Vehicle lamp

Abstract

To provide a vehicle lamp capable of efficiently circulating an airflow blown by a fan along an inner surface of an outer lens.SOLUTION: A vehicle lamp comprises: a lamp body 4 having a housing 2 with an opening, and an outer lens 3 covering the opening; a light source unit 5 that is arranged in the lamp body 4 and irradiates the opening with light; a heat generation unit 7; a fan 8 that generates an airflow F for cooling the heat generation unit 7; a duct 9 that guides the airflow blown from the fan 8; and an extension 6 that covers the periphery of a projection lens 11 of the light source unit 5. The extension 6 divides a space in the lamp body 4 into a third space K3 facing the outer lens 3 and other spaces K1 and K2, and the duct 9 is arranged in the other spaces K1 and K2.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] Conventionally, in vehicle lighting fixtures such as vehicle headlights (headlamps), a ventilation hole has been provided in the lamp body, which is composed of a housing with an opening at the front and an outer lens covering the opening of the housing, and ventilation is performed through this ventilation hole to prevent fogging on the inner surface of the outer lens.

[0003] In recent years, the number of vehicle lamps using light-emitting diodes (LEDs) as light sources has been gradually increasing as LEDs have become brighter and cheaper. LEDs have the advantages of a long life and low power consumption.

[0004] On the other hand, high temperatures result in a decrease in light-emitting efficiency and a shortened lifespan, so it is necessary to use a heat sink or cooling fan to efficiently dissipate the heat generated by the LED to the outside.

[0005] However, in vehicle lighting fixtures that use LEDs as the light source, the amount of infrared rays emitted, which are absorbed by the outer lens and moisture and turn into heat, is less than that of conventional light sources such as halogen lamps and HID lamps, making the inner surface of the outer lens more prone to fogging.

[0006] Therefore, when the light source is turned on, the airflow (wind) generated by the cooling fan described above is circulated along the inner surface of the outer lens to prevent fogging on the inner surface of the outer lens (see, for example, Patent Document 1 below). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 7233187 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] However, in the above-mentioned conventional vehicle lamp, the airflow generated by the cooling fan needs to pass through a narrow gap within the lamp body before reaching the inner surface of the outer lens.

[0009] For this reason, there is a large pressure loss when the airflow travels from the cooling fan to the inner surface of the outer lens, making it difficult to efficiently circulate the airflow along the inner surface of the outer lens.

[0010] The present invention has been proposed in consideration of the above-mentioned conventional circumstances, and aims to provide a vehicle lighting fixture that enables the airflow blown by the fan to be efficiently circulated along the inner surface of the outer lens. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides the following means. [1] A lamp body having a housing with an opening and an outer lens covering the opening; a light source unit disposed within the light body and configured to irradiate light toward the opening; A heating portion; A fan that generates an airflow for cooling the heat generating portion; A duct for guiding an airflow blown from the fan; an extension that covers the periphery of the projection lens of the light source unit; The extension broadly divides the space in the light body into a third space facing the outer lens and other spaces, The duct is disposed in the other space. [2] The vehicle lamp according to [1], further comprising a flow path for passing airflow from the fan, the flow path being defined by a surface of the extension facing the housing and an inner surface of the duct. [3] The other space is roughly divided into a first space and a second space by the duct, the first space is a space facing an intake direction of the fan, the second space is a space facing an exhaust direction of the fan, The vehicular lamp according to [2], wherein either the first space or the second space faces the extension. [4] The vehicular lamp according to [3], wherein both the first space and the second space face the extension. [5] The vehicular lamp according to [3], wherein the extension has a first opening communicating the second space with the third space, and a second opening communicating the first space with the third space. [6] The extension has a rectangular shape that is long in a first direction, The first opening is disposed at one end of the extension in a first direction; The vehicular lamp according to [5], wherein the second opening is disposed at the other end of the extension in the first direction. [7] The vehicular lamp according to [2], wherein the extension is provided so as to be inclined toward the rear side. [8] The extension has a third opening that exposes the projection lens, The vehicular lamp according to [2], wherein the extension and / or the projection lens have a peripheral wall portion that limits the gap between the third opening and the projection lens. [9] The vehicle lamp according to [2], wherein the heat generating portion is a light source attached to the light source unit.

[10] The vehicle lamp according to [8], wherein the light source unit includes a heat sink for dissipating heat generated by the heat generating portion.

[11] The duct is attached to the extension, The fan is attached to the duct; The vehicle lamp according to any one of the above [1] to

[10] , wherein the light source unit is provided with an optical axis adjustment mechanism that can adjust a relative direction with respect to the housing.

