Vehicle lamp

Abstract

To provide a vehicle lamp capable of making the change degree gentle while maintaining a brightness difference of a desired place at an edge of a projected light distribution pattern.SOLUTION: A vehicle lamp 10 includes a projection lens 14 which projects light emitted from light sources (31-34) and forms a projected light distribution pattern (passing light distribution pattern LP) for illuminating ahead of a vehicle. The projection lens 14 is partitioned into a plurality of lens sections (51 to 54) each projecting light from the light source and individually forming illumination patterns (P1-P4). The projected light distribution pattern is formed from a plurality of illumination patterns at least partially overlapping each other. At the plurality of lens sections, a diffusion section 70 is provided for diffusing the projected light at least in the vertical direction. The diffusion section 70 has a diffusion degree different by each lens section.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to vehicle lamps.

Background Art

[0002] Vehicle lamps are known in which a plurality of units for forming irradiation patterns are provided, and at least a part of the plurality of irradiation patterns are overlapped to form a predetermined projection light distribution pattern (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In this vehicle lamp, by partially overlapping the irradiation pattern at a desired location on the edge of the projection light distribution pattern, it is possible to irradiate a wide range while forming a desired brightness difference required at that location.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, at the edge of the projection light distribution pattern, it is required that the degree of change does not become too abrupt even at a location where a brightness difference is required. However, since the above-described vehicle lamp overlaps a plurality of irradiation patterns to obtain the required brightness difference, it is difficult to gently moderate the degree of change while maintaining the brightness difference.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a vehicle lamp capable of gently moderating the degree of change while maintaining the brightness difference at a desired location on the edge of the projection light distribution pattern.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The vehicle lamp of the present disclosure includes a projection lens that projects the light emitted from a light source to form a projection light distribution pattern for irradiating the front of the vehicle. The projection lens is partitioned into a plurality of lens portions each of which projects the light from the light source to individually form an irradiation pattern. The projection light distribution pattern is formed by at least partially overlapping a plurality of the irradiation patterns. The plurality of lens portions are provided with diffusion portions that diffuse the light to be projected at least in the vertical direction, and the diffusion degrees of the diffusion portions are different for each lens portion.

Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the vehicle lamp of the present disclosure, it is possible to gently change the degree of change while maintaining the brightness difference at a desired location at the edge of the projection light distribution pattern.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

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Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13

Figure 14

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Figure 16

Figure 17

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] An example of a vehicle lamp according to the present disclosure, specifically, Example 1 of the vehicle lamp 10, will be described with reference to the drawings. In FIGS. 6 to 11 showing each irradiation pattern, on a screen where the horizontal line H and the vertical line V intersect with the center position O of the irradiation by the vehicle lamp 10 (the projection optical axis Lp in the vehicle lamp 10) as the origin, the brightness distribution is shown as contour lines where the brightness increases towards the center. Further, in FIGS. 12 to 15, in order to facilitate understanding of the effects of each diffusion part 70, while showing each irradiation pattern (P1 to P3) as a simple diagram, the vicinity of the upper edge thereof is enlarged and shown. In FIGS. 12 to 15, the brightness of each irradiation pattern (P1 to P3) and each (81 to 83) is shown by the difference in the darkness of the color (the darker the color, the brighter) for easy understanding of each state, but it does not necessarily match the actual brightness pattern.

Example

[0010] The vehicle lamp 10 of Example 1 according to an embodiment of the vehicle lamp according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 16. The vehicle lamp 10 of Example 1 is used as a headlamp device for vehicles such as automobiles. The headlamp device is configured such that the vehicle lamp 10 is provided in a lamp chamber formed by a lamp housing whose open front end is covered with an outer lens, and is mounted on both the left and right sides of the front part of the vehicle. The vehicle lamp 10 is provided in the lamp chamber via a vertical optical axis adjustment mechanism and a horizontal optical axis adjustment mechanism, and appropriately irradiates the front of the vehicle. In the following description, in the vehicle lamp 10, the direction in which the vehicle travels is defined as the front-rear direction (denoted as Z in the drawings), the vertical direction when the front-rear direction is along the horizontal plane is defined as the up-down direction (denoted as Y in the drawings), and the direction orthogonal to the front-rear direction and the up-down direction (horizontal direction) is defined as the width direction (denoted as X in the drawings). In the front-rear direction, the side where the projection lens 14 described later is provided is defined as the front side, and in the up-down direction, the side where the reflector member 13 described later is provided is defined as the upper side. Here, since the vehicle lamp 10 provided on the right side of the vehicle and the vehicle lamp 10 provided on the left side have basically the same configuration but are inverted in the width direction (left and right), hereinafter, the vehicle lamp 10 provided on the right side will be used for the description.

[0011] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the vehicle lamp 10 according to the first embodiment has a light source unit 12, a reflector member 13, and a projection lens 14 attached to a mounting member 11 to form a projector-type lamp unit. The mounting member 11 is a location where the light source unit 12 is provided, and is formed of an aluminum plate, aluminum die-cast, or resin having heat conductivity, and functions as a heat sink that releases the heat generated by the light source unit 12 to the outside as a whole. The mounting member 11 has a light source mounting portion 21 and a lens mounting portion 22.

[0012] As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the light source mounting portion 21 is in the shape of a flat plate orthogonal to the vertical direction, and the light source unit 12 is mounted at a predetermined position. Mounting pieces 23 are provided on both sides in the width direction of the light source mounting portion 21. Both of these mounting pieces 23 are formed by being bent upward in the vertical direction from the light source mounting portion 21. Both mounting pieces 23 fix the mounting member 11, that is, the vehicle lamp 10, to the lamp housing via a bracket (not shown).

[0013] The lens mounting portion 22 is in the shape of a flat plate substantially orthogonal to the vertical direction, is provided on the front side in the front-rear direction of the light source mounting portion 21, and is positioned below the light source mounting portion 21 in the vertical direction with a step. The lens mounting portion 22 constitutes a location for mounting the projection lens 14, and positions the projection lens 14 on the front side in the front-rear direction of the light source unit 12 mounted on the light source mounting portion 21.

[0014] In this mounting member 11, four positioning holes 11a and three screw-through holes 11b are provided. Each positioning hole 11a is capable of fitting a positioning projection 13a of the reflector member 13 described later. Each screw-through hole 11b is capable of passing a screw 24. In this mounting member 11, a plurality of heat dissipation fins can be provided, and the heat generated by the light source unit 12 mounted on the light source mounting portion 21 may be mainly dissipated to the outside from each heat dissipation fin. In the mounting member 11, a cooling fan unit may be appropriately provided to enhance the cooling efficiency.

