Vehicle lamp

Abstract

To provide a vehicle lamp capable of suppressing generation of a relatively strong contrast (at a boundary) between an overlapping portion and a periphery thereof. A vehicle lamp (1) includes a light source (31 to 33); a reflector (41 to 43) that is configured to reflect light emitted from the light source (31 to 33); a projection lens (5) that is configured to project the light reflected by the reflector (41 to 43) to form light distribution patterns; and a plurality of irradiation mechanisms (10 to 13) that are configured to form the light distribution patterns. The plurality of irradiation mechanisms (10 to 13) are arranged side by side in a vehicle width direction, each of the plurality of irradiation mechanisms (10 to 13) including the light source (31 to 33), the reflector (41 to 43), and the projection lens (5). The projection lens (5) includes irradiation surface portions (51 to 53) corresponding to the respective irradiation mechanisms (10 to 13). Lower end portions of the respective light distribution patterns emitted from the respective irradiation surface portions (51 to 53) are projected to positions different from each other in an up-down direction (Y).

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] A vehicle lamp is configured such that a light distribution pattern is formed using a projection lens having three inner curved surfaces, a light source and a reflective surface correspond to the inner curved surface on a one-to-one basis, and a focal point of each light source corresponds to one inner curved surface (see, for example, Patent Literature 1).[Prior Art Documents][Patent Literature]

[0003] [Patent Literature 1] JP6981608 B2[Summary of Invention][Problem to be solved]

[0004] In the above-described vehicle lamp, for example, when light transmitted through the respective inner curved surfaces is overlapped using the projection lens having three inner curved surfaces, a relatively strong contrast may occur (at a boundary) between the overlapping portion and the periphery thereof. Accordingly, the vehicle lamp may give a sense of discomfort to an occupant due to the relatively strong contrast.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present disclosure is to provide a vehicle lamp that can suppress generation of a relatively strong contrast (at a boundary) between an overlapping portion and the periphery thereof.[Solution to Problem]

[0006] A vehicle lamp of the present disclosure includes a light source; a reflector that is configured to reflect light emitted from the light source; a projection lens that is configured to project the light reflected by the reflector to form light distribution patterns; and a plurality of irradiation mechanisms that are configured to form the light distribution patterns. The plurality of irradiation mechanisms are arranged side by side in a vehicle width direction and each of the plurality of irradiation mechanisms includes the light source, the reflector, and the projection lens. The projection lens includes irradiation surface portions corresponding to the irradiation mechanisms respectively. Lower end portions of the respective light distribution patterns emitted from the respective irradiation surface portions are projected to positions different from each other in an up-down direction.[Effects of Invention]

[0007] With the vehicle lamp of the present disclosure, it is possible to suppress generation of a relatively strong contrast (at a boundary) between the overlapping portion and the periphery thereof.[Brief Description of Drawings]

[0008] [FIG. 1] FIG. 1 is an explanatory view illustrating a vehicle lamp as an embodiment according to the present disclosure. [FIG. 2] FIG. 2 is an explanatory view illustrating the vehicle lamp when viewed from the front (a front side in a front-rear direction). [FIG. 3] FIG. 3 is an exploded explanatory view illustrating a configuration of the vehicle lamp. [FIG. 4] FIG. 4 is an explanatory view illustrating an end surface taken along line I-I in FIG. 2. [FIG. 5] FIG. 5 is an explanatory view illustrating an end surface taken along line II-II in FIG. 2. [FIG. 6] FIG. 6 is an explanatory view illustrating a state in which a positional relationship among each light source, a reflector member, and a projection lens is viewed from above (an upper side in an up-down direction), and is a schematic explanatory view illustrating each focal position. [FIG. 7] FIG. 7 is an explanatory view illustrating a state in which a positional relationship between each surface portion and an incident surface of the projection lens is viewed from the back (a rear side in the front-rear direction), and is a schematic explanatory view illustrating each focal position on each surface portion. [FIG. 8] FIG. 8 is a partially enlarged view of the reflector member, and is an explanatory view illustrating a state in which a length relationship between each diffusion light source and each diffusion reflector is viewed from above (the upper side in the up-down direction), and is a schematic explanatory view illustrating each focal position. [FIG. 9] FIG. 9 is a schematic explanatory view illustrating a positional relationship of respective light-collecting focal positions in the up-down direction. [FIG. 10] FIG. 10 is an explanatory view illustrating a state in which a positional relationship among each light source, the reflector member, and the projection lens is viewed from above (the upper side in the up-down direction), and is a schematic explanatory view illustrating a front-rear relationship of the respective focal positions. [FIG. 11] FIG. 11 is a schematic explanatory view illustrating a traveling light distribution pattern formed through three light-collecting mechanisms and one diffusion mechanism. [FIG. 12A] FIG. 12A is a schematic explanatory view illustrating a state in which light reflected by a first light-collecting reflector is transmitted through a first light-collecting surface portion. [FIG. 12B] FIG. 12B is a schematic explanatory view illustrating a state in which light reflected by a second light-collecting reflector is transmitted through a second light-collecting surface portion. [FIG. 12C] FIG. 12C is a schematic explanatory view illustrating a state in which light reflected by a third light-collecting reflector is transmitted through a third light-collecting surface portion. [FIG. 13] FIG. 13 is a schematic explanatory view illustrating the traveling light distribution pattern, and is a partially enlarged explanatory view illustrating each light-collecting pattern formed through each light-collecting mechanism. [FIG. 14A] FIG. 14A is an explanatory view illustrating a first light-collecting pattern formed through a first light-collecting mechanism. [FIG. 14B] FIG. 14B is an explanatory view illustrating a second light-collecting pattern formed through a second light-collecting mechanism. [FIG. 14C] FIG. 14C is an explanatory view illustrating a third light-collecting pattern formed through a third light-collecting mechanism. [FIG. 15] FIG. 15 is an explanatory view illustrating a diffusion pattern formed through the diffusion mechanism, and is an explanatory view illustrating each diffusion pattern of light reflected by each diffusion reflector. [FIG. 16] FIG. 16 is a schematic explanatory view illustrating a diffusion pattern formed in a case where a diffusion surface portion is a convex lens. [FIG. 17] FIG. 17 is a schematic explanatory view illustrating a diffusion pattern formed in a case where the diffusion surface portion is a concave lens. [FIG. 18] FIG. 18 is a schematic explanatory view illustrating an example in which a position of each second focal point of each light-collecting reflector (each light-collecting reflective surface) in FIG. 6 is changed. [FIG. 19] FIG. 19 is a schematic explanatory view illustrating an example in which a position of a second focal point of a second diffusion reflector (second diffusion reflective surface) in FIG. 15 is changed. [Detailed Description of Embodiments]

[0009] Hereinafter, a first embodiment of a vehicle lamp 1 as an example of the vehicle lamp of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In FIG. 11 and FIGS.13 to 15, a traveling light distribution pattern 10, a light-collecting pattern 10A, respective light-collecting patterns 101 to 103, and a diffusion pattern 10B (first to third diffusion patterns 105 to 107) are shown on a screen where a horizontal line H and a vertical line V intersect, using a center position O (a projection optical axis Lp in FIG. 1) of irradiation by the vehicle lamp 1 as an origin.

[0010] In the following description, in the vehicle lamp 1, a traveling direction of the vehicle is referred to as a front-rear direction Z, a vertical direction when the front-rear direction Z lies along a horizontal plane is referred to as an up-down direction Y (corresponding to the direction of the vertical line V on the screen), and a horizontal direction orthogonal to the front-rear direction Z and the up-down direction Y is referred to as a vehicle width direction X (corresponding to the left-right direction and the direction of the horizontal line H on the screen). In the front-rear direction Z, a side on which a projection lens 5 described below is provided is a front side. In the up-down direction Y, a side on which a base portion 21 described below is provided is an upper side. Since the vehicle lamps 1 that are provided on the left and right sides of the vehicle have mutually symmetric configurations with respect to the vehicle width direction X while having basically the same configuration, the following description will be made using the vehicle lamp 1 provided on the left side.First Embodiment

[0011] The vehicle lamp 1 of the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 17. The vehicle lamp 1 is a projector-type headlight unit that irradiates an area in front of a vehicle such as an automobile. The vehicle lamp 1 generates a traveling light distribution pattern 10 (see Fig. 11) used when there is no preceding vehicle or oncoming vehicle. The vehicle lamp 1 is mounted on the vehicle together with a low-beam unit that forms a passing beam light distribution pattern having a cut-off line. When the low-beam unit generates the passing beam light distribution pattern, the vehicle lamp 1 generates a so-called high beam by forming the traveling light distribution pattern 10 that irradiates a portion above the passing beam light distribution pattern while partially overlapping with an upper portion thereof. Hereinafter, the configuration of the first embodiment will be described separately as an "overall configuration" and a "detailed configuration of light-collecting mechanisms 11 to 13 (irradiation mechanisms) and a diffusion mechanism 15."

[0012] The overall configuration will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 7.

[0013] The vehicle lamp 1 shown in Figs. 1 and 2 is provided, on both left and right sides of a front portion of the vehicle, in a lamp chamber defined by a lamp housing whose open front end is covered with an outer lens, via a vertical optical axis adjustment mechanism and a horizontal optical axis adjustment mechanism.

[0014] The vehicle lamp 1 generates, as the traveling light distribution pattern 10, a light-collecting pattern 10A at a central portion and a diffusion pattern 10B at the central portion and a peripheral portion around the central portion (see FIG. 11). The light-collecting pattern 10A is formed through cooperation of three light-collecting mechanisms, namely a first light-collecting mechanism 11, a second light-collecting mechanism 12, and a third light-collecting mechanism 13. The diffusion pattern 10B is formed through one diffusion mechanism 15. The vehicle lamp 1 includes the three light-collecting mechanisms 11 to 13 and the diffusion mechanism 15. The three light-collecting mechanisms 11 to 13 and the diffusion mechanism 15 are arranged side by side in the vehicle width direction X in the order of the first light-collecting mechanism 11, the second light-collecting mechanism 12, the diffusion mechanism 15, and the third light-collecting mechanism 13. Therefore, in the vehicle width direction X, the diffusion mechanism 15 is disposed between the three light-collecting mechanisms 11 to 13 and is disposed at a position closer to an inside of the vehicle than the second light-collecting mechanism 12. The third light-collecting mechanism 13 is disposed at the innermost position in the vehicle.

