Abstract:
A lighting device for use in a vehicle, is equipped with one light source and a linear light-guiding body which guides light from the light source. The light-guiding body has a linear, primary spotlight part which emits light in a linear shape and a secondary spotlight part which emits a spot of light from the tip of the light-guiding body, thus providing different lighting with one light source.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0001]    The present invention relates to an illumination device and to a door lining that uses the illumination device. 
       BACKGROUND ART 
       [0002]    Patent Document 1 discloses a linear light emitter that is used in a vehicle and configured so that light from a light source is emitted from the periphery of a rod-shaped body. 
         [0003]    Patent Document 2 discloses another illumination device that is disposed in a passenger compartment and configured so that light from a light source is branched into a plurality of branching light transmission paths via a light transmission path, and the brightness of the illumination is adjusted individually for a plurality of locations. 
         [0004]    However, in the linear light emitter of Patent Document 1 and the vehicle illumination device of Patent Document 2, a linear light emitter or branching light transmission path (optical fiber) must be employed for each illuminated location. For example, in order to project light from three locations, three linear light emitters (light guides) or optical fibers (light guides) are provided, and the structure becomes complex. 
         [0005]    Furthermore, when illumination is provided from two locations, for example, in order to vary the brightness between light and dark, or to create a large or small range of illumination according to the object to be illuminated, two types of linear light emitters or optical fibers corresponding to each type of illumination must be made, and cost reduction is difficult to achieve. 
       PRIOR ART LITERATURE 
     Patent Document 
       [0006]    Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication 
         [0007]    Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 2005-19154 
       SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
     Technical Problem 
       [0008]    An object of the present invention is to provide an illumination device that has one light source and one light guide, is simple in structure, and is capable of projecting light in different modes (brightness, range) to a plurality of areas, and imparting different illumination effects according to the function (button type (including layout), lever) of the illumination area, and to provide a door lining that uses the illumination device. 
       Solution to Problem 
       [0009]    According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an illumination device provided to an interior body of a vehicle, which device comprises: a light source, and a light guide for guiding light from the light source and projecting light within a vehicle cabin, the light guide having a linear main light projection part for projecting light in linear fashion, and a secondary light projection part for projecting light at a distance from the linear primary light projection part using light that has passed through the linear primary light projection part. 
         [0010]    Preferably, the secondary light projection part is set to a smaller irradiation area than the linear primary light projection part, and is disposed farther away from the light source. 
         [0011]    Preferably, the illumination device further comprises a first lens for transmitting light from the linear primary light projection part and projecting light in linear fashion, the first lens being disposed linearly along the longitudinal direction of the linear primary light projection part; and a second lens for transmitting light of the secondary light projection part, the second lens having a light projection range smaller than the light projection range of the first lens and being disposed in a concave part formed in the interior body. 
         [0012]    Preferably, the linear primary light projection part is directed toward the point of view of a vehicle occupant, and the secondary light projection part is directed away from the point of view of the vehicle occupant. 
         [0013]    Preferably, the first lens transmits and projects light toward an external periphery of the light guide, and the second lens transmits and projects light in the axial direction of the light guide. 
         [0014]    According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a door lining comprising an illumination device having a linear main light projection part for projecting light in linear fashion, and a secondary light projection part for projecting light at a distance from the linear primary light projection part using light that has passed through the linear primary light projection part, a light guide being provided for guiding light from a light source and projecting light within a vehicle cabin; a switch panel disposed in the vicinity of the linear primary light projection part and provided with a plurality of operating switches; and an operating member disposed in the vicinity of the secondary light projection part and provided with at least one operating part. 
         [0015]    Preferably, the light guide is fastened in the vicinity of a connection end of the switch panel by the first lens for transmitting light from the linear primary light projection part and projecting light in linear fashion, the first lens being disposed linearly along the longitudinal direction of the linear primary light projection part. 
       Advantageous Effects of Invention 
       [0016]    In the illumination device of the present invention, since the light guide has a linear primary light projection part for projecting light in linear fashion along the interior material, and a secondary light projection part for projecting light at a distance from the linear primary light projection part using light that has passed through the linear primary light projection part, light can be projected in a different mode from each of the linear primary light projection part and the secondary light projection part. Consequently, different illumination effects can be created by a single light guide according to the function of the illumination area (whether provided in a relatively wide range or in a pinpointed area). 