[0015] The light source unit 12 includes a first light source 31, a second light source 32, a pair of third light sources 33, a fourth light source 34, a connector terminal 35, and a substrate 36 on which they are mounted. These five light sources (31 to 34) are composed of light-emitting elements such as LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes). The five light sources (31 to 34) are provided at positions corresponding to the respective reflector units (41 to 44) described later. This positional relationship will be described later.

[0016] The connector terminal 35 is electrically connected to the wiring pattern of the substrate 36, and a connection connector connected to the lighting control circuit is detachable. The connector terminal 35 is provided at the rear end of the substrate 36 in the front-rear direction, and the attachment and detachment of the connection connector are facilitated. When the connection connector is attached to the connector terminal 35, it enables the supply of power from the lighting control circuit to each light source (31 to 34) via the wiring pattern.

[0017] The substrate 36 is formed in a plate shape made of an aluminum substrate, and each light source (31 to 34) is mounted thereon. Note that the substrate 36 may be formed of a resin material such as a glass epoxy substrate or other materials. The substrate 36 is provided with a wiring pattern for electrically connecting each light source (31 to 34) and the connector terminal 35. In addition, in the substrate 36, a positioning hole 36a is provided corresponding to the central positioning hole 11a of the light source mounting portion 21 of the mounting member 11, and a screw-through hole 36b is provided corresponding to the screw-through hole 11b near it. The substrate 36 is attached to the mounting member 11 (light source mounting portion 21) by passing the positioning projection 13a of the reflector member 13 described later through the positioning hole 36a and screwing a screw 24 passed through the screw-through hole 36b into the screw hole 13b of the reflector member 13 described later. The substrate 36 appropriately supplies power from the lighting control circuit via the connector terminal 35 to appropriately light each light source (31 to 34).

[0018] The reflector member 13 is a molded product made of a resin material, and is integrally provided with a first reflector portion 41, a second reflector portion 42, a pair of third reflector portions 43, and a fourth reflector portion 44. Each reflector portion (41 to 44) has a reflecting surface Rs that is curved so as to cover the corresponding light source (31 to 34), and each reflecting surface Rs reflects the light emitted from the corresponding light source (31 to 34) toward the projection lens 14. Each of these reflecting surfaces Rs is provided inside the corresponding reflector portion (41 to 44). Each reflecting surface Rs is a bowl-shaped free-form surface based on an ellipse having the corresponding light source (31 to 34) (its center position or the vicinity thereof) as the first focus and the vicinity of the lens portions (51 to 54) of the corresponding projection lens 14 described later as the second focus. Thereby, each reflector portion (41 to 44) can efficiently cause the light emitted from each light source (31 to 34) to travel to the corresponding lens portion (51 to 54).

[0019] Here, in the vehicle lamp 10 of the first embodiment, the third light source 33 and the third reflector portion 43 are provided in pairs. The third light sources 33 are arranged side by side in the width direction with a slight interval therebetween. The first foci of the ellipses on which the third reflector portions 43 are each based are set in accordance with the two third light sources 33, and the bowl-shaped free-form surfaces are joined together in the middle. Then, the two third reflector portions 43 can efficiently cause the light emitted from each third light source 33 to travel to the corresponding lens portion (53).

[0020] The reflector member 13 is provided with four positioning protrusions 13a (see FIG. 3) and three screw holes 13b (see FIG. 4). Each positioning protrusion 13a is in the form of a rod protruding downward in the vertical direction at a position that does not obstruct the optical path from each reflector portion (41 to 44). Each screw hole 13b is provided in the vicinity of the corresponding positioning protrusion 13a at a position that does not obstruct the optical path from each reflector portion (41 to 44), and it is possible to screw in a screw 24 for fixing.

[0021] The reflector member 13 is fixed to the mounting member 11 by screwing screws 24 into the respective screw holes 13b while being positioned by the respective positioning protrusions 13a with the light source unit 12 interposed between the reflector member 13 and the light source mounting portion 21. Then, the light source unit 12 is fixed to the mounting portion 21a which is the upper surface of the light source mounting portion 21 of the mounting member 11. As a result, on the mounting portion 21a, each light source (31 to 34) mounted on the substrate 36 faces the corresponding reflector portion (41 to 44).

[0022] In this reflector member 13, two partition wall portions 25 (see FIG. 2) are provided. Each partition wall portion 25 is positioned between the first lens portion 51 and the second lens portion 52, and between the second lens portion 52 and the third lens portion 53, which will be described later, of the projection lens 14, and is in the form of a plate extending in the vertical direction.

[0023] The projection lens 14 projects the light reflected by the reflector member 13 (each reflecting surface Rs) forward of the vehicle to form a desired projection light distribution pattern (in the first embodiment, the passing light distribution pattern LP (see FIG. 11)). This projection lens 14 is a molded product made of a resin material, and as shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, a first lens portion 51, a second lens portion 52, a third lens portion 53, and a fourth lens portion 54 are integrally provided. Each lens portion (51 to 54) is positioned at a position facing the corresponding reflector portion (41 to 44), that is, in the direction in which the light from the corresponding light source (31 to 34) is reflected by the reflector portion (41 to 44). Specifically, in the projection lens 14, in the width direction, the first lens portion 51, the second lens portion 52, the third lens portion 53, and the fourth lens portion 54 are provided adjacent to each other in this order from the inner side of the vehicle (the left side in FIGS. 3 to 5).

[0024] Each of these lens units (51 to 54) has a focus (rear focus) positioned in the vicinity of a rear wall portion (41b to 44b (see FIG. 4)) of the corresponding reflector unit (41 to 44), which will be described later. By irradiating light from the corresponding reflector unit (41 to 44), each lens unit (51 to 54) forms, on a screen where a horizontal line H and a vertical line V intersect with the central position O of the irradiation by the vehicle lamp 10 as the origin, a plurality of light distribution images of the rear wall portion (41b to 44b) (a predetermined region in its vicinity) at positions according to the optical characteristics by appropriately overlapping them. In this vehicle lamp 10, in order to achieve such an optical setting, the distance in the front-rear direction from each light source (31 to 34) to the rear wall portion (41b to 44b) of the reflector unit (41 to 44) is set to be as small as 5 mm or less. At the rear wall portion (41b to 44b), the portion slightly above the lower end is the brightest due to the light from the light sources (31 to 34). In each light distribution image, the vicinity of the lower end is the brightest because it is projected by each lens unit (51 to 54) and is inverted vertically. As a result, in the vehicle lamp 10, as will be described later, it is possible to ensure a contrast between light and darkness in the vicinity of the cut-off line CL of the passing light distribution pattern LP. Such optical characteristics can be set by adjusting the curvature (surface shape) of each lens unit (51 to 54) for each location, and in the first embodiment, the curvature is set to change gradually.

