Decorative lighting apparatus

A decorative lighting apparatus includes: a light source; an elongated outer lens; and a housing, wherein: the outer lens includes: a surface protrusion having a surface that is the light emitting surface and both sides; a back protrusion having a back and both sides; a first connection part, one end thereof in a short-side direction being connected to one side of the protrusions; and a second connection part, one end thereof in a short-side direction being connected to the other side of the protrusion; the housing is fixedly attached to the other end in the short-side direction of each of the first and second connection parts; the light source is arranged to be opposite to one section of the back protrusion; and a width of both sides of the surface protrusion is greater than a width of a surface of the surface protrusion.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2015-145535, filed on Jul. 23, 2015, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a decorative lighting apparatus.

2. Description of the Related Art

In JP-A-2014-154298, a lighting apparatus for a vehicle is disclosed. The lighting apparatus includes a light source, a pillar-shaped light guide that causes emitting light from the associated light source to be incident into one end surface and then guides the light therein to emit the guided light towards a front of the lighting apparatus by a plurality of light controllers formed on a side thereof, and a lens disposed in front of the light guide. The lens has a thick convex part that has a rectangular shape in longitudinal section, guides the light emitted from the light guide and then emits the light to the front of the lighting apparatus. A front member is disposed in front of the lens to cover a connection part between the lens and the lamp body. The convex part is exposed from the front member.

According to JP-A-2014-154298, the light guide and the lens are separate structures and are arranged to be spaced apart from each other. Therefore, since some of the emitting light of the light guide is reflected from an incident surface of the lens and thereby all of the emitting light of the light guide may not be incident into the lens, the efficiency of utilizing the emitting light of the light source is lowered and consequently it is difficult to obtain bright illumination.

Further, since the light guide is visible from the outside of the lighting apparatus for the vehicle through the lens, the appearance of the lighting apparatus is undesirably poor.

Moreover, JP-A-2014-154298 is problematic in that it is necessary to separately manufacture the light guide and the lens and then assemble them, manufacturing cost is high.

SUMMARY

The present invention is intended to solve the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the invention is to provide a decorative lighting apparatus that has a good appearance, allows bright illumination, and incurs low cost.

In order to accomplish the object, inventors have eagerly examined and found the following aspects of the present invention.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a decorative lighting apparatus, including: a light source; an elongated outer lens configured to guide radiation of the light source in an extending direction; and a housing that is provided to cover a back of a light emitting surface of the outer lens, wherein: the outer lens includes: a surface protrusion of a rectangular pillar shape having a surface that is the light emitting surface and both sides that act as a light reflecting surface; a back protrusion of a rectangular pillar shape having a back and both sides that act as a light reflecting surface; a first connection part of an elongated angle shape, one end of the first connection part in a short-side direction being connected to one side of the surface and back protrusions; and a second connection part of an elongated angle shape, one end of the second connection part in a short-side direction being connected to the other side of the surface and back protrusions; the housing is fixedly attached to the other end in the short-side direction of each of the first and second connection parts to cover in a liquid-tightly state; the light source is arranged to be opposite to one section of the back protrusion in an extending direction of the back protrusion; and a width of both sides of the surface protrusion is greater than a width of a surface of the surface protrusion, in a longitudinal section of the outer lens.

In the first aspect, the light guide and the lens are not separate structures as in JP-A-2014-154298, and the outer lens possesses the function of the light guide. Thus, in comparison with the case where the light guide and the lens are the separate structures, the efficiency of utilizing the emitting light of the light source is increased and consequently the bright illumination may be obtained. Further, it is unnecessary to separately manufacture and then assemble the light guide and the lens, so that it is possible to reduce manufacturing cost.

Further, in the first aspect, light source is arranged on the proximal end surface (light incident surface) that is one section in the extending direction of the back protrusion of the body part of the outer lens to be opposite to each other.

Therefore, when observing the light source from the surface (side when viewed from the front of the decorative lighting apparatus for the vehicle) of the surface protrusion that is the light emitting surface of the outer lens, the proximal end surface located at an inner position than the surface protrusion acts as the reflective surface, and the light source are not visible.

Consequently, the light source is not uglily exposed, thus preventing the appearance of the decorative lighting apparatus10for the vehicle from being marred.

Since the respective connection parts are connected to the sides of the respective protrusions, the respective connection parts are located at an inner position. Further, both sides of the respective protrusions act as the light reflecting surface. Thus, it is difficult to view one ends (portions of the respective connection parts connected to the respective protrusions) of the respective connection parts from the surface of the surface protrusion. Consequently, one ends of the respective connection parts are not uglily exposed, thus preventing the appearance of the decorative lighting apparatus for the vehicle from being marred.