         [0017]    Since the secondary light projection part is set to a smaller illumination area than the linear primary light projection part, and the secondary light projection part is set at a long distance from the light source, the linear primary light projection part can emit light linearly along the interior body and uniformly illuminate a specific area, whereas the secondary light projection part can uniformly illuminate a small specific area. In other words, discomfort due to inadequate light intensity can be reduced even though the secondary light projection part is far from the light source, and the illumination device has the advantage of being capable of illuminating separate areas without being provided with additional illumination means. Furthermore, the effect of the secondary light projection part can be weakened, and the visual effect of the linear primary light projection part can be further emphasized. 
         [0018]    The first lens for linear light projection, and the second lens having a small range of light projection make it possible to obtain more appropriate light intensities for the illumination area of the linear primary light projection part and the illumination area of the secondary light projection part. As a result, different modes of illumination can be obtained. 
         [0019]    The linear light emission area formed by the linear primary light projection part can be made more noticeable to effectively demonstrate visual effects to the vehicle occupants, and discomfort due to difference in light intensity can be even further reduced by spot-illuminating the illumination area formed by the secondary light projection part in a less conspicuous manner. For example, weakening the secondary light projection part enables discomfort to be further reduced, and, conversely, strengthening the secondary light projection part cancels out the discomfort and enables a nearly uniform impression to be imparted. 
         [0020]    Light that has weakened in intensity in the linear light emission area can be effectively utilized by the second lens forming a small light projection range. For example, when light is projected to an intended location, the layout of the second lens with respect to the light guide is facilitated, ultimately making it possible to enhance the degree of freedom of the illumination layout. 
         [0021]    The door lining of the present invention makes it possible to enhance operating properties without providing a plurality of illuminations for a plurality of operating switches, and the positions of controls can also be suitably seen when operating members other than operating switches are operated. 
         [0022]    Since the light guide is fastened in the vicinity of the connection end of the switch panel by the first lens, the light guide is easily retained by using the first lens to retain the light guide. The connection end of the switch panel is also appropriately positioned with respect to the first lens. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         [0023]      FIG. 1  is a schematic view showing an illumination device according to the present invention, as applied to a vehicle door lining; 
           [0024]      FIG. 2  is schematic view showing the door lining of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0025]      FIG. 3  is an enlarged view showing an area encircled by 3 of  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0026]      FIG. 4  is a sectional view taken along line  4 - 4  of  FIG. 3 ; 
           [0027]      FIG. 5  is a view as seen in the direction of arrow  5  of  FIG. 4 ; 
           [0028]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view showing a light source of the illumination member; 
           [0029]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view showing a first lens assembled with a linear primary light projection part; 
           [0030]      FIG. 8  is a cross-sectional view showing the first lens attached to the door lining; 
           [0031]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view showing a state of attachment of the first lens; 
           [0032]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view showing the first lens; 
           [0033]      FIG. 11  is a view as seen in the direction of arrow  11  of  FIG. 5 ; and 
           [0034]      FIG. 12  is a sectional view taken along line  12 - 12  of  FIG. 11 . 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 
       [0035]    Preferred embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. 
         [0036]    The illumination device  11  shown in  FIG. 1  constantly illuminates an operating member (inner handle)  15  and a switch panel  14  provided to a door  13  of a vehicle  12 . A detailed description will be given hereinafter, but the switch panel  14  is indirectly illuminated by indirect light radiated to a relatively wide-ranging illumination area  17  (the range of which is indicated by a dot pattern), and the inner handle  15  is directly illuminated by direct light radiated to a relatively narrow-ranged illumination area  21  (the range of which is indicated by a dot pattern). 
         [0037]    The inner handle  15  is an existing structure provided with an operating part (door handle body)  23  that is grasped in order to open the right front door  13 . As is a commonly encountered configuration, the right front door  13  opens when the door handle body  23  is grasped and pulled. 
