Vehicular lighting fixture

Abstract

To provide a vehicular lighting fixture capable of forming a lateral light distribution pattern without providing a dedicated light source just for forming the lateral light distribution pattern.SOLUTION: A vehicular lighting fixture 10 includes: a plurality of light sources (23 to 27); reflector parts (31 to 35) for reflecting light emitted from the light sources; and a projection lens 14 for forming a front light distribution pattern (LP) for projecting the light reflected by the reflector parts and for emitting light in front of a vehicle. Between the reflector parts, a plurality of first auxiliary reflection parts (36) is provided for reflecting the light emitted from the corresponding light sources, and between the reflector parts and the projection lens 14, a second auxiliary reflection part (41) is provided for reflecting the light reflected at the plurality of first auxiliary reflection parts (36) toward the projection lens 14. The second auxiliary reflection part (41) forms a lateral light distribution pattern Ps for irradiating the lateral side of the front light distribution pattern.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] There is a vehicle lamp that includes multiple light sources and multiple reflector parts that are curved so as to cover each light source individually (for example, see Patent Document 1). In this vehicle lamp, each combination of light source and reflector part is illuminated in a different direction to form a light collection area and a diffusion area, and light is also illuminated between them to connect the light collection area and the diffusion area, forming a light distribution pattern that illuminates a wide area. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 5087500 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in some vehicle lamps, it is required to form a side light distribution pattern that illuminates the side of the light distribution pattern. In addition, it is desirable for the vehicle lamp to be able to form a side light distribution pattern without providing a dedicated light source only for forming the side light distribution pattern.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and aims to provide a vehicle lamp that can form a side light distribution pattern without providing a dedicated light source solely for forming the side light distribution pattern. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present disclosure relates to a vehicle lamp, comprising: The vehicle is provided with a plurality of reflector sections corresponding to the plurality of light sources, the reflector sections reflecting light emitted from the plurality of light sources, and a projection lens projecting the light reflected by the plurality of reflector sections to form a forward light distribution pattern that illuminates the front of the vehicle, wherein a first auxiliary reflecting section that reflects light emitted from the corresponding light source is provided between the plurality of reflector sections, and a second auxiliary reflecting section that reflects the light reflected by the first auxiliary reflecting section toward the projection lens is provided between the plurality of reflector sections and the projection lens, and the second auxiliary reflecting section forms a side light distribution pattern that illuminates the side of the forward light distribution pattern. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the vehicle lamp of the present disclosure, a side light distribution pattern can be formed without providing a dedicated light source solely for forming the side light distribution pattern. [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 the configuration of a vehicle lamp as viewed from above. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an exploded configuration of a vehicle lamp. [Figure 4] 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which a reflector member of a vehicle lamp is viewed from the front side in the front-rear direction. FIG. [Diagram 5] 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the reflector member is viewed from below in the up-down direction. FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the positional relationship between each light source, each reflector section, each light source side auxiliary reflecting section, each lens side auxiliary reflecting section, and the projection lens, and also showing how light is emitted from the second light source, the third light source, and the fourth light source, reflected by each light source side auxiliary reflecting section, and then reflected by each lens side auxiliary reflecting section before being emitted from the projection lens. [Figure 7]FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which a low-beam light distribution pattern and a side light distribution pattern are formed on a screen where a horizontal line and a vertical line intersect at the center position on the projection optical axis. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a vehicle lamp according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, a first embodiment of a vehicle lamp 10 as an example of a vehicle lamp according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, in order to easily understand how the light reflected by each light source side auxiliary reflecting portion 36 and each lens side auxiliary reflecting portion 41 travels, Fig. 6 shows the reflector member 13 and the projection lens 14 in a schematic cross section, and each light source side auxiliary reflecting portion 36 that does not appear in the cross section is shown by a two-dot chain line. In addition, in Fig. 6, hatching showing the cross section of the projection lens 14 is omitted to avoid making it difficult to see. EXAMPLES

[0010] A vehicle lamp 10 according to a first embodiment of a vehicle lamp according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 7. The vehicle lamp 10 according to the first embodiment is used as a headlamp device for a vehicle such as an automobile. The vehicle lamp 10 is provided in a lamp chamber formed by a lamp housing whose open front end is covered by an outer lens on both the left and right sides of the front of the vehicle. The vehicle lamp 10 is provided in the lamp chamber via an up-down optical axis adjustment mechanism and a left-right optical axis adjustment mechanism, and appropriately illuminates the front of the vehicle. In the following description, in the vehicle lamp 10, the direction in which the vehicle travels is the front-rear direction (referred to as Z in the drawings), and the vertical direction when the front-rear direction is along a horizontal plane is the up-down direction (referred to as Y in the drawings). The direction (horizontal direction) perpendicular to the front-rear direction and the up-down direction is the width direction (referred to as X in the drawings), and in the width direction, one side is the right side and the other side is the left side based on the state in which the vehicle is moving forward. Here, the vehicular lamp 10 provided on the left side of the vehicle and the vehicular lamp 10 provided on the right side are basically of the same configuration, and the following description will be given using the vehicular lamp 10 provided on the left side.

