Vehicle lamp

Abstract

Provided is a vehicle lamp capable of moderating the degree of change in brightness difference at a desired location at the edge of a projected light distribution pattern, while maintaining the brightness difference. A vehicle lamp (10) is provided with a projection lens (14) that projects light emitted from light sources (31 to 34) and forms a projected light distribution pattern (passing light distribution pattern (LP)) for illuminating ahead of the vehicle. The projection lens (14) is partitioned into a plurality of lens sections (51 to 54) each projecting the light from the light sources and individually forming illumination patterns (P1 to P4). The projected light distribution pattern is formed from a plurality of illumination patterns at least partially overlapping each other. Each of the plurality of lens sections is provided with a diffusion section (70) that diffuses the projected light at least in the vertical direction. The diffusion section (70) has a different diffusion degree for each lens section.

Description

Vehicle lighting fixtures

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

[0002] A known vehicle lamp has a plurality of units for forming irradiation patterns, and the plurality of irradiation patterns are at least partially overlapped to form a predetermined projected light distribution pattern (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In this vehicle lamp, by partially overlapping the irradiation patterns at a desired location on the edge of the projected light distribution pattern, it is possible to illuminate a wide area while forming a desired brightness difference required at that location.

[0003] Special Publication No. 2021-533537

[0004] However, at the edges of the projected light distribution pattern, even in areas where a contrast is required, it is necessary that the degree of change is not too sudden. However, since the above-mentioned vehicle lamps overlap multiple irradiation patterns to obtain the required contrast, it is difficult to maintain the contrast while making the degree of change gentle.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and aims to provide a vehicle lamp that can maintain the brightness difference at a desired point on the edge of a projected light distribution pattern while grading the degree of change.

[0006] The vehicle lamp of the present disclosure includes a projection lens that projects light emitted from a light source to form a projected light distribution pattern that illuminates the area ahead of the vehicle, the projection lens being divided into a plurality of lens sections that each project light from the light source to form an individual illumination pattern, the projected light distribution pattern being formed by at least a portion of the illumination patterns being overlapped, and the plurality of lens sections being provided with diffusion sections that diffuse the projected light at least in the vertical direction, and the diffusion sections having a different degree of diffusion for each lens section.

[0007] According to the vehicle lamp of the present disclosure, it is possible to maintain the brightness difference at a desired location on the edge of the projected light distribution pattern while gradualing the degree of change in the brightness difference.

[0008] 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a vehicular lamp according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an exploded configuration of the vehicular lamp; FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which a light source unit is provided on a mounting member; FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which a positional relationship between a projection lens, a reflector member, and each light source is viewed from above in the vertical direction; FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which a projection lens is viewed from the incident surface side; FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a first irradiation pattern formed by a first unit of the vehicular lamp on a screen in which a horizontal line and a vertical line intersect at a center position on a projection optical axis; FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a second irradiation pattern formed by a second unit of the vehicular lamp on a screen similar to FIG. 6; FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a third irradiation pattern formed by one third unit of the vehicular lamp on a screen similar to FIG. 6; FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a third irradiation pattern formed by the other third unit of the vehicular lamp on a screen similar to FIG. 6; and FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a fourth irradiation pattern formed by a fourth unit of the vehicular lamp on a screen similar to FIG. 6. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which a passing irradiation pattern and a fourth irradiation pattern are formed on a screen similar to that of FIG. 6. FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram showing an enlarged view of the vicinity of the center position of the screen in the first irradiation pattern on a screen similar to that of FIG. 6. FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram showing an enlarged view of the vicinity of the center position of the screen in the second irradiation pattern on a screen similar to that of FIG. 6. FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram showing an enlarged view of the vicinity of the center position of the screen in the third irradiation pattern on a screen similar to that of FIG. 6. FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which FIGS. 12, 13, and 14 are superimposed. FIG. 19 is a graph showing the brightness distribution on the extraction line shown in FIG. 15, where the vertical axis indicates the position on the extraction line and the horizontal axis indicates the degree of brightness. FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram similar to FIG. 5 showing another example of a projection lens.

[0009] A first embodiment of a vehicle lamp 10 as an example of a vehicle lamp according to the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. In Figs. 6 to 11 , which show the illumination patterns, the brightness distribution is shown as contour lines that increase in brightness toward the center on a screen where a horizontal line H and a vertical line V intersect, with the center position O of the illumination by the vehicle lamp 10 (the projection optical axis Lp of the vehicle lamp 10) as the origin. In Figs. 12 to 15 , the illumination patterns (P1 to P3) are simplified and the vicinity of their upper edges is enlarged to facilitate understanding of the effects of the diffusion sections 70. In Figs. 12 to 15 , the brightness of each illumination pattern (P1 to P3) and each illumination pattern (81 to 83) is shown by a difference in color intensity (the darker the color, the brighter the light), but this does not necessarily correspond to the actual brightness.

[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 16 . The vehicle lamp 10 according to the first embodiment is used as a headlamp device for a vehicle such as an automobile. The headlamp device is mounted on both the left and right sides of the front of the vehicle, and the vehicle lamp 10 is provided in a lamp chamber formed by a lamp housing whose open front end is covered by an outer lens. 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), the vertical direction when the front-to-rear direction is aligned with a horizontal plane is defined as the up-down direction (referred to as Y in the drawings), and 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). In the longitudinal direction, the side where a projection lens 14 (described later) is provided is the front side, and in the vertical direction, the side where a reflector member 13 (described later) is provided is the upper side. Here, the vehicular lamp 10 provided on the right side and the left side of the vehicle are basically configured the same but are reversed in the width direction (left and right), so the following description will be given using the vehicular lamp 10 provided on the right side.

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

[0012] 2 to 4, the light source mounting portion 21 is shaped like a flat plate that is perpendicular to the vertical direction, and the light source unit 12 is mounted at a predetermined position. The light source mounting portion 21 is provided with mounting piece portions 23 on both sides in the width direction. These mounting piece portions 23 are formed by bending the light source mounting portion 21 upward in the vertical direction. The mounting piece portions 23 fix the mounting member 11, i.e., the vehicle lamp 10, to the lamp housing via brackets (not shown).

[0013] The lens mounting portion 22 is a flat plate that is approximately perpendicular to the up-down direction, and is provided in front of the light source mounting portion 21 in the front-to-back direction, with a step located below the light source mounting portion 21 in the up-to-down direction. 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-back direction.

