Vehicle camera, vehicle lamp, and electronic control unit

Abstract

A reduction in the number of components and miniaturization are achieved. The device comprises: an outer frame (4) which is composed of a shell (2) having an opening and a light-transmitting cover (3) that blocks the opening; a substrate (26) that is arranged inside the outer frame; a camera module (30) that has a photographing element (33) and is arranged on the substrate; and a light-emitting element (29) that is provided as a light source and is arranged on the substrate. Thus, the camera module and the light-emitting element are arranged on the substrate arranged inside the outer frame, so that the number of components is reduced, and a reduction in the number of components and miniaturization can be achieved.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application with application date of March 16, 2016, application number 201680017669.9, and invention name “Vehicle camera, vehicle lamp and electronic control unit”. Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to the technical field of a vehicle photographing device, a vehicle lamp and an electronic control unit. Background Art

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2011-184030

[0006] For example, there is a vehicle lamp in which a light source for emitting light and a camera module for capturing an image of a predetermined area are arranged inside an outer frame composed of a light-transmitting cover and a housing (for example, see Patent Document 1).

[0007] Such a vehicle lamp is used as, for example, a side turn signal lamp mounted on both left and right sides of a vehicle body. The camera module captures an area from the rear to the side, and the captured image is displayed on a screen of a display arranged in the vehicle cabin.

[0008] The driver can grasp the conditions of the area from the rear to the sides by visually checking the image on the left and the image on the right displayed on the screen of the display, and can drive according to the grasped conditions.

[0009] By providing such a vehicle lamp, the camera module can be used to capture images of the area from the rear to the side, so that a vehicle that does not require side mirrors can be manufactured. Since the vehicle lamp captures images of a predetermined area, the vehicle lamp is also used as a vehicle imaging device. Summary of the invention

[0010] Problems that the invention will solve

[0011] However, in the vehicle lamp having a light source and a camera module, the built-in camera module tends to make the outer shape larger accordingly, but since it is configured in a state where at least a portion protrudes to the outside of the vehicle body, it is desired to achieve miniaturization as much as possible in order to reduce the amount of protrusion from the vehicle body.

[0012] However, if a vehicle lamp is constructed such that a base is arranged inside an outer frame, a substrate is mounted on the base, and a camera module is held by a retaining member as in the vehicle lamp described in Patent Document 1, there is a concern that the number of components arranged inside the outer frame will increase, the number of components will increase, and the increase in the number of components will also lead to an increase in size.

[0013] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to overcome the above-mentioned problems and achieve a reduction in the number of parts and miniaturization.

[0014] Means for solving problems

[0015] First, the vehicle lamp of the present invention comprises: an outer frame, which is composed of a shell with an opening and a translucent cover that blocks the opening; a substrate, which is arranged inside the outer frame; a camera module, which has a shooting element and is arranged on the substrate; and a light-emitting element, which is set as a light source and is arranged on the substrate.

[0016] Thus, the camera module and the light emitting element are arranged on the substrate arranged inside the outer frame.

[0017] Secondly, in the vehicle lamp of the present invention, it is preferable that the camera module and the light emitting element are arranged on the same surface of the substrate.

[0018] Thus, a wiring pattern related to the light emitting element and a wiring pattern related to the camera module can be formed close to each other or used in common.

[0019] Thirdly, in the vehicle lamp of the present invention, it is preferable that a pressing member is provided inside the outer frame and mounted on the housing, and the substrate is pressed by the pressing member and is positioned relative to the housing.

[0020] Thus, the pressing member is attached to the housing, and the substrate is positioned relative to the housing.

[0021] Fourthly, in the vehicle lamp of the present invention, preferably, a part of the pressing member is provided as a light shielding portion that shields a part of the light emitted from the light emitting element.

[0022] Thus, the pressing member for pressing the substrate to position the substrate relative to the housing also functions as a light shielding portion that shields a portion of light emitted from the light emitting element.

[0023] Fifth, in the vehicle lamp of the present invention, it is preferred that the effective incident area of ​​the imaging light in the imaging element is formed into a shape having a long side direction and a short side direction, and the imaging element is arranged in an orientation with the long side direction of the effective incident area becoming a vertical direction.

[0024] This makes it possible to capture a vertically long image using the camera module, thereby ensuring a sufficient viewing angle in the up and down directions.

[0025] Sixthly, in the vehicle lamp of the present invention, it is preferable that an optical axis of the camera module is inclined downward from a horizontal direction.

[0026] This increases the imaging range on the lower side of the camera module.

[0027] Seventh, in the vehicle lamp of the present invention, it is preferred that a transmission window for transmitting shooting light incident on the camera module is formed in the light-transmitting cover, and a light-shielding portion is provided in the light-transmitting cover for blocking the light emitted from the light-emitting element and guided inside the light-transmitting cover from being incident on the transmission window.

[0028] Thus, when light is emitted from the light emitting element, the light guided inside the light-transmitting cover can be blocked from entering the transmission window by the light-shielding portion.

[0029] Eighth, the vehicle shooting device of the present invention includes a camera module, and the shooting range of the camera module is set to an area from the rear to the side including a part of the side of the vehicle body. When the image is shot by the camera module and displayed on the screen, the image distinguishing component is used to cover or make unclear at least a part of the side on the screen, so as to visually distinguish the side from the part other than the side.

[0030] Thus, when photographing with the camera module, the image can be visually confirmed in a state where at least a portion of the side surface of the vehicle body is covered or made unclear.

[0031] Ninth, in the vehicle imaging device of the present invention, it is preferable that a shade that shields a part of the imaging light incident on the camera module is provided as the image distinguishing means.

[0032] Thus, a part of the photographing light is blocked by the shade, and the side surface and the portion other than the side surface can be visually distinguished.

[0033] Tenth, in the vehicle imaging device of the present invention, it is preferable that the housing and the shade are formed integrally.

[0034] Thus, the side surfaces are visually distinguished from portions other than the side surfaces without increasing the number of components.

[0035] Eleventhly, in the vehicle imaging device of the present invention, preferably, a step is formed on the light-transmitting cover as the image distinguishing member.

[0036] Thus, a part of the imaging light incident on the camera module is controlled by the step, and the side surface and the portion other than the side surface can be visually distinguished.

[0037] Twelfth, in the vehicle imaging device of the present invention, it is preferable that a colored portion for adding a predetermined color to the light-transmitting cover is formed as the image distinguishing member.

[0038] Thus, an image in which the side surface is colored can be displayed on the screen, and the side surface can be visually distinguished from portions other than the side surface.

[0039] Thirteenth, in the vehicle imaging device of the present invention, it is preferable that an image processing unit for processing the image captured by the camera module is provided as the image distinguishing means.

[0040] Thus, the side surface and the portion other than the side surface can be visually distinguished through the predetermined image processing by the image processing unit.

[0041] Fourteenth, another vehicle lamp of the present invention is obtained by further providing a light source in the vehicle imaging device.

[0042] Thus, when photographing with the camera module, the image can be visually confirmed in a state where at least a portion of the side surface of the vehicle body is covered or made unclear.

[0043] Fifteenth, the electronic control unit of the present invention has: when shooting with a camera module whose shooting range is set to an area from the rear to the side including a part of the side of the vehicle body, and displaying the image on the screen, at least a part of the side is covered or made unclear on the screen by using an image distinguishing component, so as to visually distinguish the side from the part other than the side.

[0044] Thus, when photographing with the camera module, the image can be visually confirmed in a state where at least a portion of the side surface of the vehicle body is covered or made unclear.

[0045] Sixteenth, another vehicle-use photographing device of the present invention comprises: an outer frame, which is composed of a shell with an opening and a translucent cover that blocks the opening; a camera module, which has a photographing element and is arranged inside the outer frame; a nozzle, which has a discharge hole for discharging a fluid, and a transmission window is formed in the translucent cover for transmitting photographing light incident on the camera module, and the discharge hole faces the transmission window.

[0046] As a result, the fluid discharged from the nozzle is blown onto the transmission window, and foreign matter attached to the transmission window is removed.

[0047] Seventeenth, in the vehicle imaging device according to the other aspect of the present invention, a light emitting element functioning as a light source for emitting light is preferably arranged inside the outer frame.

[0048] As a result, light emitted from the light emitting element is irradiated to the outside.

[0049] Eighteenth, in the above-mentioned another vehicle imaging device according to the present invention, it is preferable that the housing and the nozzle are formed integrally.

[0050] As a result, the fluid is discharged from the nozzle integrally provided in the housing.

[0051] Nineteenth, in the vehicle imaging device according to another aspect of the present invention, it is preferable that high-pressure air is used as the fluid.

[0052] Thereby, various foreign matters including liquid attached to the transmission window can be removed.

[0053] Twentiethly, in the vehicle imaging device according to the other aspect of the present invention, it is preferable that a waterproofing treatment is applied to at least the outer surface of the transmissive cover in the transmissive window.

[0054] This makes it difficult for water droplets to adhere to the transmissive window.

[0055] Twenty-first, in the vehicle imaging device according to another aspect of the present invention, it is preferred that the discharge of the fluid from the nozzle is performed when the engine of the vehicle is started.

[0056] Thus, foreign matter attached to the transmission window can be removed every time before the vehicle starts traveling.

[0057] Twenty-second, in the vehicle imaging device according to another aspect of the present invention, it is preferred that the fluid is discharged from the nozzle when input to a rear gear of the vehicle.

[0058] Thus, foreign matter attached to the transmission window can be removed every time before the vehicle starts to travel backward.

[0059] Effects of the Invention

[0060] According to the present invention, since the camera module and the light emitting element are arranged on the substrate arranged inside the outer frame, the number of components is small, and the number of components can be reduced and miniaturization can be achieved. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0061] Figure 1 and Figures 2 to 36 The embodiment of the present invention is shown together with a perspective view of a vehicle in the figure.

