Vehicular light fixture

Abstract

The present invention provides a vehicular light fixture that can form a side light distribution pattern without a dedicated light source that is only for forming a side light distribution pattern. A vehicular light fixture 10 comprises a plurality of light sources (23–27), a plurality of reflector parts (31–35) that reflect light emitted from the light sources, and a projection lens (14) that projects light reflected at the reflector parts to form a front light pattern (LP) that is shone in front of a vehicle. A plurality of first auxiliary reflection parts (36) that reflect light emitted from corresponding light sources are provided between the reflector parts, and a second auxiliary reflection part (41) that reflects light reflected at the first auxiliary reflection parts (36) toward the projection lens (14) is provided between the reflector parts and the projection lens (14). The second auxiliary reflection part (41) forms a side light distribution pattern Ps that is shone to the side of the front light distribution pattern.

Description

Vehicle lighting fixtures

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

[0002] One type of vehicle lamp has been proposed that includes multiple light sources and multiple reflector sections that are curved to individually cover each of the light sources (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In this vehicle lamp, each combination of light source and reflector section emits light in a different direction to form a light-concentrating region and a light-diffusing region, and light is also emitted between them to connect the light-concentrating region and the light-diffusing region, thereby forming a light distribution pattern that illuminates a wide area.

[0003] Patent No. 5087500

[0004] However, in some cases, a vehicle lamp is required to form a side light distribution pattern that illuminates the side of the light distribution pattern. It is desirable that the vehicle lamp can form a side light distribution pattern without providing a light source dedicated solely to forming the side light distribution pattern.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and aims to provide a vehicle lamp that can form a side light distribution pattern without providing a light source dedicated solely to forming the side light distribution pattern.

[0006] The vehicle lamp of the present disclosure comprises a plurality of light sources, a plurality of reflector sections provided corresponding to the plurality of light sources and reflecting light emitted from the plurality of light sources, and a projection lens that projects the light reflected by the plurality of reflector sections to form a forward light distribution pattern that illuminates the area ahead of the vehicle, wherein first auxiliary reflecting sections that reflect light emitted from the corresponding light sources are provided between the plurality of reflector sections, and second auxiliary reflecting sections that reflect the light reflected by the first auxiliary reflecting sections toward the projection lens are provided between the plurality of reflector sections and the projection lens, and the second auxiliary reflecting sections form a side light distribution pattern that illuminates the area to the side of the forward light distribution pattern.

[0007] According to the vehicle lamp of the present disclosure, a side light distribution pattern can be formed without providing a light source dedicated solely to forming the side light distribution pattern.

[0008] 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a vehicular lamp according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0023] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the vehicular lamp as viewed from above;

[0024] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the vehicular lamp in an exploded form;

[0025] FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing the reflector member of the vehicular lamp as viewed from the front in the longitudinal direction;

[0026] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the reflector member as viewed from the bottom in the vertical direction;

[0027] FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing the positional relationship between each light source, each reflector section, each light-source-side auxiliary reflecting section, each lens-side auxiliary reflecting section, and a projection lens, and showing how light is emitted from a second light source, a third light source, and a fourth light source, reflected by each light-source-side auxiliary reflecting section, then reflected by each lens-side auxiliary reflecting section, and emitted from the projection lens;

[0028] FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing how a passing light distribution pattern and a side light distribution pattern are formed on a screen where a horizontal line and a vertical line intersect at the center position on the projection optical axis;

[0029] FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing a vehicular lamp according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0009] Hereinafter, a first embodiment of a vehicle lamp 10 as an example of a vehicle lamp according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 6 shows a schematic cross section of the reflector member 13 and the projection lens 14 to facilitate understanding of the progression of light reflected by each light-source-side auxiliary reflecting portion 36 and each lens-side auxiliary reflecting portion 41, and indicates each light-source-side auxiliary reflecting portion 36, which is not visible in the cross section, with a two-dot chain line. Furthermore, in Fig. 6, hatching indicating the cross section of the projection lens 14 has been omitted to avoid obscuring the view.

[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 7 . The vehicle lamp 10 according to the first embodiment is used as a headlamp device for a vehicle such as an automobile. The vehicle lamp 10 is provided in a lamp chamber formed by a lamp housing, the open front end of which is covered by an outer lens, on both the left and right sides of the front of the vehicle. The vehicle lamp 10 is provided in the lamp chamber via an up-down optical axis adjustment mechanism and a left-right optical 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 travels is defined as the front-to-rear direction (referred to as Z in the drawings), and the vertical direction when the front-to-rear direction is aligned with a horizontal plane is defined as the up-to-down direction (referred to as Y in the drawings). The direction perpendicular to the front-to-rear direction and the up-to-down direction (the horizontal direction) is defined as the width direction (referred to as X in the drawings), and in the width direction, one side is defined as the right side and the other side is defined as the left side when the vehicle is moving forward. Here, the vehicle lamp 10 installed on the left side of the vehicle and the vehicle lamp 10 installed on the right side are basically of the same configuration, and the following description will be given using the vehicle lamp 10 installed on the left side.

