Lens unit and vehicle lamp

Abstract

A lens unit (40) comprises: a plurality of lens members (60, 70, 80) having lens parts (61, 71, 81) that alter the divergence angle of light passing therethrough; and a lens holder (50) having a tubular support part (51) that has an opening (51h1) at one end thereof through which the plurality of lens members (60, 70, 80) can be inserted. The support part (51) supports the plurality of lens members (60, 70, 80) so as to be aligned along the central axis (51a) of the support part (51). Formed in a side wall of the support part (51) is a communication part (56) that puts the inside and outside of the support part 51 in communication and that exposes the outer circumferential part (62, 72, 82) of at least one of the plurality of lens members (60, 70, 80) from the support part (51).

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Lens units including a plurality of lenses and a lens holder that supports the plurality of lenses are known. For example, Patent Document 1 listed below discloses a vehicle lamp including such a lens unit.

[0003] The lens unit of Patent Document 1 below includes a plurality of lenses and a lens holder having a cylindrical support portion, and the support portion supports the plurality of lenses so that they are aligned along the central axis of the support portion.

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2019-021602 A Summary of the Invention

[0005] For this reason, in assembling the lens unit in Patent Document 1, for example, it is considered that a plurality of lenses are sequentially inserted into the support part from an opening at one end of the support part, and these lenses are supported by the support part. When the plurality of lenses are supported by the support part, the entire outer periphery of the plurality of lenses is surrounded by the support part. For this reason, for example, when an attempt is made to insert a lens into the support part while holding the outer periphery of the lens with a tool or the worker's fingers, the tool or the worker's fingers are likely to come into contact with the support part, making it difficult to support the lens at a predetermined position in the support part.

[0006] SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT EMBODIMENTS Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a lens unit and a vehicle lamp that can be easily assembled.

[0007] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the lens unit of the present invention comprises a plurality of lens elements having a lens portion that changes the divergence angle of light passing through, and a lens holder having a cylindrical support portion having an opening at one end through which each of the plurality of lens elements can be inserted, the support portion supports the plurality of lens elements so that they are aligned along the central axis of the support portion, and a communication portion is formed on a side wall of the support portion that connects the inside and outside of the support portion and exposes the outer periphery of at least one of the plurality of lens elements from the support portion.

[0008] In this lens unit, when the lens member exposed from the support part via the communicating part is supported by the support part, the lens member can be moved, for example, by pushing the outer periphery of the lens member with a tool or an operator's finger via the communicating part. Therefore, with this lens unit, the lens member can be supported at a predetermined position within the support part more easily than in a case where the communicating part is not formed, and assembly can be facilitated.

[0009] At least two of the lens members may be exposed from the communicating portion.

[0010] With such a configuration, for example, the relative positions of the at least two exposed lens members can be easily set to predetermined positions, making assembly easier.

[0011] In this case, pairs of adjacent lens elements among the at least two lens elements may be provided with mating portions that fit into each other, and the mating portions may overlap with the communicating portion when viewed along a straight line that intersects the central axis perpendicularly and passes through the center of the communicating portion, and may be located on the communicating portion side of the central axis.

[0012] By adopting such a configuration, it is possible to suppress deviation of the relative positions of one lens member and the other lens member in a pair of lens members, compared to a case where a fitting portion that fits into each other is not provided in a pair of adjacent lens members. Also, as described above, when viewed along a straight line that perpendicularly intersects with the central axis and passes through the center of the communicating portion, the fitting portion overlaps with the communicating portion and is located on the communicating portion side of the central axis of the support portion. Therefore, according to this lens unit, it is possible to make it easier to visually recognize the fitting portion through the communicating portion and to make it easier to fit the fitting portions into each other, compared to a case where the fitting portion does not overlap with the communicating portion when viewed in this manner, or a case where the fitting portion is located on the opposite side to the communicating portion side from the central axis.

[0013] The communication portion may be a slit extending from the one end of the support portion to the other end.

[0014] With this configuration, for example, a tool for gripping the lens member or an operator's finger can be passed through the slit, so that the lens member can be inserted into the support part from the opening at one end while being gripped, and moved. Therefore, with this lens unit, assembly can be made easier.

[0015] The lens holder may further have a fixed portion extending from the support portion toward the side opposite the central axis and fixed to another member, and a reinforcing plate extending from the fixed portion in a direction non-perpendicular to the central axis and connected to the outer peripheral surface of the support portion, and the reinforcing plate may overlap the communicating portion in the circumferential direction of the support portion.

[0016] The formation of the communicating portion tends to reduce the strength of the support portion compared to when the communicating portion is not formed. However, by adopting such a configuration, it is possible to suppress the reduction in strength of the support portion compared to when the reinforcing plate does not overlap the communicating portion in the circumferential direction of the support portion.

[0017] At least one of the lens members may have an outer peripheral surface having a region in which a predetermined uneven pattern is formed, the region being exposed from the communicating portion.

[0018] With this configuration, a part of the light incident on the lens portion of the lens member having the above-mentioned region can be emitted from the region and emitted to the outside of the support portion through the communicating portion. Since a predetermined uneven pattern is formed in the predetermined region as described above, by adjusting the uneven pattern, the emission direction and diffusion state of the light emitted through the communicating portion can be adjusted, thereby improving the design, for example.

[0019] The communication portion may be formed on both sides in a predetermined direction with the central axis therebetween.

[0020] With this configuration, when the lens member exposed from the communication portion is supported by the support portion, for example, by inserting a tool or an operator's finger into each communication portion, the lens member can be pinched in the width direction, grasped, and moved. Therefore, this lens unit can be more easily assembled. From the viewpoint of making it easier to grasp the lens member, it is preferable that the above-mentioned region is exposed from the communication portion. Since a predetermined uneven pattern is formed in this region, it is easier to grasp the lens member than if this region were not present.

[0021] In this case, the shape of a specific lens member among the plurality of lens members when viewed along the central axis may be elongated in the specified direction, and each of the communicating portions may expose the specific lens member from the support portion.

[0022] With this configuration, the specific lens member can be pinched and held in the long dimension by, for example, a tool or the fingers of an operator. When the lens member is pinched in the long dimension, the lens member is less likely to tilt in the thickness direction compared to when it is pinched in the short dimension. Therefore, with this lens unit, the specific lens member can be moved more easily within the support portion compared to when the specific lens member has a shape that is short in the above-mentioned predetermined direction.

