Vehicle lamp

Abstract

To provide a vehicle lamp capable of preventing a relatively strong difference in brightness between an overlapping portion and its periphery (boundary).SOLUTION: A vehicle lamp 1 comprises light sources 31 to 33, reflectors 41 to 43 that reflect light emitted from the light sources 31 to 33, and a projection lens 5 that projects the light reflected by the reflectors 41 to 43 forward of a vehicle. Three irradiation mechanisms 10 to 13 are arranged side by side in a vehicle width direction X, and each have the light sources 31 to 33, the reflectors 41 to 43, and the projection lens 5. The projection lens 5 has irradiation surface parts 51 to 53 that constitute each of the irradiation mechanisms 10 to 13 formed thereon. Some of the emitted light from each irradiation surface part 51 to 53 is radiated to mutually different positions in a vertical direction Y.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] Vehicle lighting fixtures form a light distribution pattern using a projection lens consisting of three internal curved surfaces, with the light sources and reflective surfaces in one-to-one correspondence with the internal curved surfaces, and the focal point of each light source corresponding to one of the internal curved surfaces (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6981608 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the above-mentioned vehicle lamp, when the projection lens having three curved inner surfaces is used to overlap the light transmitted through each curved inner surface, a relatively strong contrast may occur between the overlapping portion and its surroundings (boundary). Therefore, the vehicle lamp may give a sense of discomfort to the occupants due to the relatively strong contrast.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and aims to provide a vehicle lighting fixture that can suppress the relatively strong difference in brightness between the overlapping portion and its surroundings (boundary). [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The vehicle lamp of the present disclosure includes a light source, a reflector that reflects light emitted from the light source, and a projection lens that projects the light reflected by the reflector forward of the vehicle. A plurality of irradiation mechanisms are provided, arranged side by side in the vehicle width direction, each having the light source, the reflector, and the projection lens. The projection lens is formed with each irradiation surface portion that constitutes each of the irradiation mechanisms. A portion of each of the emitted light beams emitted from each of the irradiation surface portions is irradiated to different positions in the vertical direction. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the vehicle lamp of the present disclosure, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of a relatively strong difference in brightness between the overlapping portion and its periphery (at the boundary). [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a vehicle lamp according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the vehicle lamp is viewed from the front (the front side in the front-to-rear direction). [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an exploded configuration of a vehicle lamp. [Figure 4] 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an end surface taken along line II shown in FIG. 2. [Diagram 5] 2. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an end surface taken along line II-II shown in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the positional relationship between each light source, a reflector member, and a projection lens as viewed from a plane (upper side in the vertical direction), and is a schematic explanatory diagram showing each focal position. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the positional relationship between each surface of a projection lens and its entrance surface as viewed from the rear (rear side in the front-to-rear direction), and is a schematic explanatory diagram showing each focal position on each surface. [Figure 8] 1 is a partially enlarged view of a reflector member, an explanatory diagram showing the length relationship between each diffuse light source and each diffuse reflector as viewed from a plane (upper side in the vertical direction), and a schematic explanatory diagram showing each focal position. FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a schematic explanatory diagram showing the vertical positional relationship of each light collection focus position. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the positional relationship between each light source, a reflector member, and a projection lens as viewed from a plane (upper side in the vertical direction), and is a schematic explanatory diagram showing the front-to-back relationship of each focal position. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a schematic explanatory diagram showing a driving light distribution pattern formed by three light collecting mechanisms and one diffusing mechanism. [Figure 12A] 4 is a schematic explanatory diagram showing how light reflected by a first light collecting reflector passes through a first light collecting surface portion. FIG. [Figure 12B] 11 is a schematic explanatory diagram showing how light reflected by a second light collecting reflector passes through a second light collecting surface portion. FIG. [Figure 12C] 13 is a schematic explanatory diagram showing a state in which light reflected by a third light collecting reflector is transmitted through a third light collecting surface portion. FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 4 is a schematic explanatory diagram showing a light distribution pattern for driving, and is an explanatory diagram showing an enlarged portion of each light collection pattern formed by each light collection mechanism. [Figure 14A] 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a first light collecting pattern formed by a first light collecting mechanism. FIG. [Figure 14B] 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a second light collecting pattern formed by a second light collecting mechanism. FIG. [Figure 14C] 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a third light collecting pattern formed by a third light collecting mechanism. FIG. [Figure 15] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing the diffusion patterns formed by the diffusion mechanism, and is an explanatory diagram showing each diffusion pattern of light reflected by each diffusion reflector. [Figure 16] 10 is a schematic explanatory diagram showing a diffusion pattern formed when the diffusing surface portion is a convex lens. FIG. [Figure 17] 11 is a schematic explanatory diagram showing a diffusion pattern formed when the diffusion surface portion is a concave lens. FIG. [Figure 18] FIG. 7 is a schematic explanatory diagram showing an example in which the positions of the second focal points of the light-collecting reflectors (light-collecting reflecting surfaces) in FIG. 6 are changed. [Figure 19]16 is a schematic explanatory diagram showing an example in which the position of the second focal point of the second diffusing reflector (second diffusing reflecting surface) in FIG. 15 is changed. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] A first embodiment of a vehicle lamp 1 as an example of a vehicle lamp according to the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. In addition, in Fig. 11 and Fig. 13 to Fig. 15, a driving light distribution pattern 10, a light collection pattern 10A, each of the light collection patterns 101 to 103, or a diffusion pattern 10B (first diffusion pattern 105 to third diffusion pattern 107) are shown on a screen where a horizontal line H and a vertical line V intersect with a central position O (projection optical axis Lp in Fig. 1) of irradiation by the vehicle lamp 1 as the origin.

[0010] In the following description, in the vehicle lamp 1, the traveling direction of the vehicle is defined as the longitudinal direction Z, the vertical direction when the longitudinal direction Z is aligned with a horizontal surface is defined as the up-down direction Y (corresponding to the direction of the vertical line V of the screen), and the horizontal direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction Z and the up-down direction Y is defined as the vehicle width direction X (left-right direction, corresponding to the direction of the horizontal line H of the screen). In the longitudinal direction Z, the side where a projection lens 5 described later is provided is defined as the front side, and in the up-down direction Y, the side where a base part 21 described later is provided is defined as the upper side. Here, the vehicle lamps 1 are provided on the left and right sides of the vehicle and are basically configured the same but are inverted in the vehicle width direction X, so the following description will be given using the vehicle lamp 1 provided on the left side. EXAMPLES

[0011] A vehicle lamp 1 in the first embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 1 to 17. The vehicle lamp 1 is applied to a projector-type headlamp unit that illuminates the area in front of a vehicle such as an automobile. The vehicle lamp 1 can form a driving light distribution pattern 10 (light distribution pattern, see Fig. 11, etc.) that is used when there is no preceding vehicle or oncoming vehicle. The vehicle lamp 1 is mounted on a vehicle together with a low beam unit that forms a passing light distribution pattern having a cut-off line. When the low beam unit forms a passing light distribution pattern, the vehicle lamp 1 can be a so-called high beam by forming a driving light distribution pattern 10 that partially overlaps with the upper part of the passing light distribution pattern and illuminates the upper part. Hereinafter, the configuration of the first embodiment will be described by dividing it into "overall configuration" and "detailed configurations of light collecting mechanisms 11 to 13 (illumination mechanisms) and a diffusion mechanism 15".