[0025] The first lens unit 51 is a convex lens, the second lens unit 52 is a concave lens, the third lens unit 53 is a concave lens, and the fourth lens unit 54 is a concave lens. The first lens unit 51 and the second lens unit 52 are configured to extend substantially in the width direction. The third lens unit 53 is tilted slightly rearward relative to the second lens unit 52 so as to be displaced rearward as it goes outward. The fourth lens unit 54 is tilted more rearward relative to the third lens unit 53 so as to be displaced rearward as it goes outward. As a result, the projection lens 14 as a whole is configured to go rearward (slant) in the front-rear direction as it goes from the inner side to the outer side in the width direction, and can be formed into a shape that matches the shape of the installation position of the vehicle (outer lens).

[0026] Here, in the projection lens 14 of the first embodiment, the first lens unit 51 is a convex lens in that the first exit surface 51a is a substantially smooth curved surface, while the first entrance surface 51b is a convex surface that bulges toward the first light source 31 (the first reflector unit 41). Further, the second lens unit 52 is a concave lens in that the second exit surface 52a is a substantially smooth curved surface, while the second entrance surface 52b is a concave surface that is recessed on the side opposite to the second light source 32 (the second reflector unit 42). Furthermore, the third lens unit 53 is a concave lens in that the third exit surface 53a is a substantially smooth curved surface, while the third entrance surface 53b is a concave surface that is recessed on the side opposite to the third light source 33 (the third reflector unit 43). And the fourth lens unit 54 is a concave lens in that the fourth exit surface 54a is a substantially smooth curved surface, while the fourth entrance surface 54b is a concave surface that is recessed on the side opposite to the fourth light source 34 (the fourth reflector unit 44). The curvature of each of these entrance surfaces (from 51b to 54b) is set according to the optical settings in each of the irradiation units (61 to 64) described later.

[0027] And in the projection lens 14 of the first embodiment, from the inner side in the width direction, the first exit surface 51a, the second exit surface 52a, and the third exit surface 53a are arranged continuously side by side to form a single curved surface. Here, the single curved surface means that there are no bending points and the change in curvature is continuous. Also, in the projection lens 14 of the first embodiment, the third exit surface 53a and the fourth exit surface 54a are adjacent to each other via the bending surface portion 55. The third exit surface 53a and the fourth exit surface 54a are single curved surfaces whose directions are changed by the bending surface portion 55 and extend in different directions respectively.

[0028] As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the projection lens 14 is provided with two positioning holes 14a and one threaded hole 14b. Each positioning hole 14a is provided one by one on both outer sides of the region where each lens part (51 to 54) is provided in the width direction, and it is possible to fit the corresponding positioning protrusion 13a of the reflector member 13. The threaded hole 14b is capable of passing a screw 24 through. The projection lens 14 is attached between the attachment member 11 (lens attachment part 22) and the reflector member 13 by passing each positioning protrusion 13a of the reflector member 13 through the positioning hole 14a and screwing the screw 24 passed through the threaded hole 14b into the screw hole 13b of the reflector member 13. Thereby, the projection lens 14 is in a positional relationship in which each lens part (51 to 54) faces the corresponding reflector part (41 to 44).

[0029] In the vehicle lamp 10 of the present disclosure, as shown in FIG. 5, diffusion parts 70 are provided on each incident surface (51b to 54b) of each lens part (51 to 54) of the projection lens 14. Each diffusion part 70 diffuses the light passing through each incident surface (51b to 54b) at least in the vertical direction, and diffuses in the vertical, horizontal, and left and right directions in the first embodiment. Each diffusion part 70 is formed by fine irregularities provided on each provided incident surface (51b to 54b), and the degree of diffusion can be adjusted by adjusting its size and angle. These irregularities can be, for example, in a lattice shape, a parallelogram shape, a diamond shape, a shape in which linear grooves are arranged in parallel, or the like. Thereby, each lens part (51 to 54) diffuses the light emitted from the corresponding light source (31 to 34) and reflected by the reflector part (41 to 44) according to the degree of diffusion set by each diffusion part 70 and emits it forward in the front-rear direction.

[0030] Hereinafter, each diffusion part 70 includes a first diffusion part 71 provided in the first lens part 51, a second diffusion part 72 provided in the second lens part 52, a third diffusion part 73 provided in the third lens part 53, and a fourth diffusion part 74 provided in the fourth lens part 54. And each diffusion part 70 has at least different diffusion degrees for the first diffusion part 71, the second diffusion part 72, and the third diffusion part 73. The diffusion degree is set such that the first diffusion part 71 has the smallest value, the second diffusion part 72 has a value larger than that of the first diffusion part 71, and the third diffusion part 73 has the largest value. Note that the diffusion degree of the fourth diffusion part 74 may be set as appropriate, but in the first embodiment, it is set to be larger than the other diffusion parts (71, 72, 73).

[0031] Next, the positional relationship and the like of each reflector part (41 to 44) will be described. First, each reflector part (41 to 44) cooperates with the corresponding light source (31 to 34) and lens part (51 to 54) to form an irradiation unit that forms a predetermined irradiation pattern. Specifically, the first reflector part 41, the first light source 31, and the first lens part 51 constitute the first irradiation unit 61, and the second reflector part 42, the second light source 32, and the second lens part 52 constitute the second irradiation unit 62. Also, a pair of third reflector parts 43, a pair of third light sources 33, and the third lens part 53 constitute the third irradiation unit 63, and the fourth reflector part 44, the fourth light source 34, and the fourth lens part 54 constitute the fourth irradiation unit 64.

[0032] Here, in each irradiation unit (61 to 64), the lens optical axis, which is the optical axis of each lens part (51 to 54), is used as the projection optical axis in each unit. Hereinafter, the axis of the first irradiation unit 61 is defined as the first projection optical axis Lp1, the axis of the second irradiation unit 62 is defined as the second projection optical axis Lp2, the axis of the third irradiation unit 63 is defined as the third projection optical axis Lp3, and the axis of the fourth irradiation unit 64 is defined as the fourth projection optical axis Lp4 (see FIG. 4).