[0023] The lens unit may further include a shielding portion that covers the communication portion from the outside of the support portion when the lens unit is attached to the support portion.

[0024] With this configuration, it is possible to prevent dirt, dust, etc. from entering the support portion through the communication portion, compared to a case in which the shielding portion is not provided.

[0025] In this case, the support portion and the shielding portion may have a light-shielding property.

[0026] With this configuration, it is possible to prevent a portion of the light incident on the lens portion of the lens member from leaking outward from the support portion via the communicating portion.

[0027] In this case, the shielding portion may cover at least a part of an edge portion of the support portion that runs along an edge of the communication portion.

[0028] With this configuration, it is possible to better prevent a portion of the light incident on the lens portion of the lens member from leaking outward from the support portion, compared to a case in which the shielding portion does not cover the edge portion.

[0029] A vehicle lamp according to the present invention includes the lens unit described above, and a light source section that emits light that passes through the plurality of lens members in the order in which the lens members are arranged.

[0030] As described above, according to the present invention, a lens unit and a vehicle lamp that can be easily assembled are provided. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0031] [Figure 1] 1 is a side view showing a schematic view of a vehicle lamp including a lens unit according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of the lamp unit shown in FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing a schematic configuration of the lamp unit. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a horizontal cross-sectional view showing a schematic view of the lamp unit. [Diagram 5]FIG. 2 is a front view illustrating a lens holder. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a rear view illustrating a schematic view of the first lens member. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is a rear view diagrammatically illustrating the second lens member. [Figure 8] 13 is a diagram showing a state in which the lens member is supported by a support portion. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0032] Preferred embodiments of the lens unit and vehicle lamp according to the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. The embodiments exemplified below are intended to facilitate understanding of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. The present invention can be modified and improved without departing from the spirit of the present invention. In the drawings referred to below, the dimensions of each component may be changed to facilitate understanding.

[0033] FIG. 1 is a side view that shows a schematic diagram of a vehicle lamp including a lens unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. The vehicle lamp 1 of this embodiment is a headlamp for an automobile. Automobile headlamps are generally provided on the left and right sides of the front of the vehicle, and the left and right headlamps are configured to be approximately symmetrical in the left-right direction. For this reason, in this embodiment, only one of the headlamps will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, the vehicle lamp 1 of this embodiment mainly includes a housing 10 and a lamp unit LU. Note that in FIG. 1, the housing 10 is shown in vertical cross section.

[0034] The housing 10 of this embodiment mainly comprises a lamp housing 11, a front cover 12, and a back cover 13. The front of the lamp housing 11 is open, and the front cover 12 is fixed to the lamp housing 11 so as to close the opening. Also, an opening smaller than the front is formed in the rear of the lamp housing 11, and the back cover 13 is fixed to the lamp housing 11 so as to close the opening. The housing 10 has an accommodation space 14 surrounded by the lamp housing 11, the front cover 12, and the back cover 13, and the lamp unit LU is disposed in the accommodation space 14.

[0035] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the lamp unit LU in a schematic manner, as viewed from an obliquely upward front direction. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing the lamp unit LU in a schematic manner, as viewed from an obliquely upward front direction. FIG. 4 is a horizontal cross-sectional view showing the lamp unit LU shown in FIG. 1 in a schematic manner. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the lamp unit LU of this embodiment mainly comprises a heat sink 20, a cooling fan 29, a light source unit 30, and a lens unit 40. Note that the cooling fan 29 is omitted in FIG. 3, and a part of the heat sink 20 is omitted in FIG. 4.

[0036] The heat sink 20 of this embodiment has a metal base plate 21 extending generally vertically and in the left-right direction, and a plurality of heat dissipation fins 22 are integrally provided on the rear side of the base plate 21. Two bosses 23 protruding forward and screw holes 24 are provided on each of the left and right ends of the base plate 21. The two bosses 23 and the screw holes 24 are aligned in the vertical direction such that the screw holes 24 are sandwiched between the two bosses 23. A cooling fan 29 is disposed with a gap between the heat dissipation fins 22 and is fixed to the heat sink. The heat sink 20 is cooled by the airflow caused by the rotation of the cooling fan 29.

[0037] The light source unit 30 of this embodiment has a circuit board 31 and a light emitting unit 32. The circuit board 31 is placed on the front surface of the base plate 21 of the heat sink 20. The light emitting unit 32 is mounted on the circuit board 31, and emits light forward when power is supplied from the circuit board 31. In this embodiment, the light emitting unit 32 is a so-called LED array in which a plurality of LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) are arranged in a matrix. Therefore, the light source unit 30 can emit light in a predetermined light distribution pattern by selecting an LED that emits light. In addition, the light source unit 30 can adjust the intensity distribution of light in a predetermined light distribution pattern by adjusting the intensity of light emitted from each LED. Note that the light source unit 30 is not particularly limited as long as it can emit light.

[0038] The lens unit 40 has a plurality of lens members and is configured to adjust the divergence angle of the incident light by the plurality of lens members. In this embodiment, the lens unit 40 includes a lens holder 50, a first lens member 60, a second lens member 70, a third lens member 80, and a cover 90, and the three lens members 60, 70, and 80 are supported by the lens holder 50.

[0039] Fig. 5 is a front view showing a schematic view of the lens holder 50, as viewed from the front side. As shown in Figs. 3 to 5, the lens holder 50 of this embodiment has a cylindrical support part 51 extending in the front-rear direction, a pair of left and right plate-like fixing parts 52, and four reinforcing plates 53. The lens holder 50 has light-shielding properties and is formed from, for example, resin, with the support part 51, fixing parts 52, and reinforcing plates 53 being integrally formed.

[0040] In this embodiment, the outer shape of the support part 51 when viewed along the central axis 51a of the support part 51 is a generally oval track shape in which a pair of short sides of a rectangle long in the left-right direction, which is a predetermined direction perpendicular to the central axis 51a, are curved outward in an arc shape. The upper and lower sides of the side walls constituting the support part 51 extend generally horizontally, and the right and left sides are curved in a generally arc shape. The opening 51h1 at the front end of the support part 51 is generally an oval track shape long in the left-right direction that is generally similar to the outer shape of the support part 51. The shape of the support part 51 is not particularly limited, and the support part 51 may be, for example, cylindrical.