Further, in the first aspect, in the longitudinal section of the outer lens, the width of both sides of the surface protrusion is greater than the width of the surface of the surface protrusion. Further, both sides of the surface protrusion act as the light reflecting surface that reflects light, diffused and reflected from the back protrusion, towards the surface of the surface protrusion. Therefore, light emitted from the surface of the surface protrusion is narrow in width and thus sharp. It is difficult to irradiate the emitting light onto peripheral member located on the front of the outer lens so that aesthetically good results are achieved.

Further, in the first aspect, light incident into the outer lens repeats the internal reflection between both sides of the respective protrusions, so that the light is guided in the extending direction of the outer lens, is reflected from the back of the back protrusion and is emitted from the surface of the surface protrusion. Therefore, the emitting light becomes the uniform light of the band shape in the extending direction of the outer lens. Consequently, it is possible to provide the good appearance to the decorative lighting apparatus for the vehicle.

Further, in the first aspect, in order to render the surface protrusion to have the rectangular pillar shape, both edges of the surface of the surface protrusion in the short-side direction become corner parts. Since the guided light concentrates on the corner parts, the corner parts are formed like lines and it is possible to obtain so-called “light-emission embodiment in which the edge takes effects”. Consequently, it is possible to provide the good appearance to the decorative lighting apparatus for the vehicle.

A second aspect of the present invention provides the decorative lighting apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein the width of both sides of the surface protrusion is greater than a width of both sides of the back protrusion, in the longitudinal section of the outer lens.

In the second aspect, light reflected irregularly from the back of the back protrusion and light reflected irregularly from one ends (portions of the respective connection parts connected to the respective protrusions) of the respective connection parts are reflected from both sides of the surface protrusion having a large protruding width, so that it is possible to efficiently guide light to the surface of the surface protrusion that is the light emitting surface, the quantity of the emitting light of the outer lens is increased, and thereby it is possible to obtain bright illumination.

A third aspect of the present invention provides the decorative lighting apparatus according to the first aspect or the second aspect, wherein a width of the surface of the surface protrusion is greater than a width of one end of each of the connection parts, in the longitudinal section of the outer lens.

In the third aspect, since the width of one ends of the respective connection parts is reduced, this may prevent the respective connection parts from inhibiting the guide of light into the outer lens, and may increase the quantity of the emitting light of the outer lens. Consequently, it is possible to obtain bright illumination.

A fourth aspect of the present invention provides the decorative lighting apparatus according to any one of the first, second and third aspects, wherein a distal end of the outer lens in the extending direction of the outer lens is curved towards one side in each of the protrusions.

In the fourth aspect, since both sides of the respective protrusions act as the light reflecting surface, even if the distal end of the outer lens is curved towards one side of the respective protrusions, it is possible to prevent the curved shape from inhibiting the guide of light into the outer lens. By appropriately setting the curved shape of the distal end of the outer lens, it allows the outer lens to be attractively exposed and thus aesthetically good results are achieved.

A fifth aspect of the present invention provides the decorative lighting apparatus according to any one of the first, second, third and fourth aspects, wherein the housing includes a first light blocking part that covers both sides in the vicinity of the back of the back protrusion to block light.

In the fifth aspect, since the first light blocking part covers both sides in the vicinity of the back of the back protrusion, easily undergoing diffused reflection, to block the light, it is possible to prevent stray light from being generated on both sides in the vicinity of the back of the back protrusion and to prevent the appearance of the emitting light of the outer lens from being marred due to the stray light.

A sixth aspect of the present invention provides the decorative lighting apparatus according to any one of the first, second, third, fourth and fifth aspects, wherein the housing includes a second light blocking part that covers both sides of the other end of each of the connection parts to block light.

In the sixth aspect, it is possible to prevent light guided into the respective connection parts from being diffused and reflected from the other ends of the respective connection parts and then becoming stray light, thus preventing the appearance of the emitting light of the outer lens from being impaired by the stray light.

A seventh aspect of the present invention provides the decorative lighting apparatus according to any one of the first, second, third, fourth and fifth aspects, further including: a decoration member having an installation hole, wherein the surface of the surface protrusion is exposed from the installation hole.

In the seventh aspect, it is possible to prevent the light emitted from the surface of the surface protrusion from being disrupted by the decoration member.

Further, since the periphery of the installation hole in the decoration member appears to rise up like a line by the emitting light from the surface of the surface protrusion, it is possible to allow the decoration member to be attractively exposed. Consequently, aesthetically good results are achieved.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, respective embodiments embodying the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Further, in the respective embodiments, like reference numerals refer to like constitution members and components throughout, and a duplicated description of the same contents will be omitted herein.

