Decorative component for vehicle

A decorative component for a vehicle includes a plurality of light source sections, a housing configured to hold the plurality of light source sections, a light guide member that has a first surface and a second surface that face each other and that is configured to guide light emitted from the plurality of light source sections thereinto, and a plurality of light emitting sections that are provided on the light guide member and that are configured to emit light guided through the light guide member from the first surface as emission pattern light having a predetermined shape, wherein a plurality of pattern forming sections are constituted by the light source section and the light emitting section that correspond to each other, and in each of the pattern forming sections, the light emitting section selectively reflects the light emitted from the corresponding light source section.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

Priority is claimed on Japanese Patent Application No. 2018-108477, filed Jun. 6, 2018, the content of which is incorporated herein reference.

BACKGROUND

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a decorative component for a vehicle.

Description of Related Art

In the related art, as a decorative component for a vehicle attached to a vehicle, there is an exterior illumination unit configured to emit light of a light source from a design plate that functions as a light guide plate attached to an outer surface of the vehicle (for example, see Japanese Unexamined Patent Application, First Publication No. 2015-221637). In the decorative component for a vehicle, light from the light source can be emitted as a predetermined emission (display) pattern by reflecting the light with a concavo-convex shape partially formed on a back surface side of a design plate.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

However, only a monotonous emission pattern can be expressed by the emission pattern emitted from the above mentioned decorative component for a Vehicle. Here, provision of a new technology that can generate various emission patterns is desired.

An aspect of the present invention is directed to providing a decorative component for a vehicle capable of generating an emission pattern having good appearance by generating various emission pattern lights using a single light guide member.

A decorative component for a vehicle according to an aspect of the present invention includes a plurality of light source sections; a housing configured to hold the plurality of light source sections; a light guide member that has a first surface and a second surface that face each other and that is configured to guide light emitted from the plurality of light source sections thereinto; and a plurality of light emitting sections that are provided on the light guide member and that are Configured to emit light guided through the light guide member from the first surface as emission pattern light having a predetermined shape, wherein a plurality of pattern forming sections are constituted by the light source section and the light emitting section that correspond to each other, and in each of the pattern forming sections, the light emitting section selectively reflects the light emitted from the corresponding light source section.

According to the present invention, a plurality of emission pattern lights having a predetermined shape can be generated in a single light guide member. Among the plurality of pattern forming sections provided on the one light guide member, by selecting the light source section corresponding to an emission (display) pattern desired to be emitted (displayed), only the light emitting section that constitute one emission pattern corresponding to a light entrance direction from the light source section is made to emit light, and the light emitting sections of the pattern forming sections that constitute other patterns are not emitted. For this reason, by selecting a predetermined light source section, a specified emission pattern can be emitted. In this way, the pattern forming sections are provided for each of the emission patterns and the light source section that is made to emit light is selected in order to change the light entrance direction of the light entering the light guide member, and thereby, the plurality of emission pattern lights can be generated using a single light guide member.

Further, it is possible to construct a decorative component for a vehicle capable of enabling various displays by only providing one light guide member and a number of the light source sections corresponding to the number of pieces of display information as components.

In the decorative component for a vehicle according to the aspect of the present invention, the light emitting section of each of the pattern forming sections may be constituted by a plurality of cut sections formed on the second surface, and the plurality of cut sections may have reflecting surfaces configured to reflect the light emitted from the corresponding light source section toward the first surface.

According to the present invention, the light emitting sections that form one emission pattern are constituted by the plurality of cut sections, and the light guided through the light guide member can be reflected toward the first surface of the light guide member and emitted from the first surface by the reflecting surfaces having the cut sections. The plurality of cut sections that constitute the one light emitting section selectively reflect only the light from the corresponding one light source section. For this reason, by changing a processing direction of the reflecting surfaces of the plurality of cut sections for every light emitting section, it is possible to generate the plurality of emission patterns using one light guide member.

In the decorative component for a vehicle according to the aspect of the present invention, each of the reflecting surfaces of the plurality of cut sections may be directed to face the corresponding light source sections, and directions in which each of the reflecting surfaces of the plurality of cut section and the corresponding light source section face each other may be different from each other for each of the pattern forming sections.

According to the present invention, in each of the pattern forming sections, only the light from the corresponding light source sections can be reflected by the reflecting surfaces of the cut sections in the light emitting section. For this reason, light from the light source sections of the other pattern forming sections are not reflected. Accordingly, it is possible to generate the emission pattern lights having different emission patterns in every pattern forming section by switching the light source sections.

In the decorative component for a vehicle according to the aspect of the present invention, when the light guide member is seen in a surface normal direction of the first surface in a plan view, shapes of the emission pattern lights are different from each other, the emission pattern lights being emitted from the light emitting sections for each of the pattern forming sections.

According to the present invention, it is possible to generate a plurality of types of emission pattern lights using one light guide member.

In the decorative component for a vehicle according to the aspect of the present invention, when the light guide member is seen in a surface normal direction of the first surface in a plan view, at least two of the emission pattern lights have the same shape, the emission pattern lights being emitted from the light emitting section for each of the pattern forming sections.

According to the present invention, by turning on the light emitting sections having the same shape to emit light in sequence, since the positions where the emission patters lights are generated in one light guide member can be different from each other, a motion can be added to the emission patterns.

