Lens unit and vehicle lamp

Abstract

A lens unit (40) is provided with a plurality of lens members (60, 70, 80) having lens portions (61, 71, 81) that change a divergence angle of transmitted light, and a lens holder (50) having a cylindrical support portion (51) with an opening (51h1) at one end capable of being inserted into each of the plurality of lens members (60, 70, 80). The support portion (51) supports the plurality of lens members (60, 70, 80) in a manner arranged along a central axis (51a) of the support portion (51), and a communication portion (56) that communicates an inner side and an outer side of the support portion 51 and exposes an outer peripheral portion (62, 72, 82) of at least one of the plurality of lens members (60, 70, 80) from the support portion (51) is formed on a side wall of the support portion (51).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to lens units and vehicle lighting fixtures. Background Technology

[0002] Lens units with multiple lenses and lens supports for supporting the multiple lenses are known. For example, a vehicle lamp with such a lens unit is disclosed in Patent Document 1 below.

[0003] The lens unit of Patent Document 1 described below includes multiple lenses and a lens holder with a cylindrical support portion, which supports the multiple lenses in a manner arranged along the central axis of the support portion.

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-021602 Summary of the Invention

[0005] Therefore, in the assembly of the lens unit in Patent Document 1, for example, it is considered to sequentially insert multiple lenses into the support portion from an opening at one end of the support portion and support these lenses on the support portion. With multiple lenses supported on the support portion, the entire outer periphery of the multiple lenses is surrounded by the support portion. Therefore, for example, when holding the lens by its outer periphery with a tool or the operator's fingers while simultaneously inserting the lens into the support portion, the tool or operator's fingers easily come into contact with the support portion, making it difficult to support the lens in the intended position within the support portion.

[0006] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a lens unit and a vehicle lamp that can be easily assembled.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides a lens unit characterized by comprising: a plurality of lens components having a lens portion that varies the divergence angle of transmitted light; a lens support having a cylindrical support portion, an opening at one end of the support portion capable of inserting into each of the plurality of lens components, the support portion supporting the plurality of lens components arranged along the central axis of the support portion, and a connecting portion formed on the side wall of the support portion communicating between the inner and outer sides of the support portion and exposing the outer peripheral portion of at least one of the plurality of lens components from the support portion.

[0008] In this lens unit, when the lens component, which protrudes from the support portion via the connecting portion, is supported on the support portion, it can be moved, for example, by pressing the outer periphery of the lens component via the connecting portion using a tool or the operator's finger. Therefore, according to this lens unit, compared to the case where the connecting portion is not formed, it is easier to support the lens component in a predetermined position within the support portion, and assembly becomes easier.

[0009] Alternatively, at least two of the lens components may be exposed from the connecting portion.

[0010] By adopting this structure, for example, it is easy to set the relative positions of the exposed at least two lens components to a predetermined position, making assembly easier.

[0011] In this case, it is also possible to provide a fitting portion for the group of adjacent lens components of the at least two lens components, such that when viewed along a straight line that intersects the central axis perpendicularly and passes through the center of the connecting portion, the fitting portion coincides with the connecting portion and is located on the side of the connecting portion closer to the central axis than the connecting portion.

[0012] By adopting this structure, compared to the case where no fitting portion is provided between adjacent lens components, misalignment between the relative positions of one lens component and another in a group of lens components can be suppressed. Furthermore, as described above, when viewed along a straight line perpendicular to the central axis and passing through the center of the connecting portion, the fitting portion coincides with the connecting portion and is located on the connecting portion side closer to the central axis than the support portion. Therefore, according to this lens unit, compared to the case where the fitting portion does not coincide with the connecting portion under such observation and the case where the fitting portion is located on the opposite side closer to the connecting portion than the central axis, the fitting portion can be easily identified via the connecting portion, and the fitting portions can be easily fitted together.

[0013] Alternatively, the connecting portion may be a slit extending from one end of the support portion toward the other end.

[0014] By designing the lens component in this way, for example, by allowing the tool or operator's finger to pass through the slit, the lens component can be inserted into the support from the opening at one end and moved while being held. Therefore, assembly becomes easier with this lens unit.

[0015] Alternatively, the lens holder may also have a fixing portion extending from the support portion to the opposite side of the central axis and fixed to other components, and a reinforcing plate extending from the fixing portion in a direction not perpendicular to the central axis and connected to the outer peripheral surface of the support portion, wherein the reinforcing plate coincides with the communicating portion in the circumferential direction of the support portion.

[0016] By forming a connecting portion, the strength of the support tends to decrease compared to the case where no connecting portion is formed. However, by adopting this structure, the decrease in the strength of the support can be suppressed compared to the case where the reinforcing plate does not coincide with the connecting portion in the circumferential direction of the support.

[0017] Alternatively, at least one of the plurality of lens components may have an outer peripheral surface having a region with a defined concave-convex pattern, the region being exposed from the connecting portion.

[0018] By adopting this structure, a portion of the light incident on the lens portion of the lens component having the aforementioned area can exit from that area and be emitted outwards from the support portion via the connecting portion. As described above, since a predetermined concave-convex pattern is formed within a defined area, the emission direction and diffusion state of the light emitted via the connecting portion can be adjusted by adjusting the concave-convex pattern, thereby improving design flexibility.

[0019] Alternatively, the connecting portions may be formed on both sides of a predetermined direction that sandwiches the central axis.

[0020] With this structure, when the lens component exposed from the connecting portion is supported on the support portion, it can be gripped and moved in the width direction, for example, by inserting a tool or the operator's finger into each connecting portion. Therefore, assembly becomes easier with this lens unit. It should be noted that, from the viewpoint of easy gripping of the lens component, the area exposed from the connecting portion is preferred. Because a predetermined concave-convex pattern is formed in this area, the lens component can be gripped more easily compared to a case where this area is not present.

[0021] In this case, the shape of a particular lens component when viewed along the central axis of the plurality of lens components may be elongated in the specified direction, and each of the connecting portions may expose the particular lens component from the support portion.

[0022] By adopting this structure, a specific lens component can be held, for example, by clamping it in the longitudinal direction using a tool or the operator's fingers. When the lens component is clamped in the longitudinal direction, it is less likely to tilt in the thickness direction compared to clamping it in the short direction. Therefore, according to this lens unit, compared to cases where the shape of a specific lens component is short in the specified direction, the specific lens component can be moved more easily within the support.

[0023] Alternatively, the lens unit may also include a shielding portion that covers the connecting portion from the outside of the support portion when mounted on the support portion.