[0015] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3, the vehicle lamp 1 includes a heat sink 2, a light source 3, a reflector member 4, and a projection lens 5. The light source 3 and the projection lens 5 are disposed between the heat sink 2 and the reflector member 4 in the up-down direction Y. In the vehicle lamp 1, the light source 3, the reflector member 4, and the projection lens 5 are attached to the heat sink 2. As described below, each of the three light-collecting mechanisms 11 to 13 and the one diffusion mechanism 15 includes the light source 3, the reflector member 4, and the projection lens 5.

[0016] The heat sink 2 is formed of a thermally conductive aluminum plate, aluminum die-cast material, or resin. The heat sink 2 is fixed to the lamp housing via a bracket (not illustrated). The heat sink 2 includes the base portion 21 and a plurality of heat dissipation fins 24 provided integrally with the base portion 21. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the base portion 21 includes a light source attachment portion 22 and a lens attachment portion 23.

[0017] The light source attachment portion 22 has a flat plate shape substantially orthogonal to the up-down direction Y, and the light source portion 3 is attached at a predetermined position of the light source attachment portion 22. As illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, a first facing surface 22a, which is a lower surface of the light source attachment portion 22, faces a second facing surface 38a, which is an upper surface of a substrate 38 described below. At least a portion of the first facing surface 22a that is in contact with the second facing surface 38a is formed as a flat surface.

[0018] The lens attachment portion 23 has a flat plate shape substantially orthogonal to the up-down direction Y, and is provided on a front side of the light source attachment portion 22 in the front-rear direction Z. As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 3, the lens attachment portion 23 is disposed at a position higher than the light source attachment portion 22 in the up-down direction Y, thereby forming a step. The lens attachment portion 23 functions as a portion to which the projection lens 5 is attached. The projection lens 5 is disposed on a front side of the light source portion 3 attached to the light source attachment portion 22. The lens attachment portion 23 integrally includes a upper lens frame portion 23a at a front end thereof. The upper lens frame portion 23a surrounds an upper portion of the projection lens 5 and is bent downward at both end portions in the vehicle width direction X.

[0019] As illustrated in FIG. 3, the lens attachment portion 23 is provided with three partition plates 23b. The three partition plates 23b are arranged at intervals in the vehicle width direction X of the lens attachment portion 23 and each have a plate shape extending substantially in the front-rear direction Z and the up-down direction Y. The three partition plates 23b divide a space inside the lens attachment portion 23, that is, a space in which light from the light source portion 3 is reflected by the reflector member 4 and travels to the projection lens 5, into four spaces in the vehicle width direction X. The partition plates 23b can prevent light from being mixed between each of the light-collecting mechanisms 11 to 13 and the diffusion mechanism 15, and can prevent light from being projected forward from the projection lens 5 in an unintended direction or manner.

[0020] In the heat sink 2, heat generated in the light source 3 can be mainly dissipated from each of the heat dissipation fins 24 to the outside, and the heat sink 2 functions as a heat dissipation member that dissipates the heat generated in the light source 3 to the outside as a whole. In the heat sink 2, a cooling fan unit may be provided to enhance cooling efficiency as appropriate.

[0021] As illustrated in FIGS. 3 to 6, the light source 3 includes a first light-collecting light source 31 corresponding to the first light-collecting mechanism 11, a second light-collecting light source 32 corresponding to the second light-collecting mechanism 12, and a third light-collecting light source 33 corresponding to the third light-collecting mechanism 13. The light source 3 includes a first diffusion source 35, a second diffusion source 36, and a third diffusion source 37 corresponding to the diffusion mechanism 15. Each of the light sources 31 to 33 and 35 to 37 emits light for forming the light distribution patterns 10A and 10B, and includes a light-emitting element such as a light-emitting diode (LED). Each of the light sources 31 to 33 and 35 to 37 is attached to a lower surface (third facing surface 38b) of the substrate 38 described below.

[0022] As illustrated in FIG. 3, the light source 3 includes a substrate 38. The substrate 38 has a plate shape and is formed of an aluminum substrate, a glass epoxy substrate, or the like. The substrate 38 is elongated in the vehicle width direction X and partially protrudes forward and rearward. As illustrated in FIGS. 3 to 5, at least a portion of the second facing surface 38a that is in contact with the first facing surface 22a is formed as a flat surface. The third facing surface 38b, which is a lower surface of the substrate 38, faces a fourth facing surface 4a, which is an upper surface of the reflector member 4 described below. At least a portion of the third facing surface 38b that is in contact with the fourth facing surface 4a is formed as a plane surface (flat surface). In the first embodiment, both the second facing surface 38a and the third facing surface 38b are formed as plane surfaces (flat surfaces).

[0023] The six light sources 31 to 33 and 35 to 37 are attached to the third facing surface 38b and are arranged (mounted) on the same plane surface. The substrate 38 supplies power from a power supply source mounted on the vehicle to each of the light sources 31 to 33 and 35 to 37. The substrate 38 appropriately turns on each of the light sources 31 to 33 and 35 to 37 individually or simultaneously. Terminals, power supplies, control circuits, and the like for supplying power to the six light sources 31 to 33 and 35 to 37 are not illustrated.

[0024] The substrate 38 is attached to the light source attachment portion 22 with the six light sources 31 to 33 and 35 to 37 mounted. The six light sources 31 to 33 and 35 to 37 are directed downward in a state in which the substrate 38 is attached to the light source attachment portion 22. Further, when the reflector member 4 is attached to the substrate 38, the six light sources 31 to 33 and 35 to 37 are covered with the reflector member 4 as illustrated in FIGS. 3 to 6.

[0025] The reflector member 4 reflects light emitted from each of the light sources 31 to 33 and 35 to 37 toward the projection lens 5. As illustrated in FIG. 6, the reflector member 4 includes a first light-collecting reflector 41 corresponding to the first light-collecting mechanism 11, a second light-collecting reflector 42 corresponding to the second light-collecting mechanism 12, and a third light-collecting reflector 43 corresponding to the third light-collecting mechanism 13. The reflector member 4 further includes a first diffusion reflector 45, a second diffusion reflector 46, and a third diffusion reflector 47 corresponding to the diffusion mechanism 15. The first light-collecting reflector 41 includes a first light-collecting reflective surface 41a. The second light-collecting reflector 42 includes a second light-collecting reflective surface 42a. The third light-collecting reflector 43 includes a third light-collecting reflective surface 43a. The first diffusion reflector 45 includes a first diffusion reflective surface 45a. The second diffusion reflector 46 includes a second diffusion reflective surface 46a. The third diffusion reflector 47 includes a third diffusion reflective surface 47a. The reflector member 4 is molded as a single resin component, and the six reflectors 41 to 43 and 45 to 47 are integrally formed. At least a portion of a fourth facing surface 4a of the reflector member 4 that is in contact with the third facing surface 38b is formed as a plane surface (flat surface). Upper end positions of the respective reflectors 41 to 43 and 45 to 47 are set based on a position of the fourth facing surface 4a in the up-down direction Y.

[0026] As illustrated in FIGS. 3 to 5, the light source 3 and the projection lens 5 are provided between the reflector member 4 and the heat sink 2 in the up-down direction Y. Next, the reflector member 4 is attached to the heat sink 2 with the reflector member 4 positioned with respect to the light source attachment portion 22 and the light source 3. Therefore, the light sources 31 to 33 and 35 to 37 respectively face the corresponding reflective surfaces 41a, 42a, 43a, 45a, 46a, and 47a in the up-down direction Y. Accordingly, each of the reflective surfaces 41a, 42a, 43a, 45a, 46a, and 47a reflects the emitted light from the corresponding light sources 31 to 33 and 35 to 37, so that the emitted light efficiently travels to the projection lens 5.

[0027] The reflector member 4 functions as a portion to which the projection lens 5 is attached, and the projection lens 5 is disposed on a front side of the reflector member 4. The reflector member 4 integrally includes a lower lens frame portion 48 (lens frame) at a front end portion thereof. The lower lens frame portion 48 surrounds a lower portion of the projection lens 5 and is bent upward at both ends in the vehicle width direction X. The upper lens frame portion 23a and the lower lens frame portion 48 form a lens frame surrounding the projection lens 5, so that the entire periphery of the projection lens 5 can be surrounded. Accordingly, the lens frame can suppress emission of stray light toward the area in front of the vehicle. Here, the stray light refers to light that may affect the light emitted from the projection lens 5. Specifically, the stray light refers to light that is emitted toward the area in front of the vehicle without being incident on the projection lens 5 (light emitted from the vehicle lamp 1) out of the light emitted from each of the light sources 31 to 33 and 35 to 37 or reflected light reflected by the reflectors 41 to 43 and 45 to 47. The reflector member 4 includes a pair of lens holders 49 at left and right positions on a rear side of the lower lens frame portion 48. The pair of lens holders 49 is configured to hold the projection lens 5.

[0028] In a state in which the reflector member 4 is attached to the heat sink 2, the projection lens 5 is disposed between the lens attachment portion 23 and the reflector member 4 at a front end (an end portion opposite to the light source attachment portion 22) of the lens attachment portion 23 as illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5. Accordingly, the reflector member 4 forms, in cooperation with the lens attachment portion 23, a space in which the light reflected by the reflective surfaces 41a, 42a, 43a, 45a, 46a, and 47a travels to the projection lens 5. The upper lens frame portion 23a and the lower lens frame portion 48 form the lens frame surrounding the projection lens 5.