In the decorative component for a vehicle according to the aspect of the present invention, the decorative component for a vehicle may further include a formed object disposed on an emission side of the light guide member, wherein, when the light guide member is seen in a surface normal direction of the first surface in a plan view, the plurality of light emitting sections are disposed at positions adjacent to the formed object.

According to the present invention, by generating the plurality of emission patterns at positions adjacent to the formed object, it is possible to improve the appearance of the formed object by combining the emission patterns.

According to the aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide a decorative component for a vehicle capable of generating an emission pattern having a good appearance by generating various emission pattern lights using a single light guide member.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, a decorative component for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

The drawings used in the following description may show enlarged features for convenience in order to make the features easy to understand, and dimensional ratios or the like of components are not necessarily the same as the actual ones.

A decorative component1for a vehicle of the embodiment is a garnish attached to, for example, a front bumper portion or a rear bumper portion of a vehicle.

First Embodiment

FIG. 1is an exploded perspective view showing a schematic configuration of the decorative component1for a vehicle.

The decorative component1for a vehicle of the embodiment can perform a plurality of pattern displays.

As shown inFIG. 1, the decorative component1for a vehicle includes two light source sections2A and2B, a housing3, a light guide member4and an outer lens7.

The first light source section2A and the second light source section2B each have a plurality of light source sections2aand a support substrate2bconfigured to support the plurality of light source sections2aand can be separately turned ON and OFF. Each of the light source sections2ais constituted by, for example, a chip LED configured to emit white light. In addition, a high output (high luminance) type LED for vehicle illumination is used as the chip LED.

The housing3is constituted by a member having a bottomed box shape and holds the two light source sections2A and2B. For example, a metal or a resin is used as the material that constitutes the housing3. The housing3has a bottom plate section10and a frame-shaped section11provided along an outer circumferential edge of the bottom plate section10. The light source sections2A and2B are disposed along two neighboring sides of the frame-shaped section11and held. The frame-shaped section11has a groove section11aformed along an external form of the frame-shaped section11. The groove section11ais fitted to a part of the outer lens7to hold the outer lens7as will be described below.

The light guide member4takes in the light emitted from the light source sections2A and2B and guides the light to the inside.

The light guide member4is formed of a material having a higher refractive index than air, for example, a transparent resin such as polycarbonate, acryl, or the like, glass, or the like. The light guide member4has substantially the same size and shape as the bottom plate section10of the housing3. The light guide member4is sandwiched and held between the housing3and the outer lens7.

The light guide member4has an outer surface (a first surface)4aand an inner surface (a second surface)4b, which face each other. The inner surface4bis a surface that faces the housing3. The outer surface4ais a surface (a light emitting surface) configured to emit light guided through the light guide member4to the outside. The light emitted from the light source sections2A and2B and entering the light guide member4is totally reflected by the outer surface4aand the inner surface4band guided through the light guide member4.

The outer lens7is formed of, for example, a transparent resin such as polycarbonate, acryl, or the like, glass, or the like. The outer lens7has the same external form as the housing3. The outer lens7has a side plate section7aprovided along an outer circumferential edge portion thereof. The side plate section7ahas a plurality of claw sections7bprovided on a surface thereof. The outer lens7is attached to the housing3by fitting the plurality of claw sections7bprovided on the surface of the side plate section7ainto the groove section11aof the housing3(the frame-shaped section11). Further, an adhesive agent (not shown) may be disposed between the claw sections7band the groove section11a.

The decorative component1for a vehicle of the embodiment accommodates the light source sections2A and2B and the light guide member4in the space constituted by the housing3and the outer lens7based on the above-mentioned configuration. Further, a configuration in which the outer lens7is omitted and the light source sections2A and2B are accommodated in the space constituted by the light guide member4and the housing3may be employed.

FIG. 2is a view showing a schematic configuration of the light guide member4and the two light source sections2A and2B, and is a plan view when the light guide member4is seen in the light emitting direction (the outer surface4aside).FIG. 3Ais an enlarged view of a main part when the light guide member4is seen front the inner surface4bside.FIG. 3Bis a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A inFIG. 3A.FIG. 3Cis a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B inFIG. 3A.FIG. 4Ais an enlarged view of a main part when the light guide member4is seen from the inner surface4bside.FIG. 4Bis a cross-sectional view taken along line C-C inFIG. 4A.FIG. 4Cis a cross-sectional view taken along line D-D inFIG. 4A. Further, inFIG. 2,FIG. 3AtoFIG. 3CandFIG. 4AtoFIG. 4C, in order for the drawings to be easier to understand, an XYZ coordinate system is used. In the drawings, an X-axis direction is a direction along the light emitting direction from the light source section2B, a Y-axis direction is a direction along the light emitting direction from the light source section2A, and a Z-axis direction is a direction perpendicular to the X axis and the Y axis and along the light emitting direction of the light guide member4.

Light emitting sections12and13equal in number to the light source sections2A and2B are formed on the light guide member4of the embodiment. Specifically, the two light emitting, sections12and13corresponding to the above mentioned two light source sections2A and2B are formed.

