Lamp unit and vehicle lamp

Abstract

The lamp unit is provided with: a light-emitting unit that emits light; a condenser lens that condenses light from the light emitting unit; a light shielding member having a slit through which the light condensed by the condensing lens passes; and a projection lens that projects the light that has passed through the light-shielding member to form an irradiation pattern, the center of the light-emitting unit in the vertical direction being disposed above the optical axis of the projection lens, and the slit being disposed so as to extend upward from the optical axis of the projection lens.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] A lamp unit is known to have a lampshade that partially blocks light from a light source and a projection lens that projects light passing through the lampshade toward the rear of the vehicle.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: International Publication No. 2020 / 019231 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0007] In the lighting unit described in Patent Document 1, it is required that the overall structure be miniaturized.

[0008] The present invention was made in view of the above circumstances, and its object is to provide a lamp unit that can be miniaturized and a lamp for vehicles.

[0009] Solution for solving the problem

[0010] The lighting unit of the present invention includes: a light-emitting part that emits light; a condensing lens that focuses the light from the light-emitting part; a light-shielding member that has a slit through which the light focused by the condensing lens passes; and a projection lens that projects the light passing through the light-shielding member to form an illumination pattern, wherein the center of the light-emitting part in the vertical direction is disposed above the optical axis of the projection lens, and the slit extends upward from the optical axis of the projection lens.

[0011] The vehicle lighting fixtures involved in this invention include the aforementioned lighting unit.

[0012] Invention Effects

[0013] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a miniaturized lamp unit and a lamp for a vehicle. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 This is an exploded perspective view showing an example of the lighting unit involved in this embodiment.

[0015] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing an example of a lighting unit.

[0016] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing an example of a lighting unit.

[0017] Figure 4This is a diagram showing an example of a lighting unit.

[0018] Figure 5 It means along Figure 2 The diagram shows the structure of section AA in the diagram.

[0019] Figure 6 This is a three-dimensional diagram showing an example of a condenser lens.

[0020] Figure 7 This diagram illustrates an example of the operation of the lighting unit involved in this embodiment.

[0021] Figure 8 This diagram illustrates an example of the operation of the lighting unit involved in this embodiment.

[0022] Figure 9 This diagram illustrates an example of the operation of the lighting unit involved in this embodiment.

[0023] Figure 10 This diagram illustrates an example of the operation of the lighting unit involved in this embodiment.

[0024] Figure 11 This is an example of an illumination pattern formed on a road surface by vehicle lights. Detailed Implementation

[0025] Hereinafter, embodiments of the lighting unit and vehicle lighting according to the present invention will be described based on the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. Furthermore, the constituent elements in the following embodiments include elements that can and are easily substituted by those skilled in the art, or substantially the same elements.

[0026] In the following description, the front-back, up-down, and left-right directions refer to the directions in which the lighting unit and vehicle lighting fixtures are mounted on the vehicle, indicating the direction from the driver's seat when observing the vehicle's direction of travel. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the up-down direction is parallel to the vertical direction, and the front-back and left-right directions are parallel to the horizontal direction. Additionally, the center side of the vehicle in the left-right direction is designated as the vehicle's inner side, and the side sides in the left-right direction are designated as the vehicle's outer side.

[0027] Furthermore, the directions of the front and rear sides refer to the directions in the vehicle mounting state (vehicle mounting state). For example, in the state where it is mounted at the front of the vehicle, the front is the front direction (front side), and the rear is the rear direction (rear side). Similarly, in the state where it is mounted at the rear of the vehicle, the rear is the front direction (front side), and the front is the rear direction (rear side). Additionally, in the state where it is mounted on the side of the vehicle, the outer side of the vehicle is the front direction (front side), and the inner side of the vehicle is the rear direction (rear side).