[0062] Figure 2 It is an exploded perspective view of a vehicle lamp.

[0063] Figure 3 This is an enlarged perspective view of a vehicle lamp with its internal structure indicated by dotted lines.

[0064] Figure 4 This is an enlarged perspective view of a vehicle lamp in which a part of the internal structure is indicated by solid lines.

[0065] Figure 5 It is along Figure 3 Cross-sectional view of the V-V line.

[0066] Figure 6 It is an enlarged top view of the shell.

[0067] Figure 7 It is an enlarged rear view of the shell.

[0068] Figure 8 It is the front view of the light shield.

[0069] Fig. 9 It is a vertical cross-sectional view of the light-transmitting cover.

[0070] Fig.10 It is a horizontal cross-section of the light shield.

[0071] Fig.11 It is a front view showing a substrate and various parts arranged on the substrate.

[0072] Fig.12 It is a rear view showing the substrate and various parts arranged on the substrate.

[0073] Fig.13 It is a top view of the pressing component.

[0074] Fig.14 This is a block diagram showing the relationship between the camera module, ECU, and display.

[0075] Fig.15 This is an enlarged perspective view showing an example in which a heater is arranged on the outer peripheral side of the transmission window.

[0076] Fig.16 This is a cross-sectional view showing a vehicle lamp divided into two substrates.

[0077] Fig.17 is a side view showing the viewing angle of the camera module.

[0078] Fig.18 It is a cross-sectional view showing the function of the light shielding portion provided in the light-transmitting cover.

[0079] Fig.19 The diagram shows the states before and after the side surface displayed on the image is covered.

[0080] Fig. 20 This is a perspective view showing an example in which a light shield is provided on the housing as an image distinguishing member.

[0081] Fig.21 This is a perspective view showing another example in which a light shield is provided on a housing as an image distinguishing member.

[0082] Fig. 22 The diagram shows the states before and after the outer edge displayed on the side of the image is covered.

[0083] Fig.23 This is a perspective view showing an example in which a step is formed on the light-transmitting cover as an image differentiating member.

[0084] Fig.24 The diagram shows a state where the side surface displayed on the image is clear and a state where it is unclear.

[0085] Fig.25 This is a perspective view showing an example in which a colored portion is formed on the light-transmitting cover as an image differentiating member.

[0086] Fig.26 This is a block diagram showing an example in which an image processing unit is provided as image distinguishing means.

[0087] Fig. 27 The diagram shows a state before the side surface displayed on the image is processed and a state where a computer graphic image is superimposed on the side surface.

[0088] Fig.28 This is a diagram showing an example in which the side surface is covered with a light-transmitting cover.

[0089] Fig.29 This is a perspective view showing a state in which a vehicle lamp and a high-pressure air generating unit are connected by piping.

[0090] Fig.30 It is a diagram showing the internal structure of the high-pressure air generating unit.

[0091] Fig.31 This is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a state where the piston is located at the top dead center.

[0092] Fig.32 This is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a state where the piston is located at the bottom dead center.

[0093] Fig.33 and Fig.34 as well as Fig.35 Together with the operation of the high-pressure air generating unit, this figure is a cross-sectional view showing the initial state.

[0094] Fig.34 This is a cross-sectional view showing a state where the piston moves between the top dead center and the bottom dead center.

[0095] Fig.35 This is a cross-sectional view showing a state where the piston has moved to the bottom dead center.

[0096] Fig.36 This is a plan view showing an example in which the nozzles are provided from the rear surface portion to the bottom surface portion of the casing. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0097] Hereinafter, the mode for implementing the present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings. In addition, in the following description, symbols indicating directions are given to the referenced drawings as needed. Hereinafter, directions of the vehicle lamp when it is installed on the vehicle body are shown, with U indicating the upper direction, D indicating the lower direction, F indicating the front direction, B indicating the rear direction, L indicating the left direction, and R indicating the right direction.

[0098] The following embodiment is an application of the present invention to a side turn signal lamp. In addition, the application scope of the present invention is not limited to the side turn signal lamp, and can be widely applied to various vehicle lamps such as headlights, clearance lamps, taillights, turn signal lamps, brake lights, daytime running lights, turn signals, emergency lights, position lights, taillights, fog lights, high-mounted brake lights, footlights, or combination lamps thereof, vehicle camera devices related thereto, and electronic control units related thereto as long as the camera module is disposed therein.

[0099] The vehicle lamps 1, 1 also function as vehicle camera devices and are mounted on the left and right side surfaces 102, 102 of a vehicle body 101 in the vehicle 100, respectively (see FIG. Figure 1 ). In addition, a structure that functions only as a vehicle camera may be installed on the vehicle body 101. In this case, although a camera module described later is disposed inside the vehicle camera for photographing, a light source for emitting light is not disposed.

[0100] As described above, the vehicle lamp 1 also functions as a vehicle camera, and can use a camera module to capture, for example, an area from the rear to the side of the vehicle 100. The image (video) captured by the camera module is displayed on each screen of the display 200, 200 arranged in the vehicle cabin. The image on the left and the image on the right are displayed on each screen of the display 200, 200. In addition, a display 200 may be provided in the vehicle cabin, and two screens may be used on the display 200 to display the image on the left and the image on the right, respectively.

[0101] The driver can grasp the conditions of the area from the rear to the side by visually checking the left and right images displayed on the respective screens of the displays 200 , 200 , and drive according to the grasped conditions.

[0102] As described above, the vehicle lamps 1 , 1 can capture images of the area from the rear to the sides of the vehicle 100 , and therefore, the vehicle 100 is not provided with side mirrors, thereby achieving miniaturization.

[0103] The vehicle lamp 1 includes a housing 2 and a light-transmitting cover 3 (see Figures 2 to 5 The housing 2 and the light-transmitting cover 3 form an outer frame 4, and the inner space of the outer frame 4 is formed as a lamp chamber 5.

[0104] The housing 2 is formed of, for example, a resin material, and includes a box portion 6 opened laterally, a cover mounting portion 7 provided continuously to the opening edge of the box portion 6, and a protruding portion 8 protruding laterally from the box portion 6, and these parts are integrally formed.

[0105] The box portion 6 includes an upper portion 9 facing the up-down direction, a lower portion 10 facing the up-down direction, a front portion 11 facing approximately the front-to-back direction, a rear portion 12 facing the front-to-back direction, and a bottom portion 13 facing the left-to-right direction. The side edges of each of the upper portion 9, the lower portion 10, the front portion 11, and the rear portion 12 are continuous with the periphery of the bottom portion 13.

[0106] The front portion 11 is set in a state where it is slightly inclined downward relative to the vertical direction (see Figure 6 ), in the left-right direction, the end 11a on the bottom portion 13 side (inner side) is inclined slightly to the rear side than the end 11b on the opposite side (outer side) of the bottom portion 13 (refer to Figure 5 A placement opening 11c is formed on the end 11a side of the front portion 11 and extends through the front and rear. Positioning protrusions 14, 14 are provided on the upper and lower ends of the inner surface of the front portion 11 and protrude toward the rear, respectively (see Figure 2 as well as Figure 5 ).

[0107] The positioning protrusions 14, 14 respectively have receiving surfaces 14a, 14a facing rearward and pressing surfaces 14b, 14b facing upward or downward.

[0108] On the inner surface of the bottom portion 13, restricting protrusions 13a, 13a are provided in a spaced relationship up and down (see Figure 2 , Figure 5 as well as Figure 7 ).

[0109] The cover mounting portion 7 includes a base portion 15 that is substantially flat and faces the left-right direction, and bulging portions 16, 16 that bulge upward or downward from the side edges of the upper surface portion 9 and the lower surface portion 10. A screw insertion hole 15a is formed substantially in the center of the base portion 15. The front ends of the bulging portions 16, 16 are respectively continuous with the rear ends of the outer periphery of the base portion 15. A positioning rib 17 that protrudes laterally is provided at a position from the bulging portions 16, 16 to the outer periphery of the base portion 15. The positioning rib 17 is formed as a whole in a concave shape that opens toward the rear.

[0110] The protruding portion 8 protrudes laterally from the front portion 11. The protruding portion 8 is inclined in the same direction as the front portion 11 with respect to the up-down direction and the left-right direction, and is slightly inclined downward with respect to the vertical direction, and is inclined in the left-right direction so that the end on the front portion 11 side is slightly behind the front end.

[0111] In the housing 2, for example, a nozzle 18 is integrally formed with the rear surface portion 12. The nozzle 18 has a function of discharging a fluid described later toward a predetermined portion of the translucent cover 3, and includes a discharge portion 19 and a connecting tube portion 20 continuous with the discharge portion 19.

[0112] One side end surface of the discharge portion 19 is flush with one side end surface of the rear surface portion 12. The discharge portion 19 has a discharge hole 19a. The opening of the discharge hole 19a is formed in a vertically elongated shape.

[0113] The connecting cylinder 20 is separated from the rear portion 12 and is located on the rear side of the rear portion 12. An annular engaging protrusion 20a bulging outward is provided on the connecting cylinder 20. One end of a pipe described later, such as rubber or resin, is connected to the connecting cylinder 20, and the pipe is tightly engaged with the engaging protrusion 20a to prevent the pipe from falling off the nozzle 18.

[0114] As described above, by integrally forming the housing 2 and the nozzle 18 , the fluid is discharged from the nozzle 18 integrally provided in the housing 2 , thereby achieving a simplified structure of the vehicle lamp 1 and a reduced manufacturing cost of the vehicle lamp 1 due to a reduced number of components.

