阅读说明：本技术 车辆用灯具 (Vehicle lamp ) 是由 金子雄哉 佐藤真司 伊东徹 佐藤靖 于 2020-02-25 设计创作，主要内容包括：车辆用灯具(1)包括：第一发光部(8a)及第二发光部(8b),分别具有面状光源(14),向第一方向射出光；以及外罩(4),具有透光性,构成车辆用灯具(1)的外壳。第一发光部(8a)及第二发光部(8b)被排列成第一发光部(8a)的发光面(18)的至少一部分与第二发光部(8b)中与发光面(18)相反侧的背面(24)相对,背面(24)构成将第一发光部(8a)的光向与第一方向相交的第二方向反射的反射面。外罩(4)允许光向第一方向及第二方向的出射。(A vehicle lamp (1) is provided with: a first light-emitting unit (8a) and a second light-emitting unit (8b) each having a planar light source (14) and emitting light in a first direction; and a housing (4) having light-transmitting properties and constituting a housing of the vehicle lamp (1). The first light-emitting section (8a) and the second light-emitting section (8b) are arranged such that at least a part of the light-emitting surface (18) of the first light-emitting section (8a) faces a rear surface (24) of the second light-emitting section (8b) on the opposite side of the light-emitting surface (18), and the rear surface (24) constitutes a reflection surface that reflects the light of the first light-emitting section (8a) in a second direction intersecting the first direction. The cover (4) allows light to exit in a first direction and a second direction.)

1. A lamp for a vehicle, characterized by comprising:

a first light emitting section and a second light emitting section each having a planar light source for emitting light in a first direction, an

A cover having light-transmitting properties and constituting a housing of a vehicle lamp;

the first and second light-emitting portions are arranged such that at least a part of a light-emitting surface of the first light-emitting portion faces a back surface of the second light-emitting portion opposite to the light-emitting surface,

the rear surface constitutes a reflection surface that reflects light of the first light-emitting portion toward a second direction intersecting the first direction,

the housing allows light to exit in the first direction and the second direction.

2. The vehicular lamp according to claim 1,

the planar light source is an organic EL element.

3. The vehicular lamp according to claim 1 or 2,

the first direction is the front of the lamp and the second direction is the side of the lamp.

4. The vehicular lamp according to any one of claims 1 to 3,

the second light emitting unit has a support plate for supporting the planar light source,

a surface facing the first light emitting portion side of the support plate constitutes the reflection surface.

5. The vehicular lamp according to any one of claims 1 to 4,

a part of a light emitting surface of the first light emitting portion is located outside the second light emitting portion when viewed from the first direction.

6. The vehicular lamp according to any one of claims 1 to 5,

the light emitting surface of the first light emitting portion and the light emitting surface of the second light emitting portion have pointed portions which are tapered from one end side to the other end side,

at least a part of the tip portion of the first light-emitting portion is located outside the second light-emitting portion when viewed from the first direction.

7. The vehicular lamp according to any one of claims 1 to 6,

the housing has a shape that tapers towards the front of the light fixture.

8. The vehicular lamp according to any one of claims 1 to 7,

the vehicular lamp includes: a plurality of light emitting parts each composed of at least the first light emitting part and the second light emitting part, the size of the planar light source being different from that of the first light emitting part, an

A lighting circuit that drives the plurality of light emitting sections;

the lighting circuit supplies a current determined according to the size of the planar light source in the light emitting section where the planar light source is smallest among the plurality of light emitting sections to the plurality of light emitting sections.

9. The vehicular lamp according to any one of claims 1 to 7,

the vehicular lamp includes: a first lighting circuit for driving the first light emitting section, an

A second lighting circuit that drives the second light emitting section;

the first lighting circuit drives the first light emitting unit such that the luminance of the planar light source of the first light emitting unit is higher than the luminance of the planar light source of the second light emitting unit.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a vehicle lamp, and more particularly to a vehicle lamp used in a vehicle such as an automobile.

Background

Conventionally, various vehicle lamps such as a head lamp, a tail lamp, a stop lamp, and a side marker lamp are mounted in a vehicle. When a plurality of lamps are mounted on a vehicle, the installation space of the entire lamp naturally increases. In contrast, patent document 1 discloses a vehicle lamp in which a side surface marker lamp unit having a planar light source on a vehicle side surface facing a light emitting surface is housed in a lamp chamber together with a tail lamp unit or a brake lamp unit. In patent document 1, one vehicle lamp has a plurality of lamp functions.