[0028] Figure 1 This is an exploded perspective view showing an example of the lighting unit involved in this embodiment. Figures 2 to 4 This is a diagram showing an example of a lighting unit. Figures 2 to 4 This indicates the state of observation from the front side of the projection lens 40 along its optical axis, i.e., the optical axis AX. Additionally, Figure 3 Indicates from Figure 2 The states shown omit the state of projection lens 40. Additionally, Figure 4 Indicates from Figure 3 The state shown omits the state of the light-shielding component 30. Figure 5 It means along Figure 2 A diagram of the structure of section AA in the image. Figures 1 to 5 As shown, the lighting unit 100 includes a light-emitting part 10, a condenser lens 20, a light-shielding part 30, a projection lens 40, and a support part 50.

[0029] The light-emitting unit 10 emits light for forming the illumination pattern P. In this embodiment, only one light-emitting unit 10 is provided. The light-emitting unit 10 has one light source 11 or multiple light sources 11 arranged close together in the left-right direction. In this embodiment, the light-emitting unit 10 has, for example, one light source 11. The light source 11 is, for example, a semiconductor-type light source such as an LED. The light source 11 has a light-emitting surface 11a that emits light. The light-emitting surface 11a faces the front direction. The light-emitting unit 10 is provided at one point in the vertical direction. That is, the light-emitting unit 10 does not have multiple layers in the vertical direction. In this embodiment, the center 10a of the light-emitting unit 10 in the vertical direction is positioned above the optical axis of the projection lens 40, i.e., the optical axis AX of the projection lens, which will be described later. In addition, the light-emitting unit 10 is configured to intersect the optical axis BX of the condenser lens, which will be described later.

[0030] Alternatively, the light-emitting part 10 may also be a structure in which multiple light sources 11 are arranged close together in the left-right direction. In this case, the multiple light sources 11 constitute one light-emitting part 10.

[0031] The light source 11 is mounted on the mounting surface 12a of the substrate 12. The substrate 12 is, for example, a rectangular plate, and has wiring, circuitry, etc., formed to supply power to the light source 11. The substrate 12 is arranged in a state that is orthogonal or approximately orthogonal to the optical axis AX of the projection lens. The light source 11 is disposed on the upper part of the substrate 12. By disposing the light source 11 on the upper part of the substrate 12, it is possible to prevent the substrate 12 from extending upwards beyond the light source 11. The substrate 12 is supported by the support member 50.

[0032] The condenser lens 20 focuses the light from the light-emitting unit 10 and projects it out to the front side. The condenser lens 20 is formed using a material that allows light from the light source 11 to pass through. Examples of such materials include resin materials such as polycarbonate, but other materials can also be used. The condenser lens 20 has a first lens portion 21, a second lens portion 22, and a foot portion 23. The condenser lens 20 has a condenser lens optical axis BX shared by the first lens portion 21 and the second lens portion 22. The condenser lens optical axis BX is positioned above the projection lens optical axis AX.

[0033] Figure 6 This is a three-dimensional view showing an example of a condenser lens 20. Figure 6 This indicates the structure of the incident surface side of the condenser lens 20. The first lens section 21 is disposed on the lower side relative to the optical axis BX of the condenser lens. The first lens section 21 has a first opposing incident surface 21a, an inclined incident surface 21b, a reflecting surface 21c, an inner exit surface 21d, and an outer exit surface 21e.

[0034] The first incident surface 21a is opposite to the light-emitting part 10. More specifically, the first incident surface 21a is opposite to the light-emitting surface 11a of the light source 11. Viewed from the axial direction of the optical axis BX of the condenser lens, the first incident surface 21a is a semi-circle formed on the lower side with the optical axis BX of the condenser lens as the center. The first incident surface 21a constitutes part of the curved surface C that protrudes toward the light-emitting part 10. The curved surface C is, for example, a freeform surface. The first incident surface 21a is for light emitted from the light-emitting part 10 toward the front side to be incident.

[0035] The inclined incident surface 21b extends from the lower side of the first paired incident surface 21a to the left and right sides, and is arranged to surround the first paired incident surface 21a in the direction of the optical axis BX of the condenser lens. The inclined incident surface 21b is for light emitted from the light-emitting part 10 in the inclined direction to the lower side and the left and right sides.

[0036] The reflecting surface 21c extends from below the inclined incident surface 21b to the left and right sides, surrounding the inclined incident surface 21b in the direction of the optical axis BX of the condenser lens. The reflecting surface 21c reflects the light incident on the inclined incident surface 21b inward toward the front side.