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

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

[0014] The vehicle lamp 1 forms a light distribution pattern 10 for driving, which includes a light collecting pattern 10A located in the center and a diffusion pattern 10B located in the peripheral area around the center (see FIG. 11, etc.). The light collecting pattern 10A is formed by the cooperation of three light collecting mechanisms 11, 12, and 13 shown in FIG. 3. The diffusion pattern 10B is formed by one diffusion mechanism 15 shown in FIG. 3. The vehicle lamp 1 is provided with three light collecting mechanisms 11-13 and a diffusion mechanism 15. The three light collecting mechanisms 11-13 and the diffusion mechanism 15 are arranged 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 arranged between the three light collecting mechanisms 11-13, and is arranged closer to the inside of the vehicle than the second light collecting mechanism 12. The third light collecting mechanism 13 is disposed at the innermost side of the vehicle.

[0015] As shown in Figs. 1 to 3, the vehicle lamp 1 has a heat sink 2, a light source unit 3, a reflector member 4, and a projection lens 5. The light source unit 3 and the projection lens 5 are disposed between the heat sink 2 and the reflector member 4 in the vertical direction Y. In the vehicle lamp 1, the light source unit 3, the reflector member 4, and the projection lens 5 are attached to the heat sink 2. As will be described later, in the vehicle lamp 1, each of the three light collecting mechanisms 11 to 13 and one diffusion mechanism 15 has the light source unit 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-casting, or resin. The heat sink 2 is fixed to the lamp housing via a bracket (not shown). The heat sink 2 has a base portion 21 and a plurality of heat dissipation fins 24 integrally provided with the base portion 21. As shown in FIG. 3, the base portion 21 has a light source attachment portion 22 and a lens attachment portion 23.

[0017] The light source attachment portion 22 is in the form of a flat plate that is approximately perpendicular to the up-down direction Y, and the light source portion 3 is attached at a predetermined position. A first opposing surface 22a, which is the lower surface of the light source attachment portion 22, faces a second opposing surface 38a, which is the upper surface of a substrate 38 described below, as shown in Figures 4 and 5. The surface of the first opposing surface 22a that contacts the second opposing surface 38a is formed to be at least a flat surface (flat surface).

[0018] The lens mounting portion 23 is in the form of a flat plate that is substantially perpendicular to the up-down direction Y, and is provided in front of the light source mounting portion 22 in the front-rear direction Z. As shown in Figs. 1 and 3, the lens mounting portion 23 is disposed at a position above the light source mounting portion 22 in the up-down direction Y with a step. The lens mounting portion 23 functions as a portion for mounting the projection lens 5, and the projection lens 5 is disposed in front of the light source unit 3 attached to the light source mounting portion 22. The lens mounting portion 23 has an integral lens frame upper portion 23a at the front end position of the lens mounting portion 23. The lens frame upper portion 23a surrounds the upper portion of the projection lens 5, and is bent downward at each of both ends in the vehicle width direction X.

[0019] As shown in Fig. 3, the lens mounting 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 mounting portion 23, and each has a plate shape extending approximately in the front-rear direction Z and the up-down direction Y. The three partition plates 23b divide the space inside the lens mounting portion 23, i.e., the space where the light from the light source unit 3 is reflected by the reflector member 4 and proceeds to the projection lens 5, into four in the vehicle width direction X. The partition plates 23b can prevent the light from being mixed between the light collecting mechanisms 11 to 13 and the diffusion mechanism 15, and can prevent the light from being projected forward from the projection lens 5 in an unintended direction or manner.

[0020] In the heat sink 2, the heat generated in the light source unit 3 can be dissipated to the outside mainly through each heat dissipation fin 24, and as a whole functions as a heat dissipation member that dissipates to the outside the heat generated in the light source unit 3. The heat sink 2 may be provided with an appropriate cooling fan unit to improve cooling efficiency.

[0021] As shown in Figs. 3 to 6, the light source unit 3 has a first collecting light source 31 corresponding to the first collecting mechanism 11, a second collecting light source 32 corresponding to the second collecting mechanism 12, and a third collecting light source 33 corresponding to the third collecting mechanism 13. The light source unit 3 has a first diffuse light source 35, a second diffuse light source 36, and a third diffuse light source 37 corresponding to the diffusion mechanism 15. Each of the light sources 31 to 33, 35 to 37 emits light for forming each of the light distribution patterns 10A and 10B, and is composed of a light emitting element such as an LED (Light Emitting Diode). Each of the light sources 31 to 33, 35 to 37 is attached to the lower surface (third opposing surface 38b) of a substrate 38 described later.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 3, the light source unit 3 has a substrate 38. The substrate 38 is plate-shaped and is made of an aluminum substrate, a glass epoxy substrate, or the like. The substrate 38 is elongated in the vehicle width direction X, and a part of the substrate 38 protrudes to the front and rear sides. As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the second opposing surface 38a has at least a flat surface (flat surface) that contacts the first opposing surface 22a. The third opposing surface 38b, which is the lower surface of the substrate 38, faces a fourth opposing surface 4a, which is the upper surface of the reflector member 4 described later. The third opposing surface 38b has at least a flat surface (flat surface) that contacts the fourth opposing surface 4a. In the first embodiment, both the second opposing surface 38a and the third opposing surface 38b are flat (flat surfaces).

[0023] The six light sources 31-33, 35-37 are attached to the third opposing surface 38b and are arranged (mounted) on the same plane. The board 38 can supply power from a power supply source mounted on the vehicle to the light sources 31-33, 35-37. The board 38 can appropriately light the light sources 31-33, 35-37 individually or simultaneously. Note that terminals, power sources, control circuits, and the like for supplying power to the six light sources 31-33, 35-37 are omitted from the illustration.

[0024] The board 38 is attached to the light source attachment portion 22 with the six light sources 31-33, 35-37 mounted thereon. When the board 38 is attached to the light source attachment portion 22, the six light sources 31-33, 35-37 face downward. Furthermore, when the reflector member 4 is attached to the board 38, the six light sources 31-33, 35-37 are covered with the reflector member 4, as shown in Figs. 3-6.

[0025] The reflector member 4 reflects the light emitted from each of the light sources 31 to 33, 35 to 37 toward the projection lens 5. As shown in FIG. 6, the reflector member 4 has 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 has 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 has a first light collecting reflecting surface 41a. The second light collecting reflector 42 has a second light collecting reflecting surface 42a. The third light collecting reflector 43 has a third light collecting reflecting surface 43a. The first diffuse reflector 45 has a first diffuse reflecting surface 45a, the second diffuse reflector 46 has a second diffuse reflecting surface 46a, and the third diffuse reflector 47 has a third diffuse reflecting surface 47a. The reflector member 4 is molded from a resin material, and six reflectors 41-43, 45-47 are integrally formed. The fourth opposing surface 4a of the reflector member 4 has at least a plane (flat surface) that contacts the third opposing surface 38b. The upper end positions of the reflectors 41-43, 45-47 are set based on the position of the fourth opposing surface 4a in the vertical direction Y.

[0026] As shown in Figs. 3 to 5, the reflector member 4 interposes the light source unit 3 and the projection lens 5 between it and the heat sink 2 in the up-down direction Y. Next, the reflector member 4 is attached to the heat sink 2 in a state where it is positioned with respect to the light source attachment portion 22 and the light source unit 3. As a result, the light sources 31 to 33, 35 to 37 face the corresponding reflection surfaces 41a, 42a, 43a, 45a, 46a, 47a in the up-down direction Y. Therefore, the reflection surfaces 41a, 42a, 43a, 45a, 46a, 47a reflect the light (emitted light) emitted from the corresponding light sources 31 to 33, 35 to 37, thereby allowing the emitted light to travel efficiently to the projection lens 5.