In the decorative component1for a vehicle of the embodiment, as shown inFIG. 2, two pattern forming sections14and15are provided in which the light source sections (2A,2B) and the light emitting sections (12,13) are in one-to-one correspondence, respectively. Specifically, the first pattern forming section14is constituted by the first light source section2A and the first light emitting section12, and the second pattern forming section15is constituted by the second light source section2B and the second light emitting section13.

As shown inFIG. 2, the first light emitting section12has a lattice-shaped pattern form constituted by a plurality of first prism cut sections (FIG. 3A: cut sections)17when the light guide member4is seen in a surface normal direction of the outer surface4ain a plan view (hereinafter, simply referred to as “when seen in a plan view”). While the first light emitting section12is formed on the entire light guide member4in the embodiment, shapes, numbers, sizes, positions, and so on, of the first light emitting section12can be appropriately changed.

As shown inFIG. 3A,FIG. 3BandFIG. 3C, the first light emitting section12is constituted by the plurality of first prism cut sections17formed on the inner surface4bof the light guide member4. As shown inFIG. 3C, the first prism cut sections17have reflecting surfaces17aconfigured to reflect first light L1emitted from the first light source section2A toward the outer surface4aof the light guide member4. The reflecting surfaces17aof the first prism cut sections17have the same orientation to race the corresponding first light source section2A (FIG. 2).

The first prism cut sections17reflect the first light L1emitted from the first light source section2A and guided through the light guide member4at the reflecting surfaces17a, and cause the first light L1to be emitted from the outer surface4aas a first emission pattern light L11. In this way, the first emission pattern light L11is constituted by a plurality of lights reflected by the reflecting surfaces17aof the first prism cut sections17.

The first emission pattern light L11shown inFIG. 3Cforms a first emission pattern LP1having a lattice shape shown inFIG. 5. The first emission pattern LP1generated by the first emission pattern light L11is the same as the pattern form (the pattern form having a lattice shape shown inFIG. 2) of the first light emitting section12constituted by the plurality of first prism cut sections17.

As shown inFIG. 2, the second light emitting section13has a lightning pattern constituted by a plurality of second prism cut sections (FIG. 4A: cut sections)18when seen from the outer surface4aside of the light guide member4in a plan view. While the three second light emitting sections13are formed on the light guide member4in the embodiment, shapes, numbers, sizes, positions, and so on, of the second light emitting sections13can be appropriately changed.

As shown inFIG. 4A,FIG. 4BandFIG. 4C, the second light emitting section13is constituted by the plurality of second prism cut sections18. The second prism cut sections18are formed at positions on the inner surface4bof the light guide member4different from those where the first prism cut sections17are formed. As shown inFIG. 4B, the second prism cut sections18have reflecting surfaces18aconfigured to reflect second light L2emitted from the second light source section2B toward the outer surface4aof the light guide member4. The reflecting surfaces18aof the second prism cut sections18have the same orientation to face the corresponding second light source section2B (FIG. 2).

The second prism cut sections18reflect the second light L2emitted from the second light source section2B and guided through the light guide member4at the reflecting surfaces18aand cause the second light L2to be emitted from the outer surface4aas a second emission pattern light L22. In this way, the second emission pattern light L22is constituted by a plurality of lights reflected by the reflecting surfaces18aof the second prism cut sections18.

The second emission pattern light L22shown inFIG. 4Bforms a second emission pattern LP2having a lightning shape as shown inFIG. 6. The second emission pattern LP2generated by the second emission pattern light L22is the same as the pattern form (a lightning pattern form shown inFIG. 2) of the second light emitting section13constituted by the plurality of second prism cut sections18.

In the embodiment, the reflecting surfaces17aand18aof a plurality of prism cut sections17and18in the light emitting sections12and13and the corresponding light source sections2A and2B are facing each other in different directions for each of the pattern forming sections14and15. Accordingly, in each of the pattern forming sections14and15, the first light emitting section12and the second light emitting section13can selectively reflect the lights L1and L2emitted from the corresponding light source sections2A and2B, respectively.

In this way, since any one of the light emitting sections12and13can be selectively emitted because a processing direction of the reflecting surfaces17aand18aof the plurality of prism cut sections17and18is changed for each of the light emitting sections12and13, a plurality of emission patterns LP1and LP2can be generated by the single light guide member4.

In the embodiment, the first light emitting section12and the second light emitting section13partially overlap each other in the inner surface4bof the light guide member4. That is, the inner surface4bof the tight guide member4includes a mixed region KA (FIG. 2) in which the first light emitting section12and the second light emitting section13are mixed. Both the first prism cut sections17and the second prism cut sections18are formed in the mixed region KA.

For example, even when both of the prism cut sections17and18are mixed in the same region, since directions of the reflecting surfaces17aand18aare different from each other in the first prism cut sections17and the second prism cut sections18, only the light emitted from a specified direction can be selectively reflected by the prism cut sections17and18. For this reason, in the mixed region KA, according to the light source sections2A and2B that are turned on, the light reflected by the first prism cut sections17and the light reflected by the second prism cut sections18are appropriately emitted.

Further, shapes of the first prism cut sections17and the second prism cut sections18are not particularly limited, and any shape may be employed as long as the lights L1and L2guided through the light guide member4by total reflection can be refracted and emitted from the outer surface4aof the light guide member4.

