Vehicle lighting

Abstract

To provide a vehicular lighting fixture capable of forming a light distribution pattern of low beam and an additional light distribution pattern at its side part, while suppressing increase in size.SOLUTION: A vehicular lighting fixture 10 includes: a first reflector portion 41 forming a first light distribution pattern P1 having a cut-off line CL by the light from a first light source 31; a second reflector portion 42 forming a second light distribution pattern P2 forming at least a part of the light distribution pattern LP for low beam by the light from the second light source 32; and a third reflector portion 43 forming a third light distribution pattern P3 by the light from a third light source 33. The first reflector portion 41 and the second reflector portion 42 are adjacent to each other in a width direction and mounted on a mounting surface 21a of a mounting member 11, and the third reflector portion 43 is mounted on the mounting surface 21a between the first reflector portion 41 and the second reflector portion 42 in the width direction at a front side of the first reflector portion 41 and the second reflector portion 42.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0006] , , ,

[0001] The present disclosure relates to vehicle lamps.

Background Art

[0002] In vehicle lamps, a configuration incorporating an oncoming vehicle light distribution unit and an additional light distribution unit has been considered (see, for example, Patent Document 1). This vehicle lamp can form an oncoming vehicle light distribution pattern with the oncoming vehicle light distribution unit and can form an additional light distribution pattern on the side of the oncoming vehicle light distribution pattern with the additional light distribution unit.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, since the above vehicle lamp is simply configured by arranging the oncoming vehicle light distribution unit and the additional light distribution unit side by side in a single housing, it causes an increase in size.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a vehicle lamp that can form an oncoming vehicle light distribution pattern and an additional light distribution pattern on the side thereof while suppressing an increase in size.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The vehicle lamp of this disclosure includes: a first reflector section that reflects light emitted from a first light source to illuminate the front of the vehicle and form a first light distribution pattern having a cutoff line; a second reflector section that reflects light emitted from a second light source to form a second light distribution pattern larger than the first light distribution pattern in front of the vehicle; a third reflector section that reflects light emitted from a third light source to form a third light distribution pattern to the side of the first or second light distribution pattern; and the first light source, the second light source, and the third light source are mounted on a mounting surface. The device comprises an attachment member, wherein the second light distribution pattern is formed simultaneously with the first light distribution pattern to form at least a part of the passing light distribution pattern, the first reflector portion and the second reflector portion are provided adjacent to each other on the mounting surface in the width direction of the vehicle, and the third reflector portion is provided on the mounting surface between the first reflector portion and the second reflector portion in the width direction and in front of the first reflector portion and the second reflector portion in the front-rear direction of the vehicle. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the vehicle lighting device of this disclosure, it is possible to form a passing light distribution pattern and an additional light distribution pattern to the side while suppressing an increase in size. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is an explanatory diagram showing a vehicle lighting device as one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] This is an explanatory diagram showing the components of a vehicle's lighting system in a disassembled state. [Figure 3] This is an explanatory diagram showing an inverted view of a vehicle's lighting system, illustrating the positional relationship between the projection lens, reflector component, and each light source, viewed from a diagonal angle below. [Figure 4] This is an explanatory diagram showing the positional relationship between the projection lens, the reflector component, and each light source, viewed from below in the vertical direction. [Figure 5] This is an explanatory diagram showing the positional relationship between the projection lens, the reflector component, and each light source, as viewed from above in the vertical direction. [Figure 6] Figure 4 is an explanatory diagram showing how light from each light source is reflected by each reflector component and emitted from each lens section. [Figure 7] This is an explanatory diagram showing the first light distribution pattern formed by the first unit of a vehicle lighting device. [Figure 8] This is an explanatory diagram showing the second light distribution pattern formed by the second unit of the vehicle lighting fixture. [Figure 9] This is an explanatory diagram showing the third light distribution pattern formed by the third unit of a vehicle lighting fixture. [Figure 10] This is an explanatory diagram showing the fourth light distribution pattern formed by the fourth unit of the vehicle lighting fixture. [Figure 11] This is an explanatory diagram showing the light distribution pattern for passing trains. [Figure 12] This is an explanatory diagram showing how the passing light distribution pattern and the third light distribution pattern are formed. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Below, an example of a vehicle light fixture 10 according to this disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In Figures 7 to 12, which show each light distribution pattern, the brightness distribution is shown like contour lines, with the center position O (projection optical axis Lp) of the illumination by the vehicle light fixture 10 as the origin, and the horizontal line H and the vertical line V intersecting on the screen. [Examples]

[0010] A vehicle lamp 10 of Embodiment 1, an embodiment of the vehicle lamp according to this disclosure, will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 12. The vehicle lamp 10 of Embodiment 1 is used as a headlight device for a vehicle such as an automobile. The headlight device is mounted on both the left and right sides of the front of the vehicle, and the vehicle lamp 10 is installed in a lamp chamber formed by a lamp housing whose open front end is covered by an outer lens 15 (see Figure 5). The vehicle lamp 10 is installed in the lamp chamber via an optical axis adjustment mechanism for the vertical direction and an optical axis adjustment mechanism for the horizontal direction, and illuminates the area in front of the vehicle as appropriate. In the following description, in the vehicle lamp 10, the direction in which the vehicle on which it is installed is traveling is defined as the front-rear direction (Z in the drawings), the vertical direction when the front-rear direction is aligned with the horizontal plane is defined as the up-down direction (Y in the drawings), and the direction perpendicular to the front-rear direction and the up-down direction (horizontal direction) is defined as the width direction (X in the drawings). Here, the vehicle lighting fixture 10 has basically the same configuration for the one installed on the right side of the vehicle and the one installed on the left side, but is reversed in the width direction (left and right). Therefore, the following explanation will use the vehicle lighting fixture 10 installed on the right side.

[0011] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the vehicle light fixture 10 of Example 1 is configured as a projector-type light fixture unit by attaching a light source unit 12, a reflector member 13, and a projection lens 14 to a mounting member 11. The mounting member 11 is where the light source unit 12 is provided and is made of a thermally conductive aluminum plate, aluminum die-cast, or resin, and functions as a heat sink to dissipate the heat generated by the light source unit 12 to the outside. The mounting member 11 has a light source mounting portion 21 and a lens mounting portion 22.