Documents of the prior art

Patent document

Patent document 1: japanese patent laid-open publication No. 2016 and 051653

Disclosure of Invention

[ problem to be solved by the invention ]

When a plurality of lighting functions are mounted on one vehicle lighting device, the vehicle lighting device becomes large. In particular, the size of the recognized vehicle lamp, in other words, the area ratio of the vehicle lamp to the vehicle body surface may increase. In contrast, there is a demand for a vehicle lamp that is smaller in size, in order to increase the degree of freedom in vehicle design and increase the space available for a purpose different from the installation of the lamp.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a technique capable of achieving downsizing of a vehicle lamp having a plurality of lamp functions.

[ means for solving the problems ]

In order to solve the above-described technical problem, one aspect of the present invention is a vehicle lamp. The vehicular lamp includes: a first light emitting unit and a second light emitting unit each having a planar light source and emitting light in a first direction; and a cover having light-transmitting properties and constituting a housing of the vehicle lamp. The first and second light-emitting portions are arranged such that at least a part of a light-emitting surface of the first light-emitting portion faces a back surface of the second light-emitting portion opposite to the light-emitting surface, the back surface constitutes a reflection surface that reflects light of the first light-emitting portion toward a second direction intersecting the first direction, and the cover allows light to be emitted in the first direction and the second direction. According to this aspect, the vehicle lamp can be downsized.

In the above aspect, the planar light source may be an organic EL element. In any of the above embodiments, the first direction may be a front direction of the lamp, and the second direction may be a side direction of the lamp. In any of the above embodiments, the second light emitting unit may include a support plate for supporting the planar light source, and a surface of the support plate facing the first light emitting unit may be a reflection surface. In any of the above embodiments, a part of the light emitting surface of the first light emitting section may be located outside the second light emitting section as viewed in the first direction. In any of the above aspects, the light-emitting surface of the first light-emitting portion and the light-emitting surface of the second light-emitting portion may have pointed portions which taper from one end side to the other end side, and at least a part of the pointed portions of the first light-emitting portion may be located outside the second light-emitting portion as viewed in the first direction. In any of the above embodiments, the housing may have a shape that tapers toward the front of the lamp. In addition, in any one of the above aspects, the vehicular lamp includes: a plurality of light emitting sections each including at least a first light emitting section and a second light emitting section, the planar light sources having different sizes, and a lighting circuit for driving the plurality of light emitting sections; the lighting circuit supplies a current determined according to the size of the planar light source in the light emitting section where the planar light source is the smallest among the plurality of light emitting sections to the plurality of light emitting sections. In any one of the above aspects, the vehicle lamp may include: a first lighting circuit that drives the first light emitting section, and a second lighting circuit that drives the second light emitting section; the first lighting circuit drives the first light emitting unit such that the planar light source of the first light emitting unit has a higher luminance than the planar light source of the second light emitting unit.

In addition, any combination of the above-described constituent elements and a scheme of converting the expression form of the present invention between a method, an apparatus, a system and the like are also effective as a scheme of the present invention.

[ Effect of the invention ]

According to the present invention, it is possible to achieve downsizing of a vehicle lamp having a plurality of lamp functions.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle lamp according to embodiment 1.

Fig. 2 is a front view of the vehicular lamp.

Fig. 3 is a sectional view taken along line a-a of fig. 2.

Fig. 4 is a sectional view taken along line B-B of fig. 2.

Fig. 5 is a sectional view of the vehicular lamp of embodiment 2.

Detailed Description

The present invention will be described below based on preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. The embodiments are not intended to limit the invention but to exemplify the invention, and all the features or combinations thereof described in the embodiments do not necessarily represent the essential contents of the invention. The same or equivalent constituent elements, components, and processes shown in the respective drawings are denoted by the same reference numerals, and overlapping descriptions are appropriately omitted. In addition, the scale and shape of each part shown in the drawings are conveniently set for ease of explanation, and are not to be construed restrictively unless otherwise noted. In addition, in the present specification or claims, when the terms such as "first", "second", and the like are used, the terms do not denote any order or importance, but are used to distinguish one configuration from another, unless otherwise specified. In the drawings, parts of components that are not essential in the description of the embodiments are omitted.

(embodiment mode 1)

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle lamp according to embodiment 1. Fig. 2 is a front view of the vehicular lamp. Fig. 3 is a sectional view taken along line a-a of fig. 2. Fig. 4 is a sectional view taken along line B-B of fig. 2. The vehicle lamp 1 of the present embodiment is, for example, a rear combination lamp disposed at the rear of the vehicle.