For example, as the shapes of the cut sections of the first prism cut sections17and the second prism cut sections18, triangular pyramidal shapes, or polygonal pyramidal shapes with bases of four or more sides (quadrangular pyramidal shapes, hexagonal pyramidal shapes, or the like) may be employed.

When the shapes of the cut sections are triangular pyramidal shapes, three light source sections are disposed to face surfaces thereof, and light entering in three directions can be selectively reflected by the surfaces of the triangular pyramids. Also, when the shapes are quadrangular pyramidal shapes or hexagonal pyramidal shapes, four or six light source sections are disposed to face surfaces thereof, and light entering in four directions or six directions can be selectively reflected by the surfaces of the quadrangular pyramids or the hexagonal pyramids.

In addition, regarding the shapes of the cut sections of the first prism cut sections17and the second prism cut sections18, pentahedrons or hexahedrons having trapezoidal cross sections may be employed. When the shapes of the cut sections are pentahedrons or hexahedrons, the light source sections are disposed to face the respective surfaces, and the light entering in five directions or six directions can be selectively reflected by each of the surfaces of the pentahedrons or the hexahedrons.

In addition, when a thickness of the light guide member4is, for example, 2 mm, depths of the first prism cut sections17and the second prism cut sections18are set to about 10 to 200 μm. While a depth D1(FIG. 3B) of the first prism cut sections17and a depth D2(FIG. 4C) of the second prism cut sections18are equal to each other in the embodiment, the depths D1and D2may be different from each other.

Next, an operation of the decorative component1for a vehicle of the embodiment will be described.

When the vehicle on which the decorative component1for a vehicle of the embodiment is mounted travels at nighttime, any one of the two light source sections2A and2B is turned on.

FIG. 5is a view showing an aspect in which the first emission pattern LP1is emitted by the first pattern forming section14. When the first emission pattern LP1is emitted, in a state in which the second light source section2B of the second pattern forming section15is turned off, the first light source section2A of the first pattern forming section14is tamed on. The light L1emitted from the first light source section2A is taken into the light guide member4and guided through the light guide member4.

The light L1guided through the light guide member4is reflected at each of the reflecting surfaces17a(FIG. 3C) of the plurality of first prism cut sections17that constitute the first light emitting section12in the first pattern forming section14and is emitted from the outer surface4aas the first emission pattern light L11. In this way, the first emission pattern light L11is generated in the first light emitting section12by turning on the first light source section2A, and the first emission pattern LP1having a lattice shape shown inFIG. 5is emitted.

FIG. 6is a view showing an aspect in which the second emission pattern LP2is emitted by the second pattern forming section15. When the second emission pattern LP2is emitted, in a state in which the first light source section2A of the second pattern forming section15is turned off, the second light source section2B of the second pattern forming section15is tamed on. The light L2emitted from the second light source section2B is taken into the light guide member4and guided through the light guide member4.

The light L2guided through the light guide member4is reflected at each of the reflecting surfaces18a(FIG. 4B) of the plurality of second prism cut sections18that constitute the second light emitting section13in the second pattern forming section15and emitted from the outer surface4aas the second emission pattern light L22. In this way, the second emission pattern light L22is generated in the second light emitting section13by turning on the second light source section2B, and the second emission pattern LP2having a lightning shape shown inFIG. 6is emitted.

According to the configuration of the embodiment, by switching the light source sections2A and2B that are turned on, the plurality of emission patterns LP1and LP2can be emitted by the single light guide member4. As described above, among the two pattern forming sections14and15provided on the light guide member4, by selecting the light source section2A (2B) corresponding to the emission pattern LP1(LP2) that is desired to be emitted, only the light emitting section12(13) corresponding to the light source section2A (2B) that is turned on is emitted, and the light emitting section13(12) corresponding to the light source section2B (2A) that is not turned on is not emitted. For this reason, it is possible to make the specified light emitting sections12and13emit light by simply changing a light entrance direction with respect to the light guide member4by the switching of the light source sections2A and2B to be turned on, and the desired emission patterns LP1and LP2can be generated.

In this way, by providing the pattern forming sections14and15for each of the emission patterns LP1and LP2and changing the light entrance direction of the light entering the light guide member4by selecting the light source sections2A and2B that emit light, it is possible to the plurality of emission patterns LP1and LP2can be individually emitted while using the single light guide member4. Accordingly, it is possible to generate an emission pattern having a good appearance by generating various emission pattern lights using a single light guide member4.

While the two pattern forming sections14and15are provided in the decorative component1for a vehicle of the embodiment, the number of pattern forming sections14and15is not limited two. Three or more pattern forming sections may be provided, or a plurality of emission patterns may be emitted (displayed) using a single light guide member4.

Second Embodiment

Next, a decorative component20for a vehicle of a second embodiment according to the present invention will be described.

While a basic configuration of the embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, the second embodiment is distinguished from the first embodiment in that a plurality of (three or more) pattern forming sections are provided. In the following description, places different from the first embodiment will be described in detail and description of common places will be omitted. In addition, in the drawings used in the description, common components inFIG. 1toFIG. 6are designated by the same reference numerals.

FIG. 7is a plan view showing a main configuration of the decorative component20for a vehicle of the second embodiment.