[0024] By adopting this structure, dust or dirt can be prevented from entering the support portion through the connecting portion, compared to the case without the shielding portion.

[0025] In this case, the support portion and the shielding portion may also have light-shielding properties.

[0026] By adopting this structure, leakage of a portion of the light incident on the lens portion of the lens component to the outside of the support portion via the connecting portion can be suppressed.

[0027] In this case, the shielding portion may also cover at least a portion of the edge of the support portion along the edge of the connecting portion.

[0028] By adopting this structure, compared to the case where the shielding portion does not cover the edge portion, leakage of a portion of the light incident on the lens portion of the lens component to the outside of the support portion can be further suppressed.

[0029] In addition, the present invention provides a vehicle lamp, characterized in that it comprises the aforementioned lens unit and a light source portion that emits light transmitted through the lens components in the arrangement order of the plurality of lens components.

[0030] As described above, according to the present invention, a lens unit and a vehicle lamp are provided that facilitate assembly. Attached Figure Description

[0031] Figure 1 This is a schematic side view of a vehicle lamp equipped with a lens unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 2 It is a general representation Figure 1 A three-dimensional view of the lighting unit shown.

[0033] Figure 3 It is a schematic representation of the exploded perspective of the lighting unit.

[0034] Figure 4 It is a schematic representation of a horizontal sectional view of a lighting unit.

[0035] Figure 5 This is a general front view of the lens holder.

[0036] Figure 6 This is a schematic representation of the rear view of the first lens component.

[0037] Figure 7 This is a schematic representation of the rear view of the second lens component.

[0038] Figure 8 This diagram shows the state in which the lens component is supported on the support. Detailed Implementation

[0039] Hereinafter, suitable embodiments of the lens unit and vehicle lamp of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The exemplified embodiments described below are for ease of understanding of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The present invention can be modified and improved without departing from its spirit. It should be noted that, in the accompanying drawings referred to below, the dimensions of various components are sometimes altered for ease of understanding.

[0040] Figure 1This is a schematic side view of a vehicle lamp equipped with the lens unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. The vehicle lamp 1 of this embodiment is a headlight for an automobile. Automobile headlights are generally located on the left and right sides of the front of the vehicle, and the left and right headlights are arranged in a substantially symmetrical structure in the left-right direction. Therefore, in this embodiment, one headlight will be described. Figure 1 As shown, the vehicle lamp 1 of this embodiment has a frame 10 and a lamp unit LU as its main structures. It should be noted that... Figure 1 In the middle, the frame 10 is shown in a vertical cross section.

[0041] The frame 10 of this embodiment has a lamp housing 11, a front cover 12, and a rear cover 13 as its main structures. The lamp housing 11 has a front opening, and the front cover 12 is fixed to the lamp housing 11 by blocking the opening. In addition, a smaller opening than the front opening is formed at the rear of the lamp housing 11, and the rear cover 13 is fixed to the lamp housing 11 by blocking the opening. A receiving space 14 surrounded by the lamp housing 11, the front cover 12, and the rear cover 13 is formed on the frame 10, and a lamp unit LU is disposed in the receiving space 14.

[0042] Figure 2 This is a perspective view that roughly represents the luminaire unit LU, and it is a perspective view of the luminaire unit LU viewed from a slightly upward angle in front. Figure 3 This is a schematic representation of the exploded perspective view of the luminaire unit LU, viewed from a slightly upward angle from the front. Figure 4 It is a general representation Figure 1 The image shows a horizontal sectional view of the lighting unit LU. Figures 1-4 As shown, the lighting unit LU of this embodiment has a heat sink 20, a cooling fan 29, a light source 30, and a lens unit 40 as its main structures. It should be noted that... Figure 3 The description of cooling fan 29 is omitted in the text. Figure 4 The description of part of the radiator 20 is omitted.

[0043] The heat sink 20 of this embodiment has a metal base plate 21 extending in a generally vertical and horizontal direction. Multiple heat sink fins 22 are integrally formed with the base plate 21 on its rear surface. Two protruding bosses 23 and threaded holes 24 are respectively provided at the left and right ends of the base plate 21. The two bosses 23 and threaded holes 24 are arranged vertically such that the threaded holes 24 are sandwiched between the two bosses 23. A cooling fan 29 is disposed with a gap between it and the heat sink fins 22 and is fixed to the heat sink. The airflow generated by the rotation of the cooling fan 29 cools the heat sink 20.

[0044] The light source unit 30 of this embodiment includes a circuit board 31 and a light-emitting unit 32. The circuit board 31 is mounted on the front surface of a base plate 21 in a heat sink 20. The light-emitting unit 32 is mounted on the circuit board 31 and emits light forward by supplying power from the circuit board 31. In this embodiment, the light-emitting unit 32 is a so-called LED array in which multiple LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) are arranged in a matrix. Therefore, by selecting the LEDs that emit light, the light source unit 30 can emit light with a predetermined light distribution pattern. In addition, by adjusting the intensity of the light emitted from each LED, the light source unit 30 can adjust the intensity distribution of the light in the predetermined light distribution pattern. It should be noted that the light source unit 30 is only required to emit light and is not particularly limited.

[0045] The lens unit 40 is configured to have multiple lens components, and the divergence angle of the incident light is adjusted by the multiple lens components. In this embodiment, the lens unit 40 includes a lens support 50, a first lens component 60, a second lens component 70, a third lens component 80, and a cover 90, with the three lens components 60, 70, and 80 supported by the lens support 50.

[0046] Figure 5 This is a schematic front view of the lens holder 50, a diagram showing the lens holder 50 as viewed from the front. (See diagram below.) Figures 3-5 As shown, the lens holder 50 of this embodiment has a cylindrical support portion 51 extending in the front-to-back direction, a pair of plate-shaped fixing portions 52 on the left and right, and four reinforcing plates 53. The lens holder 50 has light-shielding properties and is formed, for example, from resin, and the support portion 51, fixing portions 52, and reinforcing plates 53 are formed as a single unit.

[0047] In this embodiment, when viewed along the central axis 51a of the support portion 51, the shape of the support portion 51 is a generally elliptical track shape formed by the outward curvature of a pair of short sides of a rectangle in a predetermined direction perpendicular to the central axis 51a, i.e., in the left-right direction. The upper and lower sides of the sidewalls constituting the support portion 51 extend generally horizontally, while the right and left sides are generally curved into an arc shape. The opening 51h1 at the front end of the support portion 51 has a shape generally similar to the overall shape of the support portion 51, i.e., a generally elliptical track shape in the left-right direction. It should be noted that the shape of the support portion 51 is not particularly limited; for example, the support portion 51 may also be cylindrical.

