Vehicle lamp

Abstract

This vehicle lamp (1) comprises: a first substrate (30) on which a light source (33) is mounted; a base plate (11) which extends in the vertical direction and on a first main surface (11s) on which the first substrate (30) is disposed; a heat sink (10) which has a substrate holding part (16) and a plurality of heat dissipation fins (14) that protrude from the base plate (11) to the rear, which is a first direction; a fan (70) which is disposed further to the rear than the heat dissipation fins (14), and which sends air toward the base plate (11); and a second substrate (40) on which a control circuit is provided, which is disposed lower than the plurality of heat dissipation fins (14), and a first main surface (40s) of which faces the heat dissipation fin (14) side. The substrate holding part (16) includes an upper wall (21), which covers at least part of the second substrate (40) from the side toward plurality of heat dissipation fins (14), and holds the second substrate (40). Provided to the upper wall (21) is a ventilation opening (21h) through which some of the air blown by the fan (70) passes toward the second substrate (40).

Description

Vehicle lighting fixtures

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

[0002] A vehicle lamp including a light source board on which a light source is mounted, a heat sink, a fan, and a control circuit board on which a control circuit for controlling the light source is formed is known. JP-A-2003-144999 discloses such a vehicle lamp.

[0003] In the vehicle lamp described in Patent Document 1 below, the heat sink includes a base plate and heat dissipation fins. The base plate extends in the vertical direction, and a light source substrate is disposed on the front main surface of the base plate. The heat dissipation fins protrude rearward from the base plate. A fan is disposed behind the heat dissipation fins and sends air toward the base plate. The control circuit substrate is disposed below the heat dissipation fins.

[0004] There is also known a vehicle lamp that includes a plurality of lenses arranged such that a light incident surface and a light exit surface face each other, and a light source that emits light from one side of the plurality of lenses toward the plurality of lenses. Patent Document 2 listed below discloses such a vehicle lamp.

[0005] The vehicle lamp disclosed in Patent Document 2 below includes multiple lenses, a cylindrical housing that houses the multiple lenses, an annular spacer, an annular leaf spring, and a light source. The spacer is disposed between adjacent lenses of a specific lens group housed in the housing and abuts against each lens. The inner peripheral surface of the housing is provided with a stepped portion with a reduced inner diameter. The stepped portion is located on the opposite side of the spacer from one lens of the specific lens group and abuts against the one lens of the specific lens group. The annular leaf spring is located on the opposite side of the spacer from the other lens of the specific lens group and presses the other lens of the specific lens group toward the spacer by elastic force, which presses the one lens of the specific lens group against the stepped portion. In this way, the specific lens group and the spacer are sandwiched between the stepped portion of the housing and the leaf spring. The light source emits light toward the lens located furthest to one side in the arrangement direction of the plurality of lenses, and the light passes through the plurality of lenses in sequence and is emitted from the vehicle lamp.

[0006] JP 2016-149373 A JP 2022-021627 A

[0007] A first aspect of the present invention provides a vehicle lamp comprising: a first substrate on which a light source is mounted; a base plate extending in the vertical direction and having the first substrate arranged on a first main surface; a heat sink including a plurality of heat dissipation fins protruding from the base plate in a first direction toward the opposite side to the first substrate and arranged at intervals from each other; and a substrate holding portion connected to the base plate; a fan arranged on the first direction side of the plurality of heat dissipation fins and sending air toward the base plate; and a second substrate having a control circuit for controlling the light source, arranged on one side of the plurality of heat dissipation fins in a predetermined direction along the base plate, and having a first main surface facing the plurality of heat dissipation fins, wherein the substrate holding portion includes a wall covering at least a portion of the second substrate from the side of the plurality of heat dissipation fins and holds the second substrate, and the wall is provided with an air vent through which a portion of the air blown by the fan passes toward the second substrate.

[0008] In the vehicle lamp of the first aspect, the base plate and the heat dissipation fins are cooled by the air from the fan, improving the cooling effect of the light source. Furthermore, the wall covering the second board on which the control circuit is mounted is provided with a vent through which a portion of the air blown by the fan passes toward the second board. Therefore, with this vehicle lamp of the first aspect, the control circuit can be cooled more effectively than when no vent is formed in the wall. Therefore, with this vehicle lamp of the first aspect, the light source and the control circuit can be cooled more effectively.

[0009] In the first aspect of the vehicle lighting fixture, the first main surface of the second substrate may be non-parallel to the arrangement direction of the plurality of heat dissipation fins, and the end of the fan's air outlet on the second substrate side may be located closer to the second substrate than the heat dissipation fin closest to the second substrate.

[0010] In this case, the heat sink may further include a pair of rectifying plates facing each other and positioned on both sides of the air vent in a direction along the base plate between the heat dissipation fin closest to the second substrate and the wall.

[0011] With this configuration, the amount of air flowing from the fan toward the vent can be increased, and the control circuit can be cooled more effectively.

[0012] In the vehicle lamp of the first aspect, the fan and the wall may be spaced apart from each other.

[0013] According to the vehicle lamp of the first aspect, the air between the fan and the wall can be drawn into the air flow from the fan toward the vent, and therefore the amount of air flowing from the vent toward the second board can be increased, thereby further cooling the control circuit.

[0014] In the vehicle lamp of the first aspect, the second substrate may be provided with a power supply circuit that adjusts the power supplied to the light source, and the air vent and the power supply circuit may overlap in a direction perpendicular to the first main surface of the second substrate.

[0015] According to the vehicle lamp of the first aspect, an increase in the number of components can be suppressed compared to when the power supply circuit is formed on a board different from the second board. Furthermore, according to the vehicle lamp of the first aspect, the power supply circuit can be cooled more effectively compared to when the vent hole and the power supply circuit do not overlap. Generally, the power supply circuit tends to generate heat more easily than the control circuit. Therefore, according to the vehicle lamp of the first aspect, the second board can be cooled more effectively compared to the above case.

[0016] In the first aspect of the vehicle lamp, the base plate may be provided with a pair of exhaust ports that connect the space between the wall and the second substrate to the first substrate side of the base plate, and the first substrate may be positioned between the pair of exhaust ports.

[0017] According to the vehicle lamp of the first aspect, an air flow can be formed from the space between the wall and the second substrate through each exhaust port toward the first substrate side from the base plate. Furthermore, since the first substrate is located between the pair of exhaust ports as described above, the first substrate is located in the air flow. Therefore, according to the vehicle lamp of the first aspect, it is possible to prevent air from accumulating around the first substrate, and it is possible to further cool the light source.

[0018] As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a vehicle lamp capable of cooling a light source and a control circuit that controls the light source.

[0019] In addition, a second aspect of the present invention provides a vehicle lamp having a lens body portion that changes the divergence angle of light that passes through it, and comprising: a plurality of lenses that are arranged so that the surface on which light enters and the surface from which light exits face each other; a first abutment portion that abuts from one side the lens that is located furthest to one side in the arrangement direction of the plurality of lenses; a second abutment portion that abuts from the other side the lens that is located furthest to the other side in the arrangement direction of the plurality of lenses; a light source that emits light toward the lens that is located furthest to the one side; and an elastically deformable annular diaphragm member that is arranged between lenses of a specific lens group that are adjacent to each other among the plurality of lenses, and whose inner peripheral edge overlaps with the lens body portion of each of the specific lens groups, the diaphragm member elastically deforms to press each lens of the specific lens group so that the lenses of the specific lens group are separated from each other, and the plurality of lenses are sandwiched between the first abutment portion and the second abutment portion.

[0020] As described above, the vehicle lamp of the second aspect includes an elastically deformable annular diaphragm member disposed between the lenses of a specific lens group, the inner periphery of which overlaps with the lens body of each lens of the specific lens group. Therefore, the diaphragm member can block a portion of the light from the light source and suppress the emission of unnecessary light. Furthermore, in the vehicle lamp of the second aspect, as described above, the diaphragm member elastically deforms to press each lens of the specific lens group so that the lenses are separated from each other, and the multiple lenses are sandwiched between the first and second contact portions. Therefore, the diaphragm member functions both as a spacer disposed between the lenses of the specific lens group and as an elastic member that imparts elastic force to the multiple lenses. Therefore, the vehicle lamp of the second aspect can suppress an increase in the number of parts compared to, for example, a vehicle lamp that includes a spacer disposed between the lenses of the specific lens group, an elastic member that imparts elastic force to the multiple lenses, and an diaphragm member.

[0021] In the vehicle lamp of the second aspect, at least one lens of the specific lens set may be in surface contact with the diaphragm member.

[0022] With this configuration, compared to when both lenses in a specific lens group are in line contact with the aperture member, it is possible to press the lenses in the specific lens group more stably and to prevent the position of the multiple lenses from shifting.

[0023] In the vehicle lamp of the second aspect, the lenses of the specific lens set may be made of materials having different hardnesses.

