Vehicle lamp

Abstract

Provided is a vehicle lamp capable of forming a vehicle light distribution pattern and an additional light distribution pattern on the side of the vehicle light distribution pattern while suppressing an increase in size. A vehicle lamp (10) is provided with: a first reflector unit (41) that forms a first light distribution pattern (P1) having a cutoff line (CL) by means of light from a first light source (31); a second reflector unit (42) that forms a second light distribution pattern (P2) that forms at least a part of the meeting light distribution pattern (LP) by means of light from the second light source (32); and a third reflector unit (43) that forms a third light distribution pattern (P3) using light from the third light source (33). The first reflector section (41) and the second reflector section (42) are provided adjacent to each other in the width direction on the mounting surface (21a) of the mounting member (11), and the third reflector section (43) is provided on the mounting surface (21a) between the first reflector section (41) and the second reflector section (42) in the width direction and on the front side of the first reflector section (41) and the second reflector section (42).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a vehicle lamp. Background Art

[0002] In a vehicle lamp, it is considered to assemble an oncoming light distribution unit and an additional light distribution unit (for example, refer to Patent Document 1). The vehicle lamp can form an oncoming light distribution pattern by the oncoming light distribution unit, and can form an additional light distribution pattern on the side of the oncoming light distribution pattern by the additional light distribution unit.

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2005-141918 Summary of the invention

[0006] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0007] However, the above-mentioned vehicle lamp is large in size because the oncoming light distribution unit and the additional light distribution unit are simply arranged in a single housing.

[0008] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle lamp capable of forming a light distribution pattern for oncoming vehicles and an additional light distribution pattern on the sides thereof while suppressing an increase in size.

[0009] Means for solving problems

[0010] The vehicle lamp of the present invention comprises: a first reflector portion, which reflects light emitted from a first light source and illuminates the front of the vehicle to form a first light distribution pattern with a light-dark cut-off line; a second reflector portion, which reflects light emitted from a second light source and forms a second light distribution pattern larger than the first light distribution pattern in front of the vehicle; a third reflector portion, which reflects light emitted from a third light source and forms a third light distribution pattern on the side of the first light distribution pattern or the second light distribution pattern; and a mounting member, which mounts the first light source, the second light source and the third light source on a mounting surface, the second light distribution pattern being formed simultaneously with the first light distribution pattern to form at least a part of a light distribution pattern for oncoming vehicles, the first reflector portion and the second reflector portion being adjacently arranged on the mounting surface in a width direction of the vehicle, the third reflector portion being located between the first reflector portion and the second reflector portion in the width direction, and being located on the mounting surface in front of the first reflector portion and the second reflector portion in a front-rear direction of the vehicle.

[0011] Effects of the Invention

[0012] According to the vehicle lamp of the present invention, it is possible to form a light distribution pattern for oncoming vehicles and an additional light distribution pattern on the side thereof while suppressing an increase in size. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a vehicle lamp as one embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an exploded structure of a vehicle lamp.

[0015] FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing the vehicle lamp in an upside-down manner in order to understand the positional relationship among the projection lens, the reflector member, and the light sources of the vehicle lamp. FIG.

[0016] 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a state where the positional relationship among the projection lens, the reflector member, and each light source is viewed from the lower side in the up-down direction.

[0017] 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a state where the positional relationship among the projection lens, the reflector member, and each light source is viewed from the upper side in the vertical direction.

[0018] FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which light from each light source shown in FIG. 4 is reflected by each reflector member and emitted from each lens portion.

[0019] FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing a first light distribution pattern formed by a first unit of the vehicle lamp.

[0020] FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing a second light distribution pattern formed by a second unit of the vehicle lamp.

[0021] FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing a third light distribution pattern formed by a third unit of the vehicle lamp.

[0022] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a fourth light distribution pattern formed by a fourth unit of the vehicle lamp.

[0023] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a light distribution pattern for oncoming vehicles.

[0024] FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing a state where the oncoming light distribution pattern and the third light distribution pattern are formed. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] Hereinafter, a first embodiment of a vehicle lamp 10 as an example of a vehicle lamp of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that in FIGS. 7 to 12 showing the respective light distribution patterns, on a screen where a horizontal line H and a vertical line V intersect with the center position O (projection optical axis Lp) of the illumination of the vehicle lamp 10 as the origin, the distribution of brightness is represented as contour lines with higher brightness toward the middle.

[0026] Example 1

[0027] The vehicle lamp 10 of Example 1 of one embodiment of the vehicle lamp of the present invention will be described using FIGS. 1 to 12 . The vehicle lamp 10 of Example 1 is used as a headlamp device for a vehicle such as an automobile. The headlamp device is mounted on both left and right sides of the front of the vehicle, and is configured by installing the vehicle lamp 10 in a lamp chamber formed by a lampshade whose front end is opened and covered by an outer lens 15 (see FIG. 5 ). The vehicle lamp 10 is installed in the lamp chamber via an optical axis adjustment mechanism for the up-down direction and an optical axis adjustment mechanism for the left-right direction, and appropriately illuminates the front of the vehicle. In the following description, in the vehicle lamp 10, the direction in which the vehicle is mounted is set as the front-back direction (set as Z in the drawings), the vertical direction when the front-back direction is set to be along the horizontal plane is set as the up-down direction (set as Y in the drawings), and the direction (horizontal direction) orthogonal to the front-back direction and the up-down direction is set as the width direction (set as X in the drawings). Here, regarding the vehicle lamp 10, the vehicle lamp 10 installed on the right side of the vehicle and the vehicle lamp installed on the left side have basically the same structure and are both reversed in the width direction (left and right), so the vehicle lamp 10 installed on the right side is used for description below.

[0028] As shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, the vehicle lamp 10 of the first embodiment comprises a light source 12, a reflector 13 and a projection lens 14 mounted on a mounting member 11, thereby forming a projection type lamp unit. The mounting member 11 is a part where the light source 12 is installed, and is formed of an aluminum plate, an aluminum die casting or a resin having thermal conductivity, and functions as a heat sink that releases heat generated by the light source 12 to the outside as a whole. The mounting member 11 has a light source mounting portion 21 and a lens mounting portion 22.

[0029] The light source mounting portion 21 is formed in a flat plate shape orthogonal to the up-down direction, and the light source portion 12 is mounted at a predetermined position. Three light shielding walls 23 are provided on the light source mounting portion 21. Each light shielding wall 23 is formed in a plate shape protruding toward the upper side of the up-down direction in a manner orthogonal to the light source mounting portion 21, and corresponds to the first light source 31, the second light source 32, and the fourth light source 34 described later of the light source portion 12, respectively. Each light shielding wall 23 is provided at the front side in the front-to-back direction relative to the corresponding light source, and absorbs or diffuses the light from the corresponding light source. Each light shielding wall 23 is set at a position relative to the corresponding light source on the screen where the horizontal line H and the plumb line V intersect at the center position O on the projection optical axis Lp, so as to prevent the light from the corresponding light source from being irradiated above the light-dark cutoff line CL of the light distribution pattern LP for oncoming vehicles described later.

