Vehicle light and vehicle equipped with vehicle light

A vehicle light installed in a vehicle includes: a main case having a front opening; a first light guide disposed in the main case; a first light source that emits light into the first light guide; and a headlamp disposed in the main case. The first light guide (i) is rod-shaped, (ii) includes a first extended section extending from the inboard side of the first light guide relative to the vehicle widthwise direction toward the outboard side and a second extended section that continues from the first extended section, curves back inwardly, and extends to the inboard side, and (iii) opens toward a longitudinal center line of the vehicle. The headlamp is disposed between the first extended section and the second extended section. The first extended section and the second extended section extend toward the longitudinal center line of the vehicle to a point beyond the headlamp.

CROSS REFERENCE TO THE RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of priority of Japanese Patent Application Number 2013-174260, filed Aug. 26, 2013, the entire content of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to vehicle lights and vehicles equipped with vehicle lights.

BACKGROUND ART

Conventionally, relevant vehicle lights are positioned at vehicle widthwise left and right sides of the front and back of the vehicle. These vehicle lights are illuminated to indicate the presence or the size (width) of the vehicle.

In recent years, vehicle lights that use light guides to increase the area of illumination in an effort to make recognition of the presence or size (width) of the vehicle easier have appeared (for example, see Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2012-243539).

For example, a vehicle light using a light guide includes a main case having a front opening, a light guide disposed in the main case, a light source that emits light into the light guide, and a translucent cover fitted to cover the opening of the main case.

The light guide is, for example, a rod-shaped light guide that, when the main case is installed in the vehicle, extends outward in the widthwise direction of the vehicle, curves back in a U shape, and then continues to extend inward in the widthwise direction of the vehicle.

The light guide having this sort of shape has a predetermined length in the widthwise direction of the vehicle, giving it a visible presence.

SUMMARY

However, with a conventional light guide, there is a problem that the recognition rate of the width of the vehicle is poor.

An object of one aspect of the present invention is to improve the recognition rate of the width of the vehicle.

In order to achieve this object, the vehicle light according to one aspect of the present invention is installed in a vehicle and includes: a main case having a front opening; a first light guide disposed in the main case; a first light source that emits light into the first light guide; and a headlamp disposed in the main case. The first light guide (i) is rod-shaped, (ii) includes a first extended section extending from the inboard side of the first light guide relative to the vehicle widthwise direction toward the outboard side and a second extended section that continues from the first extended section, curves back inwardly, and extends to the inboard side, and (iii) opens toward a longitudinal center line of the vehicle. The headlamp is disposed between the first extended section and the second extended section. The first extended section and the second extended section extend toward the longitudinal center line of the vehicle to a point beyond the headlamp.

According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to improve the recognition rate of the width of the vehicle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Hereinafter an exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the Drawings. The following exemplary embodiment shows a general or specific example. The numerical values, shapes, materials, structural elements, the arrangement and connection of the structural elements, steps, the processing order of the steps etc. shown in the following exemplary embodiment are mere examples, and therefore do not limit the present invention. Therefore, among the structural elements in the following exemplary embodiments, structural elements not recited in any one of the independent claims defining the most generic part of the inventive concept are described as arbitrary structural elements.

Moreover, the Drawings are schematic drawings, and are not necessarily exact depictions. Moreover, in the Drawings, elements having the same essential configuration share the same reference numerals, and multiple descriptions thereof are omitted or abridged.

Embodiment

First, a vehicle1according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference toFIG. 1.FIG. 1is a front view of the left half of a vehicle equipped with a vehicle light according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As is illustrated inFIG. 1, the vehicle1is one example of an automobile, and is, for example, a four-wheeled vehicle such as gasoline powered vehicle or an electric vehicle. Vehicle lights2are provided on the left and right sides of the front of the vehicle1. The vehicle lights2are, for example, vehicle lighting apparatuses having a function of, for example, illuminating an area in front of vehicle1and indicating the width of the vehicle. Moreover, vehicle lights3for indicating the width of the vehicle are arranged below the vehicle lights2. The vehicle lights3are, for example, DRLs (daylight running lamps/daytime running lights) or fog lamps.