         [0038]    The switch panel  14  is attached to an interior member (door lining)  25  of the door  13 , and is provided with operating switches  26 . The operating switches  26  have a window opening and closing switch  28  for opening and closing a window glass  27 , a door lock switch  31 , a window lock switch  32 , a mirror selection switch  33 , and a mirror adjustment switch  34 . The reference numeral  36  refers to an instrument panel, and  37  refers to a vehicle cabin. 
         [0039]      FIGS. 2 and 3  show a state in which the switches and inner handle  15  of the switch panel  14  are not attached. The following description will reference  FIG. 1 . 
         [0040]    The door lining  25  forms the lining (side wall) of the door  13 , and the switch panel (second member)  14 , inner handle  15 , a driver&#39;s armrest  42 , a speaker  43 , and an accessory case  44  are provided to a door lining body (first member)  41  made of resin. 
         [0041]    The door lining  25  has a dividing line  46  between the door lining body  41  and the switch panel (second member)  14 . The dividing line  46  is a connection line formed by contact between the door lining body  41  and the switch panel  14 , the door lining  25  being the main body. 
         [0042]    The switch panel  14  protrudes from the door lining body  41  toward the center of the vehicle cabin  37  (in the direction of arrow a 1 ). The switches are arranged on the top surface  51  of the switch panel  14 . A side surface  53  is formed continuously with a protruding distal end  52  of the top surface  51 . A light-shielding partition  62  (see  FIG. 4 ) for blocking the light from the first lens  61  overhangs along the first lens  61  of the illumination member  11  on a back surface  55  of the top surface  51 . A connection end  63  of the top surface  51  is connected to the door lining body  41  across the first lens  61 . 
         [0043]    The door  13  shown in the drawings is a right front door, but the left front door not shown in the drawings is substantially the same as the right front door  13 , except from the layout of the switch panel  14 . 
         [0044]    The illumination device  11  is provided to the door lining  25  of the vehicle  12 , the illumination device  11  projects light into the vehicle cabin  37  from the door lining  25 , and the illumination device  11  is provided with a light guide  68  for guiding the light from a light source  67 . The light guide  68  is provided with a linear main light projection part  71  (in the direction of arrows a 3 ) for projecting light in linear fashion (in the direction of arrow a 2 ) along the door lining  25 , and a secondary light projection part  72  for projecting light at a distance from the linear primary light projection part  71  using light guided by the linear primary light projection part  71 . The reference numeral  73  refers to a second lens. 
         [0045]    The length of the linear main light projection part  71  is approximately Lp (see  FIG. 5 ). The distance referred to by “at a distance” is the distance S (see  FIGS. 4 and 5 ) to the secondary light projection part  72  from a reference point at the center of the length Lp of the linear main light projection part  71 . The distance S is arbitrary according to conditions. 
         [0046]    The secondary light projection part  72  is set to a smaller irradiation area  21  than the linear primary light projection part  71 , and is disposed farther away from the light source  67 . Specifically, in the light guide  68  of total length L (L=L 1 +L 2 ), the distance (length) from the light source  67  to the secondary light projection part  72  is L (total length), and the secondary light projection part  72  is at a distance L 2 , as opposed to the distance L 1  from the light source  67  to the end of the linear main light projection part  71 . 
         [0047]    As shown in  FIGS. 1 through 5  and  8  through  10 , the armrest  42  ( FIGS. 1 and 2 ) is formed in a convex shape toward the vehicle occupant (in the direction of arrow a 1 ) at the center of the door lining body  41 . An overhang  75  formed continuously with the armrest  42  overhangs toward the outside of the vehicle  12  (in the direction of arrow a 4 ) so that the switch panel  14  is provided on a shelf. An opening  77  is formed continuously with a lower end  76  of the overhang  75 , and the switch panel  14  is configured so as to be able to fit into the opening  77 . As shown in  FIG. 8 , a claw-retaining through-hole  82  for engaging with retaining claws  81  of the first lens  61  is formed at a predetermined interval at the lower end  76  of the overhang  75  at the edge of the opening  77 . 