[0033] In the first irradiation unit 61, as shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the first reflector portion 41 is provided at the innermost position in the width direction, and its first projection optical axis Lp1 substantially coincides with the front-rear direction. This first reflector portion 41 has a bowl shape on the horizontal plane, and the open end 41a from which light is emitted is located on the front side in the front-rear direction, and the back wall portion 41b that is the apex of the bowl shape is located on the rear side in the front-rear direction. On the front side in the front-rear direction of the first reflector portion 41, that is, on the first projection optical axis Lp1, the first lens portion 51 of the projection lens 14 is located.

[0034] In this first reflector portion 41, the lower end of the back wall portion 41b is a cut-off forming surface. This cut-off forming surface has a shape in which two horizontal edges with different heights are joined by inclined edges at the lower end in order to form a cut-off line CL (see FIGS. 6 and 11) in the passing light distribution pattern LP described later. For this reason, the first reflector portion 41 forms the shape of the edge (lower end) of the back wall portion 41b as the shape of the edge (cut-off line CL) of the passing light distribution pattern LP as a projection light distribution pattern by the first lens portion 51. The first reflector portion 41 has the first light source 31 positioned near the first focal point of its reflecting surface Rs, and reflects the light from there toward the first lens portion 51. The first lens portion 51 projects the light reflected by the first reflector portion 41 in the direction of the first projection optical axis Lp1. At this time, since the first lens portion 51 is a convex lens, it condenses the light from the first reflector portion 41 and causes it to travel in the direction of the first projection optical axis Lp1. Note that even when the vehicle lamp 10 is provided on the left side of the vehicle, the relationship between the direction of the inclination and the height of the cut-off forming surface is not inverted in the width direction. That is, the vehicle lamp 10 is made to be inverted in the width direction between the right side and the left side of the vehicle, but the inclinations of the cut-off forming surfaces are the same as each other.

[0035] As a result, as shown in FIG. 6, the first irradiation unit 61 forms, on the above-described screen, a first irradiation pattern P1 as a condensing irradiation pattern that condenses the light from the first light source 31. In this first irradiation pattern P1, a cut-off line CL in which two horizontal edges having different heights are joined by inclined edges is provided on the upper side. The first irradiation pattern P1 positions the cut-off line CL on the projection optical axis Lp, collects light below the cut-off line CL to emphasize the brightness, and makes the brightness contrast of the cut-off line CL clear.

[0036] In the second irradiation unit 62, as shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the second reflector portion 42 is provided adjacent to the first reflector portion 41 on the outer side in the width direction. The second projection optical axis Lp2 of the second reflector portion 42 is substantially aligned in the front-rear direction. In the first embodiment, the open end 42a of the second reflector portion 42 is positioned on the front side in the front-rear direction, and the back wall portion 42b serving as the apex of the bowl shape is positioned on the rear side in the front-rear direction. The second lens portion 52 of the projection lens 14 is positioned on the second projection optical axis Lp2 of the second reflector portion 42. The second lens portion 52 is adjacent to the first lens portion 51 on the outer side in the width direction with respect to the first lens portion 51.

[0037] The second reflector portion 42 reflects the light from the second light source 32 located near the first focal point of the reflecting surface Rs thereof toward the second lens portion 52. The second lens portion 52 projects the light reflected by the second reflector portion 42 in the direction of the second projection optical axis Lp2. At this time, since the second lens portion 52 is a concave lens, it diffuses the light from the second reflector portion 42 and causes it to travel in the direction of the second projection optical axis Lp2. In the second lens portion 52 of the first embodiment, the degree of concavity of the concave second incident surface 52b, that is, the curvature of the second incident surface 52b, is made smaller than that of the other concave second incident surfaces 53b and 54b.

[0038] As a result, as shown in FIG. 7, the second irradiation unit 62 forms, on the above-described screen, a second irradiation pattern P2 as a medium-diffusion irradiation pattern in which the light from the second light source 32 is diffused. The center of brightness of this second irradiation pattern P2 is positioned inside (left side) in the width direction from the projection optical axis Lp, and its upper edge substantially coincides with the horizontal edge below the cut-off line CL of the first irradiation pattern P1. The second irradiation pattern P2 is located below the cut-off line CL of the first irradiation pattern P1, includes substantially the entire area of the first irradiation pattern P1 while greatly expanding to the left side thereof, and brightens a wider area than the first irradiation pattern P1.

[0039] In the third irradiation unit 63, as shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, a pair of third reflector parts 43 are provided on the outermost side and in parallel with the second reflector part 42 in the width direction. In the pair of third reflector parts 43, the third projection optical axis Lp3 set therebetween is aligned in the front-rear direction or slightly inclined outward from the front-rear direction. The pair of third reflector parts 43 are bowl-shaped on the horizontal plane, and the open end 43a from which light is emitted is positioned on the front side in the front-rear direction, and a pair of inner wall portions 43b serving as the apexes of the bowl shape are positioned on the rear side in the front-rear direction. On the front side in the front-rear direction of the pair of third reflector parts 43, that is, on the third projection optical axis Lp3, the third lens part 53 of the projection lens 14 is positioned.

[0040] The pair of third reflector parts 43 reflect the light from the third light source 33 positioned near the first focal point of the respective reflection surfaces Rs toward the third lens part 53. The third lens part 53 projects the light reflected by each third reflector part 43 in the direction along the third projection optical axis Lp3. At this time, since the third lens part 53 is a concave lens and the third reflector parts 43 are paired and arranged in the width direction, while diffusing the light reflected by each third reflector part 43, they are made to travel in a parallel state. In the pair of third reflector parts 43 of the first embodiment, the degree of concavity of the third incident surface 53b that is concave, that is, the curvature of the third incident surface 53b, is made larger than that of the second incident surface 52b as compared with the incident surfaces (52b, 54b) of other concave surfaces.

[0041] Then, the third irradiation unit 63 forms an inner third irradiation pattern P3i that greatly diffuses the light from the corresponding third light source 33 on the above-described screen with the light reflected by the inner third reflector portion 43 of the pair of third reflector portions 43, as shown in FIG. 8. The center of brightness of this inner third irradiation pattern P3i is positioned outside (to the right side) in the width direction from the projection optical axis Lp. Further, the third irradiation unit 63 forms an outer third irradiation pattern P3o that greatly diffuses the light from the corresponding third light source 33 on the above-described screen with the light reflected by the outer third reflector portion 43 of the pair of third reflector portions 43, as shown in FIG. 9. The center of brightness of this outer third irradiation pattern P3o is positioned between the inner third irradiation pattern P3i (the center of its brightness) and the projection optical axis Lp in the width direction. The third irradiation unit 63 forms the third irradiation pattern P3 by simultaneously forming the inner third irradiation pattern P3i and the outer third irradiation pattern P3o. The upper edge of this third irradiation pattern P3 substantially coincides with the horizontal edge below the cut-off line CL of the first irradiation pattern P1. The third irradiation pattern P3 extends greatly outward while partially overlapping the first irradiation pattern P1 and the second irradiation pattern P2 below the cut-off line CL of the first irradiation pattern P1, and brightens a wider area than the first irradiation pattern P1 and the second irradiation pattern P2.

