Vehicle lighting fixtures

Abstract

To provide a vehicular lighting fixture capable of forming a light distribution pattern for low beam, capable of lighting a wide area while enhancing a cut-off line.SOLUTION: A vehicular lighting fixture 10 includes a projection lens 14 for projecting the light from a first light source 31, a second light source 32 and a third light source 33. The projection lens 14 has: a first lens portion 51 forming a first light distribution pattern P1 having a cut-off line CL with the light from the first light source 31; a second lens portion 52 forming a second light distribution pattern P2 with the light from the second light source 32; and a third lens portion 53 forming a third light distribution pattern P3 with the light from the third light source 33. The second light distribution pattern P2 forms at least a part of a light distribution pattern LP for low beam, the projection lens 14 has a first lens portion 51, a second lens portion 52 and a third lens portion 53 successively disposed from an inner side in a width direction in adjacent to each other, and the third light source 33 is positioned between the first light source 31 and the second light source 32 in the width direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] There has been proposed a vehicle lamp that forms a low-passing light distribution pattern and an additional light distribution pattern to the side of the low-passing light distribution pattern (see, for example, Patent Document 1). This vehicle lamp is configured such that a low-passing light distribution unit that forms the low-passing light distribution pattern and an additional light distribution unit that forms the additional light distribution pattern are housed in a single lamp chamber. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 08-161905 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, since the above-mentioned vehicle lamp forms a low-passing light distribution pattern using a single low-passing light distribution unit, there is room for improvement in terms of forming an appropriate low-passing light distribution pattern that illuminates a large area while emphasizing the cut-off line.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and aims to provide a vehicle lamp that can form a low-vehicle light distribution pattern that can illuminate a large area while emphasizing the cutoff line. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The vehicle lamp of the present disclosure includes a projection lens that projects light from a first light source, a second light source, and a third light source, the projection lens having a first lens portion that collects the light emitted from the first light source to illuminate the area ahead of the vehicle and form a first light distribution pattern having a cutoff line, a second lens portion that diffuses the light emitted from the second light source to form a second light distribution pattern in front of the vehicle that is larger than the first light distribution pattern, and a third lens portion that diffuses the light emitted from the third light source to form a third light distribution pattern to the side of the first light distribution pattern or the second light distribution pattern, the second light distribution pattern being formed simultaneously with the first light distribution pattern to form at least a part of a light distribution pattern for passing other vehicles, the projection lens having the first lens portion, the second lens portion, and the third lens portion adjacent to each other in order from the inside in a width direction of the vehicle, and the third light source being positioned between the first light source and the second light source in the width direction. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the vehicle lamp of the present disclosure, it is possible to form a low-beam light distribution pattern that can illuminate a large area while emphasizing the cutoff line. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a vehicle lamp according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an exploded configuration of a vehicle lamp. [Figure 3] 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the vehicle lamp is viewed from diagonally below, with the viewer inverted upside down, in order to understand the positional relationship between the projection lens, the reflector member, and each light source in the vehicle lamp. FIG. [Figure 4] 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the positional relationship between the projection lens, the reflector member, and each light source as viewed from below in the up-down direction. FIG. [Figure 5] 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the positional relationship between the projection lens, the reflector member, and each light source as viewed from above in the up-down direction. FIG. [Figure 6]5 is an explanatory diagram showing how light from each light source shown in FIG. 4 is reflected by each reflector member and emitted from each lens portion. FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a first light distribution pattern formed by a first unit of the vehicle lamp. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a second light distribution pattern formed by a second unit of the vehicle lamp. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a third light distribution pattern formed by a third unit of the vehicle lamp. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a fourth light distribution pattern formed by a fourth unit of the vehicle lamp. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a light distribution pattern for passing vehicles; [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which a low-beam light distribution pattern and a third light distribution pattern are formed. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] A first embodiment of a vehicle lamp 10 as one example of a vehicle lamp according to the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. 7 to 12, which show the light distribution patterns, show the brightness distribution as contour lines that become brighter toward the center on a screen where a horizontal line H and a vertical line V intersect, with the central position O (projection optical axis Lp) of the illumination by the vehicle lamp 10 as the origin. [Example]

[0010] A vehicle lamp 10 according to a first embodiment of a vehicle lamp according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 12. The vehicle lamp 10 according to the first embodiment is used as a headlight device for a vehicle such as an automobile. The headlight device is configured such that the vehicle lamp 10 is provided in a lamp chamber formed by a lamp housing mounted on each of the left and right sides of the front of the vehicle, the open front end of which is covered by an outer lens 15 (see FIG. 5). The vehicle lamp 10 is provided in the lamp chamber via a vertical beam axis adjustment mechanism and a horizontal beam axis adjustment mechanism, and appropriately illuminates the area ahead of the vehicle. In the following description, in the vehicle lamp 10, the direction in which the vehicle in which it is mounted travels is defined as the longitudinal direction (referred to as Z in the drawings), the vertical direction when the longitudinal direction is aligned with a horizontal plane is defined as the vertical direction (referred to as Y in the drawings), and the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and the vertical direction (horizontal direction) is defined as the width direction (referred to as X in the drawings). Here, the vehicle lamp 10 installed on the right side of the vehicle and the vehicle lamp 10 installed on the left side are basically the same in configuration but are inverted in the width direction (left and right), so the following explanation will be given using the vehicle lamp 10 installed on the right side.

[0011] 1 and 2, the vehicle lamp 10 of the first embodiment constitutes a projector-type lamp unit by attaching a light source section 12, a reflector member 13, and a projection lens 14 to an attachment member 11. The attachment member 11 is the portion where the light source section 12 is provided, and is formed of a thermally conductive aluminum plate, aluminum die-cast, or resin, and functions as a heat sink as a whole to release heat generated by the light source section 12 to the outside. The attachment member 11 has a light source attachment section 21 and a lens attachment section 22.

[0012] The light source mounting portion 21 is shaped like a flat plate perpendicular to the up-down direction, and the light source unit 12 is mounted at a predetermined position. Three light-shielding walls 23 are provided on the light source mounting portion 21. Each light-shielding wall 23 is shaped like a plate that protrudes upward in the up-down direction perpendicular to the light source mounting portion 21, and corresponds individually to a first light source 31, a second light source 32, and a fourth light source 34 (described later) of the light source unit 12. Each light-shielding wall 23 is provided in front of the corresponding light source in the front-to-rear direction and absorbs or diffuses light from the corresponding light source. Each light-shielding wall 23 prevents light from the corresponding light source from illuminating above a cutoff line CL in a low-beam light distribution pattern LP (described later) formed by light from the corresponding light source on a screen where a horizontal line H and a vertical line V intersect at a center position O on the projection optical axis Lp, and is positioned relative to the corresponding light source.

