Title of Invention

TURN SIGNAL LAMP FOR VEHICLE

Abstract

To improve the appearance of a turn signal lamp [Solution] In a front winker 16 including a lamp housing 111, an LED 140 provided on the lamp housing 111, a reflector for reflecting light from the LED 140, and a lens 112 fitted into an opening of the lamp housing 111, a reflector has a concave curved surface 148 which functions as a reflecting surface and the LED 140 is located in an area invisible from a direction in which light is reflected by the curved surface 148 so that the LED 140 is invisible through the lens 112 from outside the front winker 16. [Selected Drawing] Fig.13

Full Text

[Document Name] Specification [Title of the Invention] Turn Signal Lamp for Vehicle [Technical Field] [0001] The present invention relates to improvement in a turn signal lamp for a vehicle. [Background Art] [0002] Among related vehicle lamp fittings such as turn signal lamps for vehicles, those which use LEDs (light emitting diodes) as light sources have been known (for example, see Patent Document 1). [Patent Document 1] JP-A No.2000-123610 [0003] Fig.2 of Patent Document 1 shows a vehicle lamp fitting in which a plurality of small boxes 14, with their open front surfaces oriented in a direction, are arranged on the inner side of an outer lens 11 along the curved surface of the outer lens 11 in a staircase pattern and an LED 15 is placed inside each of the small boxes 14 where a lens 16 covering the front of the LED 15 is placed in the open portion of each small box 14. [Disclosure of the Invention] [Problem to be Solved by the Invention] [0004] When the above lamp fitting is seen from front, if the outer lens 11 and the lenses 16 are transparent, the plurality of LEDs 15 are visible through these lenses 11, 16 from outside, unfavorably affecting the appearance. An object of the present invention is to improve the appearance of a turn signal lamp. [Means for Solving the Problem] [0005] The invention according to Claim 1 is characterized in that in a turn signal lamp for a vehicle including a lamp housing, LEDs provided on the lamp housing, a reflector to reflect light from the LEDs, and a lens fitted into an opening of the lamp housing, the reflector has concave curved surfaces which function as reflecting surfaces and the LEDs are located in an area invisible from a direction in which light is reflected by these curved surfaces. Functionally, since the LED light sources are invisible from outside the turn signal lamp for a vehicle, the appearance is improved. [0006] The invention according to Claim 2 is characterized in that the plurality of curved surfaces are arranged in a staircase pattern in a vehicle width direction as viewed from above and one curved surface is provided for one LED and a surface of the lens stretches sideward of the vehicle obliquely backward. [0007] Functionally, light from an LED is reflected by the curved surface corresponding to that LED and goes forward of the vehicle or sideward of the vehicle. Since the reflector curved surfaces are arranged in a staircase pattern in the vehicle width direction as viewed from above and the lens surface stretches sideward of the vehicle obliquely backward, light reflected by the curved surfaces is visible not only from forward of the vehicle but also from sideward of the vehicle, [0008] The invention according to Claim 3 is characterized in that the LEDs are located on the top of the lamp housing. Functionally, when the turn signal lamp is seen from outside, the LEDs on the top of the lamp housing are hardly visible through the lens from a person's eyes which are normally above the turn signal lamp, so that the appearance is improved. [Effect of the Invention] [0009] In the invention according to Claim 1, since the reflector has concave curved surfaces which function as reflecting surfaces and the LEDs are located in an area invisible from a direction in which light is reflected by these curved surfaces, the LEDs are invisible when the turn signal lamp is seen from outside and the appearance is thus improved. [0010] In the invention according to Claim 2, since the plurality of curved surfaces are arranged in a staircase pattern in the vehicle width direction as viewed from above and one curved surface is provided for one LED and a surface of the lens stretches sideward of the vehicle obliquely backward, reflected LED light is visible from forward of the vehicle and sideward of the vehicle and the visibility of the turn signal lamp is thus improved. [0011] In the invention according to Claim 3/ since the LEDs are located on the top of the lamp housing, the LEDs on the top of the lamp housing are hardly visible from a level higher than the turn signal lamp and the appearance is thus improved. [Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention] [0012] Next, the best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described referring to the accompanying drawings. The drawings should be seen according to the orientations of the reference numerals. Fig.l is a side view of a vehicle with a turn signal lamp according to the present invention where a vehicle 10 is a scooter type motorcycle in which a pair of left and right headlamps 13, 14 (only numeral 13 on the nearer side is shown) and a pair of left and right front winkers 16, 17 as turn signal lamps (only numeral 16 on the nearer side is