[0027] The reflector member 4 has a function as a portion where the projection lens 5 is attached, and the projection lens 5 is disposed at a front position of the reflector member 4. The reflector member 4 has a lens frame lower portion 48 (lens frame) integrally formed at the front end portion of the reflector member 4. The lens frame lower portion 48 surrounds the lower portion of the projection lens 5, and is bent upward at each of both ends in the vehicle width direction X. The lens frame upper portion 23a and the lens frame lower portion 48 can form a lens frame surrounding the projection lens 5, so that the entire circumference of the projection lens 5 can be surrounded. Therefore, the lens frame can suppress the emission of harmful light to the front of the vehicle. Here, harmful light is light that may affect the emitted light emitted from the projection lens 5. Specifically, harmful light is light (light emitted from the vehicle lamp 1) that is not incident on the projection lens 5 and is irradiated to the front of the vehicle, among the emitted light emitted from each light source 31 to 33, 35 to 37 and the reflected light reflected by each reflector 41 to 43, 45 to 47. The reflector member 4 has a pair of lens holding parts 49 at the left and right positions on the rear side (front end portion) of the lens frame lower part 48. The pair of lens holding parts 49 are portions for holding the projection lens 5.

[0028] 4 and 5, in a state where 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 the front end position (the end portion opposite to the light source attachment portion 22) of the lens attachment portion 23. Therefore, the reflector member 4 cooperates with the lens attachment portion 23 to form a space from each of the reflectors 41-43, 45-47 to the projection lens 5 through which the light reflected by each of the reflection surfaces 41a, 42a, 43a, 45a, 46a, 47a proceeds to the projection lens 5. In addition, the lens frame upper portion 23a and the lens frame lower portion 48 form a lens frame surrounding the projection lens 5.

[0029] The projection lens 5 is composed of a molded product made of a resin material. The projection lens 5 projects the light reflected by the reflector member 4 to the front of the vehicle, and cooperates with the reflector member 4 to form a predetermined light distribution pattern 10 for driving. As shown in Figs. 6 and 7, the projection lens 5 has a first light collecting surface 51 (light collecting surface, irradiation surface) corresponding to the first light collecting mechanism 11, a second light collecting surface 52 (light collecting surface, irradiation surface) corresponding to the second light collecting mechanism 12, a third light collecting surface 53 (light collecting surface, irradiation surface) corresponding to the third light collecting mechanism 13, and a diffusion surface 55 corresponding to the diffusion mechanism 15.

[0030] The projection lens 5 has an exit surface 5a (front side) having exit surfaces 51a, 52a, 53a, and 55a corresponding to the surfaces 51-53, and 55, respectively. The projection lens 5 has an entrance surface 5b (rear side) having entrance surfaces 51b, 52b, 53b, and 55b corresponding to the surfaces 51-53, and 55, respectively.

[0031] The projection lens 5 is formed by integrally forming four surfaces 51-53 and 55. The exit surface 5a of the projection lens 5 is formed by integrally forming four exit surfaces 51a, 52a, 53a and 55a. Therefore, the shape of the front side (exit surface side) of the projection lens 5 is a single surface that is elongated in the vehicle width direction X and smoothly continues (there is no bending portion and the change in curvature is continuous). As a result, when the projection lens 5 is viewed from the outside (exit surface side), the projection lens 5 has a unified appearance. Each of the light collecting surfaces 51-53 is a convex lens with a convex shape, and the diffusion surface portion 55 is a concave lens with a concave shape on the diffusion entrance surface 55b side. The thickness of the concave lens of the diffusion surface portion 55 differs between the left and right sides as shown in FIG. 6, and the thickness 551 on the vehicle outside (left side) in the vehicle width direction X is set to be thicker than the thickness 552 on the vehicle inside (right side).

[0032] The projection lens 5 has a pair of mounting pieces 56 extending rearward from each end of the first light collecting surface 51 and the third light collecting surface 53. The lower sides of the pair of mounting pieces 56 are held by the pair of lens holding parts 49. Therefore, when the projection lens 5 is attached to the heat sink 2 and the reflector member 4, the pair of mounting pieces 56 are sandwiched between the lens mounting part 23 and the reflector member 4. As a result, the projection lens 5 is fixed by the lens mounting part 23 and the reflector member 4.

[0033] Based on Figures 3 to 15, the detailed configurations of the light collecting mechanisms 11 to 13 and the diffusion mechanism 15 will be explained by dividing them into "the overall configuration of each mechanism 11 to 13, 15", "the detailed configuration of the reflector member 4", "the detailed configuration of the projection lens 5", and "the detailed pattern of the driving light distribution pattern 10".

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

[0035] As shown in Figs. 3 to 6, the first light collecting mechanism 11 has a first light collecting light source 31, a first light collecting reflector 41, and a first light collecting surface portion 51 of the projection lens 5. The first light collecting surface portion 51 has a first light collecting exit surface 51a and a first light collecting entrance surface 51b. The second light collecting mechanism 12 has a second light collecting light source 32, a second light collecting reflector 42, and a second light collecting surface portion 52 of the projection lens 5. The second light collecting surface portion 52 has a second light collecting exit surface 52a and a second light collecting entrance surface 52b. The third light collecting mechanism 13 has a third light collecting light source 33, a third light collecting reflector 43, and a third light collecting surface portion 53 of the projection lens 5. The third light collecting surface portion 53 has a third light collecting exit surface 53a and a third light collecting entrance surface 53b. In this manner, in each of the light collecting mechanisms 11-13, the light collecting light sources 31-33 and the light collecting reflectors 41-43 correspond one-to-one (1:1) to the light collecting surfaces 51-53.

[0036] The diffusion mechanism 15 has a first diffuse light source 35, a second diffuse light source 36, a third diffuse light source 37, a first diffuse reflector 45, a second diffuse reflector 46, a third diffuse reflector 47, and a diffusion surface portion 55 of the projection lens 5. The diffusion surface portion 55 has a diffuse emission surface 55a and a diffuse incidence surface 55b. In this way, the diffusion mechanism 15 has three diffuse light sources 35-37 and three diffuse reflectors 45-47 in a one-to-three (1:3) correspondence with one diffusion surface portion 55.

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

[0038] Each of the reflecting surfaces 41a, 42a, 43a, 45a, 46a, and 47a is a curved surface (for example, a bowl-shaped free-form surface) based on an ellipse as shown in Fig. 3, and is curved so as to individually cover each of the corresponding light sources 31 to 33, 35 to 37 (see Figs. 4 and 5). The surface of each of the reflecting surfaces 41a, 42a, 43a, 45a, 46a, and 47a is, for example, subjected to aluminum deposition.