[0115] The light-transmitting cover 3 is formed of a transparent material such as resin or glass, and is generally in the shape of a bowl that is open to the side, and the front-to-back length is longer than the top-to-bottom length and the left-to-right length (see Figure 2 , Figure 5 , Figure 8 , Fig. 9 as well as Fig.10 The light-transmitting cover 3 includes a curved surface portion 21 located in the center in the vertical direction, an exit surface portion 22 continuous with the rear end of the curved surface portion 21, a flat surface portion 23 continuous with the rear end of the exit surface portion 22, and side surfaces 24, 24 continuous with upper and lower side edges of the curved surface portion 21, the exit surface portion 22, and the flat surface portion 23, respectively.

[0116] The curved surface portion 21 is formed in a curved surface shape that becomes convex toward the outer side of the vehicle, and the curvature of the front half is larger than that of the rear half.

[0117] The exit surface portion 22 is inclined toward the side surface 102 of the vehicle body 101 as it goes toward the rear. Optical steps 22a, 22a, and ··· . Optical steps 22a, 22a, ··· The light emitted from the light emitting element (light source) described later is controlled by the optical steps 22a, 22a, and 22b. ··· Control and irradiate the specified area.

[0118] The flat surface 23 is slightly inclined forward and backward relative to the left and right directions, and the edge continuous with the exit surface 22 is slightly located in front of the edge farthest from the exit surface 22. The flat surface 23 is provided with a transmission window 23a without a step, and the transmission window 23a is formed, for example, in an elliptical shape that is long in the vertical direction. In addition, the transmission window 23a can be formed in other shapes such as an elliptical shape as long as it is long in the vertical direction and is line-symmetrical in the vertical direction. In addition, the transmission window 23a is located in an area that does not hinder the viewing angle of the camera module described later.

[0119] A light shielding portion 25 is formed at a position covering the outer periphery of the transmission window 23a of the flat surface portion 23. The light shielding portion 25 is formed in a black strip shape, for example, and is embedded in the flat surface portion 23. As the light shielding portion 25, a material that absorbs light and shields light may be used, or a material that reflects light and shields light may be used. The discharge hole 19a is inclined toward the transmission window 23a, such as Figure 5 As shown, the extending direction of the discharge hole 19a is inclined at an angle θ relative to the surface of the transmission window 23a, and the line segment X inclined at the angle θ intersects the transmission window 23a. By making the extending direction of the discharge hole 19a inclined at an angle θ relative to the surface of the transmission window 23a and intersecting the transmission window 23a with the line segment X, the high-pressure air discharged from the discharge hole 19a, which will be described later, can be blown to the surface of the transmission window 23a, and foreign matter attached to the transmission window 23a can be reliably removed.

[0120] Steps 3a, 3a, 3b are formed in a predetermined shape on the inner surface of the light-transmitting cover 3 except for the emission surface portion 22 and the transmission window 23a. ··· . Steps 3a, 3a, ··· It has the function of diffusing light, using steps 3a, 3a, ··· , so that the light incident from the outside to the light-transmitting cover 3 is diffused, and it is difficult to visually confirm the structure arranged inside the outer frame 4. Therefore, by forming steps 3a, 3a, ··· , thereby achieving an improvement in the appearance design of the vehicle lamp 1.

[0121] like Figure 5 As shown, the light-transmitting cover 3 is fitted on the positioning ribs 17 and abuts against the cover mounting portion 7 of the housing 2 , and is mounted on the cover mounting portion 7 by bonding, laser welding, or the like while being positioned on the positioning ribs 17 .

[0122] When the light-transmitting cover 3 is mounted on the cover mounting portion 7, the opening of the discharge hole 19a formed in the discharge portion 19 of the nozzle 18 is located near the transmission window 23a of the light-transmitting cover 3 (see Figure 3 as well as Figure 5 ).

[0123] Furthermore, as described above, the curved surface portion 21 of the light-transmitting cover 3 is formed in a curved surface shape that is convex toward the outside, and is formed in a shape that is less susceptible to wind resistance generated when the vehicle 100 is traveling.

[0124] A substrate 26 is disposed inside the outer frame 4 (see Figure 3 as well as Figure 5 The substrate 26 is formed in a substantially rectangular shape that is oriented in the front-rear direction and is long in the left-right direction. A wiring pattern (not shown) is formed on the substrate 26. A connector 27 is disposed at one end in the long side direction of the front face 26a of the substrate 26 (see Figure 2 as well as Fig.11 The connector 27 is provided to protrude forward from the substrate 26, and has functions such as inputting power and outputting signals of images (video) captured by a camera module described later. The connector 27 is connected to a connection terminal (not shown) on the vehicle 100 side.

[0125] Resistor elements 28, 28, and 28 are disposed on the front surface 26a of the substrate 26. The resistor elements 28, 28, and 28 have a function of controlling the current of a light emitting element described later.

[0126] On the rear surface 26b of the substrate 26, light emitting elements 29, 29 (see Figure 2 as well as Fig.12 The light emitting elements 29, 29 are arranged at the end portion on the opposite side to the end portion on the side where the connector 27 is arranged in the longitudinal direction of the substrate 26. As the light emitting elements 29, 29, for example, a light emitting diode (LED) is used.

[0127] A camera module 30 is mounted on the rear surface 26b of the substrate 26. The camera module 30 is located at the end of the side close to the light emitting elements 29, 29 in the long side direction of the substrate 26, and is in a state of protruding backward from the substrate 26. The camera module 30 includes a substantially cylindrical lens barrel 31, a single or multiple lenses 32 held in the lens barrel 31, and an imaging element 33 arranged on the substrate 26. The lens barrel 31 of the camera module 30 is mounted on the substrate 26 by screw fixing or the like.

[0128] The imaging element 33 is formed in a rectangular shape and is mounted on the substrate 26 with the long side direction being the vertical direction. Therefore, the imaging element 33 is arranged in a direction with the long side direction of the effective incident area of ​​the imaging light incident during imaging being the vertical direction. In addition, the imaging element 33 may be arranged in a state where it is tilted upward or downward within a certain range, for example, an angle range of 30° relative to the vertical direction.

[0129] Control elements (electronic components) 34, 34, such as diodes and capacitors are arranged on the front surface 26a and the rear surface 26b of the substrate 26.··· (Refer to Fig.11 as well as Fig.12 ). Using control elements 34, 34, ··· , resistor elements 28 , 28 , 28 , wiring patterns, etc. form a control circuit on the substrate 26 .

[0130] In addition, it is desirable that the control elements 34, 34, ··· The resistor elements 28, 28, 28 are arranged as far away from the light emitting elements 29, 29 and the camera module 30 as possible within a range where the substrate 26 does not become unnecessarily large. ··· The resistor elements 28, 28, 28 are arranged at a position away from the light emitting elements 29, 29 and the camera module 30, which can reduce the number of control elements 34, 34, ··· The influence of the heat generated by the resistor elements 28 , 28 , 28 on the light emitting elements 29 , 29 and the camera module 30 can ensure a good driving state of the light emitting elements 29 , 29 and the camera module 30 .

[0131] As described above, on the substrate 26, the connector 27 and the light emitting elements 29, 29 are respectively arranged on the front surface 26a and the rear surface 26b which are opposite sides, the connector 27 is arranged at one end in the long side direction, and the light emitting elements 29, 29 are arranged at the other end in the long side direction.

[0132] Therefore, on the substrate 26, there is no connector 27 on the opposite side of the part where the light-emitting elements 29, 29 are arranged, so the heat generated by the light-emitting elements 29, 29 when driven is fully released from the part on the opposite side of the part where the light-emitting elements 29, 29 are arranged on the front 26a, and a good driving state (light-emitting state) of the light-emitting elements 29, 29 can be ensured by improving the heat dissipation.

[0133] In addition, since the front end of the camera module 30 mounted on the substrate 26 is located behind the light emitting elements 29, 29, it is difficult for light emitted from the light emitting elements 29, 29 to enter the interior of the camera module 30, which can improve the quality of the image taken by the camera module 30.

[0134] Furthermore, in the vehicle lamp 1, light emitting elements 29, 29 are arranged, and a camera module 30 is mounted on a substrate 26 for supplying power to the light emitting elements 29, 29, and the substrate 26 is shared as a substrate for supplying power to both the light emitting elements 29, 29 and the camera module 30. In particular, in the vehicle lamp 1, a power circuit (GND, VCC) can be used as a common line.

[0135] Therefore, the number of components can be reduced, and the internal space of the outer frame 4 can be reduced, so that the vehicle lamp 1 can be miniaturized and the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

[0136] In addition, light emitting elements 29 , 29 and a camera module 30 are arranged on the rear surface 26 b of the substrate 26 . The light emitting elements 29 , 29 and the camera module 30 are arranged on the same surface of the substrate 26 .

[0137] In this way, since the light-emitting elements 29, 29 and the camera module 30 are arranged on the same surface of the substrate 26, the wiring patterns related to the light-emitting elements 29, 29 and the wiring patterns related to the camera module 30 can be formed close to or shared, the formation of the substrate 26 becomes easy, and the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

[0138] As described above, the substrate 26 on which the connector 27, the light emitting elements 29, 29, and the camera module 30 are arranged is inserted into the box portion 6 of the housing 2 from the end side where the connector 27 is arranged and arranged in the housing 2 (see Figure 5 ). One end surface of the substrate 26 in the longitudinal direction (left-right direction) abuts against the limiting protrusions 13a, 13a provided on the bottom surface 13, and is positioned relative to the housing 2 in the longitudinal direction. In addition, the upper and lower ends of the front surface 26a of the substrate 26 are respectively in contact with the receiving surfaces 14a, 14a of the positioning protrusions 14, 14 of the front surface 11, thereby being positioned relative to the housing 2 in the thickness direction (front-back direction).