[0030] The lens mounting portion 22 is formed in a flat plate shape that is substantially orthogonal to the up-down direction, and is provided at the front side of the light source mounting portion 21 in the front-to-back direction, and is located with a step below the light source mounting portion 21 in the up-to-back direction. The lens mounting portion 22 constitutes a portion for mounting the projection lens 14, so that the projection lens 14 is located at the front side of the light source portion 12 mounted on the light source mounting portion 21 in the front-to-back direction.

[0031] In the mounting component 11, four positioning holes 11a and three screw through holes 11b are provided. Each positioning hole 11a and each screw through hole 11b are provided in pairs. Each positioning hole 11a can be embedded in a positioning protrusion 13a of a reflector component 13 described later. Each screw through hole 11b can allow a screw 24 to pass through. In the mounting component 11, a plurality of heat sinks can be provided, and the heat generated by the light source part 12 mounted on the light source mounting part 21 can also be mainly dissipated to the outside from each heat sink. The mounting component 11 is fixed to the lampshade via a bracket not shown in the figure. In order to improve the cooling efficiency, a cooling fan unit can also be appropriately provided in the mounting component 11.

[0032] The light source unit 12 includes a first light source 31, a second light source 32, a third light source 33, a fourth light source 34 (see FIG. 2, etc.), a connector terminal 35, and a substrate 36 on which these are mounted. The four light sources (31 to 34) are composed of light emitting elements such as LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes). The four light sources (31 to 34) are arranged at positions corresponding to the reflector units (41 to 44) described later. The positional relationship will be described later.

[0033] The connector terminal 35 is electrically connected to the wiring pattern of the substrate 36, and the connector connected to the lighting control circuit is freely attachable and detachable. The connector terminal 35 is provided at the lower end of the substrate 36 in the vertical direction, making it easy to attach and detach the connector. By installing the connector, the connector terminal 35 can supply power from the lighting control circuit to each light source (31 to 34) via the wiring pattern.

[0034] The substrate 36 is formed in a plate shape formed of an aluminum substrate, and each light source (31 to 34) is mounted. It should be noted that the substrate 36 can also be formed of a resin material such as a glass epoxy substrate, or can be formed of other materials. A wiring pattern that electrically connects each light source (31 to 34) to the connector terminal 35 is provided on the substrate 36. In addition, in the substrate 36, a positioning hole 36a is provided corresponding to the positioning hole 11a in the center of the light source mounting portion 21 of the mounting component 11, and a screw through hole 36b is provided corresponding to the screw through hole 11b near it. The positioning protrusion 13a of the reflector component 13 described later passes through the positioning hole 36a, and the screw 24 passing through the screw through hole 36b is screwed into the screw hole 13b of the reflector component 13 described later, thereby installing the substrate 36 between the mounting component 11 (light source mounting portion 21) and the reflector component 13. Thus, the substrate 36 makes each of the mounted light sources (31 to 34) face the corresponding reflector parts (41 to 44), respectively. The substrate 36 is appropriately supplied with power from the lighting control circuit via the connector terminal 35 to appropriately light up each light source ( 31 to 34 ).

[0035] On the substrate 36, light shielding wall slits 37 are provided in front of each of the first light source 31, the second light source 32, and the fourth light source 34. Each of the light shielding wall slits 37 is located in front of the corresponding light source and can receive each of the light shielding walls 23 provided on the light source mounting portion 21 of the mounting member 11. Therefore, in the light source unit 12, when it is mounted between the mounting member 11 and the reflector member 13, the light shielding wall 23 can be placed in front of each of the first light source 31, the second light source 32, and the fourth light source 34 through the light shielding wall slits 37. Thus, in the light source unit 12, it is possible to prevent the light from the first light source 31, the second light source 32, and the fourth light source 34 from irradiating above the cut-off line CL of the light distribution pattern for oncoming vehicles LP described later.

[0036] The reflector component 13 is a molded product made of a resin material, and is integrally provided with a first reflector portion 41, a second reflector portion 42, a third reflector portion 43, and a fourth reflector portion 44 (see FIG. 2, etc.). Each reflector portion (41 to 44) has a reflective surface Rs formed in a shape curved in a manner to cover the corresponding light source (31 to 34), and each reflective surface Rs reflects the light emitted from the corresponding light source (31 to 34) toward the projection lens 14 side. Each reflective surface Rs is provided on the inner side of each reflector portion (41 to 44). Each reflective surface Rs is formed as a bowl-shaped free-form surface based on an ellipse, and the ellipse has the corresponding light source (31 to 34) (its center position or its vicinity) as a first focus, and has the vicinity of the lens portion (51 to 54) described later of the corresponding projection lens 14 as a second focus. Thus, each reflector unit (41 to 44) can efficiently allow light emitted from each light source (31 to 34) near the first focal point to travel toward the corresponding lens unit (51 to 54). The positional relationship of each reflector unit (41 to 44) will be described later.

[0037] As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4 , the reflector component 13 is provided with four positioning protrusions 13a and three threaded holes 13b. Each positioning protrusion 13a is formed into a rod-like shape protruding to the lower side in the vertical direction at a position that does not hinder the light path from each reflector portion (41 to 44). Each threaded hole 13b is provided near the corresponding positioning protrusion 13a at a position that does not hinder the light path from each reflector portion (41 to 44), and can be fixed by screwing in a screw 24. The reflector component 13 is fixed to the mounting component 11 by screwing in a screw 24 while positioning the light source portion 12 between the reflector component 13 and the light source mounting portion 21 through each positioning protrusion 13a. Therefore, the light source unit 12 is fixed to the upper surface (21a) of the light source mounting portion 21 of the mounting component 11, so its upper surface (21a) becomes the mounting surface 21a for mounting the light source unit 12 (its respective light sources (31 to 34)) and the respective reflector portions (41 to 44) of the reflector component 13.

[0038] The reflector member 13 is provided with three partition walls 25. Each partition wall 25 is located between a first lens portion 51 and a second lens portion 52, between a second lens portion 52 and a third lens portion 53, and between a third lens portion 53 and a fourth lens portion 54 of the projection lens 14, and is formed in a plate shape extending in the vertical direction. Each partition wall 25 prevents light passing through each irradiation unit (61 to 64) described later from traveling to other adjacent irradiation units.