[0042] In the fourth irradiation unit 64, as shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the fourth reflector portion 44 is provided between the second reflector portion 42 and the pair of third reflector portions 43 in the width direction and in front of them in the front-rear direction. In other words, the fourth reflector portion 44 is positioned in front of the second reflector portion 42 (its open end 42a) and the pair of third reflector portions 43 (their open ends 43a), and thus is positioned between the second reflector portion 42 adjacent in the width direction and the pair of third reflector portions 43. The fourth projection optical axis Lp4 of this fourth reflector portion 44 is inclined outward at an angle between 40 degrees and 80 degrees with respect to the front-rear direction.

[0043] This fourth reflector portion 44 is bowl-shaped on a horizontal plane, and an open end 44a from which light is emitted is located on the front side and the outer side, and a back wall portion 44b that is the apex of the bowl shape is located on the rear side and the inner side. At a position facing the fourth reflector portion 44, that is, on the fourth projection optical axis Lp4, a fourth lens portion 54 that is the outermost in the projection lens 14 is located. Thus, in the width direction, the order of arrangement of the pair of third reflector portions 43 and fourth reflector portions 44 and the order of arrangement of the third lens portion 53 and fourth lens portion 54 are reversed, and the optical paths (both projection optical axes Lp3, Lp4) of the second irradiation unit 62 and the third irradiation unit 63 intersect each other.

[0044] The fourth reflector portion 44 reflects light from a fourth light source 34 located near the first focal point of its reflecting surface Rs toward the fourth lens portion 54. The fourth lens portion 54 projects the light reflected by the fourth reflector portion 44 in the direction of the fourth projection optical axis Lp4. At this time, since the fourth lens portion 54 is a concave lens and the fourth projection optical axis Lp4 is largely inclined outward, while diffusing the light reflected by the fourth reflector portion 44, it makes the light travel in the direction of the fourth projection optical axis Lp4 and significantly outward (right side in FIG. 4) in the width direction from the projection optical axis Lp of the vehicle lamp 10. In the fourth lens portion 54 of the first embodiment, the degree of concavity of the fourth incident surface 54b, that is, the curvature of the fourth incident surface 54b, is made larger compared to the incident surfaces (52b, 53b) of other concave surfaces.

[0045] Thereby, as shown in FIG. 10, the fourth irradiation unit 64 diffuses the light from the fourth light source 34 on the above screen to form a fourth irradiation pattern P4. This fourth irradiation pattern P4 has the center of brightness located significantly outward (right side) in the width direction from the projection optical axis Lp. The fourth irradiation pattern P4 overlaps a part of the third irradiation pattern P3 and brightens a wide area on the outer side (right side) in its width direction (see FIG. 11). The fourth irradiation pattern P4 can irradiate the side of an oncoming vehicle light distribution pattern LP described later, and functions as a so-called side irradiation pattern that can illuminate a position that may be a blind spot only with the oncoming vehicle light distribution pattern LP.

[0046] The vehicle lamp 10 can form the passing light distribution pattern LP as shown in Fig. 11 by turning on the first light source 31, the second light source 32, and the third light source 33 to simultaneously form and overlap the first irradiation pattern P1, the second irradiation pattern P2, and the third irradiation pattern P3. This passing light distribution pattern LP has a cut-off line CL on the projection optical axis Lp, and can brighten a large area in the width direction below the cut-off line CL while making the vicinity of the projection optical axis Lp the brightest.

[0047] Also, when the vehicle lamp 10 forms the passing light distribution pattern LP, by turning on the fourth light source 34 to form the fourth irradiation pattern P4, it is possible to brighten the outside (the right side in Fig. 11) while partially overlapping the passing light distribution pattern LP. Thereby, in addition to the passing light distribution pattern LP, the vehicle lamp 10 can ensure a wide field of view on the right side thereof. Here, when an operation of sharply turning the steering of the mounted vehicle to the right or an operation of turning on the right turn signal is performed, the vehicle lamp 10 is configured to turn on the fourth light source 34 in conjunction with these operations, so that a wide field of view can be automatically ensured according to the operation of the vehicle, and driving can be appropriately supported. Further, the vehicle lamp 10 may be configured to turn on the fourth light source 34 according to an operation on an operation unit for turning on the fourth light source 34 provided on the vehicle to form the fourth irradiation pattern P4. Furthermore, when forming the passing light distribution pattern LP, the vehicle lamp 10 may always form the fourth irradiation pattern P4. When the vehicle lamp 10 is provided on the left side of the vehicle, the fourth irradiation pattern P4 is formed on the left side of the passing light distribution pattern LP in conjunction with an operation of sharply turning the steering to the left or an operation of turning on the left turn signal.

[0048] At this time, the vehicle lamp 10 is provided with diffusion portions 70 on the respective incident surfaces (51b to 54b) of the respective lens portions (51 to 54). For this reason, the vehicle lamp 10 forms a diffusion region 80 over the entire circumference outside the contour while maintaining the contour in each irradiation pattern (P1 to P4 (see FIGS. 6 to 10)) formed by the light emitted from the respective lens portions (51 to 54). The brightness and size (area) of this diffusion region 80 can be adjusted according to the degree of diffusion of the corresponding diffusion portion 70. Hereinafter, this will be described with reference to FIGS. 12 to 16. Note that the diffusion region 80 is formed over the entire circumference outside each irradiation pattern, but hereinafter, the one provided above each irradiation pattern will be used for the description.

[0049] Here, FIGS. 12 to 15 partially enlarge and show the upper edges (pa1 to pa3) in the vicinity of the vertical line V in three irradiation patterns (P1 to P3). Here, the passing light distribution pattern LP is formed by overlapping three irradiation patterns (P1, P2, P3), and the upper edges of the second irradiation pattern P2 and the third irradiation pattern P3 substantially coincide with the horizontal edge below the cut-off line CL of the first irradiation pattern P1. Hereinafter, this height position will be referred to as position cl, and in FIGS. 12 to 15, position cl is indicated by a two-dot chain line.