[0024] In the vehicle lamp of the second aspect, as described above, the diaphragm member elastically deforms, thereby sandwiching the multiple lenses between the first and second contact portions. Therefore, the diaphragm member can absorb impacts applied from one lens of a specific lens group to the other lens, and from the other lens to the first lens, due to vibration or the like. Therefore, even with the above configuration, scratches or the like can be prevented from occurring on each lens of the specific lens group. Examples of materials with different hardness include glass and acrylic.

[0025] The vehicle lamp of the second aspect described above further includes a cylindrical storage portion extending in the alignment direction and storing at least the specific lens set and the aperture member, and the first abutment portion may be a protrusion that protrudes from the storage portion toward the inside of the storage portion and is integral with the storage portion.

[0026] The position of the lens relative to the light source affects the characteristics of the emitted light, and this effect tends to be greater the closer the lens is to the light source. In the above configuration, the position of the lens closest to the light source is restricted by the protrusion of the housing portion. Therefore, with the above configuration, it is easier to position the lens closest to the light source in a desired position relative to the housing portion, and it is easier to position the lens closest to the light source in a desired position relative to the light source, compared to, for example, a case in which the first abutment portion is a separate member attached to the housing portion. Therefore, with the above configuration, it is easier to achieve the desired characteristics of the emitted light, compared to the above case.

[0027] In the vehicle lamp of the second aspect, the second abutment portion may be elastically deformable, and the second abutment portion may elastically deform to press the lens located furthest to the other side in the arrangement direction toward the one side.

[0028] With this configuration, the second contact portion can absorb impacts applied to the lenses due to vibrations or the like.

[0029] In a second aspect of the vehicle lamp, the aperture member includes an annular main body portion and a plurality of elastically deformable protrusions that protrude outward from the outer peripheral edge of the main body portion and are arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction, and the main body portion may abut against one lens of the specific lens set, and the plurality of protrusions may abut against the other lens of the specific lens set.

[0030] According to this configuration, the pressing force of the throttle member can be adjusted by adjusting the shape and size of the protrusion.

[0031] In this case, the vehicle lamp of the second aspect described above further includes a cylindrical storage portion extending in the alignment direction and storing at least the specific lens set and the diaphragm member, and the inner surface of the storage portion is provided with a rib extending in the alignment direction and having a tip portion that fits into a fitting portion provided on the lens located on the other side of the diaphragm member, and the rib may pass between adjacent protrusions.

[0032] This configuration can prevent the tip of the rib from misaligning with the lens housing, and also prevent the housing from becoming larger in the radial direction than when the rib passes outside the diaphragm member.

[0033] As described above, according to the second aspect of the present invention, a vehicle lamp that can suppress the emission of unnecessary light while suppressing an increase in the number of parts is provided.

[0034] FIG. 1 is a side view schematically showing a vehicle lamp according to an embodiment of the present invention as a first and second aspects. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a lamp unit. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the lamp unit. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the lamp unit with the fan removed. FIG. 5 is a horizontal cross-sectional view of the lamp unit crossing the board holding portion. FIG. 6 is a front view of the second board. FIG. 7 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the lamp unit. FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the lens unit. FIG. 9 is a front view of the holder. FIG. 10 is a horizontal cross-sectional view of the lamp unit. FIG. 11 is a front view of the diaphragm member. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the diaphragm member taken along line XII-XII in FIG. 11. FIG. 13 is a front view of the holder with the diaphragm member accommodated in the accommodation portion.

[0035] Preferred embodiments of a vehicle lamp according to the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The embodiments exemplified below are intended to facilitate understanding of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. The present invention can be modified and improved within the scope of the claims without departing from the spirit thereof. Note that in the drawings referred to below, the dimensions of each component may be changed to facilitate understanding. Also, in the drawings, for ease of viewing, similar components may be assigned reference numerals only in some cases, and some reference numerals may be omitted.

[0036] First and second embodiments of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a side view schematically illustrating a vehicle lamp according to this embodiment. The vehicle lamp 1 according to this embodiment is a headlamp for an automobile. Automotive headlamp units are generally provided on the left and right sides of the front of the vehicle, and the left and right headlamp units are generally symmetrical in the left-right direction. Therefore, in this embodiment, only one of the headlamp units will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, the vehicle lamp 1 according to this embodiment mainly comprises a housing 5 and a lamp unit LU. Note that FIG. 1 illustrates a vertical cross section of the housing 5.

[0037] The housing 5 of this embodiment has a lamp housing 6 and a light-transmitting front cover 7. The front of the lamp housing 6 is open, and the front cover 7 is fixed to the lamp housing 6 so as to close the opening. A lamp unit LU is housed in the space formed by the lamp housing 6 and the front cover 7.

[0038] Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the lamp unit LU, as viewed from diagonally above the front. Fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the lamp unit LU, as viewed from diagonally above the front. As shown in Figs. 2 and 3, the lamp unit LU of this embodiment mainly comprises a heat sink 10, a first substrate 30, a second substrate 40, a fixing plate 50, a heat dissipation sheet 60, a fan 70, and a lens unit 90.

[0039] 2, 3, and 4, the heat sink 10 of this embodiment mainly comprises a base plate 11, a plurality of heat dissipation fins 14, a substrate holder 16, and a pair of rectifying plates 27.

[0040] The base plate 11 is a plate-like member extending in the vertical direction, and the first substrate 30 is disposed on a first main surface 11s. In this embodiment, the base plate 11 is generally parallel to the vertical direction, disposed so that the first main surface 11s faces forward, and has a generally rectangular outer shape. Note that the base plate 11 may be inclined with respect to the vertical direction as long as it extends in the vertical direction.

[0041] On each of the left and right sides of the base plate 11, there are provided a boss 12 that protrudes forward, a first board pin 13a, and a holder pin 13b, and the boss 12 has a screw hole.

[0042] The heat dissipation fins 14 are plate-like members that protrude rearward from the base plate 11 in a first direction opposite to the first substrate 30. In this embodiment, the heat dissipation fins 14 are arranged at intervals in the vertical direction. The base plate 11 is provided with two bosses 15 that protrude rearward, and the heat dissipation fins 14 located near the bosses 15 are connected to the bosses 15. The rear ends of the bosses 15 are located rearward of the rear ends of the heat dissipation fins 14, and the bosses 15 have screw holes.

[0043] The substrate holding portion 16 is connected to the base plate 11 and is a member that holds a second substrate 40, which will be described later. In this embodiment, the substrate holding portion 16 includes a pair of feet 17 and a cover portion 20. The feet 17 are members that protrude forward from the lower portion of each of the left and right sides of the base plate 11. Each foot 17 includes a pin 18a that protrudes downward and a boss 18b in which a screw hole is provided. Furthermore, an exhaust port 19 that penetrates the base plate 11 in the thickness direction is provided near each foot 17 on the base plate 11. In this embodiment, the exhaust port 19 is a notch that extends from the lower edge of the base plate 11. Note that only the right exhaust port 19 is visible in FIG. 3 .

[0044] In this embodiment, the cover portion 20 is located below the heat dissipation fins 18 in the vertical direction, which is a predetermined direction along the base plate 11, and includes a top wall 21, left and right side walls 22 and 23, and a rear wall 24. The top wall 21 is a plate-like member extending rearward from the base plate 11 below the heat dissipation fins 14, and has a generally rectangular outer shape. The top wall 21 is located above the pair of exhaust ports 19 of the base plate 11. The side wall 22 is a plate-like member that protrudes downward along the right edge of the top wall 21, and the side wall 23 is a plate-like member that protrudes downward along the left edge of the top wall 21. The front edges of the side walls 22 and 23 are connected to the base plate 11. The rear wall 24 is a plate-like member that protrudes downward along the rear edge of the upper wall 21, with the right edge of the rear wall 24 connected to the side wall 22 and the left edge of the rear wall 24 connected to the side wall 23. Therefore, the base plate 11 and the cover part 20 form a box-like member that is open downward.

[0045] As shown in Fig. 4, the upper wall 21 is provided with a vent hole 21h that penetrates the upper wall 21 in the thickness direction. The outer shape of the vent hole 21h is generally rectangular, and one side of the vent hole 21h is defined by the base plate 11. The rear wall 24 is provided with a notch 24h that extends from the lower edge. The outer shape of the vent hole 21h is not limited, and the base plate 11 may be spaced apart from the edge of the vent hole 21h.

[0046] Fig. 5 is a horizontal cross-sectional view of the lamp unit LU across the board holding portion 16. As shown in Fig. 5, the cover portion 20 is provided with a boss 25 that connects to the side wall 22 and the rear wall 24 and extends in the vertical direction, and a boss 26 that connects to the side wall 23 and the rear wall 24 and extends in the vertical direction. These bosses 25, 26 are connected to the top wall 21, and screw holes are provided in the bosses 25, 26.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 4 , the pair of straightening plates 27 are plate-shaped members extending in a predetermined vertical direction facing each other between the lowermost heat dissipation fin 14a and the upper wall 21, and are located on both sides of the vent hole 21h in the left-right direction along the base plate 11. In this embodiment, the lower edge of each straightening plate 27 is connected to the upper wall 21, the upper edge is connected to the lowermost heat dissipation fin 14a, and the front edge is connected to the base plate 11. One straightening plate 27 extends along the right edge of the vent hole 21h, and the other straightening plate 27 extends along the left edge of the vent hole 21h. The left straightening plate 27 is provided with a fin 28 that protrudes toward the side opposite the vent hole 21h and extends in the front-rear direction. Note that the straightening plate 27 may be spaced apart from the edge of the vent hole 21h. Furthermore, the rectifying plate 27 does not have to be connected to at least one of the upper wall 21, the lowest heat dissipation fin 14a, and the base plate 11. Furthermore, the left rectifying plate 27 does not have to be provided with the fins 28, and the right rectifying plate 27 may have the fins 28.