[0029] The projection lens 5 is a molded article made of a resin material. The projection lens 5 projects light reflected by the reflector member 4 to the area in front of the vehicle, and forms the predetermined traveling light distribution pattern 10 in cooperation with them. As illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, the projection lens 5 includes a first light-collecting surface portion 51 (light-collecting surface portion, irradiation surface portion) corresponding to the first light-collecting mechanism 11, a second light-collecting surface portion 52 (light-collecting surface portion, irradiation surface portion) corresponding to the second light-collecting mechanism 12, a third light-collecting surface portion 53 (light-collecting surface portion, irradiation surface portion) corresponding to the third light-collecting mechanism 13, and a diffusion surface portion 55 (irradiation surface portion) corresponding to the diffusion mechanism 15.

[0030] An emission surface 5a (front side) of the projection lens 5 includes emission surfaces 51a, 52a, 53a, and 55a respectively corresponding to the surface portions 51 to 53 and 55. An incident surface 5b (rear side) of the projection lens 5 includes incident surfaces 51b, 52b, 53b, and 55b respectively corresponding to the surface portions 51 to 53 and 55.

[0031] The projection lens 5 is configured such that four surface portions 51 to 53 and 55 are integrally formed. In the emission surface 5a of the projection lens 5, the four emission surfaces 51a, 52a, 53a, and 55a are integrally formed. Therefore, a front side (emission-surface side) of the projection lens 5 has a substantially rectangular shape elongated in the vehicle width direction X, and forms a single surface that is smoothly continuous (without any bent portions and with continuous curvature variation). As a result, when viewed from the outside (emission-surface side), the projection lens 5 has an integrated appearance. Each of the light-collecting surface portions 51 to 53 is formed as a convex lens, and the diffusion surface portion 55 is formed as a concave lens whose diffusion incident surface 55b is concave. As illustrated in FIG. 6, a thickness of the concave lens of the diffusion surface portion 55 differs between the left side and the right side, and is set such that a thickness 551 on the vehicle outer side (left side) in the vehicle width direction X is larger than a thickness 552 on the vehicle inner side (right side).

[0032] The projection lens 5 includes a pair of attachment piece portions 56 extending rearward from ends of the first light-collecting surface portion 51 and the third light-collecting surface portion 53, respectively. Lower sides of the pair of attachment piece portions 56 are held by the pair of lens holders 49. Therefore, in a state in which the projection lens 5 is attached to the heat sink 2 and the reflector member 4, the pair of attachment piece portions 56 is sandwiched between the lens attachment portion 23 and the reflector member 4. Therefore, the projection lens 5 is fixed by the lens attachment portion 23 and the reflector member 4.

[0033] Detailed configurations of the light-collecting mechanisms 11 to 13 and the diffusion mechanism 15 will be described separately as an "overall configuration of each of the mechanisms 11 to 13, and 15", a "detailed configuration of the reflector member 4", a "detailed configuration of the projection lens 5", and a "detailed pattern of the traveling light distribution pattern 10" with reference to FIGS. 3 to 15.

[0034] The overall configuration of each of the mechanisms 11 to 13 and 15 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 6.

[0035] As illustrated in FIGS. 3 to 6, the first light-collecting mechanism 11 includes the first light-collecting light source 31, the first light-collecting reflector 41, and the first light-collecting surface portion 51 of the projection lens 5. The first light-collecting surface portion 51 includes the first light-collecting emission surface 51a and the first light-collecting incident surface 51b. The second light-collecting mechanism 12 includes the second light-collecting light source 32, the second light-collecting reflector 42, and the second light-collecting surface portion 52 of the projection lens 5. The second light-collecting surface portion 52 includes the second light-collecting emission surface 52a and the second light-collecting incident surface 52b. The third light-collecting mechanism 13 includes the third light-collecting light source 33, the third light-collecting reflector 43, and the third light-collecting surface portion 53 of the projection lens 5. The third light-collecting surface portion 53 includes the third light-collecting emission surface 53a and the third light-collecting incident surface 53b. As described above, in each of the light-collecting mechanisms 11 to 13, each of the light-collecting light sources 31 to 33 and each of the light-collecting reflectors 41 to 43 correspond to each of the light-collecting surface portions 51 to 53 on a one-to-one basis (1:1).

[0036] The diffusion mechanism 15 includes the first diffusion light source 35, the second diffusion light source 36, the third diffusion light source 37, the first diffusion reflector 45, the second diffusion reflector 46, the third diffusion reflector 47, and the diffusion surface portion 55 of the projection lens 5. The diffusion surface portion 55 includes the diffusion emission surface 55a and the diffusion incident surface 55b. As described above, in the diffusion mechanism 15, three diffusion light sources 35 to 37 and three diffusion reflectors 45 to 47 correspond to one diffusion surface portion 55 on a one-to-three basis (1:3).

[0037] The detailed configuration of the reflector member 4 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 6 and 8.

[0038] As illustrated in FIG. 3, each of the reflective surfaces 41a, 42a, 43a, 45a, 46a, and 47a is a curved surface having an elliptical base geometry (for example, a bowl-shaped free-form surface) and has a shape curved to individually cover each of the corresponding light sources 31 to 33 and 35 to 37 (see FIGS. 4 and 5). For example, aluminum deposition is applied to the respective reflective surfaces 41a, 42a, 43a, 45a, 46a, and 47a.

[0039] The light-collecting reflective surfaces 41a, 42a, and 43a are curved surfaces whose first focal points are set to the corresponding light-collecting light sources 31 to 33 (center positions or the vicinities thereof), respectively (see FIGS. 3 to 6). In other words, each of the first focal points is set at each of the corresponding light-collecting light sources 31 to 33 (center positions or the vicinities thereof). The light-collecting reflective surfaces 41a, 42a, and 43a are curved surfaces whose second focal points 41b, 42b, and 43b are set to rear sides (facing the respective light-collecting light sources 31 to 33) of the corresponding light-collecting surface portions 51 to 53, respectively (see FIGS. 3 to 6). In other words, the second focal points 41b, 42b, and 43b are set on the rear sides of the corresponding light-collecting surface portions 51 to 53, respectively. Specifically, the rear side of each of the corresponding light-collecting surface portions 51 to 53 is an intermediate position between each of the corresponding light-collecting surface portions 51 to 53 and each of the light-collecting reflectors 41 to 43. More specifically, the rear side of each of the corresponding light-collecting surface portions 51 to 53 is the vicinity of the rear side of each of the corresponding light-collecting surface portions 51 to 53 among the intermediate positions between each of the corresponding light-collecting surface portions 51 to 53 and each of the light-collecting reflectors 41 to 43. The rear side of each of the corresponding light-collecting surface portions 51 to 53 is not limited to the vicinity of the rear side, and may be any intermediate position between each of the corresponding light-collecting surface portions 51 to 53 and each of the light-collecting reflectors 41 to 43. Therefore, as illustrated in FIG. 6, light reflected by each of the light-collecting reflective surfaces 41a, 42a, and 43a is focused on each of the second focal points 41b, 42b, and 43b, and light focused on each of the second focal points 41b, 42b, and 43b spreads toward each of the light-collecting surface portions 51 to 53. As a result, each of the light-collecting reflectors 41 to 43 can efficiently make light, which is emitted from each of the light-collecting light sources 31 to 33 in the vicinity of the first focal points, travel to each of the corresponding light-collecting surface portions 51 to 53. A position of each of the second focal points 41b, 42b, and 43b is mainly used for adjusting an amount of light incident on each of the light-collecting surface portions 51 to 53, and is generally adjusted to a position where the amount of light incident is the largest.

[0040] The diffusion reflective surfaces 45a, 46a, and 47a are curved surfaces whose first focal points are set to the corresponding diffusion light sources 35 to 37 (center positions or the vicinities thereof), respectively. In other words, each first focal point is set to each of the corresponding diffusion light sources 35 to 37 (center positions or the vicinities thereof). The respective diffusion reflective surfaces 45a, 46a, and 47a are curved surfaces whose second focal points 46b (see FIG. 15) are set to rear sides (adjacent to the three diffusion light sources 35 to 37) of the diffusion surface portion 55 of the projection lens 5. In other words, the second focal point 46b is set on the rear side of the diffusion surface portion 55 of the projection lens 5. Specifically, the rear side of the corresponding diffusion surface portion 55 is an intermediate position between the corresponding diffusion surface portion 55 and each of the diffusion reflectors 45 to 47. More specifically, the rear side of the corresponding diffusion surface portion 55 is the vicinity of the rear side of the corresponding diffusion surface portion 55 among the intermediate positions between the corresponding diffusion surface portion 55 and each of the diffusion reflectors 45 to 47. The rear side of the corresponding diffusion surface portion 55 is not limited to the vicinity of the rear side, and may be any intermediate position between the corresponding diffusion surface portion 55 and each of the diffusion reflectors 45 to 47. That is, positions of the second focal points 46b of the three diffusion reflective surfaces 45a, 46a, and 47a are the same or substantially the same. Therefore, light reflected by each of the diffusion reflective surfaces 45a, 46a, and 47a is focused on each of the second focal points 46b, and light focused on the second focal point 46b spreads toward the diffusion surface portion 55. As a result, each of the diffusion reflectors 45 to 47 can efficiently make light, which is emitted from each of the diffusion light sources 35 to 37 in the vicinity of the first focal points, travel to the corresponding diffusion surface portion 55. The position of the second focal point 46b is mainly used for adjusting an amount of light incident on the diffusion surface portion 55, and is generally adjusted to a position where the amount of light incident is the largest.