[0014] The mounting member 11 is provided with four positioning holes 11a and three screw through holes 11b. A positioning protrusion 13a of the reflector member 13, which will be described later, can be fitted into each of the positioning holes 11a. A screw 24 can be passed through each of the screw through holes 11b. The mounting member 11 can be provided with a plurality of heat dissipation fins, and heat generated by the light source unit 12 attached to the light source mounting portion 21 can be dissipated to the outside mainly through each of the heat dissipation fins. The mounting member 11 can also be provided with a cooling fan unit as appropriate to improve cooling efficiency.

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

[0016] The connector terminal 35 is electrically connected to the wiring pattern of the substrate 36, and a connector connected to the lighting control circuit is detachable. The connector terminal 35 is provided at the rear end of the substrate 36 in the front-to-rear direction, and the connector is detachable. The connector terminal 35, with the connector attached, enables the supply of power from the lighting control circuit to each light source (31 to 34) via the wiring pattern.

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

[0018] The reflector member 13 is a molded product made of a resin material, and includes a first reflector portion 41, a second reflector portion 42, a pair of third reflector portions 43, and a fourth reflector portion 44, which are integrally formed. Each reflector portion (41 to 44) has a reflective surface Rs curved to cover a corresponding light source (31 to 34), and each reflective surface Rs reflects light emitted from the corresponding light source (31 to 34) toward the projection lens 14. Each reflective surface Rs is provided inside the corresponding reflector portion (41 to 44). Each reflective surface Rs is a bowl-shaped free-form surface based on an ellipse, with a first focus at the corresponding light source (31 to 34) (at or near its center) and a second focus near the corresponding lens portion (51 to 54) of the projection lens 14, which will be described later. This allows each reflector portion (41 to 44) to efficiently direct the light emitted from each light source (31 to 34) to the corresponding lens portion (51 to 54).

[0019] Here, in the vehicle lamp 10 of Example 1, a third light source 33 and a third reflector portion 43 are provided in pairs. The third light sources 33 are provided side by side in the width direction with a small gap between them. The third reflector portion 43 has a shape in which the first foci of its basic ellipse are set to coincide with the two third light sources 33, and two bowl-shaped free-form surfaces are joined together in the middle. The two third reflector portions 43 can efficiently direct the light emitted from each third light source 33 to the corresponding lens portion (53).

[0020] The reflector member 13 is provided with four positioning protrusions 13a (see FIG. 3) and three screw holes 13b (see FIG. 4). Each positioning protrusion 13a is rod-shaped and protrudes downward in the vertical direction at a position that does not obstruct the optical path from each reflector portion (41 to 44). Each screw hole 13b is provided near the corresponding positioning protrusion 13a at a position that does not obstruct the optical path from each reflector portion (41 to 44), and can be fixed by screwing in a screw 24.

[0021] The reflector member 13 is fixed to the mounting member 11 by screwing screws 24 into the screw holes 13b while being positioned by the positioning protrusions 13a, with the light source unit 12 interposed between the reflector member 13 and the light source mounting unit 21. Then, the light source unit 12 is fixed to the mounting unit 21a, which is the upper surface of the light source mounting unit 21 of the mounting member 11. As a result, the light sources (31 to 34) mounted on the board 36 of the light source unit 12 face the corresponding reflector units (41 to 44) on the mounting unit 21a.

[0022] The reflector member 13 is provided with two partition walls 25 (see FIG. 2 ). Each partition wall 25 is positioned between a first lens portion 51 and a second lens portion 52 (described later) of the projection lens 14, and between the second lens portion 52 and a third lens portion 53, and is formed in the shape of a plate extending in the vertical direction.

[0023] The projection lens 14 projects light reflected by the reflector member 13 (each of its reflective surfaces Rs) forward of the vehicle to form a desired projected light distribution pattern (a low-vehicle light distribution pattern LP (see FIG. 11 ) in the first embodiment). The projection lens 14 is a molded product made of a resin material, and as shown in FIGS. 3 to 5 , a first lens portion 51, a second lens portion 52, a third lens portion 53, and a fourth lens portion 54 are integrally formed. Each lens portion (51 to 54) is positioned opposite a corresponding reflector portion (41 to 44), i.e., in a direction in which light from the corresponding light source (31 to 34) is reflected by the reflector portion (41 to 44). Specifically, in the width direction of the projection lens 14, the first lens portion 51, the second lens portion 52, the third lens portion 53, and the fourth lens portion 54 are arranged adjacent to one another in this order from the inside of the vehicle (the left side in FIGS. 3 to 5 ).

[0024] Each of the lens portions (51 to 54) has a focal point (rear focal point) located near a rear wall portion (41b to 44b (see FIG. 4 )) of the corresponding reflector portion (41 to 44), which will be described later. Each of the lens portions (51 to 54) irradiates light from the corresponding reflector portion (41 to 44), forming a plurality of light distribution images of the rear wall portions (41b to 44b) (predetermined areas therearound) that are appropriately superimposed at positions according to the optical characteristics on a screen where a horizontal line H and a vertical line V intersect, with the center position O of the illumination by the vehicular lamp 10 as the origin. To achieve this optical setting, the vehicular lamp 10 has a small longitudinal distance of 5 mm or less from each of the light sources (31 to 34) to the rear wall portions (41b to 44b) of the reflector portions (41 to 44). In the rear wall portions (41b to 44b), the area slightly above the bottom end is brightest due to the light from the light sources (31 to 34). In each light distribution image, the area near the bottom end is brightest because it is projected by each lens portion (51 to 54) and inverted upside down. As a result, in the vehicle lamp 10, a contrast in brightness near the cutoff line CL of the low-vehicle light distribution pattern LP can be ensured, as will be described later. Such optical characteristics can be set by adjusting the curvature (surface shape) of each lens portion (51 to 54) for each location, and in Example 1, the curvature is set by gradually changing it.

[0025] The first lens unit 51 is a convex lens, the second lens unit 52 is a concave lens, the third lens unit 53 is a concave lens, and the fourth lens unit 54 is a concave lens. The first lens unit 51 and the second lens unit 52 extend substantially in the width direction. The third lens unit 53 is tilted slightly rearward relative to the second lens unit 52 so as to displace rearward as it moves outward. The fourth lens unit 54 is tilted more rearward relative to the third lens unit 53 so as to displace rearward as it moves outward. As a result, the projection lens 14 as a whole slopes rearward in the fore-and-aft direction as it moves from the inside to the outside in the width direction, and can be shaped to match the shape of the installation position (outer lens) on the vehicle.

