Vehicle lamp

Abstract

Provided is a vehicle lighting including a first lighting unit, a second lighting unit, and a third lighting unit. The first lighting unit irradiates, in a low beam mode and a high beam mode, a first area (PA1) of which the longitudinal direction is the horizontal direction and of which a top edge forms a horizontal cut-off line (CL1). The second lighting unit irradiates, in the low beam mode and the high beam mode, a second area (PB1) of which the longitudinal direction is a direction inclined with respect to the horizontal direction and of which a top edge forms a diagonal cut-off line (CL2). The third lighting unit irradiates, in the high beam mode, a third area (PC1) of which the longitudinal direction is a direction inclined with respect to the horizontal direction and of which a bottom edge is parallel to the diagonal cut-off line (CL2).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to vehicle lamps.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as a configuration of a vehicle lamp, there is known one having a lamp unit configured to irradiate emitted light from a light emitting element forward of the lamp through a light transmissive member.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes, as a configuration of a light transmissive member in such a lamp unit for a vehicle, a direct light control unit that directly emits light from a light emitting element incident on the light transmissive member forward of the lamp, and a total reflection control unit that emits the light from the light emitting element incident on the light transmissive member forward of the lamp after totally reflecting it.

[0004] Further, Patent Document 2 describes, as a configuration of such a light transmissive member, a configuration in which the total reflection surface of the total reflection control unit is divided into a plurality of reflection regions in the circumferential direction around the direct light control unit.

[0005] By adopting a configuration including a direct light control unit and a total reflection control unit as the light transmissive member as in the lamp unit described in Patent Document 1, it becomes possible to emit most of the emitted light from the light emitting element forward of the lamp from the light transmissive member, and thereby it becomes possible to improve the utilization efficiency of the light source light beam.

[0006] At that time, by adopting a light transmissive member as described in Patent Document 2, it becomes possible to align the upper end positions of the light distribution patterns formed by the reflected light from the respective reflection regions constituting the total reflection surface of the total reflection control unit, and thereby it becomes possible to form a light distribution pattern having a cut-off line at the upper end edge as the light distribution pattern formed by the emitted light from the total reflection control unit.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0007] Patent Document 1 Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-146665 Patent Document 2 Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-283299 Patent Document 3 Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2020-170586 Summary of the Invention Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0008] The present disclosure has been made in such circumstances, and one of the exemplary purposes of one aspect thereof is to provide a vehicle lamp capable of switching between a high beam and a low beam. Means for Solving the Problems

[0009] One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a vehicle lamp capable of switching between a low beam mode and a high beam mode. The vehicle lamp includes, in the low beam mode and the high beam mode, a first lamp unit that irradiates a first region having a direction parallel to the horizontal direction as a longitudinal direction and having an upper end edge forming a horizontal cut-off line, a second lamp unit that irradiates a second region having a direction inclined with respect to the horizontal direction as a longitudinal direction and having an upper end edge forming an oblique cut-off line, and, in the high beam mode, a third lamp unit that irradiates a third region having a direction inclined with respect to the horizontal direction as a longitudinal direction and having a lower end edge parallel to the oblique cut-off line. Advantages of the Invention

[0010] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicle lamp capable of switching between a high beam and a low beam can be provided. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0011]

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MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0012] (Overview of Embodiments) The overview of some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described. This overview simplifies and explains some concepts of one or more embodiments for the purpose of providing a basic understanding of the embodiments as a prelude to the detailed description that follows, and does not limit the scope of the invention or disclosure. This overview is not an all-inclusive overview of all possible embodiments, nor is it intended to identify the important elements of all embodiments or to delineate the scope of some or all aspects. For convenience, "one embodiment" may be used to refer to one embodiment (example or variation) or a plurality of embodiments (examples or variations) disclosed in this specification.

[0013] A vehicle lamp according to one embodiment is capable of switching between a low beam mode and a high beam mode. In the low beam mode and the high beam mode, there is a first lamp unit that irradiates a first region having a direction parallel to the horizontal direction as its longitudinal direction and whose upper edge forms a horizontal cut-off line, a second lamp unit that irradiates a second region having a direction inclined with respect to the horizontal direction as its longitudinal direction and whose upper edge forms an oblique cut-off line, and in the high beam mode, a third lamp unit that irradiates a third region having a direction inclined with respect to the horizontal direction as its longitudinal direction and whose lower edge is parallel to the oblique cut-off line.

[0014] In the low beam mode, the first lamp unit irradiates a wide area below the horizontal cut-off line, and the second lamp unit irradiates an area along the oblique cut-off line, thereby forming a light distribution suitable for the low beam.

[0015] Also, in the high beam mode, the third lamp unit irradiates mainly the third region above the oblique cut-off line, thereby forming the light distribution of the high beam.

[0016] The type of the "light emitting element" is not particularly limited, and for example, a light emitting diode, a laser diode, an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) element, etc. can be adopted.

[0017] In one embodiment, the lower edge of the third region may coincide with the diagonal cut-off line. The lower edge of the third region may be located below the diagonal cut-off line, and the second region and the third region may overlap.

[0018] In one embodiment, the longitudinal length of the first region may be longer than the longitudinal lengths of the second region and the third region.

[0019] In one embodiment, the illuminance in the high beam mode of at least one of the first lamp unit and the second lamp unit may be lower than the illuminance in the low beam mode. In the high beam mode, by dimming at least one of the first lamp unit and the second lamp unit, it is possible to offset the increase in power consumption and heat generation due to additionally lighting the third lamp unit in the high beam mode.

[0020] In one embodiment, the first lamp unit to the third lamp unit may have substantially the same optical configuration.

[0021] In one embodiment, each of the first lamp unit to the third lamp unit may include a light emitting element and a light transmissive member that irradiates the emitted light of the light emitting element forward of the lamp. The light transmissive member includes a direct light control unit that directly emits the light from the light emitting element incident on the light transmissive member forward of the lamp, and a total reflection control unit that totally reflects the light from the light emitting element incident on the light transmissive member and then emits it forward of the lamp. The total reflection surface of the total reflection control unit is divided into a plurality of reflection regions in the circumferential direction around the direct light control unit, and a plurality of diffusion lens elements that diffuse the emitted light from the light transmissive member in a predetermined direction may be formed on the emission surface of the light transmissive member.

[0022] According to this configuration, most of the light emitted from the light-emitting element can be emitted from the light-transmitting member toward the front of the luminaire, thereby improving the utilization efficiency of the light source light beam.

[0023] At this time, in each of the first and second luminaire units, since the total reflection surface of the total reflection control portion in the light-transmitting member is divided into a plurality of reflection regions in the circumferential direction around the direct light control portion, it is easily possible to align the upper end positions of the light distribution patterns formed by the reflected light from each reflection region.