[0048] A support wall 54, protruding substantially perpendicularly from the inner circumferential surface, is provided at the rear end of the support portion 51. The support wall 54 extends throughout the entire circumference of the inner circumferential surface, and the opening 51h2 at the rear end of the support portion 51 is defined by the front end of the support wall 54. In this embodiment, the shape of the opening 51h2 is substantially circular, but the shape of the opening 51h2 is not particularly limited. On the support wall 54, a plurality of abutment portions 55 protruding forward from the front surface are provided in a manner surrounding the opening 51h2, and the end face of each abutment portion 55 is substantially aligned with a plane perpendicular to the central axis 51a. In addition, through holes 54h are formed on the left and right sides of the support wall 54. This support portion 51 supports three lens components 60, 70, and 80 arranged along the central axis 51a.

[0049] Connecting portions 56 are formed on both sides of the sidewall of the support portion 51 in a predetermined direction that clamps the central axis 51a. These connecting portions extend from the inner circumferential surface to the outer circumferential surface, connecting the inner and outer sides of the support portion 51. In this embodiment, the predetermined direction is perpendicular to the central axis 51a, i.e., the left-right direction. The connecting portions 56 are formed on both sides of the sidewall of the support portion 51 in this predetermined direction, i.e., the curved arc-shaped portion. In this embodiment, the connecting portion 56 is a slit extending from the front end of the support portion 51 toward the rear end, and the rear end of the connecting portion 56 coincides with the front surface of the support wall 54. Furthermore, the two connecting portions 56 overlap each other radially in the support portion 51. A groove 57 is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the support portion 51, extending along the edge of the connecting portion 56. The groove 57 surrounds the entire edge of the connecting portion 56. It should be noted that the connecting portion 56 only needs to extend from the inner circumferential surface to the outer circumferential surface to connect the inner and outer sides of the support portion 51. For example, it can also be a through hole extending from the inner circumferential surface to the outer circumferential surface.

[0050] On the upper and lower sides of the generally flat sidewall of the support portion 51, protrusions 58 protruding from the outer peripheral surface are formed. In addition, on the left and right sides of the rear end of the support portion 51, connecting portions 59 extending rearward are formed, and the outer side of the connecting portion 59 is provided as an arc-shaped surface that connects with the outer peripheral surface of the support portion 51.

[0051] The left and right fixing parts 52 are components fixed to the heat sink 20. In this embodiment, the right fixing part 52 is a plate-shaped component extending from the rear end of the right connecting part 59 to the opposite side of the central axis 51a, i.e., to the right. The left fixing part 52 is a plate-shaped component extending from the rear end of the left connecting part 59 to the opposite side of the central axis 51a, i.e., to the left. Each fixing part 52 is substantially perpendicular to the central axis 51a. Three through holes 52h1, 52h2, and 52h3 arranged in the vertical direction are formed on each fixing part 52. The vertical through holes 52h1 and 52h2 on the right fixing part 52 are formed at positions corresponding to the boss 23 formed at the right end of the base plate 21 of the heat sink 20. The central through hole 52h3 on the right fixing part 52 is formed at a position corresponding to the threaded hole 24 formed at the right end of the base plate 21. The upper and lower through holes 52h1 and 52h2 on the left fixing part 52 are formed at positions corresponding to the boss 23 formed at the left end of the base plate 21. The central through hole 52h3 on the right fixing part 52 is formed at a position corresponding to the threaded hole 24 formed at the left end of the base plate 21.

[0052] The reinforcing plate 53 is a plate-shaped member that extends from the fixing portion 52 in a direction not perpendicular to the central axis 51a and is connected to the outer peripheral surface of the support portion 51. In this embodiment, two reinforcing plates 53 extend from the right fixing portion 52 and two reinforcing plates 53 extend from the left fixing portion 52. These reinforcing plates 53 extend in a direction approximately parallel to the central axis 51a, i.e., in a left-right direction, and are approximately triangular in shape. One side of the reinforcing plate 53 is connected to the front surface of the fixing portion 52, and the other side is connected to the outer peripheral surface of the support portion 51. The two reinforcing plates 53 extending from the right fixing portion 52 coincide with the right-side connecting portion 56 in the circumferential direction of the support portion 51. Because the support portion 51 has the connecting portion 56, the strength of the support portion 51 tends to decrease compared to the case where the support portion 51 does not have the connecting portion 56. However, in this embodiment, the reinforcing plates 53 can be used to suppress the decrease in strength of the support portion 51 with the connecting portion 56. Furthermore, compared to the case where the reinforcing plate 53 does not coincide with the connecting portion 56 on the right side in the circumferential direction of the support portion 51, the reduction in strength of the support portion 51 can be suppressed. In this embodiment, a portion of the connecting portion 56 on the right side is located between the two reinforcing plates 53, which sandwich a portion of the connecting portion 56. Therefore, compared to the case where the two reinforcing plates 53 do not sandwich the connecting portion 56, the reduction in strength of the support portion 51 can be suppressed. It should be noted that, from the viewpoint of suppressing the reduction in strength of the support portion 51, it is sufficient that the reinforcing plate 53 connected to the fixing portion 52 and the support portion 51 does not coincide with the connecting portion 56 in the circumferential direction of the support portion 51. For example, one of the two reinforcing plates 53 may be omitted. In addition, the two reinforcing plates 53 may extend in a direction not perpendicular to the central axis 51a, or they may be inclined relative to the central axis 51a. Furthermore, the two reinforcing plates 53 extending from the fixing portion 52 on the left side coincide with the connecting portion 56 on the left side in the circumferential direction of the support portion 51. Therefore, similar to the reinforcing plate 53 on the right, it can suppress the reduction in strength of the support portion 51.

[0053] like Figure 3 , Figure 4 As shown, the first lens component 60 of this embodiment comprises a lens portion 61 that changes the divergence angle of transmitted light and an outer peripheral portion 62 integrally connected to the outer periphery of the lens portion 61. The first lens component 60 is formed, for example, of resin or glass, and the lens portion 61 and the outer peripheral portion 62 are integrally formed. In this embodiment, the lens portion 61 is a convex lens with a generally circular shape, and one side 61a and the other side 61b are bent into a convex shape. The outer peripheral portion 62 is composed of a cylindrical wall 63 and a connecting plate 64. The cylindrical wall 63 extends along the thickness direction of the lens portion 61 and surrounds the outer periphery of the lens portion 61. The connecting plate 64 extends outward from the entire circumference of the outer peripheral surface of the lens portion 61, connecting the entire circumference of the outer peripheral surface of the lens portion 61 to the entire circumference of the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical wall 63.