In the respective drawings, in order to make the invention easily understood, the dimensions, shapes and arrangement places of the constitution members of the respective embodiments are exaggerated and schematically illustrated, and may not be the same as the actual dimensions, shapes and arrangement places of the constitution members.

As illustrated inFIGS. 1 to 3, a decorative lighting apparatus10for a vehicle according to a first embodiment includes a front grill11, a grill opening12, an installation hole13, an outer lens20, a body part21, a cover part22, a distal end23, a proximal end24, a surface protrusion25(surface25a, sides25band25c), a back protrusion26(back26a, sides26band26c, proximal end surface26d, light introduction part26e), a first connection part27(one end27a, the other end27b), a second connection part28(one end28a, the other end28b), a housing30, a body part31(projections31aand31b), an accommodation part32(connector32a), a distal end33, a proximal end34, a light source40, LEDs41aand41b, a wiring board42, a connection terminal43, a cavity S and the like.

The front grill (radiator grill)11has the shape of an elongated plate that is long laterally and forms a design surface of a front portion of a vehicle, and has a bilateral symmetric structure when viewed from a front.

A radiator (not illustrated) is disposed on a rear side (back) of the front grill11, and an engine room (not illustrated) is formed on a rear side of the radiator.

The grill opening12and the installation hole13are formed in the front grill11.

The grill opening12is a laterally long through-hole adapted to the dimension and the shape of the front grill11, and is formed to take outside air in an engine room.

The installation hole13is a through hole having the shape of an elongated slit, and is arranged along a lower edge of the grill opening12.

The outer lens20is provided with a body part21and a cover part22and has transmittance. The body part21is provided with the distal end23and the proximal end24. The body part21is provided with the surface protrusion25, the back protrusion26, and the connection parts27and28(leg part, seal foot).

The body part21is an elongated object. The distal end23is shaped to be bent along a right edge when viewed from the front of the grill opening12, and the proximal end24is connected to the substantially plate-shaped cover part22.

The surface protrusion25has the shape of a rectangular pillar (shape of a rectangular longitudinal section), the surface (distal end surface)25aand both sides25band25cof the surface protrusion25are flat surfaces, and both sides25band25care arranged to be opposite to each other.

The back protrusion26has a rectangular pillar shape, the back26aand both sides26band26of the back protrusion26are flat surfaces, and both sides26band26care arranged to be opposite to each other.

The proximal end surface26dof the back protrusion26is a flat surface, and is formed on a section of the proximal end24to be connected to the cover part22.

A part of the back protrusion26connected to the proximal end surface26dis the light introduction part26e. As the light introduction part26eapproaches the proximal end surface26d, the width of the back protrusion26in the protruding direction is increased (seeFIG. 3).

The distal end23is bent towards the upper sides25band26bof the respective protrusions25and26. The surface protrusion25is formed to correspond to the dimension and the shape of the installation hole13of the front grill11.

The connection part27has an elongated angle shape (L-shaped material shape, L-shaped longitudinal section). One end27aof the connection part27in a short-side direction thereof is connected to the upper sides25band26bof the respective protrusions25and26, and a flat surface is formed on a front of the other end27bof the connection part27in the short-side direction thereof.

The connection part28has an elongated angle shape. One end28aof the connection part28in a short-side direction thereof is connected to the lower sides25cand26cof the respective protrusions25and26, and a flat surface is formed on a front of the other end28bof the connection part28in the short-side direction thereof.

The upper sides25band26bof the respective protrusions25and26are placed on the same plane, and the lower sides25cand26cof the respective protrusions25and26are placed on the same plane. The connection parts27and28have a line symmetrical shape with respect to a central line L of each protrusion25,26in an up-down direction (seeFIG. 2). That is, each protrusion25,26generally has the rectangular pillar shape. The respective connection parts27and28protrude from the middles of the sides25band25cand the sides26band26c, which are two opposite sides of each rectangular pillar.

The respective connection parts27and28are integrally connected to surround the distal end23of the body part21of the outer lens20.

The housing30includes the body part31and the accommodation part32to have a light blocking effect. The body part31is provided with the distal end33and the proximal end34.

The body part31of the housing30has an elongated plate shape that corresponds to the dimension and the shape of the body part21of the outer lens20. The proximal end34of the body part31is connected to the accommodation part32, and each of the projections31aand31bhaving the rectangular pillar shape protrudes from a surface of the body part31.

The respective projections31aand31bare arranged to be parallel to an extending direction of the body part31, and are integrally connected to surround the distal end33of the body part31.