[0037] The inner exit surface 21d emits light incident from the first paired incident surface 21a. Viewed from the axial direction of the optical axis BX of the condenser lens, the inner exit surface 21d is a semi-circle formed on the lower side with the optical axis BX of the condenser lens as the center.

[0038] The outer exit surface 21e emits light that enters from the inclined incident surface 21b and is reflected by the reflecting surface 21c toward the front side. Viewed from the axial direction of the optical axis BX of the condenser lens, the outer exit surface 21e is arranged such that it surrounds the left and right outer sides from below the inner exit surface 21d.

[0039] The second lens section 22 is positioned above the optical axis BX of the condenser lens. The second lens section 22 has a second opposing incident surface 22a and an exit surface 22d.

[0040] The second incident surface 22a is opposite to the light-emitting part 10. More specifically, the second incident surface 22a is opposite to the light-emitting surface 11a of the light source 11. Viewed from the axial direction of the optical axis BX of the condenser lens, the second incident surface 22a is a semi-circle formed on the upper side with the optical axis BX of the condenser lens as the center.

[0041] The second pair of incident surfaces 22a are smoothly connected to the first pair of incident surfaces 21a. The second pair of incident surfaces 22a constitutes a part of the aforementioned curved surface C. That is, the first pair of incident surfaces 21a and the second pair of incident surfaces 22a are arranged on a curved surface C and smoothly connected. In other words, the portion of the curved surface C arranged below the optical axis BX of the condenser lens is the first pair of incident surfaces 21a, and the portion arranged above the optical axis BX of the condenser lens is the second pair of incident surfaces 22a. According to this structure, light emitted from a light-emitting unit 10 along the optical axis BX of the condenser lens toward the front side can be incident along a smooth curved surface C.

[0042] The second pair of incident surfaces 22a extends laterally relative to the first pair of incident surfaces 21a of the first lens portion 21. That is, the lateral dimension of the second pair of incident surfaces 22a is larger than that of the first pair of incident surfaces 21a. Furthermore, the reflecting surface 21c of the first lens portion 21 extends laterally relative to the second pair of incident surfaces 22a. In other words, viewed from the axial direction of the optical axis BX of the condenser lens, the first lens portion 21, including the first pair of incident surfaces 21a, the inclined incident surface 21b, and the reflecting surface 21c, has a larger lateral dimension compared to the second lens portion 22, which includes the second pair of incident surfaces 22a.

[0043] The foot portion 23 protrudes to the left and right sides from the first lens portion 21 and the second lens portion 22. The foot portion 23 has openings 23a and 23b respectively. The opening 23a is for the protrusion 53a of the support member 50 (described later) to be inserted. The opening 23b is for the threaded member 60 (described later) to be inserted.

[0044] The light-shielding member 30 has a slit-forming portion 31 and a protrusion 32. The slit-forming portion 31 and the protrusion 32 of the light-shielding member 30 are formed as a single flat plate. The light-shielding member 30 is integrally formed using a material capable of blocking light. Examples of such materials include metal, but other materials can also be used. Alternatively, the light-shielding member 30 may also be a structure in which the slit-forming portion 31 and the protrusion 32 are formed from different components.

[0045] The slit forming section 31 has a slit 33. The slit 33 allows a portion of the light focused by the condenser lens 20 to pass through. The slits 33 are formed, for example, in a configuration of three arranged in the vertical direction. The number and arrangement of the slits 33 are not limited to the above. Each slit 33 is arranged extending upward from the optical axis AX of the projection lens. Furthermore, the slits 33 can be configured to have a portion extending in the vertical direction above the optical axis AX of the projection lens. In this case, for example, the entire slit 33 may be arranged above the optical axis AX of the projection lens, or a portion of the slit 33 may be arranged across the optical axis AX of the projection lens in the vertical direction.

[0046] The protrusion 32 protrudes linearly from the slit forming portion 31 in the left-right direction. The corners on both sides of the protrusion 32 in the left-right direction are rounded. The front and rear surfaces of the protrusion 32 are flat. The protrusion 32 has openings 32a and 32b. Opening 32a allows the protrusion 53a of the support member 50 (described later) to be inserted. Opening 32b allows the threaded member 60 (described later) to be inserted.

