Lamp unit and vehicle lamp

Abstract

A lamp unit (3) arranged on a left-side vehicle lamp (2L) comprises: a dimming screw (92) configured to adjust an optical axis (Ax) of the lamp unit (3) in a vertical direction; a dimming screw (93) configured to adjust an optical axis (Ax) of the lamp unit (3) in a horizontal direction; a first bracket portion (9a) connected to the dimming screw (92); and a second bracket portion (9b) connected to the dimming screw (93) and opposed to the first bracket portion (9a) in a state completely separated from the first bracket portion (9a).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a lamp unit and a vehicle lamp equipped with the lamp unit. Background Art

[0002] Patent document 1 discloses a bracket connected to a dimming mechanism for adjusting the optical axis of a lamp unit provided in a vehicle lamp. The bracket disclosed in Patent document 1 is formed into a frame shape when viewed from the front, and is connected to a left-right dimming mechanism and a top-bottom dimming mechanism. The left-right dimming mechanism is configured to adjust the optical axis of the lamp unit in the left-right direction. The top-bottom dimming mechanism is configured to adjust the optical axis of the lamp unit in the top-bottom direction.

[0003] Patent Document 2 discloses a lamp unit including a light emitting element and an optical system (for example, a reflector or a lens unit) configured to form a desired light distribution pattern by emitting light emitted from the light emitting element toward the outside of a vehicle.

[0004] Patent document 3 discloses a lamp unit having a heat sink with a positioning mechanism. In the lamp unit disclosed in Patent document 3, the positioning mechanism provided on the heat sink is used to position the light emitting element and the heat sink, and the positioning of the optical system such as the lens unit and the heat sink is performed. In this way, the light emitting element and the optical system are positioned via the heat sink.

[0005] Prior art literature

[0006] Patent Literature

[0007] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2011-006067

[0008] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-163814

[0009] Patent Document 3: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2012-64494 Summary of the invention

[0010] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0011] In the bracket disclosed in Patent Document 1, the size in the left-right direction (width direction) is fixed in advance. Therefore, a new bracket needs to be manufactured for each of the plurality of lamp units having different sizes in the left-right direction, which increases the manufacturing cost of the lamp unit having the bracket. From the above viewpoint, there is still room for research on methods for reducing the manufacturing cost of the lamp unit having the bracket.

[0012] The light distribution pattern (e.g., low beam light distribution pattern) formed by the lamp unit disclosed in Patent Document 2 cannot obtain a desired light distribution pattern when the processing accuracy of the optical system such as the lens unit or the reflector is low or when the positioning accuracy between the optical system and the light emitting element is low. Furthermore, at the stage where the lamp unit assembly operation has been completed, although the angular position of the light distribution pattern in the horizontal direction or the vertical direction can be adjusted by the optical axis adjustment mechanism, the desired light distribution pattern cannot be obtained by performing a predetermined adjustment on the lamp unit.

[0013] In the lamp unit disclosed in Patent Document 3, in order to position the light emitting element and the optical system, a positioning mechanism needs to be provided on the heat sink, which increases the manufacturing cost of the heat sink. As a result, the manufacturing cost of the lamp unit and the vehicle lamp increases. Furthermore, since the positioning between the light emitting element and the optical system is indirect positioning via the heat sink, there is still room for research from the perspective of positioning accuracy.

[0014] A first object of the present disclosure is to reduce the manufacturing cost of a lamp unit including a bracket.

[0015] A second object of the present disclosure is to provide a lamp unit and a vehicle lamp that can obtain a desired light distribution pattern even when the positioning accuracy between a light emitting element and an optical system or the processing accuracy of the optical system is low.

[0016] A third object of the present disclosure is to reduce the manufacturing cost of a lamp unit and a vehicle lamp, and to improve the positioning accuracy between a light emitting element and an optical system (eg, a lens unit).

[0017] Solutions to Solve Problems

[0018] A lamp unit according to one aspect of the present disclosure is provided in a vehicle lamp, and includes:

[0019] an optical axis adjustment mechanism, comprising a first optical axis adjustment mechanism and a second optical axis adjustment mechanism, wherein the first optical axis adjustment mechanism is configured to adjust the optical axis of the lamp unit in one of the horizontal direction and the vertical direction of the vehicle lamp, and the second optical axis adjustment mechanism is configured to adjust the optical axis of the lamp unit in the other of the horizontal direction and the vertical direction of the vehicle lamp;

[0020] The bracket comprises a first bracket part and a second bracket part, wherein the first bracket part is connected to the first optical axis adjustment mechanism, and the second bracket part is connected to the second optical axis adjustment mechanism and is opposed to the first bracket part in a completely separated state.

[0021] According to the above structure, since the first bracket part and the second bracket part are completely separated from each other, it is not necessary to manufacture a different new bracket for each of a plurality of lamp units having different sizes in the left-right direction, for example. For example, by adjusting the distance between the first bracket part and the second bracket part in the left-right direction, the bracket can be applied to each of a plurality of lamp units having different sizes in the left-right direction.

[0022] Furthermore, in the case of a lamp unit that is not suitable for either the first bracket portion or the second bracket portion, the other of the first bracket portion and the second bracket portion can be used flexibly, thereby reducing the mold cost for manufacturing the bracket.

[0023] In this way, the manufacturing cost of the lamp unit including the bracket can be reduced.

[0024] A lamp unit according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes:

[0025] a plurality of light emitting elements;

[0026] a circuit substrate, on which the plurality of light emitting elements are disposed;

[0027] an inner lens including a plurality of lens units, the plurality of lens units being configured to be opposed to corresponding ones of the plurality of light emitting elements, respectively, and forming a light distribution pattern by emitting light emitted from the corresponding one of the light emitting elements toward the outside of the vehicle;

[0028] a heat sink, which carries the circuit substrate;

[0029] The position adjustment mechanism is arranged between the inner lens and the heat sink and is configured to adjust a relative position relationship of the inner lens with respect to the heat sink.

[0030] According to the above structure, the relative position relationship between the inner lens and the heat sink can be adjusted by using the position adjustment mechanism, so that the relative position relationship between the lens unit and the light emitting element can be adjusted, and a desired light distribution pattern can be obtained. In particular, even if the positioning accuracy between the light emitting element and the lens unit or the processing accuracy of the lens unit is low, the desired light distribution pattern can be obtained by adjusting the position between the lens unit and the light emitting element using the position adjustment mechanism.

[0031] A lamp unit according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes:

[0032] A circuit substrate having a positioning hole;

[0033] A first light emitting element, which is disposed on the circuit substrate;

[0034] The inner lens includes a first lens unit, the first lens unit being configured to face the first light emitting element and to form a predetermined light distribution pattern by emitting light emitted from the first light emitting element toward the outside of the vehicle.

[0035] The first lens unit has:

[0036] a light incident concave portion which is opposite to the emission surface of the first light emitting element and through which the light emitted from the first light emitting element passes;

[0037] A positioning pin is arranged near the outer peripheral edge of the light incident recess and is inserted into the positioning hole.

[0038] According to the above configuration, by inserting the positioning pin of the first lens unit into the positioning hole of the circuit board, it is possible to improve the positioning accuracy between the first lens unit and the first light emitting element.

[0039] Furthermore, the first lens unit and the first light emitting element are directly positioned, rather than being positioned via other components such as a heat sink. Therefore, there is no need to provide a positioning mechanism on the heat sink, thereby reducing the manufacturing cost of the heat sink. As a result, the manufacturing cost of the lamp unit can be reduced.

[0040] In this way, the manufacturing cost of the lamp unit can be reduced, and the positioning accuracy between the first lens unit and the first light emitting element can be improved.

[0041] Effects of the Invention

[0042] According to the present disclosure, the manufacturing cost of a lamp unit having a bracket can be reduced. In addition, a lamp unit and a vehicle lamp can be provided that can obtain a desired light distribution pattern even when the positioning accuracy between the light emitting element and the optical system or the processing accuracy of the optical system is low. Furthermore, the manufacturing cost of the lamp unit and the vehicle lamp can be reduced, and the positioning accuracy between the light emitting element and the optical system (for example, the lens unit) can be improved. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0043] Figure 1 This is the front view of the vehicle.

[0044] Figure 2 (a) is a schematic diagram showing the front side of the lamp unit. Figure 2 (b) shows the Figure 2 (a) is a schematic diagram of a longitudinal section of the left vehicle lamp taken along line AA.

[0045] Figure 3 It is a three-dimensional diagram of the lamp unit.

[0046] Figure 4 This is the front view of the lamp unit.

[0047] Figure 5 is a rear view of the lamp unit.

[0048] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a heat sink, a circuit substrate, a light emitting element, and an inner lens.

[0049] Figure 7 It is a cross-sectional view showing an enlarged view of a lens unit of a first low-beam lighting unit.

[0050] Figure 8 (a) is a front view schematically showing a first low-beam lighting unit. Figure 8 (b) is a front view schematically showing the high-beam lighting unit. Figure 8 (c) is a front view schematically showing the second low-beam lighting unit.

[0051] Fig. 9 (a) is a diagram schematically showing a light distribution pattern formed on a virtual screen when low beam is emitted. Fig. 9 (b) is a diagram schematically showing a light distribution pattern formed on a virtual screen when the high beam is emitted.

[0052] Fig.10 This is the front view of the vehicle.

[0053] Fig.11 It is a schematic diagram showing a longitudinal section of the left-side vehicle lamp.

[0054] Fig.12 This is the front view of the lamp unit.

[0055] Fig.13 is a rear view of the lamp unit.

[0056] Fig.14 It is along Fig.12 The cross-sectional view of the lamp unit cut along line AA is shown.

[0057] Fig.15 It is a cross-sectional view showing an enlarged view of a lens unit of a low-beam lighting unit arranged at the left end of the lamp unit.

[0058] Fig.16 (a) is a front view schematically showing a low-beam lighting unit disposed at the right end of the lamp unit. Fig.16 (b) is a front view schematically showing the high-beam lighting unit. Fig.16 (c) is a front view schematically showing a low-beam lighting unit arranged at the left end of the lamp unit.

[0059] Fig.17 This is the front view of the vehicle.

[0060] Fig.18 It is a schematic diagram showing a longitudinal section of the left-side vehicle lamp.

[0061] Fig.19 It is a three-dimensional diagram of the lamp unit.

[0062] Fig. 20 This is the front view of the lamp unit.

[0063] Fig.21 It is along Fig. 20 The cross-sectional view of the lamp unit cut along line AA is shown.

[0064] Fig. 22 It is a cross-sectional view showing an enlarged view of a lens unit of a first low-beam lighting unit.