[0039] Each of the light-collecting reflecting surfaces 41a, 42a, 43a is a curved surface having a first focal point at the corresponding light-collecting light source 31-33 (at or near the center thereof) (see Figs. 3-6). In other words, each of the first focal points is set at the corresponding light-collecting light source 31-33 (at or near the center thereof). Each of the light-collecting reflecting surfaces 41a, 42a, 43a is a curved surface having a second focal point 41b, 42b, 43b at the rear side (the side of each of the light-collecting light sources 31-33) of the corresponding light-collecting surface portion 51-53 (see Figs. 3-6). In other words, each of the second focal points 41b, 42b, 43b is set at the rear side of the corresponding light-collecting surface portion 51-53. Specifically, the rear side of the corresponding light-collecting surface portion 51-53 is an intermediate position between the corresponding light-collecting surface portion 51-53 and the corresponding light-collecting reflector 41-43. More specifically, the rear side of each of the corresponding light collecting surfaces 51-53 is a position near the rear side of each of the corresponding light collecting surfaces 51-53 among the intermediate positions between the corresponding light collecting surfaces 51-53 and the light collecting reflectors 41-43. The rear side of each of the corresponding light collecting surfaces 51-53 is not limited to the position near the rear side, but may be a position near the intermediate positions between the corresponding light collecting surfaces 51-53 and the light collecting reflectors 41-43. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 6, the light reflected by each of the light collecting reflecting surfaces 41a, 42a, 43a is collected at each of the second focal points 41b, 42b, 43b, and the light collected at each of the second focal points 41b, 42b, 43b spreads toward each of the light collecting surfaces 51-53. This allows each of the collecting reflectors 41-43 to efficiently direct the light emitted from each of the collecting light sources 31-33 near the first focal point to the corresponding one of the collecting surfaces 51-53. The positions of the second focal points 41b, 42b, 43b are mainly used to adjust the amount of light incident on each of the collecting surfaces 51-53, and are generally adjusted to positions where the amount of light incident is greatest.

[0040] Each of the diffuse reflection surfaces 45a, 46a, 47a is a curved surface having a first focal point at the corresponding diffuse light source 35-37 (at or near its center). In other words, each of the first focal points is set at the corresponding diffuse light source 35-37 (at or near its center). Each of the diffuse reflection surfaces 45a, 46a, 47a is a curved surface having a second focal point 46b (see FIG. 15) at the rear side (the three diffuse light sources 35-37 side) of the diffusion surface portion 55 of the projection lens 5. In other words, the second focal point 46b is set at 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 diffusion reflector 45-47. More specifically, the rear side of the corresponding diffusion surface portion 55 is an intermediate position between the corresponding diffusion surface portion 55 and each diffusion reflector 45-47, near the rear side of the corresponding diffusion surface portion 55. In addition, the rear side of the corresponding diffusion surface portion 55 is not limited to the vicinity of the rear side, but may be an intermediate position between the corresponding diffusion surface portion 55 and each diffusion reflector 45-47. In other words, the positions of the second focal points 46b of the three diffusion reflection surfaces 45a, 46a, 47a are the same or approximately the same. Therefore, the light reflected by each diffusion reflection surface 45a, 46a, 47a is collected at each second focal point 46b, and the light collected at the second focal point 46b spreads toward the diffusion surface portion 55. As a result, each diffusion reflector 45-47 can efficiently advance the light emitted from each diffusion light source 35-37 near the first focal point to the corresponding diffusion surface portion 55. The position of the second focal point 46b is mainly used to adjust the amount of light incident on the diffusion surface portion 55, and is generally adjusted to a position where the amount of incident is the largest.

[0041] As shown in Figs. 3 and 6, each of the diffuse reflectors 45-47 is disposed forward of each of the condensing reflectors 41-43. Therefore, the front end positions of each of the diffuse reflectors 45-47 are disposed forward of the front end positions of each of the condensing reflectors 41-43. As shown in Fig. 8, the second diffuse reflecting surface 46a is set to have a length (45c, 46c, 47c) in the optical axis direction L5 longer in the front-rear direction than the remaining first diffuse reflecting surface 45a and the third diffuse reflecting surface 47a (46c>45c, 47c). The first diffuse reflecting surface 45a and the third diffuse reflecting surface 47a are set to have the same or approximately the same length (45c, 47c) in the optical axis direction L5. Here, the "optical axis direction L5" refers to the direction in which light is irradiated (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 shown in FIG. 6, the four exit surfaces 51a, 52a, 53a, and 55a are integrally formed as a single smoothly continuous surface, and therefore the shapes of the entrance surfaces 51b, 52b, 53b, and 55b are optically set to match the shapes of the exit surfaces 51a, 52a, 53a, and 55a. Therefore, the shapes of the condensing entrance surfaces 51b, 52b, and 53b are optically set to match the corresponding condensing light sources 31 to 33 and the corresponding condensing reflectors 41 to 43. The shape of the diffusing entrance surface 55b is optically set to match the corresponding diffusing light sources 35 to 37 and the corresponding diffusing reflectors 45 to 47. In addition, the shapes of the entrance surfaces 51b, 52b, 53b, and 55b are set in consideration of the lens focal positions (51c, 52c, 53c, and 55c described later) and the like, and the lens thicknesses of the surfaces 51 to 53 and 55 are set. Therefore, for example, the lens thickness of the projection lens 5 can be kept to a maximum of 10 mm or less.

[0044] As the lens focal positions on the light collecting entrance surfaces 51b, 52b, and 53b of the light collecting surface portions 51 to 53, the light collecting focal positions 51c, 52c, and 53c are set. 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 corresponding light collecting reflectors 41 to 43 in the vehicle width direction X. Next, the three light collecting focal positions 51c, 52c, and 53c are set at different positions in the vertical direction Y as shown in Figs. 7 and 9. 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. In order to set the three light collecting focal positions 51c, 52c, and 53c, a single reference position 100 for forming the light collecting pattern 10A is used as a reference. For example, the reference position 100 is the intersection position (center position O, projection optical axis Lp in FIG. 1) of a horizontal line H and a vertical line V when projected onto a screen as shown in FIG.

[0045] Next, in the front-rear direction Z, each of the light-collecting focal positions 51c, 52c, 53c is set based on the position of the corresponding light-collecting light source 31-33. For example, when each of the light-collecting focal positions 51c, 52c, 53c is set in front of the position of each of the light-collecting light sources 31-33, it is set within each of the set distances 51d, 52d, 53d from the position of each of the light-collecting light sources 31-33 (light source center) to the intersection position of each of the optical axis directions L1-L3 and the front end position of each of the light-collecting reflectors 41-43 (each of the light-collecting reflecting surfaces 41a, 42a, 43a), as shown in Fig. 10. Also, each of the light-collecting focal positions 51c, 52c, 53c may be set behind the position of each of the light-collecting light sources 31-33. When set on the rear side, each of the light collecting focal positions 51c, 52c, 53c may be set at the set distances 51d, 52d, 53d from the positions of the light collecting light sources 31 to 33 (light source centers). Furthermore, each of the light collecting focal positions 51c, 52c, 53c may be set at the positions of the light collecting light sources 31 to 33 (light source centers). Note that each of the light collecting focal positions 51c, 52c, 53c is optically set to form the light collecting pattern 10A on the screen. Here, the "optical axis directions L1 to L3" refer to the directions in which each light is irradiated (projected).

[0046] A diffusion focal position 55c is set as a lens focal position on the diffusion entrance surface 55b side of the diffusion surface portion 55. The diffusion focal position 55c is set based on the second diffusion reflecting surface 46a among the three diffusion reflecting surfaces 45a, 46a, and 47a. First, the diffusion focal position 55c is set at or near the center position of the second diffusion light source 36 and the second diffusion reflector 46 in the vehicle width direction X. Next, the diffusion focal position 55c is set at a position that forms the center of the light distribution pattern for driving 10 and its peripheral portion while appropriately overlapping the diffusion pattern 10B with the condensed pattern 10A when the light distribution pattern for driving 10 is projected onto a screen in the up-down direction Y and the front-rear direction Z. For example, the diffusion focal position 55c is set at a position where the condensed pattern 10A fits within the diffusion pattern 10B when the light distribution pattern for driving 10 is projected onto a screen, as shown in FIG. 11 and the like.