[0011] The vehicle lamp 10 of the first embodiment forms a passing light distribution pattern LP (see FIG. 7) as an example of a forward light distribution pattern that illuminates the front of the vehicle. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the vehicle lamp 10 is configured as a projector-type lamp unit by providing a light source unit 12, a reflector member 13, a projection lens 14, a shade member 15, and a plate member 16 on a mounting member 11. The mounting member 11 is a portion where the light source unit 12 is provided, and is formed of an aluminum plate, aluminum die-casting, or resin having thermal conductivity, and functions as a heat sink that dissipates heat generated in the light source unit 12 to the outside as a whole. The mounting member 11 is provided with a plurality of heat dissipation fins 11a, and dissipates heat generated in the attached light source unit 12 to the outside mainly from each heat dissipation fin 11a. The mounting member 11 is fixed to a lamp housing via a bracket (not shown). The mounting member 11 may be provided with a cooling fan unit as appropriate to increase cooling efficiency. The mounting member 11 has a light source mounting portion 21 and a lens mounting portion 22 .

[0012] The light source attachment section 21 is a flat plate orthogonal to the up-down direction, and the light source section 12 is provided thereon. The light source section 12 is configured by forming a wiring pattern on the surface of the light source attachment section 21, and mounting a first light source 23, a second light source 24, a third light source 25, a fourth light source 26, and a fifth light source 27 thereon. These five light sources (23 to 27) are light-emitting elements such as LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes). In the light source section 12 of the first embodiment, the first light source 23 to the second light source 24, the third light source 25, the fourth light source 26, and the fifth light source 27 are provided in this order at approximately equal intervals from the left side in the width direction. Therefore, in the light source section 12, the third light source 25 is a central light source arranged on the center side, and the second light source 24 and the fourth light source 26 are peripheral light sources adjacent to the third light source 25.

[0013] In the light source unit 12, the third light source 25 as a central light source is disposed at the rearmost side in the front-rear direction. In addition, in the light source unit 12, the second light source 24 and the fourth light source 26 adjacent to the third light source 25 in the width direction are arranged side by side in front of the third light source 25 in the front-rear direction. In addition, in the light source unit 12, the first light source 23 and the fifth light source 27 adjacent to the outside of the second light source 24 and the fourth light source 26 in the width direction are arranged side by side at the frontmost side in the front-rear direction. The wiring pattern of the light source attachment unit 21 is connected to a lighting control circuit via a connector terminal. The light source unit 12 appropriately lights each light source (23 to 27) by appropriately supplying power from the lighting control circuit. This light source unit 12 uses five light sources (23 to 27) to form a passing light distribution pattern LP, so that compared to the case of using a single light source, the heat source can be distributed and provided in the light source attachment unit 21, making it easier to dissipate heat.

[0014] The light source attachment portion 21 is provided with two positioning protrusions 21a and two screw holes 21b. Each positioning protrusion 21a and each screw hole 21b are provided in pairs. Each positioning protrusion 21a is rod-shaped and protrudes downward in the up-down direction. Each screw hole 21b can be fixed by screwing in it.

[0015] The lens mounting part 22 is provided on the front side of the light source mounting part 21 in the front-rear direction, and is positioned lower in the up-down direction than the light source mounting part 21 with a step therebetween. The lens mounting part 22 constitutes a location for mounting the projection lens 14, and positions the projection lens 14 on the front side of the light source part 12 mounted on the light source mounting part 21 in the front-rear direction.

[0016] The lens attachment portion 22 is provided with two positioning protrusions 22a and two screw holes 22b. Each positioning protrusion 22a and each screw hole 22b are provided in pairs. Each positioning protrusion 22a is rod-shaped and protrudes downward in the vertical direction. Each screw hole 22b is formed by recessing the center of a columnar portion protruding in line with the corresponding positioning protrusion 22a, and can be fixed by screwing in a screw.

[0017] 1 to 5, the reflector member 13 is a molded product made of a resin material, and includes a first reflector portion 31, a second reflector portion 32, a third reflector portion 33, a fourth reflector portion 34, a fifth reflector portion 35, and four light source side auxiliary reflecting portions 36, which are integrally provided. The first reflector portion 31 corresponds to the first light source 23, the second reflector portion 32 corresponds to the second light source 24, the third reflector portion 33 corresponds to the third light source 25, the fourth reflector portion 34 corresponds to the fourth light source 26, and the fifth reflector portion 35 corresponds to the fifth light source 27. Therefore, in the reflector member 13, the third reflector portion 33 is a central reflector portion disposed on the center side, and the second reflector portion 32 and the fourth reflector portion 34 are peripheral reflector portions adjacent to the third reflector portion 33.

[0018] Each of the reflector sections (31 to 35) has a reflective surface curved to cover the corresponding light source (23 to 27) individually, and each of the reflective surfaces reflects the light emitted from the corresponding light source (23 to 27) toward the projection lens 14. Each of the reflective surfaces is a bowl-shaped free-form surface based on an ellipse, with a first focus at or near the center position of the corresponding light source (23 to 27) and a second focus near a step portion 15a of the shade member 15 described later. This allows each of the reflector sections (31 to 35) to efficiently guide the light emitted from each of the light sources (23 to 27) near the first focus to the projection lens 14.

