Vehicle lamp

Abstract

Provided is a vehicle lamp in which a light-emitting part can be disposed at an optimum distance from both a reflector and a light-blocking wall.　This vehicle lamp (10) is provided with a light source (34), a reflector member (23), and a projection lens (24). The reflector member (23) reflects light emitted from the light source (34). The projection lens (24) projects the light reflected by the reflector member (23) to form a light distribution pattern (HB) for traveling. Furthermore, the vehicle lamp (10) has a light-blocking wall (31A). The light-blocking wall (31A) is disposed at an intermediate position between the light source (34) and the projection lens (24). The light-blocking wall (31A) blocks the light emitted from the light source (34). The light source (34) has an elongate shape formed by a long side and a short side. The light source (34) has a light-emitting portion (34A) inside the elongate shape. The short-length direction (34D) of the light source (34) is aligned with the front-rear direction (Z) when the light-blocking wall (31A) and the projection lens (24) are arranged with each other.

Description

Vehicle lighting fixtures

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

[0002] In a vehicle lamp, each light-emitting portion has a vertically long rectangular shape, and the light-emitting chip portion faces forward of the vehicle. A vehicle lamp in which the light-emitting chip portion is positioned above the light-emitting portion is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In this vehicle lamp, the reflective surface is formed as a long plate in the width direction, directly in front of and below the light-emitting portion, and can vertically magnify the image of light from the light-emitting chip.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2018-26250

[0004] In a vehicle lamp in which a light-emitting unit and a reflector face each other, it is necessary to position the light-emitting unit at an optimal distance from the reflector to increase the luminous intensity reflected by the reflector. Furthermore, if a light-shielding wall is provided between the light-emitting unit and the projection lens, it is necessary to position the light-emitting unit at an optimal distance from the light-shielding wall to reduce the amount of light blocked by the light-shielding wall. However, in the above-described conventional vehicle lamp, when a light-shielding wall is provided between the light-emitting unit and the lens, it is difficult to position the light-emitting unit at an optimal distance from the light-shielding wall. For example, if the light-emitting unit is rotated 180 degrees to reduce the amount of light blocked by the light-shielding wall, the light-emitting unit will be farther from the reflective surface than before the rotation. For this reason, it is difficult to position the light-emitting unit at an optimal distance from both the reflector and the light-shielding wall in the conventional vehicle lamp.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and aims to provide a vehicle lamp that can bring a light-emitting portion closer to both a reflector and a light-shielding wall at an optimal distance.

[0006] The vehicle lamp of the present disclosure includes a light source, a reflector, and a projection lens. The reflector reflects light emitted from the light source. The projection lens projects the light reflected by the reflector to form a light distribution pattern. The vehicle lamp includes a light-shielding wall. The light-shielding wall is disposed midway between the light source and the projection lens. The light-shielding wall blocks the light emitted from the light source. The light source has an elongated shape formed by long and short sides, and has a light-emitting portion inside the elongated shape. The short direction of the light source is aligned along the direction in which the light-shielding wall and the projection lens are arranged side by side.

[0007] According to the vehicle lamp of the present disclosure, the light emitting portion can be positioned at an optimum distance from both the reflector and the light blocking wall.

[0008] 9A and 9B are explanatory diagrams showing a vehicle lamp according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; an explanatory diagram showing the vehicle lamp as viewed from the front (front side in the longitudinal direction); an explanatory diagram showing an exploded configuration of the vehicle lamp; an explanatory diagram showing a cross section taken along line II shown in FIG. 2; an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of a reflector member and a projection lens in the vehicle lamp; an explanatory diagram showing the mounting member of the vehicle lamp as viewed from the bottom (lower side in the vertical direction Y); an explanatory diagram showing the state in which a light source unit is attached to the mounting member of the vehicle lamp as viewed from the bottom (lower side in the vertical direction Y); a diagram explaining a light source, and an explanatory diagram explaining the positional relationship of a light-emitting unit in the light source; an explanatory diagram explaining the positional relationship of a light-emitting unit, a reflector, and a light-shielding wall, and an explanatory diagram explaining the relationship between a light distribution pattern on a screen and the light-shielding wall; (a) shows a comparative example, and (b) shows Example 1; an explanatory diagram explaining the positional relationship of the light-emitting unit, reflector, and light-shielding wall in FIG. 9A and 9B, and an explanatory diagram explaining the details of FIG. 9B; FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the positional relationship between a light-emitting unit, a reflector, and a baffle wall, and illustrating the light-emitting unit being brought closer to the reflector. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the positional relationship between a light-emitting unit, a reflector, and a baffle wall, and illustrating the light-emitting unit being brought closer to the baffle wall. FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a state in which a driving light distribution pattern is formed on a screen where a horizontal line and a vertical line intersect at the center position on the projection optical axis. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a state in which a first light distribution pattern is formed on the screen. FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a state in which a second light distribution pattern is formed on the screen.

[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 addition, in Fig. 12 to Fig. 14 showing the light distribution patterns, a driving light distribution pattern HB (light distribution pattern, see Fig. 12), a first light distribution pattern P1 (light distribution pattern, see Fig. 13), and a second light distribution pattern P2 (light distribution pattern, see Fig. 14) are shown on a screen where a horizontal line H and a vertical line V intersect, with the central position O (projection optical axis Lp) of irradiation by the vehicle lamp 10 as the origin.

[0010] In the following description, in the vehicular lamp 10, the direction in which the vehicle travels is referred to as the longitudinal direction Z, the vertical direction when the longitudinal direction Z is aligned with a horizontal plane is referred to as the up-down direction Y, and the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction Z and the up-down direction Y (horizontal direction) is referred to as the width direction X. In the longitudinal direction Z, the side on which a projection lens 24 (described later) is provided is referred to as the front side, and in the up-down direction Y, the side on which a mounting member 21 (described later) is provided is referred to as the upper side. Here, the vehicular lamp 10 provided on the left and right sides of the vehicle are basically configured identically but are reversed in the width direction X (left and right), so the following description will be given using the vehicular lamp 10 provided on the left side.

[0011] A vehicle lamp 10 according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 14 . First, the configuration will be described. The vehicle lamp 10 according to the first embodiment is used as a headlamp device for a vehicle such as an automobile, and forms a driving light distribution pattern HB (see FIG. 12 ) that is approximately the left half of a driving light distribution pattern used when there are no oncoming vehicles. The vehicle lamp 10 configures the driving light distribution pattern HB to function as an adaptive driving beam (ADB). The vehicle lamp 10 is mounted on a vehicle together with a low beam unit that forms a passing light distribution pattern having a cutoff line. When the low beam unit forms a passing light distribution pattern, the vehicle lamp 10 can function as a so-called high beam by forming a driving light distribution pattern HB that partially overlaps the vicinity of the cutoff line of the passing light distribution pattern and illuminates an area above it.