The accommodation part32has the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped box that is open at a surface thereof, and an opening of the accommodation part32is formed to correspond to the dimension and the shape of the cover part22of the outer lens20. The barrel-shaped connector32aprotrudes from the accommodation part32.

The light source40includes the LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes)41aand41b, the wiring board42, the connection terminal43, and various circuit elements (resistor, capacitor, diode, Zener diode).

The respective LEDs41aand41bare mounted on the wiring board42. The connection terminal43composed of two leading wires is inserted in a plane direction of the wiring board42. The LEDs41aand41band the connection terminal43are connected via a lighting circuit (not illustrated) formed on the wiring board42by various circuit elements.

The front grill11and the housing30are integrally formed, by injection molding, using a synthetic resin material having sufficient strength. Examples of the synthetic resin material include ASA (Acrylate Styrene Acrylonitrile), AES (Acrylonitrile Ethylene Styrene), ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene), PC (Polycarbonate) and the like.

Among these synthetic resin materials, ASA is most preferable since it is inexpensive and excellent in injection moldability and weather resistance.

The outer lens20is integrally formed, by injection molding, using a synthetic resin material having sufficient transmittance and strength. Examples of the synthetic resin material include PMMA (Polymethyl methacrylate), PC, PC/ABS alloy and the like.

Among these synthetic resin materials, PMMA is most preferable since it is high in transparency and excellent in injection moldability.

In the outer lens20, the respective sides25b,25c,26band26cof the respective protrusions25and26and the back26aof the back protrusion26are light reflecting surfaces having sufficient light reflectability.

Since the respective sides25b,25c,26band26cof the respective protrusions25and26use total reflection by an interface, for example, a method of flattening an associated surface, a method of using a material of a high refractive index as a material forming the outer lens20and the like are adopted so as to increase the light reflectability.

Further, the following methods are adopted so as to increase the light reflectability of the back26aof the back protrusion26.

[A] A method of forming the back26ainto a serrated shape having a plurality of notches each having a triangular section in a direction parallel to the short-side direction of the outer lens20.

[B] A method of boring a groove in the back26ain the extending direction of the outer lens20.

[C] A method of performing a fine uneveness process (for example, embossing process, blast process or the like) on the back26a.

[D] A method of performing white printing having high light reflectability on the back26a.

[E] A method of forming a light-reflective thin film of a metal material (for example, tin, silver, gold, chromium or the like), formed by a PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) method or a plating method, on the back26a.

[F] A method of containing fine particles of a material (for example, silica, titanium oxide, aluminum oxide or the like) having high light scattering properties in a material forming the outer lens20, and scattering light by the fine particles.

In order to assemble the decorative lighting apparatus10for the vehicle, first, the light source40is accommodated in the accommodation part32of the housing30, and the connection terminal43of the light source40protrudes into the connector32aof the housing30.

Next, the outer lens20is attached to the housing30to be integrated therein.

That is, the other ends27band28bof the respective connection parts27and28of the outer lens20are liquid-tightly secured to the body part31of the housing30to come into close contact therewith. Simultaneously, the cover part22of the outer lens20is liquid-tightly secured to the opening of the accommodation part32of the housing30to come into close contact therewith, thus realizing a waterproof structure of the light source40.

In this respect, the method of fixedly attaching the outer lens20to the housing30may employ any fixing methods as long as it is possible to attain a good liquid-tight state. For example, various welding methods (ultrasonic welding, vibratory welding, induction welding, high-frequency welding, laser welding, thermal welding using a heater and the like), adhesion using an adhesive, fixing using double-side adhesive tape, screw fixing and the like may be employed.

Furthermore, a cavity (air layer) S is formed between the back26aof the back protrusion26of the outer lens20and the body part31of the housing30.

In the state where the surface protrusion25of the outer lens20is inserted from the back of the front grill11to the installation hole13of the front grill11, and the surface of the front grill11and the surface25aof the surface protrusion25are arranged to be approximately flush with each other, an integrated structure of the housing30with the outer lens20is fixedly secured to the back of the front grill11.

In this respect, the method of fixedly attaching the integrated structure of the housing30with the outer lens20to the front grill11may employ any fixing methods as long as it is possible to attain a good fixing state. For example, adhesion using an adhesive, fixing using double-side adhesive tape, fixing using a mounting bracket (not illustrated), fixing using mounting claws formed on the housing30or the outer lens20may be employed.

Thereafter, a male-side connector (not illustrated) of a wire harness of the vehicle is fixedly inserted into the connector32aof the housing30. The male-side connector is electrically connected to the connection terminal43in the connector32a. Thereby, power is supplied from the vehicle to the light source40to turn on the LEDs41aand41b.