It should be noted that only the left half of the vehicle1is shown inFIG. 1, but the vehicle light2and the vehicle light3are also provided on the right half as well. In other words, the vehicle light2and the vehicle light3are disposed to a left and right of a longitudinal center line of the vehicle.

Next, the vehicle light2according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference toFIG. 2thoughFIG. 6.FIG. 2is an exploded perspective view of a vehicle light according to an embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 3is a perspective view of relevant components of the vehicle light, showing a first light guide and a second light guide disposed inside a main case.FIG. 4is a front view illustrating a first light guide, a second light guide, and a headlamp in the vehicle light.FIG. 5is a perspective view of the first light guide in the vehicle light.FIG. 6is a perspective view of the second light guide in the vehicle light.

As is illustrated inFIG. 2andFIG. 3, the vehicle light2includes a main case5having a front opening4, a first light guide6and a second light guide7disposed in the main case5, a light source (not shown inFIG. 2orFIG. 3) that emits light into the first light guide6and the second light guide7, a translucent cover11fitted to cover the opening4of the main case5, a frame12for attaching the cover11to the main case5, and a headlamp21disposed in the main case5.

Moreover, the vehicle light2according to this embodiment includes, as the light source that emits light into the first light guide6and the second light guide7, a light source8shown inFIG. 5and light sources9and10shown inFIG. 6. The light source8is a first light source that emits light into the first light guide6. The light sources9and10are second light sources that emit light into the second light guide7.

As is illustrated inFIG. 1throughFIG. 5, the first light guide6is a rod-like component having a curve so as to be substantially U-shaped. The first light guide6is, for example, made of a translucent resin material such as polycarbonate or acrylic resin.

The first light guide6is rod-shaped and includes: a first extended section61(first rod-shaped extended section) that has a substantially slender cylindrical shape and extends from the inboard side of the first light guide relative to the widthwise direction of the vehicle toward the outboard side of the first light guide relative to the widthwise direction of the vehicle; and a second extended section62(second rod-shaped extended section) that has a substantially slender cylindrical shape, continues from the first extended section61, curves back inward, and extends to the inboard side. In other words, the first light guide6is a substantially U-shaped rod-like component arranged on its side so that the “U” opens toward the longitudinal center line of the vehicle1.

More specifically, the first light guide6is, for example, a cylindrical light guide that, when the main case5is installed in the vehicle1, extends from the inboard side of the first light guide relative to the widthwise direction of the vehicle toward the outboard side of the first light guide relative to the widthwise direction of the vehicle, bends in a U shape, and then continues to extend from the outboard side of the first light guide relative to a widthwise direction of the vehicle toward the inboard side of the first light guide relative to the widthwise direction of the vehicle.

In this embodiment, the first extended section61and the second extended section62are arranged vertically so as to be substantially parallel to each other. Moreover, the outboard end portions of the first extended section61and the second extended section62in the widthwise direction of the vehicle5are connected together at a U-shaped portion63of the first light guide6, which is the portion of the first light guide6that curves back.

As illustrated inFIG. 4, the first extended section61and the second extended section62extend toward the longitudinal center line of the vehicle1to a point beyond the headlamp21. In other words, the ends of the first extended section61and the second extended section62at the inboard sides relative to the widthwise direction of the vehicle are located closer to the longitudinal center line of the vehicle1than an end of the headlamp21at the inboard side relative to the widthwise direction of the vehicle.

The first light guide6includes, on the inboard side thereof in the widthwise direction of the vehicle, a light-incident portion13(first light-incident portion) on which light from the light source8is incident. In other words, the inboard side of the first light guide6in the widthwise direction of the vehicle is the light-incident portion13. Moreover, the light source8is disposed across from the light-incident portion13. It should be noted that the light-incident portion13is an unobstructed end of the first extended section61, and the light source8is disposed across from the end surface of the first extended section61.