As shown inFIG. 7, the decorative component20for a vehicle of the embodiment includes a light guide member24having a hexagonal shape when seen in a plan view, six light source sections2A to2F, the above-mentioned housing (not shown), and an outer lens (not shown), and can display a plurality of characters.

The light source sections2A to2F are provided to face six sides24ato24fof the light guide member24, respectively. Here, the light source sections2A to2F are provided with respect to the sides24ato24f, respectively. A configuration of each of the light source sections2A to2F is the same as that of the first embodiment.

Light emitting sections23A to23F are formed on the inner surface24bof the light guide member24to the same number as that of the light source sections2A to2F. Specifically, the six light emitting sections23A to23F are formed to correspond to the six light source sections2A to2F. The light emitting sections23A to23F each have a predetermined pattern form constituted by a plurality of prism cut sections23ato23f. Pattern forms of the light emitting sections23A to23F are different from each other, and, for example, in the embodiment, as shown inFIG. 7, are pattern forms referred to as “A,” “B,” “C,” “D,” “E” and “F.”

Further, in the embodiment, the pattern forms are not limited to alphabet pattern forms and the pattern forms in the light emitting sections23A to23F may be appropriately changed to another language, symbols, figures, or the like.

As shown inFIG. 7, six pattern forming sections25A to25F axe provided in which the light source sections2A to2F and the light emitting sections23A to23F are in one-to-one correspondence, respectively. Specifically, the first pattern forming section25A is constituted by the first light source section2A and the second light emitting section23A. The second pattern forming section25B is constituted by the second light source section2B and the second light emitting section23B. The third pattern forming section25C is constituted by the third light source section2C and the third light emitting section23C. The fourth pattern forming section25D is constituted by the fourth light source section2D and the fourth light emitting section23D. The fifth pattern forming section25E is constituted by the fifth light source section2E and the fifth light emitting section23E. The sixth pattern forming section25F is constituted by the sixth light source section2F and the sixth light emitting section23F.

Each of the reflecting surfaces (not shown) of the plurality of prism cut sections23ato23fin the light emitting sections23A to23F have orientations to face the corresponding light source sections2A to2F, and directions in which each of the reflecting surface of the plurality of prism cut sections23ato23fand the corresponding light source sections2A to2F face each other are different from each other for each of the pattern forming sections25A to25F. Accordingly, in each of the light emitting sections23A to23F, only light from the corresponding light source sections2A to2F facing each other is selectively reflected.

In the embodiment, by turning on the light source section2A in the pattern forming section25A, the light from the light source section2A is reflected at the prism cut sections23aof the light emitting section23A, and “A” is displayed on the light guide member24. By turning on the light source section2B in the pattern forming section25B, the light from the light source section2B is reflected at the prism cut sections23bof the light emitting section23B, and “B” is displayed on the light guide member24. By turning on the light source section2C in the pattern forming section25C, the light from the light source section2C is reflected at the prism cut sections23cof the light emitting section23C, and “C” is displayed on the light guide member24. By turning on the light source section2D in the pattern forming section25D, the light from the light source section2D is reflected at the prism cut sections23dof the light emitting section23D, and “D” is displayed on the light guide member24. By turning on the light source section2E in the pattern forming section25E, the light from the light source section2E is reflected at the prism cut sections23eof the light emitting section23E, and “E” is displayed on the light guide member24. By turning on the light source section2F in the pattern forming section25F, the light from the light source section2F is reflected at the prism cut sections23fof the light emitting section23F, and “F” is displayed on the light guide member24.

In this way, in the embodiment, in a state when the light guide member24is seen in a plan view, the forms of the emission pattern lights emitted from the light emitting sections23A to23F of the pattern forming sections25A to25F are different from each other, and by turning on the arbitrary light source sections2A to2F of the pattern forming sections25A to25F, the light emitted from the light source sections2A to2F are reflected at the corresponding light emitting sections23A to23F, and emission patterns corresponding to the pattern forms of the light emitting sections23A to23F can be generated.

In the embodiment, the light source sections2A to2F may be turned on in sequence or may be turned on randomly, or some of the plurality of light source sections2A to2F may be turned on simultaneously.

In addition, a colorful display becomes possible by changing emission colors for each of the light source sections2A to2F.

Third Embodiment

Next, a decorative component30for a vehicle of a third embodiment according to the present invention will be described.

While a basic configuration of the embodiment is substantially the same as that of the second embodiment, pattern forms of light emitting sections33A to33F are different.

FIG. 8is a plan view showing a main configuration of the decorative component30for a vehicle of the third embodiment.

As shown inFIG. 8, the decorative component30for a vehicle of the embodiment has six pattern forming sections35A to35F. The six light emitting sections33A to33F having the same pattern form are formed on an inner surface34bof a light guide member34having a hexagonal shape when seen in a plan view. For example, the light emitting sections33A to33F of the embodiment has pattern forms that express “arrows” when the light guide member34is seen in a plan view, and the pattern forms are formed to be arranged in a row and all of them are shown to indicate the same direction.

In the embodiment, by sequentially turning on or off each of the light source sections2A to2F corresponding to the light emitting sections33A to33F arranaed in a row, each of the emission patterns LP showing arrows in the light emitting sections33A to33F are emitted in sequence, and the arrows looks like moving in one direction when seen from an outer surface34aside of the light guide member34.