[0019] The four light source side auxiliary reflecting sections 36 have a reflecting surface that is a free curved surface based on a paraboloid, and each reflects light from the corresponding light source (24 to 26) that does not proceed to the reflector section (32 to 34). Each light source side auxiliary reflecting section 36 is provided between the adjacent reflector sections (31 to 35). Thus, each light source side auxiliary reflecting section 36 functions as a first auxiliary reflecting section. In detail, two light source side auxiliary reflecting sections 36 correspond to the third light source 25, and are provided between the second reflector section 32 and the third reflector section 33 and between the third reflector section 33 and the fourth reflector section 34. In the following, when each is shown individually, these two are referred to as the third light source side auxiliary reflecting section 36A, and when each is shown individually, the left side in the width direction is referred to as the third light source side auxiliary reflecting section 36AL, and the right side in the width direction is referred to as the third light source side auxiliary reflecting section 36AR. Moreover, one light-source side auxiliary reflecting portion 36 corresponds to the second light source 24, and is provided between the first reflector portion 31 and the second reflector portion 32. In the following, when each is individually shown, this will be referred to as the second light-source side auxiliary reflecting portion 36B. Furthermore, the remaining light-source side auxiliary reflecting portion 36 corresponds to the fourth light source 26, and is provided between the fourth reflector portion 34 and the fifth reflector portion 35. In the following, when each is individually shown, this will be referred to as the fourth light-source side auxiliary reflecting portion 36C.

[0020] In the reflector member 13 of the first embodiment, the third reflector portion 33 is disposed at the rearmost side in the front-rear direction. The optical axis 33a of the third reflector portion 33 is substantially parallel to the projection optical axis Lp of the projection lens 14 (see FIG. 5). In the reflector member 13, the second reflector portion 32 and the fourth reflector portion 34 are disposed side by side in front of the third reflector portion 33 in the front-rear direction. The second reflector portion 32 is inclined so that the optical axis 32a approaches the axis 33a, i.e., the projection optical axis Lp, on the projection lens 14 side (see FIG. 5). In addition, the fourth reflector portion 34 is inclined so that the optical axis 34a approaches the axis 33a, i.e., the projection optical axis Lp, on the projection lens 14 side (see FIG. 5).

[0021] Furthermore, in the reflector member 13, the first reflector portion 31 and the fifth reflector portion 35 are arranged side by side at the frontmost side in the front-rear direction. The first reflector portion 31 has an optical axis 31a tilted so as to approach the axis 33a, i.e., the projection optical axis Lp, on the projection lens 14 side, and the degree of tilt is larger than that of the axis 32a. The fifth reflector portion 35 has an optical axis 35a tilted so as to approach the axis 33a, i.e., the projection optical axis Lp, on the projection lens 14 side, and the degree of tilt is larger than that of the axis 34a.

[0022] In the reflector member 13, the dividing lines Ld (see FIG. 5) dividing each reflector portion (31 to 35) are substantially parallel to the projection optical axis Lp. For these reasons, in the reflector member 13, a gap can be provided between each reflector portion (31 to 35) that cannot be connected by the optically reflective surfaces of the reflector. In the reflector member 13, each light source side auxiliary reflecting portion 36 is provided by utilizing this gap. In this way, in the reflector member 13, each reflector portion (31 to 35) and each light source side auxiliary reflecting portion 36 can be provided while ensuring the position and size for each reflector portion to exhibit its optical function.

[0023] The reflector member 13 is also provided with two positioning holes 13a and two screw through holes 13b. Each positioning hole 13a is a through hole through which the corresponding positioning protrusion 21a of the light source attachment portion 21 can pass. Each screw through hole 13b is provided near the positioning hole 13a and allows a screw to pass through.

[0024] With the light source unit 12 provided on the light source mounting unit 21, the positioning protrusions 21a of the light source mounting unit 21 are passed through the positioning holes 13a, thereby positioning the reflector member 13 relative to the light source mounting unit 21 and the light source unit 12. The reflector member 13 is attached to the light source mounting unit 21 in a positioned state by screws passed through the screw through holes 13b being screwed into the screw holes 21b of the light source mounting unit 21. This allows the light sources (23 to 27) to face the corresponding reflector units (31 to 35) and light-source-side auxiliary reflecting units 36 in an appropriate positional relationship.

[0025] In the mounting member 11, as shown in Fig. 3, a shade member 15 and a plate member 16 are provided between the light source mounting portion 21 and the lens mounting portion 22. The shade member 15 and the plate member 16 form a cutoff line CL (see Fig. 7) of the low-beam light distribution pattern LP, and prevent light emitted from each light source (23 to 27) from illuminating above the cutoff line CL. The shade member 15 is plate-shaped with a step portion 15a in which horizontal edges of different heights are connected by inclined edges, and blocks light from traveling below the step portion 15a. The shade member 15 is also plate-shaped with a step portion 16a in which horizontal sides of different heights are connected by inclined sides.

[0026] The shade member 15 is provided with two positioning holes 15b and two screw through holes 15c. The plate member 16 is provided with two positioning holes 16b and two screw through holes 16c. Each of the positioning holes 15b and 16b is a through hole through which the corresponding positioning protrusion 22a of the lens attachment portion 22 can pass. Each of the screw through holes 15c and 15c is provided near the positioning holes 15b, and can pass a screw through.

[0027] The shade member 15 and the plate member 16 are positioned relative to the lens mounting portion 22 by passing the positioning protrusions 22a of the lens mounting portion 22 through the positioning holes 15b and 16b with a part of the plate member 16 overlapping the shade member 15. The shade member 15 and the plate member 16 are attached to the lens mounting portion 22 in a positioned state by screwing the screws passed through the screw through holes 16c and 15c into the screw holes 22b of the lens mounting portion 22. This allows the shade member 15 and the plate member 16 to be in an appropriate positional relationship with respect to the light source portion 12 and the reflector member 13. Note that the relationship between the inclination direction and height at the step portions 15a and 16a of the shade member 15 and the plate member 16 is not reversed in the width direction even when the vehicle lamp 10 is provided on the right side of the vehicle.