shown) are disposed on a front cover 12 constituting the front of a body cover 11 and a pair of left and right rear combination lamps 21, 22 (only numeral 21 on the nearer side is shown) are disposed on a rear cover member 18 constituting the back of the body cover 11, and the headlamps 13, 14, front winkers 16, 17 and rear combination lamps 21, 22 use LEDs (light emitting diodes) as light sources. [0013] In the figure, 31 represents a wind shield provided on the top of the front cover 12; 32 a handlebar; 33 a front fork to be steered by the handlebar 32; 34 a front wheel fitted to the bottom of the front fork 33; 36 a disc brake for the front wheel; 37 a floor step on which the rider rests his/her feet; 41 a tandem seat; 42, 42 (only numeral 42 on the nearer side is shown) a pair of left and right grab rails located inside the rear cover member 18; 43, 4 3 (only numeral 43 on the nearer side is shown) openings through which hands are inserted to reach the grab rails 42, 42; 44 a pivot shaft provided on a body frame (not shown); 45 a swing arm swingably fitted to the pivot shaft 44; 46 a rear wheel fitted to the rear end of the swing arm 45; 47 a drive shaft which transmits power from a power unit (not shown) to the rear wheel 46; 48 a disc brake for the rear wheel; 51 a rear fender which covers the top of the rear wheel 46; and 52 a stand. [0014] Fig.2 is a front view of a vehicle according to the present invention where the headlamps 13, 14 of the vehicle 10 are located on the left and right of an opening made in the front cover 12 and the front winkers 16, 17 are located on lateral protrusions 62, 63 on the left and right of the front cover 12, above the headlamps 13, 14. [0015] In the figure, 66 represents a front lower cover which is located below the front cover 12 and is a constituent of the body cover 11 and 67 represents an opening in the front of the front lower cover 66. The openings 61, 67 are intended to take air into the body cover 11 during a run and the trapped air is used, for example, to promote heat radiation of the power unit. [0016] Fig.3 is a back view of a vehicle according to the present invention showing that a display unit 73 composed of a meter 71 and an EL (Electro-Luminescence) indicator 72 is located behind the wind shield 31 and ahead of the handlebar 32 and the lateral protrusions 62, 63 cover the front of grips 74, 76 at the left and right ends of the handlebar 32 and the rear combination lamps 21, 22 are located on the left and right of the rear cover member 18. [0017] The rear combination lamps 21, 22 each have the functions as a tail lamp, a stop lamp, and a rear winker. In the figure, 81 represents a clutch lever; 82 a front brake lever; and 83 an exhaust system muffler. [0018] The detailed structure of the vehicle 10 will be described next. Fig.4 is an external view of a vehicle according to the present invention where the body cover 11, partially covering the vehicle 10, also functions as a cowl member and is fitted to the body frame (not shown) and includes: a body cover member 202 covering the area from its front to its back; a leg path cover member 203 located below a leg path space through which the rider passes his/her leg when riding or dismounting; and a rear cover member 18 which is located behind and above the body cover member 202 and covers the bottom of a tandem seat 41 . [0019] Since a surface 18a of the rear cover member 18 is smoothly continuous with a surface 202a of the back 202c of the body cover member 202 when viewed from side, the rear cover member 18 and the back 202c of the body cover member 202 look one united body when the tandem seat 41 is closed, and can be considered to constitute a seat cowl 206 for the vehicle as a whole. [0020] Therefore, the rear cover member 18 can be considered as an upper seat cowl 207 and the back 202c of the body cover member 202 can be considered as a lower seat cowl 208. Here, 211 represents a chipping guard covering a sliding part of the front fork 33; 212 a drive shaft cover covering the drive shaft 47 (see Fig.l); 213 the axle of a front wheel 34; 214 and 216 treadle parts at the front and rear edges of a change pedal; 217 the axle of the rear wheel 46; and 218 a drive case which connects the drive shaft 47 (see Fig.l) and the rear wheel 46. [0021] Fig.5 is a back side view of a vehicle according to the present invention where the tandem seat 41 is divided into a rider seat 221 and a pillion 222 and the pillion 222 can be opened or closed independently of the rider seat 221. The left and right rear combination lamps 21, 22 (only numeral 21 on the nearer side is shown) are located behind the openings 43, 43 (only numeral 43 on the nearer side is shown) provided between the upper seat cowl 207 and the lower seat cowl 208. [0022] Generally, a rear combination lamp is housed in a dent made in a rear cowl. For this reason, the rear cowl tends to be complicated in shape and expensive. In this respect, according to the present invention, since the rear combination lamps 21, 22 are located in the openings 43, there is no need to make a dent in the seat cowl 206; and even if a dent is made, a shallow dent may be enough. Consequently, the shape of the seat cowl 206 is simple and the manufacturing cost for the body cover 11 including the seat cowl 206 can be reduced. [0023] How the pillion 222 works will be described