[0013] The lens mounting part 22 is in the form of a flat plate that is approximately perpendicular to the up-down direction, and is provided in front of the light source mounting part 21 in the front-to-back direction, with a step located below the light source mounting part 21 in the up-to-down direction. The lens mounting part 22 constitutes the location where the projection lens 14 is attached, and the projection lens 14 is positioned in front of the light source part 12 attached to the light source mounting part 21 in the front-to-back direction.

[0014] The mounting member 11 is provided with four positioning holes 11a and three screw through holes 11b. Each positioning hole 11a and each screw through hole 11b are provided in pairs. A positioning protrusion 13a of a reflector member 13 (described later) can be fitted into each positioning hole 11a. A screw 24 can be passed through each screw through hole 11b. The mounting member 11 can be provided with multiple heat dissipation fins, and heat generated by the light source unit 12 attached to the light source mounting portion 21 can be dissipated to the outside mainly through each heat dissipation fin. The mounting member 11 is fixed to the lamp housing via a bracket (not shown). The mounting member 11 may be provided with a cooling fan unit as needed to improve cooling efficiency.

[0015] The light source unit 12 has a first light source 31, a second light source 32, a third light source 33, a fourth light source 34 (see FIG. 2, etc.), a connector terminal 35, and a substrate 36 on which they are mounted. These four light sources (31 to 34) are configured with light-emitting elements such as LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes). The four light sources (31 to 34) are provided at positions corresponding to the respective reflector units (41 to 44) described below. This positional relationship will be described later.

[0016] The connector terminal 35 is electrically connected to the wiring pattern of the substrate 36, and a connector connected to the lighting control circuit can be attached and detached freely. The connector terminal 35 is provided at the lower end of the substrate 36 in the vertical direction, and the connector can be easily attached and detached. By attaching the connector to the connector terminal 35, it is possible to supply power from the lighting control circuit to each light source (31 to 34) via the wiring pattern.

[0017] The substrate 36 is a plate-like aluminum substrate, and has the light sources (31 to 34) mounted thereon. The substrate 36 may be made of a resin material such as a glass epoxy board, or may be made of other materials. The substrate 36 is provided with a wiring pattern that electrically connects the light sources (31 to 34) to the connector terminals 35. The substrate 36 is also provided with a positioning hole 36a that corresponds to the central positioning hole 11a of the light source mounting portion 21 of the mounting member 11, and a screw through hole 36b that corresponds to the nearby screw through hole 11b. The substrate 36 is attached between the mounting member 11 (light source mounting portion 21) and the reflector member 13 by inserting a positioning protrusion 13a of the reflector member 13 (described later) into the positioning hole 36a and threading a screw 24 inserted through the screw through hole 36b into a screw hole 13b of the reflector member 13 (described later). Then, the substrate 36 faces each of the mounted light sources (31 to 34) to the corresponding reflector portion (41 to 44). The substrate 36 appropriately supplies power from the lighting control circuit via the connector terminal 35 to appropriately light up each of the light sources (31 to 34).

[0018] The substrate 36 is provided with a light-shielding wall slit 37 in front of each of the first light source 31, the second light source 32, and the fourth light source 34. Each of these light-shielding wall slits 37 is positioned in front of the corresponding light source and is capable of receiving a corresponding light-shielding wall 23 provided on the light-source mounting portion 21 of the mounting member 11. Therefore, when the light source unit 12 is mounted between the mounting member 11 and the reflector member 13, the light-shielding walls 23 can be positioned in front of each of the first light source 31, the second light source 32, and the fourth light source 34 through the light-shielding wall slit 37. This prevents light from the first light source 31, the second light source 32, and the fourth light source 34 from illuminating above a cut-off line CL in a low-beam light distribution pattern LP, which will be described later.

[0019] The reflector member 13 is a molded product made of a resin material, and is integrally formed with a first reflector portion 41, a second reflector portion 42, a third reflector portion 43, and a fourth reflector portion 44 (see FIG. 2, etc.). Each reflector portion (41 to 44) has a reflective surface Rs that is curved to cover the corresponding light source (31 to 34), and each reflective surface Rs reflects light emitted from the corresponding light source (31 to 34) toward the projection lens 14. Each reflective surface Rs is provided inside the corresponding reflector portion (41 to 44). Each reflective surface Rs is a bowl-shaped free-form surface based on an ellipse, with a first focus at the corresponding light source (31 to 34) (at or near its center) and a second focus near the corresponding lens portion (51 to 54) of the projection lens 14, which will be described later. This allows each reflector portion (41 to 44) to efficiently direct light emitted from each light source (31 to 34) near the first focal point to the corresponding lens portion (51 to 54). The positional relationship between each reflector portion (41 to 44) will be described later.

[0020] As shown in Figures 2 to 4, the reflector member 13 is provided with four positioning protrusions 13a and three screw holes 13b. Each positioning protrusion 13a is rod-shaped and protrudes downward in the vertical direction at a position that does not obstruct the optical path from each reflector portion (41 to 44). Each screw hole 13b is provided near the corresponding positioning protrusion 13a at a position that does not obstruct the optical path from each reflector portion (41 to 44), and can be fixed by screwing in a screw 24. With the light source portion 12 interposed between the reflector member 13 and the light source mounting portion 21, the reflector member 13 is fixed to the mounting member 11 by screwing in a screw 24 in each screw hole 13b while being positioned by each positioning protrusion 13a. As a result, the light source unit 12 is fixed to the upper surface (21a) of the light source mounting unit 21 of the mounting member 11, and the upper surface (21a) becomes the mounting surface 21a on which the light source unit 12 (its respective light sources (31 to 34)) and the respective reflector units (41 to 44) of the reflector member 13 are mounted.

[0021] The reflector member 13 is provided with three partition walls 25. Each partition wall 25 is positioned between a first lens unit 51 and a second lens unit 52, between the second lens unit 52 and a third lens unit 53, and between the third lens unit 53 and a fourth lens unit 54 of the projection lens 14, and has a plate shape extending in the vertical direction. Each partition wall 25 prevents light passing through each irradiation unit (61 to 64), which will be described later, from traveling to another adjacent irradiation unit.