[0028] The projection lens 14 is attached to the lens attachment portion 22 of the attachment member 11 via an attachment member (not shown). This projection lens 14 projects the light reflected by the reflector member 13 forward of the vehicle to form a passing light distribution pattern LP (see FIG. 7). The projection lens 14 is a molded product made of a resin material, and is supported by an attachment member (not shown). This attachment member has, for example, a lower frame portion and an upper frame portion, and can be attached to the lens attachment portion 22 while sandwiching and supporting the projection lens 14 from above and below.

[0029] The projection lens 14 is a convex lens with both the entrance surface 14a and the exit surface 14b being biconvex, the entrance surface 14a having a larger curvature and the exit surface 14b having a smaller curvature than the entrance surface 14a. The projection lens 14 has a focal point (rear focal point) located near the stepped portion 15a of the shade member 15. The projection lens 14 irradiates light from each reflector portion (31 to 35) to form a plurality of light distribution images appropriately superimposed at positions according to the optical characteristics on a screen where the horizontal line H and the vertical line V intersect with the center position O as the origin. The optical characteristics can be set by adjusting the curvature (surface shape) of each reflector portion (31 to 35) for each location.

[0030] The projection lens 14 of the first embodiment forms a first light distribution area hp1 that irradiates a position slightly to the right of the projection optical axis Lp, as shown in FIG. 7, by projecting light emitted from the first light source 23 and reflected by the first reflector unit 31. The projection lens 14 also forms a second light distribution area hp2 that irradiates a position including the projection optical axis Lp and biased to the right by projecting light emitted from the second light source 24 and reflected by the second reflector unit 32. The projection lens 14 also forms a third light distribution area hp3 that irradiates the periphery of the projection optical axis Lp by projecting light emitted from the third light source 25 and reflected by the third reflector unit 33. The projection lens 14 forms a fourth light distribution area hp4 that irradiates a position including the projection optical axis Lp and biased to the left by projecting light emitted from the fourth light source 26 and reflected by the fourth reflector unit 34. The projection lens 14 forms a fifth light distribution area hp5 that illuminates a little to the left of the projection optical axis Lp by projecting the light emitted from the fifth light source 27 and reflected by the fifth reflector portion 35. The five light distribution areas hp are overlapped with at least a part of adjacent ones to form a passing light distribution pattern LP that is one large bright area. The passing light distribution pattern LP has a cutoff line CL formed by blocking a part of the light from each reflector portion (31 to 35) along the step portions 15a, 16a by the shade member 15 and the plate member 16, and the upper edge of the passing light distribution pattern LP follows the shape of the step portions 15a, 16a. As a result, the vehicular lamp 10 can form a passing light distribution pattern LP that has a cutoff line CL on the projection optical axis Lp on the above-mentioned screen and brightens the vicinity of the projection optical axis Lp most while brightening a large area in the width direction below the cutoff line CL.

[0031] In the vehicle lamp 10, as shown in Figs. 1 to 6, a pair of lens-side auxiliary reflecting parts 41 are provided. Each of the lens-side auxiliary reflecting parts 41 reflects light emitted from each of the light sources (23 to 27) and reflected by each of the light source-side auxiliary reflecting parts 36 to form a side light distribution pattern Ps (see Fig. 7) that illuminates the side of the low-vehicle light distribution pattern LP. For this reason, each of the lens-side auxiliary reflecting parts 41 functions as a second auxiliary reflecting part. Each of the lens-side auxiliary reflecting parts 41 is provided at a position that does not obstruct the optical path in which the light from each of the light sources (23 to 27) is reflected by each of the reflector parts (31 to 35) and reaches the projection lens 14. Each of the lens-side auxiliary reflecting parts 41 in the first embodiment is formed in a thin plate shape extending in the front-rear direction, and is provided integrally with the end parts 13c on both outer sides in the width direction of the reflector member 13 and on the front side in the front-rear direction. In each lens side auxiliary reflecting portion 41, the region on the end portion 13c side, ie, the reflector member 13 side, is a base end portion 41a, and the region on the projection lens 14 side is a tip portion 41b.