[0041] As illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 6, each of the diffusion reflectors 45 to 47 is disposed forward of each of the light-collecting reflectors 41 to 43. Therefore, a front end of each of the diffusion reflectors 45 to 47 is disposed forward of a front end of each of the light-collecting reflectors 41 to 43. As illustrated in FIG. 8, a length (45c, 46c, and 47c) of the second diffusion reflective surface 46a in an optical axis direction L5 is set to be longer in the front-rear direction than the remaining first and third diffusion reflective surfaces 45a and 47a (46c > 45c and 47c). The first diffusion reflective surface 45a and the third diffusion reflective surface 47a are set to have the same or substantially the same lengths (45c and 47c) in the optical axis direction L5. Here, the "optical axis direction L5" is a direction in which light is emitted (projected).

[0042] The detailed configuration of the projection lens 5 will be described with reference to FIGS. 6, 7, and 9 to 11.

[0043] As illustrated in FIG. 6, since the four emission surfaces 51a, 52a, 53a, and 55a are integrally formed as one smoothly continuous surface, shapes of the incident surfaces 51b, 52b, 53b, and 55b are optically set according to the shapes of the emission surfaces 51a, 52a, 53a, and 55a, respectively. Therefore, the shape of each of the light-collecting incident surfaces 51b, 52b, and 53b is optically set according to each of the corresponding light-collecting light sources 31 to 33 and each of the light-collecting reflectors 41 to 43. A shape of the diffusion incident surface 55b is optically set according to the corresponding diffusion light sources 35 to 37 and the diffusion reflectors 45 to 47. In addition, in the shape of each of the incident surfaces 51b, 52b, 53b, and 55b, a lens thickness of each of the surface portions 51 to 53 and 55 is set in consideration of lens focal positions (51c, 52c, 53c, and 55c described below) and the like. Therefore, for example, a lens thickness of the projection lens 5 can be reduced to 10 mm or less at the maximum.

[0044] The light-collecting focal positions 51c, 52c, and 53c are set as the lens focal positions on sides of the light-collecting incident surfaces 51b, 52b, and 53b of the light-collecting surface portions 51 to 53, respectively. First, the light-collecting focal positions 51c, 52c, and 53c are set at or near the center positions of the corresponding light-collecting light sources 31 to 33 and the light-collecting reflectors 41 to 43 in the vehicle width direction X, respectively. Next, as illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 9, the three light-collecting focal positions 51c, 52c, and 53c are set to positions different from each other in the up-down direction Y. For example, the first light-collecting focal position 51c, the third light-collecting focal position 53c, and the second light-collecting focal position 52c are set in this order from the top. A single reference position 100 for forming the light-collecting pattern 10A is used as a reference for setting the three light-collecting focal positions 51c, 52c, and 53c. For example, the reference position 100 is an intersection position (the center position O and the projection optical axis Lp in FIG. 1) of the horizontal line H and the vertical line V at the time of screen projection as illustrated in FIG. 11 and the like.

[0045] Subsequently, the light-collecting focal positions 51c, 52c, and 53c are set based on the positions of the corresponding light-collecting light sources 31 to 33 in the front-rear direction Z, respectively. For example, in a case where the light-collecting focal positions 51c, 52c, and 53c are set to be positioned forward of the positions of the light-collecting light sources 31 to 33, respectively, the light-collecting focal positions 51c, 52c, and 53c are set within setting distances 51d, 52d, and 53d, respectively. The setting distances 51d, 52d, and 53d is distances from the positions of the light-collecting light sources 31 to 33 (light source centers) to intersection positions of optical axis directions L1 to L3 and the front end positions of the light-collecting reflectors 41 to 43 (light-collecting reflective surfaces 41a, 42a, and 43a) as illustrated in FIG. 10. In addition, the light-collecting focal positions 51c, 52c, and 53c may be set on the rear sides of the positions of the light-collecting light sources 31 to 33, respectively. In a case where the light-collecting focal positions 51c, 52c, and 53c are set on the rear sides, it is sufficient if the light-collecting focal positions 51c, 52c, and 53c are set within the setting distances 51d, 52d, and 53d from the positions of the light-collecting light sources 31 to 33 (light source centers), respectively. Further, the light-collecting focal positions 51c, 52c, and 53c may be set at the positions of the light-collecting light sources 31 to 33 (light source centers). The respective light-collecting focal positions 51c, 52c, and 53c are optically set to form the light-collecting pattern 10A on the screen. The "optical axis directions L1 to L3" are directions in which respective rays of light are emitted (projected).

[0046] A diffusion focal position 55c is set as a lens focal position on a side of the diffusion incident surface 55b of the diffusion surface portion 55. The diffusion focal position 55c is set based on the second diffusion reflective surface 46a among the three diffusion reflective surfaces 45a, 46a, and 47a. First, the diffusion focal position 55c is set at or near the center positions of the second diffusion light source 36 and the second diffusion reflector 46 in the vehicle width direction X. Next, in the up-down direction Y and the front-rear direction Z, the diffusion focal position 55c is set at a position where the central portion of the traveling light distribution pattern 10 and a peripheral portion around the central portion are formed such that the diffusion pattern 10B overlaps with the light-collecting pattern 10A as appropriate at the time of screen projection of the traveling light distribution pattern 10. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 11 and the like, the diffusion focal position 55c is set at a position where the light-collecting pattern 10A is included within the diffusion pattern 10B at the time of screen projection of the traveling light distribution pattern 10.

[0047] The diffusion focal position 55c is set based on the reference position 100 in the up-down direction Y. For example, the diffusion focal position 55c is set to be the same as or near the third light-collecting focal position 53c at the center in the up-down direction Y among the three light-collecting focal positions 51c, 52c, and 53c in consideration of the spread of light in the up-down direction Y at the time of screen projection. In the front-rear direction Z, the diffusion focal position 55c is set based on the position of the second diffusion light source 36, similarly to the setting of the respective light-collecting focal positions 51c, 52c, and 53c in the front-rear direction Z. In a case where the diffusion focal position 55c is set to be positioned forward of the position of the second diffusion light source 36, the diffusion focal position 55c is set within each setting distance 55d from the position of the second diffusion light source 36 (light source center) to an intersection position of the optical axis direction L5 and the front end of the second diffusion reflector 46 (second diffusion reflective surface 46a) as illustrated in FIG. 10. In a case where the diffusion focal position 55c is set to be positioned rearward of the position of the second diffusion light source 36 or in a case where the diffusion focal position 55c is set at the position of the second diffusion light source 36 (light source center), the setting is similar to the setting of each of the light-collecting focal positions 51c, 52c, and 53c in the front-rear direction Z. As described above, the diffusion focal position 55c is set on the second diffusion reflective surface 46a among the three diffusion reflective surfaces 45a, 46a, 47a. In other words, the diffusion focal position 55c is included in the second diffusion reflective surface 46a.

[0048] The detailed pattern of the traveling light distribution pattern 10 will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 to 15.

[0049] The vehicle lamp 1 forms the diffusion pattern 10B by using the diffusion mechanism 15 such that the diffusion pattern 10B is offset to the left with respect to the vertical line V while forming the light-collecting pattern 10A by using the three light-collecting mechanisms 11 to 13 around the intersection position (center position O) of the horizontal line H and the vertical line V. As a result, the traveling light distribution pattern 10 is formed on the screen as illustrated in FIG. 11.

[0050] Specifically, in the three light-collecting mechanisms 11 to 13, rays of light (light-collecting luminous fluxes 41c, 42c, and 43c) reflected by the light-collecting reflectors 41 to 43 pass through the light-collecting surface portions 51 to 53, respectively, as illustrated in FIGS. 12A to 12C. As illustrated in FIG. 13, the light transmitted through each of the light-collecting surface portions 51 to 53 forms the light-collecting pattern 10A on the screen. In the light-collecting pattern 10A, light is focused within a narrower range than the diffusion pattern 10B, and a light intensity at a central portion of the traveling light distribution pattern 10 is increased.

[0051] As illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 14A, the first light-collecting mechanism 11 forms the first light-collecting pattern 101 obtained by focusing the light from the first light-collecting light source 31 in the light-collecting pattern 10A on the screen. The first light-collecting pattern 101 is slightly offset to the right with respect to the vertical line V. As illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 14B, the second light-collecting mechanism 12 forms the second light-collecting pattern 102 obtained by focusing the light from the second light-collecting light source 32 in the light-collecting pattern 10A on the screen. The second light-collecting pattern 102 is slightly offset to the left with respect to the vertical line V. As illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 14C, the third light-collecting mechanism 13 forms the third light-collecting pattern 103 obtained by focusing the light from the third light-collecting light source 33 in the light-collecting pattern 10A on the screen. The third light-collecting pattern 103 is set at the center or substantially the center with respect to the vertical line V. The third light-collecting pattern 103 is set to be wider in the direction of the horizontal line H (vehicle width direction X) than the first light-collecting pattern 101 and the second light-collecting pattern 102.

[0052] In addition, a position of each of the light-collecting patterns 101 to 103 in the up-down direction Y in the light-collecting pattern 10A will be described.

[0053] First, assuming that an optical path projected on the horizontal line H of the light-collecting pattern 10A is an arrow A (which has the same height as a height of the projection optical axis Lp and is common to the respective light-collecting patterns 101 to 103) as illustrated in FIGS. 12A to 12C, the light-collecting patterns 101 to 103 are as follows in front of the second focal points 41b, 42b, and 43b, respectively. The light-collecting luminous flux 41c forming the first light-collecting pattern 101 is an optical path passing through an upper side of the arrow A. The light-collecting luminous flux 42c forming the second light-collecting pattern 102 is an optical path passing through a lower side of the arrow A. The light-collecting luminous flux 43c forming the third light-collecting pattern 103 is a vertically uniform or substantially uniform optical path around the arrow A.

[0054] Next, on the screen, respective distances 101A, 102A, and 103A in the up-down direction Y from the horizontal line H to lower ends of the respective light-collecting patterns 101 to 103 are, in ascending order of length, the first distance 101A, the third distance 103A, and the second distance 102A, as illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 14A to 14C. That is, the optical paths through which the respective luminous fluxes 41c, 42c, and 43c forming the respective light-collecting patterns 101 to 103 with respect to the arrow A pass and the respective distances 101A, 102A, and 103A of the respective light-collecting patterns 101 to 103 projected on the screen match the arrangement of the respective light-collecting focal positions 51c, 52c, and 53c in the up-down direction Y.