[0065] Fig.23 It is along Fig. 20 The cross-sectional view of the lamp unit is shown along line BB.

[0066] Fig.24 It is along Fig. 20 The longitudinal sectional view of the lamp unit cut along the CC line is shown.

[0067] Fig.25 (a) is a front view schematically showing a low-beam lighting unit arranged at the right end. Fig.25 (b) is a front view schematically showing the high-beam lighting unit. Fig.25 (c) is a front view schematically showing a low-beam lighting unit arranged at the left end. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0068] (First Embodiment)

[0069] Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present disclosure (hereinafter referred to as the present embodiment) will be described with reference to the drawings. For convenience of description, the dimensions of each component shown in the drawings may be different from the actual dimensions of each component.

[0070] In the description of this embodiment, for the sake of convenience, sometimes "left-right direction", "up-down direction" and "front-back direction" are mentioned appropriately. These directions are for Figure 3 The relative directions set for the lamp unit 3 shown in the figure. Here, the "left-right direction" is a direction including the "left direction" and the "right direction". The "up-down direction" is a direction including the "upward direction" and the "downward direction". The "front-back direction" is a direction including the "front direction" and the "rear direction". One of the left-right direction, the up-down direction and the front-back direction is set to be orthogonal to the remaining two directions.

[0071] In addition, in the present embodiment, the "horizontal direction" is a direction perpendicular to the up-down direction (vertical direction), and is a direction including the left-right direction and the front-back direction. In addition, in the description of the present embodiment, the direction (left-right direction, up-down direction, front-back direction) set for the lamp unit 3 is set to be consistent with the direction (left-right direction, up-down direction, front-back direction) set for the vehicle 1 and the left vehicle lamp 2L.

[0072] First, refer to Figure 1 The vehicle 1 according to the present embodiment will be described. Figure 1 FIG. 2 is a front view of a vehicle 1 including a left-side vehicle lamp 2L and a right-side vehicle lamp 2R. Figure 1 As shown, a left vehicle lamp 2L is arranged on the left front side of the vehicle 1, and a right vehicle lamp 2R is arranged on the right front side of the vehicle 1. The same lamp unit 3 is mounted on each of the left vehicle lamp 2L and the right vehicle lamp 2R.

[0073] Next, refer to Figure 2 The left vehicle lamp 2L will be described. It should be noted that the structure of the left vehicle lamp 2L is substantially the same as that of the right vehicle lamp 2R, and therefore the description of the right vehicle lamp 2R will be omitted. Figure 2 (a) is a schematic diagram showing the front side of the lamp unit 3 . Figure 2 (b) shows the Figure 2 (a) is a schematic diagram of a longitudinal section of the left vehicle lamp 2L cut along the line AA shown in FIG. Figure 2 As shown in (b), the left vehicle lamp 2L includes a lamp housing 12, a lamp cover 14 covering an opening of the lamp housing 12, and a lamp unit 3. The lamp unit 3 is disposed in a lamp chamber S formed by the lamp housing 12 and the lamp cover 14.

[0074] Next, refer to Figures 2 to 5 The structure of the lamp unit 3 will be described in detail. Figure 3 It is a perspective view of the lamp unit 3 . Figure 4 It is a front view of the lamp unit 3. Figure 5 3 is a rear view of the lamp unit 3. Figures 2 to 5 As shown, the lamp unit 3 includes a heat sink 6, a bracket 9, an optical axis adjustment mechanism (specifically, dimming screws 92, 93 and a fulcrum screw 95), a circuit board 8, light emitting elements 5a to 5d, and an inner lens 4. Hereinafter, for the sake of convenience, the light emitting elements 5a to 5d are sometimes collectively referred to as light emitting elements 5.

[0075] The heat sink 6 (an example of a supporting member) is configured to release heat released from the light emitting element 5 into the air in the lamp chamber S. The heat sink 6 is formed, for example, by extrusion molding an aluminum plate. The bracket 9 is formed of a resin material such as polycarbonate or nylon, and has a first bracket portion 9a and a second bracket portion 9b.

[0076] The first bracket portion 9a is fixed to the radiator 6 at one end side of the radiator 6. In particular, if Figure 5 As shown, the first bracket portion 9a is fixed to the left end portion 62 of the heat sink 6 by a pair of screws 112. The first bracket portion 9a is connected to the dimming screw 92 that functions as the first optical axis adjustment mechanism and the fulcrum screw 95 that functions as the fulcrum mechanism. Specifically, the dimming screw 92 and the fulcrum screw 95 are respectively inserted into the screw insertion holes 130a and 132a formed in the first bracket portion 9a (see Figure 3 The first bracket portion 9 a is supported by the lamp housing 12 via a dimming screw 92 and a fulcrum screw 95 .

[0077] The dimming screw 92 is configured to adjust the optical axis Ax (see FIG. 1 ) of the left vehicle lamp 2L (or the lamp unit 3 ) in the vertical direction. Figure 2 (b)) position. At this point, if Figure 4 As shown, the dimming screw 92 is configured to rotate the lamp unit 3 around the first rotation axis A1 passing through the fulcrum screw 95 and the dimming screw 93. The first rotation axis A1 extends parallel to the left-right direction of the lamp unit 3. Since the lamp unit 3 tilts around the first rotation axis A1 as the center due to the movement of the dimming screw 92 in the front-back direction, the position of the optical axis Ax in the up-down direction can be adjusted. In this way, since the first bracket portion 9a is fixed to the left end portion 62 of the heat sink 6, the dimming screw 92 can adjust the position of the optical axis Ax of the lamp unit 3 in the up-down direction via the first bracket portion 9a.

[0078] The second bracket portion 9b is disposed in a state completely separated from the first bracket portion 9a so as to face the heat sink 6. In the present embodiment, the first bracket portion 9a and the second bracket portion 9b are completely independent components from each other.

[0079] The second bracket portion 9b is arranged in a manner substantially parallel to the first bracket portion 9a. In this regard, the second bracket portion 9b may be arranged in a manner completely parallel to the first bracket portion 9a, or may be arranged in a manner inclined at a predetermined angle θ (e.g., 0°<θ<30°) relative to the first bracket portion 9a. The second bracket portion 9b is fixed to the radiator 6 at the other end side of the radiator 6. In particular, if Figure 5As shown, the second bracket portion 9b is fixed to the right end portion 63 of the heat sink 6 by a pair of screws 110. The second bracket portion 9b is connected to a dimming screw 93 that functions as a second optical axis adjustment mechanism. Specifically, the dimming screw 93 is inserted into a screw insertion hole 132b (see FIG. 1 ) formed in the second bracket portion 9b. Figure 3 The second bracket portion 9 b is supported by the lamp housing 12 via a dimming screw 93 .

[0080] The dimming screw 93 is configured to adjust the position of the optical axis Ax of the lamp unit 3 in the horizontal direction of the left vehicle lamp 2L (lamp unit 3). Figure 4 As shown, the dimming screw 93 is configured to rotate the lamp unit 3 around the second rotation axis A2 passing through the fulcrum screw 95 and the dimming screw 92. The second rotation axis A2 extends in parallel with the up-down direction and is orthogonal to the first rotation axis A1. Since the lamp unit 3 tilts around the second rotation axis A2 as the center due to the movement of the dimming screw 93 in the front-back direction, the position of the optical axis Ax in the horizontal direction can be adjusted. In this way, since the second bracket portion 9b is fixed to the right end portion 63 of the radiator 6, the dimming screw 93 can adjust the position of the optical axis Ax of the lamp unit 3 in the horizontal direction via the second bracket portion 9b.

[0081] Next, refer to Figure 5 The positioning between the first bracket portion 9a and the radiator 6 and the positioning between the second bracket portion 9b and the radiator 6 are described. Figure 5 As shown, the first positioning pin 116 is provided on the first bracket portion 9a. The first positioning pin 116 is inserted into the first positioning hole 69 formed in the left end portion 62 of the radiator 6. Furthermore, a first positioning recess 95a for accommodating the left end portion 62 of the radiator 6 is formed in the first bracket portion 9a. When the left end portion 62 of the radiator 6 is accommodated in the first positioning recess 95a, the upper peripheral wall 97a of the first positioning recess 95a contacts the upper end surface 164 of the radiator 6. Furthermore, the side peripheral wall 98a of the first positioning recess 95a contacts the left end surface 162 of the radiator 6, and the lower peripheral wall 99a of the first positioning recess 95a contacts the lower end surface 165 of the radiator 6.

[0082] In this way, the first positioning pin 116 and the first positioning recess 95a function as a first positioning mechanism configured to determine the positional relationship between the first bracket portion 9a and the radiator 6. After the positional relationship between the radiator 6 and the first bracket portion 9a is determined by the first positioning pin 116 and the first positioning recess 95a, the first bracket portion 9a and the radiator 6 are fixed to each other by a pair of screws 112.

[0083] In addition, the second positioning pin 118 is provided on the second bracket portion 9b. The second positioning pin 118 is inserted into the second positioning hole 68 formed in the right end portion 63 of the radiator 6. Furthermore, the second bracket portion 9b is formed with a second positioning recess 95b for accommodating the right end portion 63 of the radiator 6. When the right end portion 63 of the radiator 6 is accommodated in the second positioning recess 95b, the upper peripheral wall 97b of the second positioning recess 95b contacts the upper end surface 164 of the radiator 6. Furthermore, the side peripheral wall 98b of the second positioning recess 95b contacts the right end surface 163 of the radiator 6, and the lower peripheral wall 99b of the second positioning recess 95b contacts the lower end surface 165 of the radiator 6.

[0084] Thus, the second positioning pin 118 and the second positioning recess 95b function as a second positioning mechanism configured to determine the positional relationship between the second bracket portion 9b and the radiator 6. After the positional relationship between the radiator 6 and the second bracket portion 9b is determined by the second positioning pin 118 and the second positioning recess 95a, the second bracket portion 9b and the radiator 6 are fixed to each other by a pair of screws 110.

[0085] According to the present embodiment, the first bracket portion 9a and the radiator 6 are positioned by the first positioning pin 116 and the first positioning recess 95a. Furthermore, the second bracket portion 9b and the radiator 6 are positioned by the second positioning pin 118 and the second positioning recess 95b. In this way, the first bracket portion 9a and the second bracket portion 9b can be arranged substantially parallel to each other. Furthermore, the bracket 9 and the radiator 6 can be positioned in a manner that the first rotation axis A1 is parallel to the left-right direction and the second rotation axis A2 is parallel to the up-down direction.