It should be noted that an LED (light-emitting element) that emits, for example, white light, may be used as the light source8. The light source8is configured as a LED module including, for example, a substrate, an LED chip, and a wavelength converting material (for example, phosphor). The light source8is fixed to a predetermined component such as the main case5.

Conversely, as is illustrated inFIG. 1throughFIG. 4andFIG. 6, the second light guide is plate-shaped and disposed so as to pass in front of or behind the U-shaped portion of the first light guide6. The second light guide7is, for example, made of a translucent resin material such as polycarbonate or acrylic resin.

In this embodiment, the second light guide7is a plate-shaped component that extends from a position further outboard than the U-shaped portion63of the first light guide6(the most outboard portion of the first light guide6relative to the widthwise direction of the vehicle), passes in front of this portion of the first light guide6, and extends to the inboard side relative to the widthwise direction of the vehicle.

More specifically, the second light guide7includes a plate-shaped first extended section71(first plate-shaped extended section) that extends from a rearward portion of the main case5toward the opening4(that is to say, forward), and a second extended section72(second plate-shaped extended section) that bends from the first extended section71and extends to the inboard side relative to the widthwise direction of the vehicle. As illustrated inFIG. 4, the second extended section72, which is a section of the second light guide7, is disposed between the first extended section61and the second extended section62of the first light guide6.

It should be noted that the boundary between the first extended section71and the second extended section72, which is a bent portion, curves so as to have a curvature. Moreover, the outer surface of the first extended section71is disposed across from the inner surface of the main case5, and the outer surface of the second extended section72is disposed across from the plane of the opening4.

The first light guide6and the second light guide7cross each other in the U-shaped portion63of the first light guide6and in the bent portion of the second light guide7. Moreover, in a front view of the vehicle light3, the second extended section72of the second light guide7is disposed so as to be positioned between the first extended section61and the second extended section62of the first light guide6.

The second light guide7includes, on an outboard side thereof in the widthwise direction of the vehicle, a light-incident portion14(second light-incident portion) on which light from the light sources9and10is incident. In other words, the outboard side of the second light guide7in the widthwise direction of the vehicle is the light-incident portion14. Moreover, the light sources9and10are disposed across from the light-incident portion14. It should be noted that the light-incident portion14is a free end of the first extended section71, and the light sources9and10are disposed across from the end surface of the first extended section71.

The light source9is a first light-emitting element that lights up to indicate the width of the vehicle, and the light source10is a second light-emitting element for a turn signal indicator that lights up to indicate a direction. It should be noted that a LED (light-emitting element) that emits, for example, white light, may be used as the light source9. Moreover, it should be noted that a LED (light-emitting element) that emits, for example, amber light, may be used as the light source10. The light sources9and10are configured as LED modules including, for example, a substrate, an LED chip, and a wavelength converting material (for example, phosphor). The light sources9and10are fixed to a predetermined component such as the main case5.

Moreover, the rear (back) surface of the second light guide7includes a textured portion for emitting, to the front surface side of the second light guide7, the light guided by the second light guide7. More specifically, the textured portion is formed on part of the rear surface of the second extended section72of the second light guide7. In other words, the textured portion is selectively formed on a surface of the second light guide7. The textured portion may be formed on the front surface instead of the rear surface, but is preferably formed on the rear surface. By forming the textured portion on the rear surface of the second light guide7, the light guided by the second light guide7can be emitted in a desired direction toward the front surface via the textured portion. The hatched region7aof spaced dots inFIG. 2throughFIG. 4andFIG. 6indicates the region in which the textured portion is formed. The textured portion is composed of, for example, a plurality of minute dot-like depressions. The textured portion may be a light dispersing portion having light dispersing characteristics, and may be a light distribution control portion that controls the distribution of light, such as a microprism, and may be a combination of these.

In this way, by forming a textured portion on a surface of the second light guide7, the light guided by the second light guide7can be emitted to the front surface side in the region7a. With this, the illumination of the second light guide7at the region7acan be made to be more intense than other regions of the second light guide7. In other words, the intensity of the illumination of the second light guide7can be selectively emphasized.