[0048] The heat sink 10 can be made of, for example, metal. In this embodiment, the base plate 11, heat dissipation fins 14, cover 20, and rectifying plate 27 are integrated. The two components being integrated means that the two components are made of the same material and there is no connecting portion between the two components. Therefore, there are no metal gaps between the above components.

[0049] 3 , the first substrate 30 of this embodiment is a so-called printed circuit board on which electronic components are mounted, and is disposed on the first main surface 11s of the base plate 11. The outer shape of the first substrate 30 is generally rectangular, and the first substrate 30 is provided with pin through holes 31 into which first substrate pins 13a provided on the base plate 11 are inserted. This prevents the first substrate 30 from being misaligned with the base plate 11. In addition, screw through holes 32 are provided in the four corners and the center of the first substrate 30, and screws 81 are inserted into the respective screw through holes 32 to fix the first substrate 30 to the base plate 11.

[0050] A light source 33 and a connector 34 are mounted on the surface of the first substrate 30 opposite the base plate 11 side. In this embodiment, the light source 33 is a so-called micro LED array in which a plurality of micro LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) emitting white light are arranged in a matrix, but the type of light source 33 is not limited. The light source 33 may be, for example, a so-called LED array in which a plurality of LEDs are arranged in a row. The light source 33 is arranged above the center of the first substrate 30. The connector 34 is arranged at the lower end of the first substrate 30 and is located between the two screw through holes 32. As shown in FIG. 5 , the portion of the first substrate 30 where the connector 34 is mounted is located between a pair of exhaust ports 19 in the base plate 11. The positions of the light source 33 and the connector 34 are not limited. A circuit (not shown) is provided on the first substrate 30, and the light source 33 and the connector 34 are electrically connected by this circuit.

[0051] Like the first substrate 30, the second substrate 40 of this embodiment is a so-called printed circuit board on which electronic components are mounted. The second substrate 40 is disposed below the upper wall 21 of the cover 20 so that its first main surface 40s faces upward, and the first main surface 40s is generally parallel to the horizontal direction. As will be described in detail later, the second substrate 40 is held by the substrate holder 16. As described above, because the upper wall 21 is located below the heat dissipation fins 14, the second substrate 40 is also located below the heat dissipation fins 14, and its first main surface 40s faces the heat dissipation fins 14. Furthermore, because the heat dissipation fins 14 are arranged in the vertical direction, the first main surface 40s is not parallel to the arrangement direction but is generally perpendicular. The lowermost heat dissipation fin 14a is also the heat dissipation fin closest to the second substrate 40.

[0052] FIG. 6 is a front view of the second substrate 40, with the left side in FIG. 6 representing the front side and the right side in FIG. 6 representing the rear side. In this embodiment, the second substrate 40 has a generally rectangular outer shape and is provided with a control circuit and a power supply circuit. In FIG. 6, a first portion 41 of the second substrate 40 where the control circuit is provided and a second portion 42 where the power supply circuit is provided are indicated by two-dot chain lines. The control circuit of this embodiment is composed of electronic components such as capacitors, resistors, and integrated circuits mounted on the first main surface 40s and circuits (not shown) that electrically connect these electronic components, and controls the light source 33 and the fan 70 (described later). Like the control circuit, the power supply circuit of this embodiment is composed of electronic components such as capacitors, resistors, and integrated circuits mounted on the first main surface 40s and circuits (not shown) that electrically connect these electronic components, and adjusts the power supplied to the light source 33. Two connectors 43 and 44 are also mounted on the first main surface 40s. The connector 43 mates with the connector 34 of the first substrate 30, electrically connecting a plurality of terminals included in the connector 43 with a plurality of terminals included in the connector 34. A cable (not shown) connected to a power supply (not shown) and a cable (not shown) connected to the fan 70 are electrically connected to the connector 44. In addition, the second substrate 40 is formed with three fixing plate through holes 45, four holding through holes 46, and two pin through holes 47.

[0053] As shown in FIG. 3 , the fixing plate 50 of this embodiment is a plate-like member extending generally horizontally, and the second substrate 40 is disposed on an upper main surface 50s. The fixing plate 50 has a rectangular outer shape that is generally the same as the outer shape of the second substrate 40. The fixing plate 50 is provided with three screw holes 51, four screw through holes 52, and two pin through holes 53. The positions of the screw holes 51 correspond to the positions of the fixing plate through holes 45 of the second substrate 40, the positions of the screw through holes 52 correspond to the positions of the holding through holes 46, and the positions of the pin through holes 53 correspond to the positions of the pin through holes 47. The main surface 50s includes a first region 50s1 that protrudes upward and a second region 50s2 that protrudes upward, and the first region 50s1 is located above the second region 50s2. The screw holes 51, the screw through holes 52, and the pin through holes 53 are located within the first region 50s1. The fixing plate 50 may be made of a material such as a metal plate.

[0054] The heat dissipation sheet 60 is a plate-shaped member with a higher thermal conductivity than air. The heat dissipation sheet 60 of this embodiment is flexible and is disposed in the second region 50s2 of the main surface 50s of the fixing plate 50. The outer shape of the heat dissipation sheet 60 is generally T-shaped, but is not limited to this. Examples of materials that make up the heat dissipation sheet 60 include resin, and silicone is preferred.

[0055] The second substrate 40 is placed on the main surface 50s of the fixing plate 50 on which the heat dissipation sheet 60 is disposed. Screws 82 are inserted into the fixing plate through holes 45 of the second substrate 40, and the screws 82 are fastened to the screw holes 51 of the fixing plate 50 to fix the second substrate 40 to the fixing plate 50. The heat dissipation sheet 60 is sandwiched and tightly attached between the second substrate 40 and the fixing plate 50. As a result, heat generated on the second substrate 40 is transferred to the fixing plate 50 via the heat dissipation sheet 60, and can be dissipated from the fixing plate 50 to the outside. Here, the heat dissipation sheet 60 is indicated by a dashed line in FIG. 6. As shown in FIG. 6, in this embodiment, the heat dissipation sheet 60 is in tight contact with the second region 42 of the second substrate 40 where the power supply circuit is provided. Note that the region to which the heat dissipation sheet 60 is in tight contact is not limited. For example, the heat dissipation sheet 60 may be in close contact with the first portion 41 of the second substrate 40 where the control circuit is provided, or may be in close contact with both the first portion 41 and the second portion 42 .

[0056] When the second substrate 40 is fixed to the fixing plate 50, the screw through holes 52 in the fixing plate 50 overlap with the holding through holes 46 in the second substrate 40, and the pin through holes 53 in the fixing plate 50 overlap with the pin through holes 47 in the second substrate. Screws 82 are inserted into the screw through holes 52 and the holding through holes 46, and two of the screws 82 are fixed to the bosses 18b of the feet 17 of the substrate holding portion 16, and the other two screws 82 are fixed to the bosses 25, 26 of the cover portion 20 of the substrate holding portion 16. In this way, the second substrate 40 and the fixing plate 50 are held in the substrate holding portion 16 of the heat sink 10. Furthermore, the pins 18a of the feet 17 are inserted into the pin through holes 47 in the second substrate and the pin through holes 53 in the fixing plate 50. This prevents the second substrate 40 and the fixing plate 50 from being misaligned with respect to the heat sink 10.

[0057] The portion of the second substrate 40 where the connector 43 is mounted and the portion forward of that portion are located forward of the base plate 11, and the connector 43 is fitted into the connector 34 of the first substrate 30. The portion of the second substrate 40 rearward of the portion where the connector 43 is mounted is covered from above by the cover unit 20. Specifically, the upper wall 21 of the cover unit 20 covers the above-mentioned portion of the second substrate 40 from above, and the lower edges of the side walls 22, 23 and the rear wall 24 abut against the outer periphery of the above-mentioned portion of the second substrate 40. The upper wall 21 and the second substrate 40 are spaced apart, leaving a space between them, where electronic components and the like mounted on the second substrate 40 are located. The connector 44 of the second substrate 40 protrudes outward from a notch 24h provided in the rear wall 24. The lower end of the base plate 11 is located above the second substrate 40. As described above, the upper wall 21 is located above the pair of exhaust ports 19 in the base plate 11. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 5 , the pair of exhaust ports 19 communicate with the space between the upper wall 21 and the second substrate 40 and the area forward of the base plate 11. Also, in FIG. 6 , the ventilation port 21h in the upper wall 21 is indicated by a dashed line. As shown in FIG. 6 , in this embodiment, the ventilation port 21h overlaps with the first portion 41 and the second portion 42 of the second substrate 40 in a direction perpendicular to the first main surface 40s of the second substrate 40. That is, the ventilation port 21h overlaps with the control circuit and the power supply circuit in the above direction. Note that the ventilation port 21h may overlap only one of the control circuit and the power supply circuit in the above direction, or may not overlap with either the control circuit or the power supply circuit.