[0086] Then, if Figure 3 As shown, the circuit substrate 8 is arranged on the front surface 60 of the heat sink 6. The circuit substrate 8 is electrically connected to a power supply circuit not shown in the figure. The light-emitting elements 5a to 5d are arranged on the circuit substrate 8, and are electrically connected to a light source driving circuit not shown in the figure via the circuit substrate 8. The light-emitting element 5 is, for example, a semiconductor light-emitting element such as an LED. The light-emitting element 5 is configured to emit white light toward the outside, and may also include, for example, a blue LED and a yellow phosphor. The light-emitting elements 5a to 5d are arranged on the same straight line in the left-right direction. The light-emitting element 5b constituting the high-beam lighting unit 7b and the light-emitting element 5c constituting the high-beam lighting unit 7c are arranged in the left-right direction between the light-emitting element 5a constituting the first low-beam lighting unit 7a and the light-emitting element 5d constituting the second low-beam lighting unit 7d.

[0087] The light emitting elements 5a to 5c are arranged on the circuit board 8 in such a manner that their lower ends are parallel to the left-right direction, respectively. On the other hand, the light emitting element 5d is arranged on the circuit board 8 in such a manner that its lower end is inclined with respect to the left-right direction. Since the lower end of the light emitting element 5d is inclined with respect to the left-right direction, as described later, the second low-beam lighting unit 7d can form a low-beam light distribution pattern P2 (an example of a second low-beam light distribution pattern) having an inclined cut-off line L2 (see Fig. 9 (a)).

[0088] The inner lens 4 is arranged on the front surface 60 of the heat sink 6 so as to cover each light emitting element 5a to 5d. The inner lens 4 is formed of a transparent resin material such as polycarbonate or acrylic resin. The inner lens 4 has lens units 40a to 40d arranged on the same straight line in the left-right direction. Each lens unit 40a to 40d is formed integrally.

[0089] like Figure 6 As shown in FIG. 1 , the lens unit 40a is opposed to the light emitting element 5a in the front-rear direction. The lens unit 40a is configured to form a low-beam light distribution pattern P1 having a horizontal cut-off line L1 (see FIG. 1 ) by emitting light emitted from the light emitting element 5a toward the outside of the vehicle 1. Fig. 9 (a)). Here, Fig. 9 (a) is a diagram schematically showing a light distribution pattern formed on a virtual screen disposed 25 m in front of the vehicle 1 when the low beam is emitted. Fig. 9 (b) is a diagram schematically showing a light distribution pattern formed on the virtual screen when the high beam is emitted. The low beam light distribution pattern P1 is formed so as to extend along the HH line.

[0090] The lens unit 40a includes a central light transmission portion 42a and a peripheral light transmission portion 43a. The central light transmission portion 42a is configured to be opposed to the light emitting element 5a in the front-rear direction and to emit a portion of the light emitted from the light emitting element 5a toward the outside of the vehicle 1. The peripheral light transmission portion 43a is provided so as to surround the central light transmission portion 42a and is configured to totally reflect another portion of the light emitted from the light emitting element 5a toward the outside of the vehicle 1. The light distribution pattern formed by the central light transmission portion 42a and the light distribution pattern formed by the peripheral light transmission portion 43a are combined to form a low beam light distribution pattern P1.

[0091] Two recesses 54a and 56a are formed in the lens unit 40a. The recess 54a is connected to the recess 56a, and the diameter of the recess 56a is larger than the diameter of the recess 54a. The central light transmission portion 42a has an emission surface 52a and an incident surface 47a constituting the bottom surface of the recess 54a. The peripheral light transmission portion 43a has an emission surface 53a, an incident surface 49a and a total reflection surface 46a constituting the bottom surface of the recess 56a. In the present embodiment, the first low-beam lighting unit 7a is constituted by the light emitting element 5a and the lens unit 40a in a manner to form a low-beam light distribution pattern P1.

[0092] The lens unit 40b is opposed to the light emitting element 5b in the front-rear direction. The lens unit 40b is configured to form a high-beam light distribution pattern P3 (see Fig. 9 (b)). The lens unit 40b has a central light transmission portion 42b and a peripheral light transmission portion 43b. The central light transmission portion 42b is configured to be opposite to the light emitting element 5b in the front-rear direction, and to emit a part of the light emitted from the light emitting element 5b toward the outside of the vehicle 1. The peripheral light transmission portion 43b is provided in a manner surrounding the central light transmission portion 42b, and is configured to totally reflect another part of the light emitted from the light emitting element 5b toward the outside of the vehicle 1. The light distribution pattern formed by the central light transmission portion 42b and the light distribution pattern formed by the peripheral light transmission portion 43b are synthesized to form a high beam light distribution pattern P3.

[0093] Two recesses 54b and 56b are formed in the lens unit 40b. The recess 54b is connected to the recess 56b, and the diameter of the recess 56b is larger than the diameter of the recess 54b. The central light transmission portion 42b has an emission surface 52b and an incident surface 47b constituting the bottom surface of the recess 54b. The peripheral light transmission portion 43b has an emission surface 53b, an incident surface 49b and a total reflection surface 46b constituting the bottom surface of the recess 56b. In the present embodiment, the high-beam lighting unit 7b is constituted by the light-emitting element 5b and the lens unit 40b in a manner to form a high-beam light distribution pattern P3.

[0094] The lens unit 40c is opposed to the light emitting element 5c in the front-rear direction. The lens unit 40c has the same structure as the lens unit 40b, and is configured to form a high-beam light distribution pattern P4 (see Fig. 9(b)). In the description of the present embodiment, the high-beam light distribution pattern P4 formed by the lens unit 40c is set to completely overlap with the high-beam light distribution pattern P3 formed by the lens unit 40b. The lens unit 40c has a central light transmission portion 42c and a peripheral light transmission portion 43c. The central light transmission portion 42c is configured to be opposite to the light emitting element 5c in the front-to-back direction, and to emit a part of the light emitted from the light emitting element 5c toward the outside of the vehicle 1. The peripheral light transmission portion 43c is arranged in a manner surrounding the central light transmission portion 42c, and is configured to cause another part of the light emitted from the light emitting element 5c to be totally reflected toward the outside of the vehicle 1. The high-beam light distribution pattern P4 is formed by synthesizing the light distribution pattern formed by the central light transmission portion 42c and the light distribution pattern formed by the peripheral light transmission portion 43c.

[0095] Two recesses 54c and 56c are formed in the lens unit 40c. The recess 54c is connected to the recess 56c, and the diameter of the recess 56c is larger than the diameter of the recess 54c. The central light transmission portion 42c has an emission surface 52c and an incident surface 47c constituting the bottom surface of the recess 54c. The peripheral light transmission portion 43c has an emission surface 53c, an incident surface 49c and a total reflection surface 46c constituting the bottom surface of the recess 56c. In the present embodiment, the high-beam lighting unit 7c is constituted by the light emitting element 5c and the lens unit 40c in a manner to form the high-beam light distribution pattern P4.

[0096] The lens unit 40d is opposed to the light emitting element 5d in the front-rear direction. The lens unit 40d is configured to form a low-beam light distribution pattern P2 having an inclined cut-off line L2 (see FIG. 1 ) by emitting light emitted from the light emitting element 5d toward the outside of the vehicle 1. Fig. 9 (a)). Fig. 9 As shown in (a), the low beam light distribution pattern P2 is formed in a manner extending obliquely along the HH line. The low beam light distribution pattern P1 formed by the lens unit 40a and the low beam light distribution pattern P2 formed by the lens unit 40d form a light distribution pattern when the low beam is emitted. The lens unit 40d has a central light transmission portion 42d and a peripheral light transmission portion 43d. The central light transmission portion 42d is configured to be opposite to the light emitting element 5d in the front-to-back direction, and to emit a part of the light emitted from the light emitting element 5d toward the outside of the vehicle 1. The peripheral light transmission portion 43d is provided in a manner surrounding the central light transmission portion 42d, and is configured to cause another part of the light emitted from the light emitting element 5d to be totally reflected toward the outside of the vehicle 1. The low beam light distribution pattern P2 is formed by synthesizing the light distribution pattern formed by the central light transmission portion 42d and the light distribution pattern formed by the peripheral light transmission portion 43d.

[0097] Two recesses 54d and 56d are formed in the lens unit 40d. The recess 54d is connected to the recess 56d, and the diameter of the recess 56d is larger than the diameter of the recess 54d. The central light transmission portion 42d has an emission surface 52d and an incident surface 47d constituting the bottom surface of the recess 54d. The peripheral light transmission portion 43d has an emission surface 53d, an incident surface 49d and a total reflection surface 46d constituting the bottom surface of the recess 56d. In the present embodiment, the second low-beam lighting unit 7d is constituted by the light emitting element 5d and the lens unit 40d in a manner to form the low-beam light distribution pattern P2.

[0098] Thus, in the present embodiment, the lamp unit 3 includes a first low beam lighting unit 7a (hereinafter referred to as "lighting unit 7a"), high beam lighting units 7b and 7c (hereinafter referred to as "lighting units 7b and 7c"), and a second low beam lighting unit 7d (hereinafter referred to as "lighting unit 7d"). Figure 6 As shown, these lighting units 7a to 7d are arranged side by side in the left-right direction. The lighting units 7b and 7c are arranged between the lighting unit 7a and the lighting unit 7d in the left-right direction.

[0099] In addition, the emission surfaces 52a to 52d of the central light transmission parts 42a to 42d are located on the same plane, and the emission surfaces 53a to 53d of the peripheral light transmission parts 43a to 43d are located on the same plane. Furthermore, the distance D1 between the light emitting element 5a and the light emitting element 5b in the left-right direction satisfies 0mm<D1<75mm, and the distance D2 between the light emitting element 5c and the light emitting element 5d in the left-right direction satisfies 0mm<D2<75mm. Therefore, when the lamp unit 3 emits low beam, it is difficult to visually confirm from the outside of the vehicle 1 that the lighting unit 7b is turned off due to the lighting of the lighting unit 7a, and it is difficult to visually confirm from the outside of the vehicle 1 that the lighting unit 7c is turned off due to the lighting of the lighting unit 7d.

[0100] Next, refer to Figure 7 The lens unit 40a will be described in detail. Figure 7 FIG. 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the lens unit 40a. Figure 7As shown, a part of the light emitted from the light emitting element 5a is incident on the incident surface 47a of the central light transmitting portion 42a and then reaches the emission surface 52a. Thereafter, the light that reaches the emission surface 52a is emitted to the outside in a state of being diffused by the diffusion lens element 48a formed on the emission surface 52a. On the other hand, another part of the light emitted from the light emitting element 5a is totally reflected by the total reflection surface 46a after being incident on the incident surface 49a of the peripheral light transmitting portion 43a. Thereafter, the light that is totally reflected by the total reflection surface 46a reaches the emission surface 53a and then is emitted to the outside in a state of being diffused by the diffusion lens element 48a formed on the emission surface 53a. In this way, the low beam light distribution pattern P1 is formed by the lens unit 40a.