[0011] The vehicle lamp 10 of the first embodiment forms a low-vehicle light distribution pattern LP (see FIG. 7 ) as an example of a forward light distribution pattern that illuminates the area ahead of the vehicle. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 , the vehicle lamp 10 includes a mounting member 11, a light source 12, a reflector member 13, a projection lens 14, a shade member 15, and a plate member 16 mounted thereon to form a projector-type lamp unit. The mounting member 11 is where the light source 12 is mounted. The mounting member 11 is formed of a thermally conductive aluminum plate, aluminum die-cast, or resin, and functions as a heat sink that dissipates heat generated by the light source 12 to the outside. The mounting member 11 is provided with a plurality of heat dissipation fins 11 a, which dissipate heat generated by the mounted light source 12 to the outside primarily through the heat dissipation fins 11 a. The mounting member 11 is fixed to a lamp housing via a bracket (not shown). The mounting member 11 may also be provided with a cooling fan unit as needed to enhance cooling efficiency. The mounting member 11 has a light source mounting portion 21 and a lens mounting portion 22 .

[0012] The light source mounting portion 21 has a flat plate shape perpendicular to the up-down direction, and the light source unit 12 is provided thereon. The light source unit 12 is configured by forming a wiring pattern on the surface of the light source mounting portion 21, and mounting a first light source 23, a second light source 24, a third light source 25, a fourth light source 26, and a fifth light source 27 thereon. Each of these five light sources (23 to 27) is a light-emitting element such as an LED (Light Emitting Diode). In the light source unit 12 of Example 1, the first light source 23, the second light source 24, the third light source 25, the fourth light source 26, and the fifth light source 27 are provided in this order at approximately equal intervals from the left side in the width direction. Therefore, in the light source unit 12, the third light source 25 serves as a central light source located toward the center, and the second light source 24 and the fourth light source 26 serve as peripheral light sources adjacent to the third light source 25.

[0013] In the light source unit 12, the third light source 25, serving as the central light source, is arranged at the rearmost position in the front-to-rear direction. Furthermore, in the light source unit 12, the second light source 24 and the fourth light source 26, which are adjacent to the third light source 25 in the width direction, are arranged side by side in front of the third light source 25 in the front-to-rear direction. Furthermore, in the light source unit 12, the first light source 23 and the fifth light source 27, which are adjacent to the outside of the second light source 24 and the fourth light source 26 in the width direction, are arranged side by side at the frontmost position in the front-to-rear direction. The wiring pattern of the light source mounting unit 21 is connected to a lighting control circuit via connector terminals. The light source unit 12 receives appropriate power from the lighting control circuit to appropriately light up each light source (23 to 27). Since the light source unit 12 uses five light sources (23 to 27) to form the low-beam light distribution pattern LP, heat sources can be distributed and provided in the light source mounting unit 21, facilitating heat dissipation, compared to when a single light source is used.

[0014] The light source attachment portion 21 is provided with two positioning protrusions 21a and two screw holes 21b. Each positioning protrusion 21a and each screw hole 21b are provided in pairs. Each positioning protrusion 21a is rod-shaped and protrudes downward in the vertical direction. Each screw hole 21b can be screwed in and fixed.

[0015] The lens mounting portion 22 is provided in front of the light source mounting portion 21 in the front-to-rear direction, and is positioned lower in the up-down direction than the light source mounting portion 21 with a step therebetween. The lens mounting portion 22 constitutes a location for mounting the projection lens 14, and the projection lens 14 is positioned in front of the light source unit 12 mounted on the light source mounting portion 21 in the front-to-rear direction.

[0016] The lens mounting portion 22 is provided with two positioning protrusions 22a and two screw holes 22b. Each positioning protrusion 22a and each screw hole 22b are provided in pairs. Each positioning protrusion 22a is rod-shaped and protrudes downward in the vertical direction. Each screw hole 22b is formed by recessing the center of a columnar portion that protrudes alongside the corresponding positioning protrusion 22a, and can be fixed by screwing in the hole.

[0017] 1 to 5 , the reflector member 13 is a molded product made of a resin material, and is integrally provided with a first reflector portion 31, a second reflector portion 32, a third reflector portion 33, a fourth reflector portion 34, a fifth reflector portion 35, and four light-source-side auxiliary reflectors 36. The first reflector portion 31 corresponds to the first light source 23, the second reflector portion 32 corresponds to the second light source 24, the third reflector portion 33 corresponds to the third light source 25, the fourth reflector portion 34 corresponds to the fourth light source 26, and the fifth reflector portion 35 corresponds to the fifth light source 27. Therefore, in the reflector member 13, the third reflector portion 33 serves as a central reflector portion located toward the center, and the second reflector portion 32 and the fourth reflector portion 34 serve as peripheral reflectors adjacent to the third reflector portion 33.

[0018] Each reflector portion (31 to 35) has a reflective surface that is curved so as to individually cover the corresponding light source (23 to 27), and each reflective surface reflects light emitted from the corresponding light source (23 to 27) toward the projection lens 14. Each reflective surface is a bowl-shaped free-form surface based on an ellipse, with a first focus at or near the center position of the corresponding light source (23 to 27) and a second focus near a step portion 15a of the shade member 15, which will be described later. This allows each reflector portion (31 to 35) to efficiently direct light emitted from each light source (23 to 27) near the first focus toward the projection lens 14.