[0139] The upper and lower surfaces of the base plate 26 are respectively in contact with and pressed by the pressing surfaces 14 b , 14 b of the positioning protrusions 14 , 14 of the front portion 11 , thereby positioning the base plate 2 in the short-side direction (vertical direction) relative to the housing 2 .

[0140] When the substrate 26 is inserted into the box portion 6, the front end portion of the connector 27 is located at the configuration opening 11c formed in the front portion 11, the camera module 30 is located laterally (outside) of the rear portion 12, and when the light-transmitting cover 3 is installed in the housing 2, the lens 32 located at the rearmost side is located opposite to the transmission window 23a of the light-transmitting cover 3.

[0141] In addition, when the substrate 26 is inserted into the box portion 6, the front end portion of the connector 27 is located in the placement opening 11c formed in the front portion 11 and does not protrude forward from the front portion 11. Although the box portion 6 of the housing 2 is inserted into the insertion hole 102a formed in the side surface 102 when the vehicle lamp 1 is installed on the vehicle body 101, since the connector 27 does not protrude forward from the front portion 11, when the box portion 6 is inserted into the insertion hole 102a, the connector 27 does not contact the side surface 102. Therefore, the vehicle lamp 1 can be installed on the vehicle body 101 smoothly and easily, and the workability in the installation operation of the vehicle lamp 1 on the vehicle body 101 can be improved.

[0142] As described above, since the front portion 11 and the protruding portion 8 connected to the front portion 11 are slightly inclined downward relative to the vertical direction, the substrate 26 is arranged along the front portion 11 and the protruding portion 8 in a state slightly inclined downward relative to the vertical direction (see Figure 7 ). Therefore, when the vehicle lamp 1 is mounted on the vehicle body 101, the optical axis P of the camera module 30 is slightly inclined downward with respect to the horizontal direction.

[0143] In addition, as described above, the front portion 11 and the protruding portion 8 are inclined in the left-right direction so that the inner end is slightly closer to the rear side than the outer end. Therefore, the base plate 26 is also arranged in a state inclined along the front portion 11 and the protruding portion 8 in the left-right direction (see Figure 5 Therefore, when the vehicle lamp 1 is mounted on the vehicle body 101, the optical axis P of the camera module 30 is slightly inclined outward with respect to the front-rear direction.

[0144] When the substrate 26 is inserted into the box portion 6 , the end portion of the substrate 26 on the camera module 30 side in the longitudinal direction is located slightly laterally (outwardly) relative to the protruding portion 8 .

[0145] In addition, the substrate 26 is formed of a dark color such as black, navy blue, or green. By forming the substrate 26 with a dark color, the light emitted from the light emitting elements 29, 29 is difficult to be reflected on the substrate 26, and unnecessary reflection of light can be prevented. In particular, since the light emitted from the light emitting elements 29, 29 is difficult to be reflected on the substrate 26, the light emitted from the light emitting elements 29, 29 is difficult to be incident on the camera module 30, and the quality of the image captured by the camera module 30 can be improved.

[0146] A pressing member 35 is disposed inside the outer frame 4, and the substrate 26 is pressed by the pressing member 35. The pressing member 35 is formed by integrally forming each part with a resin material, and includes a pressing portion 36 and a functional portion 37 (see Figure 2 , Figure 5 as well as Fig.13 ).

[0147] The pressing portion 36 is formed as a box shape that opens to the side as a whole, and has a base surface portion 38 formed in a curved surface shape, opposing surface portions 39, 39 that protrude to the side (inside) from the upper and lower ends of the base surface portion 38, and a mounted shaft portion 40 that protrudes from the base surface portion 38 in the same direction as the opposing surface portion 39. The base surface portion 38 is formed in a curved surface shape that becomes convex approximately to the side (outside). The opposing surface portions 39, 39 are located at opposite positions in the up-down direction. The mounted shaft portion 40 protrudes from the approximately central portion of the base surface portion 38 and is formed in a cylindrical shape.

[0148] The functional portion 37 includes a base portion 41 facing the front-to-back direction, pressing portions 42, 42 protruding forward from the upper and lower end edges of the base portion 41 and facing the up-down direction, connecting portions 43, 43 protruding upward or downward from the front edges of the pressing portions 42, 42, and a covering portion 44 continuously arranged with the side edge (outer edge) of one side of the base portion 41.

[0149] The length of the pressing surface parts 42, 42 in the left-right direction is longer than that of the base surface part 41 in the left-right direction, and a part thereof protrudes laterally (inwardly) from the base surface part 41. Contact surfaces 42a, 42a are formed at the rear of the pressing surface parts 42, 42 at the part continuous with the base surface part 41. The contact surface 42a is located at the substantially center part of the pressing surface part 42 in the left-right direction, and is arranged to face backward.

[0150] Two pressing protrusions 42b, 42b are provided on the front of the pressing surface portions 42, 42, respectively, separated from each other on the left and right sides. ··· The pressing protrusion 42b is formed in, for example, a hemispherical shape that is convex toward the front.

[0151] The connecting surface parts 43, 43 are formed in a shape extending to the left and right, and are provided in a state facing the front-rear direction.

[0152] The cover surface 44 is formed in a semicircular arc shape and is open to the side (inside). The cover surface 44 is continuous with the base surface 41 and the pressing surfaces 42, 42, and a circular shooting hole 35a is formed in the pressing member 35 by the base surface 41 and the cover surface 44.

[0153] The front end of one left-right end of the pressing surface 42 of the functional portion 37 and one left-right end of the covering surface 44 are connected to the rear end of the base surface 38 by connecting protrusions 45, 45, 45. The connecting protrusions 45, 45, 45 are spaced apart from each other.

[0154] One end of the connecting surface 43 of the functional portion 37 in the left-right direction is connected to the rear end of the facing surface 39 by the connecting portion 46. The connecting portion 46 protrudes from the rear end of one end of the facing surface 39 in the left-right direction.

[0155] In the pressing member 35, light-transmitting holes 35b, 35b are formed between the connecting protrusions 45, 45, 45, and are separated from each other in the front-back direction. The light-transmitting holes 35b, 35b allow the light emitted from the light-emitting elements 29, 29 to pass through them respectively. Therefore, the parts around the light-transmitting holes 35b, 35b in the pressing member 35 function as light-shielding parts that shield part of the light emitted from the light-emitting elements 29, 29.

[0156] In this way, the pressing member 35 is provided with a light shielding portion that shields a portion of the light emitted from the light emitting elements 29, 29. Therefore, the pressing member 35 for pressing the substrate 26 to position it relative to the housing 2 also functions as a shade that shields a portion of the light emitted from the light emitting elements 29, 29, and the reduction in the number of components of the vehicle lamp 1 can simplify the structure and reduce the manufacturing cost.

[0157] The pressing member 35 is arranged inside the outer frame 4 in a state where the pressing member 35 is partially inserted into the box portion 6 of the housing 2 except for a part thereof (see Figure 5 The pressing member 35 is mounted on the housing 2 by screwing a mounting screw 500 inserted through a screw insertion hole 15 a formed in the base 15 into the mounted shaft portion 40 .

[0158] When a portion of the pressing component 35 is inserted into the box portion 6, an end surface on one side of the long side direction of the substrate 26 is pressed laterally (inwardly) by a portion of the base surface portion 38 of the pressing component 35, and an end surface on the other side of the long side direction of the substrate 26 is pressed against the limiting protrusions 13a, 13a provided on the bottom surface portion 13 of the shell 2, thereby completing the positioning of the substrate 26 relative to the shell 2 in the long side direction.

[0159] When a portion of the pressing member 35 is inserted into the box portion 6, the contact surfaces 42a, 42a contact the inner surface of the rear portion 12 in the housing 2, and the rear portion 12 is pressed backward by the pressing member 35. The pressing member 35 receives a reaction force forward from the rear portion 12. Due to the reaction force from the rear portion 12 to the pressing member 35, the substrate 26 is pressed by the protrusions 42b, 42b, ··· By pressing forward, the upper and lower ends of the front surface 26a of the substrate 26 are pressed against the receiving surfaces 14a, 14a of the positioning protrusion 14. Thus, the positioning of the substrate 26 in the thickness direction (front-rear direction) is completed.

[0160] As described above, the vehicle lamp 1 is provided with the pressing member 35 which is arranged inside the outer frame 4 and attached to the housing 2 , and the pressing member 35 presses the substrate 26 to position it relative to the housing 2 .

[0161] Therefore, by installing the pressing component 35 on the shell 2, the substrate 26 is positioned relative to the shell 2, so that the substrate 26 can be easily positioned relative to the shell 2, and the light-emitting elements 29, 29 and the camera module 30 arranged on the substrate 26 can be easily and reliably arranged in the required orientations.

[0162] When the substrate 26 is positioned relative to the housing 2 by the pressing member 35, the light emitting elements 29, 29 are respectively located opposite to the light transmission holes 35b, 35b of the pressing member 35, and the light emitting elements 29, 29, the light transmission holes 35b, 35b, and the light exit surface 22 of the light transmission cover 3 are arranged in sequence in the front-to-back direction. In addition, the light exit surface 22 is in a state of being inclined relative to the optical axes of the light emitting elements 29, 29.

[0163] In addition, when the substrate 26 is positioned relative to the housing 2 using the pressing component 35, the camera module 30 is located directly in front of the shooting hole 35a of the pressing component 35, and the camera module 30, the shooting hole 35a, and the transmissive window 23a of the light-transmitting cover 3 are arranged in sequence in the front-to-back direction.

[0164] Although the shooting light that has passed through the transmission window 23a enters the lens 32 of the camera module 30 through the shooting hole 35a during shooting, the rear surface 12 of the housing 2 located just horizontal to the transmission window 23a is not provided with the positioning rib 17. Therefore, the shooting light is not blocked by a part of the housing 2 when passing through the transmission window 23a, and the angle of view required by the camera module 30 can be easily set.