[0012] The light source mounting portion 21 is in the shape of a flat plate orthogonal to the vertical direction, and the light source portion 12 is mounted at a predetermined position. Three light-shielding walls 23 are provided on this light source mounting portion 21. Each light-shielding wall 23 is in the shape of a plate protruding upward in the vertical direction so as to be orthogonal to the light source mounting portion 21, and corresponds individually to the first light source 31, the second light source 32, and the fourth light source 34 of the light source portion 12 described later. Each light-shielding wall 23 is provided on the front side in the front-rear direction with respect to the corresponding light source, and absorbs or diffuses the light from the corresponding light source. Each light-shielding wall 23 prevents the light from the corresponding light source from illuminating above the cut-off line CL in the passing-light distribution pattern LP described later formed by the light from the corresponding light source on the screen where the horizontal line H and the vertical line V intersect at the central position O on the projection optical axis Lp, and the position with respect to the corresponding light source is set.

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

[0014] In this mounting member 11, four positioning holes 11a and three screw-through holes 11b are provided. Each positioning hole 11a and each screw-through hole 11b are provided in pairs. Each positioning hole 11a is capable of fitting the positioning projection 13a of the reflector member 13 described later. Each screw-through hole 11b is capable of passing a screw 24. In this mounting member 11, a plurality of heat radiation fins can be provided, and the heat generated by the light source portion 12 mounted on the light source mounting portion 21 may be mainly radiated to the outside from each heat radiation fin. This mounting member 11 is fixed to the lamp housing via a bracket not shown. In the mounting member 11, a cooling fan unit may be provided as appropriate to enhance the cooling efficiency.

[0015] The light source unit 12 includes 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 composed of 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 parts (41 to 44) described later. This positional relationship will be described later.

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

[0017] The substrate 36 is formed in a plate shape made of an aluminum substrate, and each light source (31 to 34) is mounted thereon. Note that the substrate 36 may be formed of a resin material such as a glass epoxy substrate or other materials. The substrate 36 is provided with a wiring pattern for electrically connecting each light source (31 to 34) and the connector terminal 35. Further, in the substrate 36, a positioning hole 36a is provided corresponding to the positioning hole 11a in the middle of the light source mounting portion 21 of the mounting member 11, and a screw-through hole 36b is provided corresponding to the screw-through hole 11b near it. The substrate 36 is attached between the mounting member 11 (light source mounting portion 21) and the reflector member 13 by passing the positioning projection 13a of the reflector member 13 to be described later through the positioning hole 36a and screwing a screw 24 passed through the screw-through hole 36b into the screw hole 13b of the reflector member 13 to be described later. Then, the substrate 36 makes the mounted light sources (31 to 34) face the respective reflector parts (41 to 44). The substrate 36 appropriately supplies power from the lighting control circuit via the connector terminal 35 to appropriately light each light source (31 to 34).

[0018] The substrate 36 is provided with light-shielding wall slits 37 in front of each of the first light source 31, second light source 32, and 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 each of the light-shielding walls 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, second light source 32, and fourth light source 34 through the light-shielding wall slits 37. As a result, the light source unit 12 can prevent light from the first light source 31, second light source 32, and fourth light source 34 from illuminating above the cutoff line CL in the passing light distribution pattern LP described later.

[0019] The reflector member 13 is a molded product made of resin material, and is integrally provided with a first reflector section 41, a second reflector section 42, a third reflector section 43, and a fourth reflector section 44 (see Figure 2, etc.). Each reflector section (41 to 44) has a curved reflective surface Rs that covers the corresponding light source (31 to 34), and each reflective surface Rs reflects the light emitted from the corresponding light source (31 to 34) toward the projection lens 14. Each of these reflective surfaces Rs is provided on the inside of each reflector section (41 to 44). Each reflective surface Rs is a bowl-shaped freeform surface based on an ellipse, with the corresponding light source (31 to 34) (its center position or its vicinity) as the first focal point and the vicinity of the lens section (51 to 54) of the corresponding projection lens 14 (described later) as the second focal point. As a result, each reflector section (41 to 44) can efficiently direct the light emitted from each light source (31 to 34) near the first focal point to the corresponding lens section (51 to 54). The positional relationship of each reflector section (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 a rod-shaped projection that protrudes downward in the vertical direction at a position that does not obstruct the light path from each reflector part (41 to 44). Each screw hole 13b is provided near the corresponding positioning protrusion 13a at a position that does not obstruct the light path from each reflector part (41 to 44), and can be fixed by screwing in a screw 24. With the light source part 12 interposed between the reflector member 13 and the light source mounting part 21, the reflector member 13 is positioned by each positioning protrusion 13a and fixed to the mounting member 11 by screwing in a screw 24 into each screw hole 13b. As a result, the light source unit 12 is fixed to the upper surface (21a) of the light source mounting portion 21 of the mounting member 11, so that upper surface (21a) becomes the mounting surface 21a to which the light source unit 12 (each of its light sources (31 to 34)) and each of the reflector portions (41 to 44) of the reflector member 13 are attached.

[0021] This reflector member 13 is provided with three partition walls 25. Each partition wall 25 is located between the first lens portion 51 and the second lens portion 52 of the projection lens 14 (described later), between the second lens portion 52 and the third lens portion 53, and between the third lens portion 53 and the fourth lens portion 54, and is plate-shaped and extends in the vertical direction. Each of these partition walls 25 prevents light passing through each irradiation unit (61 to 64), described later, from progressing to other adjacent irradiation units.

[0022] As shown in Figures 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 works in cooperation with them to form a predetermined light distribution pattern. This projection lens 14 is a molded product made of resin material and is integrally provided with a first lens portion 51, a second lens portion 52, a third lens portion 53, and a fourth lens portion 54 (see Figure 2, etc.). Each lens portion (51 to 54) is positioned opposite the corresponding reflector portion (41 to 44), that is, in the direction in which light from the corresponding light source (31 to 34) is reflected by the reflector portion (41 to 44). Specifically, in the projection lens 14, in the width direction, the fourth lens portion 54, the first lens portion 51, the second lens portion 52, and the third lens portion 53 are provided in that order from the inside of the vehicle (right side in Figure 4, left side in Figure 5).