[0047] The light-shielding member 30 is configured to cover the condenser lens 20 when viewed from the front side. With this structure, the light-shielding member 30 can block the light passing through the condenser lens 20.

[0048] The projection lens 40 has a lens portion 41, a cylindrical portion 42, and a protrusion 43. The lens portion 41 projects light passing through the slit 33 onto the road surface behind (on the front side) of the vehicle to form an illumination pattern. The lens portion 41, the cylindrical portion 42, and the protrusion 43 of the projection lens 40 are formed as a single component. Alternatively, the projection lens 40 may be a structure in which at least one of the lens portion 41, the cylindrical portion 42, and the protrusion 43 is formed from different components.

[0049] The lens portion 41 is formed using a material that allows light from the light source 11 to pass through. Examples of such materials include resins such as acrylic, but other materials can also be used. In this case, by integrally molding the material constituting the lens portion 41, the entire projection lens 40 can be easily formed. Furthermore, at least a portion of the parts of the projection lens 40 that differ from the lens portion 41, namely the cylindrical portion 42 and the protruding portion 43, can also be formed using a different material than the lens portion 41.

[0050] The lens section 41 has an incident surface 41a and an exit surface 41b. The incident surface 41a allows light passing through the slit 33 to enter. The exit surface 41b emits light from the incident surface 41a toward the front side.

[0051] The cylindrical portion 42 holds the lens portion 41. The cylindrical portion 42 is, for example, cylindrical. The cylindrical portion 42 connects the lens portion 41 and the protrusion 43. The cylindrical portion 42 is provided such that it protrudes towards the front side relative to the protrusion 43. With this structure, the lens portion 41 is positioned on the front side relative to the protrusion 43.

[0052] The protrusion 43 holds the lens portion 41 via the cylindrical portion 42. The protrusion 43 is flat. The protrusion 43 has openings 43a and 43b. The openings 43a and 43b are used for positioning with the fixing portion 53 of the support member 50, which will be described later.

[0053] The support member 50 supports the light-emitting part 10, the condensing lens 20, the light-shielding member 30, and the projection lens 40. The support member 50 has a base part 51, fins 52, and a fixing part 53. The base part 51 is flat. The base part 51 has a support surface 51a that supports the light-emitting part 10. The support surface 51a is the front surface of the base part 51 and supports the substrate 12.

[0054] Fins 52 protrude rearward from the base portion 51. Multiple fins 52 are provided. Fins 52 release heat generated in the light source 11.

[0055] The fixing part 53 protrudes from the support surface 51a of the base part 51 toward the front side. The fixing part 53 fixes the protruding part 32 and the protruding part 43. The fixing part 53 has a protruding part 53a and an opening 53b.

[0056] The protrusion 53a protrudes to the front side and passes through the opening 32a of the protrusion 32 and the opening 43a of the protrusion 43 in the front-back direction.

[0057] A threaded component 60 is inserted into the opening 53b. The threaded component 60 fixes the protrusions 32 and 43 to the fixing part 53. The threaded component 60 passes through the opening 32b of the protrusion 32 and the opening 43b of the protrusion 43, and is inserted into the opening 53b of the fixing part 53.

[0058] like Figure 5 As shown, the support member 50 supports each part in a manner in which the optical axis AX of the projection lens is tilted downward relative to the horizontal surface. According to this structure, an illumination pattern P can be effectively formed diagonally below the front side of the lighting unit 100.

[0059] Furthermore, the substrate 12 is configured such that, with the support member 50 positioned at projection position P2, its upper end 12b is located below the upper end 20b of the condenser lens 20. When the support member 50 moves between standby position P1 and projection position P2, space needs to be maintained above the lamp unit 100 to avoid interference with other parts. The aforementioned configuration of the substrate 12 effectively reduces the space required above the lamp unit 100.