next. Fig.6 is a functional view showing how a pillion according to the present invention works, where the pillion 222 is independent of the rider seat 221 and can be opened and closed by means of a hinge 224. If a tandem seat is a seat which integrates a rider seat and a pillion continuous with it, the tandem seat may be large and heavy. [0024] In this respect, the present invention uses the tandem seat 41 in which the rider seat 221 and the pillion 222 are separated. Consequently the pillion 222 is small and lightweight and thus can be opened and closed very easily. [0025] Fig.7 is a perspective back view of a vehicle according to the present invention (the pillion 222 is open) and the back of the vehicle 10 includes: a storage part 231 for housing articles which is located in the back of the body; a pillion 222 which covers the storage part 231 in a way to be able to be opened or closed; a lower seat cowl 208 which constitutes a part of a seat cowl covering the bottom of the pillion 222; and grab rails 42, 42 for a passenger to grab, provided on the back of the body frame. In this embodiment, the storage part 231 can house two helmets. [0026] Fig.8 is an external view of a vehicle according to the present invention as viewed from back where an open/close switch 241 for opening or closing the pillion 222 is provided on the rear end 206b of the seat cowl 206. Since the open/close switch 241 for opening or closing the pillion 222 is provided on the rear end 206b of the seat cowl 206, the pillion 222 can be opened or closed on both sides of the vehicle 10. This improves handling ease of the pillion 222 in opening or closing it. [0027] Fig.9 is a front view of a front winker according to the present invention where the front winker 16 includes: a plurality of LEDs (not shown); a lamp housing 111, with a plurality of LEDs on its top, which forms a reflector to reflect light from the LEDs; and a cut lens 112 attached to the front of the lamp housing 111. The lamp housing 111 has a plurality of LED holders 121-137 on the top of which the LEDS are fitted. The front winker 17 (see Fig.2) is symmetrical to the front winker 16 and structurally the same as the front winker 16 and description thereof is omitted here. [0028] Fig.10 is a top view of a front winker according to the present invention (arrow "FRONT" in the figure indicates the forward direction of the vehicle) where the width of the front winker 16 decreases toward the body center (right in the figure) of the lamp housing 111 and gradually increases toward the vehicle's lateral side (left in the figure), stretching sideward of the vehicle obliquely backward, and the LED holders 121-137 on the top of the lamp housing 111 are arranged along the back surface Ilia of the lamp housing 111. The front surface 112a of the lens 112 attached to the lamp housing 111 also stretches sideward of the vehicle obliquely backward. [0029] Fig.11 is a sectional view of a front winker according to the present invention, taken along an almost horizontal plane and seen from the same direction as Fig.10. The lamp housing 111 of the front winker 16 has beltlike curved surfaces 141-157 arranged in a staircase pattern along the vehicle width direction to reflect light from the LEDs 140 (indicated by imaginary lines) fitted onto the LED holders 121-137 (see Fig.5) almost forward of the vehicle. These curved surfaces 141-157 constitute the reflector 158. [0030] Fig.12 is a view taken in the direction of arrow 12 in Fig.10 (lens 112 is omitted) showing that through holes 161-177 (only numerals 161-171 are shown) which communicate with the LED holders 121-137 (only numerals 121, 122 and 133-137 are shown) are made in an upper wall 160 on the top of the lamp housing 111 and the curved surfaces 141-157 (only 141-153 are shown) which are concave downward are located under these through holes 161-177. The through holes 161-177 guide light emitted from the LEDs 140 (see Fig.14) fitted onto the LED holders 121-137, to the curved surfaces 141-157. [0031] Fig.13 is a sectional view of a lamp housing according to the present invention (taken vertically through the curved surface 148) showing that the LED holder 12 8 is formed on the upper wall 160 of the lamp housing 111 and an LED 140 is fitted onto the LED holder 128 and the LED 140 is made to face the curved surface 148 through the through hole 168 so that the LED 140 is located in an area invisible from the direction in which light is reflected by the reflector curved surface 148. The cross sections taken vertically through the other curved surfaces 141-147 and 149-157 (see Fig. 6) are the same as the cross section taken vertically through the curved surface 148 and description thereof is omitted. [0032] Next, how the front winkers 16, 17 work will be described. Figs.l4A and 14B are functional views showing how a front winker according to the present invention works. In Fig.l4A, as an LED 140 is lit, light from the LED 140 passes through the through hole 168 and reaches the curved surface 148, then the light is reflected by the curved surface 148 and goes forward of the vehicle, as indicated by the arrow. Since the LED 140 can not be seen through the lens 112, the appearance is improved. [0033] In Fig.l4B, as each LED is lit, for example, as indicated by arrow A, light from the LED 140 is reflected by the curved surface 143 and goes jforward of