[0047] The diffusion focal position 55c is set in the vertical direction Y based on the reference position 100. For example, the diffusion focal position 55c is set at the same position as or near the third focusing focal position 53c, which is the middle position in the vertical direction Y among the three focusing focal positions 51c, 52c, and 53c, in consideration of the spread of light in the vertical direction Y during screen projection. The diffusion focal position 55c is set in the front-rear direction Z based on the position of the second diffuse light source 36, similar to the setting of each focusing focal position 51c, 52c, and 53c in the front-rear direction Z. When the diffusion focal position 55c is set in front of the position of the second diffuse light source 36, it is set within each set distance 55d from the position of the second diffuse light source 36 (light source center) to the intersection position between the optical axis direction L5 and the front end position of the second diffuse reflector 46 (second diffuse reflecting surface 46a) as shown in FIG. 10. When the diffusion focal position 55c is set behind the position of the second diffuse light source 36, or when the diffusion focal position 55c is set at the position of the second diffuse light source 36 (light source center), the setting is the same as that of the light collection focal positions 51c, 52c, and 53c in the front-rear direction Z. In this manner, the diffusion focal position 55c is set on the second diffuse reflecting surface 46a among the three diffuse reflecting surfaces 45a, 46a, and 47a. In other words, the diffusion focal position 55c is included in the second diffuse reflecting surface 46a.

[0048] The detailed pattern of the light distribution pattern 10 for driving will be described with reference to Figs.

[0049] The vehicle lamp 1 forms a light collecting pattern 10A by three light collecting mechanisms 11-13 centered on the intersection position (center position O) of a horizontal line H and a vertical line V, and forms a diffusion pattern 10B by a diffusion mechanism 15, biased to the left side of the vertical line V. As a result, a driving light distribution pattern 10 is formed on the screen as shown in FIG.

[0050] Specifically, in the three light collecting mechanisms 11-13, the light reflected by each of the light collecting reflectors 41-43 (collected light beams 41c, 42c, 43c) passes through each of the light collecting surfaces 51-53 as shown in Figs. 12A-C. The light that has passed through each of the light collecting surfaces 51-53 forms a light collecting pattern 10A on a screen as shown in Fig. 13. The light collecting pattern 10A collects light within a narrower range than the diffusion pattern 10B, and increases the luminous intensity of the center of the driving light distribution pattern 10.

[0051] As shown in FIG. 13 and FIG. 14A, the first light collecting mechanism 11 forms a first light collecting pattern 101 by collecting 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 biased to the right with respect to the vertical line V. As shown in FIG. 13 and FIG. 14B, the second light collecting mechanism 12 forms a second light collecting pattern 102 by collecting 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 biased to the left with respect to the vertical line V. As shown in FIG. 13 and FIG. 14C, the third light collecting mechanism 13 forms a third light collecting pattern 103 by collecting 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 in the center or approximately in the center with respect to the vertical line V. The third light condensing pattern 103 is set to have a width in the direction of the horizontal line H (vehicle width direction X) wider than the first light condensing pattern 101 and the second light condensing pattern 102.

[0052] Also, the positions of the light collection patterns 101 to 103 in the light collection pattern 10A in the up-down direction Y will be described.

[0053] First, as shown in FIGS. 12A to 12C, if the optical path projected onto the horizontal line H of the light-collecting pattern 10A is indicated by arrow A (which coincides with the height of the projection optical axis Lp and is common to each of the light-collecting patterns 101 to 103), the light-collecting patterns 101 to 103 in front of each of the second focal points 41b, 42b, 43b are as follows. The light-collecting beam 41c forming the first light-collecting pattern 101 has an optical path that passes above the arrow A. The light-collecting beam 42c forming the second light-collecting pattern 102 has an optical path that passes below the arrow A. The light-collecting beam 43c forming the third light-collecting pattern 103 has an optical path that is uniform or approximately uniform above and below the arrow A.

[0054] 13 and 14A-C, on the screen, distances 101A, 102A, 103A in the up-down direction Y from the horizontal line H to the lower ends of the light-collecting patterns 101-103 are, in ascending order, a first distance 101A, a third distance 103A, and a second distance 102A. In other words, the optical paths of the light beams 41c, 42c, 43c forming the light-collecting patterns 101-103 with respect to the arrow A and the distances 101A, 102A, 103A of the light-collecting patterns 101-103 projected on the screen match the arrangement of the light-collecting focal positions 51c, 52c, 53c in the up-down direction Y.

[0055] As shown in Figs. 11 and 15, the diffusion mechanism 15 forms a diffusion pattern 10B on a screen by diffusing light from three diffusion light sources 35-37. The diffusion pattern 10B diffuses light over a wider range (particularly in the direction of the horizon H) than the light-collecting pattern 10A, and irradiates the periphery of the driving light distribution pattern 10 over a wider range. The irradiation over a wider range 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, the left and right diffusion angle (diffusion angle) of the diffusion pattern 10B is adjusted.

[0056] The diffusion pattern 10B is biased to the left because the vehicle lamp 1 is provided on the left side of the vehicle. Therefore, when the vehicle lamp 1 is provided on the right side of the vehicle, the vehicle lamp 1 is configured to be inverted in the vehicle width direction X, so that the diffusion pattern is formed biased to the right with respect to the vertical line V.

[0057] 15, the diffusion mechanism 15 forms a first diffusion pattern 105 by diffusing light from the first diffused light source 35, out of the diffusion pattern 10B on the screen. The first diffusion pattern 105 straddles the vertical line V and is biased to the right of the vertical line V. A portion of the first diffusion pattern 105 overlaps with the right side of the second diffusion pattern 106.

[0058] The diffusion mechanism 15 forms a second diffusion pattern 106 by diffusing the light from the second diffusion light source 36 out of the diffusion pattern 10B on the screen. The second diffusion pattern 106 is formed in the center of the diffusion pattern 10B. This is because the diffusion focal position 55c is set on the second diffusion-reflection surface 46a. The second diffusion pattern 106 straddles the vertical line V and is slightly biased to the left of the vertical line V.

[0059] The diffusion mechanism 15 forms a third diffusion pattern 107 by diffusing the light from the third diffused light source 37 out of the diffusion pattern 10B on the screen. The third diffusion pattern 107 does not straddle the vertical line V, but is biased to the left side of the vertical line V. This is because the vehicular lamp 1 is provided on the left side of the vehicle. A portion of the third diffusion pattern 107 overlaps with the left side of the second diffusion pattern 106.

[0060] 15, the length of the second diffusion pattern 106 in the direction of the vertical line V (up-down direction Y) is longer than the first diffusion pattern 105 and the third diffusion pattern 107. The reason is that the length in the optical axis direction L5 of the second diffusion-reflection surface 46a is set to be longer in the front-to-rear direction than the remaining first diffusion-reflection surface 45a and third diffusion-reflection surface 47a, as shown in Fig. 8. Note that the bottom end positions of the diffusion patterns 105 to 107 in the direction of the horizontal line H are aligned or approximately aligned (identical or approximately identical).

[0061] Below, technical problems with conventional vehicle lamps will be described, and then the function and effect 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 consisting of three internal curved surfaces, with a light source and a reflective surface in one-to-one correspondence with the internal curved surfaces, and are configured so that the focal point of each light source corresponds to one internal curved surface. When using a conventional projection lens to overlap light transmitted through each internal curved surface, for example, the luminous intensity of the overlapping portion increases, and a relatively strong contrast between the overlapping portion and its surroundings (boundary) may occur. For this reason, the relatively strong contrast may cause discomfort to the occupants.

