to protect the chip and wiring. The diffusing material 110 and optical element 120A are provided on top of the cover 130.

The marker lamp 100A in Figure 10(b) is equipped with a cover 130, similar to that in Figure 10(b). The portion of this cover 130 included in the second region 154 functions as the optical element 120A, and the optical step 122 is formed in the portion of the cover 130 included in the second region 154.

Figures 11(a) and (b) are diagrams showing modified examples of optical element 120A. Optical element 120A in Figure 11(a) has multiple fisheye lenses with a step structure (fisheye steps) formed thereon. Optical element 120A in Figure 11(b) has multiple cylindrical lenses with a step structure (cylindrical steps) formed thereon.

(Embodiment 3)
12 is an exploded perspective view of a marker lamp 100B according to embodiment 3. In embodiment 2, optical member 120A has lens elements 122a formed as optical steps 122, and these lens elements 122a control the light distribution formed by light-emitting elements 104 arranged in second region 154. In contrast, in embodiment 3, optical member 120B is provided for aesthetic reasons and design rather than for light distribution.

The marker lamp 100B includes optical element 120B instead of optical element 120A. Optical element 120B has multiple non-lens elements 122b formed as optical steps 122 at multiple positions corresponding to the multiple light-emitting elements 104. Light emitted from the light-emitting elements 104 passes through the elements 122b and is then emitted. The edges of the non-lens elements 122b scatter the light emitted by the light-emitting elements 104, creating a sparkling glow.

Figures 13(a) to (l) show other examples of non-lens elements 122b, which are optical steps 122. The non-lens elements 122b in Figure 13 may be formed convexly or concavely relative to the surface of the optical element 120. As shown in Figure 10(b), the optical element 120B may be a cover 130. The non-lens elements 122b may also be textured. As shown in Figure 13(a), the non-lens elements 122b may be a combination of a circle and multiple triangles surrounding it. As shown in Figure 13(b), the non-lens elements 122b may be a star shape. As shown in Figure 13(c), the non-lens elements 122b may be a triangular pyramid. As shown in Figures 13(d) to (g), the non-lens elements 122b may be a combination of multiple linear elements. As shown in Figures 13(h) to (j), the non-lens elements 122b may be a combination of circular elements. As shown in Figure 13(k), the non-lens elements 122b may be a combination of round and square dots. As shown in Figure 13(l), the non-lens elements 122b may be curved, such as a wavy line.

The method for forming the non-lens elements 122b is not particularly limited, but for example, the surface of the flat optical element 120D may be machined or resin may be applied. Alternatively, the base portion of the optical element 120D and the non-lens elements 122b on its surface may be integrally molded.

According to embodiment 3, depending on the shape, structure, pattern, concave or convex nature of the non-lens elements 122b, the depth of the concaves, the height of the convexities, and the contrast ratio thereof, it is possible to produce a sparkling light emission, or conversely, a unique light emission with less sparkle, thereby providing a new aesthetic that has never been seen before.

(Embodiment 4)
14 is an exploded perspective view of a marker lamp 100C according to a fourth embodiment. This marker lamp 100C has two functions: a turn signal lamp and a tail signal lamp. The plurality of light-emitting elements 104 formed on the substrate 102 include a plurality of first light-emitting elements 104A that emit amber light and a plurality of second light-emitting elements 104R that emit red light. The plurality of first light-emitting elements 104A and the plurality of second light-emitting elements 104R are arranged in a regular mixed pattern. This allows the same portion to appear to emit light when the lamp is lit as a turn signal lamp and a tail signal lamp.

The diffusion material 110 is provided to cover the first region 152.

The above is the configuration of the marker lamp 100C. With this marker lamp 100C, the first region 152 emits uniform amber light when the turn lamp is on, and emits uniform red light when the stop lamp is on. Meanwhile, in the second region 154, the amber light-emitting element 104A emits distinctly granular light when the turn lamp is on, and the red light-emitting element 104R emits distinctly granular light when the stop lamp is on.

(Embodiment 5)
Fig. 15 is an exploded perspective view of a marker lamp 100D according to embodiment 5. Like the marker lamp 100C of Fig. 14, the marker lamp 100D has the functions of a turn lamp and a stop lamp, and the light-emitting element 104 includes a first light-emitting element 104A and a second light-emitting element 104R.

A plurality of optical steps 122 are formed on the optical member 120D. In this embodiment, the optical steps 122 are lens elements 122a and are formed in locations corresponding to the first light-emitting element 104A. On the other hand, no optical steps 122 are formed in locations corresponding to the second light-emitting element 104R.