FIG. 1illustrates a right-half part of the front grill11when viewed from a front. In a left-half part of the front grill11that is not illustrated when viewed from the front, an installation hole is formed to be symmetric with the installation hole13in a left-right direction of the front grill11.

Further, a member that is symmetric with the above-mentioned members (the outer lens20, the housing30, and the light source40) of the decorative lighting apparatus10for the vehicle in the left-right direction of the front grill11is fixedly attached to the installation hole that is symmetric with the installation hole13.

The radiation of the respective LEDs41aand41bof the light source40is incident into the proximal end surface26dof the back protrusion26of the outer lens20as a light incident surface.

The light incident into the outer lens20repeats internal reflection between both sides25band25cof the surface protrusion25of the outer lens20, and simultaneously repeats internal reflection between both sides26band26cof the back protrusion26, thus guiding light in the extending direction of the outer lens20that functions as a light guide.

That is, each side25b,25c,26b, or26cfunctions as a light reflecting surface for guiding light into the outer lens20.

In this respect, the respective LEDs41aand41bmounted on the wiring board42are arranged along the protruding direction of the back protrusion26. The radiation of the respective LEDs41aand41bis efficiently incident into the proximal end surface26dof the back protrusion26.

As the light introduction part26eof the back protrusion26approaches the proximal end surface26d, the width of the back protrusion26in the protruding direction is increased.

For this reason, the radiation of the respective LEDs41aand41bis smoothly guided into the outer lens20through the light introduction part26eof the back protrusion26.

Since an optic axis of the LED41bdisposed on the back26aof the back protrusion26intersects with a portion of the back26athat is close to the proximal end surface26d, and an optic axis of the LED41aintersects with a portion of the back26athat is distant from the proximal end surface26d, the radiation of the respective LEDs41aand41bmay be efficiently guided to the distal end23of the body part21of the outer lens20, whereby light can be efficiently supplied.

The reason why two LEDs41aand41bare formed is because the quantity of incident light of the outer lens20is increased, the quantity of emitting light of the outer lens20is also increased and thereby bright illumination is obtained.

The light guided in the extending direction of the outer lens20is reflected from the back26aof the back protrusion26as the light reflecting surface, and is emitted to the front of the front grill11from the surface25aof the surface protrusion25as the light emitting surface. The emitting light becomes uniform light of a band shape in the extending direction of the outer lens20.

The surface25aof the surface protrusion25of the outer lens20is exposed from the installation hole13of the front grill11, and the installation hole13is disposed along the lower edge of the grill opening12of the front grill11.

Therefore, since the lower edge of the grill opening12appears to rise up like a line by the emitting light from the surface25aof the surface protrusion25, it is possible to realize the three-dimensional effect or the expansion in a vehicle-width direction of the grill opening12and thereby cause the grill opening12to be attractively exposed. Consequently, aesthetically good results are achieved.

The decorative lighting apparatus10for the vehicle according to the first embodiment may achieve the following effects.

[1] In the decorative lighting apparatus10for the vehicle, the light guide and the lens are not separate structures as in JP-A-2014-154298, and the outer lens20possesses the function of the light guide. Thus, in comparison with the case where the light guide and the lens are the separate structures, the efficiency of utilizing the emitting light of the respective LEDs41aand41b(light source) is increased and consequently the bright illumination may be obtained. Further, it is unnecessary to separately manufacture and then assemble the light guide and the lens, so that it is possible to reduce manufacturing cost.

[2] The respective LEDs41aand41b(light source) are arranged on the proximal end surface26d(light incident surface) that is one section in the extending direction of the back protrusion26of the body part21of the outer lens20to be opposite to each other.

Therefore, when observing the respective LEDs41aand41bfrom the surface25a(side when viewed from the front of the decorative lighting apparatus10for the vehicle) of the surface protrusion25that is the light emitting surface of the outer lens20, the proximal end surface26dlocated at an inner position than the surface protrusion25acts as the reflective surface, and the respective LEDs41aand41bare not visible.

Consequently, the respective LEDs41aand41bare not uglily exposed, thus preventing the appearance of the decorative lighting apparatus10for the vehicle from being marred.

Since the respective connection parts27and28are connected to the sides25b,25c,26band26cof the respective protrusions25and26, the respective connection parts27and28are located at an inner position. Further, both sides25b,25c,26band26cof the respective protrusions25and26act as the light reflecting surface. Thus, it is difficult to view one ends27aand28a(portions of the respective connection parts27and28connected to the respective protrusions25and26) of the respective connection parts27and28from the surface25aof the surface protrusion25.

Consequently, one ends27aand28aof the respective connection parts27and28are not uglily exposed, thus preventing the appearance of the decorative lighting apparatus10for the vehicle from being marred.