[0063] In contrast, in the vehicle lamp 1 of the present disclosure, as shown in Figures 6 and 7, the projection lens 5 is formed with the light collecting surfaces 51-53 constituting the light collecting mechanisms 11-13. Also, a part of each of the emitted light beams emitted from the light collecting surfaces 51-53 is irradiated to different positions in the vertical direction Y.

[0064] That is, the optical settings of each of the light collecting mechanisms 11-13 can be individually set so that a part of each of the emitted lights emitted from each of the light collecting surfaces 51-53 does not overlap but the remaining part overlaps (see FIG. 13). In other words, the optical settings of each of the light collecting mechanisms 11-13 can be individually set so that a part of each of the emitted lights emitted from each of the light collecting surfaces 51-53 is shifted. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of a relatively strong difference in brightness between the overlapping part and its periphery (boundary). This makes it possible to suppress the discomfort felt by the occupant due to the difference in brightness.

[0065] The light collecting focal positions 51c, 52c, 53c of the light collecting surfaces 51-53 are set at mutually different positions in the vertical direction Y. In other words, the light collecting focal positions 51c, 52c, 53c of the light collecting surfaces 51-53 are irradiated at mutually different positions in the vertical direction Y in order to shift a part of each of the outgoing lights emitted from the light collecting surfaces 51-53.

[0066] Therefore, the emitted light can be shifted by the difference in the light collection focal positions 51c, 52c, and 53c. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of a relatively strong difference in brightness between the overlapping portion and its periphery (boundary). This makes it possible to suppress the discomfort felt by the occupant due to the difference in brightness.

[0067] In addition, in conventional vehicle lamps, in order to suppress the occurrence of a difference in brightness as in the vehicle lamp 1 of the present disclosure, for example, a prism is provided on the lens surface of the projection lens, or the light distribution is finely controlled by the free curved surface of the lens surface. However, in the former case, the luminous intensity of the light collection pattern is particularly reduced, and in the latter case, the lens surface has a complex shape, so there is a risk that either method will not be able to form the intended light collection pattern.

[0068] In contrast, in the vehicle lamp 1 of the present disclosure, since the emitted light is shifted as described above, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of a relatively strong difference in brightness between the overlapping portion and its surroundings without providing a prism on the lens surface or complicating the lens surface. This makes it possible to suppress the discomfort felt by the occupant due to the difference in brightness. Furthermore, it is possible to suppress the decrease in luminous intensity of the overlapping portion and to make the lens surface simple in shape without complicating it.

[0069] 10, in each of the light collecting mechanisms 11-13, the light collecting focal positions 51c, 52c, 53c are set within the set distances 51d, 52d, 53d from the light collecting light sources 31-33 to the front end positions of the light collecting reflectors 41-43 in front of the vehicle. That is, each of the light collecting light sources 31-33 is set at a position facing the light collecting reflectors 41-43 in the vertical direction Y. Each of the light collecting focal positions 51c, 52c, 53c is set at a position facing the light collecting reflectors 41-43 in the vertical direction Y. Then, the light (reflected light) of each of the light collecting light sources 31-33 reflected by each of the light collecting reflectors 41-43 (each of the light collecting reflecting surfaces 41a, 42a, 43a) is incident on each of the light collecting surface portions 51-53 of the projection lens 5. Therefore, by setting the shape of each of the collecting reflectors 41-43 (each of the collecting reflecting surfaces 41a, 42a, 43a), the spread of the emitted light from each of the collecting light sources 31-33 can be adjusted (controlled).

[0070] Further, in some conventional vehicle lamps, for example, a portion of the reflected light reflected by the reflector is blocked (cut) by a shade member. Therefore, there is a risk that the light (luminous intensity) emitted from the light source cannot be effectively utilized due to the blocked portion. In contrast, in the vehicle lamp 1 of the present disclosure, a portion of the reflected light reflected by each of the light-collecting reflectors 41-43 (each of the light-collecting reflecting surfaces 41a, 42a, 43a) is not blocked by a shade member. Therefore, the light (luminous intensity) emitted from each of the light-collecting light sources 31-33 can be effectively utilized.

[0071] 3 to 6, the three condensing light sources 31 to 33 are provided on the same plane (third opposing surface 38b) of the substrate 38. That is, the three condensing light sources 31 to 33 can be mounted on the same substrate 38. This simplifies the process of attaching the three condensing light sources 31 to 33 to the substrate 38.

[0072] The three light collecting reflectors 41-43 are an integrally formed reflector member 4. At least the surfaces of the reflector member 4 and the substrate 38 that face each other (the fourth facing surface 4a and the third facing surface 38b) are formed as flat surfaces. Therefore, by matching the flat surfaces of the reflector member 4 and the substrate 38 with each other, the attachment process for attaching the reflector member 4 and the substrate 38 can be simplified.

[0073] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the reflector member 4 and the substrate 38 are in contact with each other at flat surfaces (the fourth opposing surface 4a and the third opposing 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 flat surfaces (the second opposing surface 38a and the first opposing surface 22a). Therefore, the 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 flat surfaces in contact with each other. Therefore, the cooling efficiency of the reflector member 4, the substrate 38, and the six light sources 31 to 33 and 35 to 37 can be improved.

[0074] Furthermore, the reflector member 4 has a lens frame lower portion 48 of the projection lens 5 integrally therewith at the front end position in front of the vehicle. That is, the reflector member 4 eliminates the need to provide a lens frame for the projection lens 5 separately from the reflector member 4. Therefore, the number of parts for the lens frame can be reduced. Furthermore, the lens mounting portion 23 has a lens frame upper portion 23a integrally therewith at the front end position of the lens mounting portion 23. That is, the lens mounting portion 23 eliminates the need to provide a lens frame for the projection lens 5 separately from the lens mounting portion 23. Therefore, the number of parts for the lens frame can be reduced.

[0075] Furthermore, the upper end surface of the reflector member 4 is the fourth opposing surface 4a. The upper end positions of the three light-collecting reflectors 41 to 43 are set based on the position of the fourth opposing surface 4a in the vertical direction Y. This makes it unnecessary to adjust (set) the upper end positions of the three light-collecting reflectors 41 to 43 based on different positions. This simplifies the adjustment process for adjusting the upper end positions of the three light-collecting reflectors 41 to 43. In addition, the upper end positions of the reflectors 41 to 43, 45 to 47 are set based on the position of the fourth opposing surface 4a in the vertical direction Y. This makes it unnecessary to adjust (set) the upper end positions of the six reflectors 41 to 43, 45 to 47 based on different positions. This simplifies the adjustment process for adjusting the upper end positions of the six reflectors 41 to 43, 45 to 47.

[0076] Further, in the vehicle lamp 1, as shown in FIG. 6, at least on the entrance surface 5b of the entrance surface 5b or the exit surface 5a of the projection lens 5, the light collecting surface portions 51-53 are convex lenses, and the diffusion surface portion 55 is a concave lens. Here, if the diffusion surface portion 55 is a convex lens as in the conventional vehicle lamp, as shown in FIG. 16, the light transmitted through the diffusion surface portion 55 becomes parallel light due to the light collecting action of the convex lens. Then, the area of ​​the diffusion pattern 10B may be insufficient in the light distribution pattern 10 for driving. On the other hand, in the vehicle lamp 1, since the diffusion surface portion 55 is a concave lens, as shown in FIG. 17, the light transmitted through the diffusion surface portion 55 can widen the area of ​​the diffusion pattern 10B more than the parallel light of the convex lens due to the diffusion action of the concave lens. Then, the area of ​​the diffusion pattern 10B can be filled with the light distribution pattern 10 for driving (see FIG. 11 and FIG. 15).