         [0048]    A plurality of notches  83   a  is formed in a fitting flange  83  of the first lens  61  so as to correspond to switch panel fastening holes  84  for fastening the switch panel  14 , as shown in  FIG. 10 . The switch panel  14  is attached to the door lining body  41  by engaging fastening tabs (not shown) of the switch panel  14  in the switch panel fastening holes  84 . Since the notches  83   a  are formed so as to correspond to the vehicle-interior side of the retaining claws  81 , the first lens  61  has a substantially uniform rigidity distribution in the length direction thereof. 
         [0049]    As shown in  FIG. 4 , in order to provide the inner handle  15  to the top part that is continuous with an upper end  86  of the overhang  75 , a tunnel part  87  that is open toward the outside of the vehicle  12  (in the direction of arrow a 4 ) is formed, an illumination fitting opening  91  for fitting a second lens  73  is formed in a ceiling part  88  of the tunnel part  87 , and a lens fixing part  94  (see  FIG. 11 ) for attaching a bracket  93  of the second lens  73  is provided to the back of the ceiling part  88 . 
         [0050]    As shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7 , the axis line Cp of the light guide  68  is a line that passes through the center of the cross-section of the light guide  68  and is orthogonal to the cross-section of the light guide  68 . 
         [0051]    The illumination device  11  is provided with the first lens  61  for transmitting the linear light of the linear main light projection part  71  and forming a linear light projection (in the direction of arrows a 3 ), the first lens  61  being disposed between the linear main light projection part  71  and the vehicle cabin  37 ; and the second lens  73  for transmitting the light of the secondary light projection part  72  and forming a light projection range  21  ( FIG. 1 ) smaller than that of the first lens  61 , the second lens  73  being disposed between the secondary light projection part  72  shown in  FIG. 3  and the vehicle cabin  37 , and disposed in the concave part (tunnel part)  87  formed in the interior member (door lining)  25 . 
         [0052]    As shown in  FIG. 1 , the linear main light projection part  71  is oriented toward the position of the eyes of a vehicle occupant not shown in the drawing (in the direction of arrows a 3 ), and the secondary light projection part  72  is oriented in a direction away from the position of the eyes of the vehicle occupant (the direction of arrows a 5 ). The term “vehicle occupant” refers to the driver or a person in the passenger seat. 
         [0053]    The first lens  61  projects light to the outside (in the direction of arrows Y 1 , Y 2 , Z 1 , Z 2  in  FIG. 7 ) from the periphery of the light guide  68  (specifically, the linear main light projection part  71 ). The second lens  73  projects light (in the direction of arrows a 5 ) in the axial direction (the direction of arrow X 1  in  FIG. 12 ) of the light guide  68 . 
         [0054]    As shown in  FIG. 1 , the door lining  25  has the switch panel  14  disposed in the vicinity of the linear main light projection part  71  and provided with the switches  28  and  31  through  33  that constitute the operating switches  26 , and the inner handle  15  disposed in the vicinity of the secondary light projection part  72  and provided with at least a single door handle body  23 . In the door lining  25 , the light guide  68  is secured in the vicinity of the connection end  63  ( FIG. 4 ) of the switch panel  14  by the first lens  61 . 
         [0055]    The interior member  25  is described as being a door lining, but the instrument panel  36 , a center console (not shown) provided between the left and right front seats, or a roof ceiling interior can be cited as interior members other than the door lining. 
         [0056]    As shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  2 ,  4 , and  6 , the illumination member  11  is provided with the light source  67 , the light guide  68 , a light guide connecting member  97  connected to the light source  67 , the first lens  61 , the second lens  73 , and an on/off switch unit (not shown). For example, when the right front door  13  is opened, and an engine start switch is turned on, the light source  67  is made to emit light through the operation of the on/off switch and illuminates the locations shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         [0057]    An LED light emitter  101  is used for the light source  67 , and the specific specifications of the LED light emitter  101  are arbitrary. The LED light emitter  101  is covered by a case  102 . An input end  103  of the light guide  68  is connected to the case  102  using the light guide connecting member  97  so that the center of the LED light emitter  101  and the axis line Cp of the input end  103  substantially match each other. 