The vehicle lamp 1 includes a lamp body 2 having an opening in a front of the lamp, and a translucent cover 4 covering the opening of the lamp body 2. The lamp body 2 is also referred to as a housing, and the cover 4 is also referred to as an outer lens. The cover 4 has light transmittance and constitutes a housing of the vehicle lamp 1 together with the lamp body 2. A plurality of light emitting portions 8, extension (extension) members 10, and a lighting circuit 12 are accommodated in a lamp chamber 6 formed by the lamp body 2 and the cover 4.

The plurality of light-emitting portions 8 are constituted by at least a first light-emitting portion 8a and a second light-emitting portion 8 b. The vehicle lamp 1 of the present embodiment includes a first light emitting portion 8a, a second light emitting portion 8b, and a third light emitting portion 8c as the plurality of light emitting portions 8. Hereinafter, the first to third light-emitting portions 8a to 8c are collectively referred to as the light-emitting portions 8 as appropriate without distinguishing them. Each light emitting section 8 includes a planar light source 14 and a support plate 16 for supporting the planar light source 14.

The planar light source 14 of the present embodiment is an organic EL element. The organic EL element constituting the planar light source 14 has a known structure. Specifically, the organic EL element includes a plate-shaped substrate, an anode, an organic EL light-emitting layer, and a cathode laminated on the substrate, and a sealing plate for sealing the organic EL light-emitting layer from the outside. The substrate is made of, for example, transparent thin film glass. The organic EL light-emitting layer is formed by stacking a hole injection layer, a hole transport layer, an organic light-emitting layer, and an electron transport layer from the anode side. As the anode, a transparent electrode made of Indium Tin Oxide (ITO) or the like is mainly used, and as the cathode, a metal electrode made of aluminum is mainly used. As the cathode, a transparent electrode made of ITO or the like may be used.

The anode is a thin film-like electrode layer, is disposed between the substrate and the organic EL light-emitting layer, and has one end extending toward one end of the organic EL element. The cathode is a thin film-like electrode layer, is disposed between the organic EL light-emitting layer and the sealing plate, and has one end portion extending to the other end side of the organic EL element. The anode, the organic EL light-emitting layer, and the cathode are sequentially stacked by, for example, vapor deposition. Terminals of an external power supply are connected to the anode and the cathode. The sealing plate is a flexible substrate made of film glass, and the peripheral edge portion thereof is fixed to the substrate via an adhesive. In the present embodiment, a material having light transmittance is used as the adhesive. The organic EL light emitting layer is sealed from the outside by a sealing member composed of a sealing plate and an adhesive. The inner space of the sealing member is filled with an inert gas.

When a voltage is applied to the organic EL element, holes are injected from the anode, and electrons are injected from the cathode. These are bonded by the organic light-emitting layer, and an organic compound such as a fluorescent organic compound is excited by energy generated at this time, so that the organic EL light-emitting layer emits light. The light emitted at this time is emitted to the front surface side through the transparent anode and the substrate. That is, the substrate-side surface of the organic EL element serves as a main light emitting surface. The light emitting surface of the planar light source 14 constitutes the light emitting surface 18 of the light emitting unit 8.

In the present embodiment, the substrate is made of thin film glass, but a flexible material such as a thin film resin film may be used. The planar light source 14 may be a light source emitting light in a planar manner other than the organic EL element.

The support plate 16 is made of metal or resin. The support plate 16 has a pair of main surfaces opposed to each other, and the planar light source 14 is mounted on one main surface. The planar light source 14 is fixed to the main surface of the support plate 16 by an adhesive tape, for example. One end of the support plate 16 is fixed to the extension member 10.

The extension member 10 includes a back plate 20 and a base 22. The back plate 20 is a plate that is disposed on the lamp rear side of the plurality of light emitting portions 8 and covers the opening of the lamp body 2. The main surfaces of the back plate 20 opposite to each other face the front-rear direction of the lamp. The base 22 protrudes forward of the lamp from the main surface toward the lamp front side of the back plate 20. One end of each support plate 16 is fixed to a base 22. Therefore, the base 22 supports the plurality of light emitting units 8. The back plate 20 and the chassis 22 are, for example, integrally molded resin products. The extension member 10 is fixed to the lamp body 2 via a support structure not shown.