[0058] FIG. 7 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the lamp unit LU, taken across the light source 33. Note that FIG. 7 omits illustration of the lens unit 90 and electronic components other than the connectors 43 mounted on the second board 40. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 7 , the fan 70 of this embodiment is disposed rearward of the heat dissipation fins 14, opposite the base plate 11, and is fixed to the bosses 15 of the heat sink 10 with screws 84. The fan 70 is positioned above the upper wall 21 of the cover portion 20 and is spaced apart from the upper wall 21. The fan 70 has an air outlet 71 that blows out air facing the base plate 11. The air passes between the heat dissipation fins 14 toward the base plate 11, cooling the base plate 11 and the heat dissipation fins 14. A lower end 71de, which is the end of the air outlet 71 on the second substrate 40 side, is located closer to the second substrate 40 than the heat dissipation fin 14a that is closest to the second substrate 40. The fan 70 is located on the opposite side from the base plate 11 than the vent 21h in the upper wall 21. Therefore, part of the air from the fan 70 passes below the lowest heat dissipation fin 14a toward the vent 21h and passes through the vent 21h toward the second substrate 40. It is sufficient that part of the air from the fan 70 passes through the vent 21h toward the second substrate 40; for example, part of the vent 21h may be located behind the fan 70.

[0059] Next, the lens unit 90 will be described.

[0060] 8 is an exploded perspective view of the lens unit 90, as viewed from diagonally above the front. The lens unit 90 has a plurality of lenses and is configured to adjust the divergence angle of incident light by the plurality of lenses. As shown in FIG. 8, the lens unit 90 of this embodiment includes a holder 100, four lenses 110, 120, 130, and 140, a spacer 150, an aperture member 160, and a pair of pressing members 170, and the plurality of lenses 110, 120, 130, and 140 are supported by the holder 100.

[0061] 9 is a front view of the holder 100, as viewed from the front side. The holder 100 has light-blocking properties and is made of, for example, resin. The holder 100 of this embodiment has a cylindrical housing portion 101 that houses at least the lenses 120 and 130 and the diaphragm member 160, and a pair of plate-like fixing portions 102 on the left and right, and the housing portion 101 and the fixing portions 102 are integrated. Therefore, there is no gap in the resin between the housing portion 101 and the fixing portions 102.

[0062] In this embodiment, the storage unit 101 extends in the front-to-rear direction, and when viewed from the direction in which the storage unit 101 extends, the outer shape of the storage unit 101 is roughly a racetrack shape that is long in the left-to-right direction, which is a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the storage unit 101 extends. The upper and lower sides of the storage unit 101 are formed from plate-like members that extend roughly horizontally, and the right and left sides are formed from plate-like members that curve roughly in an arc. The shape of the storage unit 101 is not limited, and for example, the storage unit 101 may be cylindrical.

[0063] The inner peripheral surface of the housing portion 101 is provided with a protrusion 103 as a first abutment, a pair of first ribs 104, and a pair of second ribs 105, and the protrusion 103, first ribs 104, and second ribs 105 are integral with the housing portion 101. The protrusion 103 protrudes from the inner peripheral surface at the rear end of the housing portion 101 toward the inside of the housing portion 101. In this embodiment, the protrusion 103 extends around the entire inner peripheral surface of the housing portion 101, and the opening at the rear end of the housing portion 101 is defined by the tip of the protrusion 103. The shape of this opening is generally circular, but is not limited to this. The protrusion 103 has multiple pedestals 103a protruding forward on its front surface. A pair of first ribs 104 are provided on the right and left sides of the inner circumferential surface of the accommodating portion 101, extending in the extension direction of the accommodating portion 101, with their front tips protruding forward from the front end face of the accommodating portion 101. A pair of second ribs 105 are provided on the upper and lower sides of the inner circumferential surface of the accommodating portion 101, extending in the extension direction of the accommodating portion 101, with their front tips being flush with the front end face of the accommodating portion 101. A plurality of pedestals 101a protruding forward are provided on the front end face of the accommodating portion 101.

[0064] On both the left and right sides of the arc-shaped curve of the accommodation portion 101, there are provided locking portions 106 to which a pressing member 170 serving as a second abutment portion, which will be described later, is locked. In this embodiment, the locking portion 106 is the inner circumferential surface of a through-hole that penetrates the accommodation portion 101, but is not limited thereto as long as it is configured to lock the pressing member 170.

[0065] The pair of left and right fixing portions 102 are members fixed to the heat sink 10. The right fixing portion 102 is a plate-like member extending rightward from the right side of the rear end of the accommodation portion 101, and the left fixing portion 102 is a plate-like member extending leftward from the left side of the rear end. Two through holes 102h1, 102h2 aligned vertically are formed in each fixing portion 102. The lower through hole 102h1 is formed in a position corresponding to the holder pin 13b provided on the base plate 11 of the heat sink 10, and the upper through hole 102h2 is formed in a position corresponding to the boss 12 provided on the base plate 11.

[0066] Fig. 10 is a horizontal cross-sectional view of the lamp unit LU, taken across the light source 33. Note that the fan 70 is omitted from Fig. 10. As shown in Figs. 8 and 10, in this embodiment, each of the lenses 110, 120, 130, and 140 has a main body portion that changes the divergence angle of the light that passes through it, and an outer periphery portion that is provided on the outer periphery of the main body portion, and the main body portion and the outer periphery portion are integral with each other. The main body portions will be described as lens main body portions 111, 121, 131, and 141, and the outer peripheries will be described as outer peripheries 112, 122, 132, and 142.

[0067] The lens body 111 of the lens 110 is a plano-convex lens with a generally circular outer shape, with one surface 111a being generally flat and the other surface 111b being convexly curved. The lens body 111 changes the divergence angle of light that enters from one of the surfaces 111a and 111b and exits from the other. The outer peripheral portion 112 is an annular plate-like member that extends along the entire outer periphery of the lens body 111, and the outer shape of the outer peripheral portion 112 is generally circular.

[0068] The lens body 121 of the lens 120 is a plano-convex lens with a generally circular outer shape, with one surface 121a curved convexly and the other surface 121b being generally flat. The lens body 121 changes the divergence angle of light that enters from one of the surfaces 121a, 121b and exits from the other. The outer diameter of the lens body 121 is larger than the outer diameter of the lens body 111. The outer peripheral portion 122 is an annular plate-like member that extends along the entire outer periphery of the lens body 121, and the outer shape of the outer peripheral portion 122 is generally circular. The other surface 121b of the lens body 121 and the other surface of the outer peripheral portion 122 are flush with each other.

[0069] The lens body 131 of the lens 130 is a biconcave lens with a generally circular outer shape, with one surface 131a and the other surface 131b curved concavely. The lens body 131 changes the divergence angle of light incident on one of the surfaces 131a, 131b and exiting from the other. The outer diameter of the lens body 131 is larger than that of the lens body 121. The outer peripheral portion 132 is composed of an annular inner portion 133 extending along the entire outer periphery of the lens body 131 and an annular flange portion 134 extending along the entire periphery of the other edge of the inner portion 133. The outer shapes of the inner portion 133 and the flange portion 134 are racetrack-shaped, roughly similar to the outer shape of the storage portion 101. Recesses 133a extending in the thickness direction of the lens body 131 are formed on both the left and right sides of the outer peripheral surface of the inner portion 133, and the positions of the recesses 133a correspond to the positions of the pair of first ribs 104. Note that only the left recess 133a is visible in FIG. 8 . Furthermore, recesses 133b extending in the thickness direction of the lens body 131 are formed on both the upper and lower sides of the outer peripheral surface of the inner portion 133, and the positions of the recesses 133b correspond to the positions of the pair of second ribs 105. Note that only the upper recess 133b is visible in FIG. 8 . The flange portion 134 has a through-hole 134h1 as a fitting portion formed at a position corresponding to one of the first ribs 104, and a notch 134h2 as a fitting portion formed at a position corresponding to the other first rib 104. The flange portion 134 also has a plurality of seats 135 and protrusions 136 protruding from the surface on the other side. The seats 135 are aligned in the circumferential direction, and the protrusions 136 are located on the upper side.