[0054] This first lens component 60 can be inserted into the opening 51h2 of the support portion 51. In this embodiment, when viewed along the central axis of the first lens component 60, its shape is approximately similar to that of the opening 51h1 of the support portion 51, but slightly smaller than the opening 51h1. It should be noted that the shape of the first lens component 60 is not particularly limited. In addition, two protrusions 65 are formed on the end face of the other side 61b of the lens portion 61 in the cylinder wall 63 as fitting portions. One protrusion 65 is located on one side of the first lens component 60 in the longitudinal direction, and the other protrusion 65 is located on the other side of the first lens component 60 in the longitudinal direction. In this embodiment, the two protrusions 65 intersect a plane that includes the central axis of the first lens component 60 and extends along the longitudinal direction of the first lens component 60.

[0055] Figure 6 This is a schematic rear view of the first lens component 60, a diagram showing the first lens component 60 viewed from one side 61a of the lens portion 61. Figure 6 The document describes the central axis 60a of the first lens component 60. For example... Figure 6 As shown, two protrusions 66 are formed on one side 61a of the lens portion 61 on the connecting plate 64. One protrusion 66 is located on one side of the first lens component 60 in the longitudinal direction and corresponds to a through hole 54h formed in the support wall 54. The other protrusion 66 is located on the other side of the first lens component 60 in the longitudinal direction and corresponds to another through hole 54h formed in the support wall 54.

[0056] A predetermined raised and recessed pattern is formed integrally on the outer peripheral surface of the first lens component 60, i.e., the outer peripheral surface of the cylinder wall 63. Examples of the predetermined raised and recessed pattern include, for example, striped grooves, grid-like grooves, raised and recessed patterns formed by texturing, and raised and recessed patterns formed by sandblasting. There are no particular limitations on the depth of the recesses and the height of the protrusions in the raised and recessed pattern; for example, they can be set to the range of 10 μm to 1 mm. It should be noted that the predetermined raised and recessed pattern may also not be formed on the outer peripheral surface of the cylinder wall 63.

[0057] like Figure 3 , Figure 4 As shown, the second lens component 70 of this embodiment consists of a lens portion 71 that changes the divergence angle of transmitted light and an outer peripheral portion 72 integrally connected to the outer periphery of the lens portion 71. The second lens component 70 is formed, for example, of resin or glass, and the lens portion 71 and the outer peripheral portion 72 are formed as a single unit. In this embodiment, the lens portion 71 is a concave lens with a generally elliptical orbital shape whose outer dimension is elongated in a predetermined direction, and one side 71a and the other side 71b are bent into a concave shape. The outer peripheral portion 72 is a cylindrical component whose entire inner peripheral surface is connected to the entire outer peripheral surface of the lens portion 71.

[0058] This second lens component 70 can be inserted into the opening 51h2 of the support portion 51. In this embodiment, similar to the first lens component 60, the shape of the second lens component 70 when viewed along its central axis is approximately similar to the opening 51h2 of the support portion 51, but slightly smaller than the opening 51h1. It should be noted that the shape of the second lens component 70 is not particularly limited. Furthermore, two protrusions 75 serving as fitting portions and four protrusions 76 serving as abutting portions are formed on the end face of the lens portion 71 on the other side 61b of the outer peripheral portion 72. One protrusion 75 is located on one side of the second lens component 70 in the long dimension direction, and the other protrusion 75 is located on the other side of the second lens component 70 in the long dimension direction. Additionally, two protrusions 76 are located on one side of the second lens component 70 in the short dimension direction, and the other two protrusions 76 are located on the other side of the second lens component 70 in the short dimension direction. In this embodiment, the two protrusions 75 intersect a plane containing the central axis of the second lens component 70 and extending along the long dimension direction of the second lens component 70.

[0059] Figure 7 This is a schematic rear view of the second lens component 70, showing the second lens component 70 as viewed from side 71a of the lens section 71. Figure 7 As shown, a hole 77 and a groove 78 serving as fitting portions and four protrusions 79 serving as abutment portions are formed on the end face of the lens portion 71 of the outer peripheral portion 72 on one side of its longitudinal direction. The hole 77 is located on one side of the second lens component 70 in the longitudinal direction and corresponds to one protrusion 65 of the first lens component 60 that serves as a fitting portion. The groove 78 is located on the other side of the second lens component 70 in the longitudinal direction, extending a predetermined length from the outer edge of the outer peripheral portion 72 toward the inward side, and corresponds to another protrusion 65 of the first lens component 60 that serves as a fitting portion. Two protrusions 79 are located on one side of the second lens component 70 in the short dimension direction, and the other two protrusions 79 are located on the other side of the second lens component 70 in the short dimension direction. In this embodiment, the four protrusions 79 and four protrusions 76 correspond one-to-one, and when viewed along the central axis 70a of the second lens component 70, the protrusions 79 coincide with the corresponding protrusions 76. In addition, the hole 77 and the groove 78 intersect the plane containing the central axis 70a of the second lens component 70 and extending along the longitudinal direction of the second lens component 70.

[0060] Similar to the first lens component 60, a predetermined uneven pattern is formed entirely on the outer peripheral surface of the outer peripheral portion 72 of the second lens component 70. For example, the same uneven pattern as that of the first lens component 60 can be used as a predetermined uneven pattern. It should be noted that the predetermined uneven pattern may also not be formed on the outer peripheral surface of the outer peripheral portion 72.

[0061] like Figure 3 , Figure 4 As shown, the third lens component 80 of this embodiment consists of a lens portion 81 that changes the divergence angle of transmitted light and an outer peripheral portion 82 integrally connected to the outer periphery of the lens portion 81. The third lens component 80 is formed, for example, of resin or glass, and the lens portion 81 and the outer peripheral portion 82 are formed as a single unit. In this embodiment, the lens portion 81 is a convex lens with a generally elliptical orbital shape whose outer dimension is elongated in a predetermined direction, and one side 81a and the other side 81b are bent into a convex shape. The outer peripheral portion 82 is a flange that protrudes outward from the entire circumference of the outer peripheral surface of the lens portion 71.