The plurality of light emitting units 8 determine the posture so as to emit light in the first direction. That is, each light emitting section 8 is arranged such that the light emitting surface 18 faces the first direction. In this embodiment, the first direction is the front of the lamp. Further, since the vehicle lamp 1 of the present embodiment is a rear combination lamp, the lamp front is the vehicle rear. The plurality of light emitting units 8 are arranged at predetermined intervals in the front-rear direction of the lamp. In the present embodiment, the first light-emitting part 8a, the second light-emitting part 8b, and the third light-emitting part 8c are arranged in this order from the rear of the lamp to the front of the lamp.

The first light-emitting portion 8a and the second light-emitting portion 8b are arranged such that at least a part of the light-emitting surface 18 of the first light-emitting portion 8a faces the back surface 24 of the second light-emitting portion 8b on the opposite side from the light-emitting surface 18. The first light-emitting portion 8a and the second light-emitting portion 8b of the present embodiment are configured such that: the light emitting surfaces 18 overlap each other at the center in the left-right direction of the lamp when viewed from the front of the lamp.

The second light emitting section 8b extends toward the front side of the lamp from the light emitting surface 18 of the first light emitting section 8 a. Therefore, at least a part of the light emitted from the light-emitting surface 18 of the first light-emitting portion 8a is irradiated to the back surface 24 of the second light-emitting portion 8 b. The rear surface 24 of the second light-emitting portion 8b constitutes a reflecting surface that reflects the light of the first light-emitting portion 8a in a second direction intersecting the first direction. In the present embodiment, the second direction is a lamp side. In addition, the side of the lamp is the side of the vehicle. The reflective surface reflects at least a part of the light irradiated to the first light-emitting portion 8a of the reflective surface in an angle range of 90 ° or more with respect to the first direction.

In the present embodiment, the second light-emitting portion 8b and the third light-emitting portion 8c are also arranged in the same positional relationship as the first light-emitting portion 8a and the second light-emitting portion 8 b. That is, at least a part of the light emitting surface 18 of the second light emitting unit 8b is arranged to face the back surface 24 of the third light emitting unit 8 c. The second light emitting unit 8b and the third light emitting unit 8c of the present embodiment are arranged so that the centers of the light emitting surfaces 18 in the left-right direction of the lamp overlap each other when viewed from the front of the lamp. At least a part of the light emitted from the light-emitting surface 18 of the second light-emitting member 8b is irradiated to the back surface 24 of the third light-emitting member 8 c. The rear surface 24 of the third light-emitting part 8c constitutes a reflecting surface that reflects the light of the second light-emitting part 8b in a second direction intersecting the first direction.

The back surface 24 of the second light-emitting portion 8b is a main surface of the support plate 16 of the second light-emitting portion 8b facing the first light-emitting portion 8 a. Therefore, the reflecting surface that reflects the light of the first light-emitting portion 8a is formed by the surface of the support plate 16 facing the first light-emitting portion 8 a. Similarly, the back surface 24 of the third light-emitting part 8c is the main surface of the support plate 16 of the third light-emitting part 8c facing the second light-emitting part 8 b. Therefore, the reflecting surface that reflects the light of the second light emitting section 8b is formed by the surface of the support plate 16 facing the second light emitting section 8 b.

When the support plate 16 is made of resin, the surface of the support plate 16 may be mirror-finished by aluminum deposition or the like so that the rear surface 24 may be a reflection surface. When the support plate 16 is made of metal, mirror polishing or the like may be performed so that the rear surface 24 is a reflection surface. Further, an optical element such as a step may be provided on the rear surface 24 so as to reflect light in the second direction more reliably.

Further, a part of the light emitting surface 18 of the first light emitting portion 8a is located outside the second light emitting portion 8b when viewed from the first direction. Similarly, a part of the light-emitting surface 18 of the second light-emitting member 8b is located outside the third light-emitting member 8c when viewed from the first direction. In each light emitting section 8 of the present embodiment, the outer shape of the light emitting section 8 when viewed from the front of the lamp is similar to the outer shape of the planar light source 14. The outer shape of the light emitting section 8 is also the outer shape of the support plate 16. The first to third light-emitting portions 8a to 8c have similar shapes, and the first light-emitting portion 8a is the largest, the second light-emitting portion 8b is intermediate, and the third light-emitting portion 8c is the smallest. Therefore, the plurality of light emitting portions 8 gradually become smaller from the rear of the lamp toward the proximal side of the lamp.