[0012] The vehicle lamps 10 are mounted in lamp chambers formed by lamp housings whose open front ends are covered with outer lenses on both the left and right sides of the front of the vehicle. The vehicle lamps 10 are mounted in the lamp chambers via vertical and horizontal optical axis adjustment mechanisms, and appropriately illuminate the area ahead of the vehicle.

[0013] 1 and 3, the vehicle lamp 10 of the first embodiment includes a first illumination unit 11 and a second illumination unit 12 that are adjacent to each other in the width direction X around the projection optical axis Lp. The first illumination unit 11 forms a first light distribution pattern P1 (see FIG. 13). The second illumination unit 12 forms a second light distribution pattern P2 (see FIG. 14). The first light distribution pattern P1 and the second light distribution pattern P2 are formed simultaneously to form a driving light distribution pattern HB (see FIG. 12).

[0014] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 5 , the vehicle lamp 10 is a projector-type lamp unit formed by attaching a light source 22, a reflector member 23 (reflector), and a projection lens 24 to a mounting member 21. The mounting member 21 is where the light source 22 is mounted and is formed of a thermally conductive aluminum plate, aluminum die-cast, or resin. The mounting member 21 is provided with a plurality of heat dissipation fins 21a. Heat generated by the light source 22 attached to the mounting member 21 can be dissipated to the outside primarily through the heat dissipation fins 21a. The mounting member 21 as a whole functions as a heat sink that dissipates heat generated by the light source 22 to the outside. The mounting member 21 is fixed to the lamp housing via a bracket (not shown). The mounting member 21 may be provided with a cooling fan unit as needed to improve cooling efficiency. As shown in FIG. 4 and other figures, the mounting member 21 has a light source mounting portion 31 and a lens mounting portion 32.

[0015] The light source mounting portion 31 has a flat plate shape that is approximately perpendicular to the up-down direction Y, and the light source unit 22 is mounted at a predetermined position. The lens mounting portion 32 has a flat plate shape that is approximately perpendicular to the up-down direction Y. The lens mounting portion 32 is provided on the front side of the light source mounting portion 31 in the front-back direction Z, and is positioned above the light source mounting portion 31 in the up-down direction Y with a step. As shown in FIGS. 4 , 6 , and 7 , the light source mounting portion 31 is provided with a light-shielding wall 31A. The light-shielding wall 31A is positioned at an intermediate position between each light source 34 and the projection lens 24. In other words, the light-shielding wall 31A is positioned between each light source 34 and the projection lens 24. More specifically, two light-shielding walls 31A are arranged side by side in the width direction X of the light source mounting portion 31, and are positioned at a front side of the light source mounting portion 31 in the front-back direction Z. The light-shielding wall 31A is a plate shape that extends in the width direction X and the up-down direction Y. As will be described later, in a state in which the substrate 33 and the light source mounting portion 31 are attached, the light-shielding wall 31A protrudes through a substrate hole 33A (substrate end portion) described later toward the side where each light source 34 is mounted on the substrate 33 (the lower side in the up-down direction Y). In other words, the light-shielding wall 31A is adjacent to the periphery of the substrate hole 33A.

[0016] Here, the setting of the protruding end 31A1 (lower end) of the light-shielding wall 31A will be described. As shown in FIG. 4, the protruding end 31A1 of the light-shielding wall 31A protrudes between each light source 34 and the projection lens 24. The protruding end 31A1 is set at a position between a first setting line L1 (first line) and a second setting line L2 (second line). In the first embodiment, the protruding end 31A1 is set at a center position between the first setting line L1 and the second setting line L2. As shown in FIGS. 4, 9(b), and 10, one end of the first setting line L1 is the front end (end) of the light-emitting unit 34A on the projection lens 24 side. For example, when the light source a1 is arranged as shown in FIG. 7, the front end is the light-emitting end 34A1 in FIG. 8. As shown in FIGS. 4 , 9(b), and 10 , the other end of the first setting line L1 is the outer peripheral end (first outer peripheral end 43c, second outer peripheral end 44c) on the side of the projection incident surface 41b (incident surface) from which the light-shielding wall 31A protrudes (the lower side in the vertical direction Y in Example 1). As shown in FIGS. 9(b) and 10, the first setting line L1 is a line connecting the front end and the outer peripheral end. As shown in FIGS. 4 , 9(b), and 10, one end of the second setting line L2 is the innermost end (end) of the light-emitting unit 34A far from the projection lens 24. In other words, one end of the second setting line L2 is the innermost end on the rear end 39 side of each reflecting surface (37, 38). For example, when the light source a1 is disposed as shown in FIG. 7, the innermost end is the light-emitting end 34A2 in FIG. 8. The other end of the second setting line L2 is the same as the other end of the first setting line L1. As shown in FIGS. 9B and 10, the second setting line L2 is a line connecting the innermost end and the outer peripheral end.

[0017] The light-shielding wall 31A, with its protruding end 31A1 positioned between the first set line L1 and the second set line L2, blocks harmful light and suppresses its emission ahead of the vehicle. Here, harmful light refers to light that may affect the light emitted from the projection lens 24. Specifically, harmful light refers to light that is emitted from each light source 34 (described below) and light reflected by the reflector member 23, and that is emitted directly from the projection lens 24 without being reflected by the reflector member 23 (light emitted from the vehicle lamp 10). When light is irradiated ahead of the vehicle, such harmful light may cause streaks on the road surface or reduce optical efficiency.

[0018] Therefore, the light-shielding wall 31A blocks harmful light. In other words, the light-shielding wall 31A blocks part of the light emitted from each light source 34 and part of the light reflected by the reflector member 23. The shape of the light-shielding wall 31A is set according to the arrangement of each light source 34 and the shape of the reflector member 23, etc. As shown in Figures 6 and 7 , one of the light-shielding walls 31A on one side in the width direction X functions as a first light-shielding wall 31a in the first irradiation unit 11, and one of the light-shielding walls 31A on the other side in the width direction X functions as a second light-shielding wall 31b in the second irradiation unit 12. Hereinafter, when individually described, the light-shielding walls 31A will be referred to as the first light-shielding wall 31a and the second light-shielding wall 31b.

[0019] As shown in Figures 3 to 5, the lens mounting portion 32 functions as a location for mounting the projection lens 24. The lens mounting portion 32 positions the projection lens 24 in front of the light source unit 22 mounted on the light source mounting portion 31 in the front-rear direction Z. The lens mounting portion 32 is provided with a partition plate 32a. The partition plate 32a is located at approximately the center of the lens mounting portion 32 in the width direction X. The partition plate 32a is plate-shaped and extends in the front-rear direction Z and the up-down direction Y. The partition plate 32a divides the space inside the lens mounting portion 32, i.e., the space where light from the light source unit 22 is reflected by the reflector member 23 and travels to the projection lens 24 as described below, into two in the width direction X.