[0023] Each of these lens sections (51 to 54) has a focal point (rear focal point) located near the rear wall section (41b to 44b), described later, of the corresponding reflector section (41 to 44). Each lens section (51 to 54) illuminates with light from the corresponding reflector section (41 to 44), and on a screen where the horizontal line H and the vertical line V intersect, with the center position O of illumination by the vehicle lamp 10 as the origin, multiple light distribution images of the rear wall section (41b to 44b) (a predetermined area in its vicinity) are appropriately superimposed at positions according to the optical characteristics. These optical characteristics can be set by adjusting the curvature (surface shape) of each lens section (51 to 54) at each location, and in Embodiment 1, the curvature is set by gradually changing it.

[0024] The first lens portion 51 is a convex lens, the second lens portion 52 is a concave lens, the third lens portion 53 is a concave lens, and the fourth lens portion 54 is a concave lens. The fourth lens portion 54 and the first lens portion 51 extend in the width direction. The second lens portion 52 adjacent to the first lens portion 51 is tilted slightly further back than the first lens portion 51 so that it displaces further back as it moves outward. The third lens portion 53 adjacent to the second lens portion 52 is tilted more further back than the second lens portion 52 so that it displaces further back as it moves outward. In Embodiment 1, the axis of the third lens portion 53 coincides with the third projection optical axis Lp3 of the third reflector portion 43, which will be described later, and is tilted outward between 40 and 80 degrees with respect to the front-to-back direction, with this tilt being 60 degrees in Embodiment 1. As a result, the projection lens 14 as a whole is slant (angles) from the inside to the outside in the width direction, and is shaped similarly to the outer lens 15 (see Figure 5), creating a unified appearance.

[0025] In the projection lens 14 of Example 1, the first lens portion 51 is a convex lens in which the first emission surface 51a is a substantially smooth curved surface and the first incidence surface 51b is a convex surface that bulges toward the first light source 31 (first reflector portion 41). The second lens portion 52 is a concave lens in which the second emission surface 52a is a substantially smooth curved surface and the second incidence surface 52b is a concave surface that is recessed toward the opposite side of the second light source 32 (second reflector portion 42). Furthermore, the third lens portion 53 is a concave lens in which the third emission surface 53a is a substantially smooth curved surface and the third incidence surface 53b is a concave surface that is recessed toward the opposite side of the third light source 33 (third reflector portion 43). The fourth lens section 54 is a concave lens, with the fourth emission surface 54a being a substantially smooth curved surface, and the fourth incidence surface 54b being a concave surface that is recessed on the opposite side from the fourth light source 34 (fourth reflector section 44). The curvature of each of these incidence surfaces (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 emission surface 54a, the first emission surface 51a, and the second emission surface 52a are arranged in a continuous line from the inside in the width direction, forming a single curved surface. Here, a single curved surface means that there are no bends and the change in curvature is continuous. As a result, in the projection lens 14 of Example 1, even though the first lens portion 51, the second lens portion 52, and the fourth lens portion 54 have different optical properties as will be described later, the fourth emission surface 54a, the first emission surface 51a, and the second emission surface 52a can be made to appear as if they are forming a single surface, improving the appearance.

[0027] In addition, in the projection lens 14 of Example 1, the third emission surface 53a of the third lens portion 53 is a single curved surface. Furthermore, in the projection lens 14 of Example 1, a bent surface portion 55 is provided between the second lens portion 52 (its second emission surface 52a) and the third lens portion 53 (its third emission surface 53a). This bent surface portion 55 forms a continuous section between the second emission surface 52a of the second lens portion 52 and the third emission surface 53a of the third lens portion 53, while bending. That is, the second emission surface 52a and the third emission surface 53a are each single curved surfaces extending in different directions, but they are made to be continuous while changing direction by the bent surface portion 55. As a result, the projection lens 14 can have four emission surfaces (51a to 54a) that are composed of two smooth, curved surfaces without irregularities, creating a cohesive, integrated design, while also slanting outwards towards the rear. Furthermore, the projection lens 14 can have the second lens section 52 approximately perpendicular to the second projection optical axis Lp2 of the second illumination unit 62 (described later), while the third lens section 53 approximately perpendicular to the third projection optical axis Lp3 of the third illumination unit 63 (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 side from the second lens portion 52 to the third lens portion 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. As a result, the second incident surface 52b and the third incident surface 53b can be adjacent to each other without creating a step between them, and it is possible to prevent unintended brightness and darkness from being formed on each light distribution pattern P due to light caused by the step. In addition, since the second incident surface 52b and the third incident surface 53b are concave surfaces, compared to a case where the incident surface of one irradiation unit is concave and the incident surface of the other irradiation unit is convex, it is possible to suppress light from one irradiation unit from entering the incident surface of the other irradiation unit.

[0029] As shown in Figures 2 to 4, the projection lens 14 is provided with two positioning holes 14a and one screw hole 14b. Each positioning hole 14a is provided on both sides of the outer edge of the area where each lens portion (51 to 54) is provided in the width direction, and the corresponding positioning projection 13a of the reflector member 13 can be fitted into it. The screw hole 14b allows a screw 24 to be passed through. The projection lens 14 is attached between the mounting member 11 (lens mounting portion 22) and the reflector member 13 by passing each positioning projection 13a of the reflector member 13 through the positioning holes 14a and screwing the screw 24 passed through the screw hole 14b into the screw hole 13b of the reflector member 13. As a result, the projection lens 14 is positioned so that each lens portion (51 to 54) faces the corresponding reflector portion (41 to 44).

[0030] Next, the positional relationships of each reflector section (41 to 44) will be explained. First, each reflector section (41 to 44) works in cooperation with the corresponding light source (31 to 34) and lens section (51 to 54) to form an illumination unit that forms a predetermined light distribution pattern. In detail, the first reflector section 41 constitutes the first illumination unit 61 with the first light source 31 and the first lens section 51, and the second reflector section 42 constitutes the second illumination unit 62 with the second light source 32 and the second lens section 52. Furthermore, the third reflector section 43 constitutes the third illumination unit 63 with the third light source 33 and the third lens section 53, and the fourth reflector section 44 constitutes the fourth illumination unit 64 with the fourth light source 34 and the fourth lens section 54.