[0019] The four light-source-side auxiliary reflectors 36 have reflective surfaces that are free-form surfaces based on paraboloids, and each reflects light from the corresponding light source (24 to 26) that does not travel toward the reflector unit (32 to 34). Each light-source-side auxiliary reflector 36 is provided between the adjacent reflectors (31 to 35). Thus, each light-source-side auxiliary reflector 36 functions as a first auxiliary reflector. Specifically, two light-source-side auxiliary reflectors 36 correspond to the third light source 25 and are provided between the second reflector unit 32 and the third reflector unit 33, and between the third reflector unit 33 and the fourth reflector unit 34. Hereinafter, when referring to these two individually, they will be referred to as the third light-source-side auxiliary reflector 36A. When referring to these two individually, the left one in the width direction will be referred to as the third light-source-side auxiliary reflector 36AL, and the right one in the width direction will be referred to as the third light-source-side auxiliary reflector 36AR. One light-source-side auxiliary reflector 36 corresponds to the second light source 24 and is provided between the first reflector 31 and the second reflector 32. Hereinafter, when each is individually shown, this will be referred to as the second light-source-side auxiliary reflector 36B. The remaining light-source-side auxiliary reflector 36 corresponds to the fourth light source 26 and is provided between the fourth reflector 34 and the fifth reflector 35. Hereinafter, when each is individually shown, this will be referred to as the fourth light-source-side auxiliary reflector 36C.

[0020] In the reflector member 13 of Example 1, the third reflector portion 33 is disposed at the rearmost position in the front-to-rear direction. The optical axis 33a of this third reflector portion 33 is substantially parallel to the projection optical axis Lp of the projection lens 14 (see FIG. 5). In addition, in the reflector member 13, the second reflector portion 32 and the fourth reflector portion 34 are disposed side by side in front of the third reflector portion 33 in the front-to-rear direction. The second reflector portion 32 is inclined so that the optical axis 32a approaches the axis 33a, i.e., the projection optical axis Lp, on the projection lens 14 side (see FIG. 5). In addition, the fourth reflector portion 34 is inclined so that the optical axis 34a approaches the axis 33a, i.e., the projection optical axis Lp, on the projection lens 14 side (see FIG. 5).

[0021] Furthermore, in the reflector member 13, the first reflector portion 31 and the fifth reflector portion 35 are arranged side by side at the frontmost side in the front-to-rear direction. The optical axis 31a of the first reflector portion 31 is tilted so that it approaches the axis 33a, i.e., the projection optical axis Lp, on the projection lens 14 side, with the degree of tilt being greater than that of the axis 32a. Moreover, the optical axis 35a of the fifth reflector portion 35 is tilted so that it approaches the axis 33a, i.e., the projection optical axis Lp, on the projection lens 14 side, with the degree of tilt being greater than that of the axis 34a.

[0022] In the reflector member 13, the dividing lines Ld (see FIG. 5 ) that divide the reflector portions (31 to 35) are substantially parallel to the projection optical axis Lp. For these reasons, the reflector member 13 can provide gaps between the reflector portions (31 to 35) that would not be connected by the optically reflective surfaces of the reflectors. The reflector member 13 then utilizes these gaps to provide the light-source-side auxiliary reflecting portions 36. This allows the reflector portion 13 to provide the light-source-side auxiliary reflecting portions 36 while ensuring the positions and sizes required for each reflector portion to fulfill its respective optical functions.

[0023] The reflector member 13 is also provided with two positioning holes 13a and two screw holes 13b. Each positioning hole 13a is a through-hole through which the corresponding positioning protrusion 21a of the light source attachment portion 21 can be passed. Each screw hole 13b is provided near the positioning hole 13a and can receive a screw.

[0024] With the light source unit 12 mounted on the light source mounting unit 21, the positioning protrusions 21a of the light source mounting unit 21 are passed through the positioning holes 13a, thereby positioning the reflector member 13 relative to the light source mounting unit 21 and the light source unit 12. The screws passed through the screw through holes 13b are screwed into the screw holes 21b of the light source mounting unit 21, thereby attaching the reflector member 13 to the light source mounting unit 21 in a positioned state. This allows the light sources (23 to 27) to face the corresponding reflectors (31 to 35) and light-source-side auxiliary reflecting units 36 in an appropriate positional relationship.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 3 , the mounting member 11 includes a shade member 15 and a plate member 16 provided between the light source mounting portion 21 and the lens mounting portion 22. The shade member 15 and the plate member 16 form the cutoff line CL (see FIG. 7 ) of the low-beam light distribution pattern LP and prevent light emitted from each light source (23 to 27) from illuminating above the cutoff line CL. The shade member 15 is plate-shaped with a stepped portion 15a formed by horizontal edges of different heights joined by inclined edges, and blocks light from traveling below the stepped portion 15a. The shade member 15 is also plate-shaped with a stepped portion 16a formed by horizontal sides of different heights joined by inclined sides.

[0026] The shade member 15 is provided with two positioning holes 15b and two screw through holes 15c. The plate member 16 is provided with two positioning holes 16b and two screw through holes 16c. Each of the positioning holes 15b and 16b is a through hole through which the corresponding positioning protrusion 22a of the lens mounting portion 22 can be passed. Each of the screw through holes 15c and 15c is provided near the positioning holes 15b and allows a screw to be passed through.