[0020] As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5 and 7 , the light source section 22 is composed of 12 light sources 34. The 12 light sources 34 are arranged in a row on a substrate 33. Each light source 34 emits light to form a light distribution pattern and is composed of a light-emitting element such as an LED (Light Emitting Diode). As described below, the light sources 34 are provided at 12 locations facing each other in the up-down direction Y on 12 consecutively arranged reflective surfaces (first reflective surfaces 37 and second reflective surfaces 38). Six of the light sources 34 on one side in the width direction X function as light sources for the first irradiation unit 11, and six of the light sources 34 on the other side in the width direction X function as light sources for the second irradiation unit 12 (see FIG. 5 ). In the following, when describing each light source individually, the light source 34 for the first irradiation unit 11 will be referred to as a first light source 341, and the light source 34 for the second irradiation unit 12 will be referred to as a second light source 342. When describing each light source individually, numbers are added in addition to the alphabetic symbol "a" in order from the outermost light source 341 in the width direction X of Fig. 7. For example, the outermost light source 34 of the first light source 341 is designated "a1", and the outermost light source 34 of the second light source 342 is designated "a12".

[0021] Each light source 34 will now be described in detail.

[0022] When one light source 34 in FIG. 7 is enlarged, as shown in FIG. 8 , it is formed into a rectangular shape (vertically long (horizontally long), rectangular). Note that each light source 34 may be formed into any suitable elongated shape formed by long and short sides, and is not limited to the configuration of Example 1. For example, each light source 34 may be formed into an elliptical shape instead of a rectangular shape. Each light source 34 has a light-emitting portion 34A and a sealing portion 34B (base portion). The light-emitting portion 34A is formed into a square shape or a substantially square shape. The light-emitting portion 34A is the portion that emits light. The sealing portion 34B surrounds the periphery of the light-emitting portion 34A. The light-emitting portion 34A is disposed at a position offset in the longitudinal direction 34C of each light source 34. In other words, the light-emitting portion 34A is disposed not at the center of the longitudinal direction 34C of each light source 34, but at a position offset to one side from the center. The light-emitting unit 34A only needs to be arranged inside the elongated shape of each light source 34, so the light-emitting unit 34A may be arranged at the center of the elongated direction 34C of each light source 34.

[0023] Next, the relationship between the 12 light sources 34 and the driving light distribution pattern HB will be described. As shown in Fig. 7 , of the 12 light sources 34, seven light sources a1, a2, a3, a4, a7, a8, and a9 that form a central portion HB1 (see Figs. 12 to 14 ) of the driving light distribution pattern HB are arranged closer to the light-shielding wall 31A than the remaining five light sources a5, a6, a10, a11, and a12 that form a peripheral portion HB2 (see Figs. 12 to 14 ) of the driving light distribution pattern HB. The short length directions 34D (see Fig. 8 , the front-rear direction Z in Example 1) of the four light sources a1, a2, a3, and a4 are aligned along the arrangement direction (the front-rear direction Z in Example 1) when the first light-shielding wall 31a and the projection lens 24 are arranged side by side. The short-length directions 34D (see FIG. 8 ; in the first embodiment, the front-rear direction Z) of the three light sources a7, a8, and a9 are aligned along the arrangement direction (the front-rear direction Z in the first embodiment) when the second light-shielding wall 31b and the projection lens 24 are arranged side by side. In other words, the short-length directions 34D of the seven light sources a1, a2, a3, a4, a7, a8, and a9 are parallel to the projection optical axis Lp (see FIG. 7 , etc.). On the other hand, the long-length directions 34C of the seven light sources a1, a2, a3, a4, a7, a8, and a9 are perpendicular to the projection optical axis Lp (see FIG. 7 , etc.). Therefore, in the first embodiment, the side surfaces of the long-length directions 34C of the seven light sources a1, a2, a3, a4, a7, a8, and a9 directly face the light-shielding wall 31A.

[0024] The distance relationships between the seven light sources a1, a2, a3, a4, a7, a8, and a9 (34), the seven reflectors (35 and 36) (their respective reflective surfaces (37 and 38)), and the respective light-shielding walls (31a and 31b) are as follows: For each of the seven light sources a1, a2, a3, a4, a7, a8, and a9 (34), the rear distance b1 is set to be shorter than the front distance b2 (see FIG. 9B). The rear distance b1 is the distance in the front-rear direction Z between the light-emitting unit 34A and the respective rear ends 39 of the reflectors (35 and 36) (see FIGS. 4 and 9B). The front distance b2 is the distance in the front-rear direction Z between the light-emitting unit 34A and the respective light-shielding walls (31a and 31b).

[0025] As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5 and 7 , the light sources 34 are mounted on the substrate 33. The substrate 33 is provided with substrate holes 33A. Two substrate holes 33A are arranged side by side in the width direction X of the light source mounting portion 31, and are located at the front side in the front-rear direction Z. The substrate holes 33A are open in the width direction X and the front-rear direction Z. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 7 , the substrate holes 33A are formed in a hole shape that allows the aforementioned light-shielding wall 31A to pass through. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 4 , an electrode 330 (only a portion of which is shown) for supplying power to each light source 34 is formed around the substrate hole 33A on the substrate 33. The periphery of the substrate hole 33A refers to the front and / or back surface of the substrate 33. This allows the substrate 33 to supply power to each light source 34 from a power supply source installed in the vehicle. 3, 4, and 7, one of the substrate holes 33A on one side in the width direction X functions as a first substrate hole 33a in the first irradiation unit 11, and one of the substrate holes 33A on the other side in the width direction X functions as a second substrate hole 33b in the second irradiation unit 12. Hereinafter, when describing the substrate holes 33A individually, they will be described as a first substrate hole 33a (substrate end) and a second substrate hole 33b (substrate end).

[0026] As shown in FIG. 3 , the substrate 33 is shaped like a long plate in the width direction X and is formed of an aluminum substrate, a glass epoxy substrate, or the like. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 7 , the substrate 33 has both the six first light sources 341 of the first irradiation unit 11 and the six second light sources 342 of the second irradiation unit 12 arranged on the same plane. The substrate 33 can light each of the first light sources 341 and each of the second light sources 342 individually or simultaneously as appropriate. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 7 , the substrate 33 is attached to the light source attachment portion 31 of the attachment member 21 with each light source 34 mounted thereon. In this attached state, the light source unit 22 has each light source 34 facing downward in the up-down direction Y. As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5 , a reflector member 23 is provided so that each light source 34 is covered by a first reflector 35 and a second reflector 36.

