JP7644083B2 - Lighting unit and vehicle lighting fixture - Google Patents

Description

The present disclosure relates to a lighting unit and a vehicle lighting fixture equipped with the lighting unit.

Patent Document 1 discloses a bracket connected to an aiming mechanism for adjusting the optical axis of a lamp unit provided in a vehicle lamp. The bracket disclosed in Patent Document 1 is formed in a frame shape when viewed from the front, and is connected to a left-right aiming mechanism and a up-down aiming mechanism. The left-right aiming mechanism is configured to adjust the optical axis of the lamp unit in the left-right direction. The up-down aiming mechanism is configured to adjust the optical axis of the lamp unit in the up-down direction.

Patent document 2 discloses a lamp unit including a light-emitting element and an optical system (e.g., a reflector or lens unit) configured to form a desired light distribution pattern by emitting light emitted from the light-emitting element toward the outside of the vehicle.

Patent document 3 discloses a lamp unit equipped with a heat sink having a positioning mechanism. In the lamp unit disclosed in Patent document 1, positioning between the light-emitting element and the heat sink is performed through a positioning mechanism provided in the heat sink, and positioning between an optical system such as a lens unit and the heat sink is also performed. In this way, positioning between the light-emitting element and the optical system is performed via the heat sink.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2011-006067 Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-163814 Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2012-64494

In the bracket disclosed in Patent Document 1, the left-right (width) dimension is fixed in advance. For this reason, a new bracket must be manufactured for each of the multiple lighting units with different left-right dimensions, which increases the manufacturing cost of the lighting units with brackets. From this perspective, there is room for consideration of a method for reducing the manufacturing cost of lighting units with brackets.

The light distribution pattern (e.g., a low beam light distribution pattern) formed by the lamp unit disclosed in Patent Document 2 cannot obtain a desired light distribution pattern if the processing precision of the optical system, such as the lens unit or reflector, is low, or if the positioning precision between the optical system and the light-emitting element is low. Furthermore, at the stage where the assembly work of the lamp unit has already been completed, although the angular position of the light distribution pattern in the horizontal or vertical direction can be adjusted by the optical axis adjustment mechanism, it is not possible to obtain a desired light distribution pattern by making a specified adjustment to the lamp unit.

In the lamp unit disclosed in Patent Document 3, a separate positioning mechanism must be provided on the heat sink to position the light-emitting element and the optical system, which increases the manufacturing costs of the heat sink. This results in high manufacturing costs for the lamp unit and the vehicle lamp. Furthermore, since the positioning between the light-emitting element and the optical system is indirect via the heat sink, there is room for consideration in terms of positioning accuracy.

The first object of this disclosure is to reduce the manufacturing costs of a lighting unit equipped with a bracket.

The second object of the present disclosure is to provide a lighting unit and a vehicle lighting fixture that are capable of obtaining a desired light distribution pattern even when the positioning accuracy between the light-emitting element and the optical system or the processing accuracy of the optical system is low.

The third object of the present disclosure is to reduce the manufacturing costs of lighting units and vehicle lighting devices, while improving the positioning accuracy between the light-emitting element and the optical system (e.g., the lens unit).

A lamp unit according to an aspect of the present disclosure is provided in a vehicle lamp,
a first optical axis adjustment mechanism configured to adjust an optical axis of the lamp unit in one of a horizontal direction and a vertical direction of the vehicle lamp;
a second optical axis adjustment mechanism configured to adjust an optical axis of the lamp unit in the other of a horizontal direction and a vertical direction of the vehicle lamp;
an optical axis adjustment mechanism having
A first bracket portion connected to the first optical axis adjustment mechanism;
a second bracket portion connected to the second optical axis adjustment mechanism and facing the first bracket portion in a completely separated state;
A bracket having
Equipped with.