[0031] Here, in each irradiation unit (61 to 64), the axis of each reflector section (41 to 44) is defined as the projection optical axis Lp. This axis (each projection optical axis Lp) is defined as the major axis of the ellipse that forms the basis for each reflective surface Rs. In the following, the axis of the first irradiation unit 61 is defined as the first projection optical axis Lp1, the axis of the second irradiation unit 62 as the second projection optical axis Lp2, the axis of the third irradiation unit 63 as the third projection optical axis Lp3, and the axis of the fourth irradiation unit 64 as the fourth projection optical axis Lp4 (see Figure 4).

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

[0033] In the first reflector section 41, the lower end of the back wall portion 41b is a cutoff forming surface 41c (see Figures 3 and 4, etc.). To form a cutoff line CL, the lower end of this cutoff forming surface 41c is shaped by two horizontal edges of different heights joined together by an inclined edge. As shown in Figure 6, the first reflector section 41 reflects light from the first light source 31 located at the first focal point (or its vicinity) of its reflective surface Rs toward the first lens section 51. As shown in Figure 4, the first lens section 51 projects the light reflected by the first reflector section 41 toward the first projection optical axis Lp1. At this time, since the first lens section 51 is a convex lens, it focuses the light from the first reflector section 41 and propagates it toward the first projection optical axis Lp1. The first lens section 51 then forms the light distribution image of the back 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). Even when the vehicle light fixture 10 is installed 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. That is, although the vehicle light fixture 10 is reversed in the width direction on the right and left sides of the vehicle, the inclination of the cutoff forming surface 41c is the same for both sides.

[0034] As a result, the first irradiation unit 61 forms a first light distribution pattern P1 on the screen, as shown in Figure 7, which is a focused light distribution pattern that concentrates the light from the first light source 31. This first light distribution pattern P1 has a cutoff line CL on the upper side, which is formed by connecting two horizontal edges of different heights with an inclined edge. The first light distribution pattern P1 positions the cutoff line CL on the projection optical axis Lp, and concentrates light below the cutoff line CL to enhance brightness and clearly distinguish the light and dark areas of the cutoff line CL.

[0035] In the second illumination unit 62, as shown in Figures 3 to 5, the second reflector section 42 is provided adjacent to the first reflector section 41 on the outside in the width direction. The second reflector section 42 has its second projection optical axis Lp2 coincide with the front-to-back direction or is slightly tilted outward from the front-to-back direction. The second reflector section 42 is bowl-shaped on the horizontal plane, with the open end 42a from which light is emitted located on the front side in the front-to-back direction, and the back wall portion 42b, which is the apex of the bowl shape, located on the rear side in the front-to-back direction. The second lens portion 52 of the projection lens 14 is located on the front side of the second reflector section 42 in the front-to-back direction, i.e., on the second projection optical axis Lp2. The second reflector portion 42 is located outside the width direction of the first reflector portion 41 and is adjacent to the first reflector portion 41, and the second lens portion 52 is located outside the width direction of the first lens portion 51 and is adjacent to the first lens portion 51.

[0036] As shown in Figure 6, the second reflector section 42 reflects light from the second light source 32, located at the first focal point (or its vicinity) of its reflective surface Rs, toward the second lens section 52. As shown in Figure 4, the second lens section 52 projects the light reflected by the second reflector section 42 toward the second projection optical axis Lp2. At this time, since the second lens section 52 is a concave lens and the second projection optical axis Lp2 is slightly tilted outward, it diffuses the light from the second reflector section 42 and causes it to travel in the direction of the second projection optical axis Lp2, that is, slightly outward in the width direction from the projection optical axis Lp (first projection optical axis Lp1) (to the left in Figures 4 and 6). The second lens section 52 then appropriately superimposes multiple light distribution images of the back wall section 42b onto a screen where the horizontal line H and the 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 incident surface 52b, that is, the curvature of the second incident surface 52b, is smaller than that of the third incident surface 53b and larger than that of the fourth incident surface 54b.

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

[0038] In the third illumination unit 63, as shown in Figures 3 to 5, the third reflector section 43 is located between the first reflector section 41 and the second reflector section 42 in the width direction, and in front of the first reflector section 41 and the second reflector section 42 in the front-rear direction. In other words, the third reflector section 43 is positioned forward to a position where it contacts the first reflector section 41 (its open end 41a) and the second reflector section 42 (its open end 42a) in the front-rear direction, thereby being located between the adjacent first reflector section 41 and second reflector section 42 in the width direction. The third projection optical axis Lp3 of this third reflector section 43 is tilted outward between 40 and 80 degrees with respect to the front-rear direction, and in Embodiment 1, this tilt is set to 60 degrees.

[0039] The third reflector section 43 is bowl-shaped on a horizontal plane, with the open end 43a from which light is emitted located on the front side in the front-to-back direction, and the back wall portion 43b, which is the apex of the bowl shape, located on the rear side in the front-to-back direction. Opposite the third reflector section 43, that is, on the third projection optical axis Lp3, is the third lens section 53 of the projection lens 14. As described above, this third lens section 53 is located outside the second lens section 52 in the width direction. This is because the third reflector section 43 is located between the first reflector section 41 and the second reflector section 42 in the width direction, but the third projection optical axis Lp3 is tilted outward by 60 degrees. Thus, in the width direction, the order of the second reflector section 42 and the third reflector section 43 is reversed, as is the order of the second lens section 52 and the third lens section 53. Therefore, the optical paths (both projection optical axes Lp2 and Lp3) of the second irradiation unit 62 and the third irradiation unit 63 intersect.

[0040] Furthermore, the third reflector section 43 is tilted significantly outward relative to the first reflector section 41 and the second reflector section 42 due to the large inclination of the third projection optical axis Lp3. For this reason, the vicinity of the back wall section 43b (third light source 33) of the third reflector section 43 is located in front of the first light source 31 in the front-to-back direction. Here, the optical path of the first irradiation unit 61, that is, the trajectory of the effective light from the first light source 31 used to form the first light distribution pattern P1, which is reflected by the first reflector section 41 and propagates to the first lens section 51, has its width reduced at an intermediate position between the first reflector section 41 and the first lens section 51 (see Figure 6). The third reflector section 43 is positioned in front of the first light source 31 in accordance with the configuration of the optical path of the first irradiation unit 61 (the effective light trajectory described above) so as to minimize obstruction of the propagation of light in the first irradiation unit 61. In other words, the position and size of the third reflector section 43 on the optical path of the first irradiation unit 61 are set so as to prevent it from obstructing the optical path of the first irradiation unit 61.