[0026] In the projection lens 14 of Example 1, the first lens unit 51 is configured as a convex lens, with the first light exit surface 51a being a substantially smooth curved surface and the first light entrance surface 51b being a convex surface that bulges toward the first light source 31 (first reflector unit 41). The second lens unit 52 is configured as a concave lens, with the second light exit surface 52a being a substantially smooth curved surface and the second light entrance surface 52b being a concave surface that is recessed on the side opposite the second light source 32 (second reflector unit 42). The third lens unit 53 is configured as a concave lens, with the third light exit surface 53a being a substantially smooth curved surface and the third light entrance surface 53b being a concave surface that is recessed on the side opposite the third light source 33 (third reflector unit 43). The fourth lens unit 54 is configured as a concave lens by having a fourth exit surface 54a that is a substantially smooth curved surface and a fourth entrance surface 54b that is a concave surface that is recessed toward the opposite side from the fourth light source 34 (fourth reflector unit 44). The curvatures of the entrance surfaces (51b to 54b) are set according to the optical settings of the irradiation units (61 to 64) described below.

[0027] In the projection lens 14 of Example 1, the first exit surface 51a, the second exit surface 52a, and the third exit surface 53a 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 curvature changes continuously. In addition, in the projection lens 14 of Example 1, the third exit surface 53a and the fourth exit surface 54a are adjacent to each other via a curved surface portion 55. The direction of the third exit surface 53a and the fourth exit surface 54a is changed by the curved surface portion 55, so that they form a single curved surface that extends in different directions.

[0028] As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4 , the projection lens 14 has two positioning holes 14a and one screw through hole 14b. Each positioning hole 14a is provided on both sides of the widthwise outer side of the area where the lens portions (51 to 54) are provided, and a corresponding positioning protrusion 13a of the reflector member 13 can be fitted into the positioning hole 14a. The screw through hole 14b can receive a screw 24. The projection lens 14 is attached between the attachment member 11 (lens attachment portion 22) and the reflector member 13 by inserting each positioning protrusion 13a of the reflector member 13 into the positioning hole 14a and threading the screw 24 inserted through the screw through hole 14b into the screw hole 13b of the reflector member 13. This positions the projection lens 14 so that each lens portion (51 to 54) faces the corresponding reflector portion (41 to 44).

[0029] In the vehicle lamp 10 of the present disclosure, as shown in FIG. 5 , a diffusion portion 70 is provided on each of the entrance surfaces (51b to 54b) of each of the lens portions (51 to 54) of the projection lens 14. Each diffusion portion 70 diffuses light passing through each of the entrance surfaces (51b to 54b) at least in the vertical direction. In the first embodiment, the diffusion portion 70 diffuses light up, down, left, and right. Each diffusion portion 70 is formed as a fine irregularity on each of the entrance surfaces (51b to 54b), and the degree of diffusion can be adjusted by adjusting the size and angle of the irregularity. The irregularity may have, for example, a lattice shape, a parallelogram shape, a diamond shape, or a shape consisting of parallel linear grooves. As a result, each lens portion (51 to 54) diffuses light emitted from the corresponding light source (31 to 34) and reflected by the reflector portion (41 to 44) according to the diffusion degree set by the diffusion portion 70 and emits the light forward in the longitudinal direction.

[0030] Hereinafter, the diffusion section 70 provided on the first lens section 51 will be referred to as the first diffusion section 71, the diffusion section 70 provided on the second lens section 52 as the second diffusion section 72, the diffusion section 70 provided on the third lens section 53 as the third diffusion section 73, and the diffusion section 70 provided on the fourth lens section 54 as the fourth diffusion section 74. At least the first diffusion section 71, the second diffusion section 72, and the third diffusion section 73 of each diffusion section 70 have different degrees of diffusion. The diffusion degree of the first diffusion section 71 is the smallest, the diffusion degree of the second diffusion section 72 is larger than that of the first diffusion section 71, and the diffusion degree of the third diffusion section 73 is the largest. The diffusion degree of the fourth diffusion section 74 may be set as appropriate, but in Example 1, it is set to be larger than that of the other diffusion sections (71, 72, 73).

[0031] Next, the positional relationship between the reflector sections (41 to 44) will be described. First, each reflector section (41 to 44) cooperates with the corresponding light source (31 to 34) and lens section (51 to 54) to form an irradiation unit that forms a predetermined irradiation pattern. In detail, the first reflector section 41 constitutes a first irradiation unit 61 together with the first light source 31 and the first lens section 51, and the second reflector section 42 constitutes a second irradiation unit 62 together with the second light source 32 and the second lens section 52. Furthermore, the pair of third reflector sections 43 constitutes a third irradiation unit 63 together with the pair of third light source 33 and the third lens section 53, and the fourth reflector section 44 constitutes a fourth irradiation unit 64 together with the fourth light source 34 and the fourth lens section 54.

[0032] Here, in each of the irradiation units (61 to 64), the lens optical axis, which is the optical axis of the respective lens portion (51 to 54), is set as the projection optical axis of the respective irradiation units. Hereinafter, the axis of the first irradiation unit 61 is set as the first projection optical axis Lp1, the axis of the second irradiation unit 62 is set as the second projection optical axis Lp2, the axis of the third irradiation unit 63 is set as the third projection optical axis Lp3, and the axis of the fourth irradiation unit 64 is set as the fourth projection optical axis Lp4 (see FIG. 4 ).

[0033] 2 to 4 , in the first illumination unit 61, the first reflector portion 41 is provided at the innermost position in the width direction, and its first projection optical axis Lp1 is substantially aligned in the front-to-rear direction. The first reflector portion 41 is bowl-shaped on a horizontal plane, with an open end 41a from which light is emitted positioned at the front in the front-to-rear direction, and a back wall portion 41b, which forms the apex of the bowl, positioned at the rear in the front-to-rear direction. The first lens portion 51 of the projection lens 14 is positioned at the front of the first reflector portion 41 in the front-to-rear direction, i.e., on the first projection optical axis Lp1.