[0024] In one embodiment, the plurality of diffusion lens elements of the first luminaire unit may be arranged in the horizontal direction when viewed from the front, and the plurality of diffusion lens elements of the second luminaire unit and the third luminaire unit may be arranged in an oblique direction when viewed from the front.

[0025] That is, on the light-emitting surface of the light-transmitting member of the first luminaire unit, a plurality of horizontal diffusion lens elements for diffusing the light emitted from the light-transmitting member in the horizontal direction are formed, and on the light-emitting surface of the light-transmitting member of the second luminaire unit, a plurality of oblique diffusion lens elements for diffusing the light emitted from the light-transmitting member in an oblique direction inclined with respect to the horizontal direction are formed. Therefore, it is possible to form a bright light distribution pattern having horizontal and oblique cut-off lines at the upper edge by the irradiation light from the first and second luminaire units. Also, by forming a plurality of oblique diffusion lens elements for diffusing in an oblique direction inclined with respect to the horizontal direction in the third luminaire unit as well, the third region along the oblique cut-off line can be suitably irradiated.

[0026] In one embodiment, the light-transmitting members of the first luminaire unit, the second luminaire unit, and the third luminaire unit may be integrally formed.

[0027] In one embodiment, the light-emitting elements of the first luminaire unit, the second luminaire unit, and the third luminaire unit and their lighting circuits may be mounted on the same substrate.

[0028] In one embodiment, the first to third lighting unit may be arranged such that their respective centers are located at the vertices of a virtual triangle when viewed from the front.

[0029] In one embodiment, the first to third lighting units may be arranged on the same straight line when viewed from the front.

[0030] In one embodiment, the light-transmitting member of the first lighting unit may be configured such that the diffusion angle of the horizontal diffusion lens element formed on the light-emitting surface of the direct light control unit is set to a value larger than the diffusion angle of the horizontal diffusion lens element formed on the light-emitting surface of the total reflection control unit. The light-transmitting member of the second lighting unit may be configured such that the diffusion angle of the diagonal diffusion lens element formed on the light-emitting surface of the direct light control unit is set to a value larger than the diffusion angle of the diagonal diffusion lens element formed on the light-emitting surface of the total reflection control unit.

[0031] According to this configuration, since the direct light control unit is located closer to the light-emitting element than the total reflection control unit, the light distribution pattern formed by the light emitted from the direct light control unit becomes a larger light distribution pattern than the light distribution pattern formed by the light emitted from the total reflection control unit. Therefore, by setting the diffusion angles of the horizontal diffusion lens element and the diagonal diffusion lens element formed on the light-emitting surface of the direct light control unit to values larger than the diffusion angles of the horizontal diffusion lens element and the diagonal diffusion lens element formed on the light-emitting surface of the total reflection control unit, the light distribution pattern formed by the irradiation light from the first and second lighting units can be formed as a light distribution pattern with less light distribution unevenness.

[0032] In one embodiment, as the light-transmitting member of the first lighting unit, after the emission surface of its total reflection control unit is divided into an inner peripheral side annular region and an outer peripheral side annular region, the diffusion angle of the horizontal diffusion lens element formed in the inner peripheral side annular region is set to a value larger than the diffusion angle of the horizontal diffusion lens element formed in the outer peripheral side annular region. Also, as the light-transmitting member of the second lighting unit, after the emission surface of its total reflection control unit is divided into an inner peripheral side annular region and an outer peripheral side annular region, the diffusion angle of the diagonal diffusion lens element formed in the inner peripheral side annular region may be set to a value larger than the diffusion angle of the diagonal diffusion lens element formed in the outer peripheral side annular region.

[0033] That is, the light distribution pattern formed by the light emitted from the inner peripheral side annular region becomes a larger light distribution pattern than the light distribution pattern formed by the light emitted from the outer peripheral side annular region. Therefore, by setting the diffusion angles of the horizontal and diagonal diffusion lens elements formed in the inner peripheral side annular region to values larger than the diffusion angles of the horizontal and diagonal diffusion lens elements formed in the outer peripheral side annular region, the light distribution pattern formed by the irradiation light from the first and second lighting units can be formed as a light distribution pattern with less light distribution unevenness.

[0034] In one embodiment, as the light-transmitting member of each of the first and second lighting units, if the emission surface of the total reflection control unit is displaced forward of the lamp with respect to the emission surface of the direct light control unit, and the outer peripheral side annular region of the emission surface of the total reflection control unit is displaced forward of the lamp with respect to the inner peripheral side annular region of the emission surface, the thickness of the light-transmitting member can be reduced.

[0035] In such a case, in the light-transmitting member of the first lighting unit, the horizontal diffusion lens element formed on the light-emitting surface of the direct light control unit and the horizontal diffusion lens element formed in the inner peripheral side annular region of the light-emitting surface of the total reflection control unit are configured such that the diffusion angle in the direction approaching the light-emitting element is set to a value larger than the diffusion angle in the direction away from the light-emitting element when viewed from the front of the lighting unit. In the light-transmitting member of the second lighting unit, the oblique diffusion lens element formed on the light-emitting surface of the direct light control unit and the oblique diffusion lens element formed in the inner peripheral side annular region of the light-emitting surface of the total reflection control unit are configured such that the diffusion angle in the direction approaching the light-emitting element is set to a value larger than the diffusion angle in the direction away from the light-emitting element when viewed from the front of the lighting unit. Then, the following operational effects can be obtained.

[0036] That is, it is possible to make it difficult for the light emitted from the light-emitting surface of the direct light control unit to be blocked by the standing wall portion located on the outer peripheral side thereof, and it is possible to make it difficult for the light emitted from the inner peripheral side annular region of the light-emitting surface of the total reflection control unit to be blocked by the standing wall portion located on the outer peripheral side thereof. As a result, it is possible to improve the utilization efficiency of the light source luminous flux and effectively suppress the generation of stray light.

[0037] (Embodiment) Hereinafter, preferred embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. The same or equivalent components, members, and processes shown in the respective drawings are denoted by the same reference numerals, and repeated explanations will be omitted as appropriate. Also, the embodiments are illustrative and not restrictive of the disclosure and the invention, and all features and combinations thereof described in the embodiments are not necessarily essential to the disclosure and the invention.

[0038] In this specification, the state where "member A is connected to member B" means that in addition to the case where member A and member B are physically directly connected, member A and member B are indirectly connected via other members that do not substantially affect their electrical connection state or impair the functions and effects achieved by their connection.

[0039] Similarly, the phrase "member C is provided between member A and member B" includes not only the case where member A and member C or member B and member C are directly connected, but also the case where they are indirectly connected via other members that do not substantially affect their electrical connection state or impair the functions and effects achieved by their connection.