[0041] Furthermore, in the third reflector section 43, more than half of the open end 43a side is located on the optical path of the second irradiation unit 62, that is, on the trajectory in which effective light from the second light source 32 used to form the second light distribution pattern P2 is reflected by the second reflector section 42 and propagates to the second lens section 52. Here, in the third reflector section 43, one side of the third projection optical axis Lp3 is located on the second light source 32 (second reflector section 42) side, and the other side opposite the third projection optical axis Lp3 is located on the second lens section 52 side. In the third reflector section 43, a light source side notch 45 is provided on the second light source 32 side, and an opposite side notch 46 is provided on the second lens section 52 side. The light source side notch 45 and the opposite side notch 46 are formed by partially cutting out the third reflector portion 43 to prevent obstruction of the propagation of light from the second light source 32 that is reflected by the second reflector portion 42 and heads toward the second lens portion 52. In Embodiment 1, the light source side notch 45 and the opposite side notch 46 are cut out in a curved shape centered on or near the second projection optical axis Lp2.

[0042] In Embodiment 1, the optical path of the second irradiation unit 62 is narrowed in width at an intermediate position from the first reflector section 41 to the first lens section 51 (see Figure 6). For this reason, the notch 45 on the light source side is cut out larger than the notch 46 on the opposite side, i.e., it has a larger radius of curvature than the notch 46 on the opposite side. In other words, in the third reflector section 43, the notch 45 on the light source side is cut out larger than the notch 46 on the opposite side, in order to maximize the reflective surface Rs in the third reflector section 43 while suppressing obstruction of the optical path of the second irradiation unit 62. As a result, both notches (45, 46) are able to ensure a balanced optical path for both the second irradiation unit 62 and the third irradiation unit 63, and enable the appropriate formation of both the second light distribution pattern P2 and the third light distribution pattern P3.

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

[0044] As a result, the third irradiation unit 63 diffuses the light from the third light source 33 on the screen, as shown in Figure 9, to form the third light distribution pattern P3. This third light distribution pattern P3 has its brightness center located far to the outside (right) in the width direction of the projection optical axis Lp. The third light distribution pattern P3 partially overlaps with the second light distribution pattern P2, illuminating a wide area to the outside (right) in the width direction of the second light distribution pattern P2. The third light distribution pattern P3 can illuminate the side of the passing light distribution pattern LP, which will be described later (see Figure 11), and functions as a so-called lateral light distribution pattern that can illuminate positions that would be blind spots with only the passing light distribution pattern LP. In Embodiment 1, this third light distribution pattern P3 illuminates a range of 30 to 90 degrees outward along the horizontal line H from the center position O (projection optical axis Lp).

[0045] In the fourth illumination unit 64, as shown in Figures 3 to 5, the fourth reflector section 44 is provided adjacent to the first reflector section 41 on the inside in the width direction of the first reflector section 41. The fourth reflector section 44 has its fourth projection optical axis Lp4 coincide with the front-to-back direction or is slightly tilted inward from the front-to-back direction. In the horizontal plane, the fourth reflector section 44 is bowl-shaped, with the open end 44a from which light is emitted located on the front side in the front-to-back direction, and the back wall portion 44b, which is the apex of the bowl shape, located on the rear side in the front-to-back direction. The fourth lens section 54 of the projection lens 14 is located on the front side in the front-to-back direction of the fourth reflector section 44, i.e., on the fourth projection optical axis Lp4. Here, the fourth reflector section 44 is adjacent to the first reflector section 41 on the inside in the width direction, and the second lens section 52 is adjacent to the first lens section 51 on the inside in the width direction.

[0046] As shown in Figure 6, the fourth reflector section 44 reflects light from the fourth light source 34, located at the first focal point (or its vicinity) of its reflective surface Rs, toward the fourth lens section 54. As shown in Figure 4, the fourth lens section 54 projects the light reflected by the fourth reflector section 44 toward the fourth projection optical axis Lp4. At this time, since the fourth lens section 54 is a concave lens and the fourth projection optical axis Lp4 is slightly tilted inward, the light reflected by the fourth reflector section 44 is diffused and propagated toward the direction of the fourth projection optical axis Lp4, that is, slightly inward in the width direction from the projection optical axis Lp (first projection optical axis Lp1) (to the right in Figures 4 and 6). The fourth lens section 54 then appropriately superimposes multiple light distribution images of the back wall section 44b onto a screen where the horizontal line H and the 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 incident surface 54b, that is, the curvature of the fourth incident surface 54b, is smaller compared to the other concave incident surfaces (52b, 53b).

[0047] As a result, the fourth irradiation unit 64 forms a fourth light distribution pattern P4 on the screen, as shown in Figure 10, which is a moderately diffused light distribution pattern that diffuses the light from the fourth light source 34. The center of brightness of this fourth light distribution pattern P4 is located inward (to the left) in the width direction from the projection optical axis Lp. The fourth light distribution pattern P4 extends significantly to the left of the first light distribution pattern P1, while including almost the entire area of ​​the first light distribution pattern P1, below the cutoff line CL of the first light distribution pattern P1, and illuminates a wider area than the first light distribution pattern P1.

[0048] The vehicle light fixture 10 can form a passing light distribution pattern LP, as shown in Figure 11, by illuminating the first light source 31, the second light source 32, and the fourth light source 34, and simultaneously forming and overlapping the first light distribution pattern P1, the second light distribution pattern P2, and the fourth light distribution pattern P4. This passing light distribution pattern LP has a cutoff line CL on the projected optical axis Lp, and can illuminate a large area in the width direction below the cutoff line CL while making the area near the projected optical axis Lp the brightest.