[0060] Figures 7 to 10 This diagram illustrates an example of the operation of the lighting unit 100 according to this embodiment. Figure 7 and Figure 8 This indicates the state as viewed from the side (section). Figure 9 and Figure 10 This indicates the state as viewed from above. Depending on the driver's operation of the reverse gear, or in conjunction with the illumination of the reverse lights, the lamp unit 100 emits light from the light-emitting surface 11a of the light source 11.

[0061] like Figure 7 and Figure 9 As shown, a portion L1a of the downward-facing light L1 emitted from the light-emitting surface 11a is incident on the first opposing incident surface 21a of the first lens section 21 of the condenser lens 20. The light L1a incident on the first opposing incident surface 21a travels within the first lens section 21 and is then emitted from the inner exit surface 21d toward the front side.

[0062] Additionally, a portion L1b of the downward-facing light L1 emitted from the light-emitting surface 11a is incident on the inclined incident surface 21b. The light L1b incident on the inclined incident surface 21b is reflected by the reflecting surface 21c and emitted from the outer exit surface 21e towards the front side.

[0063] like Figure 8 and Figure 10 As shown, the upward-facing light L2 emitted from the light-emitting surface 11a is incident on the second opposing incident surface 22a of the second lens section 22 of the condenser lens 20, and is emitted from the exit surface 22d toward the front side.

[0064] Light L1 (L1a, L1b) emitted from the inner emission surface 21d and the outer emission surface 21e, and L2 emitted from the emission surface 22d, reach the slit forming portion 31 of the light-shielding member 30. The light L1 and L2 reaching the slit forming portion 31 pass through the slit 33 of the light-shielding member 30, with the remaining portion blocked by the light-shielding member 30. The light L1 and L2 that have passed through the slit 33 enter the incident surface 41a of the lens portion 41 and exit from the emission surface 41b towards the front side.

[0065] like Figure 9 and Figure 10As shown, the condenser lens 20 emits light L1 and L2 in a converging manner at the front end that has passed through the slit 33. In this case, the light L passing through the slit 33 does not reach the outer periphery of the incident surface 41a of the projection lens 40. Therefore, an illumination pattern can be formed without utilizing the portion of the projection lens 40 where aberrations are significant. Thus, an illumination pattern can be formed clearly. Furthermore, as Figure 9 As shown, light L1a incident on the first paired incident surface 21a and emitted from the inner exit surface 21d is focused more on the front side than light L1b incident on the inclined incident surface 21b and emitted from the outer exit surface 21e. Similarly, light L2 incident on the second paired incident surface 22a and emitted from the exit surface 22d is focused more on the front side than the aforementioned light L1 (L1a, L2a). The more the light passing through the slit 33 is focused on the front side, the less susceptible it is to aberrations.

[0066] Figure 11 This diagram illustrates an example of the illumination pattern formed on the road surface by a vehicle-mounted lamp 200. For example... Figure 11 As shown, light L1 and L2 emitted from the lamp unit 100 of the vehicle lamp 200 located at the rear of the vehicle M toward the front side, i.e. the rear of the vehicle, form an illumination pattern P on the road surface behind the vehicle.

[0067] In the condenser lens 20 of this embodiment, the first lens 21 uses light L1 passing through the lower slit 33 to form an illumination pattern P at a position away from the vehicle. In order to illuminate the illumination pattern P at a distant position in a way that can be seen by traffic users outside the vehicle, it is necessary to form the illumination pattern P with high luminous intensity. In this embodiment, a lens with a total internal reflection system consisting of an inclined incident surface 21b, a reflecting surface 21c, and an outer exit surface 21e is combined with a lens with a refractive system consisting of a first paired incident surface 21a and an inner exit surface 21d to focus light L1 (L1a, L1b), thus enabling the formation of a high-luminous-intensity illumination pattern P.

[0068] Furthermore, the second lens section 22 uses the light L2 passing through the upper side of the slit 33 to form an illumination pattern P near the vehicle. In this case, the uniformity of the brightness of the illumination pattern P formed near the vehicle can be improved by using the lens of the refraction system composed of the second pair of incident surfaces 22a and exit surfaces 22d.