[0032] Each of the lens side auxiliary reflecting parts 41 has a reflecting surface that is a free curved surface based on a paraboloid, and the optical axis of each reflecting surface is inclined so as to move inward in the width direction toward the front side with respect to the front-rear direction (see FIG. 5). In the following, when each of the lens side auxiliary reflecting parts 41 is individually shown, the left side in the width direction is referred to as the lens side auxiliary reflecting part 41L, and the right side in the width direction is referred to as the lens side auxiliary reflecting part 41R. In each of the lens side auxiliary reflecting parts 41 in the first embodiment, the base end part 41a and the tip part 41b each form a single reflecting surface. Therefore, each of the lens side auxiliary reflecting parts 41 in the first embodiment is configured to be bent between the base end part 41a and the tip part 41b. Therefore, each of the lens side auxiliary reflecting parts 41 in the first embodiment has two optical axes, the axis of the base end part 41a and the axis of the tip part 41b, and the axis of the tip part 41b is more inward than the axis of the base end part 41a.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 6, the lens side auxiliary reflecting portion 41R reflects the light from the third light source 25 reflected by the third light source side auxiliary reflecting portion 36AL toward the base end portion 41a toward the projection lens 14. The reflected light travels to the right side of the entrance surface 14a of the projection lens 14, thereby making the angle of incidence with respect to the entrance surface 14a small, and can be reliably incident on the projection lens 14. As shown in FIG. 7, the light is irradiated to the left in the width direction greater than the projection optical axis Lp, thereby forming a first lateral light distribution pattern Ps1 to the side of the passing light distribution pattern LP. That is, the base end portion 41a of the lens side auxiliary reflecting portion 41R is optically set to form the first lateral light distribution pattern Ps1 together with the third light source side auxiliary reflecting portion 36AL. The first lateral light distribution pattern Ps1 can be made brighter in a wide area to the left in the width direction while overlapping a part of the passing light distribution pattern LP.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 6, the lens-side auxiliary reflecting portion 41R reflects the light from the second light source 24 reflected by the second-light-source-side auxiliary reflecting portion 36B toward the tip portion 41b toward the projection lens 14. The reflected light can be made to travel to the right side of the entrance surface 14a of the projection lens 14, thereby reducing the angle of incidence with respect to the entrance surface 14a, and can be reliably incident on the projection lens 14. As shown in FIG. 7, the light forms a second lateral light distribution pattern Ps2 to the side of the first lateral light distribution pattern Ps1 by irradiating the left side in the width direction further than the projection optical axis Lp. That is, the tip portion 41b of the lens-side auxiliary reflecting portion 41R is optically set to form the second lateral light distribution pattern Ps2 together with the second-light-source-side auxiliary reflecting portion 36B. The second lateral light distribution pattern Ps2 can be made to brighten a wide area on the left side in the width direction of the first lateral light distribution pattern Ps1 while partially overlapping the first lateral light distribution pattern Ps1. Thereby, the first side light distribution pattern Ps1 and the second side light distribution pattern Ps2 can illuminate a wide area on the left side where the low light distribution pattern LP alone cannot irradiate sufficient light.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 6, the lens side auxiliary reflecting portion 41L reflects the light from the third light source 25 reflected by the third light source side auxiliary reflecting portion 36AR toward the base end portion 41a toward the projection lens 14. The reflected light can be made to advance to the left side of the entrance surface 14a of the projection lens 14, thereby making the angle of incidence with respect to the entrance surface 14a small, and can be reliably incident on the projection lens 14. As shown in FIG. 7, the light forms a third lateral light distribution pattern Ps3 to the side of the passing light distribution pattern LP by irradiating the right side in the width direction larger than the projection optical axis Lp. That is, the base end portion 41a of the lens side auxiliary reflecting portion 41L is optically set to form the third lateral light distribution pattern Ps3 together with the third light source side auxiliary reflecting portion 36AR. The third lateral light distribution pattern Ps3 can be made to brighten a wide area to the right of the passing light distribution pattern LP in the width direction while overlapping a part of it.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 6, the lens side auxiliary reflecting portion 41L reflects the light from the fourth light source 26 reflected by the fourth light source side auxiliary reflecting portion 36C toward the tip portion 41b toward the projection lens 14. The reflected light is allowed to travel to the left side of the entrance surface 14a of the projection lens 14, so that the angle of incidence with respect to the entrance surface 14a can be reduced, and the light can be reliably incident on the projection lens 14. As shown in FIG. 7, the light is irradiated to the right side in the width direction further than the projection optical axis Lp, thereby forming a fourth side light distribution pattern Ps4 to the side of the third side light distribution pattern Ps3. That is, the tip portion 41b of the lens side auxiliary reflecting portion 41L is optically set to form the fourth side light distribution pattern Ps4 together with the fourth light source side auxiliary reflecting portion 36C. The fourth side light distribution pattern Ps4 can brighten a wide area on the left side in the width direction of the third side light distribution pattern Ps3 while partially overlapping the third side light distribution pattern Ps3. Thereby, the third side light distribution pattern Ps3 and the fourth side light distribution pattern Ps4 can illuminate a wide area on the right side where the low light distribution pattern LP alone cannot irradiate sufficient light.

[0037] The position, size and shape of each lateral light distribution pattern Ps can be set by adjusting the axial direction and optical characteristics of each lens side auxiliary reflecting portion 41 (in Example 1, the base end portion 41a and the tip end portion 41b) or by adjusting the direction and optical characteristics of each corresponding light source side auxiliary reflecting portion 36.

[0038] In this vehicle lamp 10, by turning on each light source (23 to 27), the light from each is reflected by each reflector portion (31 to 35) and then emitted from the projection lens 14. As a result, the vehicle lamp 10 can form a low-passing light distribution pattern LP as shown in FIG. 7. Then, in a state in which the low-passing light distribution pattern LP is formed, the vehicle lamp 10 reflects a part of the light emitted from the three central light sources (24 to 26) by each light-source-side auxiliary reflecting portion 36, and reflects the light by each lens-side auxiliary reflecting portion 41 to emit it from the projection lens 14. As a result, the vehicle lamp 10 forms each side light distribution pattern (Ps1, Ps2, Ps3, Ps4) on both sides of the low-passing light distribution pattern LP, and can brighten both outsides while partially overlapping the low-passing light distribution pattern LP. Therefore, the vehicular lamp 10 can ensure a wide range of visibility on both sides of the low-vehicle light distribution pattern LP.