[12] The vehicular lamp according to

[11] , wherein the fan is disposed in a position facing the heat generating portion. Effect of the Invention

[0012] As described above, according to the present invention, a vehicle lamp capable of efficiently circulating the airflow blown by the fan along the inner surface of the outer lens is provided. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of a vehicle lamp according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the vehicular lamp taken along line AA shown in FIG. 1. [Diagram 3] 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the vehicular lamp taken along line BB shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 4] 2 is another vertical cross-sectional view of the vehicular lamp taken along the line AA shown in FIG. 1. [Diagram 5] 2 is another vertical cross-sectional view of the vehicular lamp taken along the line BB shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 6] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a vehicle lamp according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a vehicle lamp according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a vehicle lamp according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a vehicle lamp according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a vehicle lamp according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a vehicle lamp according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] 12 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the vehicular lamp taken along line CC shown in FIG. 11. [Figure 13] 12 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the vehicular lamp taken along line DD shown in FIG. 11. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a vehicle lamp according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a vehicle lamp according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0014] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings used in the following description, in order to make each component easier to see, the dimensions of the components may be shown at different scales, and the dimensional ratios of each component may not necessarily be the same as in reality.

[0015] In addition, in the drawings shown below, an XYZ Cartesian coordinate system is set up, with the X-axis direction representing the front-to-rear direction (length direction) of the vehicle lamp, the Y-axis direction representing the left-to-right direction (width direction) of the vehicle lamp, and the Z-axis direction representing the up-down direction (height direction) of the vehicle lamp.

[0016] (First embodiment) First, as a first embodiment of the present invention, a vehicle lamp 1A shown in, for example, Figs. 1 to 5 will be described.

[0017] Fig. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the vehicular lamp 1A. Fig. 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the vehicular lamp 1A taken along line AA shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the vehicular lamp 1A taken along line BB shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 4 is another vertical cross-sectional view of the vehicular lamp 1A taken along line AA shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 5 is another vertical cross-sectional view of the vehicular lamp 1A taken along line BB shown in Fig. 1.

[0018] The vehicle lighting fixture 1A of this embodiment is an application of the present invention to a vehicle headlamp (headlamp) mounted, for example, on both corners of the front end of a vehicle (not shown) (in this embodiment, the corner on the right front end).

[0019] Specifically, as shown in Figures 1, 2 and 3, the vehicle lamp 1A includes a lamp body 4 that is configured with a housing 2 that is open at the front and a transparent outer lens 3 that covers the opening of the housing 2. The lamp body 4 is disposed with its longitudinal direction aligned with the vehicle width direction (horizontally elongated).

[0020] In the lamp body 4, the outer lens 3 has an inclined shape that is inclined in a direction receding from the inside in the vehicle width direction to the outside in accordance with the slanted shape given to the corner portion on the front end side of the vehicle.

[0021] The outer lens 3 is not limited to such an inclined shape, and may be curved in a direction receding from the outside to the inside in the vehicle width direction. The shape of the lamp body 4 can be appropriately changed according to the design of the vehicle.

[0022] The vehicle lamp 1A of this embodiment comprises a light source unit 5 arranged inside the lamp body 4, an extension 6 covering the front side of the light source unit 5, a fan 8 that blows air to cool a heat generating portion 7 that generates heat when the light source unit 5 is turned on, and a duct 9 that circulates the airflow F blown by the fan 8.

[0023] The light source unit 5 includes a light source 10 consisting of, for example, a light emitting diode (LED) that emits white light, a projection lens 11 that projects the light emitted from the light source 10 forward, a substrate 12 on one side of which the light source 10 is mounted (the front side in this embodiment), and a heat sink 13 that dissipates heat generated by the light source 10 while in contact with the other side of the substrate 12 (the back side in this embodiment).

[0024] Moreover, the vehicle lamp 1A of this embodiment is provided with an optical axis adjustment (aiming) mechanism (not shown) that adjusts the optical axis of the light emitted from the light source unit 5 forward.

[0025] It should be noted that the light source unit 5 is not necessarily limited to such a configuration, and may be configured, for example, to have a reflector (not shown) that reflects the light emitted from the light source 10 forward, and the light reflected by this reflector is projected forward by the projection lens 11.

[0026] In addition, the light source unit 5 may be one that, as a passing beam (low beam), forms a low beam light distribution pattern including a cut-off line at the upper end by inverting and projecting a light source image defined by the front end of the shade using a projection lens, and one that, as a driving beam (high beam), forms a high beam light distribution pattern above the low beam light distribution pattern by projecting light emitted by the light source using a projection lens, or one in which the light source unit that forms the low beam light distribution pattern and the light source unit that forms the high beam light distribution pattern are integrated.

[0027] The extension 6 is made of a colored (eg, black or silver) light-shielding member, and has a third opening 6c on the front side of the light source unit 5 through which the projection lens 11 faces forward.