         [0058]    The light guide  68  has a transparent body  105  made of resin, a guide sheath  106  for covering the transparent body  105 , the linear main light projection part  71  from which a length Lp ( FIG. 5 ) of the guide sheath  106  is peeled off, and the secondary light projection part  72  that includes an output end  107  ( FIG. 12 ) of the light guide  68 . The linear main light projection part  71  is closer to the LED light emitter  101  than the secondary light projection part  72 , and is therefore brighter than the secondary light projection part  72 . A single transparent body  105  is described as being provided, but a plurality of transparent bodies  105  may also be provided in a bundle as thick as the transparent body  105  shown in the drawings. 
         [0059]    As shown in  FIGS. 7 through 10 , the linear main light projection part  71  is the transparent body  105  having a range that substantially coincides with the entire length of the first lens  61 , and is a part from which the guide sheath  106  shown in  FIG. 6  is separated. Light is emitted from a peripheral surface  111  of the linear main light projection part  71  (transparent body  105 ). In other words, the linear main light projection part  71  is configured so that light escapes from the peripheral surface  111 . 
         [0060]    The first lens  61  is a transparent component made of resin in an elongated hollow shape. The lens has a projection part  95  having directivity for projecting the light from the interior linear main light projection part  71  in one direction (direction indicated by arrows a 3 , see also  FIG. 1 ), the fitting flange  83  and retaining claws  81  secured to the door lining  25  and formed continuously with the light projection part  95 , a seal member  116  attached to the fitting flange  83  and an edge part  115 , and reflectors  117 ,  118  provided as needed. 
         [0061]    The light projection part  95  forms indirect light for illuminating the relatively wide illumination area  17  ( FIG. 1 ) described previously, and indirectly illuminates the switch panel  14 . 
         [0062]    The retaining claws  81  are formed along an edge  121  continuous with the light projection part  95  so as to extend toward the outside (in the direction of arrow a 4 ) of the vehicle  12 , and are formed so as to be pushed (in the direction of arrow a 4 ) by engaging with the switch panel fastening holes  84  of the door lining body  41  when the fitting flange  83  is pushed down from above as indicated by arrow a 6  ( FIG. 10 ). Therefore, when the retaining claws  81  are inserted toward the door lining body  41 , the first lens  61  can be attached, and attachment of the first lens  61  is easily accomplished. 
         [0063]    As shown in  FIGS. 11 and 12 , in the second lens  73 , an output end connector  123  for connecting the output end  107  of the light guide  68  is formed; a lens body  124  is formed continuously with the output end connector  123  so as to illuminate a relatively narrow range, i.e., to provide pinpoint illumination (irradiation area  21  of  FIG. 1 ); a reflector  125  is provided to the lens body  124 ; a pressing flange  126  is formed in the lens body  124  so as to press against the back of the ceiling part  88  of the door lining  25 ; and the bracket  93  is provided to the pressing flange  126 . 
         [0064]    In the second lens  73 , the lens body  124  is fitted in the illumination fitting opening  91  of the door lining  25 , and when the bracket  93  is fitted with the lens fixing part  94  provided to the back of the concave part (tunnel part)  87 , the pressing flange  126  can be superposed on and pressed against the back of the concave part (tunnel part)  87 , and the lens body  124  can be fixed in place. In other words, assembly of the second lens  73  is facilitated. 
         [0065]    Assembly of the illumination device  11  of the present invention will next be briefly described. 
         [0066]    The light guide  68  is first completed. The transparent body  105  is covered by the guide sheath  106  with the exception of the input end  103  of the transparent body  105 , the linear main light projection part  71 , and the secondary light projection part  72  (output end  107 ). 
         [0067]    Assembly of the individual illumination device  11  is then completed. As shown in  FIG. 6 , the input end  103  of the light guide  68  is connected to the case  102  that houses the light source  67 , the second lens  73  is fitted with the secondary light projection part  72  (output end  107 ) of the light guide  68 , and the linear main light projection part  71  is provided inside an opening  128  ( FIG. 8 ) of the first lens  61  and fixed in place by the seal member  116 . 