[0027] The shade member 15 and the plate member 16 are positioned relative to the lens mounting portion 22 by passing the positioning protrusions 22a of the lens mounting portion 22 through the positioning holes 15b and 16b with a portion of the plate member 16 overlapping the shade member 15. The shade member 15 and the plate member 16 are attached to the lens mounting portion 22 in a positioned state by threading screws passed through the screw through holes 16c and 15c into the screw holes 22b of the lens mounting portion 22. This allows the shade member 15 and the plate member 16 to be positioned appropriately relative to the light source unit 12 and the reflector member 13. Note that even when the vehicle lamp 10 is provided on the right side of the vehicle, the relationship between the inclination direction and height at the step portions 15a and 16a of the shade member 15 and the plate member 16 is not reversed in the width direction.

[0028] The projection lens 14 is attached to the lens attachment portion 22 of the attachment member 11 via an attachment member (not shown). The projection lens 14 projects light reflected by the reflector member 13 forward of the vehicle to form a low-vehicle light distribution pattern LP (see FIG. 7). The projection lens 14 is a molded product made of a resin material and is supported by an attachment member (not shown). The attachment member has, for example, a lower frame portion and an upper frame portion, and can be attached to the lens attachment portion 22 while sandwiching and supporting the projection lens 14 from above and below.

[0029] The projection lens 14 is a convex lens with both the incident surface 14a and the exit surface 14b being biconvex, with the incident surface 14a having a larger curvature and the exit surface 14b having a smaller curvature than the incident surface 14a. The focal point (rear focal point) of the projection lens 14 is located near the stepped portion 15a of the shade member 15. The projection lens 14 irradiates light from each reflector portion (31 to 35) to form multiple light distribution images 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 as the origin. These optical characteristics can be set by adjusting the curvature (surface shape) of each reflector portion (31 to 35) for each location.

[0030] The projection lens 14 of Example 1 projects light emitted from the first light source 23 and reflected by the first reflector 31, thereby forming a first light distribution area hp1 that illuminates a position slightly to the right of the projection optical axis Lp, as shown in FIG. 7 . The projection lens 14 also projects light emitted from the second light source 24 and reflected by the second reflector 32, thereby forming a second light distribution area hp2 that illuminates a position that includes the projection optical axis Lp but is biased to the right. The projection lens 14 also projects light emitted from the third light source 25 and reflected by the third reflector 33, thereby forming a third light distribution area hp3 that illuminates the periphery of the projection optical axis Lp. The projection lens 14 also projects light emitted from the fourth light source 26 and reflected by the fourth reflector 34, thereby forming a fourth light distribution area hp4 that illuminates a position that includes the projection optical axis Lp but is biased to the left. The projection lens 14 projects light emitted from the fifth light source 27 and reflected by the fifth reflector portion 35, thereby forming a fifth light distribution region hp5 that illuminates a region slightly to the left of the projection optical axis Lp. These five light distribution regions hp overlap at least partially with adjacent ones to form a single, large, bright region, the low-passing light distribution pattern LP. The low-passing light distribution pattern LP has its upper edge conforming to the shape of the step portions 15a and 16a, due to a portion of the light from each reflector portion (31 to 35) being blocked by the shade member 15 and the plate member 16. This allows the vehicular lamp 10 to form a low-passing light distribution pattern LP that has a cutoff line CL on the projection optical axis Lp on the screen, brightest in the vicinity of the projection optical axis Lp, and brightens a large region in the width direction below the cutoff line CL.

[0031] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 6 , the vehicle lamp 10 is provided with a pair of lens-side auxiliary reflectors 41. Each lens-side auxiliary reflector 41 reflects light emitted from each light source (23 to 27) and reflected by each light-source-side auxiliary reflector 36 to form a side light distribution pattern Ps (see FIG. 7 ) that illuminates the side of the low-vehicle light distribution pattern LP. Thus, each lens-side auxiliary reflector 41 functions as a second auxiliary reflector. Each lens-side auxiliary reflector 41 is provided at a position that does not obstruct the optical path from the light from each light source (23 to 27) reflected by each reflector portion (31 to 35) to the projection lens 14. Each lens-side auxiliary reflector 41 in the first embodiment is a thin plate extending in the front-rear direction and is provided integrally with the reflector member 13 at both widthwise outer ends thereof and at the front end 13c in the front-rear direction. In each lens-side auxiliary reflecting portion 41, the region on the end 13c side, i.e., the reflector member 13 side, is a base end portion 41a, and the region on the projection lens 14 side is a tip end portion 41b.