[0034] In this first reflector unit 41, the lower end of the rear wall portion 41b is a cutoff-forming surface. This cutoff-forming surface has a shape in which two horizontal edges of different heights are joined by an inclined edge at the bottom to form a cutoff line CL (see FIGS. 6 and 11 ) in a low-beam light distribution pattern LP (described later). Therefore, in the first reflector unit 41, the first lens unit 51 forms the shape of the edge (lower end) of the rear wall portion 41b as the edge (cutoff line CL) of the low-beam light distribution pattern LP as a projected light distribution pattern. The first reflector unit 41 has a first light source 31 positioned near a first focal point of its reflective surface Rs, and reflects light from the first light source 31 toward the first lens unit 51. The first lens unit 51 projects the light reflected by the first reflector unit 41 in the direction of the first projection optical axis Lp1. At this time, because the first lens portion 51 is a convex lens, it condenses the light from the first reflector portion 41 and causes it to travel in the direction of the first projection optical axis Lp1. Note that even if the vehicle lamp 10 is provided on the left side of the vehicle, the relationship between the inclination direction and height of the cutoff-forming surface is not reversed in the width direction. In other words, although the vehicle lamp 10 is reversed in the width direction between the right and left sides of the vehicle, the inclination of the cutoff-forming surface is in the same direction.

[0035] 6, the first irradiation unit 61 forms a first irradiation pattern P1 on the screen as a condensed irradiation pattern obtained by condensing light from the first light source 31. This first irradiation pattern P1 has a cutoff line CL on the upper side, which is made up of two horizontal edges of different heights joined by an inclined edge. The first irradiation pattern P1 has the cutoff line CL positioned on the projection optical axis Lp, and the light is condensed below the cutoff line CL to emphasize brightness, thereby clearly distinguishing between light and dark in the cutoff line CL.

[0036] As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4 , in the second irradiation unit 62, the second reflector portion 42 is provided adjacent to the first reflector portion 41 on the outer side in the width direction. The second projection optical axis Lp2 of the second reflector portion 42 is substantially aligned in the front-to-rear direction. In the first embodiment, the open end 42a of the second reflector portion 42 is located on the front side in the front-to-rear direction, and the inner wall portion 42b, which forms the apex of the bowl shape, is located on the rear side in the front-to-rear direction. The second lens portion 52 of the projection lens 14 is located on the second projection optical axis Lp2 of the second reflector portion 42. The second lens portion 52 is adjacent to the first lens portion 51 on the outer side in the width direction.

[0037] The second reflector unit 42 reflects light from the second light source 32 located near the first focal point of its reflective surface Rs toward the second lens unit 52. The second lens unit 52 projects the light reflected by the second reflector unit 42 in the direction of the second projection optical axis Lp2. At this time, because the second lens unit 52 is a concave lens, the light from the second reflector unit 42 is diffused while traveling in the direction of the second projection optical axis Lp2. In the second lens unit 52 of Example 1, the degree of concavity of the concave second incident surface 52b, i.e., the curvature of the second incident surface 52b, is smaller than those of the other concave surfaces, the third incident surface 53b and the fourth incident surface 54b.

[0038] 7, the second irradiation unit 62 forms a second irradiation pattern P2 on the screen as a medium-diffuse irradiation pattern obtained by diffusing the light from the second light source 32. The center of brightness of this second irradiation pattern P2 is located inside (on the left side) of the projection optical axis Lp in the width direction, and its upper edge is substantially aligned with the lower horizontal edge of the cutoff line CL of the first irradiation pattern P1. The second irradiation pattern P2 is located below the cutoff line CL of the first irradiation pattern P1 and includes substantially the entire area of ​​the first irradiation pattern P1, but extends widely to the left thereof, and brightens a wider area than the first irradiation pattern P1.

[0039] As shown in Figures 2 to 4, in the third irradiation unit 63, a pair of third reflector portions 43 are provided at the outermost positions, parallel to the second reflector portion 42 in the width direction. A third projection optical axis Lp3 set between the pair of third reflector portions 43 is aligned in the front-to-rear direction or is slightly tilted outward from the front-to-rear direction. The pair of third reflector portions 43 are bowl-shaped on a horizontal plane, with an open end 43a from which light is emitted positioned in the front-to-rear direction, and a pair of back wall portions 43b, which form the apexes of the bowl shape, positioned in the rear-to-rear direction. The third lens portion 53 of the projection lens 14 is positioned in front of the pair of third reflector portions 43 in the front-to-rear direction, i.e., on the third projection optical axis Lp3.

[0040] The pair of third reflector portions 43 reflect light from the third light source 33 located near the first focal point of each reflecting surface Rs toward the third lens portion 53. The third lens portion 53 projects the light reflected by each third reflector portion 43 in a direction along the third projection optical axis Lp3. At this time, the third lens portion 53 is a concave lens, and the third reflector portions 43 are arranged in pairs in the width direction, so that the light reflected by each third reflector portion 43 is diffused and travels in a parallel state. In the pair of third reflector portions 43 of Example 1, the degree of concavity of the concave third incident surface 53b, i.e., the curvature of the third incident surface 53b, is greater than that of the second incident surface 52b, compared to the other concave incident surfaces (52b, 54b).

[0041] The third irradiation unit 63 forms an inner third irradiation pattern P3i on the screen by using light reflected by the inner third reflector portion 43 of the pair of third reflector portions 43, which largely diffuses the light from the corresponding third light source 33, as shown in FIG. 8 . The center of brightness of the inner third irradiation pattern P3i is located outside (to the right) of the projection optical axis Lp in the width direction. The third irradiation unit 63 also forms an outer third irradiation pattern P3o on the screen by using light reflected by the outer third reflector portion 43 of the pair of third reflector portions 43, which largely diffuses the light from the corresponding third light source 33, as shown in FIG. 9 . The center of brightness of the outer third irradiation pattern P3o is located between the inner third irradiation pattern P3i (its center of brightness) and the projection optical axis Lp in the width direction. The third irradiation unit 63 forms the third irradiation pattern P3 by simultaneously forming the inner third irradiation pattern P3i and the outer third irradiation pattern P3o. The upper edge of the third irradiation pattern P3 is substantially aligned with the lower horizontal edge of the cutoff line CL of the first irradiation pattern P1. The third irradiation pattern P3 partially overlaps the first irradiation pattern P1 and the second irradiation pattern P2 below the cutoff line CL of the first irradiation pattern P1, and extends widely outward therefrom, thereby brightening a wider area than the first irradiation pattern P1 and the second irradiation pattern P2.