[0039] This vehicle lamp 10 forms each side light distribution pattern (Ps1, Ps2, Ps3, Ps4) by reflecting a part of the light from each light source (23 to 27) for forming the low-vehicle light distribution pattern LP at each light-source-side auxiliary reflecting portion 36 and each lens-side auxiliary reflecting portion 41. Therefore, the vehicle lamp 10 can form the low-vehicle light distribution pattern LP as well as each side light distribution pattern Ps that illuminates the sides of the low-vehicle light distribution pattern LP without using a dedicated light source.

[0040] In particular, the vehicle lamp 10 of the first embodiment has the third reflector portion 33, which is the center in the width direction, positioned at the rearmost side, the second reflector portion 32 and the fourth reflector portion 34 positioned at the front side, the first reflector portion 31 and the fifth reflector portion 35 positioned at the frontmost side, and each light source side auxiliary reflector portion 36 is provided between them. Therefore, the vehicle lamp 10 can appropriately set the position and size of each reflector portion (31 to 35) relative to each light source (23 to 27), and can form a passing light distribution pattern LP of appropriate brightness and size. Moreover, the vehicle lamp 10 can provide each light source side auxiliary reflector portion 36 without interfering with each reflector portion (31 to 35) set in this way. Furthermore, the vehicle lamp 10 provides each lens-side auxiliary reflector 41 at a position that does not obstruct the light path for forming the low-vehicle light distribution pattern LP, and forms the side light distribution pattern Ps by utilizing the reflected light from each light source-side auxiliary reflector 36. Therefore, the vehicle lamp 10 can appropriately adjust the brightness and size of each side light distribution pattern Ps without affecting the formation of the low-vehicle light distribution pattern LP, and can more appropriately ensure the visibility of the occupant. In addition, the vehicle lamp 10 can form each side light distribution pattern Ps in addition to the low-vehicle light distribution pattern LP with light from each light source (23 to 27), and therefore can more effectively utilize the light from each light source (23 to 27).

[0041] In addition, the vehicle lamp 10 is provided with each light source side auxiliary reflecting portion 36 on the reflector member 13, and each lens side auxiliary reflecting portion 41 is provided on the end portion 13c of the reflector member 13. Therefore, when the reflector member 13 is attached to the attachment member 11, the vehicle lamp 10 can simultaneously provide each light source side auxiliary reflecting portion 36 and each lens side auxiliary reflecting portion 41. As a result, the vehicle lamp 10 can reduce the number of parts to be attached and simplify the attachment work compared to the case where the configuration for the low-beam light distribution pattern LP and the configuration for the side light distribution pattern Ps are separately mounted on the vehicle. As a result, the vehicle lamp 10 can eliminate the adjustment work for positioning between the configuration for forming the low-beam light distribution pattern LP and the configuration for forming the side light distribution pattern Ps when mounted on the vehicle, and can improve the accuracy of the positional relationship.

[0042] Furthermore, in the vehicle lamp 10, the light that forms each side light distribution pattern Ps passes through an optical path for forming a low-passing light distribution pattern LP, in which the light from each light source (23 to 27) is reflected by each reflector portion (31 to 35) and reaches the projection lens 14. Therefore, the vehicle lamp 10 does not require a new space for the optical path of the light that forms each side light distribution pattern Ps, and therefore can be prevented from becoming large.

[0043] The vehicle lamp 10, which is one example of a vehicle lamp according to the present disclosure, can provide the following advantageous effects.

[0044] The vehicle lamp 10 includes a plurality of light sources (23 to 27), a plurality of reflector sections (31 to 35) corresponding to the light sources and reflecting the light emitted from the light sources, and a projection lens 14 that projects the light reflected by the reflector sections to form a low-beam light distribution pattern LP as a forward light distribution pattern. A light-source-side auxiliary reflecting section 36 is provided between the plurality of reflector sections as a first auxiliary reflecting section that reflects the light emitted from the corresponding light source. A lens-side auxiliary reflecting section 41 is provided between the plurality of reflector sections and the projection lens 14 as a second auxiliary reflecting section that reflects the light reflected by the light-source-side auxiliary reflecting section 36 toward the projection lens 14. The lens-side auxiliary reflecting section 41 forms a side light distribution pattern Ps that illuminates the side of the low-beam light distribution pattern LP. As a result, the vehicle lamp 10 can form the side light distribution pattern Ps by utilizing a portion of the light from each light source (23 to 27) that forms the low-vehicle light distribution pattern LP, without having to provide a dedicated light source just for the side light distribution pattern Ps.

[0045] In addition, in the vehicle lamp 10, the lens-side auxiliary reflecting portion 41 forms side light distribution patterns (Ps1, Ps3) at a position close to the low-beam light distribution pattern LP by light reflected by the base end portion 41a, which is the area on the reflector side. In the vehicle lamp 10, the lens-side auxiliary reflecting portion 41 forms side light distribution patterns (Ps2, Ps4) at a position far from the low-beam light distribution pattern LP by light reflected by the tip portion 41b, which is the area on the projection lens 14 side. Therefore, the vehicle lamp 10 forms the side light distribution pattern Ps at different positions depending on the location of reflection in the lens-side auxiliary reflecting portion 41, and can form the side light distribution pattern Ps over a wide range by utilizing the difference in the position of the light-source-side auxiliary reflecting portion 36.