[0070] The lens body 141 of the lens 140 is a racetrack-shaped, biconvex lens whose outer shape is generally similar to that of the storage section 101, with one surface 141a and the other surface 141b curved convexly. The lens body 141 changes the divergence angle of light entering from one of the surfaces 141a and 141b and exiting from the other. The outer diameter of the lens body 141 is larger than that of the lens body 131. The outer peripheral portion 142 is an annular plate-like member extending along the entire outer periphery of the lens body 141, and its outer shape is a racetrack shape generally similar to that of the storage section 101. The outer peripheral portion 142 has a notch 142h1 formed at a position corresponding to the protrusion 136. Furthermore, locking portions 143 are provided on both the left and right sides of the outer peripheral portion 142 to lock onto a pressing member 170 serving as a second abutment, as described below. The locking portion 143 in this embodiment is a recess provided on the surface on the other side of the outer circumferential portion 142, but is not limited to this as long as it has a configuration that locks the pressing member 170.

[0071] In this embodiment, the lenses 110, 120, 130, and 140 are arranged in the following order from the rear side to the front side: lens 110, lens 120, lens 130, and lens 140. Furthermore, the surface 111b of the lens body portion 111 of the lens 110 and the surface 121a of the lens body portion 121 of the lens 120 face each other with a gap between them, the surface 121b of the lens body portion 121 of the lens 120 and the surface 131a of the lens body portion 131 of the lens 130 face each other with a gap between them, and the surface 131b of the lens body portion 131 of the lens 130 and the surface 141a of the lens body portion 141 of the lens 140 face each other with a gap between them.

[0072] In this embodiment, the lenses 110, 120 and the lenses 130, 140 are made of materials with different hardnesses. Specifically, the lenses 110, 120 are made of glass, and the lenses 130, 140 are made of acrylic. However, there are no limitations on the materials that make up the lenses 110, 120, 130, and 140. For example, the lenses 110, 120, 130, and 140 may be made of the same material or different materials.

[0073] As shown in Figures 8 and 10, the spacer 150 of this embodiment is a generally cylindrical member. The spacer 150 includes a small-diameter portion 151 and a large-diameter portion 152 whose inner diameter is larger than that of the small-diameter portion 151 and connected to one end of the small-diameter portion 151. The inner diameter of the small-diameter portion 151 is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the lens body portion 111 of the lens 110, and the inner diameter of the large-diameter portion 152 is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the lens body portion 121 of the lens 120. The small-diameter portion 151 has a plurality of pedestals (not shown) protruding from the end face opposite the large-diameter portion 152 and arranged in the circumferential direction, while the large-diameter portion 152 has a plurality of pedestals 153 protruding from the end face opposite the small-diameter portion 151 and arranged in the circumferential direction. The inner peripheral surface of the large-diameter portion 152 is provided with a plurality of ribs 154 extending along the extension direction of the large-diameter portion 152 and arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction.

[0074] Spacer 150 is disposed between lens 110 and lens 120. A pedestal (not shown) protruding from the end face of small diameter portion 151 opposite to the large diameter portion 152 side abuts against outer periphery 112 of lens 110. Spacer 150 also abuts against pedestal 153 protruding from the end face of large diameter portion 152 opposite to the small diameter portion 151 side.

[0075] The spacer 150 may be made of a material such as resin.

[0076] Fig. 11 is a front view of the diaphragm member 160, and Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the diaphragm member 160 taken along line XII-XII in Fig. 11. As shown in Figs. 8, 11, and 12, the diaphragm member 160 is an annular plate-shaped member that is non-transparent to light. The diaphragm member 160 of this embodiment includes an annular main body 161 and a plurality of protrusions 165.

[0077] The main body portion 161 includes a generally flat, annular central portion 162 and an inclined portion 163 that protrudes outward from the outer peripheral edge of the central portion 162 and is inclined toward one side from the central portion 162 as it moves outward. The inner peripheral edge of the central portion 162 is generally circular, and the diameter of this inner peripheral edge is slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the lens main body portion 121 of the lens 120. The outer peripheral edge of the central portion 162 is also circular and coaxial with the inner peripheral edge. The central portion 162 has main body protrusions 164 that protrude outward on both the top and bottom sides. The outer peripheral edge of the main body portion 161 is made up of the outer edges of the inclined portions 163 and the outer edges of the main body protrusions 164. Each main body protrusion 164 has a notch 164h1, and the position of the upper notch 164h1 corresponds to the position of the upper second rib 105, and the position of the lower notch 164h1 corresponds to the position of the lower second rib 105.

[0078] The multiple protruding portions 165 are plate-like members that protrude outward from the outer edge of the inclined portion 163, and are arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction, on the outer peripheral edge of the main body portion 161. The protruding portions 165 are inclined outward toward the opposite side to the central portion 162, and the inclination of the protruding portions 165 relative to the central portion 162 is smaller than the inclination of the inclined portions 163 relative to the central portion 162.

[0079] The throttle member 160 is a generally annular leaf spring, and at least the portion including the protruding portion 165 is elastically deformable in the thickness direction of the central portion 162. Examples of materials that form the throttle member 160 include a metal plate.

[0080] As shown in FIG. 10 , the diaphragm member 160 is disposed between the lens 120 and the lens 130. A central portion 162 of the main body portion 161 abuts against the other surface of the outer periphery 122 of the lens 120. The inner peripheral edge of the central portion 162, which is the inner peripheral edge of the main body portion 161, is located inside the outer peripheral edge of the lens main body portion 121, and the central portion 162 also abuts against the other surface 121b of the lens main body portion 121. In other words, the central portion 162 is in surface contact from the other surface of the outer periphery 122 to the other surface 121b of the lens main body portion 121. In addition, a protruding portion 165 of the diaphragm member 160 abuts against the outer periphery 132 of the lens 130. Although not shown in the drawings, the edge of the protruding portion 165 on the side opposite to the main body portion 161 abuts against the outer periphery 132. In other words, the protruding portion 165 is in line contact with the outer periphery 132. Furthermore, the inner peripheral edge of the central portion 162, which is the inner peripheral edge of the diaphragm member 160, overlaps with the lens body portion 131 and the lens body portion 121 in the direction in which the surface 131a and the surface 121b face each other.

[0081] 8 and 10 , the pair of pressing members 170 of this embodiment are plate-shaped elastic members that are long in the front-rear direction and are composed of a main body portion 171 that is long in the front-rear direction and hook portions 172 that curve in a generally arc shape from each of both longitudinal ends of the main body portion 171 to one side in the thickness direction of the main body portion 171. Tip portions 173 of the hook portions 172 are curved in the opposite direction to the curved direction of the hook portions 172. The pressing member 170 is elastically deformable so that the tip portions 173 of the pair of hook portions 172 move away from each other. Examples of materials that form the aperture member 160 include a metal plate.

[0082] In the lens unit 90 configured as described above, the lens 110, spacer 150, lens 120, diaphragm member 160, and a portion of the lens 130 are inserted in this order into the housing portion 101 of the holder 100 from the front opening of the housing portion 101, and are housed in the housing portion 101. Then, the lens 140 abuts against the lens 130 on the side opposite the diaphragm member 160, and the lens 140 is pressed against the lens 130 by the pressing member 170, and the four lenses 110, 120, 130, and 140 are held in the housing portion 101. Assembly of the lens unit 90 will be described in detail below.

[0083] First, the lens 110 is inserted into the housing portion 101 from the front opening with the surface 111a of the lens body portion 111 facing rearward, and the outer peripheral portion 112 abuts against the base 103a of the protrusion 103. Therefore, the protrusion 103 is a first abutting portion that abuts from the rear side against the lens 110 that is located furthest rearward in the arrangement direction of the multiple lenses 110, 120, 130, and 140.

[0084] Next, the spacer 150 is inserted into the housing 101 from the small diameter portion 151 side through the opening on the front side of the housing 101. A base (not shown) protruding from the end face of the small diameter portion 151 opposite to the large diameter portion 152 side comes into contact with the outer periphery 112 of the lens 110.

[0085] Next, the lens 120 is inserted into the housing 101 from the front opening with the surface 121 a of the lens body 121 facing rearward. The outer periphery 122 abuts against the pedestal 153 protruding from the end face of the large diameter portion 152 of the spacer 150 opposite to the small diameter portion 151 side.

[0086] Next, the diaphragm member 160 is inserted into the housing portion 101 from the front opening, with the main body portion 161 positioned at the rear side. The central portion 162 of the main body portion 161 abuts against the other surface of the outer circumferential portion 122 of the lens 120.

[0087] 13 is a front view of the holder 100 with the diaphragm member 160 housed in the housing portion 101. As shown in Fig. 13, the second ribs 105 in the housing portion 101 of the holder 100 fit into the pair of notches 164h1 of the diaphragm member 160, restricting circumferential movement of the diaphragm member 160 and suppressing misalignment of the diaphragm member 160 with respect to the housing portion 101. In addition, the first rib 104 passes between adjacent protrusions 165 in the diaphragm member 160.