[0041] The rear end of the support portion 51 is provided with a support wall 54 that protrudes approximately perpendicularly from the inner peripheral surface. The support wall 54 extends around the entire circumference of the inner peripheral surface, and an opening 51h2 at the rear end of the support portion 51 is defined by the tip of the support wall 54. In this embodiment, the shape of the opening 51h2 is approximately circular, but the shape of the opening 51h2 is not particularly limited. The support wall 54 is provided with a plurality of abutment portions 55 that protrude forward from the front surface so as to surround the opening 51h2, and the end face of each abutment portion 55 approximately coincides with a predetermined plane perpendicular to the central axis 51a. In addition, a through hole 54h is formed on both the left and right sides of the support wall 54. Such a support portion 51 supports the three lens members 60, 70, and 80 so as to be aligned along the central axis 51a.

[0042] On both sides of the side wall of the support part 51 in a predetermined direction sandwiching the central axis 51a, a communication part 56 is formed penetrating from the inner peripheral surface to the outer peripheral surface to communicate the inside and outside of the support part 51. In this embodiment, the predetermined direction is the left-right direction perpendicular to the central axis 51a, and the communication part 56 is formed in a part curved in an arc shape on both sides of the side wall of the support part 51 in the left-right direction, which is the predetermined direction. In this embodiment, the communication part 56 is a slit extending from the front end to the rear end of the support part 51, and the rear end of the communication part 56 coincides with the front surface of the support wall 54. In addition, the two communication parts 56 overlap each other in the radial direction of the support part 51. A groove 57 extending along the edge of the communication part 56 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the support part 51, and the groove 57 surrounds the entire edge of the communication part 56. Note that the communication portion 56 may be any portion that penetrates from the inner peripheral surface to the outer peripheral surface to communicate between the inside and outside of the support portion 51, and may be, for example, a through hole that penetrates from the inner peripheral surface to the outer peripheral surface.

[0043] Protrusions 58 protruding from the outer circumferential surface are formed on both the upper and lower sides of the roughly flat side wall of the support part 51. In addition, connecting parts 59 extending rearward are formed on both the left and right sides of the rear end of the support part 51, and the outer surface of the connecting parts 59 is an arc-shaped surface connected to the outer circumferential surface of the support part 51.

[0044] The pair of left and right fixing parts 52 are members fixed to the heat sink 20. In this embodiment, the right fixing part 52 is a plate-like member extending from the rear end of the right connecting part 59 in the right direction opposite to the central axis 51a, and the left fixing part 52 is a plate-like member extending from the rear end of the left connecting part 59 in the left direction opposite to the central axis 51a. Each fixing part 52 is approximately perpendicular to the central axis 51a. Each fixing part 52 has three through holes 52h1, 52h2, and 52h3 arranged in the vertical direction. The upper and lower through holes 52h1 and 52h2 in the right fixing part 52 are formed at positions corresponding to the boss 23 formed at the right end of the base plate 21 in the heat sink 20. The central through hole 52h3 in the right fixing part 52 is formed at a position corresponding to the screw hole 24 formed at the right end of the base plate 21. The upper and lower through holes 52h1, 52h2 in the left fixing part 52 are formed at positions corresponding to the boss 23 formed in the left end part of the base plate 21. The central through hole 52h3 in the right fixing part 52 is formed at a position corresponding to the screw hole 24 formed in the left end part of the base plate 21.

[0045] The reinforcing plate 53 is a plate-like member that extends from the fixed portion 52 in a direction not perpendicular to the central axis 51a and connects to the outer circumferential surface of the support portion 51. In this embodiment, two reinforcing plates 53 extend from the right fixed portion 52, and two reinforcing plates 53 extend from the left fixed portion 52. These reinforcing plates 53 extend in the left-right direction, which is a direction substantially parallel to the central axis 51a, and are substantially triangular. One side of the reinforcing plate 53 connects to the front surface of the fixed portion 52, and the other side connects to the outer circumferential surface of the support portion 51. The two reinforcing plates 53 extending from the right fixed portion 52 overlap with the right communicating portion 56 in the circumferential direction of the support portion 51. The support portion 51 having the communicating portion 56 tends to have a lower strength than a case in which the support portion 51 does not have the communicating portion 56. However, in this embodiment, the reinforcing plate 53 can suppress the strength of the support portion 51 having the communicating portion 56 from being reduced. In addition, the strength of the support part 51 can be suppressed from decreasing compared to a case where the reinforcing plate 53 does not overlap with the right-side communicating part 56 in the circumferential direction of the support part 51. In this embodiment, a part of the right-side communicating part 56 is located between the two reinforcing plates 53, and the two reinforcing plates 53 sandwich a part of the communicating part 56. Therefore, the strength of the support part 51 can be suppressed from decreasing compared to a case where the two reinforcing plates 53 do not sandwich the communicating part 56. In addition, from the viewpoint of suppressing the decrease in the strength of the support part 51, it is sufficient that the reinforcing plate 53 connected to the fixing part 52 and the supporting part 51 overlaps with the communicating part 56 in the circumferential direction of the supporting part 51. For example, one of the two reinforcing plates 53 may be omitted. In addition, it is sufficient that the two reinforcing plates 53 extend in a direction not perpendicular to the central axis 51a, and may be inclined with respect to the central axis 51a. In addition, the two reinforcing plates 53 extending from the left-side fixing part 52 overlap with the left-side communicating part 56 in the circumferential direction of the supporting part 51. Therefore, similarly to the reinforcing plate 53 on the right side, it is possible to prevent the strength of the support portion 51 from decreasing.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, the first lens member 60 of this embodiment is composed of a lens portion 61 that changes the divergence angle of the light passing through it, and an outer peripheral portion 62 that is connected to the entire outer periphery of the lens portion 61. The first lens member 60 is formed, for example, from resin or glass, and the lens portion 61 and the outer peripheral portion 62 are integrally formed. In this embodiment, the lens portion 61 is a convex lens having a generally circular outer shape, and one surface 61a and the other surface 61b are curved in a convex shape. The outer peripheral portion 62 is composed of a cylindrical tube wall 63 and a connecting plate 64. The tube wall 63 extends in the thickness direction of the lens portion 61 and surrounds the outer periphery of the lens portion 61. The connecting plate 64 extends outward from the entire circumference of the outer peripheral surface of the lens portion 61 and connects the entire circumference of the outer peripheral surface of the lens portion 61 to the entire circumference of the inner peripheral surface of the tube wall 63.