[0049] Furthermore, when the vehicle light fixture 10 has formed the passing light distribution pattern LP, it lights up the third light source 33 to form the third light distribution pattern P3, thereby illuminating the area outside the passing light distribution pattern LP (the right side in Figure 12) while partially overlapping it, as shown in Figure 12. This allows the vehicle light fixture 10 to secure a wide field of view to the right of the passing light distribution pattern LP, in addition to the field of view itself. Here, the vehicle light fixture 10 can be configured to light up the third light source 33 in conjunction with operations such as turning the steering wheel of the vehicle on which it is installed to the right, or activating the right turn signal, thereby automatically securing a wide field of view in accordance with the vehicle's operation and appropriately assisting driving. Alternatively, the vehicle light fixture 10 may be configured to light up the third light source 33 in response to an operation on an operating unit provided on the vehicle to light up the third light source 33, thereby forming the third light distribution pattern P3. Furthermore, the vehicle light fixture 10 may also continuously form a third light distribution pattern P3 when forming the passing light distribution pattern LP. Note that if the vehicle light fixture 10 is located on the left side of the vehicle, the third light distribution pattern P3 will be formed to the left of the passing light distribution pattern LP in conjunction with operations such as turning the steering wheel sharply to the left or activating the left turn signal.

[0050] This vehicle light fixture 10 integrates a first illumination unit 61, a second illumination unit 62, and a fourth illumination unit 64 that form a passing light distribution pattern LP, as well as a third illumination unit 63 that forms a third light distribution pattern P3. Therefore, when mounting the vehicle light fixture 10 on a vehicle, the adjustment work for positioning each illumination unit (61 to 64) can be eliminated, and the accuracy of the relative positional relationship of each illumination unit (61 to 64) can be improved. Furthermore, compared to mounting each illumination unit (61 to 64) individually on a vehicle, the vehicle light fixture 10 reduces the number of parts to be attached and simplifies the installation work.

[0051] Furthermore, the vehicle lamp 10 is provided with a projection lens 14 that includes a first lens portion 51 which focuses light from the first light source 31 to form a first light distribution pattern P1, and a second lens portion 52 which diffuses light from the second light source 32 to form a second light distribution pattern P2, in order to form a passing light distribution pattern LP. In this projection lens 14, the first lens portion 51 and the second lens portion 52 are provided adjacent to each other, starting from the inside in the width direction. The vehicle lamp 10 forms a passing light distribution pattern LP (and a fourth light distribution pattern P4 in Example 1) by simultaneously forming a first light distribution pattern P1 with a cutoff line CL at the innermost first lens portion 51 and a second light distribution pattern P2 formed at the second lens portion 52 further out. Thus, the vehicle lamp 10 forms a 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, the vehicle lamp 10 forms a second light distribution pattern P2 with light from the second lens portion 52, which is outside the first lens portion 51, making it 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, while the outer second lens portion 52 is advantageous for diffusing light while overlapping at least a portion with the first light distribution pattern P1. Therefore, by simultaneously forming the first light distribution pattern P1 and the second light distribution pattern P2, the vehicle lamp 10 can form an appropriate passing light distribution pattern LP that emphasizes the cutoff line CL while illuminating a large area.

[0052] Furthermore, the vehicle lamp 10 is provided with a third illumination unit 63 that forms a third light distribution pattern P3 that illuminates the side of the passing light distribution pattern LP, and the projection lens 14 has the third lens portion 53 adjacent to the outside in the width direction of the second lens portion 52. As a result, the vehicle lamp 10 can make the light path from the second light source 32 to the second lens portion 52 intersect with the light path from the third light source 33 to the third lens portion 53. This allows the vehicle lamp 10 to form the third light distribution pattern P3 by emitting light from the third light source 33, which is inside the second light source 32, from the third lens portion 53, which is outside the second lens portion 52, making it easy to position the third light distribution pattern P3 outside the first light distribution pattern P1 and the second light distribution pattern P2. Based on these considerations, the vehicle light fixture 10 can appropriately form a passing light distribution pattern LP having a cutoff line CL, and a third light distribution pattern P3 to its side.

[0053] Furthermore, in the vehicle lamp 10, the projection lens 14 is designed to slant (angle) as it moves from the inside to the outside in the width direction towards the rear in the front-rear direction. As a result, the vehicle lamp 10 can reduce the distance between the second reflector portion 42 and the second lens portion 52 in the second illumination unit 62 compared to the first illumination unit 61 and the fourth illumination unit 64, thus reducing the focal length of the second lens portion 52. This makes it easier for the second illumination unit 62 to diffuse the light from the second light source 32 compared to when it is positioned in the same location as the first illumination unit 61. In addition, since the second lens portion 52 of the second illumination unit 62 is tilted slightly further back than the first lens portion 51, it is easy to form a second light distribution pattern P2 that spreads widely while positioning the center of brightness outside the width direction of the projection optical axis Lp.

[0054] In addition, by slanting the projection lens 14 as described above, the vehicle light fixture 10 allows for a larger distance between the first reflector portion 41 and the first lens portion 51 in the first illumination unit 61 than in the second illumination unit 62, thereby increasing the focal length of the first lens portion 51. For this reason, by positioning the first illumination unit 61 inward from the second illumination unit 62, it becomes easier to concentrate light from the first light source 31 compared to when it is positioned at the same location as the second illumination unit 62. Furthermore, since the first lens portion 51 of the first illumination unit 61 is aligned along the width direction, it becomes easier to form a first light distribution pattern P1 that collects light, emphasizes brightness, and clearly defines the cutoff line CL, with the center of brightness near the projection optical axis Lp.

[0055] Here, we will explain the technical challenges of conventional vehicle lighting fixtures. Conventional vehicle lighting fixtures form an additional light distribution pattern (the third light distribution pattern P3 in this invention) to the side of the passing light distribution pattern by providing a passing light distribution unit and an additional light distribution unit. In this conventional vehicle lighting fixture, the additional light distribution unit is arranged side by side on the outside of the passing light distribution unit, which leads to an increase in size. In particular, in conventional vehicle lighting fixtures, the passing light distribution unit is positioned towards the front in the front-to-back direction and on the inside in the width direction, while the additional light distribution unit is positioned on the outside in the width direction, tilted outward with respect to the front-to-back direction. As a result, in conventional vehicle lighting fixtures, a large gap is created between the emission positions of the passing light distribution unit and the additional light distribution unit, and an inner panel is provided to conceal this gap. As a result, conventional vehicle lighting fixtures have areas that do not light up between the illuminated areas, and there is room for improvement from the standpoint of improving appearance.