[0032] Each lens-side auxiliary reflecting portion 41 has a reflective surface that is a free-form surface based on a paraboloid, and the optical axis of each reflective surface is inclined inward in the width direction as it moves forward relative to the front-to-rear direction (see FIG. 5 ). Hereinafter, when referring to each lens-side auxiliary reflecting portion individually, the left side in the width direction will be referred to as the lens-side auxiliary reflecting portion 41L, and the right side in the width direction will be referred to as the lens-side auxiliary reflecting portion 41R. Each lens-side auxiliary reflecting portion 41 in Example 1 has a base end portion 41a and a tip end portion 41b that each form a single reflective surface. Therefore, each lens-side auxiliary reflecting portion 41 in Example 1 is configured to be bent between the base end portion 41a and the tip end portion 41b. Therefore, each lens-side auxiliary reflecting portion 41 in Example 1 has two optical axes: the axis of the base end portion 41a and the axis of the tip end portion 41b, and the axis of the tip end portion 41b is more inward than the axis of the base end portion 41a.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 6 , light from the third light source 25 reflected by the third-light-source-side auxiliary reflector 36AL travels to the base end portion 41 a of the lens-side auxiliary reflector 41R and is reflected toward the projection lens 14. This reflected light travels to the right of the incident surface 14 a of the projection lens 14, thereby reducing the angle of incidence with respect to the incident surface 14 a and ensuring reliable incidence on the projection lens 14. As shown in FIG. 7 , this light is irradiated to the left of the projection optical axis Lp in the width direction, thereby forming a first lateral light distribution pattern Ps1 to the side of the low-beam light distribution pattern LP. That is, the base end portion 41 a of the lens-side auxiliary reflector 41R is optically configured to form the first lateral light distribution pattern Ps1 together with the third-light-source-side auxiliary reflector 36AL. This first lateral light distribution pattern Ps1 can partially overlap the low-beam light distribution pattern LP and illuminate a wide area to the left of it in the width direction.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 6 , the lens-side auxiliary reflector 41R receives light from the second light source 24, reflected by the second-light-source-side auxiliary reflector 36B, and travels to the tip portion 41b, where it is reflected toward the projection lens 14. By directing the reflected light toward the right side of the incident surface 14a of the projection lens 14, the angle of incidence with respect to the incident surface 14a can be reduced, ensuring reliable incidence on the projection lens 14. As shown in FIG. 7 , this light is directed further to the left in the width direction than the projection optical axis Lp, thereby forming a second lateral light distribution pattern Ps2 to the side of the first lateral light distribution pattern Ps1. That is, the tip portion 41b of the lens-side auxiliary reflector 41R is optically configured to form the second lateral light distribution pattern Ps2, together with the second-light-source-side auxiliary reflector 36B. This second lateral light distribution pattern Ps2 partially overlaps with the first lateral light distribution pattern Ps1 and can illuminate a wide area to the left in the width direction. As a result, the first lateral light distribution pattern Ps1 and the second lateral light distribution pattern Ps2 can illuminate a wide area on the left side that cannot be sufficiently illuminated by the low-vehicle light distribution pattern LP alone.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 6 , light from the third light source 25 reflected by the third-light-source-side auxiliary reflector 36AR travels to the base end portion 41 a of the lens-side auxiliary reflector 41L and is reflected toward the projection lens 14. By directing this reflected light toward the left side of the incident surface 14 a of the projection lens 14, the angle of incidence with respect to the incident surface 14 a can be reduced, ensuring reliable incidence on the projection lens 14. As shown in FIG. 7 , this light is irradiated to the right of the projection optical axis Lp in the width direction, thereby forming a third lateral light distribution pattern Ps3 to the side of the low-beam light distribution pattern LP. That is, the base end portion 41 a of the lens-side auxiliary reflector 41L is optically configured to form the third lateral light distribution pattern Ps3 together with the third-light-source-side auxiliary reflector 36AR. This third lateral light distribution pattern Ps3 partially overlaps with the low-beam light distribution pattern LP and can illuminate a wide area to the right of it in the width direction.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 6 , the lens-side auxiliary reflector 41L receives light from the fourth light source 26, reflected by the fourth-light-source-side auxiliary reflector 36C, and advances to the tip portion 41b, where it is reflected toward the projection lens 14. By directing the reflected light toward the left side of the incident surface 14a of the projection lens 14, the angle of incidence with respect to the incident surface 14a can be reduced, ensuring reliable incidence on the projection lens 14. As shown in FIG. 7 , this light is directed toward the right side of the projection optical axis Lp in the width direction, thereby forming a fourth lateral light distribution pattern Ps4 to the side of the third lateral light distribution pattern Ps3. That is, the tip portion 41b of the lens-side auxiliary reflector 41L is optically configured to form the fourth lateral light distribution pattern Ps4, together with the fourth-light-source-side auxiliary reflector 36C. This fourth lateral light distribution pattern Ps4 partially overlaps with the third lateral light distribution pattern Ps3 and can illuminate a wide area to the left of it in the width direction. As a result, the third lateral light distribution pattern Ps3 and the fourth lateral light distribution pattern Ps4 can illuminate a wide area on the right side that cannot be sufficiently illuminated by the low-vehicle light distribution pattern LP alone.

[0037] The position, size, and shape of each lateral light distribution pattern Ps can be set by adjusting the axial direction and optical characteristics of each lens side auxiliary reflecting portion 41 (in Example 1, the base end portion 41a and the tip end portion 41b), or by adjusting the direction and optical characteristics of each corresponding light source side auxiliary reflecting portion 36.

[0038] In this vehicle lamp 10, by turning on each light source (23 to 27), light from each light source is reflected by each reflector portion (31 to 35) and then emitted from the projection lens 14. As a result, the vehicle lamp 10 can form a low-passing light distribution pattern LP, as shown in FIG. 7 . When the vehicle lamp 10 forms the low-passing light distribution pattern LP, a portion of the light emitted from the three central light sources (24 to 26) is reflected by each light-source-side auxiliary reflector 36, and that light is reflected by each lens-side auxiliary reflector 41 and emitted from the projection lens 14. As a result, the vehicle lamp 10 forms side light distribution patterns (Ps1, Ps2, Ps3, Ps4) on both sides of the low-passing light distribution pattern LP, partially overlapping the low-passing light distribution pattern LP and brightening both outer areas thereof. Therefore, the vehicle lamp 10 can ensure a wide range of visibility on both sides of the passing light distribution pattern LP in addition to the passing light distribution pattern LP.

