Vehicle lamp

Abstract

A vehicle lamp includes: a plurality of light sources, a reflector, and a projection lens. The light sources are disposed in a left-right direction in a vehicle-mounted state. In the reflector, a first reflecting portion and a second reflecting portion are aligned in the left-right direction. The first reflecting portion reflects light from the light source toward a vehicle front. The second reflecting portion reflects light from the light source in a direction different from the vehicle front. The projection lens includes a plurality of lens portions that are aligned in the left-right direction and that emit the light reflected by the first reflecting portion toward the vehicle front to form an illumination pattern.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle lamp.BACKGROUND ART

[0002] A vehicle lamp that forms an ADB pattern in front of a vehicle is known (e.g., see Patent Literature 1).PRIOR ART LITERATUREPATENT LITERATURE

[0003] Patent Literature 1; JP 2019-3832 ASUMMARY OF INVENTIONPROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0004] In recent years, a configuration in which a so-called reflector-type vehicle lamp forms an ADB pattern in front of a vehicle has been considered. The vehicle lamp includes, for example, a plurality of light sources, a reflector, and a projection lens. The reflector has reflection surfaces that are provided for the respective light sources and that reflect light from the respective light sources toward the front of the vehicle front. The projection lens emits light reflected by the reflection surfaces. Such a vehicle lamp is required to inhibit occurrence of glare by a reflector and the like.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above, and an object thereof is to provide a vehicle lamp capable of inhibiting occurrence of glare.SOLUTION TO PROBLEMS

[0006] A vehicle lamp according to the present invention includes: a plurality of light sources, a reflector, and a projection lens. The light sources are disposed in a left-right direction in a vehicle-mounted state. In the reflector, a first reflecting portion and a second reflecting portion are aligned in the left-right direction. The first reflecting portion reflects light from the light source toward a vehicle front. The second reflecting portion reflects light from the light source in a direction different from the vehicle front. The projection lens includes a plurality of lens portions that are aligned in the left-right direction and that emit the light reflected by the first reflecting portion toward the vehicle front to form an illumination pattern.EFFECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0007] According to the present invention, occurrence of glare can be inhibited.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0008] FIG. 1 is a plan view illustrating an example of a vehicle lamp according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a configuration of the vehicle lamp as viewed from a front side. FIG. 3 illustrates the example of the configuration of the vehicle lamp as viewed from the front side. FIG. 4 illustrates the configuration along an A-A cross section in FIG. 2. FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating an example of the vehicle lamp. FIG. 6 illustrates an example of a reflector. FIG. 7 illustrates the example of the reflector. FIG. 8 illustrates an example of the operation of the vehicle lamp. FIG. 9 illustrates an example of an illumination pattern made by the vehicle lamp. EMBODIMENTS FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0009] An embodiment of a vehicle lamp according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The present invention is not limited to the embodiment. Components in the embodiment below include components easily replaceable by a skilled person and substantially the same components. In the following description, front and rear directions (forward, rearward), up and down directions (upward, downward), and left and right directions (leftward, rightward) are directions in a state in which the vehicle lamp is mounted on a vehicle, namely, directions when looking ahead while sitting in the driver's seat. Note that, in the embodiment, the up-down direction is parallel to the vertical direction, and the left-right direction is the horizontal direction.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a plan view illustrating an example of a vehicle lamp 100 according to the embodiment. FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate an example of a configuration of the vehicle lamp 100 as viewed from the front side. FIG. 3 illustrates a state in which a projection lens 30 is omitted from FIG. 2. FIG. 4 schematically illustrates the configuration along an A-A cross section in FIG. 2. FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating an example of the vehicle lamp 100. FIG. 5 illustrates the vehicle lamp 100 as viewed from the rear side and the upper side.

[0011] The vehicle lamp 100 illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 5 is used as a headlamp of the vehicle. Vehicle lamps 100 are attached to, for example, left and right front portions of the vehicle. The vehicle lamp 100 mounted on the front left side of the vehicle will be described below in an example. Therefore, in the vehicle lamp 100, a left side in the left-right direction is a vehicle inside, and a right side in the left-right direction is a vehicle outside. Note that a vehicle lamp attached on the front right side of the vehicle can have a configuration that is left-right symmetric to the vehicle lamp 100.

[0012] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the vehicle lamp 100 includes light sources 10, a reflector 20, the projection lens 30, and a heat dissipating member 40. The vehicle lamp 100 forms an illumination pattern ahead of the vehicle. The vehicle lamp 100 has a so-called one-sided light distribution configuration. That is, the vehicle lamp 100 forms a right portion of an ADB pattern as an illumination pattern. The ADB pattern is formed by combining the vehicle lamp attached on the front right side of the vehicle and the vehicle lamp attached on the front left side of the vehicle. In this case, the vehicle lamp on the front right side of the vehicle forms a central to right portion of the ADB pattern in front of the vehicle, and the vehicle lamp on the front left side of the vehicle forms a central to left portion of the ADB pattern in front of the vehicle.

[0013] The light sources 10 are semiconductor-type light sources such as LEDs. A plurality of light sources 10 are provided in the left-right direction. The light sources 10 have light-emitting surfaces 11 that emit light. When the vehicle lamp 100 is attached to a vehicle, the light-emitting surfaces 11 are directed downward, and disposed parallel to a horizontal plane, for example. The light sources 10 are attached on a substrate 12. The substrate 12 is held by the heat dissipating member 40. Circuits and the like for supplying power, electric signals, and the like to the light sources 10 are formed on the substrate 12.

[0014] The reflector 20 has first reflecting portions 21 and second reflecting portions 22. The first reflecting portion 21 is provided for each light source 10, for example. The first reflecting portions 21 are aligned, in the left-right direction, respectively corresponding to the light sources 10.

[0015] The second reflecting portions 22 reflect light from the light sources 10 in a direction different from the direction ahead of the vehicle. The second reflecting portions 22 function as light-dark boundary forming portions that form the ADB pattern, and also function as inhibiting portions that inhibit glare by reflecting light so as not to enter the lens portions 31. Detailed configurations of the first reflecting portions 21 and the second reflecting portions 22 will be described later.

[0016] The projection lens 30 emits light reflected by the first reflecting portions 21 toward the front of the vehicle to form an illumination pattern. The projection lens 30 has, for example, a quadrangular shape as viewed from the front. The projection lens 30 is not limited to having a quadrangular shape in front view. The projection lens 30 has a shape inclined rearward from the vehicle inside toward the vehicle outside (see FIG. 1). Furthermore, the projection lens 30 has a shape inclined upward from the vehicle inside toward the vehicle outside in front view (see FIG. 2). The projection lens 30 includes a plurality of lens portions 31. The lens portions 31 are aligned in the left-right direction. The lens portions 31 are integrally connected. Each of the lens portions 31 has an incidence surface 31a onto which light reflected by each of the first reflecting portions 21 is incident. The lens portion 31 has a common exit surface 31b that emits light incident on the incidence surfaces 31a.