[0042] 2 to 4 , in the fourth irradiation unit 64, the fourth reflector portion 44 is provided between the second reflector portion 42 and the pair of third reflector portions 43 in the width direction and in front of them in the front-to-rear direction. In other words, the fourth reflector portion 44 is positioned forward of the second reflector portion 42 (its open end 42 a) and the pair of third reflector portions 43 (their open ends 43 a), and is thereby positioned between the second reflector portion 42 and the pair of third reflector portions 43 that are adjacent in the width direction. The fourth projection optical axis Lp4 of this fourth reflector portion 44 is inclined outward by between 40 degrees and 80 degrees with respect to the front-to-rear direction.

[0043] The fourth reflector portion 44 is bowl-shaped on a horizontal plane, with an open end 44a from which light is emitted located on the front and outer side, and a back wall portion 44b, which is the apex of the bowl, located on the rear and inner side. Opposite the fourth reflector portion 44, i.e., on the fourth projection optical axis Lp4, is located the outermost fourth lens portion 54 of the projection lens 14. Thus, the arrangement order of the pair of third reflector portions 43 and the fourth reflector portion 44 and the arrangement order of the third lens portion 53 and the fourth lens portion 54 are reversed in the width direction, and the optical paths of the second irradiation unit 62 and the third irradiation unit 63 (both projection optical axes Lp3, Lp4) intersect with each other.

[0044] The fourth reflector portion 44 reflects light from the fourth light source 34 located near the first focal point of its reflective surface Rs toward the fourth lens portion 54. The fourth lens portion 54 projects the light reflected by the fourth reflector portion 44 in the direction of a fourth projection optical axis Lp4. At this time, the fourth lens portion 54 is a concave lens with the fourth projection optical axis Lp4 tilted significantly outward, so that the light reflected by the fourth reflector portion 44 is diffused and propagates in the direction of the fourth projection optical axis Lp4 far outward in the width direction (to the right in FIG. 4 ) from the projection optical axis Lp of the vehicular lamp 10. In the fourth lens portion 54 of Example 1, the degree of concavity of the fourth entrance surface 54b, i.e., the curvature of the fourth entrance surface 54b, is greater than that of the other concave entrance surfaces (52b, 53b).

[0045] As a result, the fourth irradiation unit 64 diffuses the light from the fourth light source 34 on the screen to form a fourth irradiation pattern P4, as shown in FIG. 10 . The center of brightness of this fourth irradiation pattern P4 is positioned significantly further outward (to the right) in the width direction than the projection optical axis Lp. The fourth irradiation pattern P4 partially overlaps with the third irradiation pattern P3 and brightens a wide area on the outside (to the right) in the width direction (see FIG. 11 ). The fourth irradiation pattern P4 can illuminate areas to the side of a low-beam light distribution pattern LP (described later) and functions as a so-called side irradiation pattern that can illuminate positions that would be blind spots if only the low-beam light distribution pattern LP were used.

[0046] The vehicle lamp 10 can form a low-beam light distribution pattern LP as shown in Fig. 11 by turning on the first light source 31, the second light source 32, and the third light source 33 and simultaneously forming and overlapping the first irradiation pattern P1, the second irradiation pattern P2, and the third irradiation pattern P3. This low-beam light distribution pattern LP has a cutoff line CL on the projection optical axis Lp, and can brighten the area near the projection optical axis Lp most while brightening a large area in the width direction below the cutoff line CL.

[0047] Furthermore, when the vehicular lamp 10 forms the low-beam light distribution pattern LP, it can illuminate the outside of the low-beam light distribution pattern LP (the right side in FIG. 11 ) by illuminating the fourth light source 34 to form the fourth irradiation pattern P4, partially overlapping the low-beam light distribution pattern LP. This allows the vehicular lamp 10 to ensure a wide field of view to the right of the low-beam light distribution pattern LP. Here, the vehicular lamp 10 can automatically ensure a wide field of view in response to the vehicle's operation by activating the fourth light source 34 when the steering wheel of the vehicle is turned sharply to the right or when the right turn signal is turned on. This allows the vehicular lamp 10 to automatically activate the fourth light source 34 in response to such an operation, thereby providing appropriate driving support. The vehicular lamp 10 may also activate the fourth light source 34 to form the fourth irradiation pattern P4 in response to an operation of an operating unit for activating the fourth light source 34 provided on the vehicle. Furthermore, the vehicular lamp 10 may be configured to constantly form the fourth irradiation pattern P4 when forming the low-beam light distribution pattern LP. If the vehicular lamp 10 is provided on the left side of the vehicle, the fourth irradiation pattern P4 will be formed to the left of the low-beam light distribution pattern LP in response to an operation in which the steering wheel is turned sharply to the left or an operation in which the left turn signal is turned on.

[0048] In this case, the vehicle lamp 10 is provided with a diffusion portion 70 on each incident surface (51b to 54b) of each lens portion (51 to 54). Therefore, the vehicle lamp 10 forms a diffusion region 80 around the entire circumference outside each of the illumination patterns (P1 to P4 (see FIGS. 6 to 10)) formed by the light emitted from each lens portion (51 to 54) while maintaining the outline of each pattern. The brightness and size (area) of this diffusion region 80 can be adjusted depending on the degree of diffusion of the corresponding diffusion portion 70. This will be described below with reference to FIGS. 12 to 16. Note that although the diffusion region 80 is formed around the entire circumference outside each illumination pattern, the following description will be given using a diffusion region 80 provided above each illumination pattern.

[0049] 12 to 15 show partially enlarged views of the upper edges (pa1 to pa3) of the three irradiation patterns (P1 to P3) near the vertical line V. Here, the low-beam light distribution pattern LP is formed by overlapping the three irradiation patterns (P1, P2, P3), and the upper edges of the second irradiation pattern P2 and the third irradiation pattern P3 are approximately aligned with the lower horizontal edge of the cutoff line CL of the first irradiation pattern P1. Hereinafter, this height position will be referred to as position cl, and in FIGS. 12 to 15, position cl is indicated by a two-dot chain line.