[0101] The lens units 40b to 40d also have the same structure as the lens unit 40a. Figure 4 As shown in the figure, the emission surfaces of the lens units 40b to 40d also have diffuser lens elements 48b to 48d. As shown in the figure, the diffuser lens elements 48a to 48c formed in the lens units 40a to 40c are formed to extend substantially parallel to the vertical direction. On the other hand, the diffuser lens element 48d formed in the lens unit 40d is formed to extend at an angle α to the vertical direction because the lower end of the light emitting element 5d is inclined at an angle α (α>0°, for example, α=15°) to the left and right direction.

[0102] Next, refer to Figure 8 The structures of the peripheral light transmitting portion 43a of the lens unit 40a, the peripheral light transmitting portion 43b of the lens unit 40b, and the peripheral light transmitting portion 43d of the lens unit 40d are described below. Figure 8 (a) is a front view schematically showing the lighting unit 7a. Figure 8 (b) is a front view schematically showing the lighting unit 7b. Figure 8 (c) is a front view schematically showing the lighting unit 7d. Figure 8 As shown in (a), the peripheral light transmission part 43a of the lens unit 40a is arranged to surround the central light transmission part 42a in its circumferential direction. The peripheral light transmission part 43a is divided into 8 reflection areas R1 to R8 along its circumferential direction. Each of the reflection areas R1 to R8 has an angle area of ​​45° with the center of the lens unit 40a. Each of the reflection areas R1 to R8 has a total reflection surface 46a with different shapes.

[0103] like Figure 8As shown in (b), the peripheral light transmission portion 43b of the lens unit 40b is arranged to surround the central light transmission portion 42b in its circumferential direction. The peripheral light transmission portion 43b is not divided into a plurality of reflection areas in its circumferential direction. It should be noted that since the lens unit 40c has the same structure as the lens unit 40b, the peripheral light transmission portion 43c of the lens unit 40c is also not divided into a plurality of reflection areas in its circumferential direction.

[0104] like Figure 8 As shown in (c), the peripheral light transmission part 43d of the lens unit 40d is arranged to surround the central light transmission part 42d in its circumferential direction. The peripheral light transmission part 43d is divided into 8 reflection areas R10 to R17 along its circumferential direction. Each of the reflection areas R10 to R17 has an angle area of ​​45° with the center of the lens unit 40d. Each of the reflection areas R10 to R17 has a total reflection surface 46d of different shapes.

[0105] Next, the effects of the lamp unit 3 according to the present embodiment will be described below.

[0106] According to the present embodiment, since the first bracket portion 9a and the second bracket portion 9b are completely separated from each other, there is no need to manufacture a different new bracket for each of the plurality of lamp units having different sizes in the left-right direction. In this regard, by adjusting the distance between the first bracket portion 9a and the second bracket portion 9b in the left-right direction, the bracket 9 can be applied to each of the plurality of lamp units 3 having different sizes in the left-right direction. In addition, for a lamp unit 3 that is not suitable for either the first bracket portion 9a or the second bracket portion 9b, the other of the first bracket portion 9a and the second bracket portion 9b can be flexibly used, thereby suppressing the mold cost for manufacturing the bracket 9. In this way, the manufacturing cost of the lamp unit 3 having the bracket 9 can be reduced.

[0107] In addition, the dimming screw 92 can adjust the position of the optical axis Ax of the lamp unit 3 in the vertical direction via the first bracket portion 9a fixed to the radiator 6. The dimming screw 93 can adjust the position of the optical axis Ax of the lamp unit 3 in the horizontal direction via the second bracket portion 9b fixed to the radiator 6. In addition, the heat radiated from the light emitting element 5 of the lamp unit 3 can be effectively radiated to the outside of the left vehicle lamp 2L via the radiator 6, the bracket 9 and the optical axis adjustment mechanism.

[0108] For example, in the present embodiment, the lamp unit 3 includes two high-beam lighting units, but the number of high-beam lighting units is not particularly limited. For example, the number of high-beam lighting units provided in the lamp unit 3 may be one.

[0109] (Second Embodiment)

[0110] Hereinafter, a second embodiment of the present disclosure (hereinafter referred to as the present embodiment) will be described with reference to the drawings. For convenience of description, the dimensions of each component shown in the drawings may be different from the actual dimensions of each component.

[0111] In the description of this embodiment, for the sake of convenience, sometimes "left-right direction", "up-down direction" and "front-back direction" are mentioned appropriately. These directions are for Fig.10 or Fig.11 The relative directions set for the lamp unit 203 shown in FIG. 2 are as follows. Here, the "left-right direction" is a direction including the "left direction" and the "right direction". The "up-down direction" is a direction including the "upward direction" and the "downward direction". The "front-back direction" is a direction including the "front direction" and the "rear direction". One of the left-right direction, the up-down direction, and the front-back direction is set to be orthogonal to the remaining two directions.

[0112] In addition, in the present embodiment, the "horizontal direction" is a direction perpendicular to the up-down direction (vertical direction), and is a direction including the left-right direction and the front-back direction. In addition, in the description of the present embodiment, the direction (left-right direction, up-down direction, front-back direction) set for the lamp unit 203 is set to be consistent with the direction (left-right direction, up-down direction, front-back direction) set for the vehicle 1A and the left vehicle lamp 202L.

[0113] First, refer to Fig.10 A vehicle 1A according to the present embodiment will be described. Fig.10 FIG. 2 is a front view of a vehicle 1A including a left-side vehicle lamp 202L and a right-side vehicle lamp 202R. Fig.10 As shown, a left vehicle lamp 202L is arranged on the left front side of the vehicle 1A, and a right vehicle lamp 202R is arranged on the right front side of the vehicle 1A. The same lamp unit 203 is mounted on each of the left vehicle lamp 202L and the right vehicle lamp 202R.

[0114] Next, refer to Fig.11 The left vehicle lamp 202L will be described. It should be noted that the structure of the left vehicle lamp 202L is substantially the same as that of the right vehicle lamp 202R, and therefore the description of the right vehicle lamp 202R will be omitted. Fig.11 2 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the left vehicle lamp 202L. Fig.11 As shown, the left vehicle lamp 202L includes a lamp housing 212, a lamp cover 214 covering an opening of the lamp housing 212, and a lamp unit 203. The lamp unit 203 is disposed in a lamp chamber S2 formed by the lamp housing 212 and the lamp cover 214.

[0115] Next, refer to Figure 12 to Figure 14The structure of the lamp unit 203 will be described in detail. Fig.12 It is a front view of the lamp unit 203. Fig.13 is a rear view of the lamp unit 203 . Fig.14 It is along Fig.12 The cross-sectional view of the lamp unit 203 cut along the line AA is shown. Figure 12 to Figure 14 As shown, the lamp unit 203 includes a heat sink 206, a bracket 209, a circuit board 208, light emitting elements 205a to 205d, an inner lens 204, and a position adjustment mechanism (specifically, a movable portion 293, a first fixing portion 292, and a second fixing portion 295). In the following, for the sake of convenience, the light emitting elements 205a to 205d are sometimes collectively referred to as light emitting elements 205.

[0116] The heat sink 206 is configured to release the heat released from the light emitting element 205 into the air in the lamp chamber S2. The heat sink 206 is formed, for example, by extrusion molding an aluminum plate. The heat sink 206 has a plurality of heat sinks 264 arranged at equal intervals in a mutually separated state in the left-right direction. The bracket 209 is formed, for example, of a resin material such as polycarbonate or nylon, and has a first bracket portion 209a and a second bracket portion 209b that are completely separated from each other.

[0117] like Fig.12 as well as Fig.13 As shown, the first bracket portion 209a is fixed to the left end portion 262 of the heat sink 206 by a screw 312, and is connected to a first dimming screw (not shown) that functions as an optical axis adjustment mechanism and a fulcrum screw (not shown) that functions as a fulcrum mechanism. Specifically, the first dimming screw and the fulcrum screw are respectively inserted into screw insertion holes 330a and 332a formed in the first bracket portion 209a. The first dimming screw is configured to adjust the optical axis Ax of the lamp unit 203 in the up and down directions (see Fig.11 ).

[0118] The second bracket portion 209b is fixed to the right end portion 263 of the heat sink 206 by a pair of screws 310, and is connected to a second dimming screw (not shown) that functions as an optical axis adjustment mechanism. Specifically, the second dimming screw is inserted into a screw insertion hole 332b formed in the second bracket portion 209b. The second dimming screw is configured to adjust the optical axis Ax of the lamp unit 203 in the horizontal direction.

[0119] like Fig.14As shown, the circuit substrate 208 is arranged on the front surface 260 of the heat sink 206. The circuit substrate 208 is electrically connected to a power supply circuit not shown in the figure. The light-emitting elements 205a to 205d are arranged on the circuit substrate 208, and are electrically connected to a light source driving circuit not shown in the figure via the circuit substrate 208. The light-emitting element 205 is, for example, a semiconductor light-emitting element such as an LED. The light-emitting element 205 is configured to emit white light toward the outside, and may also include, for example, a blue LED and a yellow phosphor. The light-emitting elements 205a to 205d are arranged on the same straight line in the left-right direction. The light-emitting element 205b constituting the high-beam lighting unit 207b and the light-emitting element 205c constituting the high-beam lighting unit 207c are arranged in the left-right direction between the light-emitting element 205a constituting the low-beam lighting unit 207a and the light-emitting element 205d constituting the low-beam lighting unit 207d.

[0120] The light emitting elements 205a to 205c are arranged on the circuit board 208 in such a manner that their lower ends are parallel to the left-right direction, respectively. On the other hand, the light emitting element 205a is arranged on the circuit board 208 in such a manner that its lower end is inclined with respect to the left-right direction. Since the lower end of the light emitting element 205a is inclined with respect to the left-right direction, the low-beam lighting unit 207a can form a low-beam light distribution pattern P2 having an inclined cut-off line L2 as described later (see FIG. Fig. 9 (a)).

[0121] like Fig.12 as well as Fig.14 As shown, the inner lens 204 is arranged in front of the heat sink 206 so as to cover each light emitting element 205a to 205d. The left end 342 of the inner lens 204 is connected to the first bracket part 209a and the heat sink 206 via the first fixing part 292 and the second fixing part 295. The right end 343 of the inner lens 204 is connected to the second bracket part 209b and the heat sink 206 via the movable part 293.