Moreover, the region7ain which the textured portion is formed is a design that represents turn signal information when the light source9or10emits light. In other words, the design of the region7ain which the textured portion is formed represents information indicating a turn signal. In this embodiment, the region7ain which the textured portion is formed is divided into two regions, one along each of the edges intersecting the widthwise direction (the top and bottom edges in the drawings) of the second extended section72. More specifically, the region7ain which the textured portion is formed is formed in two parts along the lengthwise direction of the second extended section72, and between the two parts of the region7a, there is a region in which the textured portion is not formed.

Note that the textured portion in the region7ais exemplified as being composed of a plurality of minute depressions, but the region7ais not limited to this example. For example, the region7amay be composed of a plurality of minute protuberances, and may be composed of a combination of depressions and protuberances. Moreover, the shape of the region7ain which the textured portion is formed is not limited to a design that represents a turn signal. For example, the shape of the region7amay be any design such as a character or graphic.

The headlamp21is a lamp that has a function of illuminating an area in front of the vehicle1, and is capable of switching between emitting a low beam, which is a passing beam, and a high beam, which is a driving beam.

As illustrated inFIG. 4, in a front view, the headlamp21is disposed between the first light guide6and the second light guide7. Moreover, in a front view, the headlamp21is disposed between the first extended section61and the second extended section62. Thus, the headlamp21is disposed between (i) the first extended section61or the second extended section62and (ii) the second light guide7(the second extended section72). In this embodiment, in a front view, the headlamp21is disposed between the second extended section62of the first light guide6and the second extended section72of the second light guide7.

Moreover, as is illustrated inFIG. 7, the light source8, which emits light into the first light guide6, and the light sources9and10, which emit light into the second light guide7, are connected to a control unit15.FIG. 7is a block diagram illustrating control of the vehicle light according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The control unit15is connected to an ignition switch (IGN SW)16, a turn signal switch (turn signal SW)17, a vehicle width switch (vehicle width SW)18, and a hazard switch (hazard SW)19.

Here, the operation of the vehicle light2will be explained with reference toFIG. 8.FIG. 8is a flow chart illustrating operation of the vehicle light according to an embodiment of the present invention.

For example, when a user gets in the vehicle1and turns the ignition switch16ON (51inFIG. 8), the engine (not shown in the Drawings) starts. In this state, regardless of it being daytime or nighttime, the light source8turns on.

When the ignition switch16is ON (YES in S1inFIG. 8) and further the vehicle width switch18is turned ON (YES in S2inFIG. 8), illumination of the light source9is controlled by the control unit15.

When the vehicle width switch18is ON, since the turn signal switch17is not used when the vehicle is moving directly forward (NO in S3inFIG. 8), the control unit15turns the light source9ON (S4inFIG. 8). In other words, when the vehicle width switch18is ON and the turn signal switch17is OFF (NO in S3inFIG. 8), the light source9is ON. As such, in this case, the light sources8and9are ON, and the light source10is OFF.

When the light sources8,9, and10are in this particular combination of ON and OFF states, light from the light source8is incident on the light-incident portion13of the first light guide6, resulting in illumination of the entire first light guide6. In other words, the incident light from the light source8first passes through the first extended section61followed by the U-shaped portion63, and then the second extended section62, whereby light is emitted from the entire first light guide6.

On the other hand, light from the light source9is incident on the light-incident portion14of the second light guide7, resulting in illumination of the entire second light guide7. In other words, the incident light from the light source9is first transmitted through the first extended section71and then the second extended section72so as to start from a position further outboard in the widthwise direction of the vehicle than the U-shaped portion63of the first light guide6and pass in front of the first light guide6, resulting in illumination of the entire second light guide7.

When both the light sources8and9are turned ON, since the first light guide6and the second light guide7cross each other at the U-shaped portion63of the first light guide6, the light is brighter in this cross-over region than other regions of the first light guide6and second light guide7. As a result, it is possible to improve the recognition rate of the width of the vehicle.