[0050] And FIG. 16 is a graph showing the brightness of the portion indicated by the extraction line EL shown in FIG. 15. The vertical axis represents the position in the vertical direction on the extraction line EL, and the horizontal axis represents the brightness. On the vertical axis, the upper edge of the third diffusion portion 73 described later is taken as the extraction position e3, the upper edge of the second diffusion portion 72 is taken as the extraction position e2, and the upper edge of the first diffusion portion 71 is taken as the extraction position e1 (see FIG. 15).

[0051] The first lens unit 51 forms a first diffusion region 81 (see FIG. 12) above the first irradiation pattern P1 to be formed by providing the first diffusion unit 71. As shown in FIG. 12, this first diffusion region 81 is in the shape of a strip with a width w1 along the cut-off line CL of the first irradiation pattern P1 above the cut-off line CL of the first irradiation pattern P1. Therefore, the first lens unit 51 irradiates the first diffusion region 81 so as to blur the first irradiation pattern P1 above the first irradiation pattern P1 by providing the first diffusion unit 71.

[0052] The second lens unit 52 forms a second diffusion region 82 (see FIG. 13) above the second irradiation pattern P2 to be formed by providing the second diffusion unit 72. As shown in FIG. 13, this second diffusion region 82 is in the shape of a strip with a width w2 along the upper edge above the second irradiation pattern P2. This width w2 is made larger than the width w1. This is because the degree of diffusion of the second diffusion unit 72 is made larger than that of the first diffusion unit 71. Therefore, the second lens unit 52 irradiates the second diffusion region 82 so as to blur the second irradiation pattern P2 above the second irradiation pattern P2 by providing the second diffusion unit 72, and the second diffusion region 82 is made larger than the first diffusion region 81.

[0053] The third lens unit 53 forms a third diffusion region 83 (see FIG. 14) above the third irradiation pattern P3 to be formed by providing the third diffusion unit 73. As shown in FIG. 14, this third diffusion region 83 is in the shape of a strip with a width w3 along the upper edge above the cut-off line CL of the third irradiation pattern P3. This width w3 is made larger than the width w2. This is because the degree of diffusion of the third diffusion unit 73 is made larger than that of the second diffusion unit 72. Therefore, the third lens unit 53 irradiates the third diffusion region 83 so as to blur the third irradiation pattern P3 above the third irradiation pattern P3 by providing the third diffusion unit 73, and the third diffusion region 83 is made larger than the second diffusion region 82.

[0054] Further, each of the diffusion regions (81, 82, 83) is made to have different brightness according to the difference in the degree of diffusion. This is because as the degree of diffusion increases and the diffusion region 80 becomes larger, the density decreases. For this reason, the first diffusion region 81 is the brightest, the second diffusion region 82 is darker than that, and the third diffusion region 83 is the darkest (see FIG. 16 etc.). In particular, in the first embodiment, the first diffusion region 81 is a small blurred version of the first irradiation pattern P1 formed by condensing light, the second diffusion region 82 is a blurred version of the second irradiation pattern P2 formed by diffusion, and the third diffusion region 83 is a largely blurred version of the third irradiation pattern P3 formed by further diffusion. For this reason, the three diffusion regions (81, 82, 83) can more appropriately provide the difference in brightness as described above.

[0055] Since the passing light distribution pattern LP is formed by overlapping the three irradiation patterns (P1, P2, P3) as described above, as shown in FIG. 15, above the horizontal edge below the cut-off line CL, the first diffusion region 81, the second diffusion region 82, and the third diffusion region 83 overlap. Specifically, on the extraction line EL, only the third diffusion region 83 exists between the extraction position e3 and the extraction position e2, and the second diffusion region 82 and the third diffusion region 83 overlap between the extraction position e2 and the extraction position e1. Also, on the extraction line EL, the first diffusion region 81, the second diffusion region 82, and the third diffusion region 83 overlap between the extraction position e1 and the position cl. For this reason, above the cut-off line CL, as shown in FIG. 16, the brightness is assumed to change in three steps between the extraction position e3 and the position cl.

[0056] Here, below the position cl, that is, below the cut-off line CL, three irradiation patterns (P1 to P3) are superimposed, so it is much brighter above the position cl, that is, much brighter than the location where the respective diffusion regions (81, 82, 83) are superimposed. For this reason, in the passing light distribution pattern LP, the position of the position cl, that is, the cut-off line CL, is made clear, and it is possible to prevent the upper edges of the respective diffusion regions (81, 82, 83) from being misrecognized as the cut-off line CL. Thereby, when the vehicle lamp 10 performs optical axis adjustment in accordance with the position of the cut-off line CL, it is possible to prevent any of the positions of the respective diffusion regions (81, 82, 83) from being erroneously used as a reference.

[0057] Next, the problems of the conventional vehicle lamp technology will be described. The conventional vehicle lamp forms a predetermined projection light distribution pattern by superimposing at least a part of a plurality of irradiation patterns. By the way, at the edge of the projection light distribution pattern, even in a place where a brightness difference is required, it is required that the degree of change does not become too abrupt. However, since the conventional vehicle lamp obtains the required brightness difference by superimposing a plurality of irradiation patterns, it is difficult to gently moderate the degree of change while maintaining the brightness difference.

[0058] In contrast, the vehicle lamp 10 of the present disclosure forms a stagger light distribution pattern LP as a projection light distribution pattern by overlapping a first irradiation pattern P1 formed by the projection of the first lens part 51, a second irradiation pattern P2 formed by the projection of the second lens part 52, and a third irradiation pattern P3 formed by the projection of the third lens part 53. Further, the vehicle lamp 10 is provided with a first diffusion part 71 in the first lens part 51, a second diffusion part 72 in the second lens part 52, and a third diffusion part 73 in the third lens part 53. And the vehicle lamp 10 makes the diffusion degree of the first diffusion part 71 the smallest, makes the diffusion degree of the second diffusion part 72 larger than that of the first diffusion part 71, and makes the diffusion degree of the third diffusion part 73 the largest. For this reason, the vehicle lamp 10 can be provided with, by overlapping, a first diffusion region 81 that is the smallest and brightest, a second diffusion region 82 that is larger and darker than that, and a third diffusion region 83 that is the largest and darkest, outside the location (cut-off line CL in the first embodiment) where the three irradiation patterns (P1 to P3) are overlapped and a brightness difference is required. For this reason, the vehicle lamp 10 can provide a region where the brightness changes in three steps outside the location (cut-off line CL) where the brightness difference in the stagger light distribution pattern LP is required, and can substantially make the degree of change in the brightness at the edge of the cut-off line CL gentle.