[0122] The inner lens 204 is formed of a transparent resin material such as polycarbonate or acrylic resin. The inner lens 204 has lens units 240a to 240d arranged on the same straight line in the left-right direction. The lens units 240a to 240d are formed integrally.

[0123] like Fig.14 As shown in FIG. 1 , the lens unit 240a (an example of the second lens unit) is opposed to the light emitting element 205a (an example of the second light emitting element) in the front-rear direction. The lens unit 240d is configured to form a low-beam light distribution pattern P2 (an example of the second low-beam light distribution pattern) having an inclined cut-off line L2 by emitting light emitted from the light emitting element 205a toward the outside of the vehicle 1A (see FIG. 1 ). Fig. 9 (a)). Here, Fig. 9(a) is a diagram schematically showing a light distribution pattern formed on a virtual screen disposed 25 m in front of the vehicle 1A when low beam is emitted. Fig. 9 (b) is a diagram schematically showing a light distribution pattern formed on the virtual screen when the high beam is emitted. Fig. 9 As shown in (a), the low beam light distribution pattern P2 is formed in a manner extending obliquely along the HH line. The lens unit 240a has a central light transmission portion 242a and a peripheral light transmission portion 243a. The central light transmission portion 242a is configured to be opposite to the light emitting element 205a in the front-to-back direction, and to emit a portion of the light emitted from the light emitting element 205a toward the outside of the vehicle 1A. The peripheral light transmission portion 243a is provided in a manner surrounding the central light transmission portion 242a, and is configured to cause another portion of the light emitted from the light emitting element 205a to be totally reflected toward the outside of the vehicle 1A. The low beam light distribution pattern P2 is formed by synthesizing the light distribution pattern formed by the central light transmission portion 242a and the light distribution pattern formed by the peripheral light transmission portion 243a.

[0124] Two recesses 254a and 256a are formed in the lens unit 240a. The recess 254a is connected to the recess 256a, and the diameter of the recess 256a is larger than the diameter of the recess 254a. The central light transmission portion 242a has an emission surface 252a and an incident surface 247a constituting the bottom surface of the recess 254a. The peripheral light transmission portion 243a has an emission surface 253a, an incident surface 249a and a total reflection surface 246a constituting the bottom surface of the recess 256a. In the present embodiment, the low beam lighting unit 207a is constituted by the light emitting element 205a and the lens unit 240a in a manner to form the low beam light distribution pattern P2.

[0125] The lens unit 240b (an example of the third lens unit) is opposed to the light emitting element 205b (an example of the third light emitting element) in the front-rear direction. The lens unit 240b is configured to form a high-beam light distribution pattern P3 (see Fig. 9 (b)). The lens unit 240b has a central light transmission portion 242b and a peripheral light transmission portion 243b. The central light transmission portion 242b is configured to be opposite to the light emitting element 205b in the front-rear direction, and to emit a portion of the light emitted from the light emitting element 205b toward the outside of the vehicle 1A. The peripheral light transmission portion 243b is provided in a manner surrounding the central light transmission portion 242b, and is configured to cause another portion of the light emitted from the light emitting element 205b to be totally reflected toward the outside of the vehicle 1A. The light distribution pattern formed by the central light transmission portion 242b and the light distribution pattern formed by the peripheral light transmission portion 243b are synthesized to form a high beam light distribution pattern P3.

[0126] Two recesses 254b and 256b are formed in the lens unit 240b. The recess 254b is connected to the recess 256b, and the diameter of the recess 256b is larger than the diameter of the recess 254b. The central light transmission portion 242b has an emission surface 252b and an incident surface 247b constituting the bottom surface of the recess 254b. The peripheral light transmission portion 243b has an emission surface 253b, an incident surface 249b and a total reflection surface 246b constituting the bottom surface of the recess 256b. In the present embodiment, the high-beam lighting unit 207b is constituted by the light-emitting element 205b and the lens unit 240b in a manner to form the high-beam light distribution pattern P3.

[0127] The lens unit 240c is opposed to the light emitting element 205c in the front-rear direction. The lens unit 240c has the same structure as the lens unit 240b, and is configured to form a high-beam light distribution pattern P4 (see Fig. 9 (b)). In the description of the present embodiment, the high-beam light distribution pattern P4 formed by the lens unit 240c is set to completely overlap with the high-beam light distribution pattern P3 formed by the lens unit 240b. The lens unit 240c has a central light transmission portion 242c and a peripheral light transmission portion 243c. The central light transmission portion 242c is configured to be opposite to the light emitting element 205c in the front-to-back direction, and to emit a portion of the light emitted from the light emitting element 205c toward the outside of the vehicle 1A. The peripheral light transmission portion 243c is provided in a manner surrounding the central light transmission portion 242c, and is configured to cause another portion of the light emitted from the light emitting element 205c to be totally reflected toward the outside of the vehicle 1A. The high-beam light distribution pattern P4 is formed by synthesizing the light distribution pattern formed by the central light transmission portion 242c and the light distribution pattern formed by the peripheral light transmission portion 243c.

[0128] Two recesses 254c and 256c are formed in the lens unit 240c. The recess 254c is connected to the recess 256c, and the diameter of the recess 256c is larger than the diameter of the recess 254c. The central light transmission portion 242c has an emission surface 252c and an incident surface 247c constituting the bottom surface of the recess 254c. The peripheral light transmission portion 243c has an emission surface 253c, an incident surface 249c and a total reflection surface 246c constituting the bottom surface of the recess 256c. In the present embodiment, the high-beam lighting unit 207c is constituted by the light emitting element 205c and the lens unit 240c in a manner to form the high-beam light distribution pattern P4.

[0129] The lens unit 240d (an example of a first lens unit) is opposed to the light emitting element 205d (an example of a first light emitting element) in the front-rear direction. The lens unit 240d is configured to form a low-beam light distribution pattern P1 (an example of a first low-beam light distribution pattern) having a horizontal cut-off line L1 by emitting light emitted from the light emitting element 205d toward the outside of the vehicle 1A (see Fig. 9 (a) The low-beam light distribution pattern P1 is formed to extend along the HH line. The low-beam light distribution pattern P1 formed by the lens unit 240d and the low-beam light distribution pattern P2 formed by the lens unit 240a form a light distribution pattern when the low beam is emitted.

[0130] The lens unit 240d includes a central light transmission portion 242d and a peripheral light transmission portion 243d. The central light transmission portion 242d is configured to be opposite to the light emitting element 205d in the front-rear direction, and to emit a portion of the light emitted from the light emitting element 205d toward the outside of the vehicle 1A. The peripheral light transmission portion 243d is provided so as to surround the central light transmission portion 242d, and is configured to totally reflect the other portion of the light emitted from the light emitting element 205d toward the outside of the vehicle A1. The light distribution pattern formed by the central light transmission portion 242d and the light distribution pattern formed by the peripheral light transmission portion 243d are combined to form a low beam light distribution pattern P1.

[0131] Two recesses 254d and 256d are formed in the lens unit 240d. The recess 254d is connected to the recess 256d, and the diameter of the recess 256d is larger than the diameter of the recess 254d. The central light transmission portion 242d has an emission surface 252d and an incident surface 247d constituting the bottom surface of the recess 254d. The peripheral light transmission portion 243d has an emission surface 253d, an incident surface 249d and a total reflection surface 246d constituting the bottom surface of the recess 256d. In the present embodiment, the low beam lighting unit 207d is constituted by the light emitting element 205d and the lens unit 240d so as to form the low beam light distribution pattern P1.

[0132] Thus, in this embodiment, the lamp unit 203 includes a low beam lighting unit 207a (hereinafter referred to as "lighting unit 207a"), high beam lighting units 207b and 207c (hereinafter referred to as "lighting units 207b and 207c"), and a low beam lighting unit 207d (hereinafter referred to as "lighting unit 207d"). Fig.14 As shown, these lighting units 207a to 207d are arranged side by side in the left-right direction. The lighting units 207b and 207c are arranged between the lighting unit 207a and the lighting unit 207d in the left-right direction.

[0133] In addition, the emission surfaces 252a to 252d of the central light transmission parts 242a to 242d are located on the same plane, and the emission surfaces 253a to 253d of the peripheral light transmission parts 243a to 243d are located on the same plane. Furthermore, the distance D1 between the light emitting element 205a and the light emitting element 205b in the left-right direction satisfies 0mm<D1<75mm, and the distance D2 between the light emitting element 205c and the light emitting element 205d in the left-right direction satisfies 0mm<D2<75mm. Therefore, when the lamp unit 203 emits low beam, it is difficult to visually confirm the extinguishing of the lighting unit 207b from the outside of the vehicle 1A due to the lighting of the lighting unit 207a, and it is difficult to visually confirm the extinguishing of the lighting unit 207c from the outside of the vehicle 1A due to the lighting of the lighting unit 207d.

[0134] Next, refer to Fig.15 The lens unit 240d will be described in detail. Fig.15 FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the lens unit 240d. Fig.15 As shown, a part of the light emitted from the light emitting element 205d is incident on the incident surface 247d of the central light transmitting portion 242d and then reaches the emission surface 252d. Thereafter, the light that reaches the emission surface 252d is emitted to the outside in a state of being diffused by the diffusion lens element 248d formed on the emission surface 252d. On the other hand, another part of the light emitted from the light emitting element 205d is totally reflected by the total reflection surface 246d after being incident on the incident surface 249d of the peripheral light transmitting portion 243d. Thereafter, the light that is totally reflected by the total reflection surface 246d reaches the emission surface 253d and then is emitted to the outside in a state of being diffused by the diffusion lens element 248d formed on the emission surface 253d. In this way, the low beam light distribution pattern P1 is formed by the lens unit 240d.

[0135] The lens units 240a to 240c also have the same structure as the lens unit 240d. Fig.12 As shown, the emission surfaces of the lens units 240a to 240c also have diffusion lens elements 248a to 248c. As shown in the figure, the diffusion lens elements 248b to 248d formed in the lens units 240b to 240d are formed to extend substantially parallel to the vertical direction. On the other hand, the diffusion lens element 248a formed in the lens unit 240a is formed to extend at an angle α relative to the vertical direction because the lower end of the light emitting element 205a is inclined at an angle α (α>0°, for example, α=15°) relative to the left and right direction.