[0062] This third lens component 80 can be inserted into the opening 51h2 of the support portion 51. In this embodiment, similar to the first lens component 60, the shape of the third lens component 80 when viewed along its central axis is approximately similar to the shape of the opening 51h2 of the support portion 51, but slightly smaller than the opening 51h1. It should be noted that the shape of the third lens component 80 is not particularly limited. In addition, a hole 87 and a slit 88 serving as fitting portions are formed in the outer peripheral portion 82. The hole 87 is located on one side of the third lens component 80 in the longitudinal direction and corresponds to a protrusion 75 of the second lens component 70 that serves as a fitting portion. The slit 88 is located on the other side of the third lens component 80 in the longitudinal direction, extending a predetermined length from the outer edge of the outer peripheral portion 82 toward the inward side, and corresponds to another protrusion 75 of the second lens component 70 that serves as a fitting portion.

[0063] Similar to the first lens component 60, a predetermined uneven pattern is formed entirely on the outer peripheral surface of the outer peripheral portion 82 of the third lens component 80. For example, the same uneven pattern as that of the first lens component 60 can be used as a predetermined uneven pattern. It should be noted that the predetermined uneven pattern may also not be formed on the outer peripheral surface of the outer peripheral portion 82.

[0064] The first lens component 60, the second lens component 70, and the third lens component 80 are sequentially inserted into the support portion 51 of the lens holder 50 through the opening 51h2, and supported by the support portion 51. Specifically, with the longitudinal direction aligned left-right and the central axis 60a approximately aligned with the central axis 51a of the support portion 51, the first lens component 60 is inserted into the support portion 51 through the opening 51h1. Then, the first lens component 60 is moved to the support wall 54 side of the lens holder 50, as shown... Figure 4 As shown, the protrusion 66 is inserted into the through hole 54h formed in the support wall 54, so that the end face of the cylinder wall 63 abuts against the abutting portion 55 formed in the support wall 54.

[0065] Next, with the longitudinal direction aligned left-right and the central axis 70a approximately aligned with the central axis 51a of the support portion 51, the second lens component 70 is inserted into the support portion 51 through the opening 51h1. The second lens component 70 is moved to the side of the first lens component 60, so that one protrusion 66 of the first lens component 60 is inserted into the hole 77 of the second lens component 70, and another protrusion 66 is inserted into the groove 78 of the second lens component 70, so that the protrusion 79 of the second lens component 70, which serves as an abutment, abuts against the end face of the cylinder wall 63.

[0066] Next, with the longitudinal direction aligned left-right and the central axis approximately aligned with the central axis 51a of the support portion 51, the third lens component 80 is inserted into the support portion 51 through the opening 51h1. One protrusion 75 of the second lens component 70 is inserted into the hole 87 of the third lens component 80, and another protrusion 75 is inserted into the slit 88 of the third lens component 80, so that the outer periphery 82 of the third lens component 80 abuts against the protrusion 75, which serves as an abutment portion.

[0067] With lens components 60, 70, and 80 inserted into the support portion 51, these lens components 60, 70, and 80 are arranged along the central axis 51a of the support portion 51. That is, the support portion 51 supports the lens components 60, 70, and 80 in such a manner that they are arranged along the central axis 51a. In this embodiment, with the lens components 60, 70, and 80 supported by the support portion 51, the central axis of each lens component 60, 70, and 80 is substantially aligned with the central axis 51a. One side 61a of the lens portion 61 of the first lens component 60 has a transverse opening 51h2. The other side 61b of the lens portion 61 of the first lens component 60 faces one side 71a of the lens portion 71 of the second lens component 70, and the other side 71b of the lens portion 71 of the second lens component 70 faces one side 81a of the lens portion 81 of the third lens component 80. The other side 81b of the lens portion 81 of the third lens component 80 is located outside the support portion 51.

[0068] Figure 8 This diagram shows the state in which lens components 60, 70, and 80 are supported on support portion 51. It is a view taken along a straight line that intersects perpendicularly with the central axis 51a of support portion 51 and passes through the center 56c of the left-side connecting portion 56. Figure 8As shown, in this embodiment, the left-side connecting portion 56 in the support portion 51 exposes the lens components 60, 70, and 80 from the support portion 51. (Description omitted from the illustrations) However, the right-side connecting portion 56 is identical to the left-side connecting portion 56, exposing the lens components 60, 70, and 80 from the support portion 51. Furthermore, when viewed along a straight line perpendicular to the central axis 51a and passing through the center 56c of the left-side connecting portion 56, the hole 77 (serving as a fitting portion), another protrusion 65 (serving as a fitting portion) fitting with the hole 77, the hole 87 (serving as a fitting portion), and another protrusion 75 (serving as a fitting portion) fitting with the hole 87 coincide with the left-side connecting portion 56. These holes 77, the other protrusion 65, the hole 87, and the other protrusion 75 are located on the right side of the connecting portion 56, further to the right of the central axis 51a. The lens components 60, 70, and 80 supported on the support portion 51 are prevented from falling out of the opening 51h1 by the cover 90.

[0069] In this embodiment, the cover 90 is configured to cover a portion of the opening 51h1 of the support portion 51 when it is installed on the support portion 51. For example... Figures 1-4 As shown, the cover 90 of this embodiment is elastic and has a base 91, a pair of fixing portions 92, and a pair of shielding portions 93. In this embodiment, the base 91, the pair of fixing portions 92, and the pair of shielding portions 93 are formed as a single unit by bending a metal plate, and thus have light-shielding properties. It should be noted that the material constituting the cover 90 is not particularly limited. For example, the cover 90 may also be formed of resin.

[0070] In this embodiment, the base 91 is a plate-shaped member with a shape generally similar to that of the support portion 51, and a through hole 91h is formed in the base 91. A pair of fixing portions 92 and a pair of shielding portions 93 are plate-shaped members extending in a direction generally perpendicular to the base 91, based on one side of the base 91. Through holes 92h are formed in the pair of fixing portions 92. The end of one fixing portion 92 on the base 91 side is connected to a portion of the outer edge of the base 91 that extends in a generally straight line along one side of the short dimension direction. The end of the other fixing portion 92 on the base 91 side is connected to a portion of the outer edge of the base 91 that extends in a generally straight line along the other side of the short dimension direction. The end of one shielding portion 93 on the base 91 side is connected to a portion of the outer edge of the base 91 that extends in a generally arcuate shape along one side of the long dimension direction. The end of the other shielding portion 93 on the base 91 side is connected to the portion of the outer edge of the base 91 that extends in a generally arc shape on the other side of the base 91 in the longitudinal direction.