In this way, a motion can be added to the display as a whole by disposing the plurality of light emitting sections33A to33F having the same pattern at positions different front each other on a single light guide member34and sequentially turning on the light source sections2A to2F. The emission patterns LP are not limited to the arrows and animation may also be displayed using another shape.

In the decorative component for a vehicle of the above-mentioned first to third embodiments, various patterns may be considered as the pattern configured to emit (display) light using the light guide member.

For example, characters as the emission patterns can be used as communication tools with respect to an oncoming vehicle or a pedestrian when stopping the vehicle by displaying the characters using the light guide member. For example, it is possible to inform surroundings of that people are getting on and off by displaying “loading and unloading” on the light guide member.

In addition, when a pedestrian is crossing a road, the vehicle can recognize the pedestrian and can inform surroundings of the reason for stopping by displaying, for example, “pedestrian crossing” on the decorative component for a vehicle (the light guide member) provided on both or any one of a front side and a rear side of the vehicle.

In addition, when the vehicle is lined up on the street to enter a parking lot, it is possible to inform surroundings of that the vehicle is lined up for parking standby by displaying, for example, “parking standby” on the light guide member.

In this way, it is possible to give attention to a following vehicle, a bicycle, or the like, by displaying characters that inform the following vehicle, the bicycle, or the like, of the above-mentioned circumstances of the vehicle on the decorative component for a vehicle (the light guide member). Contents of the characters to be displayed can be appropriately set and used instead of turning on the hazard lamp or flashing the headlight.

In addition, a configuration in which both of the decorative component for a vehicle and the communication tool are compatible in conjunction with a connected car, an advanced driver assistance system (ADAS), or the like, may be provided.

For example, when the vehicle is stolen, the vehicle can inform surroundings of that the vehicle is stolen by displaying “stolen car” on the light guide member in conjunction with a GPS or a network.

In addition, when an ambulance car should be called or a rescue is required in the vehicle, it is possible to visually inform surrounding pedestrians, oncoming vehicles or following vehicles of that a rescue is required by displaying characters such as “HELP” or the like on the light guide member in conjunction with a GPS or a network.

Fourth Embodiment

Next, a decorative component40for a vehicle of a fourth embodiment according to the present invention will be described.

While the configuration in which a plurality of pattern forming sections are independently displayed has been described in the above-mentioned second and third embodiments, a configuration in which one display is performed by seven pattern forming sections45A to45G is provided in the embodiment. In the following description, different places from the above-mentioned embodiments will be described in detail, and description of common places will be omitted.

FIG. 9is a plan view showing a main configuration of the decorative component for a vehicle of the fourth embodiment.

As shown inFIG. 9, the decorative component40for a vehicle of the embodiment includes a light guide member44having a rectangular shape when seen in a plan view, seven light source sections2A to2G, the above-mentioned housing (not shown), and the outer lens (not shown), and can display Arabian decimal figures constituted by seven segments (the pattern thrilling sections45A to45G).

The light source sections2A to2G are provided to face four sides44ato44dof the light guide member44. The two light source sections2A and2B are provided on one long side44aof the light guide member44, and the two light source sections2C and2D are provided on the other long side44e. In addition, the one light source section2E is provided on one short side44cof the light guide member44, and the one light source section2F is provided on the other short side44d. In addition, the one light source section2G is provided on a corner (for example, a corner section44j) of the light guide member44. Further, disposition of the light source sections2A to2G with respect to the light guide member44can be appropriately changed.

Seven light emitting sections43A to43G that constitute Arabian figures when seen in a plan view of the light guide member44are formed on an inner surface44bof the light guide member44. The light emitting sections43A to43G each have a predetermined pattern form constituted by a plurality of prism cut sections (not shown). In the embodiment, when the light guide member44is seen in a plan view, pattern forms of the light emitting sections43A to43G are substantially the same as each other. For this reason, the entire emission pattern lights emitted from the light emitting sections43A to43G of the pattern forming sections45A to45G have the same shape as a whole, and have shapes that express parts of numbers.

As shown inFIG. 9, in the embodiment, the seven pattern forming sections45A to45G are provided in which the light source sections2A to2G and the light emitting sections33A to33G are in one-to-one correspondence, respectively.

Specifically, the first pattern forming section45A is constituted by the first light source section2A and the first light emitting section43A. The second pattern forming section45B is constituted by the second light source section2B and the second light emitting section43B. The third pattern forming section45C is constituted by the third light source section2C and the third light emitting section43C. The fourth pattern forming section45D is constituted by the fourth light source section2D and the fourth light emitting section43D. The fifth pattern forming section45E is constituted by the fifth light source section2E and the fifth light emitting section43E. The sixth pattern forming section45F is constituted by the sixth light source section2F and the sixth, light emitting section43F. The seventh pattern forming section45G is constituted by the seventh light source section2G and the seventh light emitting section43G.

Each of the reflecting surfaces (not shown) of a plurality of prism cut sections43ato43gin the light emitting sections43A to43G have orientations to face the corresponding light source sections2A to2G, and directions in which each of the reflecting surfaces of the plurality of prism cut sections43ato43gand the corresponding light source sections2A to2F face each other are different from each other for each of the pattern forming sections45A to45G. Accordingly, in each of the light emitting sections43A to43G, only light from the corresponding light source sections2A to2G facing each other is selectively reflected.