Therefore, the light-emitting surface 18 of the first light-emitting portion 8a borders the second light-emitting portion 8b, and the light-emitting surface 18 of the second light-emitting portion 8b borders the third light-emitting portion 8c, as viewed from the front of the lamp. Therefore, the first light emitting parts 8a to can be recognized from the front of the lamp

All light emitting surfaces 18 of the third light emitting part 8 c.

The cover 4 allows light to exit in a first direction and a second direction. The housing 4 of the present embodiment has a first light-transmitting surface 26 facing in the first direction, i.e., the front of the lamp, and a pair of second light-transmitting surfaces 28 facing in the second direction, i.e., the side of the lamp. The light emitted from the light emitting surfaces 18 of the first and second light emitting parts 8a and 8b, which is recognizable from the front of the lamp, and the light emitted from the entire light emitting surface 18 of the third light emitting part 8c, are emitted mainly through the first light transmitting surface 26 toward the front of the lamp.

Of the light emitting surface 18 of the first light emitting portion 8a, light emitted from a portion overlapping the second light emitting portion 8b when viewed from the front of the lamp is mainly reflected by the back surface 24 of the second light emitting portion 8b and emitted to the side of the lamp through the pair of second light transmitting surfaces 28. Of the light emitting surface 18 of the second light emitting part 8b, light emitted from a portion overlapping the third light emitting part 8c when viewed from the front of the lamp is mainly reflected by the back surface 24 of the third light emitting part 8c and emitted to the side of the lamp through the pair of second light transmitting surfaces 28.

The vehicle lamp 1 can function as a tail lamp and/or a stop lamp by emitting light to the front of the lamp. The vehicle lamp 1 can function as a rear marker lamp by emitting light to the side of the lamp. For example, each of the planar light sources 14 of the first to third light-emitting units 8a to 8c is an organic EL panel that emits red light. The planar light sources 14 of the first light emitting unit 8a and the second light emitting unit 8b are turned on by operation of a lamp switch, not shown, mounted on the vehicle. Then, the light is emitted from the first light emitting unit 8a and the second light emitting unit 8b toward the front of the lamp, and the tail lamp is turned on.

The light of the first light-emitting portion 8a is reflected to the lamp side by the back surface 24 of the second light-emitting portion 8b, and the light of the second light-emitting portion 8b is reflected to the lamp side by the back surface 24 of the third light-emitting portion 8c, so that the rear marker lamp is turned on. The side marker lamp is required to emit light to the 45 ° forward side and 45 ° rearward side of the vehicle with respect to the normal line of the side surface of the vehicle, and not to emit light to the 75 ° to 90 ° forward side of the vehicle. Therefore, the rear surfaces 24 of the second light emitting unit 8b and the third light emitting unit 8c adjust the reflection characteristics to satisfy the light distribution requirement.

The third light emitting unit 8c is turned on by operation of a brake pedal, not shown, mounted on the vehicle. Then, light is emitted from the third light emitting unit 8c to the front of the lamp, and the brake lamp is turned on.

The vehicle lamp 1 is attached to the vehicle body BD such that at least a portion of the second light transmitting surface 28 of the cover 4 located on the outer side in the vehicle width direction (the side indicated by the arrow OS in fig. 4) is not covered with the vehicle body BD. This makes it possible to more reliably use the light reflected by the first and second light-emitting portions 8a and 8b on the side of the lamp as a side marker lamp. Further, the vehicle body BD may be provided with an opening so that at least a portion of the second translucent surface 28 located on the vehicle width direction outer side is exposed. In the present embodiment, the second light transmitting surface 28 located on the vehicle width direction inner side (the side indicated by the arrow IS in fig. 4) IS also attached to the vehicle body BD without being covered with the vehicle body BD. This can enlarge the light emission range of the vehicle lamp 1, and can improve the recognition of the vehicle lamp 1.

Each of the light emitting surfaces 18 of the first to third light emitting portions 8a to 8c has a pointed portion 30 which is tapered from one end side to the other end side. In the present embodiment, the tip portion 30 is provided at the upper end of the first to third light-emitting portions 8a to 8 c. At least a part of the tip part 30 of the first light-emitting part 8a is located outside the second light-emitting part 8b when viewed from the first direction. Further, at least a part of the pointed portion 30 of the second light-emitting portion 8b is located outside the third light-emitting portion 8c when viewed from the first direction. Further, the housing 4 has a third light-transmitting surface 32 facing upward of the lamp. The tip part 30 of each light emitting part 8 can be recognized through the third light transmission surface 32.