[0039] This vehicle lamp 10 forms each side light distribution pattern (Ps1, Ps2, Ps3, Ps4) by reflecting a portion of the light from each light source (23 to 27) for forming the low-beam light distribution pattern LP by each light-source-side auxiliary reflector 36 and each lens-side auxiliary reflector 41. Therefore, the vehicle lamp 10 can form not only the low-beam light distribution pattern LP but also each side light distribution pattern Ps that illuminates the area to the side of the low-beam light distribution pattern LP, without using a dedicated light source.

[0040] In particular, the vehicle lamp 10 of Example 1 has the third reflector portion 33, which is central in the width direction, positioned rearward, the second reflector portion 32 and the fourth reflector portion 34 positioned forward, the first reflector portion 31 and the fifth reflector portion 35 positioned forward, and each light-source-side auxiliary reflector portion 36 provided between them. Therefore, the vehicle lamp 10 can appropriately position and size each reflector portion (31 to 35) relative to each light source (23 to 27), thereby forming a passing light distribution pattern LP with appropriate brightness and size. Furthermore, the vehicle lamp 10 can provide each light-source-side auxiliary reflector portion 36 without interfering with each of the reflectors (31 to 35) configured in this manner. Furthermore, the vehicle lamp 10 provides each lens-side auxiliary reflector 41 at a position that does not obstruct the light path for forming the low-beam light distribution pattern LP, and forms the side light distribution pattern Ps by utilizing the reflected light from each light-source-side auxiliary reflector 36. Therefore, the vehicle lamp 10 can appropriately adjust the brightness and size of each side light distribution pattern Ps without affecting the formation of the low-beam light distribution pattern LP, thereby more appropriately ensuring the visibility of the occupants. In addition, the vehicle lamp 10 can form each side light distribution pattern Ps in addition to the low-beam light distribution pattern LP using light from each light source (23 to 27), so that the light from each light source (23 to 27) can be more effectively used.

[0041] Furthermore, the vehicle lamp 10 is provided with the light-source-side auxiliary reflectors 36 on the reflector member 13, and the lens-side auxiliary reflectors 41 on the end 13c of the reflector member 13. Therefore, when the reflector member 13 is attached to the mounting member 11, the light-source-side auxiliary reflectors 36 and the lens-side auxiliary reflectors 41 can be simultaneously provided in the vehicle lamp 10. This allows the vehicle lamp 10 to reduce the number of components required for installation and simplify the installation process compared to when a configuration for forming the low-beam light distribution pattern LP and a configuration for forming the side-beam light distribution pattern Ps are separately installed on the vehicle. As a result, the vehicle lamp 10 eliminates the need for positioning adjustment between the configuration for forming the low-beam light distribution pattern LP and the configuration for forming the side-beam light distribution pattern Ps when installed on the vehicle, and can improve the accuracy of the positional relationship.

[0042] Furthermore, in the vehicle lamp 10, light that forms each side light distribution pattern Ps passes through an optical path for forming a low-passing light distribution pattern LP, in which light from each light source (23 to 27) is reflected by each reflector portion (31 to 35) and reaches the projection lens 14. Therefore, the vehicle lamp 10 does not require a new space for the optical path of light that forms each side light distribution pattern Ps, and therefore can be prevented from becoming large.

[0043] The vehicle lamp 10, which is one example of a vehicle lamp according to the present disclosure, can achieve the following effects.

[0044] The vehicle lamp 10 includes a plurality of light sources (23 to 27), a plurality of reflector sections (31 to 35) corresponding to the light sources and reflecting light emitted from the light sources, and a projection lens 14 that projects the light reflected by the reflector sections to form a low-beam light distribution pattern LP as a forward light distribution pattern. Light-source-side auxiliary reflecting sections 36 serving as first auxiliary reflecting sections that reflect light emitted from the corresponding light sources are provided between the plurality of reflector sections. Lens-side auxiliary reflecting sections 41 serving as second auxiliary reflecting sections that reflect the light reflected by the light-source-side auxiliary reflecting sections 36 toward the projection lens 14 are provided between the plurality of reflector sections and the projection lens 14. The lens-side auxiliary reflecting sections 41 form a side light distribution pattern Ps that illuminates a side of the low-beam light distribution pattern LP. As a result, the vehicle lamp 10 can form the side light distribution pattern Ps by utilizing a portion of the light from each light source (23 to 27) that forms the passing light distribution pattern LP, without having to provide a light source dedicated solely to the side light distribution pattern Ps.