[0040] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a vehicle lamp 10 according to an embodiment. The vehicle lamp 10 includes a first lamp unit 20, a second lamp unit 40, and a third lamp unit 60. The vehicle lamp 10 can switch between a high beam mode and a low beam mode.

[0041] The first lamp unit 20, the second lamp unit 40, and the third lamp unit 60 are optically designed to irradiate different regions on a virtual vertical screen. The order of arrangement of the first lamp unit 20, the second lamp unit 40, and the third lamp unit 60 is not limited to that shown in the figure and may be changed.

[0042] The first lamp unit 20 is lit in both the low beam mode and the high beam mode, and irradiates a first region PA1 that extends in the horizontal direction and whose upper edge forms a horizontal cut-off line.

[0043] The second lamp unit 40 is lit in both the low beam mode and the high beam mode, and irradiates a second region PB1 that extends in a direction inclined with respect to the horizontal direction and whose upper edge forms an oblique cut-off line.

[0044] The third lamp unit 60 is lit in the high beam mode, and irradiates a third region PC1 that extends in a direction inclined with respect to the horizontal direction and whose lower edge is parallel to the oblique cut-off line.

[0045] As will be described later, the first lamp unit 20, the second lamp unit 40, and the third lamp unit 60 may have substantially the same optical configuration.

[0046] The above is the configuration of the vehicle lamp 10. FIGS. 2(a) and (b) are diagrams showing the low beam light distribution and the high beam light distribution formed by the vehicle lamp 10 of FIG. 1. In FIG. 2(a), the light distribution PL in the low beam mode is shown, and the first region PA1 and the second region PB1 are irradiated. The upper edge of the first region PA1 forms a horizontal cut-off line CL1, and the upper edge of the second region PB1 forms an inclined cut-off line CL2. The intersection of the two cut-off lines CL1 and CL2 is the elbow point E.

[0047] In FIG. 2(b), the light distribution PH in the high beam mode is shown. In addition to the first region PA1 and the second region PB1, the third region PC1 is irradiated. The lower edge of the third region PC is along the horizontal cut-off line CL1, that is, the upper edge of the second region PA2.

[0048] The third region PC1 may slightly overlap the second region PB1, thereby preventing the occurrence of a region where light is not irradiated in the event of an optical axis deviation in the second lamp unit 40 or the third lamp unit 60.

[0049] For example, a portion smaller than 10% of the length (width) in the short direction of the third region PC1 may overlap the second region PB1.

[0050] The length in the longitudinal direction (horizontal direction) of the first region PA1 is longer than the lengths in the longitudinal direction (inclined direction) of the second region PB1 and the third region PC1. In FIG. 2, the length of the third region PC1 is equal to the length of the second region PB1, but this is not the limit. The length of the third region PC1 may be shorter or longer than the length of the second region PB1.

[0051] The above is the configuration of the vehicle lamp 10.

[0052] In the low beam mode, the vehicle lamp 10 can form a light distribution PL suitable for the low beam by irradiating a wide area below the horizontal cut-off line CL1 with the first lamp unit 20 and irradiating an area along the diagonal cut-off line CL2 with the second lamp unit 40.

[0053] In the high beam mode, the third lamp unit 60 irradiates an additional third area PC1 that mainly occupies the upper side of the diagonal cut-off line CL2, thereby forming a high beam light distribution PH. That is, the irradiation area (third area PC1) specific to the high beam is not made symmetric, but the irradiation to the areas (first area, second area) irradiated by the optical system for the low beam is reduced, and the range of the third area PC1 is determined so that the area not irradiated by the optical system for the low beam mostly occupies, sufficient illuminance (light quantity) can be obtained in the irradiation area specific to the high beam. For example, among the third area PC1, the area of the region overlapping with the first area PA1 or the second area PB1 is preferably 30% or less of the total area of the third area PC1, more preferably 20% or less.

[0054] In one embodiment, the illuminance of the first lamp unit 20 and the second lamp unit 40 in the high beam mode may be lower than the illuminance in the low beam mode. By dimming the first lamp unit 20 and the second lamp unit 40 in the high beam mode, it is possible to offset the increase in power consumption and heat generation due to the additional lighting of the third lamp unit 60 in the high beam mode.

[0055] The specific configuration of the vehicle lamp 10 will be described.

[0056] FIG. 3 is a front view showing a vehicle lamp 10 according to an embodiment. In this example, the first lamp unit 20, the second lamp unit 40, and the third lamp unit 60 are arranged in a row in the horizontal direction.

[0057] In the figures referred to in this specification, the direction indicated by X is the "front" as the vehicle lamp 10 (also the "front" as the vehicle), the direction indicated by Y is the "left direction" orthogonal to the "front" (also the "left direction" as the vehicle, but the "right direction" in the front view of the lamp), and the direction indicated by Z is the "upward direction". The same applies to other figures.

[0058] As shown in FIG. 3, the vehicle lamp 10 according to the present embodiment is a headlamp provided at the front end of the vehicle, and is formed in a lamp chamber formed by a lamp body 12 and a through-shaped translucent cover 14 attached to the front end opening thereof. A projector-type first lamp unit 20, a second lamp unit 40, and a third lamp unit 60 are incorporated.

[0059] And this vehicle lamp 10 is configured to form a low beam light distribution pattern by the irradiation light from the first lamp unit 20 and the second lamp unit 40, and to form a high beam light distribution pattern by adding the irradiation light of the third lamp unit 60.

[0060] First, the configuration of the first lamp unit 20 will be described.

[0061] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the first lamp unit 20. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the first lamp unit 20 (a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II in FIG. 3). FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the first lamp unit 20 (a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III in FIG. 3).

[0062] As shown in FIG. 4, the first lamp unit 20 is configured to irradiate the emitted light from the light emitting element 22 toward the front of the lamp through the light transmitting member 24.

[0063] The light emitting element 22 is a white light emitting diode having a rectangular (for example, square) light emitting surface 22a, and is arranged in a state of being mounted on the substrate 26 toward the front of the lamp (also the front as the vehicle). This substrate 26 is supported by the lamp body 12.

[0064] This light-emitting element 22 is arranged in the vicinity above the axis Ax extending in the front-rear direction of the lamp such that the lower end edge of its light-emitting surface 22a extends in the horizontal direction.

[0065] The light-transmitting member 24 is composed of a transparent synthetic resin molded product such as an acrylic resin. This light-transmitting member 24 is arranged in front of the light-emitting element 22 of the lamp and is supported by the lamp body 12 via a support structure (not shown).

[0066] This light-transmitting member 24 has a configuration including a direct light control portion 24A that directly emits the light from the light-emitting element 22 incident on the light-transmitting member 24 toward the front of the lamp, and a total reflection control portion 24B that totally reflects the light from the light-emitting element 22 incident on the light-transmitting member 24 and then emits it toward the front of the lamp.