[0046] Furthermore, in the vehicle lamp 10, the lens-side auxiliary reflecting portion 41 reflects light from the third light source 25, which is disposed on the central side of the light sources (23 to 27), toward the base end portion 41a of the lens-side auxiliary reflecting portion 41. In addition, in the vehicle lamp 10, the lens-side auxiliary reflecting portion 41 reflects light from the second light source 24 and the fourth light source 26, which are disposed on the peripheral side of the light sources (23 to 27), toward the tip portion 41b of the lens-side auxiliary reflecting portion 41. Therefore, the vehicle lamp 10 uses the differences in the positions of the light sources and the light-source-side auxiliary reflecting portion 36 to illuminate different locations for each light source, and can form the lateral light distribution pattern Ps while ensuring brightness over a wide range.

[0047] In the vehicle lamp 10, the axis of the lens-side auxiliary reflecting portion 41 is inclined so as to approach the projection optical axis Lp of the projection lens 14 as it approaches the projection lens 14. Therefore, in the vehicle lamp 10, it becomes easy to cause the reflected light to travel in the width direction opposite to the side where the lens-side auxiliary reflecting portion 41 is provided, and the position of the side light distribution pattern Ps with respect to the low-vehicle light distribution pattern LP can be made appropriate.

[0048] In the vehicle lamp 10, the incident surface 14a of the projection lens 14 is a convex surface. Therefore, in the vehicle lamp 10, both sides of the incident surface 14a can be directed more toward the lens side auxiliary reflecting portion 41, so that the light from the lens side auxiliary reflecting portion 41 can be reliably incident on the projection lens 14 from the incident surface 14a.

[0049] In the vehicle lamp 10, the third reflector portion 33 arranged on the central side of each reflector portion (31 to 35) is located at the position furthest from the projection lens 14, and the reflector portions located further outward from the third reflector portion 33 are located closer to the projection lens 14. Therefore, the vehicle lamp 10 can appropriately set the position and size of each reflector portion relative to each light source, and can also be provided with a light source side auxiliary reflecting portion 36. As a result, the vehicle lamp 10 can appropriately set the brightness and size of each side light distribution pattern Ps without affecting the formation of the low-vehicle light distribution pattern LP.

[0050] In the vehicle lamp 10, the axis 33a of the third reflector portion 33 is parallel to the projection optical axis Lp, and the axes (31a, 32a, 34a, 35a) are inclined so as to approach the projection optical axis Lp as they move outward from the third reflector portion 33 toward the projection lens 14. Therefore, the vehicle lamp 10 can ensure a sufficient size of the light-source side auxiliary reflecting portion 36 while appropriately setting the position and size of each reflector portion.

[0051] In the vehicle lamp 10, the lens side auxiliary reflecting part 41 is provided integrally with the reflector part (31 to 35). Therefore, when the reflector member 13 is provided in the vehicle lamp 10, the lens side auxiliary reflecting part 41 can be provided at the same time, and the number of parts can be reduced while simplifying the installation work, and the accuracy of the positional relationship of the lens side auxiliary reflecting part 41 with respect to the light source side auxiliary reflecting part 36 can be improved.

[0052] Therefore, the vehicle lamp 10 of the first embodiment as the vehicle lamp according to the present disclosure can form the side light distribution pattern Ps without providing a dedicated light source only for forming the side light distribution pattern Ps.

[0053] The vehicle lamp 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 scope of the claims.

[0054] In the above-mentioned embodiment 1, each light source side auxiliary reflecting portion 36 and each lens side auxiliary reflecting portion 41 are provided as described above, but the configuration is not limited to that of embodiment 1 as long as the light from the corresponding light source is reflected by the light source side auxiliary reflecting portion and then reflected by the lens side auxiliary reflecting portion to form the side light distribution pattern Ps. Another example of a vehicle lamp 10A is shown in FIG. 8. In this vehicle lamp 10A, the lens side auxiliary reflecting portion 41A and the projection lens 14A are configured differently from those of the vehicle lamp 10. This vehicle lamp 10A is provided on the left side of the vehicle, and when provided on the right side, the shade member 15 and the plate member 16 are reversed in the width direction (left and right) except for the step portions 15a and 16a. The projection lens 14A is a convex lens that is inclined toward the rear as it approaches the left side in the width direction, i.e., toward the outside of the vehicle. The projection lens 14A has an entrance surface 14Aa that is a convex surface that protrudes rearward in the front-rear direction, and an exit surface 14Ab that is a substantially flat surface that is located at the rearmost left side in the width direction and that approaches forward toward the right side. The projection lens 14A has a focal point (rear focal point) located near a step portion 15a of the shade member 15. The projection lens 14A irradiates light from each reflector portion (31 to 35) to form a passing light distribution pattern LP (see FIG. 7) similar to that of the vehicular lamp 10 on a screen where a horizontal line H and a vertical line V intersect with the center position O as the origin.