[0069] As described above, the lamp unit 100 according to this embodiment includes: a light-emitting part 10 that emits light; a condenser lens 20 that focuses the light from the light-emitting part 10; a light-shielding member 30 that has a slit 33 that allows the light focused by the condenser lens 20 to pass through; and a projection lens 40 that projects the light passing through the light-shielding member 30 to form an illumination pattern P. The center 10a of the light-emitting part 10 in the vertical direction is disposed at a position above the optical axis AX of the projection lens, and the slit 33 is disposed extending upward from the optical axis AX of the projection lens.

[0070] According to this structure, the center 10a of the light-emitting part 10 in the vertical direction and the slit 33 are arranged to extend upward from the optical axis AX of the projection lens, so that light passing through the slit 33 can be incident on the upper side of the projection lens 40 near the optical axis AX of the projection lens. Therefore, downward light can be emitted from the projection lens 40 efficiently. As a result, the tilting of the optical axis AX of the projection lens to the downward side when projecting the illumination pattern P can be suppressed, and the space provided on the upper and lower sides of the lamp unit 100 can be reduced, thus enabling miniaturization of the vehicle lamp 200. Moreover, in this embodiment, since the structure emits light through a single light-emitting part 10, the vertical dimension can be suppressed.

[0071] In the lighting unit 100 of this embodiment, the condenser lens 20 is configured such that the optical axis BX of the condenser lens is located above the optical axis AX of the projection lens. With this configuration, the light focused by the condenser lens 20 can efficiently reach the upper side of the projection lens 40.

[0072] In the lighting unit 100 according to this embodiment, the light-emitting part 10 is arranged to intersect with the optical axis BX of the condenser lens. According to this structure, light from the light-emitting part 10 can reach the condenser lens 20 evenly in the vertical direction.

[0073] In the lighting unit 100 according to this embodiment, the condenser lens 20 has a first lens portion 21 located below the optical axis BX of the condenser lens and a second lens portion 22 located above the optical axis BX of the condenser lens. The first lens portion 21 has a first opposing incident surface 21a opposite to the light-emitting portion 10, an oblique incident surface 21b surrounding the first opposing incident surface 21a, and a reflective surface 21c surrounding the oblique incident surface 21b. The second lens portion 22 has a second opposing incident surface 22a opposite to the light-emitting portion 10. According to this structure, light with different beam distributions can be emitted through the first lens portion 21 and the second lens portion 22, and thus a suitable illumination pattern P can be formed by light with multiple beam distributions. That is, the illumination pattern P is formed at a position away from the vehicle using light L1 passing through the lower slit 33 via the first lens 21. In order to illuminate the illumination pattern P at a distant position in a way that can be seen by traffic users outside the vehicle, it is necessary to form the illumination pattern P with high luminous intensity. In this embodiment, a lens forming a total internal reflection system consisting of an inclined incident surface 21b, a reflecting surface 21c, and an outer exit surface 21e is combined with a lens forming a refractive system consisting of a first pair of incident surfaces 21a and an inner exit surface 21d to focus light L1 (L1a, L1b), thus forming a high-intensity illumination pattern P. Furthermore, the illumination pattern P is formed near the vehicle using light L2 passing through the upper side of the slit 33 via the second lens section 22. In this case, the uniformity of brightness of the illumination pattern P formed near the vehicle is improved by using a lens forming a refractive system consisting of a second pair of incident surfaces 22a and an exit surface 22d. By forming a single focusing lens 20 from these two different types of lenses, a suitable light distribution pattern P can be formed in a structure where the light-emitting section 10 is a single unit.

[0074] In the lighting unit 100 of this embodiment, the first pair of incident surfaces 21a and the second pair of incident surfaces 22a of the condenser lens 20 are arranged on a curved surface C and smoothly connected. According to this structure, light emitted from a light-emitting part 10 along the optical axis BX of the condenser lens toward the front side can be incident along a smooth curved surface C.

[0075] In the lighting unit 100 according to this embodiment, the first lens section 21 is larger in the left-right direction than the second lens section 22. According to this structure, the first lens section 21 can appropriately focus the light extending downward and left-right from the light-emitting section 10, and the second lens section 22 can appropriately focus the light traveling along the axial direction of the optical axis BX of the focusing lens from the light-emitting section 10 and the light extending upward.