[0067] The direct light control portion 24A is set as a circular region centered on the axis Ax in a front view of the lamp.

[0068] The rear surface 24Ab of this direct light control portion 24A is composed of a convex curved surface of a rotational surface centered on the axis Ax. And this direct light control portion 24A is configured to make the light emitted from the light-emitting center of the light-emitting element 22 incident on its rear surface 24Ab as slightly downward parallel light.

[0069] The total reflection control portion 24B is a region located on the outer peripheral side of the direct light control portion 24A and is set as an annular region centered on the axis Ax in a front view of the lamp.

[0070] The rear surface 24Bb of this total reflection control portion 24B includes an incident surface 24Bb1 that makes the light emitted from the light-emitting element 22 incident so as to refract it in a direction away from the axis Ax, and a total reflection surface 24Bb2 that totally reflects the incident light from this incident surface 24Bb1 toward the front of the lamp.

[0071] The incident surface 24Bb1 is composed of a conical surface that is close to a cylindrical surface centered on the axis Ax. The total reflection surface 24Bb2 is composed of a surface based on a convex curved rotating surface centered on the axis Ax.

[0072] And this total reflection control unit 24B is configured to reflect the light from the light emission center of the light emitting element 22 incident from the incident surface 24Bb1 as slightly downward parallel light on the total reflection surface 24Bb2.

[0073] The total reflection surface 24Bb2 of this total reflection control unit 24B is divided into eight reflection regions L1, L2, L3, L4, R1, R2, R3, and R4 in the circumferential direction around the axis Ax. Specifically, these eight reflection regions L1 to L4, R1 to R4 have a fan-shaped outer shape of the same size centered on the axis Ax when viewed from the front of the lamp, and are arranged in a left-right symmetric positional relationship on both the left and right sides of the vertical plane including the axis Ax.

[0074] The upward and downward light reflection angles of these eight reflection regions L1 to L4, R1 to R4 are set to slightly different values for each reflection region, but the reflection regions in a left-right symmetric positional relationship (that is, each of the reflection regions L1 to L4 and each of the reflection regions R1 to R4) have a left-right symmetric surface shape.

[0075] The light exit surface 24a of the light transmissive member 24 is composed of three exit regions 24aA, 24aB, and 24aC that are divided concentrically when viewed from the front of the lamp.

[0076] The central exit region 24aA is a circular region centered on the axis Ax when viewed from the front of the lamp, and its diameter is set to a value slightly larger than the diameter of the inner peripheral edge of the total reflection surface 24Bb2 of the total reflection control unit 24B.

[0077] The emission region 24aB adjacent to the outer peripheral side of the emission region 24aA is formed as an annular region displaced toward the front side of the lamp with respect to the emission region 24aA. Further, the emission region 24aC adjacent to the outer peripheral side of the emission region 24aB is formed as an annular region displaced toward the front side of the lamp with respect to the emission region 24aB.

[0078] In each of the emission regions 24aA to 24aC, a plurality of horizontal diffusion lens elements 24sA, 24sB, and 24sC for horizontally diffusing the light from the light-emitting element 22 reaching the emission regions 24aA to 24aC are formed. Each of the horizontal diffusion lens elements 24sA to 24sC is formed in a convex cylindrical lens shape extending in the vertical direction and is configured to horizontally and evenly diffuse the light from the light-emitting element 22.

[0079] At this time, the diffusion angle of the horizontal diffusion lens element 24sA formed in the emission region 24aA is set to a value larger than the diffusion angle of the horizontal diffusion lens element 24sB formed in the emission region 24aB. Further, the diffusion angle of the horizontal diffusion lens element 24sB formed in the emission region 24aB is set to a value larger than the diffusion angle of the horizontal diffusion lens element 24sC formed in the emission region 24aC.

[0080] Next, the configuration of the second lamp unit 40 will be described. The second lamp unit 40 has a configuration that is substantially the same optically as the first lamp unit 20.

[0081] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the second lamp unit 40 (a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV in FIG. 3). As shown in FIG. 7, the second lamp unit 40 is also configured to irradiate the emitted light from the light-emitting element 42 forward of the lamp through the light-transmitting member 44.

[0082] However, the second lamp unit 40 is obtained by rotating the first lamp unit 20 shown in FIG. 3 by a predetermined angle (specifically, 15°) clockwise (counterclockwise in a front view of the lamp) about the axis Ax extending in the front-rear direction of the lamp, and then making the emission surface 44a of the light-transmitting member 44 have a configuration partially different from that of the lamp unit 20.

[0083] That is, the light-emitting element 42 of the second lamp unit 40 also has the same configuration as the light-emitting element 22 of the first lamp unit 20, and is disposed facing forward of the lamp in a state of being mounted on the substrate 46 near the upper side of the axis Ax.

[0084] Further, the light-transmitting member 44 of the second lamp unit 40 also has a configuration including a direct light control unit 44A that directly emits the light from the light-emitting element 42 incident on the light-transmitting member 44 forward of the lamp, and a total reflection control unit 44B that totally reflects the light from the light-emitting element 42 incident on the light-transmitting member 44 and then emits it forward of the lamp.

[0085] The rear surface 44Ab of the direct light control unit 44A and the rear surface 44Bb of the total reflection control unit 44B have the same shape as that of the first lamp unit 20, but are configured to be rotated 15° clockwise.

[0086] The light exit surface 44a of the light-transmitting member 44 is composed of three light exit regions 44aA, 44aB, and 44aC that are concentrically divided when viewed from the front of the lamp, similar to the case of the first lamp unit 20. In each of the light exit regions 44aA to 44aC, a plurality of diagonal diffusion lens elements 44sA, 44sB, and 44sC that diffuse the light emitted from the light-transmitting member 44 in a diagonal direction inclined 15° with respect to the horizontal direction are formed.

[0087] Each of the diagonal diffusion lens elements 44sA to 44sC is formed in a convex cylindrical lens shape extending in a direction orthogonal to the diagonal direction, and is configured to diffusely emit the light from the light-emitting element 42 evenly to the left and right in the diagonal direction.

[0088] However, the diffusion angle of each of the diagonal diffusion lens elements 44sA to 44sC is set to a value smaller than the diffusion angle of each of the horizontal diffusion lens elements 24sA to 24sC in the lamp unit 20 (for example, about half the value).

[0089] At that time, the diffusion angle of the diagonal diffusion lens element 44sA is set to be larger than the diffusion angle of the diagonal diffusion lens element 44sB, and the diffusion angle of the diagonal diffusion lens element 44sB is set to be larger than the diffusion angle of the diagonal diffusion lens element 44sC.

[0090] Next, the configuration of the third lamp unit 60 will be described.