[0022] As shown in FIGS. 3 to 6 , the projection lens 14 projects light reflected by the reflector member 13 (each of its reflective surfaces Rs) toward the front of the vehicle and cooperates with the reflector member 13 to form a predetermined light distribution pattern. The projection lens 14 is a molded product made of a resin material, and is integrally formed with a first lens portion 51, a second lens portion 52, a third lens portion 53, and a fourth lens portion 54 (see FIG. 2 ). Each lens portion (51 to 54) is positioned opposite a corresponding reflector portion (41 to 44), i.e., in a direction in which light from the corresponding light source (31 to 34) is reflected by the reflector portion (41 to 44). Specifically, the projection lens 14 is arranged in the following order in the width direction from the inside of the vehicle (the right side in FIG. 4 and the left side in FIG. 5 ): the fourth lens portion 54, the first lens portion 51, the second lens portion 52, and the third lens portion 53.

[0023] Each of the lens portions (51 to 54) has a focal point (rear focal point) located near a rear wall portion (41b to 44b) of the corresponding reflector portion (41 to 44), which will be described later. Each of the lens portions (51 to 54) irradiates light from the corresponding reflector portion (41 to 44), forming a plurality of light distribution images of the rear wall portions (41b to 44b) (predetermined areas therearound) that are appropriately superimposed at positions according to the optical characteristics on a screen where a horizontal line H and a vertical line V intersect, with the center position O of the illumination by the vehicle lamp 10 as the origin. The optical characteristics can be set by adjusting the curvature (surface shape) of each of the lens portions (51 to 54) for each location, and in the first embodiment, the curvature is set by gradually changing the curvature.

[0024] The first lens unit 51 is a convex lens, the second lens unit 52 is a concave lens, the third lens unit 53 is a concave lens, and the fourth lens unit 54 is a concave lens. The fourth lens unit 54 and the first lens unit 51 extend in the width direction. The second lens unit 52 adjacent to the first lens unit 51 is tilted slightly rearward relative to the first lens unit 51 so as to displace rearward as it moves outward. The third lens unit 53 adjacent to the second lens unit 52 is tilted rearward more than the second lens unit 52 so as to displace rearward as it moves outward. The axis of the third lens unit 53 in Example 1 coincides with a third projection optical axis Lp3 (described later) of the third reflector unit 43, and the third lens unit 53 is tilted outward between 40 and 80 degrees with respect to the front-to-rear direction; in Example 1, this tilt is 60 degrees. As a result, the projection lens 14 as a whole slopes (slants) toward the rear in the front-to-rear direction as it moves from the inside to the outside in the width direction, and is shaped similarly to the outer lens 15 (see Figure 5), giving it a unified appearance.

[0025] Here, in the projection lens 14 of Example 1, the first lens unit 51 is a convex lens in that the first exit surface 51a is a substantially smooth curved surface and the first entrance surface 51b is a convex surface that bulges toward the first light source 31 (first reflector unit 41). The second lens unit 52 is a concave lens in that the second exit surface 52a is a substantially smooth curved surface and the second entrance surface 52b is a concave surface that is recessed on the side opposite the second light source 32 (second reflector unit 42). The third lens unit 53 is a concave lens in that the third exit surface 53a is a substantially smooth curved surface and the third entrance surface 53b is a concave surface that is recessed on the side opposite the third light source 33 (third reflector unit 43). The fourth lens portion 54 is configured as a concave lens by having the fourth emission surface 54a as a substantially smooth curved surface and the fourth incidence surface 54b as a concave surface recessed toward the opposite side to the fourth light source 34 (fourth reflector portion 44). The curvature of each incidence surface (51b to 54b) is set according to the optical settings of each irradiation unit (61 to 64) described later.

[0026] In the projection lens 14 of Example 1, the fourth exit surface 54a, the first exit surface 51a, and the second exit surface 52a are arranged continuously from the inside in the width direction to form a single curved surface. Here, a single curved surface means that there are no bends and the curvature changes continuously. As a result, in the projection lens 14 of Example 1, even though the first lens unit 51, the second lens unit 52, and the fourth lens unit 54 have different optical characteristics as described below, the fourth exit surface 54a, the first exit surface 51a, and the second exit surface 52a can appear to form a single surface, improving the appearance.

[0027] Additionally, in the projection lens 14 of Example 1, the third exit surface 53a of the third lens unit 53 is a single curved surface. Furthermore, in the projection lens 14 of Example 1, a curved surface portion 55 is provided between the second lens unit 52 (its second exit surface 52a) and the third lens unit 53 (its third exit surface 53a). This curved surface portion 55 forms a curved, continuous portion between the second exit surface 52a of the second lens unit 52 and the third exit surface 53a of the third lens unit 53. In other words, the second exit surface 52a and the third exit surface 53a are each a single curved surface extending in different directions, but the curved surface portion 55 makes them continuous while changing direction. As a result, in the projection lens 14, the four exit surfaces (51a to 54a) can be made to have a cohesive, integrated design as a whole, composed of two smooth curved surfaces without any irregularities, and can be made to slope backward (become slanted) as they move outward. Also, in the projection lens 14, the second lens section 52 can be made to be approximately perpendicular to the second projection optical axis Lp2 of the second irradiation unit 62, which will be described later, and the third lens section 53 can be made to be approximately perpendicular to the third projection optical axis Lp3 of the third irradiation unit 63, which will be described later.

[0028] Furthermore, in the projection lens 14 of Example 1, a common reference curve that is smoothly continuous and gently curved is set on the incident surface sides of the second lens unit 52 to the third lens unit 53, and the second incident surface 52b and the third incident surface 53b are concave surfaces that are recessed with respect to the reference curve. Therefore, the second incident surface 52b and the third incident surface 53b can be arranged adjacent to each other without creating a step between them, preventing unintended brightness and darkness from being created on each light distribution pattern P due to light caused by the step. Furthermore, because the second incident surface 52b and the third incident surface 53b are both concave surfaces, it is possible to prevent light from one irradiation unit from entering the incident surface of the other irradiation unit, compared to a case in which the incident surface of one irradiation unit is concave and the incident surface of the other irradiation unit is convex.

[0029] As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4 , the projection lens 14 is provided with two positioning holes 14a and one screw through hole 14b. Each positioning hole 14a is provided on both sides of the widthwise outer side of the area where the lens portions (51 to 54) are provided, and a corresponding positioning protrusion 13a of the reflector member 13 can be fitted into the positioning hole 14a. A screw 24 can be passed through the screw through hole 14b. The projection lens 14 is attached between the attachment member 11 (lens attachment portion 22) and the reflector member 13 by inserting each positioning protrusion 13a of the reflector member 13 into the positioning hole 14a and threading the screw 24 passed through the screw through hole 14b into the screw hole 13b of the reflector member 13. This positions the projection lens 14 so that each lens portion (51 to 54) faces the corresponding reflector portion (41 to 44).