the vehicle; then it is refracted by the cut of the lens 112 and goes sideward of the vehicle. [0034] Also, as indicated by arrow B, light is reflected by the curved surface 149 and goes forward of the vehicle; then it is refracted by the cut of the lens 112 and goes forward of the vehicle. Also, as indicated by arrow C, light is reflected by the curved surface 155 and goes forward of the vehicle; then it is refracted by the cut of the lens 112 and goes sideward of the vehicle obliquely forward. In this way, light emitted from all the LEDs 140 and refracted by the lens 112 goes within the range of angle 0 (for example, approximately 90 degrees) and is visible from a direction within this angle 0. [0035] As shown in Figs.9, 11 and 13, firstly the present invention is characterized in that in front winkers 16, 17 as turn signal lamps for a vehicle, including a lamp housing 111, LEDs 140 provided on the lamp housing 111, curved surfaces 141-157 to reflect light from the LEDs 140, and a lens 112 fitted in an opening of the lam housing 111, a reflector 158 has a plurality of concave curved surfaces 141-157 as reflecting surfaces and the LEDs 140 are located in an area invisible from a direction in which light is reflected by these curved surfaces 141-157. Since the LEDs 140 are invisible when the front winkers 16, 17 are seen from outside, the appearance of the vehicle is improved. [0036] Secondly the present invention is characterized in that a plurality of curved surfaces 141-157 are arranged in a staircase pattern in the vehicle width direction as viewed from above and one curved surface is provided for one LED 140 and a lens surface, namely the front surface 112a of a lens 112 stretches sideward of the vehicle obliquely backward. Since reflected light of the LED 140 is visible from forward or sideward of the vehicle, the visibility of the front winkers 16, 17 is improved. [0037] Thirdly the present invention is characterized in that the LEDs 140 are located on the top of the lamp housing 111 . The LEDs 140 on the top of the lamp housing 111 are hardly visible from a position higher than the front winkers 16, 17 and the appearance of the vehicle 10 is thus improved. [0038] Although one curved surface is provided for one LED, the present invention is limited thereto; it is also possible to provide more than one curved surface for one LED or one curved surface for more than one LED. [Industrial Applicability] [0039] Turn signal lamps according to the present invention are suitable for motorcycles. [Brief Description of the Drawings] [0040] [Fig.l] is a side view of a vehicle with turn signal lamps according to the present invention. [Fig.2] is a front view of a vehicle according to the present invention. [Fig.3] is a back view of a vehicle according to the present invention. [Fig.4] is an external view of a vehicle according to the present invention. [Fig.5] is a back side view of a vehicle according to the present invention. [Fig.6] is a functional view showing how a pill ion according to the present invention works. [Fig.7] is a perspective back view of a vehicle according to the present invention. [Fig.8] is an external view of a vehicle according to the present invention as seen from back. [Fig.9] is a front view of a front winker according to the present invention. [Fig.10] is a top view of a front winker according to the present invention. [Fig.11] is a sectional view of a front winker according to the present invention. [Fig.12] is a view taken in the direction of arrow 12 in Fig.10. [Fig.13] is a sectional view of a lamp housing according to the present invention. [Figs.14] are functional views showing how a front winker according to the present invention works. [Description of Reference Numerals] [0041] 10...Vehicle 16, 17...Turn signal lamp (front winker) 111...Lamp housing 112...Lens 112a...Front surface of the lens 140. . .LED 141-157...Curved surface 158...Reflector [Document Name] Scope of Claims [Claim 1] A turn signal lamp for a vehicle comprising: a lamp housing; LEDs provided on the lamp housing; a reflector which reflects light from the LEDs; and a lens fitted into an opening of the lamp housing, wherein: the reflector has concave curved surfaces which function as reflecting surfaces and the LEDs are located in an area invisible from a direction in which light is reflected by these curved surfaces. [Claim 2] The turn signal lamp for a vehicle according to Claim 1, wherein the plurality of curved surfaces are arranged in a staircase pattern in a vehicle width direction as viewed from above and one curved surface is provided for one LED and a surface of the lens stretches sideward of the vehicle obliquely backward. [Claim 3] The turn signal lamp for a vehicle according to Claim 1 or Claim 2, wherein the LEDs are located on the top of the lamp housing.

Documents:

1821-che-2006 complete specification as granted.pdf

1821-CHE-2006 CORRESPONDENCE OTHERS.pdf

1821-CHE-2006 CORRESPONDENCE PO.pdf

1821-CHE-2006 FORM 3.pdf

1821-che-2006-abstract image.jpg

1821-che-2006-abstract.jpg

1821-che-2006-abstract.pdf

1821-che-2006-claims.pdf

1821-che-2006-correspondnece-others.pdf

1821-che-2006-description(complete).pdf

1821-che-2006-drawings.pdf

1821-che-2006-form 1.pdf

1821-che-2006-form 26.pdf

1821-che-2006-form 3.pdf

1821-che-2006-form 5.pdf

1821-che-2006-form18.pdf

EXAMINATION REPORT REPLY.PDF