[0028] The extension 6 covers the periphery of the front side of the light source unit 5, thereby blocking light leaking from the light source unit 5. The extension 6 also plays a role in the design of the vehicle lamp 1A.

[0029] The extension 6 is disposed so as to separate a first space K1 and a second space K2 on the rear side of the lamp from a third space K3 on the front side thereof.

[0030] The extension 6 has a first opening 6a that communicates the second space K2 with the third space K3, and a second opening 6b that communicates the third space K3 with the first space K1.

[0031] The extension 6 is attached to the light body 4 via a fastening structure such as a mating claw or a screw.

[0032] The light source unit 5 is attached to a bracket (not shown) disposed inside the light body 4 by means of screws or the like.

[0033] In this embodiment, the heat generating unit 7 is a substrate 12 on which the light source 10 is mounted. The heat generating unit 7 may also include, for example, a drive circuit (not shown) for driving the light source 10, a sensor transmitter / receiver such as a millimeter wave radar or LiDAR, a driver for the sensor, and the like.

[0034] The light source unit 5 is disposed so that the rear side of the substrate 12 faces the inside of the duct 9 .

[0035] The heat sink 13 has a plurality of fins 13a protruding from the rear side thereof in a flat plate shape aligned in one direction (vertical direction in this embodiment). The heat sink 13 is disposed inside the duct 9 so that the airflow F blown by the fan 8 flows through the spaces between the plurality of fins 13a.

[0036] Moreover, the heat sink 13 is thermally connected to the heat generating portion 7. In this embodiment, the heat sink 13 is in contact with the substrate 12 via a heat transfer member (not shown).

[0037] The fan 8 is disposed facing the heat sink 13 (heat generating portion 7) from the rear side of the duct 9 toward the inside of the duct 9. The fan 8 is disposed at a distance from the heat sink 13 so as not to interfere with the aiming of the light source unit 5.

[0038] As for the fan 8, any type of blower may be used, such as an axial fan, a sirocco fan, or a centrifugal fan.

[0039] The duct 9 is made of a U-shaped member with a rectangular cross section that extends along the longitudinal direction of the light body 4. The duct 9 is disposed with the U-shaped opening facing the rear side of the extension 6.

[0040] In the vehicle lamp 1A of this embodiment, the rear side of the extension 6 constitutes a part of the duct 9. That is, the duct 9 is configured integrally with the extension 6, and thereby forms a flow path for circulating the airflow F blown by the fan 8 in combination with a part of the rear side of the extension 6. The duct 9 is also provided so as to separate a first space K1 on the upstream (outside) side and a second space K2 on the downstream (inside) side of the fan 8.

[0041] The duct 9 has an intake port 9a at one end in the longitudinal direction for taking in the airflow F blown by the fan 8, and an exhaust port 9b at the other end in the longitudinal direction for exhausting the airflow F blown by the fan 8.

[0042] The air intake 9a is provided at a position facing the heat sink 13 (heat generating portion 7) on the rear side of the duct 9. The fan 8 is attached to the air intake 9a.

[0043] The exhaust port 9b is disposed facing a first opening 6a of the extension 6 located at one end side in the longitudinal direction in which the extension 6 extends (in this embodiment, on the outer side in the vehicle width direction).

[0044] In addition, the duct 9 has a flow path cross-sectional area that is relatively small at the position facing the heat generating portion 7 in accordance with the length of the fins 13a so that the flow rate and flow velocity of the airflow F blown by the fan 8 described above passing between each of the multiple fins 13a is high.

[0045] Increasing the flow rate and flow velocity of the air flow F passing between each of the fins 13a promotes heat dissipation from the fins 13a to the air flow F, thereby improving the temperature of the air flow F flowing from the first space K1 to the second space K2 and improving the cooling effect of the heat-generating portion 7.

[0046] In this embodiment, the flow path cross-sectional area on the downstream side (outflow side) is relatively smaller than the flow path cross-sectional area on the upstream side (inflow side) of the duct 9. In particular, from the viewpoint of eliminating fogging on the inner surface of the outer lens 3, it is preferable that the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the exhaust port 9b (first opening 6a) of the duct 9 is 4% or more of the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the intake port 9a of the duct 9 (100%).

[0047] In the vehicle lamp 1A of this embodiment having the above-mentioned configuration, the airflow F blown by the fan 8 flows from a first space K1 on the upstream side (outside the duct 9) of the fan 8 to a second space K2 on the downstream side (inside the duct 9) of the fan 8.

[0048] That is, the airflow F sucked in from the intake port 9a of the duct 9 by the fan 8 flows from the upstream side to the downstream side of the duct 9, and then is exhausted from the exhaust port 9b of the duct 9 and passes through the first opening 6a. As a result, the airflow F flows from one end side of the extension 6 in the longitudinal direction (outside in the vehicle width direction) to the third space K3 on the front side of the extension 6.