[0136] Next, refer to Fig.16, the structures of the peripheral light transmitting portion 243a of the lens unit 240a, the peripheral light transmitting portion 243b of the lens unit 240b, and the peripheral light transmitting portion 243d of the lens unit 240d are described below. Fig.16 (a) is a front view schematically showing the lighting unit 207a. Fig.16 (b) is a front view schematically showing the lighting unit 207b. Fig.16 (c) is a front view schematically showing the lighting unit 207d. Fig.16 As shown in (a), the peripheral light transmission portion 243a of the lens unit 240a is arranged to surround the central light transmission portion 242a in its circumferential direction. The peripheral light transmission portion 243a is divided into 8 reflection areas R31 to R38 along its circumferential direction. Each of the reflection areas R31 to R38 has an angle area of ​​45° with the center of the lens unit 240a. Each of the reflection areas R31 to R38 has a total reflection surface 246a with different shapes.

[0137] like Fig.16 As shown in (b), the peripheral light transmission portion 243b of the lens unit 240b is arranged to surround the central light transmission portion 242b in its circumferential direction. The peripheral light transmission portion 243b is not divided into a plurality of reflection areas in its circumferential direction. It should be noted that since the lens unit 240c has the same structure as the lens unit 240b, the peripheral light transmission portion 243c of the lens unit 240c is also not divided into a plurality of reflection areas in its circumferential direction.

[0138] like Fig.16 As shown in (c), the peripheral light transmission part 243d of the lens unit 240d is arranged to surround the central light transmission part 242d in its circumferential direction. The peripheral light transmission part 243d is divided into 8 reflection areas R40 to R47 along its circumferential direction. Each of the reflection areas R40 to R47 has an angle area of ​​45° with the center of the lens unit 240d. Each of the reflection areas R40 to R47 has a total reflection surface 246d of different shapes.

[0139] Next, refer to Figure 12 to Figure 14 , the position adjustment mechanism configured to adjust the relative position relationship of the inner lens 204 with respect to the heat sink 206 is described below. In the present embodiment, the first fixing portion 292, the second fixing portion 295, and the movable portion 293 function as a position adjustment mechanism configured to adjust the relative position relationship of the inner lens 204 with respect to the heat sink 206. The first fixing portion 292, the second fixing portion 295, and the movable portion 293 are arranged between the inner lens 204 and the heat sink 206 in the front-rear direction of the lamp unit 203. The first fixing portion 292, the second fixing portion 295, and the movable portion 293 are configured as screws, for example.

[0140] like Fig.12 as well as Fig.13 As shown, the first fixing portion 292 is respectively connected to the heat sink 206, the first bracket portion 209a and the inner lens 204 at the left end portion 342 of the inner lens 204. The second fixing portion 295 is opposite to the first fixing portion 292 in the up-down direction of the lamp unit 203, and is respectively connected to the heat sink 206, the first bracket portion 209a and the inner lens 204 at the left end portion 342 of the inner lens 204.

[0141] like Fig.14 As shown, the movable portion 293 is connected to the heat sink 206, the second bracket portion 209b and the inner lens 204 at the right end portion 343 of the inner lens 204. In particular, the movable portion 293 is inserted into the insertion hole 363 of the heat sink 206, the insertion hole 290b of the second bracket portion 209b and the insertion hole 340 of the inner lens 204. The operator rotates the movable portion 293 using a tool, and the right end portion 343 of the inner lens 204 engaged with the movable portion 293 moves in the front-to-back direction. As a result, the inner lens 204 is rotated about the rotation axis A1 (refer to Fig.13 ) is the center of rotation in the horizontal direction.

[0142] Thus, the inner lens 204 is rotated and moved in the horizontal direction around the rotation axis A1 by the rotational movement of the movable portion 293, and thus the relative position of the inner lens 204 with respect to the heat sink 206 changes. In addition, since the circuit substrate 208 is fixed to the heat sink 206 via a fixing member such as a screw, the position of each light emitting element 205a to 205d mounted on the circuit substrate 208 is fixed with respect to the heat sink 206. Therefore, as the inner lens 204 is rotated and moved, the relative positional relationship between the lens units 240a to 240d and the light emitting elements 205a to 205d is adjusted.

[0143] At this point, even when the assembly of the lamp unit 203 is completed, the relative positional relationship between the lens unit 240a and the light emitting element 205a can be adjusted, so that the desired low beam light distribution pattern P1 can be obtained. Furthermore, since the relative positional relationship between the lens unit 240b and the light emitting element 205b can be adjusted, the desired high beam light distribution pattern P3 can be obtained. Similarly, since the relative positional relationship between the lens unit 240c and the light emitting element 205c can be adjusted, the desired high beam light distribution pattern P4 can be obtained. Furthermore, since the relative positional relationship between the lens unit 240d and the light emitting element 205d can be adjusted, the desired low beam light distribution pattern P2 can be obtained.

[0144] According to the present embodiment, the relative positional relationship between the inner lens 204 and the heat sink 206 can be adjusted by using a position adjustment mechanism, thereby adjusting the relative positional relationship between the lens units 240a to 240d and the light emitting elements 205a to 205d, and a desired light distribution pattern can be obtained. In this regard, even if the positioning accuracy between the light emitting elements 205a to 205d and the lens units 240a to 240d is low or the processing accuracy of the lens units 240a to 240d is low, the desired light distribution pattern can be obtained by adjusting the position between the lens units 240a to 240d and the light emitting elements 205a to 205d using the position adjustment mechanism.

[0145] In addition, in the present embodiment, the lens units 240a to 240d are arranged between the movable portion 293 and the rotation axis A1 in the left-right direction. Furthermore, the lens unit 240a among the lens units 240a to 240d is arranged at the position farthest from the rotation axis A1. Therefore, with the rotational movement of the inner lens 204 centered on the rotation axis A1, the change in the relative position between the lens unit 240a and the light emitting element 205a can be maximized. In this way, by using the position adjustment mechanism to adjust the relative position relationship of the inner lens 204 with respect to the radiator 206, the desired low beam light distribution pattern P2 can be obtained.

[0146] For example, in the present embodiment, the lamp unit 203 includes two high-beam lighting units, but the number of high-beam lighting units is not particularly limited. For example, the number of high-beam lighting units provided in the lamp unit 203 may be one.

[0147] (Third Embodiment)

[0148] Hereinafter, a third embodiment of the present disclosure (hereinafter referred to as the present embodiment) will be described with reference to the drawings. For convenience of description, the dimensions of each component shown in the drawings may be different from the actual dimensions of each component.

[0149] In the description of this embodiment, for the sake of convenience, sometimes "left-right direction", "up-down direction" and "front-back direction" are mentioned appropriately. These directions are for Fig.19 The relative directions set for the lamp unit 403 shown in FIG. 4 are shown in FIG. 4 . Here, the "left-right direction" is a direction including the "left direction" and the "right direction". The "up-down direction" is a direction including the "upward direction" and the "downward direction". The "front-back direction" is a direction including the "front direction" and the "rear direction". One of the left-right direction, the up-down direction and the front-back direction is set to be orthogonal to the remaining two directions.

[0150] In addition, in the present embodiment, the "horizontal direction" is a direction perpendicular to the up-down direction (vertical direction), and is a direction including the left-right direction and the front-back direction. In addition, in the description of the present embodiment, the direction (left-right direction, up-down direction, front-back direction) set for the lamp unit 403 is set to be consistent with the direction (left-right direction, up-down direction, front-back direction) set for the vehicle 1B and the left vehicle lamp 402L.

[0151] First, refer to Fig.17 A vehicle 1B according to the present embodiment will be described. Fig.17 FIG. 4 is a front view of a vehicle 1B having a left-side vehicle lamp 402L and a right-side vehicle lamp 402R. Fig.17 As shown, a left vehicle lamp 402L is arranged on the left front side of the vehicle 1B, and a right vehicle lamp 402R is arranged on the right front side of the vehicle 1B. The same lamp unit 403 is mounted on each of the left vehicle lamp 402L and the right vehicle lamp 402R.

[0152] Next, refer to Fig.18 The left vehicle lamp 402L will be described. It should be noted that the structure of the left vehicle lamp 402L is substantially the same as that of the right vehicle lamp 402R, and therefore the description of the right vehicle lamp 402R will be omitted. Fig.18 4 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the left vehicle lamp 402L. Fig.18 As shown, the left vehicle lamp 402L includes a lamp housing 412, a lamp cover 414 covering an opening of the lamp housing 412, and a lamp unit 403. The lamp unit 403 is disposed in a lamp chamber S3 formed by the lamp housing 412 and the lamp cover 414.

[0153] Next, refer to Figures 19 to 21 The structure of the lamp unit 403 will be described in detail. Fig.19 It is a perspective view of the lamp unit 403 . Fig. 20 It is a front view of the lamp unit 403. Fig.21 It is along Fig. 20 The cross-sectional view of the lamp unit 403 cut along the AA line is shown. Figures 19 to 21 As shown, the lamp unit 403 includes a heat sink 406, a bracket 409, a circuit board 408, light emitting elements 405a to 405d, and an inner lens 404. Hereinafter, the light emitting elements 405a to 405d are sometimes collectively referred to as the light emitting element 405 for convenience of description.

[0154] The heat sink 406 is configured to release heat released from the light emitting element 405 into the air in the lamp chamber S3. The heat sink 406 is formed by extruding an aluminum plate, for example. The bracket 409 is formed of a resin material such as polycarbonate or nylon, and has a first bracket portion 409a and a second bracket portion 409b that are completely separated from each other.

[0155] The first bracket portion 409a is fixed to the heat sink 406 at one end side of the heat sink 406, and is connected to the dimming screw 492 that functions as an optical axis adjustment mechanism and the fulcrum screw 495 that functions as a fulcrum mechanism (see Fig. 20 The dimming screw 492 is configured to adjust the optical axis Ax2 of the lamp unit 403 in the vertical direction. The second bracket portion 409b is fixed to the heat sink 406 at the other end side of the heat sink 406 and is connected to the dimming screw 493 (see Fig. 20 The dimming screw 493 is configured to adjust the optical axis Ax2 of the lamp unit 403 in the horizontal direction.

[0156] The circuit substrate 408 is arranged on the front surface 460 of the heat sink 406. The circuit substrate 408 is electrically connected to a power supply circuit not shown in the figure. The light-emitting elements 405a to 405d are arranged on the circuit substrate 408, and are electrically connected to a light source driving circuit not shown in the figure via the circuit substrate 408. The light-emitting element 405 is, for example, a semiconductor light-emitting element such as an LED. The light-emitting element 405 is configured to emit white light toward the outside, and may also include, for example, a blue LED and a yellow phosphor. The light-emitting elements 405a to 405d are arranged on the same straight line in the left-right direction. The light-emitting element 405b constituting the high-beam lighting unit 407b and the light-emitting element 405c constituting the high-beam lighting unit 407c are arranged in the left-right direction between the light-emitting element 405a constituting the low-beam lighting unit 407a and the light-emitting element 405d constituting the low-beam lighting unit 407d.