[0056] In contrast, the vehicle light fixture 10 of this disclosure has a first reflector section 41 and a second reflector section 42 adjacent to each other in the width direction on the mounting surface 21a of the mounting member 11, and a third reflector section 43 is provided between them in the width direction and on the front side in the front-rear direction. Therefore, the vehicle light fixture 10 does not simply arrange the three reflector sections (41, 42, 43) in the width direction, but rather offsets them in the front-rear direction, allowing for efficient use of the mounting surface 21a and suppressing an increase in size.

[0057] In particular, the vehicle lamp 10 tilts the third projection optical axis Lp3 of the third reflector section 43, which forms the third light distribution pattern P3 that illuminates the side of the passing light distribution pattern LP, outward by 60 degrees with respect to the front-rear direction. Therefore, by positioning the third reflector section 43 in front of the first reflector section 41 and second reflector section 42, whose projection optical axes (Lp1, Lp2) are substantially aligned in the front-rear direction to form the passing light distribution pattern LP, the vehicle lamp 10 can bring the light emission positions from the three illumination units (61 to 63) closer together. As a result, the vehicle lamp 10 can position the three lens sections (51 to 53) of the projection lens 14 adjacent to each other, improving the appearance compared to the conventional vehicle lamp described above. In the vehicle lighting fixture 10, partition walls 25 are provided between each lens section (51 to 54). These partition walls 25 prevent light passing through each illumination unit (61 to 64) from progressing to other adjacent illumination units, and do not obscure them, thus minimizing any deterioration in appearance.

[0058] As an example of a vehicle lighting device related to this disclosure, vehicle lighting device 10 can achieve the following effects.

[0059] In the vehicle lamp 10, the second light distribution pattern P2 is formed simultaneously with the first light distribution pattern P1 to form at least a part of the passing light distribution pattern LP, and the first reflector section 41 and the second reflector section 42 are provided adjacent to each other in the width direction of the vehicle on the mounting surface 21a. The third reflector section 43 is located between the first reflector section 41 and the second reflector section 42 in the width direction and is positioned in front of the first reflector section 41 and the second reflector section 42 in the front-rear direction of the vehicle, and is provided on the mounting surface 21a. Therefore, the vehicle lamp 10 does not simply arrange the three reflector sections (41, 42, and 43) in the width direction, but also offsets them in the front-rear direction, allowing for efficient use of the mounting surface 21a and suppressing an increase in size.

[0060] Furthermore, in the vehicle lamp 10, the first reflector section 41 is positioned inward in the width direction compared to the second reflector section 42. Therefore, the vehicle lamp 10 forms a cutoff line CL with light from the inner first reflector section 41, making it easy to clearly form the cutoff line CL in the passing light distribution pattern LP formed in front of the vehicle. Also, the vehicle lamp 10 forms a second light distribution pattern P2 with light from the second reflector section 42, which is outside the first lens section 51, making it easy to make the second light distribution pattern P2 larger than the first light distribution pattern P1.

[0061] Furthermore, in the vehicle light fixture 10, the first axis (first projected optical axis Lp1) of the first reflector section 41 is aligned with the front-rear direction, and the third axis (third projected optical axis Lp3) of the third reflector section 43 is tilted outward between 40 and 80 degrees with respect to the front-rear direction. As a result, the vehicle light fixture 10 can make the direction of light propagation from the second reflector section 42 and the direction of light propagation from the third reflector section 43 intersect, and the emission positions of the two lights can be brought close together.

[0062] In the vehicle lighting fixture 10, the third reflector section 43 is positioned so that the third light source 33 is located in front of the first reflector section 41 in the front-rear direction. Therefore, the vehicle lighting fixture 10 can efficiently utilize the mounting surface 21a to provide the third reflector section 43 (third light source 33) while suppressing obstruction of the propagation of light from the first reflector section 41.

[0063] In the vehicle lighting device 10, the third reflector section 43 has a light source side notch 45 on the second light source 32 side and an opposite side notch 46 on the opposite side. The opposite side notch 46 is smaller than the light source side notch 45. As a result, the vehicle lighting device 10 can ensure a good balance between the light path for the light from the second reflector section 42 and the light path for the light from the third reflector section 43, and can properly form both the second light distribution pattern P2 and the third light distribution pattern P3.

[0064] The vehicle lamp 10 further includes a fourth reflector section 44 that reflects light emitted from the fourth light source 34 to form a fourth light distribution pattern P4, and the fourth reflector section 44 is provided adjacent to the first reflector section 41 in the width direction. Therefore, the vehicle lamp 10 can form a fourth light distribution pattern P4 in addition to the first light distribution pattern P1, second light distribution pattern P2, and third light distribution pattern P3, so the size and brightness distribution of the formed light distribution pattern can be adjusted more precisely.

[0065] The vehicle light fixture 10 further includes a projection lens 14 that projects light from the first reflector section 41, the second reflector section 42, and the third reflector section 43. The projection lens 14 has a first lens section 51 that focuses light from the first reflector section 41, a second lens section 52 that diffuses light from the second reflector section 42, and a third lens section 53 that diffuses light from the third reflector section 43. In the projection lens 14, the first lens section 51, the second lens section 52, and the third lens section 53 are adjacent to each other in the width direction from the inside out. As a result, the vehicle light fixture 10 can intersect an optical path from the second reflector section 42 to the second lens section 52 and an optical path from the third reflector section 43 to the third lens section 53. As a result, the vehicle light fixture 10 can be made smaller overall, and a passing light distribution pattern LP with a cutoff line CL and a third light distribution pattern P3 to its side can be appropriately formed.

[0066] Therefore, the vehicle light fixture 10 of Embodiment 1 according to the present disclosure can form a passing light distribution pattern LP and a third light distribution pattern P3 as an additional light distribution pattern to the side, while suppressing an increase in size.

[0067] Although the vehicle lighting device of this disclosure has been described above based on Example 1, the specific configuration is not limited to Example 1, and changes or additions to the design are permitted as long as they do not deviate from the gist of the invention as described in each claim of the patent.