[0047] Such a first lens member 60 can be inserted through the opening 51h2 of the support portion 51. In this embodiment, the outer shape of the first lens member 60 when viewed along the central axis of the first lens member 60 is roughly similar to the opening 51h1 of the support portion 51, and is slightly smaller than the opening 51h1. The outer shape of the first lens member 60 is not particularly limited. In addition, two protrusions 65 are formed as fitting portions on the end face of the cylindrical wall 63 on the other surface 61b side of the lens portion 61. One protrusion 65 is located on one side in the longitudinal direction of the first lens member 60, and the other protrusion 65 is located on the other side in the longitudinal direction of the first lens member 60. In this embodiment, the two protrusions 65 intersect with a plane that includes the central axis of the first lens member 60 and extends in the longitudinal direction of the first lens member 60.

[0048] 6 is a rear view showing the first lens member 60 in a schematic manner, in which the first lens member 60 is seen from one surface 61a of the lens portion 61, and in FIG. 6, the central axis 60a of the first lens member 60 is indicated. As shown in FIG. 6, two protrusions 66 are formed on the surface of the connecting plate 64 on the side of one surface 61a of the lens portion 61. One of the protrusions 66 is located on one side in the longitudinal direction of the first lens member 60, and corresponds to one of the through holes 54h formed in the support wall 54 described above. The other of the protrusions 66 is located on the other side in the longitudinal direction of the first lens member 60, and corresponds to the other of the through holes 54h formed in the support wall 54 described above.

[0049] A predetermined uneven pattern is formed on the entire outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical wall 63, which is the outer peripheral surface of the first lens member 60. Examples of the predetermined uneven pattern include striped grooves, lattice grooves, unevenness formed by embossing, and unevenness formed by sandblasting. The depth of the recesses and the height of the protrusions in the uneven pattern are not particularly limited, and can be, for example, about 10 μm to 1 mm. Note that the predetermined uneven pattern may not be formed on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical wall 63.

[0050] As shown in Figs. 3 and 4, the second lens member 70 of this embodiment is composed of a lens portion 71 that changes the divergence angle of the light passing through it, and an outer peripheral portion 72 that is connected to the entire outer periphery of the lens portion 71. The second lens member 70 is formed, for example, from resin or glass, and the lens portion 71 and the outer peripheral portion 72 are integrally formed. In this embodiment, the lens portion 71 is a concave lens having an outer shape that is elongated in a predetermined direction and has a roughly oval track shape, and one surface 71a and the other surface 71b are curved in a concave shape. The outer peripheral portion 72 is a cylindrical member whose inner peripheral surface is connected to the entire outer peripheral surface of the lens portion 71.

[0051] Such a second lens member 70 can be inserted through the opening 51h2 of the support portion 51. In this embodiment, the outer shape of the second lens member 70 when viewed along the central axis of the second lens member 70 is roughly similar to the opening 51h2 of the support portion 51, as with the first lens member 60, and is slightly smaller than the opening 51h1. The outer shape of the second lens member 70 is not particularly limited. In addition, two protrusions 75 as fitting portions and four protrusions 76 as abutting portions are formed on the end face of the outer peripheral portion 72 on the other surface 61b side of the lens portion 71. One protrusion 75 is located on one side in the long dimension direction of the second lens member 70, and the other protrusion 75 is located on the other side in the long dimension direction of the second lens member 70. In addition, the two protrusions 76 are located on one side in the short dimension direction of the second lens member 70, and the other two protrusions 76 are located on the other side in the short dimension direction of the second lens member 70. In this embodiment, the two protrusions 65 intersect with a plane that includes the central axis of the second lens member 70 and extends in the longitudinal direction of the second lens member 70 .

[0052] FIG. 7 is a rear view showing the second lens member 70 in a schematic manner, and shows the second lens member 70 viewed from one surface 71a of the lens portion 71. As shown in FIG. 7, a hole 77 and a groove 78 as fitting portions and four protrusions 79 as abutting portions are formed on the end surface of the outer peripheral portion 72 on the one surface 71a side of the lens portion 71. The hole 77 is located on one side in the long dimension direction of the second lens member 70, and corresponds to one protrusion 65 as a fitting portion of the first lens member 60. The groove 78 is located on the other side in the long dimension direction of the second lens member 70, extends a predetermined length from the outer edge of the outer peripheral portion 72 toward the inside, and corresponds to the other protrusion 65 as a fitting portion of the first lens member 60. The two protrusions 79 are located on one side in the short dimension direction of the second lens member 70, and the other two protrusions 79 are located on the other side in the short dimension direction of the second lens member 70. In this embodiment, the four protrusions 79 correspond one-to-one to the four protrusions 76, and when viewed along the central axis 70a of the second lens member 70, the protrusions 79 overlap with the corresponding protrusions 76. In addition, the holes 77 and the grooves 78 intersect with a plane that includes the central axis 70a of the second lens member 70 and extends in the longitudinal direction of the second lens member 70.

[0053] A predetermined uneven pattern is formed on the entire outer peripheral surface of outer peripheral portion 72, which is the outer peripheral surface of second lens member 70, similar to first lens member 60. An example of the predetermined uneven pattern is the same uneven pattern as that of first lens member 60. Note that the outer peripheral surface of outer peripheral portion 72 may not be formed with the predetermined uneven pattern.

[0054] As shown in Figs. 3 and 4, the third lens member 80 of this embodiment is composed of a lens portion 81 that changes the divergence angle of the transmitted light, and an outer peripheral portion 82 that is connected to the entire outer periphery of the lens portion 81. The third lens member 80 is formed, for example, from resin or glass, and the lens portion 81 and the outer peripheral portion 82 are integrally formed. In this embodiment, the lens portion 81 is a convex lens having an outer shape that is elongated in a predetermined direction and has a generally oval track shape, and one surface 81a and the other surface 81b are curved in a convex shape. The outer peripheral portion 82 is a flange that protrudes outward from the entire circumference of the outer periphery of the lens portion 71.