[0027] The reflector member 23 is a molded product made of a resin material, and includes a first reflector 35 (reflector) and a second reflector 36 (reflector) that are integrally formed therewith. The first reflector 35 corresponds to the six first light sources 341 and constitutes the first irradiation unit 11. The first reflector 35 has six first reflecting surfaces 37, each corresponding to one of the six first light sources 341. Each first reflecting surface 37 is curved to individually cover the corresponding first light source 341, and its surface is formed by aluminum vapor deposition. Each first reflecting surface 37 is a bowl-shaped free-form surface based on an ellipse, with a first focus at (or near) the corresponding first light source 341 and a second focus at (or near) a first lens portion 43 (described later) of the projection lens 24. The six first reflecting surfaces 37 are continuously formed in the width direction X.

[0028] The second reflector 36 is provided corresponding to the six second light sources 342 and constitutes the second illumination unit 12. The second reflector 36 has six second reflective surfaces 38, each corresponding to one of the six second light sources 342. Each second reflective surface 38 is curved to individually cover the corresponding second light source 342, and its surface is formed by aluminum vapor deposition. Each second reflective surface 38 is a bowl-shaped free-form surface based on an ellipse, with a first focus at (or near) the corresponding second light source 342 and a second focus at (or near) a second lens portion 44 (described below) of the projection lens 24. The six second reflective surfaces 38 are formed continuously in the width direction X, with their positions shifting forward in the fore-and-aft direction Z as they move toward the right (inner side of the vehicle) (see FIGS. 3 and 5). Accordingly, the six second light sources 342 are arranged so that their positions shift forward in the fore-and-aft direction Z as they move toward the right side in the width direction X (see FIG. 5).

[0029] The reflector member 23 is attached to the light source attachment portion 31 with the light source unit 22 interposed between it and the light source attachment portion 31 and positioned relative to the light source attachment portion 31 and the light source unit 22. As a result, in the light source unit 22, each first light source 341 mounted on the substrate 33 faces a corresponding first reflective surface 37 of the first reflector 35. Also, in the light source unit 22, each second light source 342 mounted on the substrate 33 faces a corresponding second reflective surface 38 of the second reflector 36. Therefore, each first reflective surface 37 reflects light emitted from the corresponding first light source 341, allowing the light to efficiently travel toward a first lens unit 43 (described later) of the projection lens 24. Also, each second reflective surface 38 reflects light emitted from the corresponding second light source 342, allowing the light to efficiently travel toward a second lens unit 44 (described later) of the projection lens 24.

[0030] The projection lens 24 is sandwiched and held in the vertical direction Y between the front end portion of the reflector member 23 and the lens mounting portion 32 of the mounting member 21. Therefore, the reflector member 23 cooperates with the lens mounting portion 32 to form a space (optical path) through which light reflected by each of the first reflecting surfaces 37 and each of the second reflecting surfaces 38 from the first reflector 35 and the second reflector 36 to the projection lens 24 travels to the projection lens 24.

[0031] The projection lens 24 projects light from each light source 34 reflected by each first reflecting surface 37 and each second reflecting surface 38 to the front in the front-rear direction Z. The projection lens 24 has a lens main body 41 and a pair of mounting pieces 42. Both mounting pieces 42 are used to mount the lens main body 41 (projection lens 24) to the mounting member 21 (lens mounting piece 32). Each mounting piece 42 is plate-shaped and protrudes rearward in the front-rear direction Z from both ends of the lens main body 41 in the width direction X. The projection lens 24 is provided such that the lens main body 41 spans the front end of the lens mounting piece 32 in the width direction X by being fixed by sandwiching each mounting piece 42 between the lens mounting piece 32 and the reflector member 23.

[0032] The lens body 41 functions as a lens that projects light from each light source 34 in the projection lens 24. In Example 1, the lens body 41 has a generally rectangular shape that is elongated in the width direction X when viewed from the front side in the front-rear direction Z. The shape of the lens body 41 when viewed from the front-rear direction Z may be set as appropriate and is not limited to the configuration of Example 1. The lens body 41 has a first lens 43 provided on the left side in the width direction X and a second lens 44 provided on the right side with respect to the projection optical axis Lp as the center, and each lens 43 has its own optical setting. The first lens 43 projects light emitted from each first light source 341 and reflected by the first reflector 35, and constitutes the first irradiation unit 11. The second lens 44 projects light emitted from each second light source 342 and reflected by the second reflector 36, and constitutes the second irradiation unit 12. Therefore, the first lens portion 43 functions as a first projection lens that constitutes the first irradiation unit 11. Furthermore, the second lens portion 44 functions as a second projection lens that constitutes the second irradiation unit 12. Since the vehicular lamp 10 is provided on the left side of the vehicle as described above, the first irradiation unit 11 (first lens portion 43) is located on the outside of the vehicle, and the second irradiation unit 12 (second lens portion 44) is located on the inside of the vehicle.

[0033] In the lens body 41 of Example 1, the front side in the front-rear direction Z is the projection exit surface 41a from which light is emitted, and the projection exit surface 41a is a single surface that is smoothly continuous (with no bends and a continuous change in curvature). The left side of the projection exit surface 41a in the width direction X is the first exit surface 43a of the first lens portion 43, and the right side in the width direction X is the second exit surface 44a of the second lens portion 44. Therefore, the first exit surface 43a and the second exit surface 44a of the projection exit surface 41a are integrated from the outside, making it difficult to distinguish them.

[0034] 5, the rear side of the lens body 41 in the front-rear direction Z is a projection incident surface 41b through which light is incident, and the projection incident surface 41b is partitioned into right and left sides in the width direction X around the projection optical axis Lp. The left side of the projection incident surface 41b in the width direction X is a first incident surface 43b of the first lens unit 43, and the right side in the width direction X is a second incident surface 44b of the second lens unit 44, and a partition line 41c extending in the up-down direction Y is formed between the left and right sides due to the shapes of the first and second incident surfaces. The first incident surface 43b and the second incident surface 44b are optically configured to match the corresponding first light source 341 and first reflector 35 (each of the first reflecting surfaces 37) and the corresponding second light source 342 and second reflector 36 (each of the second reflecting surfaces 38).