[0068] In the above-described Embodiment 1, the reflector member 13 and the projection lens 14 control the light to form a predetermined light distribution pattern. However, the light may be controlled by the reflector member alone, or by the projection lens alone, or by other configurations, and the system is not limited to the configuration of Embodiment 1 described above.

[0069] Furthermore, in the above-described Embodiment 1, the passing light distribution pattern LP is formed by simultaneously forming the first light distribution pattern P1, the second light distribution pattern P2, and the fourth light distribution pattern P4. However, the passing light distribution pattern LP may also be formed by the first light distribution pattern P1 and the second light distribution pattern P2, and is not limited to the configuration of Embodiment 1. In this case, the first light distribution pattern P1 may be the primary one, and the second light distribution pattern P2 may be auxiliary. That is, the first light distribution pattern P1 can satisfy the regulations required for the passing light distribution pattern LP. The second light distribution pattern P2 can be formed simultaneously with the first light distribution pattern P1 to form at least a part of the passing light distribution pattern LP in order to further improve visibility while driving. [Explanation of symbols]

[0070] 10 Vehicle lighting fixture 11 Mounting member 21a Mounting surface 14 Projection lens 31 First light source 32 Second light source 33 Third light source 34 Fourth light source 41 First reflector section 42 Second reflector section 43 Third reflector section 44 Fourth reflector section 45 Light source side notch 46 Opposite side notch 51 First lens section 52 Second lens section 53 Third lens section CL Cut-off line LP Passing light distribution pattern Lp1 First projected light axis (as an example of the axis of the first reflector section 41) Lp3 Third projected light axis (as an example of the axis of the third reflector section 43) P1 First light distribution pattern P2 Second light distribution pattern P3 Third light distribution pattern P4 Fourth light distribution pattern Rs Reflective surface

Claims

1. A first reflector unit that reflects light emitted from a first light source to illuminate the front of the vehicle and forms a first light distribution pattern having a cutoff line, A second reflector unit that reflects light emitted from a second light source to form a second light distribution pattern larger than the first light distribution pattern in front of the vehicle, A third reflector unit that reflects light emitted from a third light source to form a third light distribution pattern to the side of the first or second light distribution pattern, The first light source, the second light source, and the third light source are attached to a mounting surface by a mounting member, The second light distribution pattern is formed simultaneously with the first light distribution pattern, thereby forming at least a part of the passing light distribution pattern. The first reflector portion and the second reflector portion are provided adjacent to each other in the width direction of the vehicle on the mounting surface. The third reflector portion is located between the first reflector portion and the second reflector portion in the width direction, and is positioned in front of the first reflector portion and the second reflector portion in the front-rear direction of the vehicle, and is provided on the mounting surface. In the third reflector portion, a light source side notch is provided on the second light source side, and an opposite side notch is provided on the side opposite to the second light source side, straddling the third axis of the third reflector portion. A vehicle lamp characterized in that the opposite side notch is smaller than the light source side notch.

2. The vehicle lamp according to claim 1, characterized in that the first reflector portion is provided further inward in the width direction than the second reflector portion.

3. The first reflector portion is configured such that its first axis is aligned with the front-rear direction. The vehicle lamp according to claim 1, characterized in that the third reflector portion has its third axis tilted outward at an angle of 40 to 80 degrees with respect to the front-rear direction.

4. The vehicle lamp according to claim 1, characterized in that the third reflector portion is arranged so that the third light source is located in front of the first reflector portion in the front-to-back direction.

5. The present invention further comprises a fourth reflector that reflects light emitted from a fourth light source to form a fourth light distribution pattern in front of the vehicle that is larger than the first light distribution pattern and smaller than the second light distribution pattern, The vehicle lamp according to claim 1, characterized in that the fourth reflector portion is provided adjacent to the first reflector portion in the width direction.

6. A first reflector unit that reflects light emitted from a first light source to illuminate the front of a vehicle and form a first light distribution pattern having a cutoff line, A second reflector unit that reflects light emitted from a second light source to form a second light distribution pattern larger than the first light distribution pattern in front of the vehicle, A third reflector unit that reflects light emitted from a third light source to form a third light distribution pattern to the side of the first or second light distribution pattern, The first light source, the second light source, and the third light source are attached to a mounting surface by a mounting member, The second light distribution pattern is formed simultaneously with the first light distribution pattern, thereby forming at least a part of the passing light distribution pattern. The first reflector portion and the second reflector portion are provided adjacent to each other in the width direction of the vehicle on the mounting surface. The third reflector portion is located between the first reflector portion and the second reflector portion in the width direction, and is positioned in front of the first reflector portion and the second reflector portion in the front-rear direction of the vehicle, and is provided on the mounting surface. Furthermore, it includes a projection lens that projects light from the first reflector section, the second reflector section, and the third reflector section. The projection lens comprises a first lens portion that focuses light from the first reflector portion, a second lens portion that diffuses light from the second reflector portion, and a third lens portion that diffuses light from the third reflector portion, and is characterized in that the first lens portion, the second lens portion, and the third lens portion are adjacent to each other in the width direction, from the inside out.

7. A first reflector unit that reflects light emitted from a first light source to illuminate the front of a vehicle and form a first light distribution pattern having a cutoff line, A second reflector unit that reflects light emitted from a second light source to form a second light distribution pattern larger than the first light distribution pattern in front of the vehicle, A third reflector unit that reflects light emitted from a third light source to form a third light distribution pattern to the side of the first or second light distribution pattern, The first light source, the second light source, and the third light source are attached to a mounting surface by a mounting member, The second light distribution pattern is formed simultaneously with the first light distribution pattern, thereby forming at least a part of the passing light distribution pattern. The first reflector portion and the second reflector portion are provided adjacent to each other in the width direction of the vehicle on the mounting surface. The third reflector portion is located between the first reflector portion and the second reflector portion in the width direction, and is positioned in front of the first reflector portion and the second reflector portion in the front-rear direction of the vehicle, and is provided on the mounting surface. A vehicle lighting device characterized in that the first reflector section, the second reflector section, and the third reflector section constitute a single reflector member.

8. The vehicle lamp according to claim 7, characterized in that the third reflector portion is provided in a position that overlaps with at least one of the first reflector portion and the second reflector portion in the width direction.

Images