[0071] The cover 90 is mounted on the support portion 51 by inserting the protrusion 58 of the support portion 51 into the through hole 92h of the fixing portion 92. With the cover 90 mounted on the support portion 51, the base 91 covers the outer periphery of the opening 51h1, and in a direction parallel to the central axis 51a, the base 91 and the outer periphery 82 of the third lens component 80 overlap. Therefore, it prevents the lens components 60, 70, and 80 from falling out of the opening 51h1. Furthermore, the base 91 presses the outer periphery 82 of the third lens component 80 against the support wall 54 side of the support portion 51, and the lens components 60, 70, and 80 are held in a manner clamped by the base 91 and the support wall 54. Explanation of the illustrations is omitted, but a straight line parallel to the central axis 51a of the support portion 51 and passing through the protrusion 79 of the second lens component 70 passes through the base 91, the outer periphery 82 of the third lens component 80, the protrusion 76 of the second lens component 70, the cylindrical wall 63 of the first lens component 60, and the abutment portion 55 of the support wall 54. Therefore, when the lens components 60, 70, and 80 are held in a manner by clamping them with the base 91 and the support wall 54, tilting of the lens components 60, 70, and 80 relative to the central axis 51a is suppressed.

[0072] Furthermore, with the cover 90 installed on the support portion 51, one shielding portion 93 covers one connecting portion 56 from the outside of the support portion 51, and another shielding portion 93 covers another connecting portion 56 from the outside of the support portion 51. Therefore, compared to the case where the cover 90 does not have shielding portions 93, dust or dirt can be prevented from entering the support portion 51 through the connecting portion 56. Additionally, with the cover 90 installed on the support portion 51, each shielding portion 93 enters the groove 57 of the support portion 51. Therefore, the shielding portions 93 are prevented from protruding from the outer peripheral surface of the support portion 51. Furthermore, each shielding portion 93 covers the entire edge of the support portion 51 along the edge of the connecting portion 56.

[0073] like Figure 2 , Figure 3 As shown, this lens unit 40 is mounted on the front surface of the base plate 21 by inserting the protrusions 23, 23 of the heat sink 20 into the through holes 52h1, 52h2 of the left and right fixing parts 52. A screw 95 is inserted into the through hole 52h2 of the fixing part 52 and tightened into the threaded hole 24, thereby fixing this lens unit 40 to the heat sink 20. Figure 4As shown, with the lens unit 40 fixed to the radiator 20, the central axis 51a of the support portion 51 passes through the light-emitting portion 32 of the light source portion 30. That is, the lens bracket 50 is configured such that the central axis 51a passes through the light-emitting portion 32. Furthermore, the light L emitted from the light source portion 30 passes through the lens portions 61, 71, and 81 of these lens components 60, 70, and 80 in the order of the first lens component 60, the second lens component 70, and the third lens component 80, thereby adjusting the divergence angle of the light L. The light L, whose divergence angle has been adjusted by the lens components 60, 70, and 80, is emitted from the vehicle lamp 1 towards the front of the vehicle via the front cover 12. In this embodiment, the shapes of the lens portions 61, 71, and 81 of the lens components 60, 70, and 80 are adjusted so that the light distribution pattern of the light L emitted from the light source portion 30 is projected onto an imaginary plane at a predetermined distance from the front of the vehicle as a predetermined light distribution pattern of a predetermined size.

[0074] As explained above, the lens unit 40 of this embodiment includes a plurality of lens components 60, 70, 80 having lens portions 61, 71, 81 that change the divergence angle of transmitted light, and a lens support 50. The lens support 50 has a cylindrical support portion 51, the opening 51h2 at the front end of which allows each of the plurality of lens components 60, 70, 80 to be inserted. The support portion 51 supports the plurality of lens components 60, 70, 80 in a manner arranged along the central axis 51a of the support portion 51. A connecting portion 56 is formed on the sidewall of the support portion 51, which connects the inner and outer sides of the support portion 51 and exposes the outer peripheral portions 62, 72, 82 of the lens components 60, 70, 80 from the support portion 51. Therefore, in the lens unit 40 of this embodiment, when the lens components 60, 70, and 80 protruding from the connecting portion 56 are supported on the support portion 51, they can be moved, for example, by pressing the outer peripheral portions 62, 72, and 82 of the lens components 60, 70, and 80 through the connecting portion 56 using a tool or the operator's fingers. Therefore, according to the lens unit 40 of this embodiment, compared to the case where the connecting portion 56 is not formed, it is easier to support the lens components 60, 70, and 80 at a predetermined position within the support portion 51, and assembly becomes easier.

[0075] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the outer peripheral portions 62, 72, and 82 of the three lens components 60, 70, and 80 are exposed from the connecting portion 56. Therefore, it is easy to set the relative positions of the exposed three lens components 60, 70, and 80 to a predetermined position, making assembly easier.

[0076] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the connecting portion 56 is a slit extending from the front end of the support portion 51 toward the rear end. For example, by passing a tool or an operator's finger holding the lens components 60, 70, and 80 through the connecting portion 56, which serves as a slit, the lens components 60, 70, and 80 can be inserted into the support portion 51 from the front opening 51h1 and moved while being held. Therefore, assembly of the lens unit 40 according to this embodiment becomes easier.

[0077] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the connecting portions 56 are respectively formed on both sides of the sidewall of the support portion 51 in the left-right direction perpendicular to the central axis 51a, in a predetermined direction. Therefore, for example, by inserting a tool or the operator's finger into each connecting portion 56, the lens components 60, 70, and 80 can be held and moved in the width direction. Therefore, the assembly of the lens unit 40 according to this embodiment becomes easier.

[0078] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above, two connecting portions 56 are formed, and the shapes of the lens components 60, 70, and 80 when viewed along the central axis 51a of the support portion 51 are elongated in the aforementioned predetermined direction. Additionally, each connecting portion 56 exposes the lens components 60, 70, and 80 from the support portion 51. When the lens components are clamped in the elongated direction, compared to when they are clamped in the shorter direction, the lens components are less likely to tilt in the thickness direction. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the lens unit 40 allows the lens components 60, 70, and 80 to move more easily within the support portion 51 compared to the case where the shapes of the lens components 60, 70, and 80 are shorter in the aforementioned predetermined direction.