[0157] The light emitting elements 405a to 405c are arranged on the circuit board 408 in such a manner that their lower ends are parallel to the left-right direction, respectively. On the other hand, the light emitting element 405d is arranged on the circuit board 408 in such a manner that its lower end is inclined with respect to the left-right direction. Since the lower end of the light emitting element 405d is inclined with respect to the left-right direction, as described later, the low-beam lighting unit 407d can form a low-beam light distribution pattern P2 having an inclined cut-off line L2 (see FIG. Fig. 9 (a)).

[0158] The inner lens 404 is arranged on the front surface 460 of the heat sink 406 so as to cover each light emitting element 405a to 405d. The inner lens 404 is formed of a transparent resin material such as polycarbonate or acrylic resin. The inner lens 404 has lens units 440a to 440d arranged on the same straight line in the left-right direction. Each lens unit 440a to 440d is formed integrally.

[0159] like Fig.21 As shown in FIG. 1 , the lens unit 440a (an example of the second lens unit) is opposed to the light emitting element 405a (an example of the second light emitting element) in the front-rear direction. The lens unit 440a is configured to form a low beam light distribution pattern P1 having a horizontal cut-off line L1 (see FIG. 1 ) by emitting light emitted from the light emitting element 405a toward the outside of the vehicle 1B. Fig. 9 (a)). Here, Fig. 9 (a) is a diagram schematically showing a light distribution pattern formed on a virtual screen disposed 25 m in front of the vehicle 1B when the low beam is emitted. Fig. 9 (b) is a diagram schematically showing a light distribution pattern formed on the virtual screen when the high beam is emitted. The low beam light distribution pattern P1 is formed so as to extend along the HH line.

[0160] The lens unit 440a includes a central light transmitting portion 442a and a peripheral light transmitting portion 443a. The central light transmitting portion 442a is configured to be opposed to the light emitting element 405a in the front-rear direction and to emit a portion of the light emitted from the light emitting element 405a toward the outside of the vehicle 1B. The peripheral light transmitting portion 443a is provided so as to surround the central light transmitting portion 442a and is configured to totally reflect another portion of the light emitted from the light emitting element 405a toward the outside of the vehicle 1B. The light distribution pattern formed by the central light transmitting portion 442a and the light distribution pattern formed by the peripheral light transmitting portion 443a are combined to form a low beam light distribution pattern P1.

[0161] Two recesses 454a and 456a are formed in the lens unit 440a. The recess 454a is connected to the recess 456a, and the diameter of the recess 456a is larger than the diameter of the recess 454a. The central light transmission portion 442a has an emission surface 452a and an incident surface 447a constituting the bottom surface of the recess 454a. The peripheral light transmission portion 443a has an emission surface 453a, an incident surface 449a and a total reflection surface 446a constituting the bottom surface of the recess 456a. In the present embodiment, the low beam lighting unit 407a is configured by the light emitting element 405a and the lens unit 440a to form the low beam light distribution pattern P1.

[0162] The lens unit 440b (an example of the third lens unit) is opposed to the light emitting element 405b (an example of the third light emitting element) in the front-rear direction. The lens unit 440b is configured to form a high-beam light distribution pattern P3 (see Fig. 9 (b)). The lens unit 440b has a central light transmission portion 442b and a peripheral light transmission portion 443b. The central light transmission portion 442b is configured to be opposite to the light emitting element 405b in the front-rear direction, and to emit a part of the light emitted from the light emitting element 405b toward the outside of the vehicle 1B. The peripheral light transmission portion 443b is provided in a manner surrounding the central light transmission portion 442b, and is configured to totally reflect another part of the light emitted from the light emitting element 405b toward the outside of the vehicle 1B. The light distribution pattern formed by the central light transmission portion 442b and the light distribution pattern formed by the peripheral light transmission portion 443b are synthesized to form a high beam light distribution pattern P3.

[0163] Two recesses 454b and 456b are formed in the lens unit 440b. The recess 454b is connected to the recess 456b, and the diameter of the recess 456b is larger than the diameter of the recess 454b. The central light transmission portion 442b has an emission surface 452b and an incident surface 447b constituting the bottom surface of the recess 454b. The peripheral light transmission portion 443b has an emission surface 453b, an incident surface 449b and a total reflection surface 446b constituting the bottom surface of the recess 456b. In the present embodiment, the high-beam lighting unit 407b is constituted by the light-emitting element 405b and the lens unit 440b in a manner to form the high-beam light distribution pattern P3.

[0164] The lens unit 440c is opposed to the light emitting element 405c in the front-rear direction. The lens unit 440c has the same structure as the lens unit 440b, and is configured to form a high-beam light distribution pattern P4 (see Fig. 9 (b)). In the description of this embodiment, the high-beam light distribution pattern P4 formed by the lens unit 440c is set to completely overlap with the high-beam light distribution pattern P3 formed by the lens unit 440b. The lens unit 440c has a central light transmission portion 442c and a peripheral light transmission portion 443c. The central light transmission portion 442c is configured to be opposite to the light emitting element 405c in the front-to-back direction, and to emit a part of the light emitted from the light emitting element 405c toward the outside of the vehicle 1B. The peripheral light transmission portion 443c is provided in a manner surrounding the central light transmission portion 442c, and is configured to cause another part of the light emitted from the light emitting element 405c to be totally reflected toward the outside of the vehicle 1B. The high-beam light distribution pattern P4 is formed by synthesizing the light distribution pattern formed by the central light transmission portion 442c and the light distribution pattern formed by the peripheral light transmission portion 443c.

[0165] Two recesses 454c and 456c are formed in the lens unit 440c. The recess 454c is connected to the recess 456c, and the diameter of the recess 456c is larger than the diameter of the recess 454c. The central light transmission portion 442c has an emission surface 452c and an incident surface 447c constituting the bottom surface of the recess 454c. The peripheral light transmission portion 443c has an emission surface 453c, an incident surface 449c and a total reflection surface 446c constituting the bottom surface of the recess 456c. In the present embodiment, the high-beam lighting unit 407c is constituted by the light-emitting element 405c and the lens unit 440c in a manner to form the high-beam light distribution pattern P4.

[0166] The lens unit 440d (an example of the first lens unit) is opposed to the light emitting element 405d (an example of the first light emitting element) in the front-rear direction. The lens unit 440d is configured to form a low-beam light distribution pattern P2 having an inclined cut-off line L2 (see FIG. 1 ) by emitting light emitted from the light emitting element 405d toward the outside of the vehicle 1B. Fig. 9 (a)). Fig. 9 As shown in (a), the low beam light distribution pattern P2 is formed in a manner extending obliquely along the HH line. The low beam light distribution pattern P1 formed by the lens unit 440a and the low beam light distribution pattern P2 formed by the lens unit 440d form a light distribution pattern when the low beam is emitted. The lens unit 440d has a central light transmission portion 442d and a peripheral light transmission portion 443d. The central light transmission portion 442d is configured to be opposite to the light emitting element 405d in the front-to-back direction, and to emit a part of the light emitted from the light emitting element 405d toward the outside of the vehicle 1B. The peripheral light transmission portion 443d is provided in a manner surrounding the central light transmission portion 442d, and is configured to cause another part of the light emitted from the light emitting element 405d to be totally reflected toward the outside of the vehicle 1B. The low beam light distribution pattern P2 is formed by synthesizing the light distribution pattern formed by the central light transmission portion 442d and the light distribution pattern formed by the peripheral light transmission portion 443d.

[0167] Two recesses 454d and 456d are formed in the lens unit 440d. The recess 454d is connected to the recess 456d, and the diameter of the recess 456d is larger than the diameter of the recess 454d. The central light transmission portion 442d has an emission surface 452d and an incident surface 447d constituting the bottom surface of the recess 454d. The peripheral light transmission portion 443d has an emission surface 453d, an incident surface 449d and a total reflection surface 446d constituting the bottom surface of the recess 456d. In the present embodiment, the low beam lighting unit 407d is configured by the light emitting element 405d and the lens unit 440d to form the low beam light distribution pattern P2.

[0168] Thus, in this embodiment, the lamp unit 403 includes a low beam lighting unit 407a (hereinafter referred to as "lighting unit 407a"), high beam lighting units 407b and 407c (hereinafter referred to as "lighting units 407b and 407c"), and a low beam lighting unit 407d (hereinafter referred to as "lighting unit 407d"). Fig.21 As shown, these lighting units 407a to 407d are arranged side by side in the left-right direction. The lighting units 407b and 407c are arranged between the lighting unit 407a and the lighting unit 407d in the left-right direction.

[0169] In addition, the emission surfaces 452a to 452d of the central light transmission parts 442a to 442d are located on the same plane, and the emission surfaces 453a to 454d of the peripheral light transmission parts 443a to 443d are located on the same plane. Furthermore, the distance D1 between the light emitting element 405a and the light emitting element 405b in the left-right direction satisfies 0mm<D1<75mm, and the distance D2 between the light emitting element 405c and the light emitting element 405d in the left-right direction satisfies 0mm<D2<75mm. Therefore, when the lamp unit 403 emits low beam, it is difficult to visually confirm the extinguishing of the lighting unit 407b from the outside of the vehicle 1B due to the lighting of the lighting unit 407a, and it is difficult to visually confirm the extinguishing of the lighting unit 407c from the outside of the vehicle 1B due to the lighting of the lighting unit 407d.

[0170] Next, refer to Fig. 22 The lens unit 440a will be described in detail. Fig. 22 FIG. 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the lens unit 440a. Fig. 22 As shown, a part of the light emitted from the light emitting element 405a is incident on the incident surface 447a of the central light transmitting portion 442a and then reaches the emission surface 452a. Thereafter, the light reaching the emission surface 452a is emitted to the outside in a state of being diffused by the diffusion lens element 448a formed on the emission surface 452a. On the other hand, another part of the light emitted from the light emitting element 405a is totally reflected by the total reflection surface 446a after being incident on the incident surface 449a of the peripheral light transmitting portion 443a. Thereafter, the light totally reflected by the total reflection surface 446a reaches the emission surface 453a and then is emitted to the outside in a state of being diffused by the diffusion lens element 448a formed on the emission surface 453a. In this way, the low beam light distribution pattern P1 is formed by the lens unit 440a.

[0171] The lens units 440b to 440d also have the same structure as the lens unit 440a. Fig. 20As shown, the emission surfaces of lens units 440b to 440d also have diffusion lens elements 448b to 448d. As shown in the figure, each diffusion lens element 448a to 448c formed in lens units 440a to 440c is formed to extend substantially parallel to the vertical direction. On the other hand, the diffusion lens element 448d formed in lens unit 440d is formed to extend at an angle α to the vertical direction because the lower end of the light emitting element 405d is inclined at an angle α (α>0, for example, α=15°) to the left and right direction.