[0035] Specifically, the first lens unit 43 is disposed near the approximate center position in the width direction X of the corresponding first reflector 35 (each first reflecting surface 37). Furthermore, the first lens unit 43 is a convex lens with a focus (rear focus) set near the approximate center position in the width direction X of the corresponding first light source 341 or further outward from the center position on the vehicle. The first lens unit 43 has a single surface in which the first light exit surface 43a and the second light exit surface 44a are smoothly connected. Therefore, the optical design is determined by setting the shape of the first light entrance surface 43b to match the first light exit surface 43a. The second lens unit 44 is disposed near the approximate center position in the width direction X of the corresponding second reflector 36 (each second reflecting surface 38). Furthermore, the second lens unit 44 is a convex lens with a focus (rear focus) set near the approximate center position in the width direction X of the corresponding second light source 342 or further outward from the center position on the vehicle. The second lens portion 44 has a second exit surface 44a that is a single surface that smoothly continues with the first exit surface 43a, and the optical settings are determined by setting the shape of the second entrance surface 44b to match the second exit surface 44a.

[0036] The operation of Example 1 will be explained below by dividing it into "Technical Issues of the Vehicle Lamp," "Comparative Operation Between the Comparative Example and Example 1," "Operation of the Driving Light Distribution Pattern HB," and "Characteristic Operational Effects of the Vehicle Lamp According to the Present Disclosure."

[0037] First, technical issues regarding vehicle lighting fixtures will be described.

[0038] In conventional vehicle lamps, each light-emitting element is a vertically long rectangle, and the light-emitting chip element faces forward of the vehicle. The light-emitting chip element is located above the light-emitting element. The reflective surface is formed as a long plate in the width direction, directly below and in front of the light-emitting element, and magnifies the image of light from the light-emitting chip in the vertical direction.

[0039] In a vehicle lamp in which a light-emitting unit and a reflector face each other, it is necessary to position the light-emitting unit at an optimal distance from the reflector to increase the luminous intensity reflected by the reflector. Furthermore, if a light-shielding wall is provided between the light-emitting unit and the projection lens, it is necessary to position the light-emitting unit at an optimal distance from the light-shielding wall to reduce the amount of light blocked by the light-shielding wall. However, in conventional vehicle lamps, when a light-shielding wall is provided between the light-emitting unit and the lens, it is difficult to position the light-emitting unit at an optimal distance from the light-shielding wall. Therefore, in a configuration in which the distance between the light-emitting unit and the light-shielding wall is long, the amount of light incident on the lens that is blocked by the light-shielding wall is greater than in a configuration in which the distance between the light-emitting unit and the light-shielding wall is short. In contrast, in conventional vehicle lamps, for example, if the light-emitting unit is rotated 180 degrees to reduce the amount of light blocked by the light-shielding wall, the light-emitting unit becomes farther from the reflective surface than before the rotation. Therefore, the luminous intensity reflected by the reflective surface is reduced in the rotated configuration compared to the unrotated configuration.

[0040] As described above, with conventional vehicle lamps, it is difficult to position the light emitting portion at an optimum distance from both the reflector and the light blocking wall.

[0041] Next, the problems will be described using Fig. 11 , which shows a configuration different from that of conventional vehicle lamps. In the configuration shown in Fig. 11A and Fig. 11B , the light source 134 (including the light-emitting unit 134A), and the reflector 200 are arranged in this order from the front side in the longitudinal direction Z of the vehicle. In addition, the light-shielding wall is provided between the light-emitting unit and a projection lens (not shown). If an attempt is made to move the light-emitting unit 134A even closer to the optimum distance from both the reflector 200 and the light-shielding wall 131A than the previous arrangement shown by the arrows in Fig. 11A and Fig. 11B , the following problems arise.

[0042] 11A , the arrangement is changed from the previous arrangement indicated by the arrow to the arrangement indicated by the subsequent arrow. The specific arrangement indicated by the subsequent arrow is a configuration in which the light-emitting unit 134A is moved closer to the optimum distance from the reflector 200 in response to a demand for increasing the luminous intensity reflected by the reflector 200. As a result, the light-emitting unit 134A is farther away from the light-shielding wall 131A than in the previous arrangement indicated by the arrow, and the amount of light blocked by the light-shielding wall 131A increases.

[0043] 11B, the arrangement is changed from the previous arrangement indicated by the arrow to the arrangement indicated by the subsequent arrow. The specific arrangement indicated by the subsequent arrow is a configuration in which the light-emitting unit 134A is moved closer to the optimal distance from the light-shielding wall 131A in response to a request to reduce the amount of light blocked by the light-shielding wall 131A. As a result, the light-emitting unit 134A is farther away from the reflector 200 than in the previous arrangement indicated by the arrow, and the intensity of light reflected by the reflector 200 is reduced.

[0044] As described above, even with the configurations of FIGS. 11A and 11B, which differ from the configuration of conventional vehicle lamps, it is difficult to bring the light emitting portion 134A within the optimum distance from both the reflector 200 and the light blocking wall 131A.

[0045] Next, the comparative effects of the comparative example and Example 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 9. In Fig. 9, the description on the upper side shows the comparative example, and the description on the lower side shows Example 1.

[0046] For the sake of simplicity, the configurations of both the comparative example and Example 1 are the same and will be described using the same reference numerals. Furthermore, since the configurations of both the comparative example and Example 1 are described using the configuration of Example 1, the description will be simplified or omitted. Furthermore, for the sake of simplicity, the configurations of both the comparative example and Example 1 are such that the light-emitting unit 34A is positioned at an optimal distance from the first reflector 35 (one of the six first reflecting surfaces 37). In short, the positional relationship between the light-emitting unit 34A and the reflectors (35, 36) is the same in both the comparative example and Example 1. The difference between the configurations of the comparative example and Example 1 is the position of the light source 34 and the associated position of the light-shielding wall 31A.

[0047] In the comparative example, the longitudinal direction 34C of the light source 34 is parallel to the projection optical axis Lp. In contrast, in Example 1, the longitudinal direction 34C of the light source 34 is perpendicular to the projection optical axis Lp. That is, in Example 1, unlike the comparative example, the opposite side of the light source 34, where the light-emitting unit 34A is biased, is not located on the projection optical axis Lp, which is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction 34C. In other words, in Example 1, unlike the comparative example, the opposite side of the light source 34, where the light-emitting unit 34A is biased, is not located between the light-emitting unit 34A and the light-shielding wall 31A or between the light-emitting unit 34A and the reflector (35, 36) in the front-rear direction Z. This allows the light-emitting unit 34A to be closer to the light-shielding wall 31A by the amount of the opposite side of the light source 34, where the light-emitting unit 34A is biased. Here, the opposite side of the light source 34, where the light-emitting unit 34A is biased, is the lower part of the light-emitting unit 34A in FIG. 8 .