[0045] In the vehicle lamp 10, the lens-side auxiliary reflecting portion 41 forms side light distribution patterns (Ps1, Ps3) at positions close to the low-beam light distribution pattern LP by light reflected by the base end portion 41a, which is the area on the reflector side. In the vehicle lamp 10, the lens-side auxiliary reflecting portion 41 forms side light distribution patterns (Ps2, Ps4) at positions far from the low-beam light distribution pattern LP by light reflected by the tip end portion 41b, which is the area on the projection lens 14 side. Therefore, the vehicle lamp 10 forms side light distribution patterns Ps at different positions depending on the location of reflection on the lens-side auxiliary reflecting portion 41, and can form side light distribution patterns Ps over a wide range by utilizing differences in the position of the light-source-side auxiliary reflecting portion 36.

[0046] Furthermore, in the vehicle lamp 10, the lens-side auxiliary reflector 41 reflects light from the third light source 25, which is located closer to the center of the light sources (23 to 27), toward a base end portion 41a of the lens-side auxiliary reflector 41. In addition, the vehicle lamp 10 reflects light from the second light source 24 and the fourth light source 26, which are located closer to the periphery of the light sources (23 to 27), toward a tip end portion 41b of the lens-side auxiliary reflector 41. Therefore, the vehicle lamp 10 utilizes the differences in the positions of the light sources and the light-source-side auxiliary reflector 36 to illuminate different locations for each light source, thereby enabling the formation of a lateral light distribution pattern Ps that ensures brightness over a wide range.

[0047] In the vehicle lamp 10, the axis of the lens-side auxiliary reflector 41 is inclined so that it approaches the projection optical axis Lp of the projection lens 14 as it approaches the projection lens 14. This makes it easy for the vehicle lamp 10 to cause reflected light to travel in the width direction opposite the side on which the lens-side auxiliary reflector 41 is provided, and makes it possible to appropriately position the side light distribution pattern Ps relative to the low-vehicle light distribution pattern LP.

[0048] In the vehicle lamp 10, the incident surface 14a of the projection lens 14 is convex. Therefore, in the vehicle lamp 10, both sides of the incident surface 14a can be directed more toward the lens-side auxiliary reflecting portion 41, so that light from the lens-side auxiliary reflecting portion 41 can be reliably incident on the incident surface 14a to the projection lens 14.

[0049] In the vehicle lamp 10, of the reflector portions (31 to 35), the third reflector portion 33 located toward the center is positioned farthest from the projection lens 14, and the reflectors positioned outward from the third reflector portion 33 are positioned closer to the projection lens 14. Therefore, the vehicle lamp 10 can appropriately adjust the position and size of each reflector portion relative to each light source, and can also be provided with a light-source-side auxiliary reflecting portion 36. As a result, the vehicle lamp 10 can appropriately adjust the brightness and size of each side light distribution pattern Ps without affecting the formation of the low-vehicle light distribution pattern LP.

[0050] In the vehicle lamp 10, the axis 33a of the third reflector portion 33 is parallel to the projection optical axis Lp, and the axes (31a, 32a, 34a, 35a) are inclined so as to approach the projection optical axis Lp as they move outward from the third reflector portion 33 toward the projection lens 14. Therefore, the vehicle lamp 10 can ensure a sufficient size of the light-source-side auxiliary reflecting portion 36 while appropriately positioning and sizing each reflector portion.

[0051] In the vehicle lamp 10, the lens-side auxiliary reflecting portion 41 is provided integrally with the reflector portion (31 to 35). Therefore, when the reflector member 13 is provided in the vehicle lamp 10, the lens-side auxiliary reflecting portion 41 can also be provided at the same time, which reduces the number of parts, simplifies the installation work, and improves the accuracy of the positional relationship of the lens-side auxiliary reflecting portion 41 with respect to the light-source-side auxiliary reflecting portion 36.

[0052] Therefore, the vehicle lamp 10 of Example 1 as a vehicle lamp according to the present disclosure can form the side light distribution pattern Ps without providing a light source dedicated solely to forming the side light distribution pattern Ps.

[0053] 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.

[0054] In the first embodiment described above, the light-source-side auxiliary reflectors 36 and the lens-side auxiliary reflectors 41 are provided as described above. However, the configuration is not limited to that of the first embodiment, and any configuration may be used as long as light from the corresponding light source is reflected by the light-source-side auxiliary reflectors and then by the lens-side auxiliary reflectors to form the side light distribution pattern Ps. Another example of a vehicular lamp 10A is shown in FIG. 8 . In this vehicular lamp 10A, the lens-side auxiliary reflectors 41A and the projection lens 14A are configured differently from those in the vehicular lamp 10. This vehicular lamp 10A is installed on the left side of the vehicle. When installed on the right side, the shade member 15 and the plate member 16 are reversed in the width direction (left and right) except for the stepped portions 15a and 16a. The projection lens 14A is a convex lens that is inclined rearward as it approaches the left side in the width direction, i.e., toward the outside of the vehicle. The projection lens 14A has an incident surface 14Aa that is a convex surface that protrudes rearward in the front-to-rear direction, and an exit surface 14Ab that is a substantially flat surface that is positioned rearmost on the left side in the width direction and that slopes forward as it moves to the right. The projection lens 14A has a focal point (rear focal point) located near a stepped portion 15a of the shade member 15. The projection lens 14A irradiates light from each reflector portion (31 to 35) to form a passing light distribution pattern LP (see FIG. 7) similar to that of the vehicular lamp 10 on a screen where a horizontal line H and a vertical line V intersect with the center position O as the origin.