[3] As illustrated inFIG. 2, in the longitudinal section of the outer lens20, the width t1of both sides25band25cof the surface protrusion25is greater than the width t2of the surface25aof the surface protrusion25(t1>t2).

Further, both sides25band25cof the surface protrusion25act as the light reflecting surface that reflects light, diffused and reflected from the back protrusion26, towards the surface25aof the surface protrusion25.

Therefore, light emitted from the surface25aof the surface protrusion25is narrow in width and thus sharp. It is difficult to irradiate the emitting light onto the front grill11(peripheral member located on the front of the outer lens20). A boundary between the front grill11and the outer lens20becomes clear. Consequently, it causes the outer lens20to be attractively exposed, so that aesthetically good results are achieved.

The width t1of both sides25band25cof the surface protrusion25is properly in the range of 5 to 20 mm, and preferably of 8 to 15 mm.

Further, the width t2of the surface25aof the surface protrusion25is properly in the range of 3 to 10 mm, and preferably of 4 to 7 mm.

Furthermore, a ratio of the width t1to the width t2, t1/t2is properly in the range of 1.5 to 4 mm, and preferably of 2 to 3 mm.

When t1/t2is reduced below this range, the emitting light of the surface25aof the surface protrusion25becomes too wide. Thus, it is difficult to obtain the above-described effects, and the brightness in the surface25ais likely to be non-uniform.

In contrast, when t1/t2is increased above this range, the outer lens20become too deep. This inhibits the size of the decorative lighting apparatus10for the vehicle from being reduced, increases an optical loss due to the reflection in both sides25band25cof the surface protrusion25, reduces the quantity of the emitting light from the surface25a, and thus leads to dark illumination.

[4] Light incident into the outer lens20repeats the internal reflection between both sides25band25cand both sides26band26cof the respective protrusions25and26, so that the light is guided in the extending direction of the outer lens20, is reflected from the back26aof the back protrusion26and is emitted from the surface25aof the surface protrusion25. Therefore, the emitting light becomes the uniform light of the band shape in the extending direction of the outer lens20. Consequently, it is possible to provide the good appearance to the decorative lighting apparatus10for the vehicle.

[5] In order to render the surface protrusion25to have the rectangular pillar shape, both edges of the surface25aof the surface protrusion25in the short-side direction become corner parts. Since the guided light concentrates on the corner parts, the corner parts are formed like lines and it is possible to obtain so-called “light-emission embodiment in which the edge takes effects”. Consequently, it is possible to provide the good appearance to the decorative lighting apparatus10for the vehicle.

[6] As illustrated inFIG. 2, in the longitudinal section of the outer lens20, the width t1of both sides25band25cof the surface protrusion25is greater than the width t3of both sides26band26cof the back protrusion26(t1>t3).

Therefore, light reflected irregularly from the back26aof the back protrusion26and light reflected irregularly from one ends27aand28a(portions of the respective connection parts27and28connected to the respective protrusions25and26) of the respective connection parts27and28are reflected from both sides25band25cof the surface protrusion25having a large protruding width, so that it is possible to efficiently guide light to the surface25aof the surface protrusion25that is the light emitting surface, the quantity of the emitting light of the outer lens20is increased, and thereby it is possible to obtain bright illumination.

Further, the width t3of both sides26band26cof the back protrusion26differs in a portion that is close to the proximal end surface26dand a portion that is distant therefrom, and is properly in the range of 2 to 10 mm and preferably of 3 to 5 mm.

A ratio of the width t1to the width t3, namely, t1/t3is preferably in the range of 2 to 5.

When t1/t3is reduced below this range, the width t3becomes too large, so that it is difficult to obtain the above-mentioned effects. Further, the depth of the outer lens20becomes large. Thus, the decorative lighting apparatus10for the vehicle is increased in size, and one ends27aand28aof the respective connection parts27and28are likely to mar the appearance.

In contrast, when t1/t3is increased above this range, the depth of the outer lens20becomes too large, so that this inhibits the size of the decorative lighting apparatus10for the vehicle from being reduced, increases an optical loss due to the reflection in both sides25band25cof the surface protrusion25, reduces the quantity of the emitting light from the surface25a, and thus leads to dark illumination.

[7] As illustrated inFIG. 2, in the longitudinal section of the outer lens20, the width t2of the surface25aof the surface protrusion25is greater than the width t4of one ends27aand28aof the respective connection parts27and28(t2>t4).

That is, since the width t4of one ends27aand28aof the respective connection parts27and28is reduced, this may prevent the respective connection parts27and28from inhibiting the guide of light into the outer lens20, and may increase the quantity of the emitting light of the outer lens20. Consequently, it is possible to obtain bright illumination.