[0030] Next, the positional relationship between the reflector sections (41 to 44) will be described. First, each reflector section (41 to 44) cooperates with the corresponding light source (31 to 34) and lens section (51 to 54) to form an irradiation unit that forms a predetermined light distribution pattern. In detail, the first reflector section 41 configures a first irradiation unit 61 together with the first light source 31 and the first lens section 51, and the second reflector section 42 configures a second irradiation unit 62 together with the second light source 32 and the second lens section 52. Furthermore, the third reflector section 43 configures a third irradiation unit 63 together with the third light source 33 and the third lens section 53, and the fourth reflector section 44 configures a fourth irradiation unit 64 together with the fourth light source 34 and the fourth lens section 54.

[0031] Here, in each of the irradiation units (61 to 64), the axis of the respective reflector portion (41 to 44) is defined as the projection optical axis Lp. The axis (each projection optical axis Lp) is defined as the major axis of the ellipse that is the basis of each reflecting surface Rs. Hereinafter, the axis of the first irradiation unit 61 will be defined as the first projection optical axis Lp1, the axis of the second irradiation unit 62 will be defined as the second projection optical axis Lp2, the axis of the third irradiation unit 63 will be defined as the third projection optical axis Lp3, and the axis of the fourth irradiation unit 64 will be defined as the fourth projection optical axis Lp4 (see FIG. 4).

[0032] 3 to 5, in the first illumination unit 61, the first reflector portion 41 is provided at the center in the width direction, and its first projection optical axis Lp1 is aligned in the front-to-rear direction. This first projection optical axis Lp1 also functions as the projection optical axis Lp of the vehicle lamp 10. The first reflector portion 41 is bowl-shaped on a horizontal plane, with an open end 41a from which light is emitted positioned at the front in the front-to-rear direction, and a back wall portion 41b, which is the apex of the bowl, positioned at the rear in the front-to-rear direction. The first lens portion 51 of the projection lens 14 is positioned at the front of the first reflector portion 41 in the front-to-rear direction, i.e., on the first projection optical axis Lp1.

[0033] In the first reflector portion 41, the lower end of the rear wall portion 41b is a cutoff forming surface 41c (see FIGS. 3 and 4, etc.). The cutoff forming surface 41c has a shape in which two horizontal edges of different heights are joined at the lower end by an inclined edge in order to form a cutoff line CL. As shown in FIG. 6, the first reflector portion 41 reflects light from the first light source 31 located at (or in the vicinity of) a first focal point of the reflecting surface Rs of the first reflector portion 41 toward the first lens portion 51. As shown in FIG. 4, the first lens portion 51 projects the light reflected by the first reflector portion 41 in the direction of the first projection optical axis Lp1. At this time, since the first lens portion 51 is a convex lens, it condenses the light from the first reflector portion 41 and causes it to travel in the direction of the first projection optical axis Lp1. The first lens portion 51 forms a light distribution image of the rear wall portion 41b including the cutoff forming surface 41c on a screen where the horizontal line H and the vertical line V intersect on the projection optical axis Lp (first projection optical axis Lp1). Note that even when the vehicle lamp 10 is provided on the left side of the vehicle, the relationship between the direction of inclination and height of the cutoff forming surface 41c is not reversed in the width direction. In other words, the vehicle lamp 10 is reversed in the width direction between the right and left sides of the vehicle, but the inclination of the cutoff forming surface 41c is in the same direction.

[0034] 7, the first irradiation unit 61 forms a first light distribution pattern P1 on the screen as a condensed light distribution pattern obtained by condensing light from the first light source 31. This first light distribution pattern P1 has a cutoff line CL on the upper side, which is made up of two horizontal edges of different heights joined by an inclined edge. The first light distribution pattern P1 positions the cutoff line CL on the projection optical axis Lp, and condenses light below the cutoff line CL to emphasize brightness and clarify the contrast of the cutoff line CL.

[0035] As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, in the second irradiation unit 62, the second reflector portion 42 is provided adjacent to the first reflector portion 41 on the outer side in the width direction. The second reflector portion 42 has a second projection optical axis Lp2 that is aligned with the front-to-rear direction or slightly tilted outward from the front-to-rear direction. The second reflector portion 42 is bowl-shaped on a horizontal plane, with an open end 42a from which light is emitted positioned on the front side in the front-to-rear direction, and a back wall portion 42b, which is the apex of the bowl, positioned on the rear side in the front-to-rear direction. The second lens portion 52 of the projection lens 14 is positioned on the front side of the second reflector portion 42 in the front-to-rear direction, i.e., on the second projection optical axis Lp2. The second reflector portion 42 is adjacent to the first reflector portion 41 on the outer side in the width direction than the first reflector portion 41, and the second lens portion 52 is adjacent to the first lens portion 51 on the outer side in the width direction than the first lens portion 51.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 6, the second reflector portion 42 reflects light from the second light source 32 located at (or near) the first focal point of its reflective surface Rs toward the second lens portion 52. As shown in FIG. 4, the second lens portion 52 projects the light reflected by the second reflector portion 42 along a second projection optical axis Lp2. At this time, since the second lens portion 52 is a concave lens with the second projection optical axis Lp2 tilted slightly outward, the light from the second reflector portion 42 is diffused and propagates in the direction of the second projection optical axis Lp2, i.e., slightly outward in the width direction (to the left in FIGS. 4 and 6) from the projection optical axis Lp (first projection optical axis Lp1). The second lens portion 52 then forms multiple light distribution images of the rear wall portion 42b, appropriately superimposed on a screen where the horizontal line H and vertical line V intersect on the projection optical axis Lp. In the second lens portion 52 of Example 1, the degree of concavity of the concave second entrance surface 52b, i.e., the curvature of the second entrance surface 52b, is smaller than that of the third entrance surface 53b and larger than that of the fourth entrance surface 54b.

[0037] As a result, the second illumination unit 62 forms, on the screen, a second light distribution pattern P2 as a highly diffused light distribution pattern that greatly diffuses the light from the second light source 32, as shown in Fig. 8. The center of brightness of this second light distribution pattern P2 is located outside (to the right of) the projection optical axis Lp in the width direction. The second light distribution pattern P2 partially overlaps with the first light distribution pattern P1 below the cutoff line CL of the first light distribution pattern P1 and extends widely outside of it, brightening a wider area than the first light distribution pattern P1.