[0017] The lens portion 31 of the projection lens 30 that is disposed closest to the vehicle inside is set to minimize the inward diffusion of emitted light. This configuration enables effective use of space in front of the projection lens 30 and inside the vehicle, and increases the degree of freedom in layout. The effective use of the space contains, for example, placing another structure therein. The lens portion 31 of the projection lens 30 that is disposed on the outermost side of the vehicle is set to minimize the outward diffusion of emitted light. This configuration enables effective use of space in front of the projection lens 30 and outside the vehicle, and increases the degree of freedom in layout. The effective use of space contains, for example, placing another structure therein.

[0018] Each of the above-described first reflecting portions 21 has a reflection surface 21a recessed downward from both sides in the left-right direction to the center. The first reflecting portions 21 are provided corresponding to the lens portions 31. Specifically, each of the first reflecting portions 21 is disposed so as to reflect light with the reflection surface 21a thereof toward the corresponding lens portion 31.

[0019] Each of the first reflecting portions 21 is disposed at a position on the vehicle inside with respect to an optical axes AX of the corresponding lens portion 31. Therefore, an ADB pattern can be formed in front of the vehicle so as to emit light toward the vehicle outside. The first reflecting portion 21 may be disposed so as to straddle the optical axis of the corresponding lens portion 31 in the left-right direction. In the embodiment, a plurality of, for example, two first reflecting portions 21 are provided for each one of the lens portions 31. The two first reflecting portions 21 are continuous with each other in the left-right direction.

[0020] Each of the above-described second reflecting portions 22 has a reflection surface 22a recessed downward from both the sides in the left-right direction to the center. One second reflecting portion 22 is provided for one lens portion 31. That is, in the embodiment, a plurality of (two) first reflecting portions 21 and one second reflecting portion 22 are aligned in the left-right direction for one lens portion 31. Each of the second reflecting portions 22 is disposed on the vehicle outside in the left-right direction relative to the corresponding first reflecting portion 21. Then, three sets of such a configuration, in which one lens portion 31 corresponds to two first reflecting portions 21 and one second reflecting portion 22, are aligned in the left-right direction. Hereinafter, when describing the relation between the first reflecting portions 21 and the second reflecting portion 22 for one lens portion 31, it may be referred to as the second reflecting portion 22 corresponding to the first reflecting portions 21 or the first reflecting portions 21 corresponding to the second reflecting portion 22. The second reflecting portions 22 reflect light with reflection surfaces 22a thereof so as not to enter the lens portions 31.

[0021] The second reflecting portion 22 of a certain lens portion 31 is disposed in the left-right direction between the first reflecting portions 21 of the certain lens portion 31 and the first reflection portions 21 of a lens portion 31 that is adjacent to the certain lens portion 31 on the outside of the vehicle in the left-right direction. In this case, the second reflecting portion 22 can be configured to be disposed at a position between optical axes AX of the lens portions 31 adjacent to each other in the left-right direction, for example. When forming a one-sided light distribution pattern, it is necessary to provide a space or the like between the lens portions 31 adjacent to each other in the left-right direction, in order to form a light-dark boundary forming portion. In the configuration of the embodiment, by arranging the second reflecting portion 22 at the position of the light-dark boundary forming portion, it is possible to inhibit light from being reflected from the position of the light-dark boundary forming portion toward the lens portion 31, thereby inhibiting the occurrence of glare. In the embodiment, each of the second reflecting portions 22 is disposed at a position on the outer side of the vehicle with respect to the optical axis AX of the corresponding lens portion 31. This enables the second reflecting portions 22 to efficiently.

[0022] The second reflecting portion 22 has a boundary with the first reflecting portion 21, which is formed as a light-dark boundary forming portion 22R (illustrated in FIG. 4 as a shaded region) along an optical axis AX. In the light-dark boundary forming portion 22R, a rear end 22b of the second reflecting portion 22 in a front-rear direction has a shape extending rearward from the first reflecting portion 21. With this configuration, light reflected by a reflection surface 22a of the second reflecting portion 22 is less likely to enter the lens portion 31. The rear end 22b may be straight or curved. Each of the second reflecting portion 22 includes a knurled portion 22c on the side portion on the outer side of the vehicle. The knurled portions 22c scatter light.

[0023] The reflector 20 includes bottom plates 23, partition walls 24, light-shielding walls 25, and outer frame portions 26. The bottom plates 23 are disposed along, for example, the horizontal plane, and extend forward from the first reflecting portions 21 and the second reflecting portions 22. FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate an example of the reflector 20. FIG. 6 is a perspective view as viewed from a left-rear and upper side. FIG. 7 illustrates a configuration along a B-B cross section in FIG. 1.

[0024] The partition wall 24 is provided so as to protrude upward from a bottom plate 23. The partition wall 24 is disposed along the front-rear direction between the lens portions 31 adjacent to each other in the left-right direction. The partition wall 24 has a height in the front-rear direction, which increases toward the front. The partition wall 24 has a slope portion 24s and a horizontal portion 24h. The slope portion 24s has a height gradually increasing from the rear end toward the front. The horizontal portion 24h extends forward along the horizontal plane from the front end of the slope portion 24s. With this configuration, light emitted from the light source 10 and traveling obliquely forward toward the partition wall 24 can be reliably blocked at the front side of the partition wall 24. Furthermore, the amount of material required for a rear portion of the partition wall 24 can be reduced, thereby reducing costs. Furthermore, the partition wall 24 has a side surface 24a inclined toward the vehicle inside from an upper portion to a lower portion. With this configuration, when the reflector 20 is molded using a mold, a space SP for removing the mold can be provided inside the partition wall 24.

[0025] A light-shielding wall 25 is disposed between the lens portions 31 adjacent to each other in the left-right direction. The light-shielding wall 25 blocks light reflected by the first reflecting portion 21 and traveling to the vehicle outside toward a lens portion 31 adjacent to the lens portion 31 corresponding to the first reflecting portion 21. In the embodiment, the light-shielding wall 25 is provided at the front end of the partition wall 24 disposed on the vehicle outside for each lens portion 31. In this case, the light-shielding wall 25 protrudes toward the vehicle inside. The light-shielding wall 25 is formed such that its protruding amount increases from the upper portion toward the lower portion. This configuration allows the amount of light blocking by the light-shielding wall 25 to be minimized.

[0026] The outer frame portions 26 are disposed at both ends of the reflector 20 in the left-right direction. The outer frame portions 26 are bent upward from the bottom plates 23.