It should be noted that the shape of the region in which the light is brighter is the shape of the overlapping portion of the first light guide6and the second light guide7. In this embodiment, the region in which the light is brighter is a vertical rectangle located at the outboard end in the widthwise direction of the vehicle on the as is illustrated inFIG. 1.

Moreover, when both the light sources8and9are ON in S3inFIG. 8and the turn signal switch17is activated so that the turn signal switch17is ON (YES in S3inFIG. 8), the control unit15turns OFF the light source9and causes the light source10to blink (S5inFIG. 8).

In other words, when the vehicle width switch18and the turn signal switch17are ON (YES in S3inFIG. 8), the light source8is ON, the light source9is OFF, and the light source10is blinking. With this, the second light guide7functions as a turn signal indicator by repeatedly blinking amber light from the light source10.

At this time, as a result of the second light guide7covering the front of the U-shaped portion63of the first light guide6, the region of blinking amber light from the light source10is not blocked by the U-shaped portion63of the first light guide. As such, it is possible for the second light guide7to properly function as a turn signal indicator.

It should be noted that in this embodiment, in S2inFIG. 8, even if the vehicle width switch18is OFF (NO in S2inFIG. 8), when the turn signal switch17is ON (YES in S6inFIG. 8), the control unit15turns OFF the light source9and causes the light source10to blink (S7inFIG. 8). In other words, in this case, the light source8is ON, the light source9is OFF, and the light source10is blinking.

It goes without saying that when the vehicle width switch18is OFF, the light sources9and10are both OFF (S8inFIG. 8) when the turn signal switch17is OFF (NO in S6inFIG. 8). In other words, in this case, the light source8is ON and the light sources9and10are OFF.

Moreover, even if the ignition switch16is OFF (NO in S1inFIG. 8), when the hazard switch19is ON (YES in S9inFIG. 8), the control unit15turns OFF the light source9and causes the light source10to blink (S10inFIG. 8). In other words, in this case, the light sources8and9are OFF and the light source10is blinking.

It goes without saying that in this case, if the hazard switch19is not used (NO in S9inFIG. 8), the light sources9and10are both OFF (S11inFIG. 8). In other words, in this case, the light sources8,9, and10are all OFF.

Note that, for example, at night, headlamp switch22may be switched on to turn on the headlamps21as required.

With the vehicle light2according to this embodiment, the first light guide6(i) is rod-shaped, (ii) includes the first extended section61which extends from an inboard side of the first light guide6relative to the widthwise direction of the vehicle1toward an outboard side of the first light guide6relative to the same and a second extended section62that continues from the first extended section61, curves back inwardly, and extends to the inboard side, and (iii) opens toward the longitudinal center line of the vehicle1. Moreover, the headlamp21is disposed between the first extended section61and the second extended section62, and the first extended section61and the second extended section62extend toward the longitudinal center line of the vehicle1to a point beyond the headlamp21.

In this way, by using a rod-shaped component that opens toward the longitudinal center line of the vehicle1as the first light guide6, the orientation of the vehicle1with respect to the widthwise direction (left-and-right direction) of the vehicle1can be easily recognized. As a result, it is possible to improve the recognition rate of the width of the vehicle1. Moreover, despite the first extended section61and the second extended section62extending to a point beyond the headlamp21, since the headlamp21is disposed between the first extended section61and the second extended section62of the first light guide6, interference between the headlamp21and the first light guide6is reduced. In other words, not only do the headlamp21and the first light guide6not physically interfere with one another, but interference of the light from the headlamp21and the first light guide6is reduced. With this, even when light is emitted into the first light guide6and the headlamp21is turned on, the width of the vehicle1can be easily recognized. As such, the safety of the driver, oncoming vehicles, and pedestrians can be easily ensured.

Furthermore, since the first light guide6is a rod-shaped component that opens toward the longitudinal center line of the vehicle1, even in the case that one of the pair of left and right vehicle lights2malfunctions and cannot emit light, the orientation of the vehicle1with respect to the widthwise direction (left-and-right direction) of the vehicle1can be easily recognized. With this, an unlit vehicle light2can be easily identified.