[0039] As shown in FIGS. 3 to 6, etc., the projection lens 14 projects the light reflected by the reflector component 13 (its respective reflection surfaces Rs) toward the front of the vehicle, and cooperates with them to form a predetermined light distribution pattern. The projection lens 14 is a molded product made of a resin material, and is integrally provided with a first lens portion 51, a second lens portion 52, a third lens portion 53, and a fourth lens portion 54 (refer to FIG. 2, etc.). Each lens portion (51 to 54) is located at a position opposite to the corresponding reflector portion (41 to 44), that is, in a direction in which the light from the corresponding light source (31 to 34) is reflected by the reflector portion (41 to 44). Specifically, in the projection lens 14, in the width direction, the fourth lens portion 54, the first lens portion 51, the second lens portion 52, and the third lens portion 53 are sequentially provided from the inner side of the vehicle (the right side in FIG. 4 and the left side in FIG. 5).

[0040] The focal point (rear focal point) of each lens portion (51 to 54) is located near the back wall portion (41b to 44b) described later of the corresponding reflector portion (41 to 44). Each lens portion (51 to 54) forms a plurality of light distribution images of the back wall portion (41b to 44b) (predetermined area near it) in a position corresponding to the optical characteristics by irradiating light from the corresponding reflector portion (41 to 44) on a screen where a horizontal line H and a vertical line V intersect with the center position O of the illumination of the vehicle lamp 10 as the origin, in an appropriately overlapping manner. The optical characteristics can be set by adjusting the curvature (surface shape) of each lens portion (51 to 54) for each location, and in Example 1, the curvature is gradually changed to set the image.

[0041] The first lens portion 51 is a convex lens, the second lens portion 52 is a concave lens, the third lens portion 53 is a concave lens, and the fourth lens portion 54 is a concave lens. Moreover, the fourth lens portion 54 and the first lens portion 51 extend in the width direction. The second lens portion 52 adjacent to the first lens portion 51 is slightly tilted to the rear side than the first lens portion 51 in a manner of displacement to the rear side as it moves toward the outside. The third lens portion 53 adjacent to the second lens portion 52 is tilted to the rear side more than the second lens portion 52 in a manner of displacement to the rear side as it moves toward the outside. The axis of the third lens portion 53 of Example 1 is consistent with the third projection optical axis Lp3 of the third reflector portion 43 described later, and is tilted to the outside at a range of 40 to 80 degrees relative to the front-to-back direction. In Example 1, the tilt is 60 degrees. As a result, the projection lens 14 as a whole has the same shape as the outer lens 15 (refer to FIG. 5 ) as it moves toward the rear side of the front-to-back direction from the inside to the outside in the width direction, and can be made into an appearance with a sense of unity.

[0042] Here, in the projection lens 14 of Example 1, the first lens portion 51 is a convex lens by setting the first emission surface 51a to a substantially smooth curved surface and the first incident surface 51b to a convex surface bulging toward the first light source 31 (first reflector portion 41). In addition, the second lens portion 52 is a concave lens by setting the second emission surface 52a to a substantially smooth curved surface and the second incident surface 52b to a concave surface recessed toward the side opposite to the second light source 32 (second reflector portion 42). Furthermore, the third lens portion 53 is a concave lens by setting the third emission surface 53a to a substantially smooth curved surface and the third incident surface 53b to a concave surface recessed toward the side opposite to the third light source 33 (third reflector portion 43). Moreover, the fourth lens portion 54 is a concave lens by setting the fourth emission surface 54a to a substantially smooth curved surface and the fourth incident surface 54b to a concave surface recessed toward the side opposite to the fourth light source 34 (fourth reflector portion 44). The curvature of each incident surface (51b to 54b) is set according to the optical setting in each irradiation unit (61 to 64) described later.

[0043] Moreover, in the projection lens 14 of Example 1, the fourth exit surface 54a, the first exit surface 51a, and the second exit surface 52a are arranged continuously from the inside in the width direction to form a single curved surface. Here, a single curved surface means that there is no bending part and the change of curvature is continuous. Therefore, in the projection lens 14 of Example 1, although the first lens portion 51, the second lens portion 52, and the fourth lens portion 54 are set to have different optical characteristics as described later, the fourth exit surface 54a, the first exit surface 51a, and the second exit surface 52a can be made to look like a single surface, thereby improving the aesthetics.

[0044] In the projection lens 14 of Example 1, the third exit surface 53a of the third lens unit 53 is set as a single curved surface. In addition, in the projection lens 14 of Example 1, a curved surface 55 is provided between the second lens unit 52 (its second exit surface 52a) and the third lens unit 53 (its third exit surface 53a). The curved surface 55 forms a curved and continuous portion between the second exit surface 52a of the second lens unit 52 and the third exit surface 53a of the third lens unit 53. That is, the second exit surface 52a and the third exit surface 53a are formed as single curved surfaces extending in different directions, but they are continuous with the direction changed by the curved surface 55. Thus, in the projection lens 14, the four exit surfaces (51a to 54a) can be set as a unified integrated design composed of two smooth curved surfaces without concave and convex, and set to face the rear side (incline to the rear side) as they face the outside. In the projection lens 14 , the second lens portion 52 can be made substantially orthogonal to a second projection optical axis Lp2 of a second irradiation unit 62 described later, and the third lens portion 53 can be made substantially orthogonal to a third projection optical axis Lp3 of a third irradiation unit 63 described later.

[0045] In addition, in the projection lens 14 of Example 1, a common reference curve that is smoothly continuous and gently curved is set on the incident surface side from the second lens portion 52 to the third lens portion 53, and the second incident surface 52b and the third incident surface 53b are set as concave surfaces that are concave relative to the reference curve. Therefore, the second incident surface 52b and the third incident surface 53b can be adjacent to each other without generating a step difference therebetween, and it is possible to prevent the light caused by the step difference from forming undesirable light and dark on each light distribution pattern P. In addition, the second incident surface 52b and the third incident surface 53b are concave surfaces relative to each other, so that compared with the case where the incident surface of one irradiation unit is a concave surface and the incident surface of the other irradiation unit is a convex surface, it is possible to suppress the light from one irradiation unit from being incident on the incident surface of the other irradiation unit.

[0046] As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, two positioning holes 14a and one screw through hole 14b are provided in the projection lens 14. Each positioning hole 14a is provided on both sides of the outer side of the region where each lens portion (51 to 54) is provided in the width direction, and the corresponding positioning protrusion 13a of the reflector component 13 can be inserted. The screw 24 can pass through the screw through hole 14b. Each positioning protrusion 13a of the reflector component 13 passes through the positioning hole 14a, and the screw 24 passing through the screw through hole 14b is screwed into the threaded hole 13b of the reflector component 13, thereby the projection lens 14 is installed between the mounting component 11 (lens mounting portion 22) and the reflector component 13. As a result, the projection lens 14 is in a positional relationship in which each lens portion (51 to 54) and the corresponding reflector portion (41 to 44) are opposed to each other.