[0055] As illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 15, the diffusion mechanism 15 forms the diffusion pattern 10B diffused using rays of light from the three diffusion light sources 35 to 37 on the screen. In the diffusion pattern 10B, light is diffused in a wider range (particularly, in the direction of the horizontal line H) than in the light-collecting pattern 10A, so that the peripheral portion of the traveling light distribution pattern 10 is irradiated with the light in a wider range. The wider range of irradiation is adjusted by the concave lens of the diffusion surface portion 55. Since the thickness of the concave lens of the diffusion surface portion 55 differs between the left and right sides, a left-right diffusion angle (diffusion angle) of the diffusion pattern 10B is adjusted.

[0056] The reason why the diffusion pattern 10B is offset to the left is that the vehicle lamp 1 is provided on the left side of the vehicle. Therefore, the vehicle lamp 1 provided on the right side of the vehicle has a configuration reversed in the vehicle width direction X, and thus, the diffusion pattern is formed to be offset to the right with respect to the vertical line V.

[0057] As illustrated in FIG. 15, the diffusion mechanism 15 forms the first diffusion pattern 105 obtained by diffusing light from the first diffusion light source 35 in the diffusion pattern 10B on the screen. The first diffusion pattern 105 extends across the vertical line V and is offset to the right with respect to the vertical line V. A part of the first diffusion pattern 105 overlaps a right side of the second diffusion pattern 106.

[0058] The diffusion mechanism 15 forms the second diffusion pattern 106 obtained by diffusing light from the second diffusion light source 36 in the diffusion pattern 10B on the screen. The second diffusion pattern 106 is formed at the center of the diffusion pattern 10B. The reason is that the diffusion focal position 55c is set on the second diffusion reflective surface 46a. In addition, the second diffusion pattern 106 extends across the vertical line V and is slightly offset to the left with respect to the vertical line V.

[0059] The diffusion mechanism 15 forms the third diffusion pattern 107 obtained by diffusing light from the third diffusion light source 37 in the diffusion pattern 10B on the screen. The third diffusion pattern 107 does not extend across the vertical line V and is offset to the left with respect to the vertical line V. This is because the vehicle lamp 1 is provided on the left side of the vehicle. A part of the third diffusion pattern 107 overlaps a left side of the second diffusion pattern 106.

[0060] In FIG. 15, a length of the second diffusion pattern 106 in the direction of the vertical line V (up-down direction Y) is formed larger than those of the first diffusion pattern 105 and the third diffusion pattern 107. The reason is that the length of the second diffusion reflective surface 46a in the optical axis direction L5 is set to be larger in the front-rear direction than the remaining first diffusion reflective surface 45a and third diffusion reflective surface 47a as illustrated in FIG. 8. Lower ends of the respective diffusion patterns 105 to 107 in the horizontal line H direction are aligned with each other or are substantially aligned with (the same or substantially the same as) each other.

[0061] Hereinafter, problems of the conventional technology related to vehicle lamps will be described, and thereafter, the operations and effects of the vehicle lamp 1 of the first embodiment will be described.

[0062] Conventional vehicle lamps form a light distribution pattern using a projection lens having three inner curved surfaces, in which a light source and a reflective surface correspond to each of the inner curved surfaces on a one-to-one basis, and a focal point of each light source corresponds to one inner curved surface. For example, when rays of light transmitted through the respective inner curved surfaces are caused to overlap using the conventional projection lens, a light intensity increases at an overlapping portion, and a relatively strong contrast may be generated at a boundary between the overlapping portion and the periphery thereof. For this reason, there is a possibility that the occupant feels uncomfortable due to the relatively strong contrast.

[0063] On the other hand, in the vehicle lamp 1 of the present disclosure, the light-collecting surface portions 51 to 53 included in the respective light-collecting mechanisms 11 to 13 are formed in the projection lens 5 as illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7. Lower ends (that is, portions of the respective emitted light; see FIGS. 13 and 14A to 14C) of the light-collecting patterns 101, 102, and 103 emitted from the respective light-collecting surface portions 51 to 53 are irradiated to positions different from each other in the up-down direction Y.

[0064] That is, an optical setting of each of the light-collecting mechanisms 11 to 13 can be individually performed such that the lower ends of the light-collecting patterns 101, 102, and 103 emitted from the respective light-collecting surface portions 51 to 53 do not overlap each other and the remaining portions overlap each other (see FIG. 13). In other words, the optical setting of each of the light-collecting mechanisms 11 to 13 can be individually performed to shift the lower end portions of the light-collecting patterns 101, 102, and 103 emitted from the respective light-collecting surface portions 51 to 53. Therefore, it is possible to suppress generation of a relatively strong contrast at a boundary between the overlapping portion and the periphery thereof. As a result, it is possible to suppress discomfort given to the occupant due to the contrast.

[0065] The respective light-collecting focal positions 51c, 52c, and 53c of the respective light-collecting surface portions 51 to 53 are set to positions different from each other in the up-down direction Y. In other words, the respective light-collecting focal positions 51c, 52c, and 53c of the respective light-collecting surface portions 51 to 53 are set to positions different from each other in the up-down direction Y in order to shift the lower end portions of the light-collecting patterns 101, 102, and 103 respectively emitted from the light-collecting surface portions 51 to 53.

[0066] Therefore, it is possible to shift the respective light-collecting patterns 101, 102, and 103 (that is, the respective rays of emitted light) according to the respective different light-collecting focal positions 51c, 52c, and 53c. Therefore, it is possible to suppress generation of a relatively strong contrast (at a boundary) between the overlapping portion and the periphery thereof. As a result, it is possible to suppress the discomfort given to the occupant due to the contrast.

[0067] In addition, in the conventional vehicle lamp, for example, a prism is provided on a lens surface of the projection lens, or a light distribution is finely controlled by a free-form surface of the lens surface in order to suppress generation of a contrast as in the vehicle lamp 1 of the present disclosure. However, in the former case, a light intensity of the light-collecting pattern particularly decreases, and in the latter case, the lens surface has a complicated shape, and thus, there is a possibility that an intended light-collecting pattern cannot be formed in both of the cases.

[0068] On the other hand, in the vehicle lamp 1 of the present disclosure, the respective light-collecting patterns 101, 102, and 103 are shifted as described above, and thus, it is possible to suppress generation of a relatively strong contrast between the overlapping portion and the periphery thereof without providing a prism on the lens surface or complicating the lens surface. As a result, it is possible to suppress the discomfort experienced by the occupant due to the contrast. Furthermore, it is possible to suppress a decrease in light intensity of the overlapping portion and to achieve a simple shape without complicating the lens surface.

[0069] Furthermore, in the respective light-collecting mechanisms 11 to 13, the respective light-collecting focal positions 51c, 52c, and 53c are set within the respective setting distances 51d, 52d, and 53d. The setting distances 51d, 52d, and 53d are distances from the respective light-collecting light sources 31 to 33 to the front ends of the respective light-collecting reflectors 41 to 43 on a front side of the vehicle as illustrated in FIG. 10. That is, the respective light-collecting light sources 31 to 33 are set at positions facing the respective light-collecting reflectors 41 to 43 in the up-down direction Y. The respective light-collecting focal positions 51c, 52c, and 53c are set at positions facing the respective light-collecting reflectors 41 to 43 in the up-down direction Y. Rays of light (reflected light) of the respective light-collecting light sources 31 to 33, which are reflected by the respective light-collecting reflectors 41 to 43 (the light-collecting reflective surfaces 41a, 42a, and 43a), are incident on the respective light-collecting surface portions 51 to 53 of the projection lens 5. Therefore, setting shapes of the respective light-collecting reflectors 41 to 43 (the light-collecting reflective surfaces 41a, 42a, and 43a) makes it possible to adjust (control) the spread of the emitted light of the respective light-collecting light sources 31 to 33.

[0070] Further, in the conventional vehicle lamp, for example, a shade member blocks (cuts) a part of reflected light that is reflected by a reflector. For this reason, there is a possibility that the emitted light (light intensity) from the light source cannot be effectively used because the light is blocked. On the other hand, in the vehicle lamp 1 of the present disclosure, a part of the reflected light that is reflected by each of the light-collecting reflectors 41 to 43 (each of the light-collecting reflective surfaces 41a, 42a, and 43a) is not blocked by the shade member. Therefore, the emitted light (light intensity) from each of the light-collecting light sources 31 to 33 can be effectively used.

[0071] Furthermore, the three light-collecting light sources 31 to 33 are provided on the same plane surface (third facing surface 38b) of the substrate 38 as illustrated in FIGS. 3 to 6 and the like. That is, the three light-collecting light sources 31 to 33 can be mounted on the same substrate 38. Therefore, it is possible to simplify an attachment step for attaching the three light-collecting light sources 31 to 33 to the substrate 38.

[0072] The three light-collecting reflectors 41 to 43 are integrated to form the reflector member 4. Both the facing surfaces (fourth facing surface 4a and third facing surface 38b) of the reflector member 4 and the substrate 38 are formed such that at least portions that are in contact with each other are plane surfaces. Therefore, it is possible to simplify an attachment step for attaching the reflector member 4 and the substrate 38 by aligning the plane surfaces of the reflector member 4 and the substrate 38 with each other.

[0073] Further, in the first embodiment, the reflector member 4 and the substrate 38 are in contact with each other at the plane surfaces (fourth facing surface 4a and third facing surface 38b), and the substrate 38 and the light source attachment portion 22, which is a part of the heat sink 2, are in contact with each other at the plane surfaces (second facing surface 38a and first facing surface 22a). Therefore, heat generated by the reflector member 4 and the heat generated by the six light sources 31 to 33 and 35 to 37 attached to the substrate 38 are conducted to the heat sink 2 through the plane surfaces that are in contact with each other. Therefore, cooling efficiency for the reflector member 4, the substrate 38, and the six light sources 31 to 33 and 35 to 37 can be improved.