[0088] Next, the lens 130 is inserted into the housing portion 101 from the front opening with the surface 131a of the lens main body portion 131 facing rearward, and the outer periphery 132 abuts against the protrusion 165 of the diaphragm member 160. The right-side first rib 104 passes through the right-side recess 133a of the lens 130, and the tip of the first rib 104 fits into the through-hole 134h1 of the lens 130. The left-side first rib 104 passes through the left-side recess 133a of the lens 130, and the tip of the first rib 104 fits into the notch 134h2 of the lens 130. This restricts circumferential movement of the lens 130, and prevents the lens 130 from shifting position relative to the housing portion 101. In this state, the lens 110, spacer 150, lens 120, diaphragm member 160, and the surface 131a side of the lens 130 are housed in the housing portion 101. Although not shown in the drawings, each of the pair of second ribs 105 of the holder 100 is located in a recess 133b of the lens 130. Furthermore, when the lens 130 is in contact with the diaphragm member 160 but is not pressed toward the diaphragm member 160, the flange portion 134 of the lens 130 faces a pedestal 101a provided on the front end surface of the housing portion 101 at a predetermined distance.

[0089] Next, with the surface 141a of the lens body 141 of the lens 140 facing rearward, the outer periphery 142 of the lens 140 is abutted against the seat 135 of the flange 134 of the lens 130. The protrusion 136 of the flange 134 fits into the notch 142h1 of the outer periphery 142. This restricts movement of the lens 140 in the circumferential direction, and prevents the lens 140 from shifting position relative to the lens 130.

[0090] Next, tip 173 of one hook portion 172 of pressing member 170 is locked with locking portion 143, which is a recess in outer circumferential portion 142. Also, tip 173 of the other hook portion 172 is locked with locking portion 106, which is the inner circumferential surface of the through-hole in storage portion 101. Therefore, pressing member 170 serves as a second abutment portion that abuts, from the front side, lens 140, which is located furthest forward in the arrangement direction of the multiple lenses 110, 120, 130, and 140.

[0091] When the presser member 170 is engaged with the locking portions 143 and 106, it is elastically deformed so that the distance between the tip 173 of one hook portion 172 and the tip 173 of the other hook portion 172 is greater than the distance before the engagement. As a result, the presser member 170 presses the lens 140 rearward by its elastic force, the lens 140 presses the lens 130 rearward, and the flange portion 134 of the lens 130 approaches and abuts against the base 101a of the storage portion 101. In addition, the lens 130 presses the protrusion 165 of the diaphragm member 160 rearward, causing the portion of the diaphragm member 160 including the protrusion 165 to elastically deform rearward. As a result, the diaphragm member 160 presses the lens 130 forward and the lens 120 rearward by its elastic force. That is, the diaphragm member 160 presses the lenses 130 and 120 so that the lenses 130 and 120 move away from each other. The pressing force with which the diaphragm member 160 presses the lens 130 is equal to or less than the pressing force with which the pressing member 170 presses the lens 140, so that the flange portion 134 of the lens 130 remains in contact with the base 101a of the accommodation portion 101. The lens 120 pressed by the diaphragm member 160 presses the spacer 150 backward, and the spacer 150 presses the lens 110 backward, so that the lens 110 is pressed against the base 103a of the protrusion 103. In this way, in the lens unit 90, the aperture member 160 presses each of the lenses 120 and 130 so that the lenses 120 and 130 move away from each other, and the multiple lenses 110, 120, 130, and 140 are clamped by the protrusion 103 as the first abutment portion and the pressing member 170 as the second abutment portion.

[0092] 2 and 3 , the lens unit 90 is placed on the first main surface 11s of the base plate 11 so that the holder pins 13b of the heat sink 10 are inserted into the through holes 102h1 of the left and right fixing portions 102, and the bosses 12 of the heat sink 10 are inserted into the through holes 102h1. The lens unit 90 is fixed to the heat sink 10 by fastening screws 85 into the threaded holes of the bosses 12. As shown in FIG. 10 , with the lens unit 90 fixed to the heat sink 10, a surface 111a of the lens main body 111 of the lens 110 faces the light source 33 with a gap therebetween. The light source 33 emits light L toward the lens 110, and the light L enters the lens main body 111 from the surface 111a and exits from the surface 111b. Light L emitted from surface 111b enters lens body 121 of lens 120 from surface 121a and exits from surface 121b. Light L emitted from surface 121b enters lens body 131 of lens 130 from surface 131a and exits from surface 131b. Light L emitted from surface 131b enters lens body 141 of lens 140 from surface 141a and exits from surface 141b. For this reason, the four lenses 110, 120, 130, and 140 are arranged so that the surface of the lens body where light L enters and the surface where light L exits face each other. Light L from light source 33 passes through lens body 111, 121, 131, and 141, has its divergence angle adjusted, and is emitted from vehicular lamp 1 through front cover 7 toward the front of the vehicle.

[0093] In the vehicle lamp described in the aforementioned Patent Document 1, a portion of the heat generated by the light source is dissipated through a heat sink, thereby cooling the light source. Furthermore, the fan can prevent air from accumulating near the base plate and the heat dissipation fins, thereby improving the cooling effect of the light source. In some cases, at least a portion of the control circuit board is covered by a case or the like, which tends to make it difficult to dissipate the heat generated by the control circuit, and there is a demand for preventing the control circuit from overheating.

[0094] Therefore, the vehicular lamp 1 of this embodiment as a first aspect includes a first substrate 30 on which the light source 33 is mounted, a heat sink 10, a fan 70, and a second substrate 40 on which a control circuit for controlling the light source 33 is provided. The heat sink 10 includes a base plate 11 extending in the vertical direction and having the first substrate 30 disposed on a first main surface 11s, a plurality of heat dissipation fins 14 protruding from the base plate 11 toward the side opposite the first substrate 30 and arranged at intervals, and a substrate holder 16 connected to the base plate 11. The fan 70 is disposed rearward of the plurality of heat dissipation fins 14 in the first direction and sends air toward the base plate 11. Therefore, in the vehicular lamp 1 of this embodiment as the first aspect, the base plate 11 and the heat dissipation fins 14 are cooled by air from the fan 70, thereby improving the cooling effect of the light source 33. The second substrate 40 is disposed below the plurality of heat dissipation fins 14 in the vertical direction, which is a predetermined direction along the base plate 11, and the first main surface 40s faces the upper side, which is the side of the plurality of heat dissipation fins 14. The substrate holder 16 includes an upper wall 21 that covers a portion of the second substrate 40 from the upper side, which is the side of the plurality of heat dissipation fins 14, and holds the second substrate 40. The upper wall 21 is provided with a vent 21h through which a portion of the air blown by the fan 70 passes toward the second substrate 40. Therefore, the vehicle lamp 1 of this embodiment as a first aspect can cool the control circuit more effectively than when the upper wall 21 does not have the vent 21h. Therefore, the vehicle lamp 1 of this embodiment can cool the light source 33 and the control circuit.

[0095] Furthermore, in the vehicle lamp 1 of this embodiment as the first aspect, the heat sink 10 further includes a pair of rectifying plates 27. The pair of rectifying plates 27 are located between the heat dissipation fin 14a closest to the second substrate 40 and the upper wall 21, facing each other and on both sides of the vent hole 21h in the direction along the base plate 11. Therefore, according to the vehicle lamp 1 of this embodiment as the first aspect, it is possible to increase the amount of air flowing from the fan 70 toward the vent hole 21h, thereby enabling the control circuit to be cooled more effectively.

[0096] Furthermore, in the vehicle lamp 1 of this embodiment as the first aspect, the fan 70 and the upper wall 21 are spaced apart. Therefore, according to the vehicle lamp 1 of this embodiment as the first aspect, the air between the fan 70 and the upper wall 21 can be drawn into the air flow from the fan 70 toward the vent 21h, as shown in Fig. 7. Therefore, according to the vehicle lamp 1 of this embodiment as the first aspect, the amount of air flowing from the vent 21h toward the second board 40 can be increased, and the control circuit can be further cooled. Note that the fan 70 may be in contact with the upper wall 21.

[0097] Furthermore, in the vehicular lamp 1 of this embodiment as a first aspect, the second substrate 40 is provided with a power supply circuit that adjusts the power supplied to the light source 33, and the vent 21h and the power supply circuit overlap in a direction perpendicular to the first main surface 40s of the second substrate 40. Therefore, the vehicular lamp 1 of this embodiment as a first aspect can suppress an increase in the number of components compared to when the power supply circuit is provided on a substrate different from the second substrate 40. Furthermore, the vehicular lamp 1 of this embodiment as a first aspect can cool the power supply circuit more effectively compared to when the vent 21h and the power supply circuit do not overlap in a direction perpendicular to the first main surface 40s. Generally, power supply circuits tend to generate heat more easily than control circuits. Therefore, the vehicular lamp 1 of this embodiment as a first aspect can cool the second substrate 40 more effectively compared to the above case. The power supply circuit may be provided on a substrate different from the second substrate 40, and the vent 21h and the power supply circuit may not overlap in the direction perpendicular to the first main surface 40s.