[0165] Furthermore, when the substrate 26 is positioned relative to the housing 2 by the pressing component 35, a portion of the housing 2 including the protrusion 8, a portion of the substrate 26, the light emitting elements 29, 29, and the camera module 30 are covered from the side (outside) by the pressing portion 36 of the pressing component 35.

[0166] Therefore, the pressing portion 36 also functions as an extended area for shielding the structure arranged inside the outer frame 4. When the vehicle lamp 1 is visually confirmed from the outside, the structure arranged inside the outer frame 4 is difficult to see even through the translucent cover 3, which can improve the appearance of the vehicle lamp 1.

[0167] In addition, the pressing component 35 positions the substrate 26 relative to the housing 2, and the pressing portion 36 acts as an extended area. There is no need to separately provide a positioning component and an extended area, which can simplify the structure and reduce manufacturing costs by reducing the number of components of the vehicle lamp 1.

[0168] In the vehicle lamp 1 constructed as described above, when light is emitted from the light emitting elements 29, 29, the emitted light passes through the light transmission holes 35b, 35b of the pressing member 35 and enters the emission surface 22 of the light transmission cover 3, and is reflected by the optical steps 22a, 22a, 22b of the emission surface 22. ··· The light is controlled to irradiate the area from the rear to the sides.

[0169] At this time, since the two light emitting elements 29, 29 are disposed vertically and separately in the vehicle lamp 1, it is easy to irradiate light at a prescribed emission angle in the vertical direction. In particular, as the light of the side turn signal lamp, although it is required by law to irradiate light at an angle of more than 15° in the vertical direction with the horizontal direction as a reference, by disposing the two light emitting elements 29, 29 vertically and separately, it is possible to easily and sufficiently irradiate light that satisfies the legal illumination angle. In this way, in the vehicle lamp 1, since it is possible to easily and sufficiently irradiate light that satisfies the legal illumination angle, the optical steps 22a, 22a, 22 of the emission surface portion 22 can also be omitted. ··· formation.

[0170] On the other hand, if the camera module 30 in the vehicle lamp 1 is operated, the camera module 30 takes pictures. The camera module 30 of the vehicle lamp 1 disposed on the left side 102 of the vehicle 100 and the camera module 30 of the vehicle lamp 1 disposed on the right side 102 of the vehicle 100 take pictures. The images (videos) captured by the camera modules 30 and 30 are displayed on the screens of the displays 200 and 200 disposed in the vehicle cabin, respectively, as the left image and the right image.

[0171] When the right camera module 30 and the left camera module 30 are used to take pictures, the photographic light is photoelectrically converted by the photographing elements 33 and 33, respectively, and a photographing signal is sent to the ECU (electronic control unit) 300 (see Fig.14 ECU 300 sends image signals based on the inputted imaging signals to displays 200 and 200 , respectively, and displays the left image and the right image on the respective screens of the right display 200 and the left display 200 , respectively.

[0172] ECU 300 also receives various information related to vehicle 100 , and performs various controls such as engine control, automatic control, drive control, and brake control based on the various information and in accordance with command signals sent from ECU 300 to various components.

[0173] The driver can understand the conditions of the area from the rear to the side by visually checking the left and right images displayed on the screens of the displays 200 , 200 , and can drive according to the understood conditions.

[0174] As described above, the vehicle lamp 1 includes the substrate 26 disposed inside the outer frame 4 , the camera module 30 disposed on the substrate 26 , and the light emitting elements 29 , 29 disposed on the substrate 26 .

[0175] Therefore, instead of configuring a base and a retaining member inside the outer frame 4, a configuration is adopted in which both light-emitting elements 29, 29 and a camera module 30 are configured on a substrate 26 configured inside the outer frame 4. As a result, there are fewer components, and the number of components of the vehicle lamp 1 can be reduced and miniaturized.

[0176] In addition, due to the temperature difference between the inside of the outer frame 4 and the outside of the outer frame 4, fog may be generated on the inner surface of the light-transmitting cover 3. However, for example, the inner surface of the light-transmitting cover 3 may be subjected to anti-fog treatment to eliminate or prevent fog.

[0177] In addition, a heater 47 may be disposed on the outer peripheral side of the transmission window 23a in the flat surface portion 23 of the light-transmitting cover 3 (see Fig.15 The heater 47 is embedded in the light-transmitting cover 3, or is attached to the outer surface or inner surface of the light-transmitting cover 3 by bonding or the like. The heater 47 is supplied with electric power from a control circuit formed on the substrate 26. In addition, as the heater 47, for example, a wire heater that generates heat by supplying electric power can be used.

[0178] By disposing the heater 47 on the light-transmitting cover 3, the snow adhering to the transmission window 23a of the light-transmitting cover 3 can be melted, and the appropriate incidence of the shooting light from the transmission window 23a to the camera module 30 is not hindered by the snow, so that the quality of the image captured by the camera module 30 can be improved. In addition, by disposing the heater 47 on the light-transmitting cover 3, fogging on the inner surface of the light-transmitting cover 3 can also be eliminated or prevented.

[0179] In addition, although the example in which the connector 27, the light emitting elements 29, 29, and the camera module 30 are arranged on one substrate 26 arranged inside the outer frame 4 is shown above, the substrate 26 can also be divided and arranged in a first substrate 26A and a second substrate 26B (see Fig.16 ).

[0180] The first substrate 26A and the second substrate 26B are connected by a flexible printed wiring board 48. The first substrate 26A is arranged in a state facing the front-back direction, and the light emitting elements 29, 29 and the camera module 30 are arranged behind the first substrate 26A. The second substrate 26B is arranged in a state facing the left-right direction in front of the first substrate 26A, and a control circuit is formed on one surface of the second substrate 26B, and a connector 27 is arranged on the other surface. The first substrate 26A and the second substrate 26B are pressed by a pressing member (not shown) and are positioned relative to the housing 2.

[0181] By dividing the substrate 26 into the first substrate 26A and the second substrate 26B and arranging the first substrate 26A and the second substrate 26B in different directions in the front and rear, the portion of the vehicle lamp 1 inserted into the vehicle 100 can be reduced. Therefore, the vehicle lamp 1 can be miniaturized.

[0182] In addition, although the example in which the substrate 26 is divided into two substrates, namely the first substrate 26A and the second substrate 26B, is shown above, the substrate 26 may be divided into three or more substrates and necessary components may be arranged on each substrate.

[0183] In the vehicle lamp 1, as described above, the substrate 26 is arranged along the front portion 11 and the protruding portion 8 in a state slightly inclined downward relative to the vertical direction. When the vehicle lamp 1 is mounted on the vehicle body 101, the optical axis P of the camera module 30 is in a state slightly inclined downward relative to the horizontal direction (see Figure 7 as well as Fig.17 ).

[0184] The viewing angle ω of the camera module 30 in the vertical direction is set to 40°, for example. By tilting the optical axis P obliquely downward relative to the horizontal direction, the viewing angle ω is set to 13° on the upper side and 27° on the lower side based on the horizontal direction.

[0185] By tilting the optical axis P of the camera module 30 downward from the horizontal direction, the shooting range of the camera module 30 on the lower side becomes larger, making it easier to check the condition of the road surface 400 and improving visibility. For example, the visibility of the grooves and parking frames (white lines) near the rear wheels of the vehicle 100 becomes good, especially when driving backward, the convenience is high, and the safety during driving can be improved.

[0186] In addition, since the viewing angle ω of the camera module 30 is set to 13° on the upper side based on the horizontal direction, a sufficient shooting range can be ensured even on the upper side, and visibility for vehicles and pedestrians in the rear is also good, ensuring safety during driving.

[0187] Although the example in which the viewing angle ω of the camera module 30 is set to 40° and the optical axis P is set to 7° downward is shown, the viewing angle ω and the orientation of the optical axis P are not limited to 40° and 7° downward, respectively, and the viewing angle ω and the optical axis P of the camera module 30 can be set arbitrarily as long as good visibility in the up and down directions can be ensured and the safety of the vehicle 100 while driving can be ensured.

[0188] As described above, the imaging element 33 of the camera module 30 is formed in a rectangular shape, and the camera module 30 is mounted on the substrate 26 with its longitudinal direction in the vertical direction, and is arranged with its effective incident area for imaging light in the vertical direction.

[0189] Therefore, a vertically long image can be captured by the camera module 30 , so a sufficient viewing angle in the vertical direction is ensured, and the capturing range of the camera module 30 in the vertical direction becomes larger, thereby achieving improved visibility.

[0190] Furthermore, by configuring the imaging element 33 so that the long side direction of the effective incident area of ​​light is in the vertical direction, it becomes easy to set the aforementioned larger viewing angle of 40 degrees, thereby achieving improved visibility while reducing manufacturing costs.

[0191] In addition, as described above, since the optical axis P of the camera module 30 is tilted downward from the horizontal direction, the camera module 30 is also tilted downward from the horizontal direction accordingly (see FIG. Figure 7 ), but since the transmission window 23a of the light-transmitting cover 3 is formed into an elliptical shape that is long vertically, the lens 32 located at the rear side of the camera module 30 is located at a position opposite to the lower end side of the transmission window 23a (refer to Fig. 9 ).

[0192] Therefore, the imaging light does not pass through the portion other than the transmission window 23 a and enter the lens 32 , and the quality of the image captured by the camera module 30 can be improved.

[0193] In addition, when the transmission window 23a is formed into a circular shape, the transmission window 23a is located at the lower end side of the flat surface portion 23, resulting in a reduction in appearance. However, by forming the transmission window 23a into a shape that is longer in the upper and lower parts and symmetrical in the upper and lower directions, such as an elliptical shape, the transmission window 23a can be positioned symmetrically in the upper and lower directions relative to the flat surface portion 23, thereby achieving an improved appearance.