[0091] Referring to FIG. 3, similar to the first lamp unit 20, the third lamp unit 60 is also configured to irradiate the emitted light from the light emitting element 62 forward of the lamp through the light transmissive member 64.

[0092] The basic configuration of the third lamp unit 60 is substantially the same as that of the second lamp unit 40.

[0093] The light exit surface 64a of the light transmissive member 64 is composed of three light exit regions 64aA, 64aB, and 64aC that are divided concentrically when viewed from the front of the lamp. In each of the light exit regions 64aA to 64aC, a plurality of diagonal diffusion lens elements 64sA, 64sB, and 64sC are formed to diffuse the light emitted from the light transmissive member 64 in a diagonal direction inclined 15° with respect to the horizontal direction.

[0094] Each of the diagonal diffusion lens elements 64sA to 64sC is formed in a convex cylindrical lens shape extending in a direction orthogonal to the diagonal direction, and is configured to diffuse the light from the light emitting element 62 evenly to the left and right in the diagonal direction.

[0095] The diffusion angles of the respective diagonal diffusion lens elements 64sA to 64sC are approximately the same as the diffusion angles of the diagonal diffusion lens elements 44sA to 44sC in the second lamp unit 40, and are set to be smaller (for example, about half) than the diffusion angles of the respective horizontal diffusion lens elements 24sA to 24sC in the lamp unit 20.

[0096] The diffusion angle of the diagonal diffusion lens element 64sA is set to a value larger than the diffusion angle of the diagonal diffusion lens element 64sB, and the diffusion angle of the diagonal diffusion lens element 64sB is set to a value larger than the diffusion angle of the diagonal diffusion lens element 64sC.

[0097] Figs. 8(a) and (b) are diagrams perspectively showing the light distribution patterns formed on a virtual vertical screen disposed at a position 25 m in front of the vehicle by the light irradiated from the vehicle lamp 10 toward the front of the lamp. Fig. (a) thereof shows the light distribution pattern PL1 for low beam, and Fig. (b) thereof shows the light distribution pattern PH1 for high beam.

[0098] The light distribution pattern PL1 for low beam shown in Fig. 8(a) is a light distribution pattern for low beam of the left light distribution, and has horizontal and diagonal cut-off lines CL1 and CL2 at its upper edge. In these cut-off lines CL1 and CL2, the portion on the oncoming lane side to the right of the V-V line passing vertically through the vanishing point H-V in the front direction of the lamp is formed as the horizontal cut-off line CL1, and the portion on the own lane side to the left of the V-V line is formed as the diagonal cut-off line CL2, and the elbow point E, which is the intersection of the two, is located about 0.5 to 0.6° below H-V.

[0099] This light distribution pattern PL1 for low beam is formed as a combined light distribution pattern of a light distribution pattern PA1 formed by the irradiation light from the first lamp unit 20 and a light distribution pattern PB1 formed by the irradiation light from the second lamp unit 40.

[0100] The light distribution pattern PA1 is a horizontally long light distribution pattern that spreads in the left-right direction centering on the V-V line, and is configured to form the horizontal cut-off line CL1 of the light distribution pattern PL1 for low beam at its upper edge.

[0101] In the light distribution pattern PL1 for low beam, the portion located at the lower left of the elbow point E where the high-luminance region of the light distribution pattern PA1 and the high-luminance region of the light distribution pattern PB1 overlap constitutes the high-luminance region.

[0102] The light distribution pattern PB1 shown in Fig. 8(a) is a horizontally long light distribution pattern that spreads in an oblique direction inclined clockwise by 15° with respect to the horizontal direction, and forms an oblique cut-off line CL2 of the low beam light distribution pattern PL1 at its upper edge.

[0103] The high beam light distribution pattern PH1 shown in Fig. 8(b) is formed by adding the light distribution pattern PC1 to the low beam light distribution pattern PL1.

[0104] The light distribution pattern PC1 is a light distribution pattern formed by the irradiation light from the third lamp unit 60. The light distribution pattern PC1 is a horizontally long light distribution pattern that spreads in an oblique direction inclined clockwise by 15° with respect to the horizontal direction, and is formed along the oblique cut-off line CL2 of the low beam light distribution pattern PL1 at its lower edge.

[0105] And by forming such a high beam light distribution pattern PH1, sufficient far visibility of the road ahead of the vehicle is ensured.

[0106] Figs. 9 to 11 are diagrams for explaining the formation process of the light distribution pattern PA1.

[0107] Fig. 9(c) is a diagram showing the light distribution pattern PA1A formed by the light emitted from the direct light control unit 64A among the light distribution patterns PA1.

[0108] This light distribution pattern PA1A is a horizontally long light distribution pattern formed by expanding the light distribution pattern PA1Aо shown in Fig. 9(b) to both the left and right sides.

[0109] The light distribution pattern PA1Aо is a light distribution pattern formed by the light emitted from the direct light control unit 24A when, as shown in Fig. 9(a), a plurality of horizontal diffusion lens elements 24sA to 24sC are not formed on the emission surface 24a of the light transmissive member 24.

[0110] This light distribution pattern PA1Aо is formed as a light distribution pattern having a substantially square outer shape below the H-H line passing through H-V in the horizontal direction, and a clear light-dark boundary line extending horizontally is formed at its upper edge. This is because the lower edge of the light emitting surface 22a of the light emitting element 22 extends horizontally in the vicinity above the axis Ax, and the direct light control portion 24A of the light transmitting member 24 is configured to direct the light emitted from the light emitting center of the light emitting element 22 as substantially downward parallel light and incident on its rear surface 24Ab.

[0111] Actually, since a plurality of horizontal diffusion lens elements 24sA to 24sC are formed on the light emitting surface 24a of the light transmitting member 24, the light distribution pattern PA1A formed by the light emitted from the direct light control portion 24A is formed as a horizontally long light distribution pattern as shown in FIG. 9(c), and a clear light-dark boundary line CLa extending horizontally is formed at its upper edge.

[0112] In addition, in each of the light distribution patterns PA1Aо and PA1A, the curves formed multiply inside them indicate that the regions surrounded by these curves are relatively bright. The same applies to other light distribution patterns.

[0113] FIG. 10 shows a light distribution pattern formed by the light emitted from the right half region of the total reflection control portion 24B when a plurality of horizontal diffusion lens elements 24sA to 24sC are not formed on the light emitting surface 24a of the light transmitting member 24.

[0114] The light distribution pattern PA1B1о shown in FIG. 10(b1) is a light distribution pattern formed by the reflected light from the reflection region R1 shown in FIG. 10(a1). This light distribution pattern PA1B1о is formed as a slightly horizontally long light distribution pattern straddling the V-V line. In this light distribution pattern PA1B1о, its upper region is relatively bright, and a light-dark boundary line extending substantially horizontally is formed at its upper edge.