Preferably, the width t4of one ends27aand28aof the respective connection parts27and28is in the range of 1 to 3 mm.

A ratio of the width t2to the width t4, t2/t4is preferably in the range of 2 to 4.

When t2/t4is reduced below this range, the width t4becomes too large, so that it is difficult to obtain the above-mentioned effects. In addition, the proportion of light guided into the respective connection parts27and28is increased and the proportion of light guided into the respective connection parts25and26is correspondingly reduced. Consequently, this reduces the quantity of the emitting light of the outer lens20, and lead to dark illumination.

Meanwhile, when t2/t4is increased above this range, the width t4becomes too small, so that it is impossible to obtain the sufficient strength of the respective connection parts27and28and one ends27aand28aof the respective connection parts27and28are likely to mar the appearance.

[8] The distal end23of the outer lens20in the extending direction thereof is curved towards the upper sides25band26bof the respective protrusions25and26.

That is, since both sides25b,25c,26band26cof the respective protrusions25and26act as the light reflecting surface that guides light therebetween, even if the distal end23of the outer lens20is curved towards one side of the respective protrusions25and26, it is possible to prevent the curved shape from inhibiting the guide of light into the outer lens20. By appropriately setting the curved shape of the distal end23of the outer lens20, it allows the outer lens20to be attractively exposed and thus aesthetically good results are achieved.

[9] Since the respective projections31aand31b(first light blocking part) protruding from the body part31of the housing30are formed integrally with the housing30, they have a light blocking effect and cover both sides in the vicinity of the back26aof the back protrusion26of the outer lens20to block light.

That is, since the respective projections31aand31bcover both sides in the vicinity of the back26aof the back protrusion26, easily undergoing diffused reflection, to block the light, it is possible to prevent stray light from being generated on both sides in the vicinity of the back26aof the back protrusion26and to prevent the appearance of the emitting light of the outer lens20from being marred due to the stray light.

[10] Since the decorative lighting apparatus10for the vehicle includes the front grill11(decoration member) having the installation hole13and the surface25aof the surface protrusion25of the outer lens20is exposed from the installation hole13, it is possible to prevent light emitted from the surface25aof the surface protrusion25from being inhibited by the front grill11.

Since the periphery of the installation hole13appears to rise up like a line by the light emitted from the surface25aof the surface protrusion25, it is possible to allow the front grill11to be attractively exposed. Consequently, aesthetically good results are achieved.

[11] The cavity S is formed between the back26aof the back protrusion26and the outer lens20and the body part31of the housing30.

Therefore, since the light guided into the outer lens20may be reliably reflected from the back26aof the back protrusion26by the total reflection due to a difference in refractive index between the outer lens20and the air in the cavity S, the quantity of the emitting light of the outer lens20may be increased and thereby the bright illumination may be obtained.

[12] Since the surface25aof the surface protrusion25and the surface of the front grill11(decoration member) are arranged to be approximately flush with each other and the surface protrusion25does not protrude from the front grill11, the surface protrusion25is not uglily exposed, thus preventing the appearance of the decorative lighting apparatus10for the vehicle from being marred by the surface protrusion25.

[13] If the front grill11(decoration member) and the housing30have the same color, when the decorative lighting apparatus10for the vehicle does not emit light, the housing30is not visible from the outside through the outer lens20, and it appears as if the decorative lighting apparatus10for the vehicle did not exist.

As illustrated inFIG. 4, a decorative lighting apparatus100for a vehicle according to a second embodiment includes a front grill11, a grill opening12, an installation hole13, an outer lens20, a body part21, a surface protrusion25(surface25a, sides25band25c), a back protrusion26(back26a, sides26band26c), a first connection part27(one end27a, the other end27b), a second connection part28(one end28a, the other end28b), a housing30, a body part31(projections31aand31b), a cavity S, outer circumferential walls101aand101band the like.

Although not illustrated inFIG. 4, the decorative lighting apparatus100for the vehicle according to the second embodiment includes the same members as other members of the decorative lighting apparatus10for the vehicle according to the first embodiment.

The decorative lighting apparatus100for the vehicle according to the second embodiment is different from the decorative lighting apparatus10for the vehicle according to the first embodiment in that the body part31of the housing30includes the outer circumferential walls101aand101b.

Therefore, the second embodiment may obtain the same effects as the first embodiment.

The outer circumferential walls101aand101bprotrude from the outer circumference of the same plane as the plane of the body part31from which the projections31aand31bprotrude, and are integrally connected to surround the distal end (not illustrated. See the distal end23ofFIG. 1) of the body part31.