[0194] Furthermore, by forming the transmissive window 23a into a symmetrical shape in the vertical direction, the same translucent cover 3 can be used in the vehicle lamp 1 arranged on the left side of the vehicle and the vehicle lamp 1 arranged on the right side, thereby reducing the manufacturing cost due to the commonality of components of the vehicle lamp 1.

[0195] In addition, light emitting elements 29, 29 and a camera module 30 are arranged inside the outer frame 4, and light is emitted from the light emitting elements 29, 29, and shooting light is incident on the camera module 30. Although the light emitted from the light emitting elements 29, 29 is irradiated to the outside through the light-transmitting cover 3, there is a possibility that the light emitted from the light emitting elements 29, 29 is guided to the transmission window 23a inside the light-transmitting cover 3 when emitting light (refer to Fig.18 As shown by arrow A).

[0196] Therefore, as described above, the light shielding portion 25 is formed at a position covering the outer periphery of the transmissive window 23 a of the transmissive cover 3 .

[0197] Therefore, when light is emitted from the light emitting elements 29, 29, the shading portion 25 is used to block the light guided inside the light-transmitting cover 3 from being incident on the transmission window 23a, thereby preventing the light emitted from the light emitting elements 29, 29 from being incident on the camera module 30, thereby improving the image quality of the image taken by the camera module 30.

[0198] In addition, in the vehicle lamp 1, as described above, the substrate 26 is arranged in a state of being inclined along the front portion 11 and the protruding portion 8 in the left-right direction, and when the vehicle lamp 1 is mounted on the vehicle body 101, the optical axis P of the camera module 30 is set to be slightly inclined to the outside of the side relative to the front-rear direction (refer to Figure 5 ).

[0199] Therefore, the camera module 30 can be used to capture images of the oblique rear side (outside) from the rear of the vehicle, thereby ensuring good visibility of vehicles, pedestrians, etc. existing in the oblique rear side (outside) from the rear, thereby ensuring driving safety.

[0200] In this way, although the camera module 30 is slightly inclined to the side and outward relative to the front-to-back direction with the optical axis P, the camera module 30 is also set with a certain viewing angle in the left-right direction, and the camera module 30 is used to shoot a portion of the side 102 of the vehicle body 101, and the photographed portion of the side 102 is displayed on the screen of the display 200.

[0201] A portion of the photographed side surface 102 is displayed on the screen of the display 200 , so that the driver or the like can clearly recognize the photographed area when visually checking the photographed image, thereby ensuring safe driving or the like.

[0202] However, due to external environment, the surrounding scenery and road surface may be captured on the side 102 of the vehicle body 101 (see Fig.19 There is a concern that drivers may mistake the captured scenery or road surface for the actual scenery or road surface, thus hindering safe driving.

[0203] Therefore, in order to prevent misidentification, the vehicle lamp 1 is configured as follows: the side surface 102 is covered by the image distinguishing member 50 on the screen of the display 200, or the outer edge of the side surface 102 is emphasized, so as to visually distinguish the side surface 102 from the portion other than the side surface 102.

[0204] Hereinafter, various examples of using the image distinguishing means 50 and various processes performed by the image distinguishing means 50 will be described (refer to Figures 19 to 27 ).

[0205] As a first example of the image distinguishing member 50, a plate-shaped light shield 51 is provided as the image distinguishing member 50 (see Fig. 20 The shade 51 is provided on the housing 2, for example, and protrudes laterally from the rear surface portion 12. The shade 51 blocks the imaging light of the portion where the side surface 102 is to be imaged.

[0206] Therefore, an image whose side surface 102 is covered by the shade 51 can be displayed on the screen of the display 200 (see Fig.19 ), visually distinguishing the side surface 102 from the portion other than the side surface 102.

[0207] In addition, the shade 51 may be provided on, for example, the light-transmitting cover 3 , the pressing member 35 , or the lens barrel 31 of the camera module 30 .

[0208] Alternatively, the shade 51 may be formed in a linear shape covering the outer edge of the side surface 102 (see Fig.21 ), in this case, an image in which the outer edge of the side surface 102 is emphasized by covering it with the shading device 51 can be displayed on the screen of the display 200 (refer to Fig. 22 ), visually distinguishing the side surface 102 from the portion other than the side surface 102.

[0209] As described above, the shading device 51 that blocks a part of the shooting light incident on the camera module 30 is provided as the image distinguishing member 50, so that a part of the shooting light is blocked by the shading device 51, and the side surface 102 and the part other than the side surface 102 are visually distinguished. Therefore, the side surface 102 and the part other than the side surface 102 are visually distinguished by a simple structure, and the manufacturing cost can be reduced by simplifying the structure of the vehicle lamp 1.

[0210] In addition, the shade 51 may be formed integrally with the housing 2. By forming the shade 51 integrally with the housing 2, the side surface 102 and the portion other than the side surface 102 can be visually distinguished without increasing the number of components, and the number of components of the vehicle lamp 1 can be reduced, thereby further simplifying the structure and further reducing the manufacturing cost.

[0211] As a second example of the image distinguishing member 50, as the image distinguishing member 50, steps 52, 52, 53 are formed in the transmission window 23a of the light-transmitting cover 3. ··· Example (see Fig.23 ). The photographing light for photographing the side surface 102 is incident on the steps 52, 52, ··· .

[0212] Therefore, the steps 52, 52, ··· The side surface 102 is displayed as an unclear, so-called blurred image (see Fig.24 ) to visually distinguish the side 102 from the portion other than the side 102.

[0213] As described above, the image distinguishing member 50 includes the steps 52, 52, and 53 for shielding a part of the photographing light incident on the camera module 30. ··· , so that a portion of the photographing light incident on the camera module 30 is reflected by the steps 52, 52, ··· The side surface 102 is visually distinguished from the portion other than the side surface 102 by controlling the side surface 102. Therefore, the side surface 102 can be visually distinguished from the portion other than the side surface 102 by a simple configuration, and the manufacturing cost can be reduced by simplifying the structure of the vehicle lamp 1.

[0214] In addition, the convex portion 3b that functions as a vortex generator may be provided at the outermost portion of the light-transmitting cover 3 in the left-right direction (see Fig.23 By providing the convex portion 3b on the light-transmitting cover 3, turbulence is generated in the air flowing through the surface of the light-transmitting cover 3 when the vehicle 100 is running, and the flowing air easily flows along the transmission window 23a, so that foreign matter attached to the transmission window 23a when the vehicle 100 is running can be removed.

[0215] Fig.23 2 shows the convex portion 23a extending vertically on the light-transmitting cover 3. For example, a plurality of convex portions may be provided vertically and separately.

[0216] As a third example of the image distinguishing member 50, a colored portion 53 is formed in the transmissive window 23a of the light-transmitting cover 3 as the image distinguishing member 50 (see Fig.25 ) The color of the colored portion 53 is arbitrary, and as the material of the colored portion 53, a material through which the photographing light can pass is used.

[0217] Therefore, an image in which the side surface 102 is colored by the coloring unit 53 is displayed on the screen of the display 200 , so that the side surface 102 is visually distinguished from the portion other than the side surface 102 .

[0218] The coloring portion 53 may be formed as a line that colors only the outer edge of the side 102. In this case, on the screen of the display 200, the outer edge of the side 102 is colored by the coloring portion 53 to display an emphasized image, thereby visually distinguishing the side 102 from the portion other than the side 102.

[0219] As described above, the colored portion 53 is formed on the light-transmitting cover 3 as the image distinguishing member 50, so that the image of the side surface 102 is displayed on the screen, and the side surface 102 is visually distinguished from the portion other than the side surface 102. Therefore, the side surface 102 can be visually distinguished from the portion other than the side surface 102 by a simple structure, and the manufacturing cost can be reduced due to the simplification of the structure of the vehicle lamp 1.

[0220] In addition, the coloring portion 53 may not allow the photographing light to pass through, but may be formed by a blocked color or a fully reflected color. In this case, the side surface 102 is not displayed as an image on the screen of the display 200, and the side surface 102 is visually distinguished from the portion other than the side surface 102.

[0221] As a fourth example of the image distinguishing member 50, an example is provided with an image processing unit 54 as the image distinguishing member 50 (see Fig.26 ). The image processing unit 54 may be, for example, a signal processing unit provided in the camera module 30 , or may be the ECU 300 .

[0222] The image processing unit 54 receives the shooting signal and performs a predetermined process based on the shooting signal. The predetermined process includes a process of filling the photographed side surface 102 with a predetermined color, a process of filling the outer edge of the photographed side surface 102 with a predetermined color, a process of generating a computer graphic of the same shape as the photographed side surface 102 and superimposing it on the side surface 102 on the screen, a process of generating a computer graphic of the same shape as the outer edge of the photographed side surface 102 and superimposing it on the outer edge of the side surface 102 on the screen, a process of generating an image of the side surface 102 without being captured in the same shape as the photographed side surface 102 and superimposing it on the side surface 102 on the screen, and the like.

[0223] For example, when a computer graphic having the same shape as the photographed side surface 102 is generated and superimposed on the side surface 102 on the screen, a computer graphic 600 (see FIG. 1 ) generated by the image processing unit 54 is displayed on the screen of the display 200 at the portion where the side surface 102 exists. Fig. 27 ) to visually distinguish the side 102 from the portion other than the side 102.

[0224] As described above, the image processing unit 54 that processes the image captured by the camera module 30 is provided as the image distinguishing member 50, so that the side surface 102 and the portion other than the side surface 102 can be visually distinguished by the predetermined image processing of the image processing unit 54. Therefore, the degree of freedom of the image processing method is improved by the image processing unit 54. On the basis of improving the degree of freedom of design, it is possible to achieve improved visibility of the image displayed on the screen.