[0049] The air flow F then circulates along the inner surface of the outer lens 3 through a third space K3 between the front side of the extension 6 and the inner surface of the outer lens 3, and then passes through the second opening 6b from the other longitudinal end side of the extension 6 (the inner side in the vehicle width direction) to the back side of the extension 6.

[0050] That is, the airflow F flowing along the inner surface of the outer lens 3 flows from the third space K3 on the front side sandwiching the extension 6 to the first space K1 on the rear side sandwiching the extension 6.

[0051] Thereafter, the airflow F is sucked again by the fan 8 through the air intake 9a of the duct 9, and is repeatedly circulated inside the lighting body 4.

[0052] As described above, in the vehicle lamp 1A of this embodiment, the airflow F sent by the fan 8 through the duct 9 can be efficiently circulated along the inner surface of the outer lens 3. This makes it possible to prevent the inner surface of the outer lens 3 from fogging up.

[0053] Furthermore, in the vehicle lamp 1A of this embodiment, by using the above-mentioned duct 9, it is possible to reduce the pressure loss of the airflow F generated by the fan 8 until it reaches the inner surface of the outer lens 3.

[0054] In order to reduce pressure loss, the cross-sectional shape of the duct 9 is not limited to a rectangular shape, but may be a circular or elliptical shape.

[0055] The corners of the duct 9 may be chamfered, such as by forming a C-surface or an R-surface. It is also preferable that the bent portions of the duct 9 are smoothly curved.

[0056] Furthermore, in the vehicle lamp 1A of this embodiment, even when the above-mentioned light source unit 5 is not turned on, the airflow F inside the lamp body 4 can be circulated by blowing air with the fan 8.

[0057] As a result, in the vehicle lamp 1A of this embodiment, it is possible to prevent the inner surface of the outer lens 3 from fogging up, not only when the light source unit 5 is turned on or off as described above.

[0058] For example, in a situation where the occurrence of fogging is predicted based on information on the external environment obtained from a temperature sensor, a pressure sensor, etc., specifically changes in temperature, pressure, altitude, etc., it is possible to operate the fan 8 as a preventative measure.

[0059] In the vehicle lamp 1A of this embodiment, the temperature of the airflow F increases due to the heat radiated from the heat generating portion 7. This reduces the relative humidity in the lamp body 4, particularly in the third space K3, and increases the temperature of the outer lens 3, thereby improving the fogging prevention effect on the inner surface of the outer lens 3.

[0060] The present invention is not necessarily limited to the configuration of the vehicle lamp 1A described above, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0061] Specifically, in the vehicle lamp 1A, as shown in Figs. 4 and 5, the extension 6 may be provided inclined toward the rear side.

[0062] In this configuration, the cross-sectional area of ​​the upper side of the third space K3 is larger than that of the lower side, so that the flow rate and flow velocity of the air flow F flowing through this upper side increases, thereby making it possible to improve the anti-fogging effect on the upper side, which is considered to be prone to fogging on the inner surface of the outer lens 3.

[0063] In addition, in addition to its aesthetic role in the vehicle lamp 1A described above, the extension 6 can be modified in shape and inclination as appropriate to control the airflow F circulating along the inner surface of the outer lens 3.

[0064] Second Embodiment Next, as a second embodiment of the present invention, a vehicle lamp 1B shown in FIG. 6 will be described.

[0065] 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the vehicle lamp 1B. In the following description, the same parts as those in the vehicle lamp 1A will not be described and will be denoted by the same reference numerals in the drawings.

[0066] As shown in FIG. 6, the vehicle lamp 1B of this embodiment is configured such that the exhaust port 9b of the duct 9 (the first opening 6a of the extension 6) faces the front side of the extension 6 from the other end side in the longitudinal direction along which the extension 6 extends (in this embodiment, the inner side in the vehicle width direction).

[0067] That is, in the vehicle lamp 1B, the arrangement of the duct 9 (the first space K1, the second space K2) is opposite to that of the vehicle lamp 1A. Other than that, the vehicle lamp 1B has basically the same configuration as the vehicle lamp 1A.

[0068] In the vehicle lamp 1B of this embodiment having the above-mentioned configuration, the airflow F blown by the fan 8 flows from a first space K1 on the upstream side (outside the duct 9) across the fan 8 to a second space K2 on the downstream side (inside the duct 9) across the fan 8.

[0069] That is, the airflow F sucked in from the intake port 9a of the duct 9 by the fan 8 flows from the upstream side to the downstream side of the duct 9, and then is exhausted from the exhaust port 9b of the duct 9 and passes through the first opening 6a. As a result, the airflow F flows from the other end side of the extension 6 in the longitudinal direction (the inner side in the vehicle width direction) to the third space K3 on the front side of the extension 6.