Furthermore, the housing 4 has a shape tapering towards the front of the luminaire. That is, the pair of second light transmission surfaces 28 are inclined so that the distance therebetween gradually approaches from the rear of the lamp toward the front of the lamp. And each second light-transmitting surface 28 is inclined with respect to the front-rear axis of the vehicle. In the present embodiment, the second light-transmitting surface 28 located on the outer side in the vehicle width direction is inclined inward in the vehicle width direction as it advances from the rear of the lamp toward the front of the lamp, and the second light-transmitting surface 28 located on the inner side in the vehicle width direction is inclined outward in the vehicle width direction as it advances from the rear of the lamp toward the front of the lamp. A portion of the cover 4 that tapers forward of the lamp projects outward from the vehicle body BD.

A lighting circuit 12 is disposed on the rear side of the lamp of the back plate 20. The lighting circuit 12 is a circuit that drives the plurality of light emitting units 8. The lighting circuit 12 and the first to third light emitting units 8a to 8c are connected by, for example, a flexible printed board 34. The lighting circuit 12 of the present embodiment supplies a current determined according to the size of the planar light source 14 in the light emitting unit 8 having the smallest planar light source 14 among the plurality of light emitting units 8 to the plurality of light emitting units 8. In the present embodiment, the light-emitting portion 8 with the smallest planar light source 14 is the third light-emitting portion 8 c. Therefore, the magnitude of the current supplied to the first to third light emitting units 8a to 8c by the lighting circuit 12 is set to be a magnitude at which the planar light source 14 of the third light emitting unit 8c emits light with a desired luminance.

The luminance of the planar light source 14 varies depending on the area of the planar light source 14 and the magnitude of the supplied current. When a predetermined luminance is obtained, the larger the area of the planar light source 14 is, the larger the current is required. Therefore, if the supplied currents are equal, the larger the area of the planar light source 14, the lower the luminance. In the present embodiment, the smallest planar light source 14 is arranged on the near side of the lamp, and the planar light source 14 is gradually increased toward the rear of the lamp. Therefore, when the planar light sources 14 of the first to third light emitting units 8a to 8c are turned on, gradation light emission in which the luminance gradually decreases from the near side to the far side of the lamp can be obtained.

As described above, the vehicle lamp 1 of the present embodiment includes: a first light emitting unit 8a and a second light emitting unit 8b each having a planar light source 14 and emitting light in a first direction; and a cover 4 having light-transmitting properties and constituting a housing of the vehicle lamp 1. The first light-emitting portion 8a and the second light-emitting portion 8b are arranged such that at least a part of the light-emitting surface 18 of the first light-emitting portion 8a faces the back surface 24 of the second light-emitting portion 8b on the opposite side from the light-emitting surface 18. The rear surface 24 constitutes a reflection surface that reflects the light of the first light-emitting portion 8a in a second direction intersecting the first direction. The cover 4 allows light to exit in the first direction and the second direction.

The first lamp function can be exhibited by light emission in the first direction, and the second lamp function can be exhibited by light emission in the second direction. That is, according to the present embodiment, one vehicle lamp can be made to have a plurality of lamp functions. The light emitted in the second direction is realized by arranging the first light-emitting part 8a and the second light-emitting part 8b in the first direction and reflecting the light of the first light-emitting part 8a in the second direction by the back surface 24 of the second light-emitting part 8 b. Therefore, the vehicle lamp can be made smaller than in the case where the light source for the first lamp function and the light source for the second lamp function are independently arranged. In particular, the area ratio of the vehicle lamp to the vehicle body surface can be reduced.

Therefore, according to the present embodiment, while one vehicle lamp is made to have a plurality of lamp functions, the vehicle lamp can be made compact. Further, by integrating the vehicle lamp that performs the first lamp function and the vehicle lamp that has the second lamp function, the number of vehicle lamps to be mounted on the vehicle can be reduced. Therefore, the installation space of the entire lamp can be reduced. In addition, reduction in the number of components or weight reduction of the vehicle lamp can be achieved. As a result, the cost and weight of the vehicle can be reduced.

In the present embodiment, the vehicle lamp 1 is disposed behind the lamp, the first direction is the front of the lamp, and the second direction is the side of the lamp. Therefore, the vehicle lamp 1 can emit light to the front of the lamp to function as a tail lamp and/or a stop lamp. The vehicle lamp 1 can function as a rear marker lamp by emitting light to the side of the lamp.