[0079] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a predetermined uneven pattern is formed on the entire outer peripheral surface of the lens components 60, 70, and 80. Therefore, the predetermined uneven pattern in the lens components 60, 70, and 80 is exposed from each connecting portion 56. Thus, compared to the case where the predetermined uneven pattern is not formed, it is easier to hold the lens components 60, 70, and 80 in the width direction. It should be noted that, from the viewpoint of easy holding of the lens components, it is sufficient that two connecting portions 56 are formed on the support portion 51, and that at least one of the lens components 60, 70, and 80 has an area on its outer peripheral surface where the predetermined uneven pattern is formed, and that area is exposed from the connecting portion 56. For example, the uneven pattern may also be formed on a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the lens component 60, and the area where the uneven pattern is formed may be exposed from each connecting portion 56.

[0080] In addition, in this embodiment, such as Figure 4As shown, in the group of adjacent lens components, namely the first lens component 60 and the second lens component 70, protrusions 65, 65 are provided as fitting portions on the first lens component 60, and holes 77 and grooves 78 are provided as fitting portions on the second lens component 70. The hole 77 fits into one protrusion 65, and the groove 78 fits into another protrusion 65. That is, the group of the first lens component 60 and the second lens component 70 is provided with mutually fitting fitting portions. Therefore, compared to the case where these holes 77, grooves 78, and protrusions 65, 65 are not provided, the relative positional misalignment of the first lens component 60 and the second lens component 70 can be suppressed. Furthermore, as... Figure 8 As shown, when viewed along a straight line that intersects the central axis 51a perpendicularly and passes through the center 56 of the left-side connecting portion 56, the groove 78 and the protrusion 65 that engages with the groove 78 coincide with the left-side connecting portion 56 and are located on the side of the connecting portion 56 to the left of the central axis 51a. Therefore, according to the lens unit 40 of this embodiment, compared to the case where the groove 78 and the protrusion 65 do not coincide with the left-side connecting portion 56 under such viewing conditions, and the case where the groove 78 and the protrusion 65 are located on the opposite side of the connecting portion 56 to the left of the central axis 51a, the groove 78 and the protrusion 65 can be easily identified via the left-side connecting portion 56. Therefore, the protrusion 65 can be easily engaged with the groove 78. Furthermore, while omitting the illustrated description, when viewed along a straight line perpendicular to the central axis 51a and passing through the center of the right-side connecting portion 56, the hole 77 and the other protrusion 65 that engages with the hole 77 coincide with the right-side connecting portion 56 and are located on the right side of the connecting portion 56, further to the right than the central axis 51a. Therefore, similar to the groove 78 and the protrusion 65, the hole 77 and the other protrusion 65 can be easily identified via the right-side connecting portion 56, and the other protrusion 65 can be easily engaged with the hole 77.

[0081] In addition, in this embodiment, such as Figure 4 As shown, in another group of adjacent lens components, namely the second lens component 70 and the third lens component 80, protrusions 75, 75 are provided on the second lens component 70 as fitting portions, and holes 87 and slits 88 as fitting portions are provided on the third lens component 80. The hole 87 fits into one protrusion 75, and the slit 88 fits into another protrusion 75. That is, the group of second lens components 70 and third lens components 80 is provided with mutually fitting fitting portions. Therefore, compared to the case where these 87, slits 88, and protrusions 75, 75 are not provided, the relative positional misalignment of the second lens component 70 and the third lens component 80 can be suppressed. Furthermore, as... Figure 8As shown, when viewed along a straight line that intersects the central axis 51a perpendicularly and passes through the center 56c of the left-side connecting portion 56, the slit 88 and the protrusion 75 that engages with the slit 88 coincide with the left-side connecting portion 56 and are located on the side of the connecting portion 56 to the left of the central axis 51a. Therefore, according to the lens unit 40 of this embodiment, compared to the case where the slit 88 and the protrusion 75 do not coincide with the left-side connecting portion 56 under such viewing conditions, and the case where the slit 88 and the protrusion 75 are located on the opposite side of the connecting portion 56 to the left of the central axis 51a, the slot 78 and the protrusion 65 can be easily identified via the left-side connecting portion 56. Therefore, the protrusion 65 can be easily engaged with the slot 78. Furthermore, while omitting the illustrations, when viewed along a straight line perpendicular to the central axis 51a and passing through the center of the right-side connecting portion 56, the hole 87 and the other protrusion 65 that engages with the hole 87 coincide with the right-side connecting portion 56 and are located on the right side of the connecting portion 56, further to the right than the central axis 51a. Therefore, similar to the slit 88 and the protrusion 75, the hole 87 and the other protrusion 75 can be easily identified via the right-side connecting portion 56, and the other protrusion 75 can be easily engaged with the hole 87.

[0082] In addition, in this embodiment, such as Figure 8 As shown, the groove 78, a protrusion 65 that engages with the groove 78, the slit 88, and a protrusion 75 that engages with the slit 88 are exposed from the left-side connecting portion 56. Therefore, the groove 78, the protrusion 65, the slit 88, and the protrusion 75 can be more easily identified via the left-side connecting portion 56, and they can be easily engaged.

[0083] Furthermore, the lens unit 40 of this embodiment also includes a cover 90, which has a shielding portion 93 that covers the connecting portion 56 from the outside of the support portion 51 when mounted on the support portion 51. The support portion 51 and the shielding portion 93 are light-shielding. Therefore, a portion of the light L emitted from the light source portion 30 and incident on the lens portions 61, 71, 81 of the lens components 60, 70, 80 can be suppressed from leaking to the outside of the support portion 51 via the connecting portion 56.

[0084] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the shielding portion 93 covers the entire edge portion of the support portion 51 along the edge of the connecting portion 56. Compared to the case where the shielding portion 93 does not cover this edge portion, leakage of a portion of the light L to the outside of the support portion 51 can be further suppressed. It should be noted that, from the viewpoint of further suppressing leakage of a portion of the light L, the shielding portion 93 only needs to cover a portion of the edge portion of the support portion 51 along the edge of the connecting portion 56; for example, a portion of the edge of the shielding portion 93 may also be along the edge of the connecting portion 56.