In the embodiment, an arbitrary number can be displayed on the light guide member44by appropriately changing combinations of the light source sections2A to2G that are to be turned on, according to a desired numeral to be displayed among the light source sections2A to2G in the seven pattern forming sections45A to45G. For example, by turning on the light source sections2C and2D, light is reflected at the prism cut sections43cand43dof the light emitting sections43C and43D, and a numeral “1” is displayed. In addition, by turning on all of the light source sections2A to2G, light is reflected at the prism cut sections43ato43gof the light emitting sections43A to43G, and a numeral “8” is displayed.

In this way, in the embodiment, since a configuration in which one display is performed by all of the pattern forming sections45A to45G is provided, a desired numeral to be displayed can be changed by changing combinations of the light source sections2A to2G that are to be turned on.

Further, in the embodiment, while all of the emission pattern lights emitted from the light emitting sections43A to43G of all of the pattern forming sections45A to45G have the same shape, all of the emission pattern lights may not have the same shape. For example, forms of other emission pattern lights may be different from each other as long as at least two of the emission pattern lights emitted from the light emitting sections43A to43G have the same shape.

Fifth Embodiment

Next, a decorative component50for a vehicle of a fifth embodiment according to the present invention will be described.

FIG. 10is a perspective view of a main configuration of the decorative component50for a vehicle of the fifth embodiment.FIG. 11is a plan view showing a main configuration of the decorative component50for a vehicle of the fifth embodiment.

As shown inFIG. 10andFIG. 11, the decorative component50for a vehicle of the embodiment includes a light guide member54, two light source sections2A and2B, and a formed object52having a frame shape.

The light source sections2A and2B are provided on neighboring two sides54cand54dof the light guide member54, respectively.

The formed object52is disposed on an emission side of the light guide member54, for example, on an outer surface54aof the light guide member54. Further, the formed object52may be disposed on the outer lens7shown inFIG. 1.

In a state where the light guide member54is seen in a plan view, first light emitting sections53Aa and53Ab and second light emitting sections53Ba and53Bb are formed on an inner surface54bof the belt guide member54at positions adjacent to the formed object52. Hereinafter, when the first light emitting sections53Aa and53Ab and the second light emitting sections53Ba and53Bb are not discriminated, they may be simply referred to as “light emitting sections53A and53B.”

The first light emitting section53Aa and the second light emitting section53Ba are formed to be disposed outside a frame of the formed object52. Meanwhile, the first light emitting section53Ab and the second light emitting section53Bb are formed to be disposed inside the frame of the formed object52.

In the embodiment, as shown inFIG. 11, a first pattern forming section55A is constituted by the first light emitting sections53Aa and53Ab, and the first light source section2A corresponding thereto. In addition, a second pattern forming section55B is constituted by the second light emitting sections53Ba and53Bb, and the second light source section2B corresponding thereto.

The light emitting sections53A and53B have predetermined pattern forms constituted by plurality of prism cut sections53aand53b, respectively. In the embodiment, the first light emitting sections53Aa and53Ab and the second light emitting sections53Ba and53Bb have slender pattern forms adjacent to sides corresponding to four sides of the formed object52.

In the embodiment, the first light emitting section53A and the second light emitting section53B partially overlap each other on the inner surface54bof the light guide member54. That is, the inner surface54bof the light guide member54includes a first region KB and a second region KC in which the first light emitting section53A and the second light emitting section53B are mixed, at inside and outside the frame of the formed object. Both of the plural prism cut sections53aof the first light emitting section53A and the plural prism cut sections53bof the second light emitting section53B are present in the first region KB and the second region KC.

Even in the embodiment, reflecting surfaces (not shown) of the plurality of prism cut sections53aand53bthat constitute the light emitting sections53A and53B have orientations to face the corresponding light source sections2A and2B. For this reason, for example, even when the plurality of prism cut sections53aand53bthat constitute both of the light emitting sections53A and53B are formed in the same region (the first region KB, the second region KC), since the directions of the reflecting surfaces are different from each other in the prism cut sections53aof the light emitting section53A and the prism cut sections53bof the light emitting section53B, only the light emitted from the specified direction can be selectively reflected by the prism cut sections53aand53b.

According to the above-mentioned configuration, when the first light source section2A is turned on, the light emitted from the first light source section2A is emitted from the light emitting section53Aa and53Ab of the light emitting section53A as the emission pattern light, and the emission patterns LPSA (hereinafter, simply referred to as “a shadow”) that give a shadow-like impression is generated on one side of the formed object52.

In addition, when the second light source section2B is turned on, the light emitted from the second light source section2B is emitted from the light emitting section53Ba and53Bb of the right emitting section53B as the emission pattern light, and the emission patterns LP5B (hereinafter, simply referred to as “a shadow”) that give a shadow-like impression is generated on the other side of the formed object52.

In this way, when the light source sections2A and2B that are to be turned on are switched, a direction in which the shadow of the formed object52is generated can be changed.