[0077] The vehicle lamp 1 of the present disclosure has been described above based on Example 1, but the specific configuration is not limited to Example 1, and design changes and additions are permitted as long as they do not deviate from the gist of the invention according to each claim in the claims.

[0078] In the first embodiment, there are three light collecting mechanisms 11 to 13, 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, three light collecting mechanisms are shown as an example of a plurality of irradiation mechanisms, but the plurality of irradiation mechanisms may be arranged side by side in the vehicle width direction, and may each have a light source, a reflector, and a projection lens, and are not limited to the configuration of the first embodiment.

[0079] In the first embodiment, one diffusion mechanism 15 has three diffuse light sources 35-37 and three diffuse reflectors 45-47 in one-to-three correspondence with one diffusion surface portion 55. However, one diffusion surface portion 55 may have two diffuse light sources and two diffuse reflectors in one-to-two (1:2) correspondence, and is not limited to the configuration of the first embodiment. In short, it is sufficient that one diffusion surface portion has one diffuse light source and diffuse reflector in one-to-multiple correspondence. In addition, three diffuse light sources 35-37 and three diffuse reflectors 45-47 are shown. However, the number of diffuse light sources and diffuse reflectors may be different, and is not limited to the configuration of the first embodiment. In other words, the configuration is not limited to a three-to-three (3:3, the same number) configuration of diffuse reflectors with respect to the diffuse light source.

[0080] In the first embodiment, one diffusion mechanism 15 is provided, but the number of diffusion mechanisms may be multiple, and the configuration is not limited to that of the first embodiment.

[0081] In the first embodiment, the three light collecting mechanisms 11 to 13 and one diffusion mechanism 15 are arranged 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, the order may be in accordance with the formation of the driving light distribution pattern 10 and various optical components such as the light source, and is not limited to the configuration of the first embodiment. In addition, the diffusion mechanism 15 may be arranged on the innermost or outermost side of the vehicle, and is not limited to the configuration of the first embodiment.

[0082] In the first embodiment, the diffusing reflectors 45-47 are disposed forward of the collecting reflectors 41-43. However, the reflectors 41-43, 45-47 may be aligned or substantially aligned (identically or substantially) in the front-rear direction Z and may be arranged in a row in the vehicle width direction X, and are not limited to the configuration of the first embodiment. In this way, when the reflectors 41-43, 45-47 are arranged in a row in the vehicle width direction X, the front end positions of the reflectors 41-43, 45-47 may be aligned or substantially aligned in the front-rear direction Z. In addition, when the projection lens 5 is inclined when viewed from above in the up-down direction Y (plan view), the reflectors 41-43, 45-47 may be arranged in a tilted manner in accordance with the inclination. Similarly, when one of the four surfaces 51-53, 55 is inclined, the corresponding reflector may be inclined in accordance with the inclination.

[0083] In the first embodiment, the length (45c, 46c, 47c) of the three diffuse reflection surfaces 45a, 46a, 47a in the optical axis direction L5 is the longest for the second diffuse reflection surface 46a. However, this length (45c, 46c, 47c) in the optical axis direction L5 may be adjusted to the formation of the driving light distribution pattern 10 and the diffuse pattern 10B and various optical components such as the projection lens 5, and is not limited to the configuration of the first embodiment.

[0084] In the first embodiment, the diffusion surface portion 55 is a concave lens having a concave shape, but the shape of the diffusion surface portion 55 may be adapted to the formation of the driving light distribution pattern 10 and the diffusion pattern 10B, and is not limited to the configuration of the first embodiment.

[0085] In the first embodiment, the four exit surfaces 51a, 52a, 53a, and 55a are integrally formed as a single smoothly continuous surface. However, the four entrance surfaces 51b, 52b, 53b, and 55b may be integrally formed like the exit surface 5a in the first embodiment, and the shapes of the exit surfaces 51a, 52a, 53a, and 55a may be optically set according to the shapes of the entrance surfaces 51b, 52b, 53b, and 55b, and the configuration is not limited to the first embodiment. In addition, the projection lens 5 is integrally formed as a single smoothly continuous lens with the four surfaces 51 to 53 and 55. However, the four surfaces 51 to 53 and 55 may be integrally formed as a stepped lens (for example, stepped in a plan view when viewed from above in the vertical direction Y), or the four surfaces 51 to 53 and 55 may be individually divided to form four projection lenses 5, and the configuration is not limited to the first embodiment.

[0086] In the first embodiment, the six light sources 31 to 33 and 35 to 37 are provided on the same plane of the substrate 38. However, the shape of the substrate 38 in the first embodiment may be modified so that the three condensed light sources 31 to 33 and the three diffused light sources 35 to 37 are provided on different planes of the substrate 38, and the configuration is not limited to that of the first embodiment.

[0087] In the first embodiment, the six reflectors 41 to 43 and 45 to 47 are an integrally formed reflector member 4. However, the three light-collecting reflectors 41 to 43 and the three light-diffusing reflectors 45 to 47 may be two separately formed reflector members, and are not limited to the configuration of the first embodiment.

[0088] In the first embodiment, the second focal points 41b, 42b, 43b of the light collecting reflectors 41-43 (light collecting reflecting surfaces 41a, 42a, 43a) are set near the rear side (the light collecting light sources 31-33 side) of the corresponding light collecting surfaces 51-53, or at intermediate positions between the corresponding light collecting surfaces 51-53 and the light collecting reflectors 41-43. However, as shown in Fig. 18, the second focal points 41b, 42b, 43b may be set near the front side (the light collecting emitting surfaces 51a, 52a, 53a side) of the corresponding light collecting surfaces 51-53, and are not limited to the configuration of the first embodiment. Furthermore, all of the three second focal points 41b, 42b, 43b may be set near the front side of the corresponding light collecting surface 51 to 53, or one or two of the second focal points 41b, 42b, 43b may be set near the front side of the corresponding light collecting surface 51 to 53. As a result, when the second focal points 41b, 42b, 43b are set near the front side, the light reflected by the light collecting reflecting surfaces 41a, 42a, 43a is collected at the second focal points 41b, 42b, 43b, and the light collected at the second focal points 41b, 42b, 43b spreads forward in the front-rear direction Z.

[0089] In the first embodiment, the second focal point 46b of the second diffuse reflector 46 (second diffuse reflecting surface 46a) is set near the rear side (the three diffuse light sources 35-37 side) of the diffuse surface portion 55 of the projection lens 5, or at an intermediate position between the diffuse surface portion 55 and each diffuse reflector 45-47. However, as shown in FIG. 19, the second focal point 46b may be set near the front side (the diffuse emission surface 55a side) of the diffuse surface portion 55 of the projection lens 5, and is not limited to the configuration of the first embodiment. As a result, when the second focal point 46b is set near the front side, the light reflected by each diffuse reflecting surface 45a, 46a, 47a is collected at each second focal point 46b, and the light collected at the second focal point 46b spreads forward in the front-rear direction Z. Note that the diffusion pattern is not shown in FIG. 19.

[0090] In this manner, the second focal points 41b, 42b, 43b, and 46b may be set near the front of the corresponding surfaces 51 to 53, and 55 of the projection lens 5.