According to the above configuration, since the first bracket portion and the second bracket portion are completely separated from each other, it is not necessary to manufacture a different new bracket for each of a plurality of lamp units having different dimensions in the left-right direction. For example, by adjusting the distance between the first bracket portion and the second bracket portion in the left-right direction, it is possible to apply the bracket to each of a plurality of lamp units having different dimensions in the left-right direction.
In addition, in the case of a lighting unit that is not compatible with either the first bracket portion or the second bracket portion, it is possible to reduce the cost of the mold for manufacturing the bracket by utilizing the other of the first bracket portion or the second bracket portion.
In this way, it is possible to reduce the manufacturing costs of the lamp unit having the bracket.

A lamp unit according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes:
A plurality of light emitting elements;
a circuit board on which the plurality of light-emitting elements are arranged;
An inner lens including a plurality of lens units each facing a corresponding one of the plurality of light-emitting elements and configured to form a light distribution pattern by emitting light emitted from the corresponding one of the light-emitting elements toward the outside of the vehicle;
a heat sink on which the circuit board is mounted;
and a position adjustment mechanism disposed between the inner lens and the heat sink and configured to adjust the relative positional relationship of the inner lens with respect to the heat sink.

According to the above configuration, by adjusting the relative positional relationship of the inner lens to the heat sink using the position adjustment mechanism, the relative positional relationship between the lens unit and the light-emitting element can be adjusted, making it possible to obtain a desired light distribution pattern. In particular, even if the positioning accuracy between the light-emitting element and the lens unit or the processing accuracy of the lens unit is low, a desired light distribution pattern can be obtained by adjusting the position between the lens unit and the light-emitting element using the position adjustment mechanism.

A lamp unit according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes:
A circuit board having a positioning hole;
A first light emitting element disposed on the circuit board;
The vehicle is equipped with an inner lens having a first lens unit that faces the first light-emitting element and is configured to form a predetermined light distribution pattern by emitting light emitted from the first light-emitting element to the outside of the vehicle.
The first lens unit is
a light incident recess facing an emission surface of the first light emitting element and through which light emitted from the first light emitting element passes;
The light receiving portion has a positioning pin that is disposed near the outer periphery of the light receiving recess and is inserted into the positioning hole.

According to the above configuration, the positioning pin of the first lens unit is inserted into the positioning hole of the circuit board, thereby improving the positioning accuracy between the first lens unit and the first light-emitting element.
Furthermore, the positioning between the first lens unit and the first light-emitting element is not performed via a separate member such as a heat sink, but is performed directly between the first lens unit and the first light-emitting element. Therefore, since there is no need to provide a separate positioning mechanism on the heat sink, the manufacturing cost of the heat sink can be reduced. As a result, the manufacturing cost of the lamp unit can be reduced.
In this way, the manufacturing cost of the lamp unit can be reduced, and the positioning accuracy between the first lens unit and the first light-emitting element can be improved.

According to the present disclosure, it is possible to reduce the manufacturing cost of a lamp unit equipped with a bracket. It is also possible to provide a lamp unit and a vehicle lamp that are capable of obtaining a desired light distribution pattern even when the positioning accuracy between the light-emitting element and the optical system or the processing accuracy of the optical system is low. Furthermore, it is possible to reduce the manufacturing cost of the lamp unit and the vehicle lamp and to improve the positioning accuracy between the light-emitting element and the optical system (e.g., a lens unit).

FIG. 2A is a schematic diagram showing a front view of the lamp unit, and FIG. 2B is a schematic diagram showing a vertical cross section of the left-side vehicle lamp taken along line AA shown in FIG. FIG. FIG. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a heat sink, a circuit board, a light-emitting element, and an inner lens. FIG. 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a lens unit of the first low beam lighting unit. FIG. 1A is a front view showing a schematic diagram of a first low beam lighting unit, a front view showing a schematic diagram of a high beam lighting unit, and a front view showing a schematic diagram of a second low beam lighting unit. 1A is a diagram showing a light distribution pattern formed on a virtual screen when a low beam is emitted, and FIG. 1B is a diagram showing a light distribution pattern formed on a virtual screen when a high beam is emitted. FIG. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a vertical cross section of a left-side vehicle lamp. FIG. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing the lamp unit taken along line AA shown in FIG. 12. 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a lens unit of a low beam lighting unit arranged at the left end of the lamp unit. FIG. 1A is a front view showing a schematic of a low beam lighting unit arranged at the right end of the lamp unit, FIG. 1B is a front view showing a schematic of a high beam lighting unit, and FIG. 1C is a front view showing a schematic of a low beam lighting unit arranged at the left end of the lamp unit. FIG. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a vertical cross section of a left-side vehicle lamp. FIG. FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view showing the lamp unit taken along line AA shown in FIG. 20. 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a lens unit of the first low beam lighting unit. FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view showing the lamp unit taken along line BB shown in FIG. 20. 21 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing the lamp unit taken along line CC shown in FIG. 20. 1A is a front view showing a schematic of a low beam lighting unit arranged at the right end, FIG. 1B is a front view showing a schematic of a high beam lighting unit, and FIG. 1C is a front view showing a schematic of a low beam lighting unit arranged at the left end.