[0085] In addition, in this embodiment, such as Figure 8As shown, when viewed along a straight line perpendicular to the central axis 51a and passing through the center 56c of the connecting portion 56, the outer peripheral edges 62e and 72e of the outer peripheral portions 62 and 72 of the lens components 60 and 70 exposed from the connecting portion 56 in the thickness direction cross the connecting portion 56. Therefore, for example, the outer peripheral portions 62 and 72 of the lens components 60 and 70 can be grasped and moved in the thickness direction by a tool or an operator's fingers through the connecting portion 56. It should be noted that in this embodiment, the outer peripheral edge 82e on the side of the second lens component 70 in the outer peripheral portion 82 of the third lens component 80 crosses the connecting portion 56, while the outer peripheral edge 82e on the other side is slightly exposed outward from the opening 51h1.

[0086] The present invention has been described above using the above embodiments as examples, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0087] For example, in the above embodiment, the vehicle lamp 1 is a headlight, but there is no particular limitation. For example, the vehicle lamp 1 may also be a lamp that illuminates an object such as a road surface to form an image.

[0088] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, a cover 90 having a shielding portion 93 that covers the connecting portion 56 from the outside of the support portion 51 when mounted on the support portion 51 has been described as an example. However, the shielding portion 93 may also be separate from the cover 90 and mounted on the support portion 51. Additionally, the lens unit 40 may not have a shielding portion 93. In this case, a portion of the light L emitted from the light source portion 30 and incident on the lens components 60, 70, 80 can be emitted from the connecting portion 56 to the outside of the lens unit 40, improving design flexibility. It should be noted that, from the viewpoint of improving design flexibility through light, the shielding portion 93 may also have light transmittance. Furthermore, from this viewpoint, at least one of the lens components 60, 70, 80 may have an outer peripheral surface with a region having the aforementioned irregular pattern formed, and this region may be exposed from the connecting portion 56. In this case, by adjusting the embossed pattern, the emission direction and diffusion state of the light emitted through the connecting portion 56 can be adjusted, which can further improve the design.

[0089] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the support portion 51 supporting three lens components 60, 70, and 80 was described as an example. However, the support portion 51 can support multiple lens components; for example, it can also support two lens components. Additionally, in the above embodiment, the connecting portion 56 exposing the three lens components 60, 70, and 80 was described as an example, but the connecting portion 56 only needs to expose at least one lens component. In this case, the lens component exposed from the connecting portion 56 can be moved by pressing its outer periphery with a tool or the operator's finger. It should be noted that it is more preferable for at least two lens components to be exposed. With this structure, it is easy to set the relative positions of the at least two exposed lens components to a predetermined position, making assembly easier.

[0090] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, a lens unit 40 with a cover 90 was described as an example, but the lens unit 40 may also be without a cover 90. In this case, for example, a component is provided in the support portion 51 to restrict the movement of the third lens component 80 in the direction from the other end towards one end. As a structure of this component, for example, a protrusion located on the side closer to the opening 51h1 than the third lens component 80 in the direction along the central axis 51a and protruding from the inner peripheral surface of the support portion 51 can be provided. As a result, the third lens component 80 can be prevented from falling out of the opening 51h1.

[0091] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, lens components 60, 70, and 80, which are composed of lens portions 61, 71, and 81 and outer peripheral portions 62, 72, and 82, have been described as examples. However, lens components 60, 70, and 80 only need to have lens portions 61, 71, and 81; for example, they may be composed of only lens portions 61, 71, and 81. In this case, the outer peripheral portions of lens components 60, 70, and 80, i.e., the outer peripheral portions of lens portions 61, 71, and 81, are exposed from the connecting portion 56. In addition, the outer peripheral portions 62, 72, and 82 may be provided intermittently in the circumferential direction of lens portions 61, 71, and 81.

[0092] Furthermore, in the above embodiments, the mating portions in the assembly of the first lens component 60 and the second lens component 70 are structures of protrusion 65 and hole 77, and protrusion 65 and groove 78. Additionally, the mating portions in the assembly of the second lens component 70 and the third lens component 80 are structures of protrusion 75 and hole 87, and protrusion 75 and slit 88. However, the structure of the mating portions is not particularly limited. Furthermore, lens components 60, 70, and 80 may also not have mating portions.

[0093] According to the present invention, a lens unit and a vehicle lamp that facilitate assembly are provided, which can be used in the fields of vehicle lamps such as automobiles.

Claims

1. A lens unit, characterized in that, have: Multiple lens components, each having a lens section that changes the divergence angle of transmitted light; A lens holder having a cylindrical support portion, one end of which has an opening that allows insertion into each of the plurality of lens components; The support portion supports the plurality of lens components arranged along the central axis of the support portion. A connecting portion is formed on the sidewall of the support portion, which connects the inner side and the outer side of the support portion and exposes the outer periphery of at least one of the plurality of lens components from the support portion. The connecting portion is a slit extending from one end of the support portion toward the other end, the connecting portion opening at one end of the support portion, and the connecting portions being formed on both sides in a predetermined direction sandwiching the central axis of the support portion. The lens unit also includes a cover mounted on the support portion. The cover has: an annular base that, when mounted on the support, covers the outer periphery of the opening at one end of the support; and a pair of fixing portions; And a pair of shielding portions that cover each of the connecting portions from the outside of the support portion when the support portion is installed thereon.

2. The lens unit according to claim 1, characterized in that, At least two of the lens components have their outer peripheral portions exposed from the connecting portion.

3. The lens unit according to claim 2, characterized in that, A fitting portion is provided for each of the at least two adjacent lens components. When viewed along a straight line that intersects the central axis perpendicularly and passes through the center of the connecting portion, the fitting portion coincides with the connecting portion and is located on the side of the connecting portion closer to the central axis than the connecting portion.

4. The lens unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The lens holder also has a fixing part that extends from the support portion to the opposite side of the central axis and is fixed to other components, and a reinforcing plate that extends from the fixing part in a direction not perpendicular to the central axis and is connected to the outer peripheral surface of the support portion. The reinforcing plate coincides with the connecting portion in the circumferential direction of the support portion.

5. The lens unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, At least one of the plurality of lens components has an outer peripheral surface having a region with a defined concave-convex pattern. The area is exposed from the connecting portion.

6. The lens unit according to claim 1, characterized in that, When viewed along the central axis of a specific lens component among the plurality of lens components, its shape is elongated in the specified direction. Each of the connecting portions exposes the specific lens component from the support portion.

7. The lens unit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The supporting part and the shielding part have light-shielding properties.

8. The lens unit according to claim 7, characterized in that, The shielding portion covers at least a portion of the edge of the support portion along the edge of the connecting portion.

9. A vehicle lamp, characterized in that, have: The lens unit according to any one of claims 1 to 8; The light source emits light that passes through the lens components in the order of their arrangement.

Images