[0225] As a fifth example of the image distinguishing member 50, a cover 55 is provided on the display 200 as the image distinguishing member 50 (see Fig.28 The cover 55 includes a frame-shaped mounted portion 55a mounted on the outer frame of the display 200, and a covering portion 55b that covers an image displayed on the side surface 102 of the screen.

[0226] Therefore, the side surface 102 of the screen displayed on the display 200 is covered by the cover portion 55 b of the cover 55 , and the side surface 102 is visually distinguished from the portion other than the side surface 102 .

[0227] In addition, the covering portion 55b of the cover 55 can also be formed into a line that covers the outer edge of the side 102. In this case, the outer edge of the side 102 displayed on the screen of the display 200 is covered by the linear covering portion 55b of the cover 55, visually distinguishing the side 102 from the portion other than the side 102.

[0228] As described above, by providing the cover 55 that covers at least a portion of the side surface 102 of the screen displayed on the display 200 as the image distinguishing member 50 , the side surface 102 can be visually distinguished from the portion other than the side surface 102 with a simple configuration.

[0229] In addition, the display 200 is sometimes pre-assembled as an integral part on, for example, the dashboard of the vehicle 100, but in this case, a covering portion having the same shape as the covering portion 55b can be provided as a part of the dashboard, and at least a portion of the side 102 can be covered by the covering portion provided on the dashboard.

[0230] However, in the vehicle lamp that has a light source and a camera module and uses the camera module to capture images of the area from the rear to the sides, in order to ensure safe driving, the driver is expected to clearly recognize the captured area when visually checking the captured image.

[0231] Therefore, it is desirable to use a camera module to capture a portion of the side surface of the vehicle body and display the captured portion of the side surface on a screen.

[0232] However, if the side of the vehicle body is displayed on the screen, the surrounding scenery and road surface will be captured on the side of the vehicle body due to external environment, etc., and there is a concern that the driver will mistake the captured scenery and road surface for the real scenery and road surface, which will hinder driving.

[0233] Therefore, it is desirable to prevent misrecognition of an image captured by a camera module and captured on the side of the vehicle body.

[0234] As described above, when an image is captured by camera module 30 and displayed on the screen of display 200 , image distinguishing member 50 covers or makes unclear at least a portion of side surface 102 on the screen, thereby visually distinguishing side surface 102 from portions other than side surface 102 .

[0235] Therefore, when shooting with the camera module 30, the image of the display 200 is visually confirmed in a state where at least a portion of the side 102 is covered or made unclear. Therefore, even if the surrounding scenery or road surface is captured by the side 102, the driver and the like will not mistake the captured scenery or road surface for the real scenery or road surface, thereby preventing misunderstanding related to the image captured by the camera module 30 and captured on the side 102.

[0236] In the vehicle lamp 1, as described above, a fluid, such as high-pressure air, is discharged from the nozzle 18. Fig.29 As shown, one end of a pipe 60 is connected to the connecting cylinder 20 of the nozzle 18 , and the other end of the pipe 60 is connected to a high-pressure air generation unit 61 mounted on a part of a vehicle body 101 inside the vehicle 100 .

[0237] The high-pressure air generating unit 61 includes a housing 62 and a moving mechanism 63 disposed inside the housing 62 (see Fig.30 ).

[0238] The interior of the box 62 is formed as a configuration space 64, and the configuration space 64 has a motor configuration part 64a, a worm configuration part 64b, and a gear configuration part 64c. The motor configuration part 64a and the worm configuration part 64b are in a state of front-to-back communication, and the worm configuration part 64b and the gear configuration part 64c are in a state of top-to-bottom communication. A through hole 64d that penetrates front and back is formed at the rear end of the box 62. The through hole 64d communicates with the outside of the box 62 and the gear configuration part 64c.

[0239] The case 62 is provided with a support shaft portion 62a that protrudes laterally, and the support shaft portion 62a is located at the gear placement portion 64c.

[0240] The moving mechanism 63 includes a driving motor 65 , a worm 66 , and a worm wheel 67 .

[0241] The driving motor 65 includes a main body 65 a and a motor shaft 65 b , and the main body 65 a is disposed on the motor placement portion 64 a .

[0242] The worm 66 is connected to and fixed to the motor shaft 65b, and is arranged in the worm arrangement portion 64b.

[0243] The worm gear 67 is formed by integrally forming a driven gear (tooth gear) 68 and a pinion gear 69 provided to protrude laterally from the center of the driven gear 68 (see Fig.30 The worm wheel 67 is disposed in the gear arrangement portion 64 c , and a central portion thereof is supported by the support shaft portion 62 a of the housing 62 via a bearing 70 .

[0244] The driven gear 68 meshes with the worm 66 .

[0245] The pinion 69 is provided coaxially with the driven gear 68, and has an annular portion 71 supported in an externally embedded manner on the bearing 70 and gear portions 72, 72, 72 provided on the outer peripheral side of the annular portion 71. The gear portions 72, 72, 72 are separated and provided at equal intervals along the circumferential direction. The plurality of gear portions 72 are composed of, for example, two gear teeth 72a, 72a. The number of gear teeth 72a of the gear portion 72 is arbitrary, and may be one, or may be three or more.

[0246] The diameter of the tooth tip circle of the pinion gear 69 is smaller than the diameter of the tooth bottom circle of the driven gear 68. The portions between the gear portions 72, 72, 72 are formed as toothless portions 69a, 69a, 69a without gear teeth 72a. The toothless portions 69a are separated at equal intervals in the circumferential direction, and three toothless portions 69a are formed, for example.

[0247] A cylinder 73 is connected to the rear end of the housing 62 (see Fig.30 The cylinder 73 is connected to the housing 62 in a state of protruding rearward. The cylinder 73 is formed by integrally forming a piston support 74 and a connecting protrusion 75 protruding rearward from the piston support 74. The diameter of the piston support 74 is larger than that of the connecting protrusion 75.

[0248] The rear half of the internal space 76 of the piston support portion 74 is set as a first space 76a, and the front half of the internal space 76 is set as a second space 76b (see Fig.31 as well as Fig.32 ).

[0249] In the piston support portion 74, air inlet grooves 74a, 74a extending in the front-rear direction are formed separately in the second space 76b in the circumferential direction (see Fig.31 as well as Fig.32 ).

[0250] The air inflow grooves 74a, 74a are formed in the second space 76b of the piston support portion 74, so that the diameter of the portion of the second space 76b where the air inflow grooves 74a, 74a are formed is slightly larger than the diameter of the first space 76a. The diameter of the portion of the second space 76b where the air inflow grooves 74a, 74a are not formed is set to be the same as the diameter of the first space 76a. In the piston support portion 74, stepped surfaces 76c, 76c are formed at the boundary portions between the first space 76a and the air inflow grooves 74a, 74a (see FIG. 1 ). Fig.32 ).

[0251] An air inflow hole (not shown) is formed in the piston support portion 74 , and external air flows into the air inflow grooves 74 a and 74 a from the air inflow hole.

[0252] The central axis of the connecting protrusion 75 coincides with the central axis of the piston support portion 74 , and the other end of the pipe 3 is connected to the connecting protrusion 75 .

[0253] The piston support portion 74 of the cylinder 73 supports a piston 77 movably (see Fig.30 The piston 77 has a working portion 78 formed in a generally cylindrical shape with a relatively thin front and rear thickness, a connecting portion 79 protruding obliquely forward and upward from the center of the working portion 78, and a circular ring-shaped configuration groove 78a opened to the outside is formed in the working portion 78. The outer diameter of the working portion 78 is slightly smaller than the diameter of the first space 76a in the piston support portion 74. Therefore, a gap 76d is formed between the outer peripheral surface of the working portion 78 and the inner peripheral surface of the piston support portion 74 in the first space 76a.

[0254] The sealing portion 80 is disposed in the arrangement groove 78a. The sealing portion 80 is formed of, for example, rubber or resin that is elastically deformable, and its outer peripheral portion protrudes outward from the outer peripheral surface of the operating portion 78.

[0255] The piston 77 reciprocates in the forward and backward directions between the top dead center and the bottom dead center relative to the cylinder 73. At the top dead center, the entire working portion 78 is located in the first space 76a (see Fig.31 ), at the bottom dead center, the entire sealing portion 80 is located in the second space 76b, and the rear end of the working portion 78 is located in the first space 76a (refer to Fig.32 ).

[0256] The sealing portion 80 of the piston 77 slides on the inner peripheral surface of the cylinder 73 in the first space 76a (see Fig.31 ), the sealing portion 80 slides on the inner peripheral surface of the portion other than the air inlet grooves 74a, 74a of the cylinder body 73 in the second space 76b, and is separated from the inner peripheral surface of the piston support portion 74 in the cylinder body 73 in the portion where the air inlet grooves 74a, 74a are formed (refer to Fig.32). Therefore, when the piston 77 is located at the bottom dead center, the air (external air) flowing into the second space 76b flows toward the first space 76a along the step surfaces 76c, 76c through the gap 76d.

[0257] A rack 81 extending forward and backward is connected to the connection portion 79 of the piston 77. The rack 81 is formed integrally with the piston 77, for example.

[0258] A rack portion 82 is formed at a position close to the front end of the rack 81. The rack portion 82 is composed of, for example, three rack teeth 82a, 82a, 82a. The number of rack teeth 82a of the rack portion 82 is arbitrary, and may be two or less, or may be four or more. The rack 81 is inserted into the insertion hole 64d formed in the housing 62, and the rack portion 82 can mesh with the gear portion 72 of the pinion 69 in the worm wheel 67.