[0038] 3 to 5, etc., in the third irradiation unit 63, the third reflector portion 43 is provided between the first reflector portion 41 and the second reflector portion 42 in the width direction and in front of the first reflector portion 41 and the second reflector portion 42 in the front-rear direction. In other words, the third reflector portion 43 is positioned forward to a position where it contacts the first reflector portion 41 (its open end 41a) and the second reflector portion 42 (its open end 42a) in the front-rear direction, and is thereby positioned between the first reflector portion 41 and the second reflector portion 42 that are adjacent in the width direction. The third projection optical axis Lp3 of this third reflector portion 43 is inclined outward by between 40 degrees and 80 degrees with respect to the front-rear direction, and in Example 1, this inclination is set to 60 degrees.

[0039] The third reflector portion 43 has a bowl-like shape on a horizontal plane, with its open end 43a, from which light is emitted, positioned at the front in the front-to-rear direction, and its rear wall portion 43b, which is the apex of the bowl, positioned at the rear in the front-to-rear direction. Opposite the third reflector portion 43, i.e., on the third projection optical axis Lp3, is the third lens portion 53 of the projection lens 14. As described above, the third lens portion 53 is positioned outward in the width direction relative to the second lens portion 52. This is because the third reflector portion 43 is positioned between the first reflector portion 41 and the second reflector portion 42 in the width direction, but the third projection optical axis Lp3 is tilted outward by 60 degrees. In this way, the arrangement order of the second reflector portion 42 and the third reflector portion 43 and the arrangement order of the second lens portion 52 and the third lens portion 53 in the width direction are reversed. Therefore, the optical paths (both projection optical axes Lp2 and Lp3) of the second irradiation unit 62 and the third irradiation unit 63 intersect with each other.

[0040] Furthermore, the third reflector unit 43 has a significantly inclined third projection optical axis Lp3, so that the third reflector unit 43 is tilted significantly outward relative to the first reflector unit 41 and the second reflector unit 42. Therefore, in the third reflector unit 43, the vicinity of the rear wall portion 43b (the third light source 33) is located in front of the first light source 31 in the front-rear direction. Here, the optical path of the first irradiation unit 61, i.e., the trajectory of effective light from the first light source 31 used to form the first light distribution pattern P1, reflected by the first reflector unit 41 and traveling toward the first lens unit 51, has a reduced dimension in the width direction at an intermediate position from the first reflector unit 41 to the first lens unit 51 (see FIG. 6 ). The third reflector unit 43 is located in front of the first light source 31 in accordance with the form of the optical path of the first irradiation unit 61 (the above-described trajectory of effective light) so as to minimize obstruction of the traveling of light in the first irradiation unit 61 as much as possible. In other words, the position and size of the third reflector portion 43 on the optical path of the first irradiation unit 61 are set so that the third reflector portion 43 is prevented from obstructing the optical path of the first irradiation unit 61.

[0041] Moreover, more than half of the third reflector portion 43 on the open end 43a side is located on the optical path of the second irradiation unit 62, i.e., on the trajectory of effective light from the second light source 32 used to form the second light distribution pattern P2, which is reflected by the second reflector portion 42 and travels toward the second lens portion 52. One side of the third reflector portion 43 across the third projection optical axis Lp3 is located on the second light source 32 (second reflector portion 42) side, and the other side opposite the third projection optical axis Lp3 is located on the second lens portion 52 side. The third reflector portion 43 is provided with a light-source-side notch 45 on one side, the second light source 32 side, and an opposite-side notch 46 on the other side, the second lens portion 52 side. The light-source-side cutout 45 and the opposite-side cutout 46 are formed by partially cutting out the third reflector portion 43 in order to prevent impediment to the progression of light from the second light source 32 that is reflected by the second reflector portion 42 and travels toward the second lens portion 52. The light-source-side cutout 45 and the opposite-side cutout 46 of the first embodiment are cut out in a curved shape centered on or near the second projection optical axis Lp2.

[0042] In the first embodiment, the optical path of the second irradiation unit 62 is narrowed in the width direction at an intermediate position between the first reflector 41 and the first lens 51 (see FIG. 6 ). Therefore, the light-source-side notch 45 is cut out larger than the opposite-side notch 46, i.e., has a larger radius of curvature than the opposite-side notch 46. In other words, in the third reflector 43, the light-source-side notch 45 is cut out larger, and the opposite-side notch 46 is cut out smaller, so as to maximize the reflective surface Rs of the third reflector 43 while minimizing the obstruction of the optical path of the second irradiation unit 62. This allows the two notches (45, 46) to ensure a balanced optical path for both the second irradiation unit 62 and the third irradiation unit 63, thereby enabling both the second light distribution pattern P2 and the third light distribution pattern P3 to be appropriately formed.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 6, the third reflector unit 43 reflects light from the third light source 33 located at (or near) the first focal point of its reflective surface Rs toward the third lens unit 53. As shown in FIG. 4, the third lens unit 53 projects the light reflected by the third reflector unit 43 along a third projection optical axis Lp3. At this time, since the third lens unit 53 is a concave lens with the third projection optical axis Lp3 tilted significantly outward, the light reflected by the third reflector unit 43 is diffused and propagates in the direction of the third projection optical axis Lp3, i.e., in a direction significantly outward in the width direction (to the left in FIGS. 4 and 6) from the projection optical axis Lp (first projection optical axis Lp1). The third lens unit 53 then forms multiple light distribution images of the rear wall portion 43b, appropriately superimposed on a screen where the horizontal line H and vertical line V intersect on the projection optical axis Lp. In third lens portion 53 of Example 1, the degree of concavity of third entrance surface 53b, that is, the curvature of third entrance surface 53b, is made larger than that of the other concave entrance surfaces (52b, 54b).

[0044] As a result, the third illumination unit 63 diffuses light from the third light source 33 on the screen to form a third light distribution pattern P3, as shown in FIG. 9 . The center of brightness of this third light distribution pattern P3 is positioned farther outward (to the right) in the width direction than the projection optical axis Lp. The third light distribution pattern P3 partially overlaps with the second light distribution pattern P2 and brightens a wide area on the outer side (right side) in the width direction. The third light distribution pattern P3 can illuminate the side of the low-beam light distribution pattern LP (described later) (see FIG. 11 ), and functions as a so-called side light distribution pattern that can illuminate a position that would be a blind spot if only the low-beam light distribution pattern LP were used. In the first embodiment, this third light distribution pattern P3 brightens an area ranging from 30 degrees to 90 degrees outward from the center position O (projection optical axis Lp) along the horizon H.