[0055] Such a third lens member 80 can be inserted through the opening 51h2 of the support portion 51. In this embodiment, the external shape of the third lens member 80 when viewed along the central axis of the third lens member 80 is roughly similar to the opening 51h2 of the support portion 51, as with the first lens member 60, and is slightly smaller than the opening 51h1. The external shape of the third lens member 80 is not particularly limited. In addition, a hole 87 and a slit 88 are formed as fitting portions in the outer peripheral portion 82. The hole 87 is located on one side in the longitudinal direction of the third lens member 80, and corresponds to one protrusion 75 as a fitting portion of the second lens member 70. The slit 88 is located on the other side in the longitudinal direction of the third lens member 80, extends a predetermined length from the outer edge of the outer peripheral portion 82 toward the inside, and corresponds to the other protrusion 75 as a fitting portion of the second lens member 70.

[0056] A predetermined uneven pattern is formed on the entire outer peripheral surface of outer peripheral portion 82, which is the outer peripheral surface of third lens member 80, similar to first lens member 60. An example of the predetermined uneven pattern is the same uneven pattern as that of first lens member 60. Note that the outer peripheral surface of outer peripheral portion 82 may not be formed with the predetermined uneven pattern.

[0057] The first lens member 60, the second lens member 70, and the third lens member 80 are inserted in this order into the support portion 51 of the lens holder 50 through the opening 51h2 of the support portion 51, and are supported by the support portion 51. Specifically, the first lens member 60 is inserted into the support portion 51 through the opening 51h1 with the longitudinal direction being the left-right direction and the central axis 60a roughly coinciding with the central axis 51a of the support portion 51. Then, the first lens member 60 is moved toward the support wall 54 of the lens holder 50, and as shown in FIG. 4, the protrusion 66 is fitted into the through hole 54h formed in the support wall 54, and the end face of the cylindrical wall 63 is brought into contact with the contact portion 55 formed in the support wall 54.

[0058] Next, with the longitudinal direction being the left-right direction and the central axis 70a roughly coinciding with the central axis 51a of the support portion 51, the second lens member 70 is inserted into the support portion 51 through the opening 51h1. The second lens member 70 is moved toward the first lens member 60, so that one protrusion 66 of the first lens member 60 is fitted into the hole 77 of the second lens member 70 and the other protrusion 66 is fitted into the groove 78 of the second lens member 70, and a protrusion 79 serving as a contact portion of the second lens member 70 is brought into contact with the end face of the cylindrical wall 63.

[0059] Next, with its longitudinal direction being the left-right direction and its central axis roughly coinciding with central axis 51a of support part 51, third lens member 80 is inserted into support part 51 through opening 51h1. One protrusion 75 of second lens member 70 is fitted into hole 87 of third lens member 80, and the other protrusion 75 is fitted into slit 88 of third lens member 80, with outer periphery 82 of third lens member 80 abutting against protrusion 75 as an abutment part.

[0060] In a state where the lens members 60, 70, and 80 are inserted into the support portion 51 in this manner, the lens members 60, 70, and 80 are aligned along the central axis 51a of the support portion 51. In other words, the support portion 51 supports the lens members 60, 70, and 80 so that they are aligned along the central axis 51a. In this embodiment, in a state where the lens members 60, 70, and 80 are supported by the support portion 51 in this manner, the central axes of the lens members 60, 70, and 80 are approximately aligned with the central axis 51a. One surface 61a of the lens portion 61 of the first lens member 60 crosses the opening 51h2. The other surface 61b of the lens portion 61 of the first lens member 60 faces one surface 71a of the lens portion 71 of the second lens member 70, and the other surface 71b of the lens portion 71 of the second lens member 70 faces one surface 81a of the lens portion 81 of the third lens member 80. The other surface 81 b of the lens portion 81 of the third lens member 80 is located outside the support portion 51 .

[0061] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a state in which the lens members 60, 70, and 80 are supported by the support portion 51, and is a view taken along a straight line that intersects perpendicularly with the central axis 51a of the support portion 51 and passes through the center 56c of the left-side communication portion 56. As shown in FIG. 8, in this embodiment, the left-side communication portion 56 in the support portion 51 exposes these lens members 60, 70, and 80 from the support portion 51. Although not illustrated, the right-side communication portion 56 exposes the lens members 60, 70, and 80 from the support portion 51, similar to the left-side communication portion 56. When viewed along a straight line that intersects perpendicularly with the central axis 51a and passes through the center 56c of the left-side communication portion 56, the hole 77 as a fitting portion, the other protrusion 65 as a fitting portion that fits into the hole 77, the hole 87 as a fitting portion, and the other protrusion 75 as a fitting portion that fits into the hole 87 overlap with the left-side communication portion 56. The hole 77, the other protrusion 65, the hole 87, and the other protrusion 75 are located on the side of the communication portion 56 to the right of the central axis 51a. The lens members 60, 70, 80 supported by the support portion 51 are prevented by the cover 90 from slipping out of the opening 51h1.

[0062] The cover 90 of this embodiment is configured to cover a part of the opening 51h1 of the support part 51 when attached to the support part 51. As shown in Figs. 1 to 4, the cover 90 of this embodiment is elastic and has a base part 91, a pair of fixing parts 92, and a pair of shielding parts 93. In this embodiment, the base part 91, the pair of fixing parts 92, and the pair of shielding parts 93 are integrally formed by bending a metal plate, and have light-shielding properties. The material constituting the cover 90 is not particularly limited. For example, the cover 90 may be formed from resin.

[0063] In this embodiment, the base portion 91 is a plate-like member having a shape similar to the outer shape of the support portion 51, and a through hole 91h is formed in the base portion 91. The pair of fixing portions 92 and the pair of shielding portions 93 are plate-like members extending in a direction generally perpendicular to the base portion 91 on one side based on the base portion 91. The pair of fixing portions 92 are formed with a through hole 92h. An end portion of one fixing portion 92 on the base portion 91 side is connected to a portion of the outer edge of the base portion 91 that extends in a generally straight line on one side of the short length direction of the base portion 91. An end portion of the other fixing portion 92 on the base portion 91 side is connected to a portion of the outer edge of the base portion 91 that extends in a generally straight line on the other side of the short length direction of the base portion 91. An end portion of one shielding portion 93 on the base portion 91 side is connected to a portion of the outer edge of the base portion 91 that extends in a generally arc shape on one side of the long length direction of the base portion 91. The end portion of the other shielding portion 93 on the base portion 91 side is connected to a portion of the outer edge of the base portion 91 that extends in a generally arc shape on the other side of the base portion 91 in the longitudinal direction.