[0050] 16 is a graph showing the brightness at the location indicated by the extraction line EL in FIG. 15, with the vertical axis representing the position on the extraction line EL and the horizontal axis representing brightness. On the vertical axis, the upper edge of the third diffusion portion 73 (described later) is designated as extraction position e3, the upper edge of the second diffusion portion 72 is designated as extraction position e2, and the upper edge of the first diffusion portion 71 is designated as extraction position e1 (see FIG. 15).

[0051] The first lens unit 51 is provided with the first diffusing portion 71, thereby forming a first diffusion region 81 (see FIG. 12 ) above the first irradiation pattern P1 to be formed. As shown in FIG. 12 , the first diffusion region 81 is formed in a strip shape with a width w1 above the cutoff line CL of the first irradiation pattern P1 and along the cutoff line CL. Therefore, the first lens unit 51 is provided with the first diffusing portion 71, thereby irradiating the first diffusion region 81 above the first irradiation pattern P1 in a manner that blurs the first irradiation pattern P1.

[0052] The second lens unit 52 is provided with the second diffusing portion 72, thereby forming a second diffusion region 82 (see FIG. 13 ) above the second irradiation pattern P2 to be formed. As shown in FIG. 13 , the second diffusion region 82 is strip-shaped with a width w2 above the second irradiation pattern P2 and along its upper edge. The width w2 is larger than the width w1. This is because the degree of diffusion of the second diffusing portion 72 is greater than the degree of diffusion of the first diffusing portion 71. Therefore, the second lens unit 52 is provided with the second diffusing portion 72, thereby irradiating the second diffusion region 82 above the second irradiation pattern P2 in a manner that blurs the second irradiation pattern P2, and the second diffusion region 82 is larger than the first diffusion region 81.

[0053] The third lens unit 53 is provided with the third diffusing portion 73, thereby forming a third diffusion region 83 (see FIG. 14 ) above the third irradiation pattern P3 to be formed. As shown in FIG. 14 , the third diffusion region 83 is strip-shaped with a width w3 above the cutoff line CL of the third irradiation pattern P3 and along its upper edge. The width w3 is larger than the width w2. This is because the degree of diffusion of the third diffusing portion 73 is greater than that of the second diffusing portion 72. Therefore, the third lens unit 53 is provided with the third diffusing portion 73, thereby irradiating the third diffusion region 83 above the third irradiation pattern P3 in a manner that blurs the third irradiation pattern P3, and the third diffusion region 83 is larger than the second diffusion region 82.

[0054] Furthermore, the brightness of each of the diffusion regions (81, 82, 83) differs depending on the degree of diffusion. This is because the larger the diffusion region 80 is due to the higher degree of diffusion, the lower the density. Therefore, the first diffusion region 81 is the brightest, the second diffusion region 82 is darker than the first diffusion region 81, and the third diffusion region 83 is the darkest (see FIG. 16 , etc.). In particular, in Example 1, the first diffusion region 81 is configured to narrowly blur the first irradiation pattern P1 formed by concentrating light, the second diffusion region 82 is configured to blur the second irradiation pattern P2 formed by diffusing light, and the third diffusion region 83 is configured to broadly blur the third irradiation pattern P3 formed by further diffusing light. Therefore, the three diffusion regions (81, 82, 83) can be more appropriately configured to have the above-described brightness differences.

[0055] As described above, the low-beam light distribution pattern LP is formed by overlapping three irradiation patterns (P1, P2, P3). Therefore, as shown in FIG. 15 , the first diffusion region 81, the second diffusion region 82, and the third diffusion region 83 are overlapped above the lower horizontal edge of the cutoff line CL. Specifically, on the extraction line EL, only the third diffusion region 83 exists between extraction position e3 and extraction position e2, while the second diffusion region 82 and the third diffusion region 83 overlap between extraction position e2 and extraction position e1. Also, on the extraction line EL, the first diffusion region 81, the second diffusion region 82, and the third diffusion region 83 overlap between extraction position e1 and position cl. Therefore, above the cutoff line CL, the brightness changes in three stages between extraction position e3 and position cl, as shown in FIG. 16 .

[0056] Here, because the three irradiation patterns (P1 to P3) overlap below position cl, i.e., the cutoff line CL, the areas above position cl, i.e., the diffusion regions (81, 82, 83), are made much brighter than the overlapping areas. Therefore, in the low-beam light distribution pattern LP, position cl, i.e., the position of the cutoff line CL, is clearly defined, and it is possible to prevent the upper edges of the diffusion regions (81, 82, 83) from being mistakenly recognized as the cutoff line CL. This makes it possible to prevent the vehicular lamp 10 from erroneously using any of the positions of the diffusion regions (81, 82, 83) as a reference when adjusting the optical axis to match the position of the cutoff line CL.

[0057] Next, we will explain the technical problems of conventional vehicle lamps. Conventional vehicle lamps form a predetermined projected light distribution pattern by overlapping at least a portion of multiple irradiation patterns. However, at the edges of the projected light distribution pattern, even in areas where a contrast between brightness and darkness is required, it is necessary that the degree of change is not too sudden. However, because conventional vehicle lamps obtain the required contrast between brightness and darkness by overlapping multiple irradiation patterns, it is difficult to maintain the contrast while gradualing the degree of change.

[0058] In contrast, the vehicular lamp 10 of the present disclosure forms a passing light distribution pattern LP as a projected light distribution pattern by superimposing a first irradiation pattern P1 formed by projection of the first lens portion 51, a second irradiation pattern P2 formed by projection of the second lens portion 52, and a third irradiation pattern P3 formed by projection of the third lens portion 53. The vehicular lamp 10 also includes a first diffusion portion 71 on the first lens portion 51, a second diffusion portion 72 on the second lens portion 52, and a third diffusion portion 73 on the third lens portion 53. The vehicular lamp 10 has the smallest diffusion degree of the first diffusion portion 71, the largest diffusion degree of the second diffusion portion 72, and the largest diffusion degree of the third diffusion portion 73. Therefore, in the vehicle lamp 10, the smallest and brightest first diffusion region 81, the larger and darker second diffusion region 82, and the largest and darkest third diffusion region 83 can be provided so as to overlap outside the location (cut-off line CL in Example 1) where the difference in brightness is required and the three irradiation patterns (P1 to P3) are overlapped. Therefore, in the vehicle lamp 10, a region where the brightness changes in three stages can be provided outside the location (cut-off line CL) where the difference in brightness is required in the passing light distribution pattern LP, and the degree of change in brightness at the edge of the cut-off line CL can be made substantially gradual.