[0027] Next, the operation of the vehicle lamp 100 configured as described above will be described. FIG. 8 illustrates an example of the operation of the vehicle lamp 100. When the light sources 10 in the vehicle lamp 100 are turned on, light beams are emitted from the light-emitting surfaces 11. Partial light beams of light beams emitted from the light-emitting surfaces 11 reach the reflection surfaces 21a of their respective first reflecting portions 21. Partial light beams L1 of light beams that have reached the reflection surfaces 21a are reflected forward toward their respective lens portions 31, and then emitted toward the front of the vehicle through the lens portions 31 to form an ADB pattern.

[0028] Partial light beams L2 of light beams that have reached the reflection surfaces 21a travel toward the vehicle outside with respect to their respective lens portions 31. The light-shielding wall 25 provided at an end of the partition wall 24 blocks the light beam L2. Therefore, the light beam L2 is inhibited from entering the lens portion 31 adjacent to the corresponding lens portion 31.

[0029] Furthermore, partial light beams L3 emitted from the light-emitting surfaces 11 reach the reflection surfaces 22a of the second reflecting portions 22. The light beams L3 that have reached the reflection surfaces 22a are reflected in a direction different from the front direction, and are, for example, reflected or absorbed by the partition walls 24 or the like, or diffused by the knurled portions 22c. Therefore, the light beams L3 that have reached the second reflecting portions 22 are inhibited from entering the lens portions 31. As described above, since the light beams L3 are inhibited from being emitted toward the front of the vehicle, the occurrence of glare is inhibited.

[0030] FIG. 9 illustrates an example of an illumination pattern P made by the vehicle lamp 100. In FIG. 9, line H-H indicates a horizontal line, and line V-V indicates a line parallel to the vertical direction (hereinafter, referred to as vertical line). As illustrated in FIG. 9, light beams L1 emitted from the emission surface 31b of the projection lens 30 forms the illumination pattern P in front of the vehicle. In the illumination pattern P, patterns P1 to P6 respectively corresponding to the light sources 10 are aligned while partially overlapping each other in the left-right direction. In FIG. 8, the reference signs S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, and S6 are given to the light sources 10 respectively corresponding to the patterns P1, P2, P3, P4, P5, and P6. The vehicle lamp 100 according to the embodiment is of a type of so-called one-sided light distribution. Therefore, the illumination pattern P corresponds to a right portion of the ADB pattern. The ADB pattern is formed by combining the illumination pattern P with an illumination pattern made by a vehicle lamp disposed on the left front side of the vehicle. In each of the patterns P1, P2, P3, P4, P5, and P6, the light-dark boundary forming portion 22R is provided, so that the left end in the drawing has a linearly rising shape. That is, a light-dark boundary is clearly formed. The patterns P4, P5, and P6 of the first reflecting portions 21 that are adjacent to the second reflecting portions 22 are applied near line V-V. Since stronger light is applied at a position closer to line V-V, inhibiting glare with the second reflecting portions 22 has great significance.

[0031] As described above, the vehicle lamp 100 according to the embodiment includes the plurality of light sources 10, the reflector 20, and the projection lens 30. The plurality of light sources 10 are disposed in the left-right direction in a vehicle-mounted state. In the reflector 20, the first reflecting portion 21 and the second reflecting portion 22 are aligned in the left-right direction. The first reflecting portion 21 reflects light from the light source 10 toward a vehicle front. The second reflecting portion 22 reflects light from the light source 10 in a direction different from the vehicle front. The projection lens 30 includes the plurality of lens portions 31 that are aligned in the left-right direction and that emits the light reflected by the first reflecting portion 21 toward the vehicle front to form an ADB pattern.

[0032] According to the configuration, the second reflecting portion 22 is aligned, in the left-right direction, with the first reflecting portion 21. Thus, even when light from the light source 10 deviates from the first reflecting portion 21 in the left-right direction to reach the second reflecting portion 22, the light can be reflected in a direction different from the vehicle front. Therefore, the light that has deviated from the first reflecting portion 21 in the left-right direction is inhibited from entering the lens portion 31 in an unintended manner, thereby inhibiting the occurrence of glare.

[0033] In the vehicle lamp 100 according to the embodiment, in the reflector 20, the first reflecting portion 21 and the second reflecting portion 22 are disposed for each of the lens portions 31. The first reflecting portion 21 is disposed at a position on the vehicle inside with respect to the optical axis of a corresponding lens portion 31. The second reflecting portion 22 is disposed at a position on the vehicle outside with respect to the optical axis of each of the lens portions 31.

[0034] According to the configuration, the first reflecting portion 21 is disposed at a position on the vehicle inside with respect to the optical axis of the corresponding lens portion 31, whereby light from the first reflecting portion 21 can be efficiently emitted forward toward the outside of the vehicle through the lens portion 31. Furthermore, since the second reflecting portion 22 is disposed at a position on the vehicle outside with respect to the optical axis of each of the lens portion 31, the reflection surface 22a is made to have a recessed shape, and the rear end 22b of the second reflecting portion 22 is made to have a shape extending rearward from the first reflecting portion 21, thereby inhibiting the occurrence of glare from the lens portion 31 forward toward the inside of the vehicle.

[0035] In the vehicle lamp 100 according to the embodiment, the second reflecting portion 22 is disposed, in the left-right direction, between the first reflecting portion 21 corresponding to the second reflecting portion 22 and a lens portion 31 adjacent, in the left-right direction, to a lens portion 31 corresponding to the second reflecting portion 22.

[0036] In a configuration in which an ADB pattern is formed, it may be necessary to provide a space or the like between the optical axes AX of the lens portions 31 adjacent to each other in the left-right direction, in order to form a light-dark boundary forming portion. In the configuration of the embodiment, the second reflecting portion 22 is disposed, in the left-right direction, between the first reflecting portion 21 corresponding to the second reflecting portion 22 and a lens portion 31 adjacent, on the vehicle outside in the left-right direction, to a lens portion 31 corresponding to the second reflecting portion 22. Thus, by placing the second reflecting portion 22 at the position of the light-dark boundary forming portion, light reflection from a position of the light-dark boundary forming portion toward the lens portion 31 can be inhibited, and the occurrence of glare can be inhibited.

[0037] In the vehicle lamp 100 according to the embodiment, the boundary between the second reflecting portion 22 and the first reflecting portion 21 is formed as the light-dark boundary forming portion 22R along the optical axis AX.

[0038] According to the configuration, the boundary with the first reflecting portion 21 is formed as the light-dark boundary forming portion 22R along the optical axis AX. Thus, the light can be inhibited from being reflected from the position of the light-dark boundary forming portion toward the lens portion 31, thereby inhibiting the occurrence of glare.

[0039] In the vehicle lamp 100 according to the embodiment, the second reflecting portion 22 includes the knurled portion 22c.

[0040] According to the configuration, the knurled portion 22c can diffuse the light that has reached the knurled portion 22c of the second reflecting portion 22, thereby inhibiting the occurrence of glare.