[0064] The cover 90 is attached to the support portion 51 by fitting the protrusion 58 of the support portion 51 into the through hole 92h of the fixing portion 92. When the cover 90 is attached to the support portion 51, the base portion 91 covers the outer periphery side of the opening 51h1, and the base portion 91 and the outer periphery portion 82 of the third lens member 80 overlap each other in a direction parallel to the central axis 51a. This prevents the lens members 60, 70, and 80 from slipping out of the opening 51h1. In addition, the base portion 91 presses the outer periphery portion 82 of the third lens member 80 toward the support wall 54 of the support portion 51, and the lens members 60, 70, and 80 are held so as to be sandwiched between the base portion 91 and the support wall 54. Although an illustrated explanation is omitted, each of the straight lines that are parallel to central axis 51a of support portion 51 and pass through protrusion 79 of second lens member 70 passes through base portion 91, outer circumferential portion 82 of third lens member 80, protrusion 76 of second lens member 70, protrusion 63 of first lens member 60, and abutment portion 55 of support wall 54. For this reason, when lens members 60, 70, 80 are held so as to be sandwiched between base portion 91 and support wall 54, lens members 60, 70, 80 are prevented from tilting with respect to central axis 51a.

[0065] Moreover, when the cover 90 is attached to the support part 51, one shielding part 93 covers one communication part 56 from the outside of the support part 51, and the other shielding part 93 covers the other communication part 56 from the outside of the support part 51. Therefore, compared to a case where the cover 90 does not have the shielding part 93, it is possible to suppress the intrusion of dust or dirt into the support part 51 through the communication part 56. Furthermore, when the cover 90 is attached to the support part 51, each shielding part 93 enters the groove 57 of the support part 51. Therefore, the shielding part 93 is suppressed from protruding from the outer peripheral surface of the support part 51. Furthermore, each shielding part 93 covers the entire edge part along the edge of the communication part 56 in the support part 51.

[0066] As shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the lens unit 40 is placed on the front surface of the base plate 21 so that the bosses 23, 23 of the heat sink 20 are inserted into the through holes 52h1, 52h2 of the left and right fixing parts 52, and the screw 95 is inserted into the through hole 52h2 of the fixing part 52 and fastened to the screw hole 24, thereby fixing the lens unit 40 to the heat sink 20. As shown in FIG. 4, in a state where the lens unit 40 is fixed to the heat sink 20, the central axis 51a of the support part 51 passes through the light emitting part 32 of the light source part 30. That is, the lens holder 50 is configured so that the central axis 51a passes through the light emitting part 32. Then, the light L emitted from the light source part 30 passes through the lens parts 61, 71, 81 of the lens members 60, 70, 80 in the order of the first lens member 60, the second lens member 70, and the third lens member 80, and the divergence angle of the light L is adjusted. The light L, the divergence angle of which has been adjusted by the lens members 60, 70, 80, is emitted from the vehicle lamp 1 toward the front of the vehicle through the front cover 12. In this embodiment, the shapes of the lens portions 61, 71, 81 of the lens members 60, 70, 80 are adjusted so that the light distribution pattern of the light L emitted from the light source portion 30 is projected as a predetermined light distribution pattern of a predetermined size on a virtual plane a predetermined distance ahead of the vehicle.

[0067] As described above, the lens unit 40 of this embodiment includes a plurality of lens members 60, 70, 80 having lens portions 61, 71, 81 that change the divergence angle of light passing through, and a lens holder 50. The lens holder 50 has a cylindrical support portion 51 into which the opening 51h2 at the front end can insert each of the plurality of lens members 60, 70, 80. The support portion 51 supports the plurality of lens members 60, 70, 80 so that they are aligned along the central axis 51a of the support portion 51. A communication portion 56 is formed on the side wall of the support portion 51, which communicates between the inside and outside of the support portion 51 and exposes the outer peripheries 62, 72, 82 of the lens members 60, 70, 80 from the support portion 51. For this reason, in the lens unit 40 of this embodiment, when the lens members 60, 70, 80 exposed from the communicating portion 56 are supported by the support portion 51, they can be moved, for example, by pushing the outer peripheries 62, 72, 82 of the lens members 60, 70, 80 with a tool or an operator's finger via the communicating portion 56. For this reason, according to the lens unit 40 of this embodiment, the lens members 60, 70, 80 can be supported at predetermined positions in the support portion 51 more easily than in the case where the communicating portion 56 is not formed, and assembly can be facilitated.

[0068] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the outer peripheries 62, 72, 82 of the three lens members 60, 70, 80 are exposed from the communication portion 56. This makes it easier to align the exposed three lens members 60, 70, 80 in predetermined relative positions, making assembly easier.

[0069] In this embodiment, the communication portion 56 is a slit extending from the front end to the rear end of the support portion 51. For example, by passing a tool for gripping the lens members 60, 70, 80 or the fingers of an operator through the slit communication portion 56, the lens members 60, 70, 80 can be inserted and moved into the support portion 51 from the opening 51h1 at the front end while being gripped by the operator. Therefore, the lens unit 40 of this embodiment can be more easily assembled.

[0070] In this embodiment, the communication parts 56 are formed on both sides in a predetermined direction sandwiching the central axis 51a, on both sides of the side wall of the support part 51 in the left-right direction perpendicular to the central axis 51a. Therefore, for example, by inserting a tool or an operator's finger into each communication part 56, the lens members 60, 70, 80 can be grasped and moved by sandwiching them in the width direction. Therefore, the lens unit 40 of this embodiment can be assembled more easily.

[0071] In this embodiment, the two communication parts 56 are formed as described above, and the lens members 60, 70, 80 have a long shape in the above-mentioned predetermined direction when viewed along the central axis 51a of the support part 51. Each communication part 56 exposes the lens members 60, 70, 80 from the support part 51. When the lens members are sandwiched in the long direction, the lens members are less likely to tilt in the thickness direction compared to when they are sandwiched in the short direction. Therefore, according to the lens unit 40 of this embodiment, the lens members 60, 70, 80 can be moved more easily within the support part 51 compared to when the lens members 60, 70, 80 have a short shape in the above-mentioned predetermined direction.