[0091] Here, the diffusion angle of the diffusion pattern 10B is smaller when the second focal point 46b is set on the front side of the diffusion surface portion 55 as shown in FIG. 19 than when the second focal point 46b is set on the rear side of the diffusion surface portion 55 as shown in FIG. 15 of the first embodiment. Considering this diffusion angle, it is more preferable that the position of the second focal point 46b is set near the rear side of the diffusion surface portion 55 or at an intermediate position between the diffusion surface portion 55 and each diffusion reflector 45 to 47 as shown in FIG. 15 of the first embodiment than the second focal point 46b of FIG. 19. The diffusion angle is an angle at which the light collected at the second focal point 46b spreads forward in the front-rear direction Z.

[0092] In the first embodiment, the first opposing surface 22a and the second opposing surface 38a are formed so that at least the surfaces in contact with each other are flat. The third opposing surface 38b and the fourth opposing surface 4a are formed so that at least the surfaces in contact with each other are flat. However, in the surfaces in contact with each other, each opposing surface may be formed so that it is entirely flat, or may be formed so that it is not flat but has a step, and is not limited to the configuration of the first embodiment.

[0093] In the first embodiment, the reflector member 4 has a lens frame lower portion 48 of the projection lens 5 integrally formed at the front end position in front of the vehicle, but the lens frame lower portion 48 may be formed separately, and is not limited to the configuration of the first embodiment. Also, the lens attachment portion 23 (part of the heat sink 2) has a lens frame upper portion 23a integrally formed therewith, but the lens frame upper portion 23a may be formed separately. Furthermore, the lens frame upper portion 23a and the lens frame lower portion 48 may be integrally formed as a lens frame surrounding the projection lens 5, and may be formed separately from other members.

[0094] In the first embodiment, the upper end positions of the reflectors 41-43 and 45-47 are set based on the position of the fourth opposing surface 4a in the vertical direction Y. However, the upper end positions of the reflectors 41-43 and 45-47 may be set based on another position in the vertical direction Y instead of based on the position of the fourth opposing surface 4a, and are not limited to the configuration of the first embodiment. Also, the upper end positions of the reflectors 41-43 and 45-47 may be set based on a different position in the vertical direction Y, and are not limited to the configuration of the first embodiment. Furthermore, the upper end positions of the reflectors 41-43 and 45-47 may be set on a different position in the vertical direction Y, and are not limited to the configuration of the first embodiment.

[0095] In the first embodiment, the three light collecting focal positions 51c, 52c, and 53c are set at positions different from each other in the vertical direction Y. In addition, in the first embodiment, the upper end positions of the light collecting reflectors 41 to 43 are set based on the position of the fourth opposing surface 4a in the vertical direction Y. However, the upper end positions of the light collecting reflectors 41 to 43 may be set based on another position in the vertical direction Y instead of based on the position of the fourth opposing surface 4a, and are not limited to the configuration of the first embodiment. In addition, the upper end positions of the light collecting reflectors 41 to 43 may be set based on positions different from each other in the vertical direction Y, and are not limited to the configuration of the first embodiment. Furthermore, the upper end positions of the light collecting reflectors 41 to 43 may be set at positions different from each other in the vertical direction Y, and are not limited to the configuration of the first embodiment. That is, by changing the upper end positions of the light collecting reflectors 41 to 43 in addition to changing the three light collecting focal positions 51c, 52c, and 53c, the emitted light can be shifted further. Also, the three light collecting focal positions 51c, 52c, 53c may be set to different positions in the vertical direction Y by simply changing the upper end positions of the light collecting reflectors 41 to 43 instead of the three light collecting focal positions 51c, 52c, 53c. Therefore, unlike the first embodiment, even if the upper end positions of the light collecting reflectors 41 to 43 are changed instead of the three light collecting focal positions 51c, 52c, 53c, the emitted light can be shifted by the difference between the light collecting focal positions 51c, 52c, 53c. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of a relatively strong difference in brightness between the overlapping portion and its periphery (at the boundary). This makes it possible to suppress the discomfort felt by the occupant due to the difference in brightness.

[0096] In the first embodiment, the reference position 100 is the intersection of a horizontal line H and a vertical line V when projected onto a screen as shown in Fig. 11 etc. However, one of the three light collection focal positions 51c, 52c, 53c may be set as a single reference position, and the remaining two may be based on the reference position, and the present invention is not limited to the configuration of the first embodiment.

[0097] In the first embodiment, the vehicle lamp 1 of the present invention is applied to a projector type headlamp unit that illuminates the area in front of a vehicle such as an automobile, but the vehicle is not limited to an automobile, and illumination may be directed to the rear of the vehicle, and 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 light distribution pattern 10 for driving, but it may also be applied to a so-called low beam, and is not limited to the configuration of the first embodiment. [Explanation of symbols]

[0098] 1 Vehicle lighting fixtures 3 Light source section 31 First focusing light source (light source) 32 Second focusing light source (light source) 33 Third focusing light source (light source) 4 Reflector parts 41 First focusing reflector (reflector) 42 Second focusing reflector (reflector) 43 Third focusing reflector (reflector) 5 Projection Lens 51 First light collecting surface portion (light collecting surface portion) 52 second light collecting surface portion (light collecting surface portion) 53 Third light collecting surface portion (light collecting surface portion) 10 Light distribution pattern for driving (light distribution pattern) 11 First light collecting mechanism (light collecting mechanism, irradiation mechanism) 12 Second light collecting mechanism (light collecting mechanism, irradiation mechanism) 13 Third light collecting mechanism (light collecting mechanism, irradiation mechanism)

Claims

1. A vehicle lamp including a light source, a reflector that reflects light emitted from the light source, and a projection lens that projects the light reflected by the reflector forward of a vehicle, a plurality of irradiation mechanisms are provided, the irradiation mechanisms being arranged side by side in a vehicle width direction, each of the irradiation mechanisms having the light source, the reflector, and the projection lens; the projection lens is provided with each of the irradiation surfaces constituting each of the irradiation mechanisms, A part of each of the emitted lights from each of the irradiation surface portions is irradiated to a different position in the up-down direction. A vehicle lamp characterized by the above.

2. 2. The vehicular lamp according to claim 1, The lens focal positions of the respective irradiation surfaces are set at different positions in the vertical direction. A vehicle lamp characterized by the above.

3. 3. The vehicular lamp according to claim 2, In each of the irradiation mechanisms, the lens focal positions are set between the respective set distances from the respective light sources to the front end positions of the respective reflectors in front of the vehicle, or between the respective set distances from the respective light sources to the rear of the vehicle. A vehicle lamp characterized by the above.

4. 3. The vehicular lamp according to claim 2, The light sources are provided on the same plane of the substrate. A vehicle lamp characterized by the above.

5. 5. The vehicular lamp according to claim 4, The plurality of reflectors are integrally formed reflector members, At least the surfaces of the reflector member and the substrate that face each other are formed flat. A vehicle lamp characterized by the above.

6. 6. The vehicular lamp according to claim 5, The reflector member has a lens frame of the projection lens integrally formed therewith at a front end position in the front of the vehicle. A vehicle lamp characterized by the above.

7. 7. The vehicular lamp according to claim 6, an upper end surface of the reflector member is the opposing surface of the reflector member, The upper end positions of the plurality of reflectors are set based on the position of the opposing surface of the reflector member in the vertical direction. A vehicle lamp characterized by the above.

8. 7. The vehicular lamp according to claim 1, The upper end positions of the plurality of reflectors are set at different positions in the up-down direction. A vehicle lamp characterized by the above.

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