[0041] In the vehicle lamp 100 according to the embodiment, a lens portion 31 of the projection lens 30 that is disposed closest to a vehicle inside forms the patterns P1 and P4 having the least inward diffusion of emitted light.

[0042] This configuration enables effective use of the space in front of the projection lens 30 and inside the vehicle, and increases the degree of freedom in layout. The effective use of the space contains, for example, placing another structure therein.

[0043] In the vehicle lamp 100 according to the embodiment, a lens portion 31 of the projection lens 30 that is disposed on an outermost side of the vehicle forms the patterns P3 and P6 having the least outward diffusion of emitted light.

[0044] The configuration enables effective use of the space in front of the projection lens 30 and outside the vehicle, and increases the degree of freedom in layout. The effective use of the space contains, for example, placing another structure therein.

[0045] In the vehicle lamp 100 according to the embodiment, the projection lens 30 has a shape inclined rearward from an inside toward an outside of a vehicle.

[0046] According to the configuration, the projection lens 30 has a shape inclined rearward from a vehicle inside toward a vehicle outside, which makes it easier to follow to the shape of the surroundings and improves layout flexibility.

[0047] In the vehicle lamp 100 according to the embodiment, the plurality of first reflecting portions 21 are provided for each one of the lens portions 31 in the left-right direction.

[0048] According to this configuration, the plurality of first reflecting portions 21 is provided for each one of the lens portions 31 in the left-right direction, so that the illumination pattern P (ADB pattern) can be set more precisely.

[0049] In the vehicle lamp 100 according to the embodiment, the light source 10 is provided for the first reflecting portion 21, and the light source 10 is not provided for the second reflecting portion 22.

[0050] According to this configuration, by providing the second reflecting portion 22 for which no light source 10 is provided, the light-dark boundary can be formed more reliably, and the quality of the illumination pattern P can be improved.

[0051] In the vehicle lamp 100 according to the embodiment, the reflector 20 includes a light-shielding wall 25 facing the vehicle inside between lens portions 31 adjacent to each other in the left-right direction.

[0052] According to this configuration, light reflected by the first reflecting portion 21 and traveling toward a lens portion 31 adjacent to a corresponding lens portion 31 can be blocked. This inhibits unintended light from being entering the lens portion 31, thereby inhibiting the occurrence of glare.

[0053] In the vehicle lamp 100 according to the embodiment, the reflector 20 includes a partition wall 24 along a front-rear direction between the lens portions 31 adjacent to each other in the left-right direction, and the light-shielding wall 25 is provided at a front end of the partition wall 24.

[0054] According to this configuration, the light-shielding wall 25 is provided at the front end of the partition wall 24, so that light reflected by the first reflecting portion 21 and traveling toward a lens portion 31 adjacent to a corresponding lens portion 31 can be more reliably blocked by the light-shielding wall 25.

[0055] In the vehicle lamp 100 according to the embodiment, the partition wall 24 has a height in an up-down direction, which increases toward the front.

[0056] According to this configuration, the light emitted from the light source 10 and traveling obliquely forward toward the partition wall 24 can be reliably blocked at the front side of the partition wall 24. Furthermore, the amount of material required for a rear portion of the partition wall 24 can be reduced, thereby reducing the costs.

[0057] In the vehicle lamp 100 according to the embodiment, the partition wall 24 is inclined toward the vehicle inside from an upper portion to a lower portion.

[0058] According to this configuration, when the reflector 20 is molded using a mold, the thickness of resin can be prevented from becoming too thick.

[0059] In the vehicle lamp 100 according to the embodiment, the light-shielding wall 25 is formed such that a protruding amount toward the vehicle inside decreases from a lower portion to an upper portion.

[0060] According to this configuration, by reducing the protruding amount of the light-shielding wall 25 toward the vehicle inside from the lower portion to the upper portion of the light-shielding wall 25, the amount of light blocking by the light-shielding wall 25 can be minimized.

[0061] The technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and modifications can be appropriately made without departing from the gist of the present invention.Reference Signs ListEXPLANATION OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

[0062] AXOPTICAL AXIS L1, L2, L3, L4LIGHT BEAM PILLUMINATION PATTERN P1 to P6PATTERN SPSPACE 10LIGHT SOURCE 11LIGHT-EMITTING SURFACE 12SUBSTRATE 20REFLECTOR 21FIRST REFLECTING PORTION 21a, 22aREFLECTION SURFACE 22SECOND REFLECTING PORTION 22bREAR END 22cKNURLED PORTION 22RLIGHT-DARK BOUNDARY FORMING PORTION 23BOTTOM PLATE 24PARTITION WALL 24aSIDE SURFACE 24hHORIZONTAL PORTION 24sSLOPE PORTION 25LIGHT-SHIELDING WALL 26OUTER FRAME PORTION 30PROJECTION LENS 31LENS PORTION 31aINCIDENCE SURFACE 31bEMISSION SURFACE 40HEAT DISSIPATING MEMBER 100VEHICLE LAMP

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0009]An embodiment of a vehicle lamp according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The present invention is not limited to the embodiment. Components in the embodiment below include components easily replaceable by a skilled person and substantially the same components. In the following description, front and rear directions (forward, rearward), up and down directions (upward, downward), and left and right directions (leftward, rightward) are directions in a state in which the vehicle lamp is mounted on a vehicle, namely, directions when looking ahead while sitting in the driver's seat. Note that, in the embodiment, the up-down direction is parallel to the vertical direction, and the left-right direction is the horizontal direction.

[0010]FIG. 1 is a plan view illustrating an example of a vehicle lamp 100 according to the embodiment. FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate an example of a configuration of the vehicle lamp 100 as viewed from the front si...

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle lamp.BACKGROUND ART

[0002] A vehicle lamp that forms an ADB pattern in front of a vehicle is known (e.g., see Patent Literature 1).PRIOR ART LITERATUREPATENT LITERATURE

[0003] Patent Literature 1; JP 2019-3832 ASUMMARY OF INVENTIONPROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0004] In recent years, a configuration in which a so-called reflector-type vehicle lamp forms an ADB pattern in front of a vehicle has been considered. The vehicle lamp includes, for example, a plurality of light sources, a reflector, and a projection lens. The reflector has reflection surfaces that are provided for the respective light sources and that reflect light from the respective light sources toward the front of the vehicle front. The projection lens emits light reflected by the reflection surfaces. Such a vehicle lamp is required to inhibit occurrence of glare by a reflector and the like.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above, and an object thereof is to provide a vehicle lamp capable of inhibiting occurrence of glare.SOLUTION TO PROBLEMS