[0047] Next, the positional relationship of each reflector unit (41 to 44) is described. First, each reflector unit (41 to 44) cooperates with the corresponding light source (31 to 34) and lens unit (51 to 54) to form an irradiation unit that forms a predetermined light distribution pattern. In detail, the first reflector unit 41 is composed of the first light source 31 and the first lens unit 51 to form a first irradiation unit 61, and the second reflector unit 42 is composed of the second light source 32 and the second lens unit 52 to form a second irradiation unit 62. In addition, the third reflector unit 43 is composed of the third light source 33 and the third lens unit 53 to form a third irradiation unit 63, and the fourth reflector unit 44 is composed of the fourth light source 34 and the fourth lens unit 54 to form a fourth irradiation unit 64.

[0048] Here, in each irradiation unit (61 to 64), the axis of each reflector part (41 to 44) is set as the respective projection optical axis Lp. The axis (each projection optical axis Lp) is set as the major axis of the basic ellipse in each reflection surface Rs. Hereinafter, the axis of the first irradiation unit 61 is set as the first projection optical axis Lp1, the axis of the second irradiation unit 62 is set as the second projection optical axis Lp2, the axis of the third irradiation unit 63 is set as the third projection optical axis Lp3, and the axis of the fourth irradiation unit 64 is set as the fourth projection optical axis Lp4 (refer to FIG. 4).

[0049] In the first irradiation unit 61, as shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, etc., the first reflector portion 41 is provided at the center side in the width direction, and its first projection optical axis Lp1 is consistent with the front-to-back direction. The first projection optical axis Lp1 also functions as the projection optical axis Lp of the vehicle lamp 10. The first reflector portion 41 is formed into a bowl shape on a horizontal plane, and the open end 41a from which light is emitted is located at the front side in the front-to-back direction, and the inner wall portion 41b as the vertex of the bowl shape is located at the rear side in the front-to-back direction. The first lens portion 51 of the projection lens 14 is located on the front side of the first reflector portion 41 in the front-to-back direction, that is, on the first projection optical axis Lp1.

[0050] In the first reflector 41, the lower end of the inner wall portion 41b is set as a cut-off forming surface 41c (refer to FIG. 3, FIG. 4, etc.). In order to form a cut-off line CL, the lower end of the cut-off forming surface 41c is formed into a shape in which two horizontal edges of different heights are joined by an inclined edge. As shown in FIG6, the first reflector 41 reflects the light from the first light source 31 located at the first focus (near the first focus) of its reflection surface Rs toward the first lens portion 51. As shown in FIG4, the first lens portion 51 projects the light reflected by the first reflector 41 in the direction of the first projection optical axis Lp1. At this time, the first lens portion 51 is formed as a convex lens, so that the light from the first reflector 41 is converged while traveling in the direction of the first projection optical axis Lp1. In addition, the first lens portion 51 forms a light distribution image of the inner wall portion 41b including the cut-off forming surface 41c on the screen where the horizontal line H and the vertical line V intersect on the projection optical axis Lp (first projection optical axis Lp1). It should be noted that even when the vehicle lamp 10 is installed on the left side of the vehicle, the relationship between the inclination direction and the height of the cutoff forming surface 41c is not reversed in the width direction. That is, the vehicle lamp 10 is set to be reversed in the width direction on the right and left sides of the vehicle, but the inclination of the cutoff forming surface 41c is set to be the same direction.

[0051] Thus, as shown in FIG7 , the first irradiation unit 61 forms a first light distribution pattern P1 on the screen as a light distribution pattern that is a light-concentrating pattern formed by converging the light from the first light source 31. The first light distribution pattern P1 is provided with a cut-off line CL formed by joining two horizontal edges of different heights by using an inclined edge on the upper side. The first light distribution pattern P1 makes the cut-off line CL located on the projection optical axis Lp, and concentrates light below the cut-off line CL to enhance the brightness, and clarifies the brightness of the cut-off line CL.

[0052] In the second irradiation unit 62, as shown in FIG. 3 to FIG. 5, etc., the second reflector portion 42 is disposed adjacent to the first reflector portion 41 on the outside in the width direction. The second projection optical axis Lp2 of the second reflector portion 42 is consistent with the front-to-back direction or is slightly inclined to the outside than the front-to-back direction. The second reflector portion 42 is formed into a bowl shape on a horizontal plane, and the open end 42a from which light is emitted is located at the front side in the front-to-back direction, and the inner wall portion 42b as the vertex of the bowl shape is located at the rear side in the front-to-back direction. The second lens portion 52 of the projection lens 14 is located at the front side in the front-to-back direction of the second reflector portion 42, that is, on the second projection optical axis Lp2. The second reflector portion 42 is adjacent to the first reflector portion 41 on the outside in the width direction than the first reflector portion 41, and the second lens portion 52 is adjacent to the first lens portion 51 on the outside in the width direction than the first lens portion 51.

[0053] As shown in FIG6 , the second reflector 42 reflects the light from the second light source 32 located at the first focal point (near the first focal point) of the reflection surface Rs toward the second lens portion 52. As shown in FIG4 , the second lens portion 52 projects the light reflected by the second reflector 42 toward the second projection optical axis Lp2. At this time, the second lens portion 52 is formed as a concave lens and the second projection optical axis Lp2 is slightly inclined outward, so that the light from the second reflector 42 is diffused and travels slightly outward (to the left in FIG4 and FIG6 ) than the second projection optical axis Lp2 direction, that is, the projection optical axis Lp (first projection optical axis Lp1) in the width direction. In addition, the second lens portion 52 appropriately overlaps and forms a plurality of light distribution images of the inner wall portion 42b on the screen where the horizontal line H and the vertical line V intersect on the projection optical axis Lp. In the second lens portion 52 of Example 1, the concave degree of the second incident surface 52b, that is, the curvature of the second incident surface 52b is smaller than that of the third incident surface 53b and larger than that of the fourth incident surface 54b.

[0054] Thus, as shown in FIG8 , the second irradiation unit 62 forms a second light distribution pattern P2 on the screen as a large diffuse light distribution pattern in which the light from the second light source 32 is greatly diffused. The second light distribution pattern P2 has the center of brightness located outside (to the right) in the width direction relative to the projection optical axis Lp. Below the cut-off line CL of the first light distribution pattern P1, the second light distribution pattern P2 partially overlaps with the first light distribution pattern P1 and greatly expands outside thereof, and brightens an area larger than the first light distribution pattern P1.

[0055] In the third irradiation unit 63, as shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, etc., the third reflector section 43 is provided between the first reflector section 41 and the second reflector section 42 in the width direction, and is provided in front of the first reflector section 41 and the second reflector section 42 in the front-back direction. In other words, the third reflector section 43 is located between the first reflector section 41 and the second reflector section 42 adjacent in the width direction by being located in front of the first reflector section 41 (the open end 41a thereof) and the second reflector section 42 (the open end 42a thereof) in the front-back direction. The third projection optical axis Lp3 of the third reflector section 43 is inclined outwardly between 40 degrees and 80 degrees with respect to the front-back direction, and the inclination is 60 degrees in the first embodiment.