[0115] The light distribution pattern PA1B2о shown in Fig. 10(b2) is a light distribution pattern formed by the reflected light from the reflection region R2 shown in Fig. 10(a2). This light distribution pattern PA1B2о is formed as a somewhat vertically elongated light distribution pattern straddling the V-V line. In this light distribution pattern PA1B2о, its upper region is relatively bright, and a light-dark boundary line extending substantially horizontally is formed at its upper edge.

[0116] The light distribution pattern PA1B3о shown in Fig. 10(b3) is a light distribution pattern formed by the reflected light from the reflection region R3 shown in Fig. 10(a3). This light distribution pattern PA1B3о is formed as a somewhat vertically elongated light distribution pattern straddling the V-V line. In this light distribution pattern PA1B3о, its upper region is relatively bright, and a light-dark boundary line extending substantially horizontally is formed at its upper edge.

[0117] The light distribution pattern PA1B4о shown in Fig. 10(b4) is a light distribution pattern formed by the reflected light from the reflection region R4 shown in Fig. 10(a4). This light distribution pattern PA1B4о is formed as a somewhat horizontally elongated light distribution pattern straddling the V-V line. In this light distribution pattern PA1B4о, its upper region is relatively bright, and a light-dark boundary line extending substantially horizontally is formed at its upper edge.

[0118] The surface shapes of the respective reflection regions R1 to R4 are set such that the upper edges of the respective light distribution patterns PA1B1о to PA1B4 are at substantially the same height position as the upper edge of the light distribution pattern PA1A shown in Fig. 9(c).

[0119] Actually, as shown in Fig. 11(a), a plurality of horizontal diffusion lens elements 24sA to 24sC are formed on the exit surface 24a of the light-transmitting member 24. Therefore, as shown in Fig. 11(b), the light distribution pattern PB1 formed by the light emitted from the entire total reflection control section 24B is formed as a horizontally long light distribution pattern that expands the four light distribution patterns PA1B1о to PA1B4о shown in Figs. 10(b1) to (b4) and the four light distribution patterns with the shapes obtained by horizontally inverting them to both the left and right sides, and a relatively distinct light-dark boundary line CLb is formed at its upper edge.

[0120] And the light-dark boundary line CLa of PA1A and the light-dark boundary line CLb of the light distribution pattern PA1B form the horizontal cut-off line CL1 of the light distribution pattern PL1 for the low beam.

[0121] Fig. 12 is a diagram for explaining the formation process of the light distribution pattern PB1 shown in Fig. 8(a).

[0122] This light distribution pattern PB1 is formed as a combined light distribution pattern of the light distribution pattern PB1A shown in Fig. 12(b1) and the light distribution pattern PB1B shown in Fig. 12(b2).

[0123] The light distribution pattern PB1A is a light distribution pattern formed by the light emitted from the direct light control section 44A of the light-transmitting member 44 shown in Fig. 12(a1). As shown in Fig. 12(b1), it is formed as a horizontally long light distribution pattern that expands in the diagonal direction, and a distinct light-dark boundary line CLc extending in the diagonal direction is formed at its upper edge.

[0124] The light distribution pattern PB1B is a light distribution pattern formed by the light emitted from the total reflection control section 44B of the light-transmitting member 44 shown in Fig. 12(a2). As shown in Fig. 12(b2), it is formed as a horizontally long light distribution pattern that expands in the diagonal direction, and a light-dark boundary line CLd extending in the diagonal direction is formed at its upper edge.

[0125] And these bright-dark boundary lines CLc and CLd form the diagonal cut-off line CL2 of the low-beam light distribution pattern PL1.

[0126] The light distribution pattern PC1 is formed in the same manner as the light distribution pattern PB1 by a third lamp unit 60 having the same configuration as the second lamp unit 40. For example, the light distribution pattern PC1 may be the light distribution pattern PB1 rotated 180 degrees about the elbow point. In this case, the light-transmitting member 64 of the third lamp unit 60 and the light-transmitting member 44 of the second lamp unit 40 have the same optical structure, and the light-transmitting member 64 may be attached in a state rotated 180 degrees with respect to the light-transmitting member 44 when viewed from the front.

[0127] Alternatively, the light distribution pattern PC1 and the light distribution pattern PB1 may be in a line-symmetrical relationship with respect to the diagonal cut-off line CL2. In this case, the light-transmitting member 64 of the third lamp unit 60 and the light-transmitting member 44 of the second lamp unit 40 have the same optical structure, and the light-transmitting member 64 may be attached in a state vertically inverted with respect to the light-transmitting member 44 when viewed from the front.

[0128] Next, the operation and effect of the present embodiment will be described.

[0129] The vehicle lamp 10 according to the present embodiment includes a first lamp unit 20 and a second lamp unit 40, and each of the light-transmitting members 24 and 44 thereof includes a direct light control unit 24A and 44A that directly emits the light from the light-emitting elements 22 and 42 incident on the light-transmitting members 24 and 44 toward the front of the lamp, and a total reflection control unit 24B and 44B that totally reflects the light from the light-emitting elements 22 and 42 incident on the light-transmitting members 24 and 44 and then emits the light toward the front of the lamp. Therefore, most of the light emitted from the light-emitting elements 22 and 42 can be emitted from the light-transmitting members 24 and 44 toward the front of the lamp, and thereby the utilization efficiency of the light source luminous flux can be improved.

[0130] At this time, in the first lamp unit 20, since the total reflection surface 24Bb2 of the total reflection control portion 24B in the light-transmitting member 24 is divided into eight reflection regions L1, L2, L3, L4, R1, R2, R3, and R4 in the circumferential direction around the direct light control portion 24A, it is easily possible to align the upper end positions of the light distribution patterns PA1B1о, PA1B2о, PA1B3о, PA1B4о, etc. formed by the reflected light from each of the reflection regions L1 to L4, R1 to R4.

[0131] Similarly, in the second lamp unit 40 as well, since the total reflection surface 44Bb2 of the total reflection control portion 44B in the light-transmitting member 44 has the same configuration as the light-transmitting member 24 of the first lamp unit 20, it is easily possible to align the upper end positions of the light distribution patterns formed by the reflected light from each reflection region.

[0132] Furthermore, on the emission surface 24a of the light-transmitting member 24 of the first lamp unit 20, a plurality of horizontal diffusion lens elements 24sA, 24sB, 24sC for diffusing the emitted light from the light-transmitting member 24 in the horizontal direction are formed, and on the emission surface 44a of the light-transmitting member 44 of the second lamp unit 40, a plurality of diagonal diffusion lens elements 44sA, 44sB, 44sC for diffusing the emitted light from the light-transmitting member 44 in a diagonal direction inclined with respect to the horizontal direction are formed. Therefore, it is possible to form a bright low-beam light distribution pattern PL1 having horizontal and diagonal cut-off lines CL1, CL2 at the upper edge by the irradiation light from the first lamp unit 20 and the second lamp unit 40.