[0048] In FIG. 9 , if the optimal distance (shortest distance) between the light source 34 including the sealing portion 34B and the light-shielding wall 31A is "A," the front distance b2 in the comparative example is "B," and the front distance b2 in Example 1 is "C," the above can be rephrased as follows. When the optimal distance is A, the relationship between the light-emitting unit 34A and the light-shielding wall 31A in the comparative example and Example 1 is "B > C." That is, in Example 1, the light-emitting unit 34A can be positioned closer to the light-shielding wall 31A by "B - C" compared to the comparative example. Note that the optimal distance A between the light source 34 including the sealing portion 34B and the light-shielding wall 31A is also the optimal distance between the light-emitting unit 34A and the light-shielding wall 31A. Thus, in Example 1, unlike the comparative example, the light-emitting unit 34A can be positioned closer to the optimal distance from both the first reflector 35 (one of the six first reflecting surfaces 37) and the light-shielding wall 31A.

[0049] As described above, the relationship between the comparative example and Example 1 is "B > C," so in the light distribution pattern on the screen shown in FIG. 9 , the amount of light blocked by the baffle wall 31A in Example 1 (referred to as a baffle amount in FIG. 9 ) is reduced compared to the comparative example. Specifically, in terms of the amount of light blocked by the baffle wall 31A, the relationship between the comparative example and Example 1 is "D > E" in the direction of the vertical line V on the screen. Therefore, Example 1 can ensure greater brightness by "D - E" than the comparative example in the direction of the vertical line V of the light distribution pattern. Here, "D" and "E" indicate the amount of light blocked by the baffle wall 31A in the direction of the vertical line V on the screen in FIG. 9 .

[0050] Next, the function of the driving light distribution pattern HB will be described.

[0051] 3 to 5 , the first lens portion 43 projects light emitted from each first light source 341 and reflected by each corresponding first reflecting surface 37, thereby forming a first light distribution pattern P1 on the screen as shown in Fig. 13. On the screen, the direction of the horizontal line H (hereinafter also referred to as the horizontal direction) corresponds to the width direction X of the vehicle lamp 10, and the direction of the vertical line V (hereinafter also referred to as the vertical direction) corresponds to the up-down direction Y of the vehicle lamp 10.

[0052] The first light distribution pattern P1 is formed by arranging six first light distribution regions A1 horizontally, with adjacent first light distribution regions A1 partially overlapping each other. The lower portion of each first light distribution region A1 in the vertical direction is positioned on a horizontal line H, and the light intensity is highest near the horizontal line H and gradually decreases vertically upward.

[0053] 3 to 5, the first lens portion 43 of Example 1 has six corresponding first light sources 341 and six corresponding first reflecting surfaces 37 arranged in the width direction X. As shown in FIG. 13, the first light distribution pattern P1 is formed by arranging six first light distribution areas A1 horizontally. In the first light distribution pattern P1 of Example 1, the horizontal and vertical dimensions of the first light distribution areas A1 corresponding to the light sources a2, a3, and a4 are approximately equal. In the first light distribution pattern P1 of Example 1, the horizontal and vertical dimensions of the first light distribution areas A1 corresponding to the light sources a1, a5, and a6 are different, and the vertical size of the first light distribution area A1 is smaller than that of the other three first light distribution areas A1. In Example 1, the first light distribution areas A1 corresponding to the light sources a1, a2, a3, and a4 correspond to the central portion HB1 of the driving light distribution pattern HB. Further, each of the first light distribution areas A1 corresponding to the light sources a5 and a6 corresponds to a peripheral portion HB2 of the driving light distribution pattern HB.

[0054] The sizes and positions of the six first light distribution areas A1 can be adjusted by setting the positions of the six first light sources 341, the positions and surface shapes of the six first reflecting surfaces 37 relative to the first light sources 341, and the shape of the first lens portion 43 (mainly the first incident surface 43b). As a result, the first irradiation unit 11 forms the first light distribution pattern P1 in a state shifted to the left from the origin (projection optical axis Lp).

[0055] 3 to 5, the second lens unit 44 projects light emitted from each second light source 342 and reflected by the corresponding second reflecting surface 38, thereby forming a second light distribution pattern P2 on the screen as shown in Fig. 14. The second light distribution pattern P2 is formed by arranging six second light distribution areas A2 in the horizontal direction with adjacent second light distribution areas A2 partially overlapping each other. The lower part of each second light distribution area A2 in the vertical direction is located on the horizontal line H, and the light intensity is highest near the horizontal line H and gradually decreases vertically upward.

[0056] The second lens portion 44 of Example 1 is provided with six second light sources 342 and six second reflecting surfaces 38 as shown in Figures 3 to 5. Therefore, as shown in Figure 14, six second light distribution areas A2 are arranged horizontally to form a second light distribution pattern P2. In the second light distribution pattern P2 of Example 1, the horizontal and vertical dimensions of the first light distribution areas A1 corresponding to the light sources a8, a9, and a10 are approximately equal. In the second light distribution pattern P2 of Example 1, the horizontal and vertical dimensions of the second light distribution areas A2 corresponding to the light sources a7, a11, and a12 are different, and the vertical size of each second light distribution area A2 is smaller than that of the other three second light distribution areas A2. In Example 1, the second light distribution areas A2 corresponding to the light sources a7, a8, and a9 correspond to the central portion HB1 of the driving light distribution pattern HB. Further, the second light distribution areas A2 corresponding to the light sources a10, a11, and a12 correspond to the peripheral portion HB2 of the driving light distribution pattern HB.

[0057] The size and position of the six second light distribution areas A2 can be adjusted by setting the shape of the second lens unit 44 (mainly the second incident surface 44b) in accordance with the positions of the six second light sources 342 and the positions and surface shapes of the six second reflecting surfaces 38 relative to the six second light sources 342. As a result, the second irradiation unit 12 forms the second light distribution pattern P2 shifted to the left of the first light distribution pattern P1 from the origin (projection optical axis Lp). Here, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 5 , the second irradiation unit 12 of Example 1 arranges the second reflecting surfaces 38 and the second light sources 342 so that their positions change forward in the front-to-rear direction Z as they move rightward in the width direction X. This facilitates the formation of the second light distribution pattern P2 shifted to the left of the first light distribution pattern P1 of the first irradiation unit 11.

[0058] The vehicular lamp 10 forms a driving light distribution pattern HB as shown in Fig. 12 by forming a first light distribution pattern P1 with the first irradiation unit 11 and a second light distribution pattern P2 with the second irradiation unit 12. In the driving light distribution pattern HB, the first light distribution pattern P1 is shifted to the left from the origin (projection optical axis Lp), and the second light distribution pattern P2 is shifted further to the left than the first light distribution pattern P1. Therefore, in the driving light distribution pattern HB, it is possible to prevent gaps from being formed between adjacent first light distribution areas A1 or adjacent second light distribution areas A2, and to achieve a natural appearance.