         [0068]    The separately assembled illumination device  11  is then attached to the door  13 . The case  102  of the light source  67  is attached to a light source receptacle  131  ( FIG. 4 ) formed in the door lining body  41 , the retaining claws  81  of the first lens  61  are inserted into the door lining body  41  and thereby fastened, and assembly of the first lens  61  is almost completed. 
         [0069]    The switch panel  14  is then fitted in the door lining body  41 , whereby the light projection part  95  of the first lens  61  is held by the connection end  63  of the switch panel  14  and a connection end  96  of the door lining body  41 , and the first lens  61  is thereby fixed in place. Assembly of the first lens  61  is thereby completed. 
         [0070]    In the step of attaching the switch panel  14 , an advantage is gained in that the connection end  63  of the switch panel  14  is appropriately positioned with respect to the first lens  61  that has already been fixed to the door lining body  41 . 
         [0071]    Lastly, the second lens  73  is attached to the concave part (tunnel part)  87  formed in the door lining body  41 , and assembly of the illumination device  11  is completed. The switches are attached to the switch panel  14  in advance. 
         [0072]    The operation of the illumination device  11  and door lining  25  that uses the illumination device  11  of the present invention will next be described. 
         [0073]    Again referencing  FIGS. 1 ,  5 , and  6 , linear illumination is provided by the linear main light projection part  71 , and spot illumination is provided by the secondary light projection part  72 . This can be achieved by causing light to be emitted by the light source  67  through only a single light guide  68  in the illumination device  11 . 
         [0074]    Specifically, when the light source  67  emits light, the light enters the light guide  68  from the input end  103  of the transparent body  105 , and is directed by the transparent body  105  and the guide sheath  106  and diffused by the linear main light projection part  71  into the surrounding area from the surface of the transparent body  105 . The light is therefore directed upward from the light projection part  95  of the first lens  61  and projected. As a result, the overhang  75  is directly illuminated in linear fashion and in a wide range in the manner indicated by arrows a 3 , as described with reference to  FIG. 1 . Illumination can be provided by the indirect light as indicated by arrows a 4 , and the switches of the switch panel  14 , for example, can be illuminated. 
         [0075]    The non-diffused light from the linear main light projection part  71  travels through the transparent body  105 , is diffused by the secondary light projection part  72  (output end  107 ), and is directed downward from the secondary light projection part  72  of the second lens  73  through the second lens  73  and projected to provide spot illumination. As a result, as already described using  FIG. 1 , a narrow range can be specified for pinpoint illumination in the manner indicated by arrows a 5 , and the door handle body  23  of the inner handle  15 , for example, can be directly illuminated. 
         [0076]    The illumination device  11  is thus capable of projecting light in different modes to a plurality of areas by a single light source  67  and a single light guide  68  that is not branched between the input end  103  and the output end  107 , and different illumination effects can be provided according to the functions of the illumination areas. 
         [0077]    In the door lining  25  in which the illumination device  11  is used, the switches of the switch panel  14  are illuminated linearly, i.e., in a wide range, by the linear main light projection part  71 , while the door handle body  23  of the inner handle  15  is directly illuminated by the secondary light projection part  72 . It is therefore possible to enhance operating properties without providing a plurality of illuminations for the plurality of operating switches  28  and  31  through  33 , and the position of the door handle body  23  can also be suitably seen when the inner handle  15  and not the operating switches  26  is operated. 
         [0078]    The illumination device of the present invention was described as being employed in the door lining of vehicle in the embodiments, but the illumination device of the present invention can be used in a component other than the door lining of a vehicle. 
       INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY 
       [0079]    The illumination device and door lining that uses the illumination device of the present invention are suitable for a vehicle. 
       Legend 
       [0000]    
       
         
           
               11 —illumination device; 
               12 —vehicle; 
               14 —switch panel; 
               15 —operating member (inner handle); 
               21 —narrow-ranged illumination area; 
               23 —operating part (door handle body); 
               25 —interior member (door lining); 
               26 —operating switch; 
               37 —vehicle cabin 
               61 —first lens; 
               63 —connection end; 
               67 —light source; 
               68 —light guide; 
               71 —linear main light projection part; 
               72 —secondary light projection part; 
               73 —second lens; and 
               87 —tunnel part