[0070] The air flow F then circulates along the inner surface of the outer lens 3 through a third space K3 between the front side of the extension 6 and the inner surface of the outer lens 3, and then passes through the second opening 6b from one end side of the longitudinal direction of the extension 6 (the outside in the vehicle width direction) to the back side of the extension 6.

[0071] That is, the airflow F flowing along the inner surface of the outer lens 3 flows from the third space K3 on the front side sandwiching the extension 6 to the first space K1 on the rear side sandwiching the extension 6.

[0072] Thereafter, the airflow F is sucked again by the fan 8 through the air intake 9a of the duct 9, and is repeatedly circulated inside the lighting body 4.

[0073] As described above, in the vehicle lamp 1B of this embodiment, similarly to the vehicle lamp 1A, the airflow F sent by the fan 8 through the duct 9 can be efficiently circulated along the inner surface of the outer lens 3. This makes it possible to prevent the inner surface of the outer lens 3 from fogging up.

[0074] In the above-mentioned vehicle lamp 1A, the above-mentioned first opening 6a is located on the outside of the vehicle. On the other hand, in the vehicle lamp 1B, the first opening 6a is located on the inside of the vehicle. The flow speed is high near the first opening 6a, and the effect of preventing fogging tends to be high. Therefore, by selecting the circulation direction of the air flow F, it is possible to arbitrarily arrange the first opening 6a toward a place where it is desired to suppress the occurrence of fogging.

[0075] (Third embodiment) Next, as a third embodiment of the present invention, a vehicle lamp 1C shown in FIG. 7 will be described.

[0076] 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the vehicle lamp 1C. In the following description, the same parts as those in the vehicle lamp 1A will not be described and will be denoted by the same reference numerals in the drawings.

[0077] 7, the vehicle lamp 1C of this embodiment is provided so as to extend from a position where one end (upstream) of a duct 9 faces a heat sink 13 (heat generating portion 7) to a housing 2. A fan 8 attached to the housing 2 is disposed facing an intake port 9a at one end side of the duct 9. Other than that, the vehicle lamp 1C has basically the same configuration as the vehicle lamp 1A.

[0078] In the vehicle lamp 1C of this embodiment having the above-mentioned configuration, similarly to the vehicle lamp 1A, it is possible to efficiently circulate the airflow F sent by the fan 8 through the duct 9 along the inner surface of the outer lens 3. This makes it possible to prevent the inner surface of the outer lens 3 from fogging up.

[0079] Furthermore, in the vehicle lamp 1C of this embodiment, the fan 8 is attached to the housing 2, so fewer parts are required to fix the fan 8 compared to when the fan 8 is attached to the extension 6. This improves the attachment strength and stability of the fan 8. Also, since the fan 8 is attached to a position close to the outer shell of the lamp body 4, it is possible to easily attach (assemble) the fan 8.

[0080] (Fourth embodiment) Next, as a fourth embodiment of the present invention, a vehicle lamp 1D shown in FIG. 8 will be described.

[0081] 8 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the vehicle lamp 1D. In the following description, the same parts as those in the vehicle lamp 1A will not be described and will be denoted by the same reference numerals in the drawings.

[0082] As shown in FIG. 8, in the vehicle lamp 1D of this embodiment, one end (upstream) of the duct 9 extends toward the other end in the longitudinal direction in which the extension 6 extends, and an intake port 9a (fan 8) at one end of the duct 9 is positioned adjacent to the second opening 6b of the extension 6.

[0083] Moreover, one end (upstream) of the duct 9 is integral with the extension 6, and in combination with a part of the rear side of the extension 6, forms a flow path for circulating the airflow F blown by the fan 8. Other than that, it has basically the same configuration as the above-mentioned vehicle lamp 1A.

[0084] In the vehicle lamp 1D of this embodiment having the above-mentioned configuration, similarly to the vehicle lamp 1A, it is possible to efficiently circulate the airflow F sent by the fan 8 through the duct 9 along the inner surface of the outer lens 3. This makes it possible to prevent the inner surface of the outer lens 3 from fogging up.

[0085] In addition, in the vehicle lamp 1D of this embodiment, the intake port 9a (fan 8) at one end side of the above-mentioned duct 9 is disposed adjacent to the second opening 6b, thereby shortening the path from the second opening 6b to the intake port 9a. This reduces pressure loss in the path from the third space K3 to the intake port 9a, improves the intake speed and flow rate in the peripheral area of ​​the second opening 6b, and improves the fogging prevention effect of this peripheral area.