[0059] Here, the vehicular lamp 10 forms a running light distribution pattern HB that is biased to the left with respect to the vertical line V (origin (projection optical axis Lp)), but as described above, it is installed on the left side of the vehicle. If the vehicular lamp 10 is installed on the right side of the vehicle, it is configured to be inverted in the width direction X (left and right), so that the running light distribution pattern HB is formed that is biased to the right with respect to the vertical line V (origin (projection optical axis Lp)). Therefore, two vehicular lamps 10 are installed on both sides of the vehicle, and each of them forms a running light distribution pattern HB. As a result, the vehicular lamp 10 forms a running light distribution pattern HB that is largest in size and has a high light intensity in the vertical direction near the vertical line V (origin (projection optical axis Lp)), and that gradually becomes smaller and has a low light intensity toward the outside (both sides in the width direction X).

[0060] 3 and 5, the vehicular lamp 10 turns on each of the first light sources 341 of the first irradiation unit 11 and each of the second light sources 342 of the second irradiation unit 12, and the light from each of the first light sources 341 is reflected by each of the reflectors (35, 36) and then emitted from the projection lens 24. This allows the vehicular lamp 10 to form a driving light distribution pattern HB as shown in Fig. 12. The driving light distribution pattern HB can be made into a so-called high beam by partially overlapping a lower portion of the driving light distribution pattern HB with an upper portion of the low beam light distribution pattern formed by the low beam unit.

[0061] The vehicular lamp 10 of Example 1 forms a driving light distribution pattern HB with a first light distribution pattern P1 in which six first light distribution areas A1 are arranged in the width direction X, and a second light distribution pattern P2 in which six second light distribution areas A2 are arranged in the width direction X. The vehicular lamp 10 functions as an ADB by partially turning off the first light sources 341 and the second light sources 342 in the driving light distribution pattern HB that correspond to the first light distribution areas A1 and the second light distribution areas A2 in areas where an oncoming vehicle, a leading vehicle, or the like is present.

[0062] Next, the characteristic functions and effects of the vehicle lamp according to the present disclosure will be described. The vehicle lamp 10 according to the first embodiment can achieve the following functions and effects.

[0063] As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5 , the vehicle lamp 10 includes a light source 34, a reflector member 23 (a first reflector 35 and a second reflector 36), and a projection lens 24. The reflector member 23 reflects light emitted from the light source 34. The projection lens 24 projects the light reflected by the reflector member 23 to form a driving light distribution pattern HB. The vehicle lamp 10 further includes a light-shielding wall 31A. The light-shielding wall 31A is disposed midway between the light source 34 and the projection lens 24. The light-shielding wall 31A blocks the light emitted from the light source 34. As shown in FIG. 8 , the light source 34 is formed in a shape with one end elongated. In other words, the light source 34 has an elongated shape formed by a long side and a short side. The light source 34 includes a light-emitting portion 34A that emits light. The light-emitting portion 34A is disposed inside the elongated shape of the light source 34. The short dimension direction 34D of the light source 34 is aligned with the front-rear direction Z when the light-shielding wall 31A and the projection lens 24 are arranged side by side.

[0064] That is, since the short dimension direction 34D of the light source 34 is aligned with the front-rear direction Z, the light emitting unit 34A can be brought closer to the reflector member 23 and the light-shielding wall 31A than when the short dimension direction 34D of the light source 34 is aligned with the width direction X (see FIG. 9 ). Therefore, the light emitting unit 34A can be brought closer to the optimum distance from both the reflector member 23 and the light-shielding wall 31A.

[0065] 7 and 8 , the light-emitting unit 34A is disposed at a position offset in the longitudinal direction 34C of the light source 34. That is, the side of the light source 34 opposite to the offset light-emitting unit 34A is not disposed between the light-emitting unit 34A and the light-shielding wall 31A or between the light-emitting unit 34A and the reflector member 23 in the front-rear direction Z. This allows the light-emitting unit 34A to be closer to the reflector member 23 and the light-shielding wall 31A by the side of the light source 34 opposite to the offset light source 34. This allows the light-emitting unit 34A to be positioned at an optimal distance from both the reflector member 23 and the light-shielding wall 31A.

[0066] In the vehicle lamp 10, the protruding end 31A1 of the light-shielding wall 31A is set at a position between a first setting line L1 and a second setting line L2. The first setting line L1 is a line connecting the front end and the outer circumferential end. The second setting line L2 is a line connecting the rear end and the outer circumferential end. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 7, the protruding end 31A1 protrudes between the light source 34 and the projection lens 24.

[0067] That is, by setting the protruding end 31A1 of the light-shielding wall 31A at a position between the first set line L1 and the second set line L2, it is possible to suppress the emission of harmful light toward the front of the vehicle. Moreover, even with this setting, it is possible to bring the light-emitting portion 34A close to the optimum distance from both the reflector member 23 (the first reflector 35 and the second reflector 36) and the light-shielding wall 31A.

[0068] 4 and 7, in the vehicle lamp 10, the light source 34 is mounted on a substrate 33. A substrate hole 33A is provided in the substrate 33. Furthermore, an electrode 330 for supplying power to the light source 34 is formed around the substrate hole 33A on the substrate 33. The light-shielding wall 31A protrudes through the substrate hole 33A toward the side where the light source 34 is mounted.

[0069] As described above, the electrodes 330 are formed around the substrate hole 33A. Therefore, if the light source 34 is mounted on the substrate 33 without being spaced a predetermined distance from the substrate hole 33A, there is a risk of short-circuiting between the electrodes 330 formed on the front and back of the substrate hole 33A.

[0070] In contrast, in the vehicle lamp 10 of the present disclosure, the light emitting unit 34A is brought closer to the optimum distance from the light blocking wall 31A. That is, the light source 34 is mounted on the substrate 33 with at least a predetermined distance between the light source 34 and the light blocking wall 31A. This makes it possible to prevent a short circuit while bringing the light emitting unit 34A closer to the optimum distance from the light blocking wall 31A. Here, the "optimum distance from the light emitting unit 34A to the light blocking wall 31A" is a distance that prevents a short circuit.

[0071] The vehicle lamp 10 has a plurality of light sources 34 (12 light sources) and a plurality of reflector members 23 (here, reflective surfaces 37, 38). Each reflective surface 37, 38 reflects light emitted from each light source 34. The projection lens 24 projects the light reflected by each reflective surface 37, 38 to form a driving light distribution pattern HB. At least one or more light sources 34 (seven light sources a1, a2, a3, a4, a7, a8, a9) that form a central portion HB1 of the driving light distribution pattern HB are arranged closer to the light-shielding wall 31A than the remaining light sources (five light sources a5, a6, a10, a11, a12) that form a peripheral portion HB2 of the driving light distribution pattern HB.