[0098] Furthermore, in the vehicle lamp 1 of this embodiment as a first aspect, a pair of exhaust ports 19 are provided in the base plate 11, connecting the space between the upper wall 21 and the second substrate 40 with the first substrate 30 side of the base plate 11. Therefore, according to the vehicle lamp 1 of this embodiment as a first aspect, as shown in FIG. 5 , air flows can be formed from the space between the upper wall 21 and the second substrate 40 through the respective exhaust ports 19 toward the first substrate 30 side of the base plate 11. Furthermore, the first substrate 30 is located between the pair of exhaust ports 19. Therefore, the first substrate 30 is located in the middle of the above-mentioned air flow. Therefore, according to the vehicle lamp 1 of this embodiment as a first aspect, it is possible to prevent air from accumulating around the first substrate 30, and it is possible to further cool the light source 33. Note that the first substrate 30 does not have to be located between the pair of exhaust ports 19, and the base plate 11 does not have to be provided with the exhaust ports 19.

[0099] In the vehicle lamp of Patent Document 2, the specific lens pair and the spacer are sandwiched between a leaf spring that elastically presses the other lens of the specific lens pair and a stepped portion of the housing, which is thought to make it difficult for the specific lens pair to shift position relative to the housing. In optical systems equipped with lenses, an annular diaphragm member may be placed in the optical path to block part of the light in order to suppress the emission of unnecessary light, and there is a demand for a diaphragm member to be placed in vehicle lamps such as the vehicle lamp of Patent Document 2. However, adding a diaphragm member to such a vehicle lamp would increase the number of parts.

[0100] Therefore, the vehicle lamp 1 of this embodiment as a second aspect includes four lenses 110, 120, 130, and 140, a protrusion 103 as a first contact portion, a retaining member 170 as a second contact portion, a light source 33, and an elastically deformable annular diaphragm member 160. The lenses 110, 120, 130, and 140 are arranged so that the light incident surface and the light exit surface of the lens main body portions 111, 121, 131, and 141 face each other, and the arrangement direction is the front-to-rear direction. The protrusion 103 abuts from the rear side against the lens 110 located at the rearmost side in the arrangement direction. The retaining member 170 abuts from the front side against the lens 140 located at the frontmost side in the arrangement direction. The light source 33 emits light L toward the lens 110 located at the rearmost side. The diaphragm member 160 is disposed between adjacent lenses 120 and 130 of the four lenses 110, 120, 130, and 140, and the inner peripheral edge of the diaphragm member 160 overlaps with the lens main bodies 121 and 131 of the lenses 120 and 130, respectively. Therefore, the diaphragm member 160 can block a portion of the light L from the light source 33 and suppress the emission of unnecessary light. The diaphragm member 160 elastically deforms to press the lenses 120 and 130 so that the lenses 120 and 130 are separated from each other, and the four lenses 110, 120, 130, and 140 are sandwiched between the protrusions 103 and the pressing member 170. Therefore, the diaphragm member 160 functions both as a spacer disposed between the lenses 120 and 130 and as an elastic member that applies elastic force to the four lenses 110, 120, 130, and 140. Therefore, according to the vehicle lamp 1 of this embodiment as the second aspect, it is possible to suppress an increase in the number of parts compared to a case where, for example, a spacer arranged between the lenses 120 and 130, an elastic member that imparts elastic force to the four lenses 110, 120, 130, and 140, and an aperture member that blocks part of the light L from the light source 33 are provided.

[0101] Furthermore, in the vehicle lamp 1 of this embodiment as a second aspect, the lens 120 of the lenses 120, 130 is in surface contact with the diaphragm member 160. Therefore, according to the vehicle lamp 1 of this embodiment as a second aspect, the lenses 120, 130 can be pressed more stably than when both the lenses 120, 130 are in line contact with the diaphragm member 160, and displacement of the multiple lenses 110, 120, 130, 140 can be suppressed. From this perspective, it is sufficient that at least one of the lenses 120, 130 is in surface contact with the diaphragm member 160, and the lens 130 may be in surface contact with the diaphragm member 160. However, line contact between both the lenses 120, 130 and the diaphragm member 160 may also be possible.

[0102] Furthermore, in the vehicle lamp 1 of this embodiment as a second aspect, the lenses 120, 130 are made of materials with different hardnesses. In the vehicle lamp 1 of this embodiment as a second aspect, as described above, the four lenses 110, 120, 130, and 140 are sandwiched between the protrusion 103 and the retaining member 170 due to elastic deformation of the diaphragm member 160. Therefore, impacts applied from one of the lenses 120, 130 to the other and from the other to the other due to vibration or the like can be absorbed by the diaphragm member 160. Therefore, even with the above-described configuration, the vehicle lamp 1 of this embodiment as a second aspect can prevent scratches or the like from occurring on each of the lenses 120, 130.

[0103] The vehicle lamp 1 of this embodiment as a second aspect further includes a cylindrical housing portion 101 that extends in the arrangement direction of the lenses 110, 120, 130, and 140 and houses at least the lenses 120 and 130 and the diaphragm member 160. The protrusion 103 serving as the first abutment protrudes from the housing portion 101 toward the inside of the housing portion 101 and is integral with the housing portion 101. Here, the position of the lens relative to the light source affects the characteristics of the emitted light, and this effect tends to be greater the closer the lens is to the light source. In the vehicle lamp 1 of this embodiment as the second aspect, the position of the lens 110 closest to the light source 33 is restricted by the protrusion 103 of the housing portion 101. For this reason, according to the vehicle lamp 1 of the present embodiment as the second aspect, it is easier to position the lens 110 closest to the light source 33 at a desired position relative to the housing portion 101, and it is easier to position the lens 110 closest to the light source 33 at a desired position relative to the light source 33, compared to when the first abutment portion is a separate member attached to the housing portion 101. Therefore, according to the vehicle lamp 1 of the present embodiment as the second aspect, it is easier to set the characteristics of the emitted light to desired characteristics, compared to the above cases.

[0104] Furthermore, in the vehicle lamp 1 of this embodiment as the second aspect, the presser member 170 serving as the second abutment portion is elastically deformable. The presser member 170 elastically deforms to press the lens 140 located furthest forward in the arrangement direction of the lenses 110, 120, 130, and 140, on the opposite side from the protrusion 103, toward the rear side, which is the protrusion 103 side. Therefore, according to the vehicle lamp 1 of this embodiment as the second aspect, the presser member 170 can absorb impacts applied to the multiple lenses 110, 120, 130, and 140 due to vibrations or the like.

[0105] Furthermore, in the vehicle lamp 1 of this embodiment as a second aspect, the diaphragm member 160 includes an annular main body 161 and a plurality of elastically deformable protrusions 165 that protrude outward from the outer periphery of the main body 161 and are arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction. The main body 161 abuts against the lens 120, and the plurality of protrusions 165 abut against the lens 130. Therefore, according to the vehicle lamp 1 of this embodiment as the second aspect, the pressing force of the diaphragm member 160 can be adjusted by adjusting the shape and size of the protrusions 165. Note that from this perspective, it is sufficient that the main body 161 abuts against one of the lenses 120, 130 and the plurality of protrusions 165 abut against the other of the lenses 120, 130; alternatively, the main body 161 may abut against the lens 130 and the plurality of protrusions 165 may abut against the lens 120.

[0106] In the vehicle lamp 1 of this embodiment as a second aspect, a pair of first ribs 104 extending in the arrangement direction of the lenses 110, 120, 130, and 140 are provided on the inner circumferential surface of the housing portion 101. The tips of the first ribs 104 are fitted into a through hole 134h1 and a notch 134h2, which serve as fitting portions, provided in the lens 130 located forward of the diaphragm member 160. Each of the pair of first ribs 104 passes between adjacent protrusions 165. Therefore, the vehicle lamp 1 of this embodiment as a second aspect can prevent the housing portion 101 from becoming larger in the radial direction compared to when the first ribs 104 pass outside the diaphragm member 160. The fitting portions into which the tips of the pair of first ribs 104 fit are not limited to the through hole 134h1 and the notch 134h2. Furthermore, the number of first ribs 104 is not limited.

[0107] Although the first and second aspects of the present invention have been described using the above-mentioned embodiment as an example, the first and second aspects of the present invention are not limited to this.

[0108] For example, in the above embodiment, the vehicle lamp 1 is a headlamp, but this is not particularly limited to this. For example, the vehicle lamp 1 may be configured to irradiate an illuminated object such as a road surface with light that forms an image.

[0109] In the above embodiment, the second substrate 40 is described as being disposed below the heat dissipation fins 14. However, in the first aspect, the second substrate 40 may be disposed on one side of the heat dissipation fins 14 in a predetermined direction along the base plate 11, with the first main surface 40s facing the heat dissipation fins 14. For example, the second substrate 40 may be disposed above the heat dissipation fins 14, with the first main surface 40s facing downward. In this case, the upper wall 21 of the cover 20 covers a portion of the second substrate 40 from the lower side, which is the side of the heat dissipation fins 14. Furthermore, the predetermined direction along the base plate 11 may be the left-right direction. In this case, the second substrate 40 is disposed to the right or left of the heat dissipation fins 14.

[0110] In the above embodiment, the upper wall 21 covers a portion of the second substrate 40 from above. However, in the first aspect, the upper wall 21 only needs to cover at least a portion of the second substrate 40, and may cover the entire second substrate 40, for example.