[0056] The third reflector unit 43 is formed into a bowl shape on a horizontal plane, and the open end 43a from which light is emitted is located at the front side in the front-to-back direction, and the inner wall portion 43b, which is the apex of the bowl shape, is located at the rear side in the front-to-back direction. The third lens unit 53 of the projection lens 14 is located at a position opposite to the third reflector unit 43, that is, on the third projection optical axis Lp3. As described above, the third lens unit 53 is located at a position closer to the outside than the second lens unit 52 in the width direction. This is because the third reflector unit 43 is located between the first reflector unit 41 and the second reflector unit 42 in the width direction, but the third projection optical axis Lp3 is inclined 60 degrees to the outside. In this way, in the width direction, the arrangement order of the second reflector unit 42 and the third reflector unit 43 is opposite to the arrangement order of the second lens unit 52 and the third lens unit 53. Therefore, the optical paths (two projection optical axes Lp2, Lp3) of the second irradiation unit 62 and the third irradiation unit 63 intersect with each other.

[0057] In addition, the third reflector 43 is tilted greatly toward the outside relative to the first reflector 41 and the second reflector 42 by making the third projection optical axis Lp3 tilted greatly. Therefore, in the third reflector 43, the vicinity of the inner wall portion 43b (the third light source 33) is located in front of the first light source 31 in the front-rear direction. Here, the optical path of the first irradiation unit 61, that is, the trajectory of the effective light from the first light source 31 for forming the first light distribution pattern P1 reflected by the first reflector 41 and advancing toward the first lens portion 51, has a smaller dimension in the width direction at the middle position between the first reflector 41 and the first lens portion 51 (refer to FIG. 6). Moreover, the third reflector 43 is arranged in front of the first light source 31 in accordance with the form of the optical path of the first irradiation unit 61 (the above-mentioned effective light trajectory) so as to suppress the obstruction of the light in the first irradiation unit 61 as much as possible. In other words, the position and size of the third reflector 43 on the optical path of the first irradiation unit 61 are set so as to suppress the obstruction of the optical path of the first irradiation unit 61.

[0058] In addition, more than half of the third reflector 43 on the side of the open end 43a is located on the optical path of the second irradiation unit 62, that is, on the trajectory of the effective light from the second light source 32 for forming the second light distribution pattern P2, which is reflected by the second reflector 42 and travels toward the second lens portion 52. Here, in the third reflector 43, one side across the third projection optical axis Lp3 is located on the second light source 32 (second reflector 42) side, and the other side across the third projection optical axis Lp3 is located on the second lens portion 52 side. In addition, in the third reflector 43, a light source side cutout 45 is provided on one side of the second light source 32, and an opposite side cutout 46 is provided on the other side of the second lens portion 52. The light source side cutout 45 and the opposite side cutout 46 are formed by partially cutting the third reflector 43 to prevent the light from the second light source 32 reflected by the second reflector 42 from being blocked and traveling toward the second lens portion 52. The light source side cutout portion 45 and the opposite side cutout portion 46 of the first embodiment are cut out in a curved shape centered on the second projection optical axis Lp2 or the vicinity thereof.

[0059] In the first embodiment, the dimension of the optical path of the second irradiation unit 62 in the width direction is small at the middle position between the second reflector portion 42 and the second lens portion 52 (see FIG. 6 ). Therefore, the light source side cutout portion 45 is cut larger than the opposite side cutout portion 46, that is, the curvature radius of the light source side cutout portion 45 is larger than the curvature radius of the opposite side cutout portion 46. In other words, in the third reflector portion 43, in order to increase the reflection surface Rs in the third reflector portion 43 as much as possible while suppressing the obstruction of the optical path of the second irradiation unit 62, the light source side cutout portion 45 is cut larger, and the opposite side cutout portion 46 is cut smaller in comparison. Thus, the two cutout portions (45, 46) can ensure the optical paths of both the second irradiation unit 62 and the third irradiation unit 63 in a balanced manner, and can appropriately form both the second light distribution pattern P2 and the third light distribution pattern P3.

[0060] As shown in FIG6 , the third reflector 43 reflects the light from the third light source 33 located at the first focal point (near the first focal point) of the reflection surface Rs toward the third lens 53. As shown in FIG4 , the third lens 53 projects the light reflected by the third reflector 43 toward the third projection optical axis Lp3. At this time, the third lens 53 is formed as a concave lens, and the third projection optical axis Lp3 is greatly inclined outward, so that the light reflected by the third reflector 43 is diffused and travels more outward (to the left in FIG4 and FIG6 ) than the third projection optical axis Lp3 direction, that is, the projection optical axis Lp (first projection optical axis Lp1) in the width direction. In addition, the third lens 53 appropriately overlaps and forms a plurality of light distribution images of the inner wall portion 43b on the screen where the horizontal line H and the vertical line V intersect on the projection optical axis Lp. In the third lens portion 53 of Example 1, the degree of concavity of the third incident surface 53 b , that is, the curvature of the third incident surface 53 b is greater than that of the other concave incident surfaces ( 52 b , 54 b ).

[0061] Thus, as shown in FIG. 9 , the third irradiation unit 63 diffuses the light from the third light source 33 on the screen to form a third light distribution pattern P3. The third light distribution pattern P3 has the center of brightness located at a position much further outward (right) than the projection optical axis Lp in the width direction. The third light distribution pattern P3 overlaps a portion of the second light distribution pattern P2 and brightens a wide area on the outside (right) in the width direction. The third light distribution pattern P3 can illuminate the side of the light distribution pattern for oncoming vehicles LP described later (refer to FIG. 11 ), and functions as a so-called side light distribution pattern that can illuminate a position that may become a blind spot only with the light distribution pattern for oncoming vehicles LP. In Example 1, the third light distribution pattern P3 brightens the range of 30 degrees to 90 degrees on the outside along the horizontal line H from the center position O (projection optical axis Lp).

[0062] In the fourth irradiation unit 64, as shown in FIG. 3 to FIG. 5, etc., the fourth reflector section 44 is provided adjacent to the first reflector section 41 on the inner side of the first reflector section 41 in the width direction. The fourth projection optical axis Lp4 of the fourth reflector section 44 is consistent with the front-back direction or slightly inclined inwardly than the front-back direction. The fourth reflector section 44 is formed into a bowl shape on a horizontal plane, and the open end 44a from which light is emitted is located at the front side in the front-back direction, and the inner wall portion 44b as the vertex of the bowl shape is located at the rear side in the front-back direction. The fourth lens section 54 of the projection lens 14 is located at the front side of the fourth reflector section 44 in the front-back direction, that is, on the fourth projection optical axis Lp4. Here, the fourth reflector section 44 is adjacent to the first reflector section 41 on the inner side in the width direction, and the fourth lens section 54 is adjacent to the first lens section 51 on the inner side in the width direction.