[0045] As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5 , in the fourth irradiation unit 64, the fourth reflector portion 44 is disposed adjacent to the first reflector portion 41 on the inner side in the width direction of the first reflector portion 41. The fourth reflector portion 44 has a fourth projection optical axis Lp4 that is aligned with the front-rear direction or slightly tilted inward from the front-rear direction. The fourth reflector portion 44 is bowl-shaped on a horizontal plane, with an open end 44a from which light is emitted positioned on the front side in the front-rear direction, and a back wall portion 44b, which is the apex of the bowl, positioned on the rear side in the front-rear direction. The fourth lens portion 54 of the projection lens 14 is positioned on the front side of the fourth reflector portion 44 in the front-rear direction, i.e., on the fourth projection optical axis Lp4. The fourth reflector portion 44 is adjacent to the first reflector portion 41 on the inner side in the width direction, and the second lens portion 52 is adjacent to the first lens portion 51 on the inner side in the width direction.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 6, the fourth reflector unit 44 reflects light from the fourth light source 34 located at (or near) the first focal point of its reflective surface Rs toward the fourth lens unit 54. As shown in FIG. 4, the fourth lens unit 54 projects the light reflected by the fourth reflector unit 44 along a fourth projection optical axis Lp4. At this time, because the fourth lens unit 54 is a concave lens with the fourth projection optical axis Lp4 tilted slightly inward, the light reflected by the fourth reflector unit 44 is diffused and propagates in the direction of the fourth projection optical axis Lp4, i.e., slightly inward in the width direction (to the right in FIGS. 4 and 6) from the projection optical axis Lp (first projection optical axis Lp1). The fourth lens unit 54 then forms multiple light distribution images of the rear wall portion 44b, appropriately superimposed on a screen where the horizontal line H and vertical line V intersect on the projection optical axis Lp. In the fourth lens portion 54 of Example 1, the degree of concavity of the concave fourth entrance surface 54b, i.e., the curvature of the fourth entrance surface 54b, is smaller than that of the other concave entrance surfaces (52b, 53b).

[0047] 10, the fourth illumination unit 64 forms a fourth light distribution pattern P4 on the screen as a medium-diffusion light distribution pattern by diffusing the light from the fourth light source 34. The center of brightness of this fourth light distribution pattern P4 is located inside (on the left side) of the projection optical axis Lp in the width direction. The fourth light distribution pattern P4 is below the cutoff line CL of the first light distribution pattern P1 and includes substantially the entire area of ​​the first light distribution pattern P1, while expanding greatly to the left thereof, and brightens a wider area than the first light distribution pattern P1.

[0048] The vehicle lamp 10 can form a low-passing light distribution pattern LP as shown in Fig. 11 by turning on the first light source 31, the second light source 32, and the fourth light source 34 to simultaneously form and overlap the first light distribution pattern P1, the second light distribution pattern P2, and the fourth light distribution pattern P4. This low-passing light distribution pattern LP has a cutoff line CL on the projection optical axis Lp, and can brighten the area near the projection optical axis Lp most while brightening a large area in the width direction below the cutoff line CL.

[0049] Then, while forming the low-beam light distribution pattern LP, the vehicular lamp 10 turns on the third light source 33 to form the third light distribution pattern P3, thereby partially overlapping the low-beam light distribution pattern LP and brightening the area outside of it (the right side in FIG. 12 ), as shown in FIG. 12 . This allows the vehicular lamp 10 to ensure a wide field of view to the right of the low-beam light distribution pattern LP. Here, when the steering wheel of the vehicle in which the vehicular lamp 10 is installed is turned sharply to the right or when the right turn signal is turned on, the vehicular lamp 10 turns on the third light source 33 in conjunction with these operations, thereby automatically ensuring a wide field of view in accordance with the vehicle's operation and appropriately assisting driving. The vehicular lamp 10 may also turn on the third light source 33 to form the third light distribution pattern P3 in response to an operation on an operating unit for turning on the third light source 33 provided on the vehicle. Furthermore, the vehicular lamp 10 may be configured to constantly form the third light distribution pattern P3 when forming the low-beam light distribution pattern LP. If the vehicular lamp 10 is provided on the left side of the vehicle, the third light distribution pattern P3 will be formed to the left of the low-beam light distribution pattern LP in response to an operation of turning the steering wheel sharply to the left or an operation of turning on the left turn signal.

[0050] This vehicular lamp 10 integrally comprises a first irradiation unit 61, a second irradiation unit 62, and a fourth irradiation unit 64 that form a passing light distribution pattern LP, as well as a third irradiation unit 63 that forms a third light distribution pattern P3. Therefore, the vehicular lamp 10 can eliminate the need for positioning adjustment between the irradiation units (61 to 64) when mounted on a vehicle, and can improve the accuracy of the relative positional relationships between the irradiation units (61 to 64). Furthermore, the vehicular lamp 10 can reduce the number of parts required for installation and simplify the installation process compared to when the irradiation units (61 to 64) are mounted individually on a vehicle.

[0051] Furthermore, in the vehicle lamp 10, the projection lens 14 is tilted (slanted) toward the rear in the front-to-rear direction as it moves from the inside to the outside in the width direction. Therefore, in the vehicle lamp 10, the distance between the second reflector portion 42 and the second lens portion 52 in the second illumination unit 62 can be made smaller than in the first illumination unit 61 and the fourth illumination unit 64, and the focal length of the second lens portion 52 can be made shorter. This makes it easier for the second illumination unit 62 to diffuse light from the second light source 32 compared to when the second illumination unit 62 is disposed at the position of the first illumination unit 61. In addition, since the second illumination unit 62 has the second lens portion 52 tilted slightly rearward relative to the first lens portion 51, it is easy to form a second light distribution pattern P2 that widely expands while the center of brightness is positioned outside the projection optical axis Lp in the width direction.

[0052] Furthermore, in the vehicle lamp 10, by slanting the projection lens 14 as described above, the distance between the first reflector portion 41 and the first lens portion 51 in the first illumination unit 61 can be made larger than that in the second illumination unit 62, thereby making it possible to increase the focal length of the first lens portion 51. Therefore, by arranging the first illumination unit 61 more inward than the second illumination unit 62, it is possible to more easily collect light from the first light source 31 compared to when the first illumination unit 61 is arranged at the position of the second illumination unit 62. In addition, since the first illumination unit 61 has the first lens portion 51 aligned along the width direction, it is possible to easily form the first light distribution pattern P1, which collects light to enhance brightness and has a clear cutoff line CL, with the center of brightness located near the projection optical axis Lp.