[0055] The lens side auxiliary reflecting portion 41A is provided only on the right side in the width direction, that is, on one side of the inside of the vehicle. This lens side auxiliary reflecting portion 41A extends from the right end portion 13c of the reflector member 13 toward the vicinity of the right end of the projection lens 14A. The lens side auxiliary reflecting portion 41A reflects the light from the third light source 25 reflected by the third light source side auxiliary reflecting portion 36AL toward the base end portion 41a toward the projection lens 14A. Since the projection lens 14 is inclined and the incident surface 14Aa is a convex surface, the incident angle of the reflected light with respect to the incident surface 14Aa can be reduced, and the reflected light can be reliably incident on the projection lens 14A. This light forms a first lateral light distribution pattern Ps1 (see FIG. 7) on the side of the low-vehicle light distribution pattern LP. In addition, the lens side auxiliary reflecting portion 41A reflects the light from the second light source 24 reflected by the second light source side auxiliary reflecting portion 36B toward the tip portion 41b toward the projection lens 14A. Since the projection lens 14 is inclined and the incident surface 14Aa is convex, the incident angle with respect to the incident surface 14Aa can be reduced, and the light can be reliably incident on the projection lens 14A. This light forms a second lateral light distribution pattern Ps2 (see FIG. 7) to the side of the first lateral light distribution pattern Ps1. As a result, the vehicle lamp 10A can form the first lateral light distribution pattern Ps1 and the second lateral light distribution pattern Ps2 in addition to the passing light distribution pattern LP, and can illuminate a wide area on the left side. When the vehicular lamp 10A is installed on the right side of the vehicle, the configuration is inverted left and right, so that the third lateral light distribution pattern Ps3 and the fourth lateral light distribution pattern Ps4 are formed to the right of the passing light distribution pattern LP (see FIG. 7).

[0056] In the above-mentioned first embodiment, the light source unit 12 is provided with five light sources (23 to 27) and five reflector units (31 to 35), but the number of the light sources and reflector units may be set appropriately and is not limited to the configuration of the above-mentioned first embodiment. Even in this case, a light source side auxiliary reflecting unit is provided between the multiple reflector units, and the light reflected therein is reflected by the lens side auxiliary reflecting unit and projected by the projection lens to form a side light distribution pattern. As an example of this, a configuration may be used in which two light sources and two reflector units are provided, a single light source side auxiliary reflecting unit is provided between the two reflector units, and a single lens side auxiliary reflecting unit is provided to reflect the light from the light source side auxiliary reflecting unit.

[0057] Furthermore, in the above-described Example 1, each lens side auxiliary reflecting portion 41 is provided at the end portion 13c of the reflector member 13, but the present invention is not limited to the configuration of Example 1 as long as the lens side auxiliary reflecting portion 41 is provided on the reflector member 13. In other words, the lens side auxiliary reflecting portion 41 may be provided integrally with the reflector member 13, may be fixed as a separate body, or may be provided at a different location. [Explanation of symbols]

[0058] 10, 10A Vehicle lamp 14, 14A Projection lens 14a, 14Aa Incident surface 23 First light source 24 Second light source 25 Third light source 26 Fourth light source 27 Fifth light source 31 First reflector portion 31a Axis 32 Second reflector portion 32a Axis 33 Third reflector portion 33a Axis 34 Fourth reflector portion 34a Axis 35 Fifth reflector portion 35a Axis 36 Light source side auxiliary reflecting portion (as an example of a first auxiliary reflecting portion) 41, 41A Lens side auxiliary reflecting portion (as an example of a second auxiliary reflecting portion) 41c Axis Ld Locating line Lp Projected optical axis LP Passing light distribution pattern (as an example of a forward light distribution pattern) Ps Side light distribution pattern

Claims

1. A plurality of light sources; a plurality of reflector units provided corresponding to the plurality of light sources, the reflector units reflecting the light emitted from the plurality of light sources; a projection lens that projects the light reflected by the plurality of reflector portions to form a forward light distribution pattern that illuminates the front of the vehicle, A first auxiliary reflecting portion is provided between the plurality of reflector portions to reflect light emitted from the corresponding light source, a second auxiliary reflecting portion that reflects the light reflected by the first auxiliary reflecting portion toward the projection lens is provided between the plurality of reflector portions and the projection lens; The second auxiliary reflecting portion forms a side light distribution pattern that illuminates a side of the forward light distribution pattern.

2. 2. The vehicle lamp according to claim 1, wherein the second auxiliary reflecting portion forms the side light distribution pattern at a position adjacent to the forward light distribution pattern by light reflected in an area on the reflector portion side, and forms the side light distribution pattern at a position far from the forward light distribution pattern by light reflected in an area on the projection lens side.

3. 3. The vehicle lamp according to claim 2, wherein the second auxiliary reflecting portion reflects light from the light source arranged toward the center of the plurality of light sources toward a region on the reflector portion side of the second auxiliary reflecting portion, and reflects light from the light source arranged toward the periphery of the plurality of light sources toward a region on the projection lens side of the second auxiliary reflecting portion.

4. 2. The vehicle lamp according to claim 1, wherein the second auxiliary reflecting portion has an axis inclined so that the axis on the projection lens side approaches a projection optical axis of the projection lens.

5. 2. The vehicle lamp according to claim 1, wherein the projection lens has a convex incident surface.

6. 2. The vehicle lamp according to claim 1, wherein the reflector portions are arranged so that the reflector portion arranged at the center is located at a position furthest from the projection lens, and the reflector portions arranged at the outer sides are located closer to the projection lens.

7. 7. The vehicle lamp according to claim 6, wherein the axis of the reflector portion arranged toward the center is parallel to the projection optical axis of the projection lens, and the axis of the reflector portion arranged toward the outside is inclined so as to approach the projection optical axis toward the projection lens.

8. 2. The vehicle lamp according to claim 1, wherein the second auxiliary reflecting portion is provided integrally with the reflector portion.

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