[0076] In the lighting unit 100 of this embodiment, a support member 40 is also provided to support the light-emitting part 10, the condenser lens 20, the light-shielding member 30, and the projection lens 40, such that the optical axis AX of the projection lens is tilted downward toward the front side. According to this structure, the illumination pattern P is projected in the state where the optical axis AX of the projection lens is tilted downward toward the front side, so that the illumination pattern P can be reliably formed on the road surface.

[0077] In the lighting unit 100 of this embodiment, the light-emitting part 10 has a light source 11 mounted on a substrate 12, and the substrate 12 is configured such that, in the main view, the upper end 12b is located below the upper end 20b of the condenser lens 20. According to this structure, the space above the lighting unit 100 can be suppressed.

[0078] The scope of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and appropriate modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, in the above embodiments, the structure in which the lamp unit 100 and the vehicle lamp 200 are disposed at the rear of the vehicle M has been described as an example, but it is not limited thereto. The lamp unit 100 and the vehicle lamp 200 may also be disposed at the front or side of the vehicle M, or may be a structure that forms an illumination pattern on the road surface in front of or to the side of the vehicle M.

[0079] Symbol Explanation

[0080] C—Curved surface, L1 (L1a, L1b), L2—Light, M—Vehicle, P—Illumination pattern, P1—Standby position, P2—Projection position, AX—Projection lens optical axis, BX—Condenser lens optical axis, 10—Light-emitting part, 10a—Center, 11—Light source, 11a—Light-emitting surface, 12—Substrate, 12a—Mounting surface, 12b—Upper end, 20—Condenser lens, 20b—Upper end, 21—First lens part, 21a—First opposing incident surface, 21b—Inclined incident surface, 21c—Reflecting surface, 21d—Inner emission surface, 21e—Outer emission surface, 22—Second Lens section, 22a—second opposite incident surface, 22d, 41b—emission surface, 23—foot, 23a, 23b, 32a, 32b, 43a, 43b, 53b—opening, 30—light-shielding component, 31—slit forming part, 32, 43—protrusion, 33—slit, 40—projection lens, 41—lens section, 41a—incident surface, 42—cylindrical part, 50—support component, 51—base section, 51a—support surface, 52—fin, 53—fixed part, 53a—protrusion, 60—threaded component, 100—lamp unit, 200—vehicle lamp.

Claims

1. A lighting unit, characterized in that, have: A light-emitting part that emits light; A focusing lens that focuses light from the light-emitting part; A light-shielding component having a slit that allows light focused by the condensing lens to pass through; as well as A projection lens projects light that has passed through the light-shielding component to form an illumination pattern. The center of the light-emitting part is positioned above the optical axis of the projection lens in the vertical direction. The slit is configured to extend upward from the optical axis of the projection lens.

2. The lighting unit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The condenser lens is configured such that its optical axis is located above the optical axis of the projection lens.

3. The lighting unit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The light-emitting part is arranged in a manner that intersects with the optical axis of the condenser lens.

4. The lighting unit according to claim 3, characterized in that, The condenser lens has a first lens portion located below the optical axis of the condenser lens and a second lens portion located above the optical axis of the condenser lens. The first lens portion has a first opposing incident surface opposite to the light-emitting portion, an inclined incident surface surrounding the first opposing incident surface, and a reflective surface surrounding the inclined incident surface. The second lens portion has a second opposing incident surface opposite to the light-emitting portion.

5. The lighting unit according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first and second opposing incident surfaces of the condenser lens are arranged on a curved surface and smoothly connected.

6. The lighting unit according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first lens portion is larger in the left-right direction than the second lens portion.

7. The lighting unit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The lighting unit also includes a support portion that supports the light-emitting portion, the condensing lens, the light-shielding component, and the projection lens in a manner that the optical axis of the projection lens is tilted downward toward the front side.

8. The lighting unit according to claim 7, characterized in that, The light-emitting part has a light source mounted on the substrate. The substrate is configured such that, when viewed from the front, its upper end is located below the upper end of the condenser lens.

9. A vehicle lamp, characterized in that, The lighting unit comprising any one of claims 1 to 8.

Images