[0111] In the above embodiment, the cover part 20 includes the top wall 21, the side walls 22 and 23, and the rear wall 24. However, in the first aspect, the cover part 20 may include the top wall 21, and may not include the side walls 22 and 23 or the rear wall 24, for example.

[0112] In the above embodiment, the heat dissipation fins 14 are arranged vertically at intervals. However, in the first aspect, the arrangement direction of the heat dissipation fins 14 is not limited, and the heat dissipation fins 14 may be arranged horizontally, for example. This configuration can, for example, make it easier for air from the fan 70 to flow toward the ventilation opening 21 h in the upper wall 21.

[0113] In the above embodiment, the vehicle lamp 1 is described as having the lens unit 90 including the four lenses 110, 120, 130, and 140. However, in the first aspect, the configuration of the lens unit 90 is not limited.

[0114] In the above embodiment, the vehicle lamp 1 is described as having four lenses 110, 120, 130, 140 arranged in the front-rear direction. However, in the second aspect, the vehicle lamp 1 only needs to have a plurality of lenses arranged so that the light-entering surface and the light-exiting surface of the lens body face each other, and the direction in which the lenses are arranged and the number of lenses are not limited.

[0115] In the above embodiment, the diaphragm member 160 is disposed between the second and third lenses 120, 130 from the rear, which is one side of the arrangement direction of the four lenses 110, 120, 130, and 140, and includes a main body 161 and multiple protrusions 165. However, in the second aspect, the diaphragm member 160 may be disposed between lenses of a specific pair of adjacent lenses among the multiple lenses, for example, between the first and second lenses 110, 120 from the rear. Furthermore, the diaphragm member 160 may have an elastically deformable annular configuration in which the inner peripheral edge overlaps with the lens main body of each of the specific pair of adjacent lenses between which the diaphragm member 160 is disposed. For example, the diaphragm member 160 may not include the protrusion 165, and the outer peripheral edge of the main body 161 may abut against one of the lenses of the specific pair of lenses.

[0116] In the above embodiment, the cylindrical housing portion 101 that houses the lens 110, the spacer 150, the lens 120, the diaphragm member 160, and part of the lens 130 has been described as an example. However, in the second aspect, the members housed in the housing portion 101 may be at least the diaphragm member 160 and a pair of adjacent lenses with the diaphragm member 160 disposed therebetween. For example, the housing portion 101 may house all of the lenses 110, 120, 130, and 140, the spacer 150, and the diaphragm member 160. Furthermore, the vehicle lamp 1 does not have to include the housing portion 101.

[0117] In the above embodiment, the lenses 120 and 130 between which the diaphragm member 160 is disposed are made of materials with different hardnesses, with the lens 120 closer to the light source 33 having a higher hardness than the lens 130 farther from the light source 33. However, in a second aspect, the hardness of the lens 120 closer to the light source 33 may be lower than the hardness of the lens 130 farther from the light source 33. Furthermore, the lenses 120 and 130 between which the diaphragm member 160 is disposed may be made of materials with different thermal expansion coefficients. Examples of materials with different thermal expansion coefficients include glass and acrylic. In this case, the thermal expansion coefficient of the lens 120 closer to the light source 33 may be lower than the thermal expansion coefficient of the lens 130 farther from the light source 33. This configuration makes it easier to suppress thermal deformation of the light source 33. The thermal expansion coefficient of the lens 120 closer to the light source 33 may be higher than the thermal expansion coefficient of the lens 130 farther from the light source 33.

[0118] In the above embodiment, the protrusion 103 as the first contact portion protrudes from the storage portion 101 toward the inside of the storage portion 101, is integral with the storage portion 101, and contacts the lens 110 located at the rearmost side in the arrangement direction from the rear side. However, in the second aspect, the first contact portion may be configured to contact the lens located at the rearmost side in the arrangement direction among the multiple lenses from one side. For example, the first contact portion may have the same configuration as the pressing member 170 as the second contact portion in the above embodiment, and may be configured to contact the lens 110 from the rear side and press the lens 110 forward by elastic force.

[0119] In the above embodiment, the pressing member 170 as the second abutment portion is elastically deformable and abuts the lens 140 located on the front side, i.e., the other side in the arrangement direction, from the front side. However, in the second aspect, the second abutment portion may be configured to abut the lens located on the other side in the arrangement direction among the multiple lenses from the other side. For example, the second abutment portion may have a configuration similar to the protrusion 103 as the first abutment portion in the above embodiment, and may be configured to protrude from the storage portion 101 toward the inside of the storage portion 101 and be integrated with the storage portion 101.

[0120] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a vehicle lamp capable of cooling a light source and a control circuit that controls the light source is provided, and according to a second aspect of the present invention, a vehicle lamp capable of suppressing the emission of unnecessary light while suppressing an increase in the number of parts is provided, and can be used in fields such as vehicle lamps for automobiles, etc.

Claims

1. A vehicular lamp comprising: a first substrate on which a light source is mounted; a base plate extending in a vertical direction and having a first main surface on which the first substrate is arranged, a plurality of heat dissipation fins protruding from the base plate in a first direction toward an opposite side to the first substrate and arranged at intervals from each other, and a substrate holding part connected to the base plate; a fan arranged on the first direction side of the plurality of heat dissipation fins and sending air toward the base plate; and a second substrate on which a control circuit for controlling the light source is provided, arranged on one side of the plurality of heat dissipation fins in a predetermined direction along the base plate and having a first main surface facing the plurality of heat dissipation fins, wherein the substrate holding part includes a wall covering at least a portion of the second substrate from the side of the plurality of heat dissipation fins and holds the second substrate, and the wall is provided with an air vent through which a portion of the air blown by the fan passes toward the second substrate.

2. The vehicle lamp according to claim 1, characterized in that the first main surface of the second substrate is non-parallel to the arrangement direction of the plurality of heat dissipation fins, and the end of the fan's air outlet on the second substrate side is located closer to the second substrate than the heat dissipation fin that is closest to the second substrate.

3. The vehicle lamp according to claim 2, characterized in that the heat sink further includes a pair of baffles that face each other and are located on both sides of the air vent in the direction along the base plate, between the heat dissipation fin closest to the second substrate and the wall.

4. The vehicular lamp according to claim 1, wherein the fan and the wall are spaced apart.

5. The vehicle lamp according to claim 1, characterized in that the second substrate is provided with a power supply circuit that adjusts the power supplied to the light source, and the ventilation hole and the power supply circuit overlap in a direction perpendicular to the first main surface of the second substrate.

6. A vehicle lamp as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the base plate is provided with a pair of exhaust ports that connect the space between the wall and the second substrate to the first substrate side of the base plate, and the first substrate is positioned between the pair of exhaust ports.

7. A vehicular lamp comprising: a plurality of lenses having a lens body portion which changes the divergence angle of light transmitted therethrough, the plurality of lenses being arranged so that a surface into which light enters and a surface from which light exits face each other; a first abutment portion which abuts from one side a lens among the plurality of lenses which is located on one side in an arrangement direction; a second abutment portion which abuts from the other side a lens among the plurality of lenses which is located on the other side in the arrangement direction; a light source which emits light toward the lens located on the one side; and an elastically deformable annular diaphragm member which is disposed between lenses of a specific lens set adjacent to each other among the plurality of lenses, the inner peripheral edge of which overlaps with the lens body portion of each of the specific lens sets, the diaphragm member elastically deforming to press each lens of the specific lens set so that the lenses of the specific lens set are separated from each other, and the plurality of lenses are sandwiched between the first abutment portion and the second abutment portion.

8. The vehicular lamp according to claim 7, wherein at least one lens of the specific lens set is in surface contact with the diaphragm member.

9. The vehicle lamp according to claim 7, wherein the lenses in the specific lens set are made of materials having different hardnesses.

10. The vehicular lamp according to claim 7, further comprising a cylindrical storage portion extending in the arrangement direction and storing at least the specific lens set and the diaphragm member, and the first abutment portion is a protrusion that protrudes from the storage portion toward the inside of the storage portion and is integral with the storage portion.

11. The vehicular lamp according to claim 7, characterized in that the second abutment portion is elastically deformable, and the second abutment portion elastically deforms to press the lens located furthest to the other side in the arrangement direction toward the one side.

12. A vehicle lamp as described in any one of claims 7 to 11, characterized in that the aperture member includes an annular main body and a plurality of elastically deformable protrusions that protrude outward from the outer periphery of the main body and are arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction, the main body abutting one lens of the specific lens set, and the plurality of protrusions abutting the other lens of the specific lens set.

13. A vehicle lamp as described in claim 12, further comprising a cylindrical storage portion extending in the arrangement direction and storing at least the specific lens set and the diaphragm member, wherein an inner surface of the storage portion is provided with a rib extending in the arrangement direction and having a tip portion that fits into a fitting portion provided on the lens located on the other side of the diaphragm member, and the rib passes between adjacent protrusions.

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