[0072] In this embodiment, a predetermined uneven pattern is formed on the entire outer peripheral surface of the lens members 60, 70, 80. Therefore, the predetermined uneven pattern on the lens members 60, 70, 80 is exposed from each of the communication parts 56. Therefore, compared with a case where the predetermined uneven pattern is not formed, the lens members 60, 70, 80 are easier to hold by pinching them in the width direction. In order to make it easier to hold the lens members, it is sufficient that two communication parts 56 are formed in the support part 51, and the outer peripheral surface of at least one of the lens members 60, 70, 80 has an area where the predetermined uneven pattern is formed, and the area is exposed from the communication parts 56. For example, an uneven pattern may be formed on a part of the outer peripheral surface of the lens member 60, and the area where the uneven pattern is formed may be exposed from each of the communication parts 56.

[0073] In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 4, in a pair of a first lens member 60 and a second lens member 70, which are adjacent lens members, the first lens member 60 is provided with protrusions 65, 65 as fitting portions, and the second lens member 70 is provided with a hole 77 and a groove 78 as fitting portions. The hole 77 fits into one of the protrusions 65, and the groove 78 fits into the other protrusion 65. That is, the pair of the first lens member 60 and the second lens member 70 is provided with fitting portions that fit into each other. Therefore, compared to a case in which the hole 77, the groove 78, and the protrusions 65, 65 are not provided, it is possible to suppress deviation in the relative positions of the first lens member 60 and the second lens member 70. 8, the groove 78 and the one protrusion 65 fitted into the groove 78 overlap with the left communicating portion 56 and are located on the left communicating portion 56 side of the central axis 51a when viewed along a straight line perpendicular to the central axis 51a and passing through the center 56c of the left communicating portion 56. Therefore, according to the lens unit 40 of this embodiment, the groove 78 and the one protrusion 65 can be more easily visually recognized through the left communicating portion 56 compared to a case where the groove 78 and the one protrusion 65 do not overlap with the left communicating portion 56 when viewed in this manner, or a case where the groove 78 and the one protrusion 65 are located on the opposite side to the left communicating portion 56 side of the central axis 51a. Therefore, it is easier to fit the one protrusion 65 into the groove 78. Furthermore, although explanation using illustrations is omitted, the hole 77 and the other protrusion 65 that fits into the hole 77 overlap with the right-side communicating portion 56 and are located on the right-side communicating portion 56 side of the central axis 51a when viewed along a straight line that perpendicularly intersects with the central axis 51a and passes through the center of the right-side communicating portion 56. For this reason, like the groove 78 and the one protrusion 65, the hole 77 and the other protrusion 65 can be easily visually recognized via the right-side communicating portion 56, and the other protrusion 65 can be easily fitted into the hole 77.

[0074] In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 4, in a set of a second lens member 70 and a third lens member 80, which is another set of adjacent lens members, the second lens member 70 is provided with protrusions 75, 75 as fitting portions, and the third lens member 80 is provided with a hole 87 and a slit 88 as fitting portions. The hole 87 fits into one of the protrusions 75, and the slit 88 fits into the other protrusion 75. In other words, the set of the second lens member 70 and the third lens member 80 is provided with fitting portions that fit into each other. Therefore, compared to a case in which the hole 87, the slit 88, and the protrusions 75, 75 are not provided, it is possible to suppress deviation in the relative positions of the second lens member 70 and the third lens member 80. 8, the slit 88 and the one protrusion 75 fitted into the slit 88 overlap with the left communicating portion 56 and are located on the left communicating portion 56 side of the central axis 51a when viewed along a straight line perpendicular to the central axis 51a and passing through the center 56c of the left communicating portion 56. Therefore, according to the lens unit 40 of this embodiment, when viewed in this manner, the groove 78 and the one protrusion 65 can be more easily viewed through the left communicating portion 56 than when the slit 88 and the one protrusion 75 do not overlap with the left communicating portion 56 or when the slit 88 and the one protrusion 75 are located on the opposite side to the left communicating portion 56 side of the central axis 51a. Therefore, it is easier to fit the one protrusion 65 into the groove 78. Furthermore, although not illustrated, the hole 87 and the other protrusion 65 that fits into the hole 87 overlap with the right communicating portion 56 and are located on the right communicating portion 56 side of the central axis 51a when viewed along a straight line that perpendicularly intersects with the central axis 51a and passes through the center of the right communicating portion 56. For this reason, like the slit 88 and the one protrusion 75, the hole 87 and the other protrusion 75 can be easily viewed via the right communicating portion 56, making it easier to fit the other protrusion 75 into the hole 87.

[0075] 8, in this embodiment, the groove 78, the one protrusion 65 that fits into the groove 78, the slit 88, and the one protrusion 75 that fits into the slit 88 are exposed from the left communication part 56. Therefore, the groove 78, the one protrusion 65, the slit 88, and the one protrusion 75 can be more easily viewed through the left communication part 56, making it easier to fit them together.

[0076] Moreover, the lens unit 40 of the present embodiment further includes a cover 90 having a shielding portion 93 that covers the communicating portion 56 from the outside of the support portion 51 when attached to the support portion 51, and the support portion 51 and the shielding portion 93 have light-shielding properties. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a part of the light L emitted from the light source portion 30 and incident on the lens portions 61, 71, and 81 of the lens members 60, 70, and 80 from leaking out of the support portion 51 via the communicating portion 56.

[0077] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the shielding portion 93 covers the entire edge portion along the edge of the communicating portion 56 in the support portion 51. This can better prevent a portion of the light L from leaking out of the support portion 51, compared to a case in which the shielding portion 93 does not cover this edge portion. Note that, from the viewpoint of better preventing a portion of the light L from leaking, it is sufficient for the shielding portion 93 to cover a portion of the edge portion along the edge of the communicating portion 56 in the support portion 51, and for example, a portion of the edge of the shielding portion 93 may be along the edge of the communicating portion 56.

[0078] 8, when viewed along a straight line that perpendicularly intersects with the central axis 51a and passes through the center 56c of the communicating portion 56, the outer peripheral edges 62e, 72e on both sides in the thickness direction of the outer peripheral portions 62, 72 of the lens members 60, 70 exposed from the communicating portion 56 cross the communicating portion 56. For this reason, for example, the outer peripheral portions 62, 72 of the lens members 60, 70 can be pinched and moved in the thickness direction with a tool or an operator's fingers via the communicating portion 56. Note that in this embodiment, the outer peripheral edge 82e on the second lens member 70 side of the outer peripheral portion 82 of the third lens member 80 crosses the communicating portion 56, and the outer peripheral edge 82e on the other side slightly protrudes out from the opening 51h1.

[0079] Although the present invention has been described above using the above-mentioned embodiments as examples, the present invention is not limited to these.