The planar light source 14 is an organic EL element. By using the organic EL element, the vehicle lamp 1 can be more easily downsized. In addition, the number of the light emitting portions 8 arranged can be increased while avoiding an increase in size of the vehicle lamp 1.

The second light emitting section 8b has a support plate 16 for supporting the planar light source 14, and the surface facing the first light emitting section 8a of the support plate 16 constitutes a reflection surface. This can reduce the number of components compared to a case where the plate material constituting the reflection surface is provided separately. Further, since the surface of the support plate 16 is mirror-finished more easily than the surface light source 14, the light of the first light-emitting unit 8a can be easily reflected in the second direction.

Further, a part of the light emitting surface 18 of the first light emitting portion 8a is located outside the second light emitting portion 8b when viewed from the first direction. Therefore, a part of the light emitting surface 18 of the first light emitting portion 8a can be seen from the first direction. This makes it possible to give a feeling of depth, that is, a three-dimensional appearance to the viewer, and to improve the visibility and design of the vehicle lamp 1. Further, since the first light emitting portion 8a is used for a plurality of lamp functions in common, the vehicle lamp 1 can be downsized. Further, the number of components of the vehicle lamp 1 can be reduced or the vehicle lamp can be lightened.

The light-emitting surface 18 of the first light-emitting portion 8a and the light-emitting surface of the second light-emitting portion 8b have pointed portions 30 which taper from one end side to the other end side. At least a part of the tip part 30 of the first light-emitting part 8a is located outside the second light-emitting part 8b when viewed from the first direction. Therefore, at least a part of the tip part 30 of the first light-emitting part 8a can be seen from the first direction. This can improve the visibility and design of the vehicle lamp 1.

Furthermore, the housing 4 has a shape tapering towards the front of the luminaire. This can improve the visibility and design of the vehicle lamp 1.

Further, the vehicle lamp 1 includes: a plurality of light-emitting portions 8 including a first light-emitting portion 8a and a second light-emitting portion 8b, the size of each of the planar light sources 14 being different; the lighting circuit 12 drives the plurality of light emitting units 8. The lighting circuit 12 supplies a current determined according to the size of the planar light source 14 in the light emitting section 8 having the smallest planar light source 14 among the plurality of light emitting sections 8 to each light emitting section 8. This allows the plurality of light emitting sections 8 having different sizes of the planar light source 14 to emit light with different luminances. As a result, the visibility and design of the vehicle lamp 1 can be improved.

In addition, gradation light emission in which the luminance gradually decreases from the near side of the lamp toward the far side can be formed. Therefore, the viewer can be presented with a more deeply-perceived appearance. Therefore, the visibility and design of the vehicle lamp 1 can be further improved. Further, by determining the magnitude of the supplied current from the smallest planar light source 14, it is possible to prevent an overcurrent from flowing through another planar light source 14. Further, the lighting circuit 12 is shared by the plurality of light emitting sections 8, so that the vehicle lamp 1 can be reduced in size and cost. In addition, other components may be provided in a space in the lamp chamber 6 where the plurality of lighting circuits 12 are not mounted. Therefore, it is possible to further realize multi-functionalization while suppressing an increase in size of the vehicle lamp 1.

(embodiment mode 2)

The vehicle lamp according to embodiment 2 has a configuration common to that of embodiment 1, except that the number of lighting circuits 12 is different. Next, the configuration of the vehicle lamp according to the present embodiment is mainly described as being different from that of embodiment 1, and the common configuration will be simply described or will not be described. Fig. 5 is a sectional view of the vehicular lamp of embodiment 2.

The vehicle lamp 1 of the present embodiment includes a first light-emitting portion 8a, a second light-emitting portion 8b, and a third light-emitting portion 8c as the plurality of light-emitting portions 8. The vehicle lamp 1 includes a first lighting circuit 12a that drives the first light emitting unit 8a, a second lighting circuit 12b that drives the second light emitting unit 8b, and a third lighting circuit 12c that drives the third light emitting unit 8 c. Each lighting circuit 12 can independently drive the corresponding light emitting unit 8.