[0072] Generally, a driving light distribution pattern is formed by irradiating a central portion and a peripheral portion, with the central portion and the peripheral portion overlapping each other. Furthermore, in a driving light distribution pattern, the central portion contributes more to long-distance visibility than the peripheral portion. Therefore, it is necessary to reduce the amount of light blocked by the light-shielding wall in the central portion. In other words, it is necessary to reduce the amount of light vignetting by the light-shielding wall in the central portion.

[0073] In contrast, in the vehicle lamp 10 of the present disclosure, at least one or more light sources 34 (seven light sources a1, a2, a3, a4, a7, a8, a9) forming the central portion HB1 of the driving light distribution pattern HB are positioned closer to the light-shielding wall 31A than the remaining light sources (five light sources a5, a6, a10, a11, a12) forming the peripheral portion HB2 of the driving light distribution pattern HB.

[0074] That is, the closer the light source 34 forming the central portion HB1 is to the light-shielding wall 31A, the less light is blocked by the light-shielding wall 31A in the central portion HB1. This improves the luminous efficiency in the central portion HB1. This makes the central portion HB1 brighter than the peripheral portion HB2.

[0075] Furthermore, the closer the light source 34 forming the central portion HB1 is to the light-shielding wall 31A, the more the amount of light blocked by the light-shielding wall 31A is reduced in the lower portion of the central portion HB1 (see FIG. 9(b)). This is also clear from the relationship "D>E" between the light distribution patterns of the comparative example and Example 1 shown in FIG. 9. Therefore, it is possible to improve the distant visibility in the central portion HB1. As a result, the central portion HB1 can improve the occupant's field of view in the driving light distribution pattern HB, thereby ensuring a better field of view for the occupant.

[0076] 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.

[0077] In the first embodiment described above, the first irradiation unit 11 and the second irradiation unit 12 are provided adjacent to each other in the width direction X, but the positional relationship may be set appropriately and is not limited to the configuration of the first embodiment.

[0078] In the above-described first embodiment, six light sources 34 and six reflectors (35, 36) (each of which has its reflective surface (37, 38)) are provided in each of the irradiation units (11, 12). However, the number of light sources and the number of reflectors (each of which has its reflective surface) may be appropriately set depending on the number of light distribution areas to be formed, and are not limited to the configuration of the above-described first embodiment. Furthermore, although two irradiation units (11, 12) are shown, only one irradiation unit or three or more irradiation units may be provided.

[0079] In the first embodiment described above, the longitudinal direction 34C of each of the seven light sources a1, a2, a3, a4, a7, a8, and a9 is perpendicular to the projection optical axis Lp. However, at least one of the light sources 34 does not have to be perpendicular to the projection optical axis Lp. In short, it is sufficient that the seven light sources a1, a2, a3, a4, a7, a8, and a9 are aligned along the direction of arrangement when the light-shielding walls (31a, 31b) and the projection lens 24 are arranged side by side. Furthermore, instead of being aligned along the direction of arrangement, the seven light sources a1, a2, a3, a4, a7, a8, and a9 may be aligned along the optical axis direction of a lamp chamber in which the vehicle lamp 10 is installed.

[0080] In the first embodiment described above, the longitudinal direction 34C of each of the five light sources a5, a6, a10, a11, and a12 is not perpendicular to the projection optical axis Lp. However, at least one of the light sources 34 may be perpendicular to the projection optical axis Lp.

[0081] In the first embodiment described above, the rear distance b1 is set to be shorter than the front distance b2. However, in forming the driving light distribution pattern HB, by bringing the light source 34 closer to each of the six reflectors (35, 36), the shapes of the six reflectors (35, 36) (their respective reflective surfaces (37, 38)) can be clearly projected.

[0082] In the first embodiment described above, the substrate end is defined as the substrate hole 33A, not the end of the substrate 33. However, the end of the substrate 33 (the actual end of the substrate 33) may also be defined as the substrate end. This is because electrodes may be formed near the substrate end. Therefore, if the light source 34 is mounted on the substrate 33 without being spaced a predetermined distance from the substrate end, there is a risk of short-circuiting between the electrodes formed on the front and back of the substrate end. Therefore, short-circuiting can be prevented even at the substrate end. Furthermore, one of the first substrate hole 33a and the second substrate hole 33b may not be a hole, but may be defined as the substrate end, i.e., the end of the substrate 33. If the end of the substrate 33 is defined as the substrate end, the light-shielding wall 31A may be adjacent to the substrate end and protrude toward the side where the light source is mounted.

[0083] In the first embodiment described above, the vehicular lamp 10 of the present disclosure forms a driving light distribution pattern HB. However, the vehicular lamp 10 of the present disclosure can also be applied to forming a low-vehicle light distribution pattern. In a low-vehicle light distribution pattern, the cutoff line is formed by the shape of the rear end of the six reflectors (35, 36) (their respective reflective surfaces (37, 38)). In forming the low-vehicle light distribution pattern, the cutoff line shape can be clearly projected by bringing the light source 34 close to each of the six reflectors (35, 36).

[0084] In the above-described Example 1, it is assumed that it functions as an ADB, but it is not necessary that it does not function as an ADB, i.e., that it does not partially turn off each light distribution area (A1, A2), and is not limited to the configuration of the above-described Example 1.

[0085] [Cross-Reference to Related Applications] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-012954, filed with the Japan Patent Office on January 31, 2024, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Claims

1. A vehicle lamp comprising a light source, a reflector that reflects light emitted from the light source, and a projection lens that projects the light reflected by the reflector to form a light distribution pattern, wherein the vehicle lamp has a light-shielding wall that is positioned midway between the light source and the projection lens and blocks the light emitted from the light source, the light source has an elongated shape formed by long and short sides and has a light-emitting portion inside the elongated shape, and the short side direction of the light source is aligned with the arrangement direction of the light-shielding wall and the projection lens when they are arranged side by side.

2. A vehicle lamp according to claim 1, wherein the protruding end of the light-shielding wall that protrudes between the light source and the projection lens is set at a position between a first line connecting the front end of the light-emitting part on the projection lens side and the outer circumferential end of the light-shielding wall on the projection lens's incident surface, and a second line connecting the rear end of the light-emitting part far from the projection lens and the outer circumferential end.

3. A vehicle lamp according to claim 1, wherein the light source is mounted on a substrate, an electrode for supplying power to the light source is formed on an end of the substrate, and the light-shielding wall is adjacent to the end of the substrate and protrudes towards the side where the light source is mounted.

4. A vehicle lamp according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising a plurality of light sources and a plurality of reflectors, each of the reflectors reflecting light emitted from the light source, the projection lens projecting the light reflected by each of the reflectors to form the light distribution pattern, and at least one of the light sources forming the central part of the light distribution pattern being positioned closer to the light-shielding wall than the remaining light sources forming the peripheral part of the light distribution pattern.

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