[0006] A vehicle lamp according to the present invention includes: a plurality of light sources, a reflector, and a projection lens. The light sources are disposed in a left-right direction in a vehicle-mounted state. In the reflector, a first reflecting portion and a second reflecting portion are aligned in the left-right direction. The first reflecting portion reflects light from the light source toward a vehicle front. The second reflecting portion reflects light from the light source in a direction different from the vehicle front. The projection lens includes a plurality of lens portions that are aligned in the left-right direction and that emit the light reflected by the first reflecting portion toward the vehicle front to form an illumination pattern.EFFECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0007] According to the present invention, occurrence of glare can be inhibited.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0008] FIG. 1 is a plan view illustrating an example of a vehicle lamp according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a configuration of the vehicle lamp as viewed from a front side. FIG. 3 illustrates the example of the configuration of the vehicle lamp as viewed from the front side. FIG. 4 illustrates the configuration along an A-A cross section in FIG. 2. FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating an example of the vehicle lamp. FIG. 6 illustrates an example of a reflector. FIG. 7 illustrates the example of the reflector. FIG. 8 illustrates an example of the operation of the vehicle lamp. FIG. 9 illustrates an example of an illumination pattern made by the vehicle lamp. EMBODIMENTS FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0009] An embodiment of a vehicle lamp according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The present invention is not limited to the embodiment. Components in the embodiment below include components easily replaceable by a skilled person and substantially the same components. In the following description, front and rear directions (forward, rearward), up and down directions (upward, downward), and left and right directions (leftward, rightward) are directions in a state in which the vehicle lamp is mounted on a vehicle, namely, directions when looking ahead while sitting in the driver's seat. Note that, in the embodiment, the up-down direction is parallel to the vertical direction, and the left-right direction is the horizontal direction.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a plan view illustrating an example of a vehicle lamp 100 according to the embodiment. FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate an example of a configuration of the vehicle lamp 100 as viewed from the front side. FIG. 3 illustrates a state in which a projection lens 30 is omitted from FIG. 2. FIG. 4 schematically illustrates the configuration along an A-A cross section in FIG. 2. FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating an example of the vehicle lamp 100. FIG. 5 illustrates the vehicle lamp 100 as viewed from the rear side and the upper side.

[0011] The vehicle lamp 100 illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 5 is used as a headlamp of the vehicle. Vehicle lamps 100 are attached to, for example, left and right front portions of the vehicle. The vehicle lamp 100 mounted on the front left side of the vehicle will be described below in an example. Therefore, in the vehicle lamp 100, a left side in the left-right direction is a vehicle inside, and a right side in the left-right direction is a vehicle outside. Note that a vehicle lamp attached on the front right side of the vehicle can have a configuration that is left-right symmetric to the vehicle lamp 100.

[0012] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the vehicle lamp 100 includes light sources 10, a reflector 20, the projection lens 30, and a heat dissipating member 40. The vehicle lamp 100 forms an illumination pattern ahead of the vehicle. The vehicle lamp 100 has a so-called one-sided light distribution configuration. That is, the vehicle lamp 100 forms a right portion of an ADB pattern as an illumination pattern. The ADB pattern is formed by combining the vehicle lamp attached on the front right side of the vehicle and the vehicle lamp attached on the front left side of the vehicle. In this case, the vehicle lamp on the front right side of the vehicle forms a central to right portion of the ADB pattern in front of the vehicle, and the vehicle lamp on the front left side of the vehicle forms a central to left portion of the ADB pattern in front of the vehicle.

[0013] The light sources 10 are semiconductor-type light sources such as LEDs. A plurality of light sources 10 are provided in the left-right direction. The light sources 10 have light-emitting surfaces 11 that emit light. When the vehicle lamp 100 is attached to a vehicle, the light-emitting surfaces 11 are directed downward, and disposed parallel to a horizontal plane, for example. The light sources 10 are attached on a substrate 12. The substrate 12 is held by the heat dissipating member 40. Circuits and the like for supplying power, electric signals, and the like to the light sources 10 are formed on the substrate 12.

[0014] The reflector 20 has first reflecting portions 21 and second reflecting portions 22. The first reflecting portion 21 is provided for each light source 10, for example. The first reflecting portions 21 are aligned, in the left-right direction, respectively corresponding to the light sources 10.

[0015] The second reflecting portions 22 reflect light from the light sources 10 in a direction different from the direction ahead of the vehicle. The second reflecting portions 22 function as light-dark boundary forming portions that form the ADB pattern, and also function as inhibiting portions that inhibit glare by reflecting light so as not to enter the lens portions 31. Detailed configurations of the first reflecting portions 21 and the second reflecting portions 22 will be described later.

[0016] The projection lens 30 emits light reflected by the first reflecting portions 21 toward the front of the vehicle to form an illumination pattern. The projection lens 30 has, for example, a quadrangular shape as viewed from the front. The projection lens 30 is not limited to having a quadrangular shape in front view. The projection lens 30 has a shape inclined rearward from the vehicle inside toward the vehicle outside (see FIG. 1). Furthermore, the projection lens 30 has a shape inclined upward from the vehicle inside toward the vehicle outside in front view (see FIG. 2). The projection lens 30 includes a plurality of lens portions 31. The lens portions 31 are aligned in the left-right direction. The lens portions 31 are integrally connected. Each of the lens portions 31 has an incidence surface 31a onto which light reflected by each of the first reflecting portions 21 is incident. The lens portion 31 has a common exit surface 31b that emits light incident on the incidence surfaces 31a.

[0017] The lens portion 31 of the projection lens 30 that is disposed closest to the vehicle inside is set to minimize the inward diffusion of emitted light. This configuration enables effective use of space in front of the projection lens 30 and inside the vehicle, and increases the degree of freedom in layout. The effective use of the space contains, for example, placing another structure therein. The lens portion 31 of the projection lens 30 that is disposed on the outermost side of the vehicle is set to minimize the outward diffusion of emitted light. This configuration enables effective use of space in front of the projection lens 30 and outside the vehicle, and increases the degree of freedom in layout. The effective use of space contains, for example, placing another structure therein.

[0018] Each of the above-described first reflecting portions 21 has a reflection surface 21a recessed downward from both sides in the left-right direction to the center. The first reflecting portions 21 are provided corresponding to the lens portions 31. Specifically, each of the first reflecting portions 21 is disposed so as to reflect light with the reflection surface 21a thereof toward the corresponding lens portion 31.

[0019] Each of the first reflecting portions 21 is disposed at a position on the vehicle inside with respect to an optical axes AX of the corresponding lens portion 31. Therefore, an ADB pattern can be formed in front of the vehicle so as to emit light toward the vehicle outside. The first reflecting portion 21 may be disposed so as to straddle the optical axis of the corresponding lens portion 31 in the left-right direction. In the embodiment, a plurality of, for example, two first reflecting portions 21 are provided for each one of the lens portions 31. The two first reflecting portions 21 are continuous with each other in the left-right direction.