The first lighting circuit 12a drives the first light emitting unit 8a such that the luminance of the planar light source 14 of the first light emitting unit 8a is higher than the luminance of the planar light source 14 of the second light emitting unit 8 b. This can increase the amount of light emitted from the first light-emitting portion 8a, and thus can increase the amount of light emitted in the second direction. As a result, the vehicle lamp 1 can more reliably function as a side marker lamp. In addition, when the light of the first light emitting portion 8a is emitted in the first direction, the amount of light emitted in the first direction can be increased. This can also increase the luminance of the tail lamp. The second lighting circuit 12b drives the second light emitting unit 8b so that the luminance of the planar light source 14 of the second light emitting unit 8b becomes a desired luminance. The third lighting circuit 12c drives the third light emitting unit 8c so that the luminance of the planar light source 14 of the third light emitting unit 8c becomes a desired luminance.

The embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above. The foregoing embodiments are merely illustrative of specific examples in which the invention may be practiced. The contents of the embodiments do not limit the technical scope of the present invention, and various design changes such as changes, additions, deletions, and the like of the constituent elements can be made without departing from the scope of the inventive concept defined in the claims. The new embodiment with the design change has both the effects of the combined embodiment and the modification. In the above-described embodiments, the expressions such as "in the present embodiment", "in the present embodiment" and the like are given for emphasis on the contents in which such a design change is possible, and the design change is allowed even without the contents of the expressions. Any combination of the above-described constituent elements is also effective as an aspect of the present invention. The hatching given to the cross section of the drawing does not limit the material of the object to be hatched.

In the embodiment, the vehicle lamp 1 is a rear combination lamp, and a rear marker lamp is configured by light of the first light-emitting portion 8a and the second light-emitting portion 8b reflected to the side of the lamp. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration, and the vehicle lamp 1 may be a headlight, and the front marker lamp may be configured by light from the first light-emitting portion 8a and the second light-emitting portion 8b reflected to the side of the lamp.

In the embodiment, the surface of the support plate 16 constitutes a reflection surface. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration, and for example, the support plate 16 may be a frame-shaped body to support the outer periphery of the planar light source 14, the rear surface of the planar light source 14 may be exposed, and the exposed rear surface may be used as a reflection surface. Further, a reflecting plate may be provided on the back surface of the planar light source 14.

In the embodiment, when viewed from the front of the lamp, a part of the light emitting surface 18 of the first light emitting unit 8a is disposed outside the second light emitting unit 8b, and a part of the first light emitting unit 8a is emitted toward the front of the lamp. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration, and the entire light emitting surface 18 of the first light emitting unit 8a may be overlapped with the second light emitting unit 8b, and the first light emitting unit 8a may be used as a light source dedicated to the side marker lamp. In the present embodiment, part of the light emitting surface 18 of the second light emitting unit 8b is overlapped with the third light emitting unit 8c, and part of the second light emitting unit 8b is emitted to the side of the lamp. However, the configuration is not limited to this, and the entire light emitting surface 18 of the second light emitting unit 8b may be configured not to overlap the third light emitting unit 8c, and the second light emitting unit 8b may be configured as a light source dedicated to a tail lamp.

Further, when viewed from the front of the lamp, a part of the light emitting surface 18 of the first light emitting portion 8a may be disposed outside the second light emitting portion 8b, the entire light emitting surface 18 of the second light emitting portion 8b may be overlapped with the third light emitting portion 8c, the first light emitting portion 8a may be used as a light source for the side marker lamp and the tail lamp, and the second light emitting portion 8b may be used as a light source dedicated to the side marker lamp. The first light-emitting unit 8a and the second light-emitting unit 8b may be light sources dedicated to side marker lamps, the third light-emitting unit 8c may be light sources dedicated to tail lamps, and a fourth light source, not shown, may be light sources dedicated to stop lamps. The functions of the light emitting parts 8 can be combined appropriately. The number of light emitting units 8 is not limited to three. For example, the third light emitting unit 8c may be omitted. Further, two or more light emitting units may be arranged on the front side of the lamp of the second light emitting unit 8 b. Further, one or more light emitting portions may be arranged on the lamp rear side of the first light emitting portion 8 a.

[ Industrial Applicability ]

The present invention can be utilized in a vehicle lamp.

[ description of reference numerals ]

1 vehicle lamp, 4 housing, 8 light emitting section, 8a first light emitting section, 8b second light emitting section, 8c third light emitting section, 12 lighting circuit, 12a first lighting circuit, 12b second lighting circuit, 12c third lighting circuit, 14 planar light source, 16 support plate, 18 light emitting face, 24 back face, 30 tip.