[0059] Here, in order to make the change in brightness of the cutoff line CL more gradual, it is conceivable to shift the position of each irradiation pattern with respect to the cutoff line CL. However, if the position of each irradiation pattern is shifted, the cutoff line CL itself will become blurred, making it difficult to provide an appropriate contrast.

[0060] In contrast, the vehicle lamp 10 overlaps the three irradiation patterns (P1 to P3) by aligning the upper edges of the second irradiation pattern P2 and the third irradiation pattern P3 substantially with the lower horizontal edge of the cutoff line CL of the first irradiation pattern P1. The vehicle lamp 10 provides diffusion areas (81, 82, 83) of different sizes and brightness in each irradiation pattern (P1 to P3), thereby providing an area above the cutoff line CL where the brightness changes in three stages. Therefore, the vehicle lamp 10 can clearly identify the position of the cutoff line CL, ensure an appropriate contrast between brightness, and make the brightness change gradual outside the cutoff line CL.

[0061] The vehicle lamp 10, which is one example of a vehicle lamp according to the present disclosure, can achieve the following effects.

[0062] The vehicle lamp 10 includes a projection lens 14 that projects light emitted from light sources (31 to 34) to form a projected light distribution pattern (low-beam light distribution pattern LP) that illuminates the area ahead of the vehicle. The projection lens 14 is partitioned into multiple lens sections (51 to 54), each of which projects light from a light source to form an individual illumination pattern (P1 to P4). The multiple illumination patterns are at least partially overlapped to form the projected light distribution pattern. Each of the multiple lens sections is provided with a diffusion section 70 that diffuses the projected light at least in the vertical direction, and the diffusion section 70 has a different diffusion degree for each lens section. Therefore, the vehicle lamp 10 can provide a region where brightness changes gradually outside a location where a contrast in brightness is required in the low-beam light distribution pattern LP (the cutoff line CL in the first embodiment), thereby substantially gradualing the degree of change in brightness of the cutoff line CL. Furthermore, the vehicle lamp 10 forms an area in which the brightness changes gradually by utilizing the differences in the size and brightness of the diffusion areas formed by each diffusion section 70, which are based on the differences in the degree of diffusion of each diffusion section 70, thereby ensuring an appropriate difference in brightness while making the position of the cut-off line CL clear.

[0063] The vehicular lamp 10 has a first irradiation pattern P1 having a cutoff line and a second irradiation pattern P2 that is larger than the first irradiation pattern P1. The vehicular lamp 10 also has a first lens portion 51 that forms the first irradiation pattern P1 and a second lens portion 52 that forms the second irradiation pattern P2. Therefore, the vehicular lamp 10 forms each diffusion area by blending two irradiation patterns (P1, P2) of different sizes and brightnesses. Therefore, the size and brightness of each diffusion area can be set by utilizing the optical settings of the lens portions (51, 52) in addition to the difference in the diffusion degree of each diffusion portion 70. This allows the vehicular lamp 10 to more easily and appropriately set the degree of change in brightness of the cutoff line CL.

[0064] Furthermore, in the vehicle lamp 10, the degree of diffusion of the first diffusion portion 71 of the first lens portion 51 is smaller than that of the second diffusion portion 72 of the second lens portion 52. Therefore, the vehicle lamp 10 forms the first diffusion region 81 by blurring the concentrated first irradiation pattern P1 for the cutoff line, and forms the second diffusion region 82 by blurring the diffused second irradiation pattern P2. This allows the vehicle lamp 10 to provide the smallest and brightest first diffusion region 81 and the larger and darker second diffusion region 82, overlapping each other, outside the location where the brightness difference is required (the cutoff line CL in the first embodiment). Therefore, the vehicle lamp 10 can more appropriately change the brightness of the cutoff line CL.

[0065] The vehicular lamp 10 has a third irradiation pattern P3 that is wider in the width direction than the second irradiation pattern P2, a third lens portion 53 that forms the third irradiation pattern P3, and a third diffusion portion 73 of the third lens portion 53 that has the largest degree of diffusion. Therefore, the vehicular lamp 10 forms each diffusion area by blending three irradiation patterns (P1 to P3) of different sizes and brightnesses. Therefore, the size and brightness of each diffusion area can be set by utilizing the optical settings of each lens portion (51 to 53) in addition to the difference in the diffusion degree of each diffusion portion 70. This allows the vehicular lamp 10 to more easily and appropriately set the degree of change in brightness of the cutoff line CL.

[0066] The vehicular lamp 10 has a first light source 31 that projects light from a first lens portion 51, a second light source 32 that projects light from a second lens portion 52, and a third light source 33 that projects light from a third lens portion 53. As a result, the vehicular lamp 10 is configured such that the light sources (31 to 33) are individually provided for each lens portion (51 to 53) to form irradiation patterns (P1 to P3), and the size and brightness of each diffusion region (81, 82, 83) can also be individually set. This allows the vehicular lamp 10 to more appropriately adjust the degree of change in brightness of the cut-off line CL.

[0067] The vehicle lamp 10 includes a first reflector portion 41 that reflects light from the first light source 31 to travel toward the first lens portion 51, a second reflector portion 42 that reflects light from the second light source 32 to travel toward the second lens portion 52, and a third reflector portion 43 that reflects light from the third light source 33 to travel toward the third lens portion 53. Because the vehicle lamp 10 is configured to form individual irradiation patterns (P1 to P3) for each combination of light source (31 to 33), reflector portions (41 to 43), and lens portions (51 to 53), the size and brightness of each diffusion region (81, 82, 83) can be more appropriately and individually set.