[0020] Each of the above-described second reflecting portions 22 has a reflection surface 22a recessed downward from both the sides in the left-right direction to the center. One second reflecting portion 22 is provided for one lens portion 31. That is, in the embodiment, a plurality of (two) first reflecting portions 21 and one second reflecting portion 22 are aligned in the left-right direction for one lens portion 31. Each of the second reflecting portions 22 is disposed on the vehicle outside in the left-right direction relative to the corresponding first reflecting portion 21. Then, three sets of such a configuration, in which one lens portion 31 corresponds to two first reflecting portions 21 and one second reflecting portion 22, are aligned in the left-right direction. Hereinafter, when describing the relation between the first reflecting portions 21 and the second reflecting portion 22 for one lens portion 31, it may be referred to as the second reflecting portion 22 corresponding to the first reflecting portions 21 or the first reflecting portions 21 corresponding to the second reflecting portion 22. The second reflecting portions 22 reflect light with reflection surfaces 22a thereof so as not to enter the lens portions 31.

[0021] The second reflecting portion 22 of a certain lens portion 31 is disposed in the left-right direction between the first reflecting portions 21 of the certain lens portion 31 and the first reflection portions 21 of a lens portion 31 that is adjacent to the certain lens portion 31 on the outside of the vehicle in the left-right direction. In this case, the second reflecting portion 22 can be configured to be disposed at a position between optical axes AX of the lens portions 31 adjacent to each other in the left-right direction, for example. When forming a one-sided light distribution pattern, it is necessary to provide a space or the like between the lens portions 31 adjacent to each other in the left-right direction, in order to form a light-dark boundary forming portion. In the configuration of the embodiment, by arranging the second reflecting portion 22 at the position of the light-dark boundary forming portion, it is possible to inhibit light from being reflected from the position of the light-dark boundary forming portion toward the lens portion 31, thereby inhibiting the occurrence of glare. In the embodiment, each of the second reflecting portions 22 is disposed at a position on the outer side of the vehicle with respect to the optical axis AX of the corresponding lens portion 31. This enables the second reflecting portions 22 to efficiently.

[0022] The second reflecting portion 22 has a boundary with the first reflecting portion 21, which is formed as a light-dark boundary forming portion 22R (illustrated in FIG. 4 as a shaded region) along an optical axis AX. In the light-dark boundary forming portion 22R, a rear end 22b of the second reflecting portion 22 in a front-rear direction has a shape extending rearward from the first reflecting portion 21. With this configuration, light reflected by a reflection surface 22a of the second reflecting portion 22 is less likely to enter the lens portion 31. The rear end 22b may be straight or curved. Each of the second reflecting portion 22 includes a knurled portion 22c on the side portion on the outer side of the vehicle. The knurled portions 22c scatter light.

[0023] The reflector 20 includes bottom plates 23, partition walls 24, light-shielding walls 25, and outer frame portions 26. The bottom plates 23 are disposed along, for example, the horizontal plane, and extend forward from the first reflecting portions 21 and the second reflecting portions 22. FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate an example of the reflector 20. FIG. 6 is a perspective view as viewed from a left-rear and upper side. FIG. 7 illustrates a configuration along a B-B cross section in FIG. 1.

[0024] The partition wall 24 is provided so as to protrude upward from a bottom plate 23. The partition wall 24 is disposed along the front-rear direction between the lens portions 31 adjacent to each other in the left-right direction. The partition wall 24 has a height in the front-rear direction, which increases toward the front. The partition wall 24 has a slope portion 24s and a horizontal portion 24h. The slope portion 24s has a height gradually increasing from the rear end toward the front. The horizontal portion 24h extends forward along the horizontal plane from the front end of the slope portion 24s. With this configuration, light emitted from the light source 10 and traveling obliquely forward toward the partition wall 24 can be reliably blocked at the front side of the partition wall 24. Furthermore, the amount of material required for a rear portion of the partition wall 24 can be reduced, thereby reducing costs. Furthermore, the partition wall 24 has a side surface 24a inclined toward the vehicle inside from an upper portion to a lower portion. With this configuration, when the reflector 20 is molded using a mold, a space SP for removing the mold can be provided inside the partition wall 24.

[0025] A light-shielding wall 25 is disposed between the lens portions 31 adjacent to each other in the left-right direction. The light-shielding wall 25 blocks light reflected by the first reflecting portion 21 and traveling to the vehicle outside toward a lens portion 31 adjacent to the lens portion 31 corresponding to the first reflecting portion 21. In the embodiment, the light-shielding wall 25 is provided at the front end of the partition wall 24 disposed on the vehicle outside for each lens portion 31. In this case, the light-shielding wall 25 protrudes toward the vehicle inside. The light-shielding wall 25 is formed such that its protruding amount increases from the upper portion toward the lower portion. This configuration allows the amount of light blocking by the light-shielding wall 25 to be minimized.

[0026] The outer frame portions 26 are disposed at both ends of the reflector 20 in the left-right direction. The outer frame portions 26 are bent upward from the bottom plates 23.

[0027] Next, the operation of the vehicle lamp 100 configured as described above will be described. FIG. 8 illustrates an example of the operation of the vehicle lamp 100. When the light sources 10 in the vehicle lamp 100 are turned on, light beams are emitted from the light-emitting surfaces 11. Partial light beams of light beams emitted from the light-emitting surfaces 11 reach the reflection surfaces 21a of their respective first reflecting portions 21. Partial light beams L1 of light beams that have reached the reflection surfaces 21a are reflected forward toward their respective lens portions 31, and then emitted toward the front of the vehicle through the lens portions 31 to form an ADB pattern.

[0028] Partial light beams L2 of light beams that have reached the reflection surfaces 21a travel toward the vehicle outside with respect to their respective lens portions 31. The light-shielding wall 25 provided at an end of the partition wall 24 blocks the light beam L2. Therefore, the light beam L2 is inhibited from entering the lens portion 31 adjacent to the corresponding lens portion 31.

[0029] Furthermore, partial light beams L3 emitted from the light-emitting surfaces 11 reach the reflection surfaces 22a of the second reflecting portions 22. The light beams L3 that have reached the reflection surfaces 22a are reflected in a direction different from the front direction, and are, for example, reflected or absorbed by the partition walls 24 or the like, or diffused by the knurled portions 22c. Therefore, the light beams L3 that have reached the second reflecting portions 22 are inhibited from entering the lens portions 31. As described above, since the light beams L3 are inhibited from being emitted toward the front of the vehicle, the occurrence of glare is inhibited.