[0086] Fifth embodiment Next, as a fifth embodiment of the present invention, a vehicle lamp 1E shown in FIG. 9 will be described.

[0087] 9 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the vehicular lamp 1E. In the following description, the same parts as those in the vehicular lamp 1A will not be described and will be denoted by the same reference numerals in the drawings.

[0088] 9, the vehicle lamp 1E of this embodiment has a peripheral wall portion 14 that limits the gap between the third opening 6c of the extension 6 and the periphery of the projection lens 11 of the light source unit 5. The peripheral wall portion 14 is provided so as to protrude rearward from the periphery of the third opening 6c of the extension 6 along the periphery of the projection lens 11. Other than that, the vehicle lamp 1E has basically the same configuration as the vehicle lamp 1A.

[0089] In the vehicle lamp 1E of this embodiment having the above-mentioned configuration, similarly to the vehicle lamp 1A, it is possible to efficiently circulate the airflow F sent by the fan 8 through the duct 9 along the inner surface of the outer lens 3. This makes it possible to prevent the inner surface of the outer lens 3 from fogging up.

[0090] In addition, in the vehicle lamp 1E of this embodiment, by providing the peripheral wall portion 14 that limits the above-mentioned gap, the flow path of the gap between the light source unit 5 and the extension 6 is extended, and the resistance of this gap is increased. This limits the outflow of the airflow F from the third opening 6c of the extension 6 to the outside of the duct 9, and makes it possible to keep the flow loss of the airflow F circulating inside the duct 9 low.

[0091] Sixth embodiment Next, as a sixth embodiment of the present invention, a vehicle lamp 1F shown in FIG. 10 will be described.

[0092] 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the vehicular lamp 1F. In the following description, the same parts as those in the vehicular lamp 1A will not be described and will be denoted by the same reference numerals in the drawings.

[0093] 10, the vehicle lamp 1F of this embodiment has a peripheral wall portion 15 that limits the gap between the third opening 6c of the extension 6 and the periphery of the projection lens 11 of the light source unit 5. The peripheral wall portion 15 is provided so as to protrude forward from the periphery of the projection lens 11 along the periphery of the third opening 6c of the extension 6. Other than that, it has basically the same configuration as the vehicle lamp 1A.

[0094] In the vehicle lamp 1F of this embodiment having the above-mentioned configuration, similarly to the vehicle lamp 1A, it is possible to efficiently circulate the airflow F sent by the fan 8 through the duct 9 along the inner surface of the outer lens 3. This makes it possible to prevent the inner surface of the outer lens 3 from fogging up.

[0095] Furthermore, in the vehicle lamp 1F of this embodiment, by providing a peripheral wall portion 15 that limits the above-mentioned gap, it is possible to restrict the outflow of airflow F from the third opening 6c of the extension 6 to the outside of the duct 9, and to keep the flow loss of the airflow F circulating inside the duct 9 low.

[0096] In addition, in the vehicle lamp 1F of this embodiment, the peripheral wall portion 15 has a tapered shape that widens toward the third space K3, and has an area that overlaps with the extension 6 around the third opening 6c, so that the flow path in the gap between the light source unit 5 and the extension 6 is extended. In addition, the flow path is formed so that the flow direction of the airflow F turns back, and the resistance of this gap increases. This makes it possible to restrict the outflow of the airflow F from the third opening 6c of the extension 6 to the outside of the duct 9, and to keep the flow loss of the airflow F circulating inside the duct 9 low.

[0097] Seventh embodiment Next, as a seventh embodiment of the present invention, a vehicle lamp 1G shown in, for example, Figs. 11 to 13 will be described.

[0098] Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a vehicular lamp 1G. Fig. 12 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the vehicular lamp 1G taken along line CC shown in Fig. 11. Fig. 13 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the vehicular lamp 1G taken along line DD shown in Fig. 11. In the following description, the same parts as those in the vehicular lamp 1A will not be described and will be given the same reference numerals in the drawings.

[0099] As shown in Figs. 11, 12 and 13, a vehicle lamp 1G of this embodiment is provided so as to extend toward one end side and the other end side in the longitudinal direction in which an extension 6 extends.

[0100] The duct 9 has an L-shaped cross section, and its upper end and both ends in the extending direction of the lamp 1G are connected to the housing 2, and its end protruding forward is connected to the extension 6.

[0101] In addition, the duct 9 is arranged to separate the space on the rear side of the extension 6 into a first space K1 on the upstream side (outside the duct 9) and a second space K2 on the downstream side (inside the duct 9) with the fan 8 in between.

[0102] The first opening 6a is provided at the upper end of the extension 6 so as to communicate the second space K2 with the third space K3, while the second opening 6b is provided at the lower end of the extension 6 so as to communicate the first space K1 with the third space K3.