[0172] Next, refer to Fig.23 as well as Fig.24 , the positioning mechanism between the inner lens 404 and the circuit substrate 408 is described below. Fig.23 It is along Fig. 20 The cross-sectional view of the lamp unit 403 is shown along line BB. Fig.24 It is along Fig. 20 The lamp unit 403 is a longitudinal sectional view taken along line CC shown.

[0173] like Fig.23 As shown, a positioning pin 550 is provided in the lens unit 440d. Specifically, the positioning pin 550 is formed to protrude from the peripheral light transmission portion 443d toward the rear direction. The positioning pin 550 is inserted into a positioning hole 480 formed in the circuit substrate 408. The positioning hole 480 is formed as a circular hole, for example. The diameter of the positioning hole 480 can be slightly larger than the inner diameter of the positioning pin 550.

[0174] In addition, another positioning pin 552 (an example of a positioning portion) is provided at a position away from the lens unit 440d. In the present embodiment, the positioning pin 552 is provided on the lens unit 440b. Specifically, the positioning pin 552 is formed to protrude from the peripheral light transmission portion 443b toward the rear direction. The positioning pin 552 is inserted into a positioning hole 482 (an example of a positioned portion) formed on the circuit substrate 408. The positioning hole 482 is formed, for example, as a long hole.

[0175] like Fig.24 As shown, the positioning pin 550 is arranged near the outer peripheral edge 548d of the light incident concave portion 444d of the lens unit 440d. Here, the light incident concave portion 444d is configured to be opposite to the emission surface 415d of the light emitting element 405d and to allow the light emitted from the light emitting element 405d to pass. The light incident concave portion 444d is defined by the incident surface 447d of the central light transmitting portion 442d and the incident surface 449d of the peripheral light transmitting portion 443d. In particular, the positioning pin 550 is formed between the outer peripheral edge 548d of the light incident concave portion 444d and the total reflection surface 446d (an example of the opposite surface of the peripheral light transmitting portion 443d).

[0176] In addition, when the diameter of the positioning pin 550 is set to In the case of More specifically, the shortest distance L between the outer periphery 550e of the positioning pin 550 and the outer periphery 548d can also satisfy Furthermore, in other words, the shortest distance L1 between the central axis of the positioning pin 550 and the outer peripheral edge 548d can also satisfy In this way, the positioning pin 550 can also meet the The positional relationship is located near the outer edge 548d.

[0177] In the present embodiment, after the positioning pin 550 is inserted into the positioning hole 480 , the positioning pin 552 is inserted into the positioning hole 482 , thereby positioning the inner lens 404 and the circuit board 408 .

[0178] The emission surface 415d of the light emitting element 405d is located between the surface 484 of the circuit board 408 and the outer peripheral edge 548d in the front-rear direction of the lamp unit 403 corresponding to a direction perpendicular to the surface 484 of the circuit board 408 on which the light emitting element 405d is mounted.

[0179] Next, refer to Fig.25 , the structures of the peripheral light transmitting portion 443a of the lens unit 440a, the peripheral light transmitting portion 443b of the lens unit 440b, and the peripheral light transmitting portion 443d of the lens unit 440d are described below. Fig.25 (a) is a front view schematically showing the lighting unit 407a. Fig.25 (b) is a front view schematically showing the lighting unit 407b. Fig.25 (c) is a front view schematically showing the lighting unit 407d. Fig.25 As shown in (a), the peripheral light transmission portion 443a of the lens unit 440a is arranged to surround the central light transmission portion 442a in its circumferential direction. The peripheral light transmission portion 443a is divided into 8 reflection areas R51 to R58 along its circumferential direction. Each of the reflection areas R51 to R58 has an angle area of ​​45° with the center of the lens unit 440a. Each of the reflection areas R51 to R58 has a total reflection surface 446a with different shapes.

[0180] like Fig.25 As shown in (b), the peripheral light transmission portion 443b of the lens unit 440b is arranged to surround the central light transmission portion 442b in its circumferential direction. The peripheral light transmission portion 443b is not divided into a plurality of reflection areas in its circumferential direction. It should be noted that since the lens unit 440c has the same structure as the lens unit 440b, the peripheral light transmission portion 443c of the lens unit 440c is also not divided into a plurality of reflection areas in its circumferential direction.

[0181] like Fig.25 As shown in (c), the peripheral light transmission part 443d of the lens unit 440d is arranged to surround the central light transmission part 442d in its circumferential direction. The peripheral light transmission part 443d is divided into 8 reflection areas R60 to R67 along its circumferential direction. Each of the reflection areas R60 to R67 has an angle area of ​​45° with the center of the lens unit 440d. Each of the reflection areas R60 to R67 has a total reflection surface 446d of different shapes.

[0182] Next, the effects of the lamp unit 403 of this embodiment will be described below.

[0183] According to the present embodiment, the positioning pin 550 of the lens unit 440d is inserted into the positioning hole 480 of the circuit substrate 408, and the positioning pin 552 and the positioning hole 482 are engaged with each other. In this way, the positioning accuracy between the inner lens 404 and the circuit substrate 408 can be improved. As a result, by improving the positioning accuracy between the inner lens 404 and the circuit substrate 408, the positioning accuracy between the lens unit 440a and the light emitting element 405a, the positioning accuracy between the lens unit 440b and the light emitting element 405b, the positioning accuracy between the lens unit 440c and the light emitting element 405c, and the positioning accuracy between the lens unit 440d and the light emitting element 405d can be improved.

[0184] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the inner lens 404 and the circuit substrate 408 are positioned directly by two positioning pins instead of by the heat sink 406. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide a positioning mechanism on the heat sink 406, so the manufacturing cost of the heat sink 406 can be reduced. As a result, the manufacturing cost of the lamp unit 403 having the heat sink 406 can be reduced. In this way, the manufacturing cost of the lamp unit 403 can be reduced, and the positioning accuracy between the lens units 440a to 440d and the light emitting elements 405a to 405d can be improved.

[0185] In addition, in the lamp unit 403 of the present embodiment, the highest positioning accuracy is required for the lens unit 440d that forms the low-beam light distribution pattern P2 among the four lens units 440a to 440d. In this regard, in the present embodiment, since the positioning pin 550 is arranged near the outer peripheral edge 548d of the light incident concave portion 444d formed in the lens unit 440d, the positioning accuracy between the lens unit 440d and the light emitting element 405d can be improved. As a result, the low-beam light distribution pattern P2 can be emitted to the outside of the vehicle 1B with high accuracy.

[0186] In addition, since the positioning pin 550 is located between the outer peripheral edge 548d and the total reflection surface 446d of the peripheral light transmitting portion 443d, it is possible to appropriately prevent a portion of the light emitted from the light emitting element 405d from interfering with the positioning pin 550. In this way, the positioning accuracy between the lens unit 440d and the light emitting element 405d can be improved, and the utilization efficiency of the light emitted from the light emitting element 405d can be improved.

[0187] For example, in the present embodiment, the lamp unit 403 includes two high-beam lighting units, but the number of high-beam lighting units is not particularly limited. For example, the number of high-beam lighting units provided in the lamp unit 403 may be one.

[0188] The embodiments of the present invention are described above, but it is obvious that the technical scope of the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited to the description of this embodiment. Those skilled in the art should understand that this embodiment is only an example, and various embodiments can be changed within the scope of the invention described in the claims. The technical scope of the present invention should be determined based on the scope of the invention described in the claims and its equivalent scope.

[0189] This application appropriately cites the contents disclosed in Japanese Patent Application (Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-025177) filed on February 18, 2020, the contents disclosed in Japanese Patent Application (Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-025178) filed on February 18, 2020, and the contents disclosed in Japanese Patent Application (Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-025179) filed on February 18, 2020.

Claims

1. A lamp unit provided in a vehicle lamp, wherein the lamp unit is characterized by comprising: an optical axis adjustment mechanism, comprising a first optical axis adjustment mechanism and a second optical axis adjustment mechanism, wherein the first optical axis adjustment mechanism is configured to adjust the optical axis of the lamp unit in one of the horizontal direction and the vertical direction of the vehicle lamp, and the second optical axis adjustment mechanism is configured to adjust the optical axis of the lamp unit in the other of the horizontal direction and the vertical direction of the vehicle lamp; A bracket having a first bracket portion and a second bracket portion, wherein the first bracket portion is connected to the first optical axis adjustment mechanism, and the second bracket portion is connected to the second optical axis adjustment mechanism and is opposed to the first bracket portion in a state of being completely separated in a left-right direction; The optical axis adjustment mechanism also has a fulcrum mechanism, The first optical axis adjustment mechanism is configured to rotate the lamp unit around a first rotation axis passing through the fulcrum mechanism and the second optical axis adjustment mechanism. The second optical axis adjustment mechanism is configured to rotate the lamp unit around a second rotation axis passing through the fulcrum mechanism and the first optical axis adjustment mechanism. The first rotation axis and the second rotation axis are orthogonal to each other, The lamp unit further comprises a supporting member. The first bracket portion is fixed to the support member at one end side of the support member, The second bracket portion is fixed to the support member at the other end side of the support member that is opposite to the one end side.

2. The lamp unit according to claim 1, characterized in that The supporting member is a heat sink.

3. The lamp unit according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The first bracket portion and the second bracket portion are arranged substantially parallel to each other.

4. The lamp unit according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The first bracket portion has a first positioning mechanism, and the first positioning mechanism is configured to determine the positional relationship between the first bracket portion and the supporting member. The second bracket portion includes a second positioning mechanism configured to determine a positional relationship between the second bracket portion and the supporting member.

5. The lamp unit according to claim 4, characterized in that: The first positioning mechanism comprises: a first positioning pin, which is disposed on the first bracket portion; a first positioning recess formed on the first bracket portion to accommodate the supporting member; The second positioning mechanism comprises: a second positioning pin, which is disposed on the second bracket portion; a second positioning recess formed on the second bracket portion to accommodate the supporting member; The first positioning pin is inserted into a first positioning hole formed in the supporting member. The second positioning pin is inserted into a second positioning hole formed in the supporting member. When the support member is received in the first positioning recess, a peripheral wall of the first positioning recess contacts a portion of a side surface of the support member. When the support member is accommodated in the second positioning recess, a peripheral wall of the second positioning recess contacts a portion of a side surface of the support member.

6. A vehicle lamp, characterized in that: A lamp unit according to any one of claims 1 to 5 is provided.

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