In other words, this marker lamp 100D emits light in the same way as in embodiment 1 for red stop lamps, but in the same way as in embodiment 2, the luminous intensity near the center of the light distribution can be increased by the action of the lens for amber turn lamps.

(Embodiment 6)
Fig. 16 is an exploded perspective view of a marker lamp 100E according to embodiment 6. Like the marker lamp 100D of Fig. 15, the marker lamp 100E has the functions of a turn lamp and a stop lamp, and the light-emitting element 104 includes a first light-emitting element 104A and a second light-emitting element 104R.

Similar to embodiment 5 (Figure 15), optical member 120E has a plurality of optical steps 122 formed thereon. In this embodiment, the optical steps 122 are lens elements 122a and are formed at locations corresponding to first light-emitting elements 104A.

On the other hand, the non-lens element 122b described in embodiment 3 is formed in the location corresponding to the second light-emitting element 104R.

This marker lamp 100E emits light in the same manner as in embodiment 5 (Figure 15) for amber turn lamps, while the red stop lamp emits light in a manner that corresponds to the shape and structure of the non-lens element 122b, as described in embodiment 3, providing a unique aesthetic appearance.

(Modification)
The above-described embodiment is merely an example, and it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications are possible in the combination of the components and the processing steps. Such modifications will be described below.

(Variation 1)
In the fifth embodiment (FIG. 15), a non-lens element 122b may be disposed in place of the lens element 122a at a location corresponding to the light emitting element 104A.

(Variation 2)
In the sixth embodiment ( FIG. 16 ), optical member 120E is configured with a combination of lens elements 122 a and non-lens elements 122 b, but this is not limited to this. For example, lens elements with different focal lengths may be disposed at locations corresponding to amber light-emitting element 104A and red light-emitting element 104R. Alternatively, non-lens elements with different shapes or structures may be disposed at locations corresponding to amber light-emitting element 104A and red light-emitting element 104R. In other words, the multiple first optical elements provided at multiple locations corresponding to amber light-emitting element 104A and the multiple second optical elements provided at multiple locations corresponding to red light-emitting element 104R may have different structures.

This disclosure has been described using specific terms and embodiments, but the embodiments merely illustrate the principles and applications of this disclosure, and many modifications and changes in arrangement are permitted within the scope of the concepts of this disclosure as defined in the claims.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 100 Beacon light 102 Substrate 104, 104a, 104b Light emitting element 110 Diffusion material 120 Optical member 122 Optical step 122a Lens element 122b Non-lens element 130 Cover 150 Light emitting area 152 First area 154 Second area

Claims (11)

a plurality of semiconductor light emitting elements arranged side by side on a substrate;
a diffusion material provided to cover a portion of the plurality of semiconductor light emitting elements;
Equipped with
the first portion provided with the diffusing material emits light in a manner that makes it impossible to distinguish between the individual semiconductor light emitting elements;
A marker lamp, characterized in that in the second portion where the diffusing material is not provided , the individual semiconductor light emitting elements emit light in a distinguishable manner . an optical member provided to cover the second portions of the plurality of semiconductor light emitting elements;
2. The marker lamp according to claim 1, wherein the optical member includes a plurality of optical elements provided at a plurality of locations corresponding to the plurality of semiconductor light emitting elements. The marker lamp described in claim 2, characterized in that the optical member is part of a cover that entirely covers the multiple semiconductor light-emitting elements. A marker lamp as described in claim 2 or 3, wherein the optical element is a lens element. A marker lamp as described in claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the optical element is a non-lens element. The plurality of semiconductor light emitting elements are
a plurality of first light-emitting elements that emit light in a first color;
a plurality of second light-emitting elements that emit light in a second color;
Including,
4. The marker lamp according to claim 2, wherein the plurality of optical elements includes a plurality of first optical elements provided at a plurality of locations corresponding to the plurality of first light-emitting elements. the plurality of optical elements further include a plurality of second optical elements provided at a plurality of locations corresponding to the plurality of second light-emitting elements,
7. The marker lamp of claim 6, wherein the first optical element and the second optical element have different structures. A marker lamp as described in claim 6 or 7, wherein the first optical element is a lens element. The marker lamp described in claim 7, wherein the second optical element is a non-lens element. A marker lamp as described in any one of claims 6 to 9, characterized in that the first color is amber and the lamp functions as a turn signal lamp. A marker lamp as described in any one of claims 6 to 10, characterized in that the second color is red and the lamp functions as a tail lamp.