[0080] For example, in the above embodiment, the vehicle lamp 1 is a headlamp, but is not particularly limited thereto. For example, the vehicle lamp 1 may be configured to irradiate an illuminated object such as a road surface with light constituting an image.

[0081] In the above embodiment, the cover 90 having the shielding portion 93 that covers the communication portion 56 from the outside of the support portion 51 when attached to the support portion 51 has been described as an example. However, the shielding portion 93 may be separate from the cover 90 and attached to the support portion 51. The lens unit 40 may not have the shielding portion 93. In this case, a part of the light L emitted from the light source portion 30 and incident on the lens portions 61, 71, and 81 of the lens members 60, 70, and 80 may be emitted from the communication portion 56 to the outside of the lens unit 40, thereby improving the design. From the viewpoint of improving the design by light in this way, the shielding portion 93 may be optically transparent. From this viewpoint, the outer peripheral surface of at least one of the lens members 60, 70, and 80 may have an area in which the above-mentioned predetermined uneven pattern is formed, and this area may be exposed from the communication portion 56. In this case, by adjusting this uneven pattern, the emission direction and diffusion state of the light emitted through the communication portion 56 can be adjusted, and the design can be further improved.

[0082] In the above embodiment, the support portion 51 supporting the three lens members 60, 70, and 80 has been described as an example. However, the support portion 51 may support a plurality of lens members, for example, the support portion 51 may support two lens members. In the above embodiment, the communication portion 56 exposing the three lens members 60, 70, and 80 has been described as an example, but the communication portion 56 may expose at least one lens member. In this case, the outer periphery of the lens member exposed from the communication portion 56 may be moved by pressing it with a tool or the operator's finger. It is more preferable that at least two lens members are exposed. With such a configuration, the relative positions of the at least two exposed lens members can be easily set to predetermined positions, and assembly can be made easier.

[0083] In the above embodiment, the lens unit 40 including the cover 90 has been described as an example, but the lens unit 40 does not have to include the cover 90. In this case, for example, a member that restricts the third lens member 80 from moving in the direction from the other end side toward the one end side is provided in the support portion 51. An example of the configuration of this member is a protrusion that is located closer to the opening 51h1 side than the third lens member 80 in the direction along the central axis 51a and protrudes from the inner circumferential surface of the support portion 51. In this way, it is possible to prevent the third lens member 80 from coming off the opening 51h1.

[0084] In the above embodiment, the lens members 60, 70, 80 each including the lens portion 61, 71, 81 and the outer peripheral portion 62, 72, 82 have been described as an example. However, the lens members 60, 70, 80 only need to include the lens portion 61, 71, 81, and may be composed of, for example, only the lens portion 61, 71, 81. In this case, the outer peripheral portion of the lens portion 61, 71, 81, which is the outer peripheral portion of the lens member 60, 70, 80, is exposed from the communication portion 56. Furthermore, the outer peripheral portion 62, 72, 82 may be provided intermittently in the circumferential direction of the lens portion 61, 71, 81.

[0085] In the above embodiment, the fitting portions of the pair of the first lens member 60 and the second lens member 70 are configured with the protrusion 65 and the hole 77, and the protrusion 65 and the groove 78. The fitting portions of the pair of the second lens member 70 and the third lens member 80 are configured with the protrusion 75 and the hole 87, and the protrusion 75 and the slit 88. However, the configuration of the fitting portions is not particularly limited. In addition, the lens members 60, 70, and 80 do not have to have fitting portions.

[0086] According to the present invention, a lens unit and a vehicle lamp that can be easily assembled are provided, and can be used in fields such as vehicle lamps for automobiles and the like.

Claims

1. A plurality of lens members each having a lens portion that changes the divergence angle of light passing through the lens; a lens holder having a cylindrical support portion with an opening at one end through which each of the plurality of lens members can be inserted; Equipped with the support portion supports the plurality of lens members so as to be aligned along a central axis of the support portion, A communication portion is formed on a side wall of the support portion, the communication portion communicating the inside and outside of the support portion and exposing an outer periphery of at least one of the plurality of lens members from the support portion. A lens unit characterized by:

2. At least two of the outer peripheries of the lens members are exposed from the communicating portion.

2. The lens unit according to claim 1.

3. A pair of adjacent lens members among the at least two lens members is provided with fitting portions that fit into each other, The fitting portion overlaps with the communicating portion when viewed along a straight line that perpendicularly intersects with the central axis and passes through a center of the communicating portion, and is located on the communicating portion side of the central axis.

3. The lens unit according to claim 2.

4. The communication portion is a slit extending from the one end of the support portion to the other end.

4. The lens unit according to claim 1, wherein the first lens is a lens unit having a first surface and a second surface.

5. the lens holder further includes a fixing portion extending from the support portion toward an opposite side to the central axis and fixed to another member, and a reinforcing plate extending from the fixing portion in a direction non-perpendicular to the central axis and connected to an outer circumferential surface of the support portion, The reinforcing plate overlaps with the communication portion in the circumferential direction of the support portion.

5. The lens unit according to claim 1, wherein the first lens is a lens unit having a first surface and a second surface.

6. an outer circumferential surface of at least one of the plurality of lens members has an area in which a predetermined uneven pattern is formed; The region is exposed from the communication portion.

6. The lens unit according to claim 1, wherein the first lens is a lens unit having a first surface and a second surface.

7. The communication portion is formed on both sides in a predetermined direction with the central axis therebetween.

7. The lens unit according to claim 1, wherein the first lens is a lens unit having a first surface and a second surface.

8. a shape of a specific lens member among the plurality of lens members when viewed along the central axis is elongated in the predetermined direction; Each of the communication portions exposes the specific lens member from the support portion.

8. The lens unit according to claim 7.

9. The communication portion is further provided with a shielding portion that covers the communication portion from the outside of the support portion when the communication portion is attached to the support portion.

9. The lens unit according to claim 1, wherein the first lens is a lens unit having a first surface and a second surface.

10. The support portion and the shielding portion have a light-shielding property.

10. The lens unit according to claim 9.

11. The shielding portion covers at least a part of an edge of the support portion along an edge of the communication portion.

11. The lens unit according to claim 10.

12. A lens unit according to any one of claims 1 to 11, a light source unit that emits light that passes through the plurality of lens members in the order in which the lens members are arranged; Equipped A vehicle lamp characterized by the above.

Images