[0063] As shown in FIG6 , the fourth reflector 44 reflects the light from the fourth light source 34 located at the first focal point (near the first focal point) of the reflection surface Rs toward the fourth lens portion 54. As shown in FIG4 , the fourth lens portion 54 projects the light reflected by the fourth reflector 44 toward the fourth projection optical axis Lp4. At this time, the fourth lens portion 54 is formed as a concave lens and the fourth projection optical axis Lp4 is slightly inclined inward, so that the light reflected by the fourth reflector 44 is diffused and travels slightly inward (rightward in FIG4 and FIG6 ) than the fourth projection optical axis Lp4 direction, that is, the projection optical axis Lp (first projection optical axis Lp1) in the width direction. In addition, the fourth lens portion 54 forms a plurality of light distribution images of the inner wall portion 44b in an appropriately overlapping manner on the screen where the horizontal line H and the vertical line V intersect on the projection optical axis Lp. In the fourth lens portion 54 of Example 1, the degree of concavity of the fourth incident surface 54 b formed as a concave surface, that is, the curvature of the fourth incident surface 54 b is smaller than that of the other concave incident surfaces ( 52 b , 53 b ).

[0064] Thus, as shown in FIG. 10 , the fourth irradiation unit 64 forms a fourth light distribution pattern P4 on the screen as a middle diffuse light distribution pattern formed by diffusing the light from the fourth light source 34. The fourth light distribution pattern P4 has the center of brightness located on the inner side (left side) of the projection optical axis Lp in the width direction. The fourth light distribution pattern P4 includes substantially the entire area of ​​the first light distribution pattern P1 below the cut-off line CL of the first light distribution pattern P1 and extends greatly to the left thereof, and brightens an area larger than the first light distribution pattern P1.

[0065] The vehicle lamp 10 turns on the first light source 31, the second light source 32, and the fourth light source 34, and simultaneously forms and overlaps the first light distribution pattern P1, the second light distribution pattern P2, and the fourth light distribution pattern P4, thereby forming a light distribution pattern LP for oncoming vehicles as shown in Fig. 11. The light distribution pattern LP for oncoming vehicles has a cut-off line CL on the projection optical axis Lp, and can make the vicinity of the projection optical axis Lp the brightest and make a larger area in the width direction brighter below the cut-off line CL.

[0066] Moreover, in the state where the light distribution pattern LP for oncoming vehicles is formed, the vehicle lamp 10 turns on the third light source 33 to form the third light distribution pattern P3, thereby, as shown in FIG. 12 , a part of the third light distribution pattern P3 can overlap with the light distribution pattern LP for oncoming vehicles and make the outer side (right side in FIG. 12 ) thereof brighter. Thus, in addition to the light distribution pattern LP for oncoming vehicles, the vehicle lamp 10 can also ensure a wide range of vision on the right side thereof. Here, when the steering wheel of the vehicle on which the vehicle is mounted is turned to the right greatly and the right direction indicator is turned on, the vehicle lamp 10 turns on the third light source 33 in conjunction with these operations, thereby automatically ensuring a wide range of vision according to the movement of the vehicle, and appropriately assisting driving. In addition, the vehicle lamp 10 may also turn on the third light source 33 to form the third light distribution pattern P3 according to the operation of the operation unit for turning on the third light source 33 provided in the vehicle. Furthermore, the vehicle lamp 10 may always form the third light distribution pattern P3 when forming the light distribution pattern LP for oncoming vehicles. It should be noted that when the vehicle lamp 10 is installed on the left side of the vehicle, the third light distribution pattern P3 is formed on the left side of the oncoming light distribution pattern LP in conjunction with the operation of turning the steering wheel largely to the left and lighting the left turn signal lamp.

[0067] The vehicle lamp 10 is provided with a third irradiation unit 63 that forms a third light distribution pattern P3 in addition to the first irradiation unit 61, the second irradiation unit 62, and the fourth irradiation unit 64 that form the oncoming light distribution pattern LP. Therefore, when the vehicle lamp 10 is mounted on a vehicle, the positioning adjustment operation between the irradiation units (61 to 64) can be omitted, and the accuracy of the relative positional relationship of the irradiation units (61 to 64) can be improved. In addition, compared with the case where the irradiation units (61 to 64) are mounted on the vehicle separately, the vehicle lamp 10 can reduce the number of components used for installation and simplify its installation operation.

[0068] In addition, in order to form the light distribution pattern LP for oncoming vehicles, the vehicle lamp 10 is provided with a first lens portion 51 that converges the light from the first light source 31 to form the first light distribution pattern P1 and a second lens portion 52 that diffuses the light from the second light source 32 to form the second light distribution pattern P2 in the projection lens 14. In the projection lens 14, the first lens portion 51 and the second lens portion 52 are provided adjacent to each other in order from the inner side in the width direction. The vehicle lamp 10 forms the light distribution pattern LP for oncoming vehicles (also the fourth light distribution pattern P4 in the first embodiment) by simultaneously forming the first light distribution pattern P1 having the cut-off line CL in the innermost first lens portion 51 and the second light distribution pattern P2 formed in the second lens portion 52 on the outer side of the first lens portion 51. In this way, the vehicle lamp 10 forms the cut-off line CL using the light from the inner first lens portion 51, so that the cut-off line CL of the light distribution pattern LP for oncoming vehicles formed in front of the vehicle can be easily and clearly formed. In addition, the vehicle lamp 10 forms the second light distribution pattern P2 using light from the second lens portion 52 that is located outside the first lens portion 51, so the second light distribution pattern P2 can be easily made larger than the first light distribution pattern P1. This is because the inner first lens portion 51 is conducive to converging light around the cut-off line CL located in front of the vehicle, and the outer second lens portion 52 is conducive to overlapping and diffusing at least a portion of the light with the first light distribution pattern P1. Therefore, by forming the first light distribution pattern P1 and the second light distribution pattern P2 at the same time, the vehicle lamp 10 can form an appropriate oncoming light distribution pattern LP that emphasizes the cut-off line CL and illuminates a larger area.

[0069] Furthermore, the vehicle lamp 10 is provided with a third irradiation unit 63 for forming a third light distribution pattern P3 on the side of the light distribution pattern LP for oncoming vehicles, and the third lens portion 53 is provided adjacent to the outer side of the second lens portion 52 in the width direction in the projection lens 14. Therefore, the vehicle lamp 10 can make the light path from the second light source 32 toward the second lens portion 52 intersect with the light path from the third light source 33 toward the third lens portion 53. Thus, the vehicle lamp 10 makes the light from the third light source 33 on the inner side of the second light source 32 be emitted from the third lens portion 53 on the outer side of the second lens portion 52 to form the third light distribution pattern P3, so that the third light distribution pattern P3 can be easily located on the outer side of the first light distribution pattern P1 and the second light distribution pattern P2. Thus, the vehicle lamp 10 can appropriately form the light distribution pattern LP for oncoming vehicles having a cut-off line CL and the third light distribution pattern P3 on the side thereof.