[0074] Further, the reflector member 4 integrally includes the lower lens frame portion 48 of the projection lens 5 at a front end position on the front side of the vehicle. That is, with the reflector member 4, it is not necessary to provide the lens frame of the projection lens 5 separately from the reflector member 4. Therefore, the number of components for the lens frame can be reduced. In addition, the lens attachment portion 23 integrally includes the upper lens frame portion 23a at the front end position of the lens attachment portion 23. That is, with the lens attachment portion 23, it is not necessary to provide the lens frame of the projection lens 5 separately from the lens attachment portion 23. Therefore, the number of components for the lens frame can be reduced.

[0075] Furthermore, an upper end surface of the reflector member 4 is the fourth facing surface 4a. The upper end positions of the three light-collecting reflectors 41 to 43 are set based on the position of the fourth facing surface 4a in the up-down direction Y. As a result, there is no need to adjust (set) the upper end positions of the three light-collecting reflectors 41 to 43 with reference to different positions. Therefore, an adjustment step for adjusting the upper end positions of the three light-collecting reflectors 41 to 43 can be simplified. Further, the upper end positions of the respective reflectors 41 to 43 and 45 to 47 are set based on the position of the fourth facing surface 4a in the up-down direction Y. As a result, there is no need to adjust (set) the upper end positions of the six reflectors 41 to 43 and 45 to 47 with reference to different positions. Therefore, an adjustment step for adjusting the upper end positions of the six reflectors 41 to 43 and 45 to 47 can be simplified.

[0076] Further, in the conventional vehicle lamp, the light-collecting pattern and a diffusion pattern that form the vehicle light distribution pattern are formed by a single convex lens through which light emitted from the light source is radiated forward. In the convex lens, a shape on an incident-surface side is partially varied. As a result, the light-collecting pattern is formed with the emitted light that is emitted from a center portion of the convex lens, and the diffusion pattern is formed with the emitted light that is emitted from a peripheral portion of the central portion while appropriately overlapping the light-collecting pattern. That is, the two patterns are formed by setting the shapes of an incident surface and an emission surface of the convex lens. Therefore, it is difficult to reduce the thickness of the convex lens. In addition, since the conventional vehicle lamp forms the diffusion pattern by using a single convex lens with light emitted from a single light source, it is difficult to achieve a high degree of freedom in formation of the diffusion pattern.

[0077] On the other hand, in the vehicle lamp 1 of the present disclosure, the three light-collecting surface portions 51 to 53 and one diffusion surface portion 55 are integrally formed in the projection lens 5 as illustrated in FIG. 6 and the like. In addition, the light-collecting surface portions 51 to 53 are included in the light-collecting mechanisms 11 to 13, respectively, and the diffusion surface portion 55 forms the diffusion mechanism 15 as illustrated in FIG. 3 and the like. In each of the light-collecting mechanisms 11 to 13, each of the light-collecting light sources 31 to 33 and each of the light-collecting reflectors 41 to 43 correspond to each of the light-collecting surface portions 51 to 53 on a one-to-one basis. In the diffusion mechanism 15, the diffusion light source 35 and the diffusion reflector 45 correspond to the diffusion surface portion 55 on a one-to-three basis.

[0078] That is, the optical setting of each of the light-collecting mechanisms 11 to 13 and the diffusion mechanism 15 can be individually performed for each of the light-collecting patterns 101 to 103 illustrated in FIGS. 14A to 14C by each of the light-collecting surface portions 51 to 53 and the diffusion patterns 105 to 107 illustrated in FIG. 15 by the diffusion surface portion 55. Therefore, each of the light-collecting surface portions 51 to 53 can have a shape corresponding to each of the light-collecting patterns 101 to 103. In addition, the diffusion surface portion 55 can have a shape corresponding to the diffusion patterns 105 to 107. As a result, the thickness of the projection lens 5 can be reduced (thinned) as compared with the prior art. In addition, since the respective diffusion light sources 35 to 37 and the respective diffusion reflectors 45 to 47 correspond to the diffusion surface portion 55 on a one-to-many basis, it is possible to achieve a high degree of freedom in formation of each of the diffusion patterns 105 to 107.

[0079] In addition, in the vehicle lamp 1, one diffusion mechanism 15 is disposed between three (a plurality of) light-collecting mechanisms 11 to 13 as illustrated in FIG. 3 and the like. If the diffusion mechanism 15 is disposed at the innermost position in the vehicle width direction X, there is a possibility that the diffusion mechanism 15 is blocked by other components (housing and the like) of the vehicle lamp 1, and the diffusion pattern 10B is hardly spread around the light-collecting pattern 10A. Further, in order to widen the diffusion pattern 10B, an optical system may become complicated or the number of components may increase. On the other hand, in the vehicle lamp 1 of the present disclosure, since the diffusion mechanism 15 is disposed between the three light-collecting mechanisms 11 to 13, the diffusion pattern 10B can suppress blocking by other components of the vehicle lamp 1. In addition, it is possible to avoid a possibility that the optical system becomes complicated or the number of components increases. Therefore, the irradiation range of the diffusion pattern 10B can be easily expanded.

[0080] Furthermore, in the vehicle lamp 1, the respective reflectors 41 to 43 and 45 to 47 have the curved reflective surfaces 41a, 42a, 43a, 45a, 46a, and 47a having an elliptical base geometry as illustrated in FIG. 3. Each of the reflective surfaces 41a, 42a, 43a, 45a, 46a, and 47a is set such that the first focal points are set at or near the corresponding center positions of the light sources 31 to 33 and 35 to 37, respectively, and the second focal points 41b, 42b, 43b, and 46b are set at positions near the rear sides of the corresponding surface portions 51 to 53 and 55 of the projection lens 5, respectively, as illustrated in FIG. 6. Each of the diffusion reflectors 45 to 47 is disposed forward (on the front side of the vehicle) of each of the light-collecting reflectors 41 to 43.

[0081] That is, the light reflected by each of the light-collecting reflective surfaces 41a, 42a, and 43a becomes the light-collecting luminous fluxes 41c, 42c, and 43c focused on the respective second focal points 41b, 42b, and 43b, and the light focused on the respective second focal points 41b, 42b, and 43b becomes the light-collecting luminous fluxes 41c, 42c, and 43c spreading toward the respective light-collecting surface portions 51 to 53. Therefore, a space not used as the respective light-collecting luminous fluxes 41c, 42c, and 43c for forming the light-collecting pattern 10A can be secured between the respective light-collecting mechanisms 11 to 13 in the vehicle width direction X. The space is between the front end positions of the respective light-collecting reflectors 41 to 43 and the respective second focal points 41b, 42b, and 43b. In the first embodiment, the three diffusion reflectors 45 to 47 are disposed in a space between the second light-collecting mechanism 12 and the third light-collecting mechanism 13 in the vehicle width direction X and disposed forward of the respective light-collecting reflectors 41 to 43 in the front-rear direction Z. As a result, the diffusion mechanism 15 can be disposed between the second light-collecting mechanism 12 and the third light-collecting mechanism 13, and even if the diffusion mechanism 15 is disposed, the respective light-collecting luminous fluxes 41c, 42c, and 43c of the respective light-collecting mechanisms 11 to 13 are not blocked. Therefore, the vehicle lamp 1 can reduce a width of the entire vehicle lamp 1 in the vehicle width direction X as compared with a case where the front end positions of the six reflectors 41 to 43 and 45 to 47 are aligned or substantially aligned with each other in the front-rear direction Z and arranged in one row in the vehicle width direction X.

[0082] Further, in the vehicle lamp 1, since each of the diffusion reflectors 45 to 47 is disposed forward (on the front side of the vehicle) of each of the light-collecting reflectors 41 to 43, the front end position of each of the diffusion reflectors 45 to 47 is disposed closer to the front side of the vehicle than the front end position of each of the light-collecting reflectors 41 to 43. Therefore, since light from the respective diffusion reflectors 45 to 47 can be radiated forward without blocking the respective light-collecting luminous fluxes 41c, 42c, and 43c of the respective light-collecting mechanisms 11 to 13, the forward irradiation range of the diffusion pattern 10B can be easily expanded.

[0083] Furthermore, in the diffusion mechanism 15 of the vehicle lamp 1, the length of the second diffusion reflective surface 46a among the three (plurality of) diffusion reflectors 45 to 47 in the optical axis direction L5 is set to be longer than those of the remaining first diffusion reflective surface 45a and third diffusion reflective surface 47a as illustrated in FIG. 8. That is, since the length in the optical axis direction L5 is longer, the length 46c of the second diffusion reflective surface 46a is reflected at the time of screen projection. Therefore, in the diffusion pattern 10B on the screen, the second diffusion pattern 106 can be projected longer in the up-down direction Y than the remaining first diffusion pattern 105 and third diffusion pattern 107. In other words, the second diffusion pattern 106 can be projected longer upward in the up-down direction Y than the remaining first diffusion pattern 105 and third diffusion pattern 107. Moreover, the diffusion focal position 55c (lens focal position) of the diffusion surface portion 55 is set on the second diffusion reflective surface 46a. Here, a diffusion pattern of a general high beam has the largest length in the up-down direction Y in the vicinity of an optical axis and has shorter lengths as the distance from the optical axis increases. In order to form such a diffusion pattern also with the vehicle lamp 1 of the first embodiment, the length 46c of the second diffusion reflective surface 46a, on which the diffusion focal position 55c is set, in the optical axis direction L5 is adjusted to be larger than the other lengths 45c and 47c in the optical axis direction L5 (46c > 45c and 47c).