When the first light source section2A and the second light source section2B are simultaneously turned on, emission pattern lights are simultaneously emitted from both of the light emitting sections53A and53B. Here, in the first region KB and the second region KC, both of the emission pattern light from the light emitting section53A and the emission pattern light of the light emitting section53B are emitted. For this reason, luminance of the pattern light emitted from the first region KB and the second region KC is higher than that of the emission pattern emitted from the other emission region in the light emitting sections53A and53B, and an emission pattern having good appearance in which the luminance of the emission pattern light is partially increased can be generated around the formed object52. This may be a kind of design.

Further, in the embodiment, while the configuration in which the prism cut sections53aand53bof both of the light emitting sections53A and53B are mixed in the first region KB and the second region KC has been described, a configuration in which the prism cut sections53aand53bare not formed in any one of the first region KB and the second region KC may be applied according to a design of a required emission pattern, or a configuration in which a prism cut section is formed in only one of the first region KB and the second region KC may be applied.

While the configuration in which reproduction of a shadow from two directions becomes possible by providing the two light source sections2A and2B (pattern forming sections55A and55B) has been described in the embodiment, there is no limitation thereto and a configuration that can reproduce a shadow in three directions may be applied.

Next, as a variant of the fifth embodiment, a configuration in which a shadow in three directions with respect to a timed object can be reproduced will be described.FIG. 12is a plan view showing a configuration of a decorative component51for a vehicle according to the variant of the fifth embodiment.

Like the decorative component51for a vehicle shown inFIG. 12, the third light source section2C may be further provided at a position facing a corner section54jof the light guide member54.

In the inner surface54bof the light guide member54, a third light emitting section53Cb is formed in the first region KB inside the frame of the formed object52when seen in a plan view, and a third light emitting section53Cc is formed in the second region KC outside the frame of the formed object52. A third pattern forming section55C is constituted by the third light emitting sections53Cb and53Cc and the third light source section2C corresponding thereto.

Each of the reflecting surfaces of a plurality of prism cut sections (cut sections)53cthat constitute the third light emitting sections53Cb and53Cc have orientations to face the third light source section2C. For this reason, the light emitted from the third light source section2C can be selectively reflected by the plurality of prism cut sections53c.

To the above-mentioned configuration, when all of the three light source sections2A to2C are simultaneously turned on, an aspect of a shadow when light is illuminated on the light guide member54from diagonally above a corner section52jside of the formed object52shown inFIG. 12toward the formed object52can be more naturally reproduced by the emission pattern lights emitted from the light emitting section53A to53C.

In the example, since there is no region in which the light emitting sections53A,53B and53C overlap each other on the inner surface54bof the light guide member54, even when the light source sections2A to2C are simultaneously turned on, luminance values of the emission pattern lights emitted from the light emitting sections53A,53B and53C are substantially equal to each other. Accordingly, an emission pattern that has even more better appearance is provided.

Further, in the above-mentioned configuration, while only the prism cut sections53cthat constitute a third light emitting section53C are formed in the first region KB and the second region KC of the light guide member54, there is no limitation thereto and, for example, three types of the prism cut sections53a,53band53cof the light emitting sections53A,53B and53C may be formed in the first region KB and the second region KC.

Alternatively, light emitting sections in which orientation of the reflecting surfaces of the prism cut sections are different from each other may be provided in each of the first region KB and the second region KC. In this case, a light source section corresponding to the light emitting section of the first region KB and a light source section corresponding to the light emitting section of the second region KC may be respectively provided, and the light source sections may be individually driven.

FIG. 13andFIG. 14are schematic views showing a configuration of another variation of the decorative component50for a vehicle of the fifth embodiment.FIG. 13is a view in which an emission pattern corresponding to a first shadow S1is formed around the formed object52.FIG. 14is a view in which an emission pattern corresponding to a second shadow S2is formed around the formed object52.

As shown inFIG. 13andFIG. 14, a plurality of formed objects52are disposed next to each other on the outer surface54aof the light guide member54, a plurality of light emitting sections531are provided adjacent to each other at positions along sides of the formed objects52in one direction, and a plurality of light emitting sections532are provided adjacent each other at positions along sides of the formed objects52in another direction. The light emitting sections531and532have corresponding light source sections that are different from each other. According to the configuration, when the light source sections that are to be turned on are switched, positions of the shadows S1and S2generated around the formed objects52as shown inFIG. 13andFIG. 14can be changed.

Further, shapes of the formed objects52are not limited to a frame shape shown, and another shape may be possible. In addition, numbers or disposition of the formed objects52and sizes of the formed objects52can also be appropriately changed.

As described above, according to the embodiments of the present invention, it is possible to generate an emission pattern that has good appearance by generating various patterns using a single light guide member.

Further, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments, and various modifications may be added without departing from the scope of the present invention.

For example, specific configurations of the plurality of embodiments may be appropriately combined.

In the above-mentioned embodiments, the number of the light emitting section corresponding to the light source sections is not limited to one, and a configuration in which a plurality of light emitting sections correspond to one light source section may be possible. In addition, a configuration in which a plurality of light source sections correspond to one light emitting section may also be possible. For example, when two light source sections that emit lights of different colors correspond to one light emitting section, colors of the emission pattern lights emitted from the light emitting section can be changed.

The present invention can be used in the decorative component for a vehicle such as a grille, a garnish, car interior ornaments, or the like.