[0070] Next, the vehicle lamp 10 is oriented toward the rear side in the front-rear direction (inclined toward the rear side in the front-rear direction) as it moves from the inside toward the outside in the width direction in the projection lens 14. Therefore, the vehicle lamp 10 can reduce the interval between the second reflector portion 42 and the second lens portion 52 in the second irradiation unit 62 compared with the first irradiation unit 61 and the fourth irradiation unit 64, and thus can reduce the focal length of the second lens portion 52. Thus, it is easier to diffuse the light from the second light source 32 than when the second irradiation unit 62 is arranged at the position of the first irradiation unit 61. In addition, since the second irradiation unit 62 inclines the second lens portion 52 slightly toward the rear side than the first lens portion 51, it is easier to form the second light distribution pattern P2 in which the center of the brightness is located at a position outside the projection optical axis Lp in the width direction and is greatly expanded.

[0071] Furthermore, the vehicle lamp 10 can increase the distance between the first reflector portion 41 and the first lens portion 51 in the first irradiation unit 61 compared to the second irradiation unit 62 by tilting the projection lens 14 as described above, and thus can increase the focal length of the first lens portion 51. Therefore, the first irradiation unit 61 is arranged at a position further inward than the second irradiation unit 62, and thus, it is easier to converge the light from the first light source 31 than when it is arranged at the position of the second irradiation unit 62. Furthermore, the first irradiation unit 61 has the first lens portion 51 arranged along the width direction, and therefore, it is easier to form the center of the brightness of the first light distribution pattern P1, which converges light to increase brightness and makes the cut-off line CL clear, near the projection optical axis Lp.

[0072] Here, the technical issues of the existing vehicle lamps are explained. The existing vehicle lamps form an additional light distribution pattern (the third light distribution pattern P3 in the present invention) on the side of the light distribution pattern for oncoming vehicles by providing an oncoming light distribution unit and an additional light distribution unit. The existing vehicle lamps arrange the additional light distribution unit on the outside of the oncoming light distribution unit, which leads to a large size. In particular, the existing vehicle lamps make the oncoming light distribution unit face the front side in the front-to-back direction and set it on the inside in the width direction, and make the additional light distribution unit tilted outward relative to the front-to-back direction and set it on the outside in the width direction. Therefore, the existing vehicle lamps have a large gap between the emission positions of the oncoming light distribution unit and the additional light distribution unit, and an inner plate is provided in the gap for shielding. Therefore, the existing vehicle lamps are provided with non-lit parts between the lit parts, and there is also room for improvement from the perspective of improving aesthetics.

[0073] In contrast, in the vehicle lamp 10 of the present invention, the first reflector portion 41 and the second reflector portion 42 are disposed adjacent to each other in the width direction on the mounting surface 21a of the mounting member 11, and the third reflector portion 43 is disposed between them in the width direction and on the front side in the front-rear direction. Therefore, the vehicle lamp 10 does not simply arrange the three reflector portions (41, 42, 43) in the width direction, but also staggers them in the front-rear direction, thereby making efficient use of the mounting surface 21a and suppressing the enlargement.

[0074] In particular, the vehicle lamp 10 tilts the third projection optical axis Lp3 of the third reflector portion 43 that forms the third light distribution pattern P3 that illuminates the side of the light distribution pattern LP for oncoming vehicles outward by 60 degrees relative to the front-rear direction. Therefore, in order to form the light distribution pattern LP for oncoming vehicles, the vehicle lamp 10 sets the third reflector portion 43 at a position forward of the first reflector portion 41 and the second reflector portion 42 that make the projection optical axis (Lp1, Lp2) substantially along the front-rear direction, so that the emission positions of the light from the three irradiation units (61 to 63) can be close. Therefore, the vehicle lamp 10 can make the three lens portions (51 to 53) of the projection lens 14 adjacent to each other, and can improve the aesthetics compared with the above-mentioned conventional vehicle lamp. Here, in the vehicle lamp 10, partition walls 25 are provided between the lens portions (51 to 54), and the partition walls 25 prevent light passing through each irradiation unit (61 to 64) from traveling to other adjacent irradiation units without blocking the light, thereby suppressing a decrease in aesthetics.

[0075] The vehicle lamp 10 as an example of the vehicle lamp of the present invention can obtain the following various effects.

[0076] In the vehicle lamp 10, the second light distribution pattern P2 is formed simultaneously with the first light distribution pattern P1 to form at least a part of the oncoming light distribution pattern LP, and the first reflector portion 41 and the second reflector portion 42 are disposed adjacent to each other on the mounting surface 21a in the width direction of the vehicle. In addition, the third reflector portion 43 is disposed between the first reflector portion 41 and the second reflector portion 42 in the width direction, and is disposed on the mounting surface 21a in front of the first reflector portion 41 and the second reflector portion 42 in the front-rear direction of the vehicle. Therefore, the vehicle lamp 10 does not simply arrange the three reflector portions (41, 42, 43) in the width direction, but also staggers them in the front-rear direction, thereby being able to efficiently utilize the mounting surface 21a and suppressing enlargement.

[0077] In addition, in the vehicle lamp 10, the first reflector portion 41 is disposed at a position that is closer to the inside than the second reflector portion 42 in the width direction. Therefore, the vehicle lamp 10 forms the cut-off line CL using the light from the first reflector portion 41 on the inside, and thus can easily and clearly form the cut-off line CL of the oncoming light distribution pattern LP formed in front of the vehicle. In addition, the vehicle lamp 10 forms the second light distribution pattern P2 using the light from the second reflector portion 42 on the outside than the first lens portion 51, and thus can easily make the second light distribution pattern P2 larger than the first light distribution pattern P1.

[0078] Furthermore, in the vehicle lamp 10, the first axis (first projection optical axis Lp1) of the first reflector portion 41 is arranged along the front-rear direction, and the third axis (third projection optical axis Lp3) of the third reflector portion 43 is inclined outwardly at a range of 40 to 80 degrees relative to the front-rear direction. Therefore, the vehicle lamp 10 can make the traveling direction of the light from the second reflector portion 42 intersect with the traveling direction of the light from the third reflector portion 43, and can make the emission positions of the two lights close to each other.

[0079] In the vehicle lamp 10, the third reflector portion 43 is arranged so that the third light source 33 is located on the front side in the front-rear direction of the first reflector portion 41. Therefore, the vehicle lamp 10 can provide the third reflector portion 43 (third light source 33) while suppressing the obstruction of the travel of light from the first reflector portion 41 and efficiently utilizing the mounting surface 21a.