[0084] Furthermore, in the vehicle lamp 1, as illustrated in FIG. 6, on at least the incident surface 5b among the incident surface 5b and the emission surface 5a of the projection lens 5, each of the light-collecting surface portions 51 to 53 is a convex lens, and the diffusion surface portion 55 is a concave lens. If the diffusion surface portion 55 were a convex lens as in the vehicle lamp of the related art, the light transmitted through the diffusion surface portion 55 would become parallel light due to a light-collecting action of the convex lens as illustrated in FIG. 16. Then, a region of the diffusion pattern 10B may become insufficient in the traveling light distribution pattern 10. On the other hand, in the vehicle lamp 1, since the diffusion surface portion 55 is a concave lens, light transmitted through the diffusion surface portion 55 can expand the region of the diffusion pattern 10B due to a diffusion action of the concave lens as compared with the parallel light of the convex lens as illustrated in FIG. 17. Further, the region of the diffusion pattern 10B can be made sufficient in the traveling light distribution pattern 10 (see FIGS. 11 and 15).

[0085] Although the vehicle lamp 1 of the present disclosure has been described based on the first embodiment, the specific configuration is not limited to the first embodiment, and changes, additions, and the like in design are allowed without departing from the gist of the invention according to each of the claims.

[0086] In the first embodiment, the three light-collecting mechanisms 11 to 13 are provided, but the number of light-collecting mechanisms may be two or four or more and is not limited to the configuration of the first embodiment. In addition, although three light-collecting mechanisms have been illustrated as an example of the plurality of irradiation mechanisms, it is sufficient if the plurality of irradiation mechanisms are arranged side by side in the vehicle width direction and each irradiation mechanism includes the light source, the reflector, and the projection lens, and the irradiation mechanisms are not limited to the configuration of the first embodiment.

[0087] In the first embodiment, in one diffusion mechanism 15, three diffusion light sources 35 to 37 and three diffusion reflectors 45 to 47 correspond to one diffusion surface portion 55 on a one-to-three basis. However, two diffusion light sources and two diffusion reflectors may correspond to one diffusion surface portion 55 on a one-to-two (1:2) basis, and the correspondence relationship is not limited to the configuration of the first embodiment. In short, it is sufficient if a plurality of diffusion light sources and a plurality of diffusion reflectors are provided for one diffusion surface portion on a one-to-many basis. Further, three diffusion light sources 35 to 37 and three diffusion reflectors 45 to 47 are illustrated. However, the number of diffusion light sources and the number of diffusion reflectors may be different from each other, and are not limited to the configuration of the first embodiment. That is, the number of diffusion light sources and the number of diffusion reflectors are not limited to a configuration in which three diffusion reflectors are provided for three diffusion light sources (3:3, that is, the number of diffusion light sources and the number of diffusion reflectors are the same as each other).

[0088] In the first embodiment, one diffusion mechanism 15 is used, but the number of diffusion mechanisms 15 may be plural and is not limited to the configuration of the first embodiment.

[0089] In the first embodiment, the three light-collecting mechanisms 11 to 13 and the one diffusion mechanism 15 are arranged side by side in the vehicle width direction X in the order of the first light-collecting mechanism 11, the second light-collecting mechanism 12, the diffusion mechanism 15, and the third light-collecting mechanism 13. However, it is sufficient if the order is set according to the formation of the traveling light distribution pattern 10 and various optical components such as the light source, and the order is not limited to the configuration of the first embodiment. Further, the diffusion mechanism 15 may be disposed at the innermost position or the outermost position in the vehicle, and is not limited to the configuration of the first embodiment.

[0090] In the first embodiment, each of the diffusion reflectors 45 to 47 is disposed forward of each of the light-collecting reflectors 41 to 43. However, the respective reflectors 41 to 43 and 45 to 47 may be aligned (identical or substantially identical to each other) or substantially aligned with each other in the front-rear direction Z and arranged in one row in the vehicle width direction X, and are not limited to the configuration of the first embodiment. In a case where the respective reflectors 41 to 43 and 45 to 47 are arranged in one row in the vehicle width direction X, it is sufficient if the front end positions of the reflectors 41 to 43 and 45 to 47 are aligned (identical or substantially identical) in the front-rear direction Z. In a case where the projection lens 5 is inclined when viewed from above (in plan view) in the up-down direction Y, the respective reflectors 41 to 43 and 45 to 47 may be arranged so as to be inclined according to the inclination. Similarly, in a case where one of the four surface portions 51 to 53 and 55 is inclined, the corresponding reflector may be inclined according to the inclination.

[0091] In the first embodiment, among the front-rear lengths (45c, 46c, and 47c) in the optical axis direction L5 of the three diffusion reflective surfaces 45a, 46a, and 47a, the front-rear length (46c) of the second diffusion reflective surface 46a is formed to be the longest. However, the front-rear lengths (45c, 46c, and 47c) in the optical axis direction L5 may be set according to the formation of the traveling light distribution pattern 10 and the diffusion pattern 10B and various optical components such as the projection lens 5, and are not limited to the configuration of the first embodiment.

[0092] In the first embodiment, the diffusion surface portion 55 is a concave lens having a concave shape. However, the shape of the diffusion surface portion 55 may be set according to the formation of the traveling light distribution pattern 10 and the diffusion pattern 10B, and is not limited to the configuration of the first embodiment.

[0093] In the first embodiment, the four emission surfaces 51a, 52a, 53a, and 55a are integrally formed as a single smoothly continuous surface. However, the four incident surfaces 51b, 52b, 53b, and 55b may be integrally formed similarly to the emission surface 5a of the first embodiment, and the shapes of the emission surfaces 51a, 52a, 53a, and 55a may be optically set according to the shapes of the incident surfaces 51b, 52b, 53b, and 55b, and are not limited to the configuration of the first embodiment. In addition, the projection lens 5 is integrally formed as a single lens in which the four surface portions 51 to 53 and 55 are smoothly continuous. However, the four surface portions 51 to 53 and 55 may be integrally formed as a stepped lens (for example, a stepped shape in plan view when viewed from above in the up-down direction Y). In the mode for carrying out the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 8, the four surface portions 51 to 53 and 55 may be individually divided to form four projection lenses 5, and are not limited to the configuration of the first embodiment.

[0094] In the first embodiment, the six light sources 31 to 33 and 35 to 37 are provided on the same plane surface of the substrate 38. However, by modifying the shape of the substrate 38 of the first embodiment, the three light-collecting light sources 31 to 33 and the three diffusion light sources 35 to 37 may be provided on different plane surfaces of the substrate 38, and are not limited to the configuration of the first embodiment.

[0095] In the first embodiment, the six reflectors 41 to 43 and 45 to 47 are integrally formed as the reflector member 4. However, the three light-collecting reflectors 41 to 43 and the three diffusion reflectors 45 to 47 may be formed as two separately formed reflector members, and are not limited to the configuration of the first embodiment.

[0096] In the first embodiment, each of the second focal points 41b, 42b, and 43b of the light-collecting reflectors 41 to 43 (light-collecting reflective surfaces 41a, 42a, and 43a) is set in the vicinity of the rear side (the side of the light-collecting light sources 31 to 33) of the corresponding light-collecting surface portions 51 to 53, or at the intermediate position between the corresponding light-collecting surface portions 51 to 53 and the corresponding light-collecting reflectors 41 to 43. However, each of the second focal points 41b, 42b, and 43b may be set in the vicinity of the front side (the side of the light-collecting emission surfaces 51a, 52a, and 53a) of the corresponding light-collecting surface portions 51 to 53 as illustrated in FIG. 18, and is not limited to the configuration of the first embodiment. Furthermore, all three second focal points 41b, 42b, and 43b may be set in the vicinities of the front sides of the corresponding light-collecting surface portions 51 to 53, or one or two of the second focal points 41b, 42b, and 43b may be set in the vicinities of the front sides of the corresponding light-collecting surface portions 51 to 53. As a result, when the second focal points 41b, 42b, and 43b are set in the vicinities of the front sides, light reflected by the corresponding light-collecting reflective surfaces 41a, 42a, and 43a is focused on the second focal points 41b, 42b, and 43b, and the light focused on the second focal points 41b, 42b, and 43b spreads forward in the front-rear direction Z.

[0097] Further, in the first embodiment, the second focal point 46b of the second diffusion reflector 46 (second diffusion reflective surface 46a) is set in the vicinity of the rear side (the side of the three diffusion light sources 35 to 37) of the diffusion surface portion 55 of the projection lens 5, or at the intermediate position between the diffusion surface portion 55 and the diffusion reflectors 45 to 47. However, the second focal point 46b may be set in the vicinity of the front side (the side of the diffusion emission surface 55a) of the diffusion surface portion 55 as illustrated in FIG. 19, and is not limited to the configuration of the first embodiment. As a result, when the second focal point 46b is set in the vicinity of the front side, light reflected by the diffusion reflective surfaces 45a, 46a, and 47a is focused on the second focal point 46b, and the light focused on the second focal point 46b spreads forward in the front-rear direction Z. In FIG. 19, illustration of the diffusion pattern is omitted.

[0098] In this manner, the second focal points 41b, 42b, 43b, and 46b may be set in the vicinities of the front sides of the corresponding surface portions 51 to 53 and 55 of the projection lens 5. In addition, when the second focal points 41b, 42b, 43b, and 46b are set in the vicinities of the front sides of the corresponding surface portions 51 to 53 and 55 of the projection lens 5, the respective diffusion reflectors 45 to 47 are disposed forward of the respective light-collecting reflectors 41 to 43 similarly to the first embodiment. Therefore, similarly to the first embodiment, a space not used as the light-collecting luminous fluxes 41c, 42c, and 43c for forming the light-collecting pattern 10A can be secured between the respective light-collecting mechanisms 11 to 13 in the vehicle width direction X. Therefore, the vehicle lamp 1 can reduce the width of the entire vehicle lamp 1 in the vehicle width direction X as compared with a case where the front end positions of the six reflectors 41 to 43 and 45 to 47 are aligned or substantially aligned with each other in the front-rear direction Z and arranged in one row in the vehicle width direction X.