[0133] Thus, according to the present embodiment, in the vehicle lamp 10 having a lamp unit configured to irradiate the emitted light from the light-emitting element forward of the lamp through the light-transmitting member, while improving the utilization efficiency of the light source light beam, it is possible to form a bright low-beam light distribution pattern PL1 having horizontal and diagonal cut-off lines CL1, CL2 at the upper edge.

[0134] Also, in the present embodiment, the light-transmitting member 24 of the first lighting unit 20 is such that the diffusion angle of the horizontal diffusion lens element 24sA formed in the emission region 24aA which is the emission surface of its direct light control unit 24A is set to a value larger than the diffusion angles of the horizontal diffusion lens elements 24sB and 24sC formed in the emission regions 24aB and 24aC which are the emission surfaces of the total reflection control unit 24B. Further, the light-transmitting member 44 of the second lighting unit 40 is such that the diffusion angle of the diagonal diffusion lens element 44sA formed in the emission region 44aA which is the emission surface of its direct light control unit 44A is set to a value larger than the diffusion angles of the diagonal diffusion lens elements 44sB and 44sC formed in the emission regions 44aB and 44aC which are the emission surfaces of the total reflection control unit 44B. Thus, the following operational effects can be obtained.

[0135] That is, since the direct light control units 24A and 44A are located closer to the light-emitting elements 22 and 42 than the total reflection control units 24B and 44B, the light distribution patterns PA1Aо etc. formed by the light emitted from the direct light control units 24A and 44A are light distribution patterns larger than the light distribution patterns PA1B1о~PA1B4о etc. formed by the light emitted from the total reflection control units 24B and 44B.

[0136] Therefore, by setting the diffusion angles of the horizontal diffusion lens element 24sA and the diagonal diffusion lens element 44sA formed in the emission regions 24aA and 44aA which constitute the emission surfaces of the direct light control units 24A and 44A to values larger than the diffusion angles of the horizontal diffusion lens elements 24sB and 24sC and the diagonal diffusion lens elements 44sB and 44sC formed in the emission regions 24aB, 24aC and 44aB, 44aC which constitute the emission surfaces of the total reflection control units 24B and 44B, the light distribution patterns PA1 and PB1 formed by the irradiation light from the first lighting unit 20 and the second lighting unit 40 can be formed as light distribution patterns with less light distribution unevenness.

[0137] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the light-transmitting member 24 of the first lighting unit 20 has an exit surface of its total reflection control unit 24B divided into an exit region 24aB (inner peripheral side annular region) and an exit region 24aC (outer peripheral side annular region), and the diffusion angle of the horizontal diffusion lens element 24sB formed in the exit region 24aB is set to a value larger than the diffusion angle of the horizontal diffusion lens element 24sC formed in the exit region 24aC. Also, the light-transmitting member 44 of the second lighting unit 40 has an exit surface of its total reflection control unit 44B divided into an exit region 44aB (inner peripheral side annular region) and an exit region 44aC (outer peripheral side annular region), and the diffusion angle of the oblique diffusion lens element 44sB formed in the exit region 44aB is set to a value larger than the diffusion angle of the oblique diffusion lens element 44sC formed in the exit region 44aC. Therefore, the following operational effects can be obtained.

[0138] That is, since the light distribution patterns formed by the light emitted from the exit regions 24aB and 44aB are larger than the light distribution patterns formed by the light emitted from the exit regions 24aC and 44aC, by setting the diffusion angles of the horizontal and oblique diffusion lens elements 24sB and 44sB formed in the exit regions 24aB and 44aB to values larger than the diffusion angles of the horizontal and oblique diffusion lens elements 24sC and 44sC formed in the exit regions 24aC and 44aC, the light distribution patterns PA1 and PB1 formed by the irradiation light from the first lighting unit 20 and the second lighting unit 40 can be formed as light distribution patterns with less light distribution unevenness.

[0139] At this time, the light-transmitting members 24 and 44 of the first lighting unit 20 and the second lighting unit 40 are each displaced forward of the lamp with respect to the exit regions 24aA and 44aA that constitute the exit surfaces of the direct light control units 24A and 44A, and the exit regions 24aC and 44aC that constitute the exit surfaces of the total reflection control units 24C and 44C are displaced forward of the lamp with respect to the exit regions 24aB and 44aB that constitute the exit surfaces of the total reflection control units 24B and 44B. Therefore, the thickness of the light-transmitting members 24 and 44 can be reduced.

[0140] Furthermore, in the vehicle lamp 10 according to the present embodiment, since the high-beam light distribution pattern PH1 is formed by adding the irradiation light from the third lamp unit 60 having substantially the same configuration as the first lamp unit 20 and the second lamp unit 40, it is possible to ensure design unity and to function as a headlamp.

[0141] The third lamp unit 60 is configured in the same manner as the second lamp unit 40. The light distribution pattern PC1 has the same characteristics as the light distribution pattern PB1. The lower edge of the light distribution pattern PC1 and the upper edge of the light distribution pattern PB1 can be made to completely coincide, or the two light distributions can be slightly overlapped. Thereby, the overlap between the light distribution pattern PC1 and the light distribution area PL1 of the low beam can be reduced, and the energy of the light distribution pattern PC1 can be concentrated on the distance to be irradiated in the high beam mode.

[0142] FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view showing a configuration example of the vehicle lamp 10. The vehicle lamp 10 includes an electrical system unit 200 in which an electrical circuit is modularized, and an optical system unit 300 on which an optical system is mounted. In this example, the first lamp unit 20 is at the center, the second lamp unit 40 is on the vehicle center side, and the third lamp unit 60 is arranged on the vehicle outer side.

[0143] The electrical system unit 200 is also referred to as an LED assembly. The electrical system unit 200 includes a substrate 210. The light emitting elements 22, 42, 62 of the first lamp unit 20, the second lamp unit 40, and the third lamp unit 60 are mounted on the common substrate 210 together with their lighting circuits 220 and connectors 230.

[0144] On the other hand, the optical systems of the first lamp unit 20, the second lamp unit 40, and the third lamp unit 60, that is, the light transmissive members 24, 44, 64, are mounted on the optical system unit 300 and are detachable from the electrical system unit 200.

[0145] Figs. 14(a) and 14(b) are a sectional view and a front view of the optical system unit 300. The optical system unit 300 includes a lens unit 310 and a lens holder 320.