[0053] In the vehicle lamp 10, a first reflector portion 41 and a second reflector portion 42 are provided adjacent to each other in the width direction on the mounting surface 21a of the mounting member 11, and a third reflector portion 43 is provided between them in the width direction and on the front side in the front-to-rear direction. Therefore, by arranging the three reflector portions (41, 42, 43) in a staggered manner in the front-to-rear direction rather than simply lining them up in the width direction, the vehicle lamp 10 can efficiently utilize the space on the mounting surface 21a and prevent the lamp from becoming too large.

[0054] In particular, in the vehicular lamp 10, the third projection optical axis Lp3 of the third reflector portion 43, which forms the third light distribution pattern P3 that illuminates the side of the low-beam light distribution pattern LP, is tilted outward by 60 degrees with respect to the front-to-rear direction. Therefore, in the vehicular lamp 10, the third reflector portion 43 is provided forward of the first reflector portion 41 and the second reflector portion 42, which have projection optical axes (Lp1, Lp2) that are approximately along the front-to-rear direction to form the low-beam light distribution pattern LP, and thereby the light emission positions of the three illumination units (61 to 63) can be made closer to each other. Therefore, in the vehicular lamp 10, the three lens portions (51 to 53) of the projection lens 14 can be arranged adjacent to each other, which improves the appearance compared to when the lens portions are arranged at intervals. Here, in the vehicle lamp 10, partition wall portions 25 are provided between each lens portion (51 to 54), but these partition wall portions 25 are intended to prevent light passing through each illumination unit (61 to 64) from proceeding to other adjacent illumination units, and are not intended to provide spacing, so that degradation of the appearance is suppressed.

[0055] Here, the technical problems of conventional vehicle lamps will be described. Conventional vehicle lamps form a passing light distribution pattern and an additional light distribution pattern (third light distribution pattern P3 in the present invention) by accommodating a passing light distribution unit and an additional light distribution unit in a single lamp chamber. This conventional vehicle lamp forms the passing light distribution pattern using a single passing light distribution unit, so there is room for improvement in terms of forming an appropriate passing light distribution pattern that illuminates a large area while emphasizing the cut-off line.

[0056] In contrast, in the vehicular lamp 10 of the present disclosure, in order to form a passing light distribution pattern LP, the projection lens 14 is provided with a first lens portion 51 that collects light from the first light source 31 to form a first light distribution pattern P1, and a second lens portion 52 that diffuses light from the second light source 32 to form a second light distribution pattern P2. The projection lens 14 also has the first lens portion 51 and the second lens portion 52 adjacent to each other in order from the inside in the width direction. The vehicular lamp 10 forms the passing light distribution pattern LP by simultaneously forming the first light distribution pattern P1 having a cutoff line CL with the innermost first lens portion 51 and the second light distribution pattern P2 formed with the outer second lens portion 52. In this way, the vehicular lamp 10 forms the cutoff line CL with light from the inner first lens portion 51, making it easy to clearly form the cutoff line CL in the passing light distribution pattern LP formed in front of the vehicle. Furthermore, because the vehicular lamp 10 forms the second light distribution pattern P2 with light from the second lens portion 52, which is located further outward than the first lens portion 51, it is easy to make the second light distribution pattern P2 larger than the first light distribution pattern P1. This is because the inner first lens portion 51 is advantageous for concentrating light around the cutoff line CL located in front of the vehicle, and the outer second lens portion 52 is advantageous for diffusing light while at least partially overlapping the first light distribution pattern P1. Therefore, by simultaneously forming the first light distribution pattern P1 and the second light distribution pattern P2, the vehicular lamp 10 can form an appropriate low-beam light distribution pattern LP that illuminates a large area while emphasizing the cutoff line CL.

[0057] Furthermore, in the vehicular lamp 10, in order to form a third light distribution pattern P3 that illuminates a side of the low-vehicle light distribution pattern LP, the projection lens 14 is provided with a third lens portion 53 that diffuses light from the third light source 33. The projection lens 14 has the second lens portion 52 and the third lens portion 53 adjacent to each other, arranged in that order from the inside in the width direction. This allows the vehicular lamp 10 to intersect the optical path from the second light source 32 to the second lens portion 52 and the optical path from the third light source 33 to the third lens portion 53. As a result, the vehicular lamp 10 forms the third light distribution pattern P3 by emitting light from the third light source 33, which is located more inward than the second light source 32, from the third lens portion 53, which is located more outward than the second lens portion 52. This makes it easy to position the third light distribution pattern P3 outside the first light distribution pattern P1 and the second light distribution pattern P2. For these reasons, the vehicular lamp 10 can appropriately form the low-beam light distribution pattern LP having the cutoff line CL and the third light distribution pattern P3 to the side thereof.

[0058] The vehicle lamp 10, which is an example of a vehicle lamp according to the present disclosure, can achieve the following effects.

[0059] In the vehicle lamp 10, the projection lens 14 includes a first lens portion 51 that collects light emitted from the first light source 31 to illuminate the area ahead of the vehicle and form a first light distribution pattern P1 having a cutoff line CL. The projection lens 14 also includes a second lens portion 52 that diffuses light emitted from the second light source 32 to form a second light distribution pattern P2 that is larger than the first light distribution pattern P1 in front of the vehicle. The projection lens 14 also includes a third lens portion 53 that diffuses light emitted from the third light source 33 to form a third light distribution pattern P3 to the side of the first light distribution pattern P1 or the second light distribution pattern P2. The projection lens 14 has the first lens portion 51, the second lens portion 52, and the third lens portion 53 adjacent to each other in order from the inside in the width direction of the vehicle. The third light source 33 is positioned between the first light source 31 and the second light source 32 in the width direction. Therefore, the vehicle lamp 10 can intersect the optical path from the second light source 32 to the second lens portion 52 with the optical path from the third light source 33 to the third lens portion 53. This allows the vehicle lamp 10 to be made smaller overall, and can also appropriately form the low-beam light distribution pattern LP having the cutoff line CL and the third light distribution pattern P3 to the side thereof.

[0060] In the vehicular lamp 10, the first lens portion 51 is provided extending in the width direction, the second lens portion 52 is provided tilted toward the rear of the vehicle relative to the first lens portion 51, and the third lens portion 53 is provided tilted toward the rear of the vehicle relative to the second lens portion 52. Therefore, the vehicular lamp 10 can have the projection lens 14 as a whole that slopes rearward in the front-to-rear direction as it moves from the inside to the outside in the width direction. Furthermore, the vehicular lamp 10 can more appropriately form a passing light distribution pattern LP having a cutoff line CL and a third light distribution pattern P3 to the side thereof.