[0030] FIG. 9 illustrates an example of an illumination pattern P made by the vehicle lamp 100. In FIG. 9, line H-H indicates a horizontal line, and line V-V indicates a line parallel to the vertical direction (hereinafter, referred to as vertical line). As illustrated in FIG. 9, light beams L1 emitted from the emission surface 31b of the projection lens 30 forms the illumination pattern P in front of the vehicle. In the illumination pattern P, patterns P1 to P6 respectively corresponding to the light sources 10 are aligned while partially overlapping each other in the left-right direction. In FIG. 8, the reference signs S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, and S6 are given to the light sources 10 respectively corresponding to the patterns P1, P2, P3, P4, P5, and P6. The vehicle lamp 100 according to the embodiment is of a type of so-called one-sided light distribution. Therefore, the illumination pattern P corresponds to a right portion of the ADB pattern. The ADB pattern is formed by combining the illumination pattern P with an illumination pattern made by a vehicle lamp disposed on the left front side of the vehicle. In each of the patterns P1, P2, P3, P4, P5, and P6, the light-dark boundary forming portion 22R is provided, so that the left end in the drawing has a linearly rising shape. That is, a light-dark boundary is clearly formed. The patterns P4, P5, and P6 of the first reflecting portions 21 that are adjacent to the second reflecting portions 22 are applied near line V-V. Since stronger light is applied at a position closer to line V-V, inhibiting glare with the second reflecting portions 22 has great significance.

[0031] As described above, the vehicle lamp 100 according to the embodiment includes the plurality of light sources 10, the reflector 20, and the projection lens 30. The plurality of light sources 10 are disposed in the left-right direction in a vehicle-mounted state. In the reflector 20, the first reflecting portion 21 and the second reflecting portion 22 are aligned in the left-right direction. The first reflecting portion 21 reflects light from the light source 10 toward a vehicle front. The second reflecting portion 22 reflects light from the light source 10 in a direction different from the vehicle front. The projection lens 30 includes the plurality of lens portions 31 that are aligned in the left-right direction and that emits the light reflected by the first reflecting portion 21 toward the vehicle front to form an ADB pattern.

[0032] According to the configuration, the second reflecting portion 22 is aligned, in the left-right direction, with the first reflecting portion 21. Thus, even when light from the light source 10 deviates from the first reflecting portion 21 in the left-right direction to reach the second reflecting portion 22, the light can be reflected in a direction different from the vehicle front. Therefore, the light that has deviated from the first reflecting portion 21 in the left-right direction is inhibited from entering the lens portion 31 in an unintended manner, thereby inhibiting the occurrence of glare.

[0033] In the vehicle lamp 100 according to the embodiment, in the reflector 20, the first reflecting portion 21 and the second reflecting portion 22 are disposed for each of the lens portions 31. The first reflecting portion 21 is disposed at a position on the vehicle inside with respect to the optical axis of a corresponding lens portion 31. The second reflecting portion 22 is disposed at a position on the vehicle outside with respect to the optical axis of each of the lens portions 31.

[0034] According to the configuration, the first reflecting portion 21 is disposed at a position on the vehicle inside with respect to the optical axis of the corresponding lens portion 31, whereby light from the first reflecting portion 21 can be efficiently emitted forward toward the outside of the vehicle through the lens portion 31. Furthermore, since the second reflecting portion 22 is disposed at a position on the vehicle outside with respect to the optical axis of each of the lens portion 31, the reflection surface 22a is made to have a recessed shape, and the rear end 22b of the second reflecting portion 22 is made to have a shape extending rearward from the first reflecting portion 21, thereby inhibiting the occurrence of glare from the lens portion 31 forward toward the inside of the vehicle.

[0035] In the vehicle lamp 100 according to the embodiment, the second reflecting portion 22 is disposed, in the left-right direction, between the first reflecting portion 21 corresponding to the second reflecting portion 22 and a lens portion 31 adjacent, in the left-right direction, to a lens portion 31 corresponding to the second reflecting portion 22.

[0036] In a configuration in which an ADB pattern is formed, it may be necessary to provide a space or the like between the optical axes AX of the lens portions 31 adjacent to each other in the left-right direction, in order to form a light-dark boundary forming portion. In the configuration of the embodiment, the second reflecting portion 22 is disposed, in the left-right direction, between the first reflecting portion 21 corresponding to the second reflecting portion 22 and a lens portion 31 adjacent, on the vehicle outside in the left-right direction, to a lens portion 31 corresponding to the second reflecting portion 22. Thus, by placing the second reflecting portion 22 at the position of the light-dark boundary forming portion, light reflection from a position of the light-dark boundary forming portion toward the lens portion 31 can be inhibited, and the occurrence of glare can be inhibited.

[0037] In the vehicle lamp 100 according to the embodiment, the boundary between the second reflecting portion 22 and the first reflecting portion 21 is formed as the light-dark boundary forming portion 22R along the optical axis AX.

[0038] According to the configuration, the boundary with the first reflecting portion 21 is formed as the light-dark boundary forming portion 22R along the optical axis AX. Thus, the light can be inhibited from being reflected from the position of the light-dark boundary forming portion toward the lens portion 31, thereby inhibiting the occurrence of glare.

[0039] In the vehicle lamp 100 according to the embodiment, the second reflecting portion 22 includes the knurled portion 22c.

[0040] According to the configuration, the knurled portion 22c can diffuse the light that has reached the knurled portion 22c of the second reflecting portion 22, thereby inhibiting the occurrence of glare.

[0041] In the vehicle lamp 100 according to the embodiment, a lens portion 31 of the projection lens 30 that is disposed closest to a vehicle inside forms the patterns P1 and P4 having the least inward diffusion of emitted light.

[0042] This configuration enables effective use of the space in front of the projection lens 30 and inside the vehicle, and increases the degree of freedom in layout. The effective use of the space contains, for example, placing another structure therein.

[0043] In the vehicle lamp 100 according to the embodiment, a lens portion 31 of the projection lens 30 that is disposed on an outermost side of the vehicle forms the patterns P3 and P6 having the least outward diffusion of emitted light.

[0044] The configuration enables effective use of the space in front of the projection lens 30 and outside the vehicle, and increases the degree of freedom in layout. The effective use of the space contains, for example, placing another structure therein.

[0045] In the vehicle lamp 100 according to the embodiment, the projection lens 30 has a shape inclined rearward from an inside toward an outside of a vehicle.

[0046] According to the configuration, the projection lens 30 has a shape inclined rearward from a vehicle inside toward a vehicle outside, which makes it easier to follow to the shape of the surroundings and improves layout flexibility.

[0047] In the vehicle lamp 100 according to the embodiment, the plurality of first reflecting portions 21 are provided for each one of the lens portions 31 in the left-right direction.

[0048] According to this configuration, the plurality of first reflecting portions 21 is provided for each one of the lens portions 31 in the left-right direction, so that the illumination pattern P (ADB pattern) can be set more precisely.

[0049] In the vehicle lamp 100 according to the embodiment, the light source 10 is provided for the first reflecting portion 21, and the light source 10 is not provided for the second reflecting portion 22.

[0050] According to this configuration, by providing the second reflecting portion 22 for which no light source 10 is provided, the light-dark boundary can be formed more reliably, and the quality of the illumination pattern P can be improved.