Since the outer circumferential wall101aand the projection31a(second light blocking part) are formed integrally with the housing30, they have a light blocking effect and cover both sides of the other end27bof the first connection part27to block light.

Further, since the outer circumferential wall101band the projection31b(second light blocking part) are formed integrally with the housing30, they have a light blocking effect and cover both sides of the other end28bof the second connection part28to block light.

In this respect, since the other ends27band28bof the respective connection parts27and28are fixed to the body part31of the housing30to come into close contact therewith, it is easy to diffuse and reflect the light when the above-mentioned fixing methods (various welding methods, adhesion using an adhesive, and fixing using double-side adhesive tape) are used for the fixing.

However, the second embodiment may prevent light guided into the respective connection parts27and28from being diffused and reflected from the other ends27band28bof the respective connection parts27and28and then becoming stray light, thus preventing the appearance of the emitting light of the outer lens20from being impaired by the stray light.

As illustrated inFIG. 5, a decorative lighting apparatus200for a vehicle according to a third embodiment includes a front grill11, a grill opening12, an installation hole13, an outer lens20, a body part21, a surface protrusion25(surface25a, sides25band25c), a back protrusion26(back26a, sides26band26c), a first connection part27(one end27a, the other end27b), a second connection part28(one end28a, the other end28b), a housing30, a body part31, a cavity S, outer circumferential walls101aand101band the like.

Although not illustrated inFIG. 5, the decorative lighting apparatus200for the vehicle according to the third embodiment includes the same members as other members of the decorative lighting apparatus10for the vehicle according to the first embodiment.

The decorative lighting apparatus200for the vehicle according to the third embodiment is different from the decorative lighting apparatus100for the vehicle according to the second embodiment in that the projections31aand31bare removed from the body part31of the housing30.

Therefore, the third embodiment may obtain the effects of [1] to [8] and [10] to [13] of the first embodiment.

The outer circumferential wall101a(second light blocking part) covers the outer side of the other end27bof the first connection part27to block light.

Further, the outer circumferential wall101b(second light blocking part) covers the outer side of the other end28bof the second connection part28to block light. Therefore, since the third embodiment has no projections31aand31b, it is inferior but may obtain the same effects as the second embodiment.

The present invention may be embodied as follows without being limited to the above-mentioned embodiments. In this case, it is possible to obtain the same or more effects in comparison with the above-mentioned embodiments.

[A] Although two LEDs41aand41bare formed in the above-described embodiments, they may be substituted with one LED as long as a sufficient quantity of light is obtained, and three or more LEDs may be formed.

[B] The LED41a,41bmay be substituted with any light source (for example, bulb, semiconductor light emitting element such as EL (Electro Luminescence) or LD (Laser Diode)) as long as it has an optic axis.

[C] Although the decorative lighting apparatuses10,100and200for the vehicle according to the above-described embodiments are applied to an illumination of the front grill11, they may be applied to an illumination of any decorated member (for example, bumper, fender, emblem or the like) provided on an interior or exterior of the vehicle.

Further, the present invention may be applied to a decorative lighting apparatus of a decoration member provided on any article (for example, electronic product, furniture or the like) without being limited to the decorative lighting apparatus for the vehicle.

Technical spirits that may be understood from the above-described embodiments and other embodiments will be described in the following.

[Note 1] A decorative lighting apparatus for a vehicle described in any one of first to seventh aspects, wherein a cavity is formed between a back of a back protrusion and a housing.

In Note 1, since light guided into an outer lens may be reliably reflected from the back of the back protrusion by total reflection due to a difference in refractive index between the outer lens and the air in the cavity, the quantity of the emitting light of the outer lens may be increased and thereby bright illumination may be obtained.

[Note 2] A decorative lighting apparatus for a vehicle described in any one of first to seventh aspects or Note 1, wherein a surface of a surface protrusion and a surface of a decoration member are arranged to be approximately flush with each other.

In Note 2, since the surface protrusion does not protrude from the decoration member, the surface protrusion is not uglily exposed, thus preventing the appearance of the decorative lighting apparatus for the vehicle from being marred by the surface protrusion.

[Note 3] A decorative lighting apparatus for a vehicle described in seventh aspect, wherein a decoration member and a housing have the same color.

In Note 3, when the decorative lighting apparatus does not emit light, the housing is not visible from the outside through an outer lens, and it appears as if the decorative lighting apparatus did not exist.

The present invention is not restricted to the above-described aspects, embodiments, and Notes. It is apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications may be included in the present invention without departing from the above-described aspects, embodiments, Notes, and claims. Reference is made to the above Patent Documents, the contents of which are incorporated herein.