[0099] The diffusion angle of the diffusion pattern 10B becomes smaller when the second focal point 46b is set on the front side of the diffusion surface portion 55 as illustrated in FIG. 19, than when the second focal point 46b is set on the rear side of the diffusion surface portion 55 as illustrated in FIG. 15 of the first embodiment. In consideration of the diffusion angle, the position of the second focal point is preferably set such that the second focal point 46b is set on the rear side of the diffusion surface portion 55 or at the intermediate position between the diffusion surface portion 55 and the diffusion reflectors 45 to 47 as illustrated in FIG. 15 of the first embodiment, rather than the position of the second focal point 46b in FIG. 19. The diffusion angle refers to an angle at which light focused on the second focal point 46b spreads forward in the front-rear direction Z.

[0100] In the first embodiment, in the two facing surfaces, the first facing surface 22a and the second facing surface 38a, at least the portions that are in contact with each other are formed as plane surfaces. In addition, in the two facing surfaces, the third facing surface 38b and the fourth facing surface 4a, at least the portions that are in contact with each other are formed as plane surfaces. However, in the portions that are in contact with each other, the respective facing surfaces may each be entirely formed as plane surfaces, or may be formed as stepped surfaces without being formed as plane surfaces, and the configuration is not limited to the first embodiment.

[0101] In the first embodiment, the reflector member 4 integrally includes the lower lens frame portion 48 for the projection lens 5 at the front end position on the front side of the vehicle, but the lower lens frame portion 48 may be formed as a separate member and is not limited to the configuration of the first embodiment. In addition, although the lens attachment portion 23 (a part of the heat sink 2) integrally includes the upper lens frame portion 23a, the upper lens frame portion 23a may be formed as a separate member. Furthermore, the upper lens frame portion 23a and the lower lens frame portion 48 may be integrally formed as a lens frame surrounding the projection lens 5 and may be formed as a member separate from other members.

[0102] In the first embodiment, the upper end positions of the respective reflectors 41 to 43 and 45 to 47 are set based on the position of the fourth facing surface 4a in the up-down direction Y. However, the upper end positions of the respective reflectors 41 to 43 and 45 to 47 may be set based on a position other than the position of the fourth facing surface 4a in the up-down direction Y, and are not limited to the configuration of the first embodiment. The upper end positions of the respective reflectors 41 to 43 and 45 to 47 may be set based on different positions in the up-down direction Y, and are not limited to the configuration of the first embodiment. Furthermore, the upper end positions of the respective reflectors 41 to 43 and 45 to 47 may be set at mutually different positions in the up-down direction Y, and are not limited to the configuration of the first embodiment.

[0103] In the first embodiment, the three light-collecting focal positions 51c, 52c, and 53c are set at mutually different positions in the up-down direction Y. In the first embodiment, the upper end positions of the respective light-collecting reflectors 41 to 43 are set based on the position of the fourth facing surface 4a in the up-down direction Y. However, the upper end positions of the respective light-collecting reflectors 41 to 43 may be set based on a position other than the position of the fourth facing surface 4a in the up-down direction Y, and are not limited to the configuration of the first embodiment. The upper end positions of the respective light-collecting reflectors 41 to 43 may be set based on mutually different positions in the up-down direction Y, and are not limited to the configuration of the first embodiment. Furthermore, the upper end positions of the respective light-collecting reflectors 41 to 43 may be set at mutually different positions in the up-down direction Y, and are not limited to the configuration of the first embodiment. That is, by changing the upper end positions of the respective light-collecting reflectors 41 to 43 in addition to changing the three light-collecting focal positions 51c, 52c, and 53c, the light-collecting patterns 101, 102, and 103 can be further shifted. Moreover, by changing only the upper end positions of the respective light-collecting reflectors 41 to 43 instead of changing the three light-collecting focal positions 51c, 52c, and 53c, the three light-collecting focal positions 51c, 52c, and 53c may be set at mutually different positions in the up-down direction Y. Therefore, unlike the first embodiment, even if only the upper end positions of the respective light-collecting reflectors 41 to 43 are changed instead of the three light-collecting focal positions 51c, 52c, and 53c, the light-collecting patterns 101, 102, and 103 can be shifted due to the differences in the respective light-collecting focal positions 51c, 52c, and 53c. Accordingly, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of a relatively strong contrast (at the boundary) between the overlapping portion and the surrounding area. As a result, it is possible to suppress discomfort imparted to the occupant due to the contrast.

[0104] In the first embodiment, the reference position 100 is the intersection position of the horizontal line H and the vertical line V at the time of screen projection as illustrated in FIG. 11 and the like. However, one of the three light-collecting focal positions 51c, 52c, and 53c may be set as a single reference position, and the remaining two may be set based on the reference position, and the reference position is not limited to the configuration of the first embodiment.

[0105] In the first embodiment, the vehicle lamp 1 of the present invention is applied to a projector-type headlight unit that irradiates an area in front of a vehicle such as an automobile or the like, but the vehicle is not limited to an automobile, and furthermore, the irradiation may be performed on an area behind the vehicle, and the application is not limited to the configuration of the first embodiment. In the first embodiment, the vehicle lamp 1 of the present invention is applied to a so-called high beam of the traveling light distribution pattern 10, but the vehicle lamp 1 of the present invention may also be applied to a so-called low beam, and the application is not limited to the configuration of the first embodiment.[Cross-Reference to Related Application]

[0106] The present application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-108676 and Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-108677 filed on June 30, 2023 with the Japan Patent Office, the entire disclosures of which are entirely incorporated herein by reference.

Claims

1. A vehicle lamp comprising: a light source; a reflector that is configured to reflect light emitted from the light source; a projection lens that is configured to project the light reflected by the reflector to form light distribution patterns; and a plurality of irradiation mechanisms that are configured to form the light distribution patterns, wherein the plurality of irradiation mechanisms are arranged side by side in a vehicle width direction, each of the plurality of irradiation mechanisms comprising the light source, the reflector, and the projection lens, the projection lens comprises irradiation surface portions corresponding to the irradiation mechanisms respectively, and lower end portions of the respective light distribution patterns emitted from the respective irradiation surface portions are projected to positions different from each other in an up-down direction.

2. The vehicle lamp according to claim 1, wherein lens focal positions of the irradiation surface portions are set to positions different from each other in the up-down direction.

3. The vehicle lamp according to claim 2, wherein each of the lens focal positions in each of the irradiation mechanisms is set within a setting distance between each of the light sources and a front end position of each of the reflectors on a front side of a vehicle, or within a distance corresponding to the setting distance, the distance extending from each of the light sources toward a rear side of the vehicle.

4. The vehicle lamp according to claim 2, wherein the light sources are provided on a plane surface of a substrate.

5. The vehicle lamp according to claim 4, wherein the reflectors form a reflector member integrally and facing surfaces of the reflector member and the substrate are formed such that at least portions thereof that contact each other are plane surfaces.

6. The vehicle lamp according to claim 5, wherein the reflector member integrally comprises a lens frame for the projection lens at a front end position on a front side of a vehicle.

7. The vehicle lamp according to claim 6, wherein an upper end surface of the reflector member is the facing surface of the reflector member, and upper end positions of the reflectors are set based on a position of the facing surface of the reflector member in the up-down direction.

8. The vehicle lamp according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein upper end positions of the reflectors are set to positions different from each other in the up-down direction.

9. The vehicle lamp according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of irradiation mechanisms comprise a light-collecting mechanism that is configured to form a light-collecting pattern in the light distribution pattern and a diffusion mechanism that is configured to form a diffusion pattern in the light distribution pattern, the projection lens is integrally formed with a light-collecting surface portion as the irradiation surface portion that corresponds to the light-collecting mechanism and is configured to form the light-collecting pattern and a diffusion surface portion as the irradiation surface portion that corresponds to the diffusion mechanism and is configured to form the diffusion pattern, and the light source and the reflector in the light-collecting mechanism correspond to the light-collecting surface portion on a one-to-one basis, and the light sources and the reflectors in the diffusion mechanism correspond to the diffusion surface portion on a one-to-many basis.

10. The vehicle lamp according to claim 9, wherein the vehicle lamp comprises the light-collecting mechanisms and at least one diffusion mechanism, the light-collecting mechanisms and the diffusion mechanism are arranged side by side in the vehicle width direction, and the diffusion mechanism is disposed between the light-collecting mechanisms.

11. The vehicle lamp according to claim 10, wherein each of the reflectors comprises a curved reflective surface having an elliptical base geometry, each of the reflective surfaces comprises a first focal point set at or near a center position of each of the corresponding light sources and a second focal point set in a vicinity of a light source side of each of the corresponding light-collecting surface portions or the diffusion surface portion of the projection lens, and each of the reflectors in the diffusion mechanism is disposed closer to a front side of a vehicle than each of the reflectors in the light-collecting mechanism.

12. The vehicle lamp according to claim 10, wherein each of the reflectors comprises a curved reflective surface having an elliptical base geometry, each of the reflective surfaces comprises a first focal point set at or near a center position of each of the corresponding light sources and a second focal point set in a vicinity of an emission surface side of each of the corresponding light-collecting surface portions or the diffusion surface portion of the projection lens, and each of the reflectors in the diffusion mechanism is disposed closer to a front side of a vehicle than each of the reflectors in the light-collecting mechanism.

13. The vehicle lamp according to any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein in the diffusion mechanism, a length in an optical axis direction of the reflective surface of the reflector on which a lens focal position of the diffusion surface portion is set is larger than lengths in the optical axis direction of the reflective surfaces of the remaining reflectors.

14. The vehicle lamp according to claim 13, wherein each of the light-collecting surface portions is a convex lens, and the diffusion surface portion is a concave lens on at least one of an incident surface and an emission surface of the projection lens.

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