[0080] In the vehicle lamp 10, the light source side cutout portion 45 is provided on the second light source 32 side of the third reflector portion 43, and the opposite side cutout portion 46 is provided on the opposite side thereof. Furthermore, the opposite side cutout portion 46 is cut to be smaller than the light source side cutout portion 45. Therefore, the vehicle lamp 10 can ensure the optical path for the light from the second reflector portion 42 and the optical path for the light from the third reflector portion 43 in a balanced manner, and can appropriately form both the second light distribution pattern P2 and the third light distribution pattern P3.

[0081] The vehicle lamp 10 further includes a fourth reflector portion 44 that reflects light emitted from the fourth light source 34 to form a fourth light distribution pattern P4, and the fourth reflector portion 44 is disposed adjacent to the first reflector portion 41 in the width direction. Therefore, in addition to the first light distribution pattern P1, the second light distribution pattern P2, and the third light distribution pattern P3, the vehicle lamp 10 can form the fourth light distribution pattern P4, so that the size and brightness distribution of the formed light distribution pattern can be adjusted more finely.

[0082] The vehicle lamp 10 further includes a projection lens 14 that projects light from the first reflector portion 41, the second reflector portion 42, and the third reflector portion 43. The projection lens 14 includes a first lens portion 51 that converges light from the first reflector portion 41, a second lens portion 52 that diffuses light from the second reflector portion 42, and a third lens portion 53 that diffuses light from the third reflector portion 43. In the projection lens 14, the first lens portion 51, the second lens portion 52, and the third lens portion 53 are adjacent to each other in the width direction from the inside. Therefore, the vehicle lamp 10 can make the optical path from the second reflector portion 42 toward the second lens portion 52 intersect with the optical path from the third reflector portion 43 toward the third lens portion 53. As a result, the vehicle lamp 10 can be made compact as a whole, and can appropriately form the oncoming light distribution pattern LP having the cut-off line CL and the third light distribution pattern P3 on the side thereof.

[0083] Therefore, the vehicle lamp 10 as the first embodiment of the vehicle lamp of the present invention can form the oncoming light distribution pattern LP and the third light distribution pattern P3 as an additional light distribution pattern on the side thereof while suppressing an increase in size.

[0084] The vehicle lamp of the present invention has been described above based on the first embodiment, but the specific structure is not limited to the first embodiment, and design changes and additions are permitted without departing from the gist of the invention according to each claim.

[0085] It should be noted that in the above-mentioned embodiment 1, the reflector component 13 and the projection lens 14 are used to control the light to form a specified light distribution pattern, but it can also be controlled only by the reflector component, or only by the projection lens, or other structures are also possible, and it is not limited to the structure of the above-mentioned embodiment 1.

[0086] In addition, in the above-mentioned embodiment 1, the light distribution pattern LP for oncoming vehicles is formed by forming the first light distribution pattern P1, the second light distribution pattern P2 and the fourth light distribution pattern P4 at the same time. However, the light distribution pattern LP for oncoming vehicles may also be formed by the first light distribution pattern P1 and the second light distribution pattern P2, and is not limited to the structure of embodiment 1. In this case, the first light distribution pattern P1 may also be used as the main light distribution pattern, and the second light distribution pattern P2 may be used as an auxiliary light distribution pattern. That is, the first light distribution pattern P1 can meet the regulations required as the light distribution pattern LP for oncoming vehicles. Moreover, the second light distribution pattern P2 can form at least a part of the light distribution pattern LP for oncoming vehicles in order to further improve the field of vision during driving by forming the second light distribution pattern P2 at the same time as the first light distribution pattern P1.

[0087] Description of Reference Numerals

[0088] 10 vehicle lamp, 11 mounting component, 21a mounting surface, 14 projection lens, 31 first light source, 32 second light source, 33 third light source, 34 fourth light source, 41 first reflector portion, 42 second reflector portion, 43 third reflector portion, 44 fourth reflector portion, 45 light source side cutout portion, 46 opposite side cutout portion, 51 first lens portion, 52 second lens portion, 53 third lens portion, CL cut-off line, LP meeting vehicle light distribution pattern, Lp1 first projection optical axis (as an example of the axis of the first reflector portion 41), Lp3 third projection optical axis (as an example of the axis of the third reflector portion 43), P1 first light distribution pattern, P2 second light distribution pattern, P3 third light distribution pattern, P4 fourth light distribution pattern, Rs reflecting surface.

Claims

1. A vehicle lamp, characterized in that: have: a first reflector portion that reflects the light emitted from the first light source and illuminates the front of the vehicle to form a first light distribution pattern having a cut-off line; a second reflector portion that reflects light emitted from a second light source and forms a second light distribution pattern that is larger than the first light distribution pattern in front of the vehicle; a third reflector portion that reflects light emitted from a third light source and forms a third light distribution pattern on the side of the first light distribution pattern or the second light distribution pattern; as well as a mounting component for mounting the first light source, the second light source and the third light source on a mounting surface, The second light distribution pattern is formed simultaneously with the first light distribution pattern, thereby forming at least a part of the light distribution pattern for oncoming vehicles. The first reflector portion and the second reflector portion are disposed adjacent to each other on the mounting surface in a width direction of the vehicle. The third reflector portion is provided on the mounting surface so as to be located between the first reflector portion and the second reflector portion in the width direction and in front of the first reflector portion and the second reflector portion in the front-rear direction of the vehicle.

2. The vehicle lamp according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first reflector portion is provided at an inner side than the second reflector portion in the width direction.

3. The vehicle lamp according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first reflector portion is configured such that its first axis is along the front-rear direction. The third reflector portion is inclined outwardly at a third axis thereof at an angle between 40 and 80 degrees relative to the front-rear direction.

4. The vehicle lamp according to claim 1, characterized in that: The third reflector portion is arranged so that the third light source is located on the front side of the first reflector portion in the front-rear direction.

5. The vehicle lamp according to claim 1, characterized in that: In the third reflector portion, a light source side cutout portion is provided on the second light source side, and an opposite side cutout portion is provided on the side opposite to the second light source side across the third axis of the third reflector portion. The opposite side cutout portion is cut to be smaller than the light source side cutout portion.

6. The vehicle lamp according to claim 1, characterized in that: further comprising a fourth reflector portion that reflects light emitted from a fourth light source and forms a fourth light distribution pattern that is larger than the first light distribution pattern and smaller than the second light distribution pattern in front of the vehicle, The fourth reflector portion is provided adjacent to the first reflector portion in the width direction.

7. The vehicle lamp according to claim 1, characterized in that: further comprising a projection lens for projecting light from the first reflector portion, the second reflector portion, and the third reflector portion, The projection lens has: a first lens portion that converges light from the first reflector portion; a second lens portion that diffuses light from the second reflector portion; and a third lens portion that diffuses light from the third reflector portion, wherein the first lens portion, the second lens portion, and the third lens portion are adjacent to each other in order from the inner side in the width direction.

Images