[0055] The lens-side auxiliary reflecting portion 41A is provided only on the right side in the width direction, i.e., on one side of the vehicle interior. This lens-side auxiliary reflecting portion 41A extends from the right end portion 13c of the reflector member 13 toward the vicinity of the right end of the projection lens 14A. Light from the third light source 25 reflected by the third-light-source-side auxiliary reflecting portion 36AL travels to the base end portion 41a of the lens-side auxiliary reflecting portion 41A and is reflected toward the projection lens 14A. Because the projection lens 14 is inclined and the incident surface 14Aa is convex, the angle of incidence of this reflected light with respect to the incident surface 14Aa can be reduced, ensuring reliable incidence on the projection lens 14A. This light forms a first lateral light distribution pattern Ps1 (see FIG. 7 ) lateral to the low-vehicle light distribution pattern LP. Furthermore, light from the second light source 24 reflected by the second-light-source-side auxiliary reflector 36B travels to the tip portion 41b of the lens-side auxiliary reflector 41A and is reflected toward the projection lens 14A. Because the projection lens 14 is inclined and the incident surface 14Aa is convex, the angle of incidence with respect to the incident surface 14Aa can be reduced, ensuring reliable incidence of the light into the projection lens 14A. This light forms a second lateral light distribution pattern Ps2 (see FIG. 7 ) to the side of the first lateral light distribution pattern Ps1. This allows the vehicular lamp 10A to form the first lateral light distribution pattern Ps1 and the second lateral light distribution pattern Ps2 in addition to the low-vehicle light distribution pattern LP, thereby illuminating a wide area on the left side. When the vehicle lamp 10A is installed on the right side of the vehicle, the configuration is reversed left and right, so that the third lateral light distribution pattern Ps3 and the fourth lateral light distribution pattern Ps4 are formed to the right of the passing light distribution pattern LP (see Figure 7).

[0056] Furthermore, in the above-described first embodiment, the light source unit 12 includes five light sources (23 to 27) and five reflector units (31 to 35). However, the number of light sources and reflector units may be set as appropriate and is not limited to the configuration of the above-described first embodiment. Even in this case, a light-source-side auxiliary reflecting unit is provided between the multiple reflector units, and the light reflected therefrom is reflected by a lens-side auxiliary reflecting unit and projected by a projection lens to form a side light distribution pattern. As an example of this, a configuration may be adopted in which two light sources and two reflector units are provided, a single light-source-side auxiliary reflecting unit is provided between the two reflector units, and a single lens-side auxiliary reflecting unit is provided to reflect the light from the light source.

[0057] Furthermore, in the above-described first embodiment, each lens side auxiliary reflecting portion 41 is provided at the end portion 13c of the reflector member 13, but the present invention is not limited to the configuration of the first embodiment as long as the lens side auxiliary reflecting portion 41 is provided on the reflector member 13. In other words, the lens side auxiliary reflecting portion 41 may be provided integrally with the reflector member 13, may be fixed as a separate body, or may be provided at a different location. CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0058] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-163594, filed with the Japan Patent Office on September 26, 2023, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Claims

1. A vehicle lamp comprising: a plurality of light sources; a plurality of reflector sections provided corresponding to the plurality of light sources, which reflect light emitted from the plurality of light sources; and a projection lens which projects the light reflected by the plurality of reflector sections to form a forward light distribution pattern that illuminates the front of the vehicle, wherein first auxiliary reflecting sections are provided between the plurality of reflector sections, which reflect the light emitted from the corresponding light sources; and second auxiliary reflecting sections are provided between the plurality of reflector sections and the projection lens, which reflect the light reflected by the first auxiliary reflecting sections towards the projection lens, and the second auxiliary reflecting sections form a side light distribution pattern that illuminates the side of the forward light distribution pattern.

2. The vehicle lamp as described in claim 1, characterized in that the second auxiliary reflective portion forms the side light distribution pattern at a position adjacent to the forward light distribution pattern by light reflected in the area on the reflector portion side, and forms the side light distribution pattern at a position distant from the forward light distribution pattern by light reflected in the area on the projection lens side.

3. The vehicle lamp according to claim 2, characterized in that the second auxiliary reflecting portion reflects light from the light source located toward the center of the plurality of light sources toward an area on the reflector portion side of the second auxiliary reflecting portion, and reflects light from the light source located toward the periphery of the plurality of light sources toward an area on the projection lens side of the second auxiliary reflecting portion.

4. The vehicle lamp according to claim 1, characterized in that the second auxiliary reflecting portion is inclined so that its axis is closer to the projection optical axis of the projection lens on the projection lens side.

5. The vehicle lamp according to claim 1, wherein the projection lens has a convex incident surface.

6. The vehicle lamp according to claim 1, characterized in that the reflector sections arranged at the center are positioned furthest from the projection lens, and the reflector sections arranged at the outer sides are positioned closer to the projection lens.

7. A vehicle lamp as described in claim 6, characterized in that the axis of the multiple reflector sections arranged toward the center is parallel to the projection optical axis of the projection lens, and the axis of the reflector sections arranged toward the outside is inclined so as to approach the projection optical axis as it moves toward the projection lens.

8. The vehicle lamp according to claim 1, wherein the second auxiliary reflecting portion is provided integrally with the reflector portion.

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