[0259] Between the working portion 78 of the piston 77 and the outer surface of the housing 62, a biasing spring 83 is supported inside the piston support portion 74 in the cylinder 73. The biasing spring 83 is, for example, a compression coil spring, and the piston 77 and the rack 81 are biased rearward by the biasing spring 83. In addition, the moving direction of the piston 77 is such that the direction in which air is sent out, that is, the rear is set as the sending direction, and the piston 77 and the rack 81 are biased in the sending direction by the biasing spring 83.

[0260] The high pressure air generating unit 61 operates as follows (see Figure 33 to Figure 35 ).

[0261] First, the initial state before high pressure air is delivered is described (refer to Fig.33 ).

[0262] In the initial state, the piston 77 is located at the top dead center, and the rack portion 82 of the rack 81 is not meshed with the gear portions 72 , 72 , 72 of the pinion gear 69 , but is located at the toothless portion 69 a .

[0263] In the initial state, when the driving motor 65 starts to drive, the driving force of the driving motor 65 is transmitted to the worm wheel 67 via the worm 66, and the gear portion 72 of the pinion 69 meshes with the rack portion 82 of the rack 81 (see Fig.34 ). Therefore, the rack 81 moves in the direction opposite to the delivery direction against the urging force of the urging spring 83 as the pinion 69 rotates.

[0264] When the rack 81 moves in the direction opposite to the delivery direction as the pinion 69 rotates, the meshing between the gear portion 72 and the rack portion 82 is released at a predetermined position, and the piston 77 is located at the bottom dead center (see Fig.35). When the piston 77 is located at the bottom dead center, as described above, the air (outside air) that has flowed into the second space 76b flows toward the first space 76a along the step surfaces 76c, 76c through the gap 76d.

[0265] The piston 77 that has moved to the bottom dead center is disengaged from the gear portion 72 and the rack portion 82, and therefore moves in the delivery direction at a higher speed than the moving speed in the direction opposite to the delivery direction under the biasing force of the biasing spring 83, and in the first space 76a, the air flowing from the second space 76b is delivered from the piston support portion 74 to the nozzle 18 of the nozzle unit 2 through the connecting protrusion 75. At this time, since the diameter of the connecting protrusion 75 of the cylinder 73 is smaller than the diameter of the piston support portion 74, the air delivered from the piston support portion 74 through the connecting protrusion 75 is compressed to become high-pressure air, and is delivered from the pipe 3 to the nozzle 18, and the high-pressure air is ejected from the nozzle 18 and blown to the transmission window 23a of the light-transmitting cover 3.

[0266] Since the high-pressure air ejected from the nozzle 18 is blown to the transmission window 23a, foreign matters such as dust, mud, and water droplets attached to the transmission window 23a are blown away, thereby eliminating contamination of the transmission window 23a.

[0267] When the piston 77 is stopped at any position and is located near the top dead center, the gear portion 72 of the pinion 69 does not mesh with the rack portion 82 of the rack 81 , and the piston 77 moves to the top dead center under the urging force of the urging spring 83 .

[0268] However, in a vehicle lamp having such a camera module, since the photographing light passes through the transmissive window formed in the translucent cover and enters the camera module, the quality of the image photographed by the camera module and displayed on the screen may be degraded depending on the state of the translucent cover.

[0269] In particular, since the vehicle is driven outdoors, it is affected by the weather and driving conditions, and the light-transmitting cover is more likely to be attached with foreign matter such as rain, dust, and mud. It is necessary to improve the quality of the image displayed on the screen to improve the safety of the vehicle during driving.

[0270] Therefore, it is desirable to improve the quality of images captured by a camera module.

[0271] As described above, in the vehicle lamp 1 , the fluid discharged from the nozzle 18 is blown onto the transmission window 23 a , so that foreign matter such as moisture, dust, and mud adhering to the transmission window 23 a can be removed, and the quality of the image captured by the camera module 30 can be improved.

[0272] In particular, since the vehicle 100 is traveling outdoors, it is affected by the weather and driving conditions, and the light-transmitting cover 3 is more likely to be adhered to by foreign objects such as rain, dust, and mud. This can improve the quality of the image displayed on the screen of the display 200, thereby improving the safety of the vehicle 100 during driving.

[0273] Furthermore, since light emitting elements 29 and 29 for emitting light are arranged inside the outer frame 4 in addition to the camera module 30, the light emitted from the light emitting elements 29 and 29 is irradiated to the outside, and the functionality of the vehicle lamp 1 which also functions as a vehicle imaging device can be improved.

[0274] Furthermore, since high-pressure air is used as the fluid, various foreign matters including liquid attached to the transmission window 23a can be removed, and the quality of the image captured by the camera module 30 can be improved regardless of the type of foreign matter attached to the transmission window 23a.

[0275] In addition, as a fluid, in addition to high-pressure air, a cleaning liquid or liquid such as cleaning water containing other gases, detergents, etc. can also be used. When using liquid as the fluid, a liquid storage tank and a liquid supply device that supplies liquid from the storage tank toward the nozzle 18 are provided instead of the high-pressure air generating unit 61.

[0276] When liquid is used as the fluid, there is a concern that droplets discharged from the nozzle 18 may remain on the transmission window 23a, so it is desirable to use high-pressure air as the fluid so that droplets do not remain on the transmission window 23a. In addition, when liquid is used as the fluid, there is a possibility that the weight of the vehicle 100 increases and the manufacturing cost also increases due to the storage tank or the liquid stored in the storage tank, so it is also desirable to use high-pressure air as the fluid in order to reduce the weight of the vehicle 100 and reduce the manufacturing cost.

[0277] It is also desirable to perform waterproofing on the outer surface of the transmissive window 23a of the light-transmitting cover 3. By performing waterproofing on the outer surface of the transmissive window 23a, it is more difficult for water droplets to adhere to the transmissive window 23a, and the quality of the image captured by the camera module 30 can be further improved.

[0278] Furthermore, the transmission window 23a may be subjected to a hardening coating process. By subjecting the transmission window 23a to a hardening coating process, it is possible to prevent the transmission window 23a from being damaged or scratched, and to further improve the quality of the image captured by the camera module 30.

[0279] The discharge of the fluid from the nozzle 18 is performed, for example, when the engine of the vehicle 100 is started, when a drive signal is output to the light emitting elements 29, 29, when a discharge start switch provided in the vehicle cabin is operated by a driver or other passengers to start the discharge of the fluid, when a rear gear of the gear lever is input, etc. In addition, the discharge of the fluid from the nozzle 18 can be performed, for example, in conjunction with the operation of the windshield wiper of the car, or in conjunction with the discharge of the cleaning fluid. Furthermore, the discharge of the fluid from the nozzle 18 can also be performed at the moment when information about bad weather is obtained from the weather information of the navigation system, or at the moment when a person or vehicle is detected by the rear-view camera in the vehicle 100 equipped with a rear-view camera.

[0280] In particular, by discharging fluid from the nozzle 18 when the engine of the vehicle 100 is started, foreign matter attached to the transmission window 23a can be removed before the vehicle 100 starts driving each time. Therefore, the quality of the image captured by the camera module 30 during driving can be improved, which helps safe driving.

[0281] In addition, by discharging the fluid from the nozzle 18 when inputting into the rear gear of the vehicle 100, foreign matter attached to the transmission window 23a is removed each time before the vehicle 100 starts to travel backward. Therefore, when traveling backward, the quality of the image captured by the camera module 30 can be improved, which contributes to safe driving.

[0282] In addition, although the example in which the nozzle 18 is integrally provided on the rear portion 12 of the housing 2 is shown above, the nozzle 18 may be integrally provided at a position from the rear portion 12 to the bottom portion 13 (see Fig.36 ).

[0283] By integrally providing the nozzle 18 at a position from the rear surface portion 12 to the bottom surface portion 13, the protruding direction of the connecting tube portion 20 of the nozzle 18 is the same direction as the protruding direction of the connector 27 relative to the substrate 26, that is, the forward direction. Therefore, the connection operation between the connection terminal on the vehicle 100 side and the connector 27 and the connection operation between the pipe 60 and the nozzle 18 can be performed from the same direction, and the workability can be improved.

[0284] Description of Reference Numerals

[0285] 1…vehicle lamp (vehicle camera), 2…casing, 3…light-transmitting cover, 4…outer frame, 23a…transmission window, 25…light-shielding portion, 26…substrate, 29…light-emitting element, 30…camera module, 33…photographing element, 35…pressing member, 26A…first substrate, 26B…second substrate, 101…vehicle body, 102…side, 50…image distinguishing member, 51…shade, 52…step, 53…coloring portion, 54…image processing portion, 100…vehicle, 18…nozzle.

Claims

1. A vehicle lamp, comprising: An outer frame, which is composed of a shell with an opening and a light-transmitting cover that blocks the opening; A substrate, which is disposed inside the outer frame; A camera module having a photographing element and disposed on the substrate; a light emitting element, which is provided as a light source and is disposed on the substrate; A pressing component is provided which is arranged inside the outer frame and mounted on the housing. The substrate is pressed by the pressing member and is thereby positioned relative to the housing. The light-transmitting cover is provided with a transmission window through which the photographing light incident on the camera module is transmitted. The pressing member includes: an imaging transmission window through which the imaging light transmitted through the transmission window is incident on the camera module; and a light transmission window through which the light from the light emitting element is transmitted.

2. The vehicle lamp according to claim 1, wherein: The camera module and the light emitting element are arranged on the same surface of the substrate.

3. The vehicle lamp according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The effective incident area of ​​the imaging light in the imaging element is formed into a shape having a long side direction and a short side direction. The imaging element is arranged in an orientation such that the longitudinal direction of the effective incident area is in the vertical direction.

4. The vehicle lamp according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The optical axis of the camera module is tilted downward from a horizontal direction.

5. The vehicle lamp according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The light-transmitting cover is provided with a light-shielding portion that blocks the light emitted from the light-emitting element and guided inside the light-transmitting cover from being incident on the transmission window.

Images