[0059] Here, in order to make the change in the brightness of the cut-off line CL gentle, it is conceivable to shift the position of each irradiation pattern with respect to the cut-off line CL. However, if the positions of the respective irradiation patterns are shifted, the cut-off line CL itself will become blurred, and it will be difficult to provide an appropriate brightness difference.

[0060] On the other hand, the vehicle lamp 10 overlaps the three irradiation patterns (P1 to P3) by making the upper edges of the second irradiation pattern P2 and the third irradiation pattern P3 substantially coincide with the horizontal edge below the cut-off line CL of the first irradiation pattern P1. And the vehicle lamp 10 provides diffusion regions (81, 82, 83) of different sizes and brightnesses in each irradiation pattern (P1 to P3), thereby providing a region where the brightness changes in three steps above the cut-off line CL. For this reason, the vehicle lamp 10 can ensure an appropriate brightness difference while making the position of the cut-off line CL clear, and can make the change in brightness outside it gentle.

[0061] As an example of the vehicle lamp according to the present disclosure, the vehicle lamp 10 can obtain the following respective functions and effects.

[0062] The vehicle lamp 10 includes a projection lens 14 that projects the light emitted from the light sources (31 to 34) to form a projection light distribution pattern (the light distribution pattern LP for passing) that irradiates the front of the vehicle. The projection lens 14 is partitioned into a plurality of lens portions (51 to 54) that each project the light from the light source to individually form irradiation patterns (P1 to P4), and at least a part of the plurality of irradiation patterns are overlapped to form the projection light distribution pattern. The plurality of lens portions are provided with a diffusion portion 70 that diffuses the projected light at least in the vertical direction, and the diffusion degree of the diffusion portion 70 is different for each lens portion. For this reason, the vehicle lamp 10 can provide a region where the brightness changes step by step outside the portion where the brightness difference is required in the passing light distribution pattern LP (the cut-off line CL in the first embodiment), and can substantially make the degree of change in the brightness of the cut-off line CL gentle. Further, since the vehicle lamp 10 forms a region where the brightness changes step by step by using the differences in the size and brightness of the diffusion regions formed by them based on the difference in the diffusion degree of each diffusion portion 70, an appropriate brightness difference can be ensured while making the position of the cut-off line CL clear.

[0063] In addition, the vehicle lamp 10 has a first irradiation pattern P1 having a cut-off line and a second irradiation pattern P2 larger than the first irradiation pattern P1. The vehicle lamp 10 also has a first lens portion 51 that forms the first irradiation pattern P1 and a second lens portion 52 that forms the second irradiation pattern P2. Therefore, since the vehicle lamp 10 forms each diffusion region by overlapping two irradiation patterns (P1, P2) with different sizes and brightnesses, in addition to the difference in the degree of diffusion of each diffusion portion 70, by utilizing the optical settings of each lens portion (51, 52), the size and brightness of each diffusion region can be set. Thereby, the vehicle lamp 10 can more easily and appropriately set the degree of change in the brightness of the cut-off line CL.

[0064] Furthermore, in the vehicle lamp 10, the degree of diffusion of the first diffusion portion 71 of the first lens portion 51 is made smaller than that of the second diffusion portion 72 of the second lens portion 52. Therefore, the vehicle lamp 10 forms a first diffusion region 81 by slightly diffusing the first irradiation pattern P1 condensed for the cut-off line, and forms a second diffusion region 82 by diffusing the diffused second irradiation pattern P2. Thereby, the vehicle lamp 10 can provide, outside the location where a brightness difference is required (the cut-off line CL in the first embodiment), the smallest and brightest first diffusion region 81 and the larger and darker second diffusion region 82, overlapping each other. Thus, the vehicle lamp 10 can make the degree of change in the brightness of the cut-off line CL more appropriate.

[0065] The vehicle lamp 10 has a third irradiation pattern P3 that spreads in the width direction more than the second irradiation pattern P2, has a third lens portion 53 that forms the third irradiation pattern P3, and the degree of diffusion of the third diffusion portion 73 of the third lens portion 53 is made the largest. Therefore, since the vehicle lamp 10 forms each diffusion region by overlapping three irradiation patterns (P1 to P3) with different sizes and brightnesses, in addition to the difference in the degree of diffusion of each diffusion portion 70, by utilizing the optical settings of each lens portion (51 to 53), the size and brightness of each diffusion region can be set. Thereby, the vehicle lamp 10 can more easily and appropriately set the degree of change in the brightness of the cut-off line CL.

[0066] The vehicle lamp 10 includes a first light source 31 that projects light from the first lens unit 51, a second light source 32 that projects light from the second lens unit 52, and a third light source 33 that projects light from the third lens unit 53. Therefore, since the vehicle lamp 10 is configured such that light sources (31 to 33) are individually provided for each lens unit (51 to 53) to form irradiation patterns (P1 to P3), the size and brightness of each diffusion region (81, 82, 83) can also be individually set. Thereby, the vehicle lamp 10 can make the degree of change in the brightness of the cut-off line CL more appropriate.

[0067] The vehicle lamp 10 includes a first reflector unit 41 that reflects light from the first light source 31 and causes it to travel to the first lens unit 51, a second reflector unit 42 that reflects light from the second light source 32 and causes it to travel to the second lens unit 52, and a third reflector unit 43 that reflects light from the third light source 33 and causes it to travel to the third lens unit 53. Therefore, since the vehicle lamp 10 is configured to individually form irradiation patterns (P1 to P3) for each combination of the light source (31 to 33), the reflector unit (41 to 43), and the lens unit (51 to 53), the size and brightness of each diffusion region (81, 82, 83) can be more appropriately individually set.

[0068] In the vehicle lamp 10, it has a fourth irradiation pattern P4 that irradiates the outside of the third irradiation pattern P3, has a fourth lens portion 54 that forms the fourth irradiation pattern P4, and maximizes the degree of diffusion of the fourth diffusion portion 74 of the fourth lens portion 54. For this reason, the vehicle lamp 10 can form a diffusion region 80 (fourth diffusion region) outside the fourth irradiation pattern P4 that irradiates the outside in the width direction of the third irradiation pattern P3 and brightens a wide area, and can make the fourth diffusion region larger than each of the other diffusion regions (81, 82, 83). Thereby, the vehicle lamp 10 can form a fourth diffusion region that spreads greatly outside the fourth irradiation pattern P4, so that the change in brightness at the edge of the fourth irradiation pattern P4 can be made gentle. Also, the vehicle lamp 10 can reduce the change in brightness from the passing light distribution pattern LP to the fourth irradiation pattern P4 and connect them smoothly by the respective diffusion regions (81, 82, 83) and the fourth diffusion region, and can be recognized as one light distribution pattern without a sense of incongruity. Here, since the fourth diffusion region is made to spread more than the other diffusion regions (81, 82, 83), even a single fourth diffusion region can reduce the ratio of the change in brightness with respect to the distance from the edge of the fourth irradiation pattern P4. Also, since the fourth irradiation pattern P4 enhances the visibility of positions that can be blind spots, it is not a conspicuous place unlike above the cut-off line CL, so even a single fourth diffusion region can suppress a sense of incongruity.