Furthermore, the headlamp21and the first light guide6are housed in the same main case5, and the vehicle light2includes a plurality of lighting forms including the light from the headlamp21and the light from the first light guide6. With this, compared to when the headlamp21and the first light guide6are provided as separate vehicle lights, a more compact and low-cost vehicle light2can be achieved.

Moreover, in this embodiment, the main case5further houses the headlamp21, and the headlamp21is disposed between (i) the first extended section61or the second extended section62of the first light guide6and (ii) the second light guide7.

In this way, since the second light guide7is housed in the same main case5along with the headlamp21and the first light guide6, the vehicle light2includes a plurality of lighting forms resulting from the combination of the light from the headlamp21, the light from the first light guide6, and the light from the second light guide7. With this, compared to when the headlamp21, the first light guide6, and the second light guide7are provided as separate vehicle lights, a more compact and low-cost vehicle light2can be achieved.

Moreover, since the headlamp21is disposed between the first extended section61(or second extended section62) of the first light guide6and the second light guide7, interference between the headlamp21and the second light guide7in addition to the first light guide6can be reduced. With this, even when the headlamp21is turned on, the width of the vehicle1can be easily recognized.

Moreover, in this embodiment, the front surface of the second light guide7includes a textured portion for emitting, to the front surface side of the second light guide7, the light guided by the second light guide7.

With this, the light guided by the second light guide7can be emitted to the front surface side in the region7ain which the textured portion is formed. As a result, the illumination of the second light guide7at the region7acan be made to be more intense than other regions of the second light guide7. The visibility of the second light guide7can therefore be increased.

Moreover, in this embodiment, the region7ain which the textured portion is formed is a design that represents turn signal information when the light source9or10, which is the second light source, emits light.

With this, when the light source9or10emits light, illumination that intensifies a design representing turn signal information can be achieved in the region7aof the second light guide7in which the textured portion is formed. With this, oncoming vehicles or pedestrians can visually recognize the direction in which the vehicle1will turn with ease. In other words, visual recognition of the traveling direction of the vehicle1by oncoming vehicles or pedestrians increases. This therefore increases the safety of oncoming vehicles and pedestrians.

Moreover, in this embodiment, since the second light guide7is disposed so as to overlap the U-shaped portion63of the first light guide6, a crossed portion is formed by the first light guide6and the second light guide7on the outboard side in the widthwise direction of the vehicle. When the light sources8and9are ON, this crossed portion is brighter than other portions of the first light guide6and the second light guide7. As a result, it is possible to improve the recognition rate of the width of the vehicle. Consequently, the vehicle light2can be expected to be used as a light for a vehicle.

It should be noted that, as is described above, in order to effectively function as a turn signal indicator, the second light guide7may, for example, pass in front of the U-shaped portion63of the first light guide6. However, the second light guide7may also pass behind the U-shaped portion63of the first light guide6. In other words, the second light guide7may be disposed behind the first light guide first light guide so as to overlap the U-shaped portion63of the first light guide6.

Moreover, in the above embodiment, the vehicle light2is exemplified as being installed on the front end of the vehicle1, but the vehicle light2may be installed on the rear end of the vehicle1.

Moreover, the light sources8,9, and10may be a surface mount device (SMD) type device in which one or a plurality of LED chips are mounted on a package substrate and this SMD is mounted on a substrate. The light sources8,9, and10may also be a chip on board (COB) type device in which one or a plurality of LED chips are directly mounted on a substrate.

It should be noted that when a COB type device is used, the LED chips of the light sources9and10may be mounted on the same substrate in order to achieve a more compact light source.

Moreover, in the above embodiment, LEDs (light emitting elements) that emit white light are used as the light sources8and9, but the light sources8and9may be light sources that emit white light by using, for example, an LED chips that emits blue or ultraviolet light and a wavelength converting material such as a phosphor, or a light source that emits white light by having an LED chip that emits blue light, an LED chip that emits red light, and an LED chip that emits green light.