[0103] As a result, in the vehicle lamp 1G of this embodiment, the airflow F blown by the fan 8 is configured to flow from the first opening 6a on the upper end side of the extension 6 to the third space K3 on the front side of the extension 6, and from the second opening 6b on the lower end side of the extension 6 to the first space K1 on the back side of the extension 6.

[0104] In the vehicle lamp 1G of this embodiment having the above-mentioned configuration, the airflow F blown by the fan 8 flows from a first space K1 on the upstream side (outside the duct 9) of the fan 8 to a second space K2 on the downstream side (inside the duct 9) of the fan 8.

[0105] That is, the airflow F drawn in from the intake port 9a of the duct 9 by the fan 8 circulates from the upstream side to the downstream side of the duct 9, and then is exhausted from the exhaust port 9b of the duct 9, passes through the first opening 6a on the upper end side of the extension 6, and circulates into the third space K3 on the front side of the extension 6.

[0106] The air flow F then circulates along the inner surface of the outer lens 3 through a third space K3 between the front side of the extension 6 and the inner surface of the outer lens 3, and then passes through a second opening 6b on the lower end side of the extension 6 to the back side of the extension 6.

[0107] That is, the airflow F flowing along the inner surface of the outer lens 3 flows from the third space K3 on the front side sandwiching the extension 6 to the first space K1 on the rear side sandwiching the extension 6.

[0108] Thereafter, the airflow F is sucked again by the fan 8 through the air intake 9a of the duct 9, and is repeatedly circulated inside the lighting body 4.

[0109] As described above, in the vehicle lamp 1G of this embodiment, the airflow F blown by the fan 8 through the duct 9 can be efficiently circulated along the inner surface of the outer lens 3. This makes it possible to prevent the inner surface of the outer lens 3 from fogging up.

[0110] In particular, in the vehicle lamp 1G of this embodiment, the airflow F flows from the upper side to the lower side of the third space K3. More specifically, the airflow F from the first opening 6a on the upper side hits the upper part of the inner surface of the outer lens 3, so that it is possible to enhance the effect of preventing fogging on the upper side of the inner surface of the outer lens 3, which is considered to be prone to fogging.

[0111] In this embodiment, the air current flows from the upper side to the lower side of the third space K3, but it is also possible to flow the air current from the lower side to the upper side in the opposite direction.

[0112] When a light source unit 5 is adopted in which the light emitted from the light source 10 is arranged so that the light is emitted upward and a reflector is used to emit light downward toward the front, the light emitted from the light source unit 5 is concentrated and transmitted from the lower part of the projection lens 11 to the lower part of the outer lens 3.

[0113] In this case, by exhausting air from the lower side of the outer lens 3, fogging of the lower side of the outer lens 3 is suppressed, and the light distribution formation when the vehicular lamp 1G is turned on is less likely to be hindered.

[0114] Eighth embodiment Next, as an eighth embodiment of the present invention, a vehicle lamp 1H shown in FIG. 14 will be described.

[0115] 14 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the vehicular lamp 1H. In the following description, the same parts as those in the vehicular lamp 1A will not be described and will be denoted by the same reference numerals in the drawings.

[0116] 14, the vehicle lamp 1H of this embodiment has a first opening 6a and a second opening 6b provided in the middle of the extension 6, not at both ends of the extension 6. Other than that, the vehicle lamp 1H has basically the same configuration as the vehicle lamp 1A.

[0117] In the vehicle lamp 1H of this embodiment having the above-mentioned configuration, the airflow F blown by the fan 8 described above is exhausted from the first opening 6a at one end side of the longitudinal direction of the extension 6 (outside in the vehicle width direction), then circulates along the inner surface of the outer lens 3, and is taken in from the second opening 6b at the other end side of the longitudinal direction of the extension 6 (inside in the vehicle width direction), thereby being repeatedly circulated inside the lamp body 4.

[0118] That is, in the vehicle lamp 1H of this embodiment, similarly to the vehicle lamp 1A, it is possible to efficiently circulate the airflow F sent by the fan 8 through the duct 9 along the inner surface of the outer lens 3. This makes it possible to prevent the inner surface of the outer lens 3 from fogging up.

[0119] In addition, in the vehicle lamp 1H of this embodiment, the circulation path is shortened by providing the first opening 6a and the second opening 6b in the middle part of the extension 6. This makes it possible to reduce pressure loss, improve the flow speed and volume of the airflow, and locally improve the anti-fogging effect between the first opening 6a and the second opening 6b.

[0120] Ninth embodiment Next, as a ninth embodiment of the present invention, a vehicle lamp 1J shown in FIG. 15 will be described.

[0121] 15 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the vehicular lamp 1J. In the following description, the same parts as those in the vehicular lamp 1A will not be described and will be denoted by the same reference numerals in the drawings.