[0146] The lens unit 310 is formed by integrally molding the light-transmitting members 24, 44, and 64 using a transparent synthetic resin such as acrylic resin. The lens unit 310 is fixed to the lens holder 320, and the lens holder 320 is fixed to the substrate 210 of the electric system unit 200.

[0147] The embodiments have been described above. It should be understood by those skilled in the art that these embodiments are illustrative, and various modifications are possible for each component and combination of each processing process, and such modifications are also within the scope of the present invention. Hereinafter, such modifications will be described.

[0148] Fig. 15 is an exploded perspective view showing a modification of the vehicle lamp 10. In this modification, three lamp units 20, 40, and 60 are arranged non-linearly. Specifically, the three lamp units 20, 40, and 60 are arranged such that their respective centers are located at the vertices of a virtual triangle when the vehicle lamp 10 is viewed from the front. For example, the light-transmitting members 24, 44, and 46 may be arranged such that their outer circles are circumscribed to each other. In this case, the light-emitting elements 22, 42, and 62 are arranged on the substrate 210 so as to be the vertices of an equilateral triangle.

[0149] In this example, the first lamp unit 20 is arranged on the lower side, and the second lamp unit 40 and the third lamp unit 60 are arranged on the upper side, but their positions may be interchanged.

[0150] Figs. 16(a) to 16(c) are views showing the vehicle lamp 10 according to the modification. Fig. 16(a) is a view obtained by inverting the vertical and horizontal directions of the configuration of Fig. 15. The first lamp unit 20, the second lamp unit 40, and the third lamp unit 60 may be arranged on an oblique straight line as shown in Fig. 16(b), or may be arranged in the vertical direction as shown in Fig. 16(c).

[0151] (Other Modification Examples) In the embodiment, the total reflection surface 24Bb of the total reflection control portion 24B in the light transmissive member 24 has been described as being divided into eight reflection regions L1 to L4 and R1 to R4. However, it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the reflection regions are divided into nine or more or seven or less reflection regions.

[0152] In the embodiment, each of the horizontal diffusion lens elements 24sA to 24sC, 44sA to 44sC, and 64sA to 64sC has been described as being formed in a convex cylindrical lens shape. However, it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which these are formed in a concave cylindrical lens shape.

[0153] In the embodiment, the total reflection surfaces 24Bb, 44Bb, and 64Bb of the total reflection control portions 24B, 44B, and 64B in the respective light transmissive members 24, 44, and 64 have been described as being configured by a rotational surface or a surface having a rotational surface as a reference surface. However, it is also possible to adopt a configuration formed by other curved surfaces or a plurality of flat surfaces.

[0154] In the embodiment, the exit surfaces 24a, 44a, and 64a of the respective light transmissive members 24, 44, and 64 have been described as being divided concentrically when viewed from the front of the lamp. However, it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which these are divided into other shapes (for example, an elliptical shape, a rectangular shape, etc.).

[0155] Further, the present invention is not limited to the configurations described in the embodiment and its modification examples, and configurations with various other changes can be adopted.

Industrial Applicability

[0156] The present disclosure relates to a vehicle lamp.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0157] 10 Vehicle lamp 12 Lamp body 14 Light transmissive cover 20 First lamp unit 22 Light emitting element 22a Light emitting surface 24 Translucent member 24A Direct light control section 24B Total reflection control section 24sA, 24sB, 24sC Horizontal diffusion lens elements 26 Substrate 40 Second lamp unit 42 Light emitting element 42a Light emitting surface 44 Translucent member 44A Direct light control section 44B Total reflection control section 44sA, 44sB, 44sC Oblique diffusion lens elements 46 Substrate 60 Third lamp unit 62 Light emitting element 62a Light emitting surface 64 Translucent member 64A Direct light control section 64B Total reflection control section 64sA, 64sB, 64sC Oblique diffusion lens elements PL1 Low beam light distribution pattern PH1 High beam light distribution pattern CL1 Horizontal cut-off line CL2 Oblique cut-off line E Elbow point 200 Electrical unit 210 Substrate 220 Lighting circuit 230 Connector 300 Optical unit 310 Lens unit 320 Lens holder

Claims

1. A vehicle lamp capable of switching between a low beam mode and a high beam mode, In the low beam mode and the high beam mode, a first lamp unit that irradiates a first region that is a region having a horizontal longitudinal direction and whose upper edge forms a horizontal cut-off line; In the low beam mode and the high beam mode, a second lamp unit that irradiates a second region that is a region having a longitudinal direction inclined with respect to the horizontal direction and whose upper edge forms an oblique cut-off line; In the high beam mode, a third lamp unit that irradiates a third region that is a region having a longitudinal direction inclined with respect to the horizontal direction and whose lower edge is parallel to the oblique cut-off line; A vehicle lamp characterized by comprising the above.

2. The vehicle lamp according to claim 1, characterized in that the lower edge of the third region coincides with the oblique cut-off line or is located below the oblique cut-off line.

3. The vehicle lamp according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the length of the first region in the longitudinal direction is longer than the lengths of the second region and the third region in the longitudinal direction.

4. The vehicle lamp according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the illuminance in the high beam mode of at least one of the first lamp unit and the second lamp unit is lower than the illuminance in the low beam mode.

5. The vehicle lamp according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the first lamp unit to the third lamp unit have substantially the same optical configuration.

6. Each of the first lamp unit to the third lamp unit, A light emitting element, A light transmissive member that irradiates the emitted light of the light emitting element forward of the lamp, Comprising, The light transmissive member, A direct light control unit that directly emits the light from the light emitting element incident on the light transmissive member forward of the lamp, A total reflection control unit that totally reflects the light from the light emitting element incident on the light transmissive member and then emits it forward of the lamp, Comprising, The total reflection surface of the total reflection control unit is divided into a plurality of reflection regions in the circumferential direction around the direct light control unit, The vehicle lamp according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that a plurality of diffusion lens elements for diffusing the light emitted from the light transmissive member in a predetermined direction are formed on the emission surface of the light transmissive member.

7. The plurality of diffusion lens elements of the first lamp unit are arranged horizontally when viewed from the front, and the plurality of diffusion lens elements of the second lamp unit and the third lamp unit are arranged obliquely when viewed from the front. The vehicle lamp according to claim 6, characterized in that.

8. The light-transmitting members of the first lamp unit, the second lamp unit, and the third lamp unit are integrally formed. The vehicle lamp according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that.

9. The light-emitting elements and their lighting circuits of the first lamp unit, the second lamp unit, and the third lamp unit are mounted on the same substrate. The vehicle lamp according to any one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that.

10. The first lamp unit to the third lamp unit are arranged such that their centers are located at the vertices of a virtual triangle when viewed from the front. The vehicle lamp according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that.

11. The first lamp unit to the third lamp unit are arranged on the same straight line when viewed from the front. The vehicle lamp according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that.

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