Moreover, as is the case with a vehicle light2A according to Variation 1 illustrated inFIG. 9throughFIG. 11, a reflector20may be provided behind the first light guide6and the second light guide7.

FIG. 9is a perspective view of the vehicle light according to Variation 1 of the present invention.FIG. 10shows the structure of the vehicle light according to Variation 1 of the present invention. InFIG. 10, (a) is a front view, (b) is a left side view, (c) is a right side view, (d) is a top view, (e) is a bottom view, and (f) is a rear view.FIG. 11is a cross sectional view at the line A-A shown in (a) inFIG. 10.

In this case, it is possible to use the light from the first light guide6and the second light guide7that is emitted in directions other than forward by reflecting it forward with the reflector20. The reflector20is, for example, a resin reflector plate having a metal evaporation coating on the surface of the resin. It should be noted that the reflector20may be made of metal. It should be noted that inFIG. 9andFIG. 10, the portions behind the cover11that are visible are drawn in solid lines.

Furthermore, the reflector20may have ridges and grooves. By providing the reflector20with ridges and grooves, the embellishment of the vehicle light2A can be increased.

Moreover, the first light guide6, the second light guide7, and the reflector20may be provided such that the end portions of the first light guide6and the second light guide7are behind the reflector20. With this, the end portion of the first light guide6(the light-incident portion13) and the end portion of the second light guide7(the light-incident portion14) across from which the light sources8,9, and10are disposed can be hidden by the reflector20.

While the foregoing has described what are considered to be the best mode and/or other examples, it is understood that various modifications may be made therein and that the subject matter disclosed herein may be implemented in various forms and examples, and that they may be applied in numerous applications, only some of which have been described herein.

For example, in the above embodiment, the headlamp21is disposed between the second extended section62of the first light guide6and the second extended section72of the second light guide7, but as is illustrated inFIG. 12, the headlamp21may be disposed between the first extended section61of the first light guide6and the second extended section72of the second light guide7.

Moreover, in the above embodiment, only one headlamp21is disposed between the second extended section62of the first light guide6and the second extended section72of the second light guide7, but two or more headlamps21may be disposed. In this case, for example, as illustrated inFIG. 13, one headlamp21may be disposed between the first extended section61of the first light guide6and the second extended section72of the second light guide7, and another headlamp21may be disposed between the second extended section62of the first light guide6and the second extended section72of the second light guide7. In other words, a pair of upper and lower headlamps21may be disposed such that one is above the second light guide7(second extended section72) and one is below the second light guide7(second extended section72). Note that a plurality of headlamps21may be disposed either between the first extended section61of the first light guide6and the second extended section72of the second light guide7or between the second extended section62of the first light guide6and the second extended section72of the second light guide7, and a plurality of headlamps21may be disposed between each of both of the above.

Moreover, in the above embodiment, the headlamp21is disposed between (i) the first extended section61or the second extended section62of the first light guide6and (ii) the second extended section72of the second light guide7, but as is illustrated inFIG. 14, the length of the second extended section72of the second light guide7may be shortened and the headlamp21may be horizontally aligned with the second extended section72of the second light guide7. Note that in this case as well, in order to maintain the recognition rate of the width of the vehicle, as illustrated inFIG. 14, the headlamp21may be disposed between the first extended section61and the second extended section62of the first light guide6, and the first extended section61and the second extended section62may extend toward the longitudinal center of the vehicle to a point beyond the headlamp21.

Moreover, in the above embodiment, the region7ain which the textured portion is formed in the second light guide7reaches a region above the headlamp21, but as is illustrated inFIG. 15, the region7amay not be formed in a region above the headlamp21. With this, even when the headlamp21is turned on, interference between the illumination of the region7awhen light is emitted into the second light guide7and the light emitted by the headlamp21can be mitigated. This increases the visibility of the design representing the turn signal corresponding to the region7a.

It is intended by the following claims to claim any and all modifications and variations that fall within the true scope of the present teachings.