[0122] As shown in FIG. 15, the vehicle lamp 1J of this embodiment is a rear combination lamp mounted on both corners of the rear end of a vehicle (not shown), in which the present invention is applied to a brake lamp that emits red light when braking.

[0123] In the light source unit 5, a plurality of light sources 10 emitting red light are arranged vertically in a row on the front side of a substrate 12, and the rear side of the substrate 12 is arranged facing the inside of a duct 9 as a heat generating section 7.

[0124] Furthermore, the vehicle lamp 1J of this embodiment does not have a heat sink 13, and when the airflow F is sent out from the fan 8, it cools the substrate 12 and then circulates toward the third space K3. Other than that, the vehicle lamp 1J has basically the same configuration as the vehicle lamp 1A.

[0125] In the vehicle lamp 1J of this embodiment having the above-mentioned configuration, similarly to the vehicle lamp 1A, it is possible to efficiently circulate the airflow F sent by the fan 8 through the duct 9 along the inner surface of the outer lens 3. This makes it possible to prevent the inner surface of the outer lens 3 from fogging up.

[0126] The light source unit 5 may be a tail lamp, a turn lamp, a back lamp, or the like that constitutes a rear combination lamp, in addition to the above-mentioned brake lamp.

[0127] As for the light source 10, other than the above-mentioned LED, for example, a light emitting element such as a laser diode (LD) can be used. Furthermore, light sources such as a halogen lamp and an HID lamp can also be used. Furthermore, the color of the light emitted by the light source 10 can be changed appropriately according to the application of the vehicle lamp 1J, such as red light, white light, orange light, etc.

[0128] In each of the above embodiments, a configuration including a plurality of light source units 5 may be used.

[0129] Furthermore, in each of the above-described embodiments, by making the first opening 6a and the second opening 6b openings consisting of a plurality of small slits or through holes, it is possible to make the first opening 6a and the second opening 6b less noticeable, resulting in a vehicle lamp with excellent design. [Explanation of symbols]

[0130] DESCRIPTION OF REFERENCE NUMERALS 1A to 1H, 1J... Vehicle lamp 2... Housing 3... Outer lens 4... Lamp body 5... Light source unit 6... Extension 6a... First opening 6b... Second opening 6c... Third opening 7... Heat generating portion 8... Fan 9... Duct 10... Light source 11... Projection lens 12... Board 13... Heat sink 14, 15... Peripheral wall portion F... Air flow K1... First space K2... Second space K3... Third space

Claims

1. A lamp body having a housing with an opening and an outer lens covering the opening; a light source unit disposed within the light body and configured to irradiate light toward the opening; A heating portion; A fan that generates an airflow for cooling the heat generating portion; A duct for guiding an airflow blown from the fan; an extension that covers the periphery of the projection lens of the light source unit; The extension broadly divides the space in the light body into a third space facing the outer lens and other spaces, The duct is disposed in the other space.

2. 2. The vehicle lamp according to claim 1, further comprising a flow path for passing an airflow from the fan, the flow path being defined by a surface of the extension facing the housing and an inner surface of the duct.

3. The other space is roughly divided into a first space and a second space by the duct, the first space is a space facing an intake direction of the fan, the second space is a space facing an exhaust direction of the fan, 3. The vehicular lamp according to claim 2, wherein either the first space or the second space faces the extension.

4. 4. The vehicular lamp according to claim 3, wherein both the first space and the second space face the extension.

5. 4. The vehicular lamp according to claim 3, wherein the extension has a first opening communicating with the second space and the third space, and a second opening communicating with the first space and the third space.

6. The extension has a rectangular shape that is elongated in a first direction, The first opening is disposed at one end of the extension in a first direction; 6. The vehicular lamp according to claim 5, wherein the second opening is disposed at the other end of the extension in the first direction.

7. 3. The vehicular lamp according to claim 2, wherein the extension is provided so as to be inclined toward the rear side.

8. the extension has a third opening exposing the projection lens; 3. The vehicular lamp according to claim 2, wherein the extension and / or the projection lens has a peripheral wall portion that limits a gap between the third opening and the projection lens.

9. 3. The vehicle lamp according to claim 2, wherein the heat generating portion is a light source attached to the light source unit.

10. The vehicle lamp according to claim 8, wherein the light source unit includes a heat sink for dissipating heat generated by the heat generating portion.

11. The duct is attached to the extension, The fan is attached to the duct; 11. The vehicle lamp according to claim 1, wherein the light source unit includes an optical axis adjustment mechanism that can adjust a direction of the light source unit relative to the housing.

12. 12. The vehicular lamp according to claim 11, wherein the fan is disposed at a position facing the heat generating portion.

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