[0061] In the vehicle lamp 10, the first lens unit 51 and the second lens unit 52 are provided so that their first exit surfaces 51a and second exit surfaces 52a are continuous with each other, and the second lens unit 52 and the third lens unit 53 are provided so that their second exit surfaces 52a and third exit surfaces 53a are interposed with a curved surface unit 55. Therefore, in the projection lens 14 of the vehicle lamp 10, the second exit surface 52a and the third exit surface 53a, which extend in different directions, can be made continuous while changing their direction by the curved surface unit 55, and the angles between the second exit surface 52a and the third exit surface 53a can be adjusted to match the positions of the corresponding second light source 32 and third light source 33.

[0062] In the vehicle lamp 10, the first lens portion 51 is a convex lens with a convex first entrance surface 51b, the second lens portion 52 and the third lens portion 53 are concave lenses with concave second entrance surfaces 52b and third entrance surfaces 53b, and the first exit surface 51a and the second exit surface 52a are a smoothly continuous single surface. Therefore, in the vehicle lamp 10, the projection lens 14 has three exit surfaces (51a to 53a) that are configured as two smooth surfaces to have a cohesive, integrated design as a whole, while the exit surfaces slope rearward (slanting) as they extend outward.

[0063] In the vehicle lamp 10, the axis of the third lens portion 53 (third projection optical axis Lp3) is tilted outward by between 40 degrees and 80 degrees with respect to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. Therefore, the vehicle lamp 10 can more appropriately form the third light distribution pattern P3 that brightens a wide area outside the passing light distribution pattern LP.

[0064] In the vehicular lamp 10, a first reflector portion 41 is provided corresponding to the first light source 31 and the first lens portion 51, a second reflector portion 42 is provided corresponding to the second light source 32 and the second lens portion 52, and a third reflector portion 43 is provided corresponding to the third light source 33 and the third lens portion 53. The third reflector portion 43 is located between the first reflector portion 41 and the second reflector portion 42 in the width direction. Therefore, in the vehicular lamp 10, an optical path from the second light source 32 via the second reflector portion 42 to the second lens portion 52 and an optical path from the third light source 33 via the third reflector portion 43 to the third lens portion 53 can intersect. This allows the vehicular lamp 10 to be miniaturized as a whole and to appropriately form a passing light distribution pattern LP having a cutoff line CL and a third light distribution pattern P3 to the side thereof.

[0065] Therefore, the vehicle lamp 10 of the first embodiment as the vehicle lamp according to the present disclosure can form a passing light distribution pattern LP that can illuminate a large area while emphasizing the cutoff line CL.

[0066] The vehicle lamp of the present disclosure has been described above based on Example 1, but the specific configuration is not limited to Example 1, and design changes and additions are permitted as long as they do not deviate from the gist of the invention according to each claim in the scope of the claims.

[0067] In the above-described first embodiment, the light is controlled by the reflector member 13 and the projection lens 14 to form a predetermined light distribution pattern, but the light may be controlled only by the reflector member, or only by the projection lens, or other configurations may be used, and the configuration is not limited to that of the first embodiment.

[0068] In the first embodiment described above, the first light distribution pattern P1, the second light distribution pattern P2, and the fourth light distribution pattern P4 are simultaneously formed to form the low-vehicle light distribution pattern LP. However, the first light distribution pattern P1 and the second light distribution pattern P2 may be combined to form the low-vehicle light distribution pattern LP, and the configuration is not limited to that of the first embodiment. In this case, the first light distribution pattern P1 may be the main pattern, and the second light distribution pattern P2 may be the auxiliary pattern. That is, the first light distribution pattern P1 may satisfy the legal requirements for the low-vehicle light distribution pattern LP. The second light distribution pattern P2 may be formed simultaneously with the first light distribution pattern P1 to form at least a part of the low-vehicle light distribution pattern LP in order to further improve visibility while driving. [Explanation of symbols]

[0069] 10 Vehicle lamp 14 Projection lens 31 First light source 32 Second light source 33 Third light source 41 First reflector portion 42 Second reflector portion 43 Third reflector portion 51 First lens portion 51a First exit surface 51b First entrance surface 52 Second lens portion 52a Second exit surface 52b Second entrance surface 53 Third lens portion 53a Third exit surface 53b Third entrance surface 55 Bending surface portion CL Cut-off line LP Light distribution pattern for passing Lp3 Third projection optical axis (as an example of the axis of the third lens portion 53) P1 First light distribution pattern P2 Second light distribution pattern P3 Third light distribution pattern

Claims

1. a projection lens that projects light from the first light source, the second light source, and the third light source; the projection lens has a first lens portion that collects light emitted from the first light source to illuminate a front of the vehicle and form a first light distribution pattern having a cutoff line, a second lens portion that diffuses light emitted from the second light source to form a second light distribution pattern larger than the first light distribution pattern in front of the vehicle, and a third lens portion that diffuses light emitted from the third light source to form a third light distribution pattern to the side of the first light distribution pattern or the second light distribution pattern, the second light distribution pattern is formed simultaneously with the first light distribution pattern to form at least a part of a low-beam light distribution pattern; The projection lens has the first lens portion, the second lens portion, and the third lens portion adjacent to each other in this order from the inner side in the width direction of the vehicle, The vehicle lamp according to claim 1, wherein the third light source is positioned between the first light source and the second light source in the width direction.

2. The first lens portion is provided to extend in the width direction, the second lens portion is provided so as to be inclined toward the rear of the vehicle with respect to the first lens portion, 2. The vehicular lamp according to claim 1, wherein the third lens portion is inclined toward the rear of the vehicle relative to the second lens portion.

3. The first lens portion and the second lens portion are provided such that their first and second exit surfaces are continuous with each other, 3. The vehicle lamp according to claim 2, wherein the second lens portion and the third lens portion are provided with a curved surface portion interposed between the second light exit surface and the third light exit surface of each lens portion.

4. the first lens portion is a convex lens having a first incident surface that is convex, the second lens portion and the third lens portion are concave lenses whose second and third entrance surfaces are concave, 4. The vehicular lamp according to claim 3, wherein the first light exit surface and the second light exit surface are formed as a single smoothly continuous surface.

5. 5. The vehicular lamp according to claim 2, wherein the axis of the third lens portion is inclined outward at an angle between 40 degrees and 80 degrees with respect to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

6. a first reflector portion is provided corresponding to the first light source and the first lens portion; a second reflector portion is provided corresponding to the second light source and the second lens portion; a third reflector portion is provided corresponding to the third light source and the third lens portion; 2. The vehicle lamp according to claim 1, wherein the third reflector portion is positioned between the first reflector portion and the second reflector portion in the width direction.

Images