[0068] The vehicular lamp 10 has a fourth irradiation pattern P4 that irradiates the outside of the third irradiation pattern P3, a fourth lens portion 54 that forms the fourth irradiation pattern P4, and the fourth diffusion portion 74 of the fourth lens portion 54 has the largest diffusion degree. Therefore, the vehicular lamp 10 can form a diffusion region 80 (fourth diffusion region) outside the fourth irradiation pattern P4 that irradiates the outside of the third irradiation pattern P3 in the width direction to brighten a wide area, and the fourth diffusion region can be made larger than the other diffusion regions (81, 82, 83). As a result, the vehicular lamp 10 can form a fourth diffusion region that is largely blurred outside the fourth irradiation pattern P4, thereby making it possible to gently change the brightness of the edge of the fourth irradiation pattern P4. Furthermore, the vehicle lamp 10, by using each diffusion region (81, 82, 83) and the fourth diffusion region, can smoothly connect the brightness change from the low-beam light distribution pattern LP to the fourth irradiation pattern P4 while minimizing the change in brightness, allowing the pattern to be perceived as a single light distribution pattern without any sense of incongruity. Because the fourth diffusion region is more blurred than the other diffusion regions (81, 82, 83), even a single fourth diffusion region can reduce the rate of change in brightness with distance from the edge of the fourth irradiation pattern P4. Furthermore, because the fourth irradiation pattern P4 enhances the visibility of potential blind spots, unlike the area above the cutoff line CL, it is not conspicuous, and therefore, even a single fourth diffusion region can suppress the sense of incongruity.

[0069] Therefore, the vehicle lamp 10 of Example 1 as a vehicle lamp according to the present disclosure can maintain the brightness difference at the desired location at the edge of the low-vehicle light distribution pattern LP as a projected light distribution pattern while gradualing the degree of change.

[0070] 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.

[0071] In the above-described first embodiment, the light is controlled by the reflector member 13 and the projection lens 14 to form a predetermined irradiation pattern, but the light may be controlled by only the reflector member, or by only the projection lens, or other configurations may be used, and the configuration is not limited to that of the first embodiment.

[0072] In the above-described first embodiment, the fourth irradiation pattern P4 that irradiates the side of the low-beam light distribution pattern LP is formed by the fourth irradiation unit 64. However, if the low-beam light distribution pattern LP is formed by overlapping at least a portion of a plurality of irradiation patterns projected by a plurality of lens portions, and diffusion portions with different degrees of diffusion are provided in each lens portion, the fourth irradiation pattern P4 does not need to be formed, and the configuration is not limited to the first embodiment.

[0073] Furthermore, in the above-described first embodiment, the light sources (31 to 33) and the reflector units (41 to 43) are individually associated with the lens units (51 to 53) to form the irradiation patterns (P1 to P3). However, each irradiation pattern may be formed by projecting light from a single light source through each lens unit, and no reflector unit may be provided, and the configuration is not limited to the first embodiment.

[0074] In the first embodiment described above, the diffusing portion 70 of each lens portion (51 to 54) is a fine concavo-convex structure provided over the entire area of ​​the corresponding incident surface (51b to 54b). However, the diffusing portion 70 may be provided on a portion of the incident or exit surface of the lens portion as long as it diffuses the light projected by the corresponding lens portion in the vertical direction, and is not limited to the configuration of the first embodiment. An example of this is shown in FIG. 17. In the projection lens 14A of FIG. 17, the first diffusing portion 71A of the first lens portion 51 and the second diffusing portion 72A of the second lens portion 52 are different from those of the projection lens 14 of the first embodiment. The first diffusing portions 71A are provided within six rectangular frames on the first incident surface 51b. The first diffusing portions 71A diffuse a portion of the light incident on the first incident surface 51b, i.e., the first lens portion 51, thereby forming a first diffusion region 81, similar to the first embodiment. The second diffusion portions 72A are provided in two regions, one above the other, extending in the width direction on the second incident surface 52b. The second diffusion portions 72A diffuse a portion of the light incident on the second incident surface 52b, i.e., the second lens portion 52, thereby forming a second diffusion region 82, similar to the first embodiment. The first diffusion portions 71A and the second diffusion portions 72A occupy a smaller area on the incident surface than the first diffusion portions 71 and the second diffusion portions 72 of the first embodiment. Therefore, they diffuse only a portion of the incident light, thereby reducing the brightness of the resulting diffusion region. Thus, the degree of diffusion and the area occupied by each diffusion portion 70 can be appropriately adjusted to adjust the brightness and size of the resulting diffusion region. The shape of the diffusion portions 70, when partially provided, is not limited to the example shown in FIG. 17 . They may be arranged in a grid pattern, in one location, or irregularly scattered, and may be appropriately configured. CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0075] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-200750, filed with the Japan Patent Office on November 28, 2023, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Claims

1. A vehicle lamp comprising: a projection lens that projects light emitted from a light source to form a projected light distribution pattern that illuminates the area in front of the vehicle; the projection lens is divided into a plurality of lens sections that each project light from the light source to form an individual irradiation pattern; the projected light distribution pattern is formed by at least partially overlapping a plurality of the irradiation patterns; the plurality of lens sections are provided with diffusion sections that diffuse the projected light at least in the vertical direction; and the diffusion sections have a different degree of diffusion for each lens section.

2. The vehicular lamp according to claim 1, characterized in that the irradiation pattern includes a first irradiation pattern having a cutoff line and a second irradiation pattern larger than the first irradiation pattern, and the lens portion includes a first lens portion that forms the first irradiation pattern and a second lens portion that forms the second irradiation pattern.

3. The vehicle lamp according to claim 2, wherein the degree of diffusion of the diffusion portion of the first lens portion is smaller than the degree of diffusion of the diffusion portion of the second lens portion.

4. The vehicular lamp according to claim 3, characterized in that the irradiation pattern has a third irradiation pattern that is wider in the width direction than the second irradiation pattern, the lens portion has a third lens portion that forms the third irradiation pattern, and the diffusion portion of the third lens portion has the largest degree of diffusion.

5. The vehicle lamp according to claim 4, characterized in that the light source comprises a first light source that projects light from the first lens portion, a second light source that projects light from the second lens portion, and a third light source that projects light from the third lens portion.

6. The vehicle lamp according to claim 5, further comprising a first reflector portion that reflects light from the first light source and causes it to travel toward the first lens portion, a second reflector portion that reflects light from the second light source and causes it to travel toward the second lens portion, and a third reflector portion that reflects light from the third light source and causes it to travel toward the third lens portion.

7. A vehicle lamp as claimed in any one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that the irradiation pattern has a fourth irradiation pattern that irradiates the outside of the third irradiation pattern, the lens portion has a fourth lens portion that forms the fourth irradiation pattern, and the diffusion portion of the fourth lens portion has the largest degree of diffusion.

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