[0069] Therefore, the vehicle lamp 10 of Example 1 as the vehicle lamp according to the present disclosure can gently reduce the degree of change while maintaining the brightness difference at a desired location at the edge of the passing light distribution pattern LP as the projection light distribution pattern.

[0070] As described above, the vehicle lamp of the present disclosure has been described based on Example 1. However, the specific configuration is not limited to Example 1, and design changes, additions, etc. are allowed as long as they do not depart from the gist of the invention according to each claim of the claims.

[0071] In the above-described Example 1, the reflector member 13 and the projection lens 14 control light to form a predetermined irradiation pattern. However, it may be controlled by only the reflector member, only the projection lens, or other configurations, and is not limited to the configuration of Example 1 described above.

[0072] Also, in the above-described Example 1, the fourth irradiation unit 64 forms the fourth irradiation pattern P4 that irradiates the side of the passing light distribution pattern LP. However, as long as at least a part of the plurality of irradiation patterns projected by the plurality of lens units are overlapped to form the passing light distribution pattern LP, and diffusion portions with different degrees of diffusion are provided in each lens unit, it is not necessary to form the fourth irradiation pattern P4, and it is not limited to the configuration of Example 1.

[0073] Furthermore, in the above-described Example 1, the light sources (31 to 33) and the reflector members (41 to 43) are individually corresponded to each lens unit (51 to 53) to form the irradiation patterns (P1 to P3). However, light from a single light source may be projected by each lens unit to form each irradiation pattern, and it is not necessary to provide a reflector member, and it is not limited to the configuration of Example 1.

[0074] In the above-described Example 1, in each lens unit (51 to 54), each diffusion unit 70 is provided as fine unevenness over the entire area of each incident surface (51b to 54b). However, the diffusion unit 70 may be provided on a part of the incident surface or the exit surface of the lens unit as long as it diffuses the light projected by the corresponding lens unit in the vertical direction, and is not limited to the configuration of Example 1. An example of this is shown in FIG. 17. The projection lens 14A in FIG. 17 has a first diffusion unit 71A of the first lens unit 51 and a second diffusion unit 72A of the second lens unit 52, which are different from the projection lens 14 of Example 1. The first diffusion unit 71A is provided within six rectangular frames on the first incident surface 51b. This first diffusion unit 71A forms a first diffusion region 81 in the same manner as in Example 1 by diffusing a part of the light incident on the first incident surface 51b, that is, the first lens unit 51. Also, the second diffusion unit 72A is provided in a region extending in the width direction at two upper and lower positions on the second incident surface 52b. This second diffusion unit 72A forms a second diffusion region 82 in the same manner as in Example 1 by diffusing a part of the light incident on the second incident surface 52b, that is, the second lens unit 52. Here, since the first diffusion unit 71A and the second diffusion unit 72A have a smaller occupied area on each incident surface compared to the first diffusion unit 71 and the second diffusion unit 72 of Example 1, only a part of the incident light is diffused, so the brightness of the formed diffusion region can be lowered. Thus, each diffusion unit 70 can adjust the brightness and size of the formed diffusion region by appropriately setting the degree of diffusion and the occupied area. Note that the shape in the case where the diffusion unit 70 is provided partially is not limited to the example shown in FIG. 17, and it may be provided in a grid pattern, at one location, or irregularly scattered, and can be set as appropriate.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0075] 10 Vehicle lamp 14 Projection lens 31 First light source 32 Second light source 33 Third light source 34 41 First reflector section 42 Second reflector section 43 Third reflector section 51 First lens section 52 Second lens section 53 Third lens section 70 Diffusion section 71 First diffusion section 73 Third diffusion section CL Cut-off line LP Overtaking irradiation pattern (as an example of a projection light distribution pattern) P1 First irradiation pattern P2 Second irradiation pattern P3 Third irradiation pattern

Claims

1. A projection lens that projects light emitted from a light source to form a projection light distribution pattern for irradiating the front of a vehicle, The projection lens is partitioned into a plurality of lens portions that each project light from the light source to individually form an irradiation pattern, The projection light distribution pattern is formed by overlapping at least a part of the plurality of irradiation patterns, A diffusing portion for diffusing the light to be projected in at least the vertical direction is provided in the plurality of lens portions, The vehicle lamp is characterized in that the diffusing portion has a different degree of diffusion for each lens portion.

2. The irradiation pattern has a first irradiation pattern having a cut-off line and a second irradiation pattern larger than the first irradiation pattern, The vehicle lamp according to claim 1, wherein the lens portion has a first lens portion that forms the first irradiation pattern and a second lens portion that forms the second irradiation pattern.

3. The vehicle lamp according to claim 2, wherein the degree of diffusion of the diffusing portion of the first lens portion is smaller than the degree of diffusion of the diffusing portion of the second lens portion.

4. The irradiation pattern has a third irradiation pattern that spreads in the width direction more than the second irradiation pattern, The lens portion has a third lens portion that forms the third irradiation pattern, The vehicle lamp according to claim 3, wherein the degree of diffusion of the diffusing portion of the third lens portion is the largest.

5. The vehicle lamp according to claim 4, wherein the light source has a first light source that projects light from the first lens portion, a second light source that projects light from the second lens portion, and a third light source that projects light from the third lens portion.

6. Furthermore, a first reflector portion that reflects light from the first light source and causes it to travel to the first lens portion, a second reflector portion that reflects light from the second light source and causes it to travel to the second lens portion, and a third reflector portion that reflects light from the third light source and causes it to travel to the third lens portion are provided. The vehicle lamp according to claim 5, characterized by comprising.

7. The irradiation pattern has a fourth irradiation pattern that irradiates the outside of the third irradiation pattern, The lens portion has a fourth lens portion that forms the fourth irradiation pattern, The vehicle lamp according to any one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that the degree of diffusion of the diffusion part of the fourth lens part is maximized.

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