[0051] In the vehicle lamp 100 according to the embodiment, the reflector 20 includes a light-shielding wall 25 facing the vehicle inside between lens portions 31 adjacent to each other in the left-right direction.

[0052] According to this configuration, light reflected by the first reflecting portion 21 and traveling toward a lens portion 31 adjacent to a corresponding lens portion 31 can be blocked. This inhibits unintended light from being entering the lens portion 31, thereby inhibiting the occurrence of glare.

[0053] In the vehicle lamp 100 according to the embodiment, the reflector 20 includes a partition wall 24 along a front-rear direction between the lens portions 31 adjacent to each other in the left-right direction, and the light-shielding wall 25 is provided at a front end of the partition wall 24.

[0054] According to this configuration, the light-shielding wall 25 is provided at the front end of the partition wall 24, so that light reflected by the first reflecting portion 21 and traveling toward a lens portion 31 adjacent to a corresponding lens portion 31 can be more reliably blocked by the light-shielding wall 25.

[0055] In the vehicle lamp 100 according to the embodiment, the partition wall 24 has a height in an up-down direction, which increases toward the front.

[0056] According to this configuration, the light emitted from the light source 10 and traveling obliquely forward toward the partition wall 24 can be reliably blocked at the front side of the partition wall 24. Furthermore, the amount of material required for a rear portion of the partition wall 24 can be reduced, thereby reducing the costs.

[0057] In the vehicle lamp 100 according to the embodiment, the partition wall 24 is inclined toward the vehicle inside from an upper portion to a lower portion.

[0058] According to this configuration, when the reflector 20 is molded using a mold, the thickness of resin can be prevented from becoming too thick.

[0059] In the vehicle lamp 100 according to the embodiment, the light-shielding wall 25 is formed such that a protruding amount toward the vehicle inside decreases from a lower portion to an upper portion.

[0060] According to this configuration, by reducing the protruding amount of the light-shielding wall 25 toward the vehicle inside from the lower portion to the upper portion of the light-shielding wall 25, the amount of light blocking by the light-shielding wall 25 can be minimized.

[0061] The technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and modifications can be appropriately made without departing from the gist of the present invention.Reference Signs ListEXPLANATION OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

[0062] AXOPTICAL AXIS L1, L2, L3, L4LIGHT BEAM PILLUMINATION PATTERN P1 to P6PATTERN SPSPACE 10LIGHT SOURCE 11LIGHT-EMITTING SURFACE 12SUBSTRATE 20REFLECTOR 21FIRST REFLECTING PORTION 21a, 22aREFLECTION SURFACE 22SECOND REFLECTING PORTION 22bREAR END 22cKNURLED PORTION 22RLIGHT-DARK BOUNDARY FORMING PORTION 23BOTTOM PLATE 24PARTITION WALL 24aSIDE SURFACE 24hHORIZONTAL PORTION 24sSLOPE PORTION 25LIGHT-SHIELDING WALL 26OUTER FRAME PORTION 30PROJECTION LENS 31LENS PORTION 31aINCIDENCE SURFACE 31bEMISSION SURFACE 40HEAT DISSIPATING MEMBER 100VEHICLE LAMP

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0009]An embodiment of a vehicle lamp according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The present invention is not limited to the embodiment. Components in the embodiment below include components easily replaceable by a skilled person and substantially the same components. In the following description, front and rear directions (forward, rearward), up and down directions (upward, downward), and left and right directions (leftward, rightward) are directions in a state in which the vehicle lamp is mounted on a vehicle, namely, directions when looking ahead while sitting in the driver's seat. Note that, in the embodiment, the up-down direction is parallel to the vertical direction, and the left-right direction is the horizontal direction.

[0010]FIG. 1 is a plan view illustrating an example of a vehicle lamp 100 according to the embodiment. FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate an example of a configuration of the vehicle lamp 100 as viewed from the front si...

Claims

1. A vehicle lamp comprising: a plurality of light sources disposed in a left-right direction in a vehicle-mounted state; a reflector in which a first reflecting portion and a second reflecting portion are aligned in the left-right direction, the first reflecting portion reflecting light from the light source toward a vehicle front, the second reflecting portion reflecting light from the light source in a direction different from the vehicle front; and a projection lens including a plurality of lens portions that are aligned in the left-right direction and that emit the light reflected by the first reflecting portion toward the vehicle front to form an illumination pattern.

2. The vehicle lamp according to claim 1, wherein, in the reflector, the first reflecting portion and the second reflecting portion are disposed for each of the lens portions, the first reflecting portion is disposed at a position on a vehicle inside with respect to an optical axis of a corresponding one of the lens portions, and the second reflecting portion is disposed at a position on a vehicle outside with respect to the optical axis of each of the lens portions.

3. The vehicle lamp according to claim 1, wherein the second reflecting portion is disposed, in the left-right direction, between the first reflecting portion corresponding to the second reflecting portion and a lens portion adjacent, in the left-right direction, to a lens portion corresponding to the second reflecting portion.

4. The vehicle lamp according to claim 1, wherein a boundary between the second reflecting portion and the first reflecting portion is formed as a light-dark boundary forming portion along an optical axis of the lens portion.

5. The vehicle lamp according to claim 1, wherein the second reflecting portion includes a knurled portion.

6. The vehicle lamp according to claim 1, wherein a lens portion of the projection lens that is disposed closest to a vehicle inside forms a light distribution pattern having least inward diffusion of emitted light.

7. The vehicle lamp according to claim 1, wherein a lens portion of the projection lens that is disposed on an outermost side of a vehicle forms a light distribution pattern having least outward diffusion of emitted light.

8. The vehicle lamp according to claim 1, wherein the projection lens has a shape inclined rearward from a vehicle inside toward a vehicle outside.

9. The vehicle lamp according to claim 2, wherein a plurality of the first reflecting portions are provided for each one of the lens portions in the left-right direction.

10. The vehicle lamp according to claim 1, wherein the light source is provided for the first reflecting portion, and no light source is provided for the second reflecting portion.

11. The vehicle lamp according to claim 1, wherein the reflector includes a light-shielding wall facing a vehicle inside between lens portions adjacent to each other in the left-right direction.

12. The vehicle lamp according to claim 11, wherein the reflector includes a partition wall along a front-rear direction between the lens portions adjacent to each other in the left-right direction, and the light-shielding wall is provided at a front end of the partition wall.

13. The vehicle lamp according to claim 12, wherein the partition wall has a height in an up-down direction, which increases toward a front.

14. The vehicle lamp according to claim 12, wherein the partition wall is inclined toward the vehicle inside from an upper portion to a lower portion.

15. The vehicle lamp according to claim 12, wherein the light-shielding wall is formed such that a protruding amount toward the vehicle inside decreases from a lower portion to an upper portion.

Images