First Embodiment
Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present disclosure (hereinafter, referred to as the present embodiment) will be described with reference to the drawings. For the sake of convenience, the dimensions of each component shown in the drawings may differ from the actual dimensions of each component.

In the description of this embodiment, for convenience of explanation, the "left-right direction", "up-down direction", and "front-rear direction" may be referred to as appropriate. These directions are relative directions set for the lighting unit 3 shown in FIG. 3. Here, the "left-right direction" is a direction that includes the "left direction" and the "right direction". The "up-down direction" is a direction that includes the "upward direction" and the "downward direction". The "front-rear direction" is a direction that includes the "forward direction" and the "rearward direction". One of the left-right direction, the up-down direction, and the front-rear direction is assumed to be perpendicular to the remaining two directions.

In this embodiment, the "horizontal direction" is a direction perpendicular to the up-down direction (vertical direction) and includes the left-right direction and the front-rear direction. In the description of this embodiment, the directions (left-right direction, up-down direction, front-rear direction) set for the lighting unit 3 are assumed to match the directions (left-right direction, up-down direction, front-rear direction) set for the vehicle 1 and the left vehicle lighting fixture 2L.

First, a vehicle 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 1. Figure 1 is a front view of a vehicle 1 equipped with a left vehicle lamp 2L and a right vehicle lamp 2R. As shown in Figure 1, the left vehicle lamp 2L is disposed on the left front side of the vehicle 1, and the right vehicle lamp 2R is disposed on the right front side of the vehicle 1. The left vehicle lamp 2L and the right vehicle lamp 2R each have the same lamp unit 3 mounted thereon.

Next, the left-side vehicle lamp 2L will be described with reference to FIG. 2. The configuration of the left-side vehicle lamp 2L is generally the same as that of the right-side vehicle lamp 2R, so a description of the right-side vehicle lamp 2R will be omitted. FIG. 2(a) is a schematic diagram showing the front of the lamp unit 3. FIG. 2(b) is a schematic diagram showing a vertical cross section of the left-side vehicle lamp 2L taken along line A-A shown in FIG. 2(a). As shown in FIG. 2(b), the left-side vehicle lamp 2L comprises a lamp housing 12, a lamp cover 14 that covers the opening of the lamp housing 12, and a lamp unit 3. The lamp unit 3 is disposed within a lamp chamber S formed by the lamp housing 12 and the lamp cover 14.

Next, the structure of the lamp unit 3 will be described in detail with reference to Figures 2 to 5. Figure 3 is a perspective view of the lamp unit 3. Figure 4 is a front view of the lamp unit 3. Figure 5 is a rear view of the lamp unit 3. As shown in Figures 2 to 5, the lamp unit 3 comprises a heat sink 6, a bracket 9, an optical axis adjustment mechanism (specifically, aiming screws 92, 93 and a fulcrum screw 95), a circuit board 8, light-emitting elements 5a to 5d, and an inner lens 4. Hereinafter, for ease of explanation, the light-emitting elements 5a to 5d may be collectively referred to as the light-emitting element 5.

The heat sink 6 (an example of a support member) is configured to release heat emitted from the light-emitting element 5 into the air in the lamp chamber S. The heat sink 6 is formed, for example, by extruding an aluminum plate. The bracket 9 is formed, for example, from a resin material such as polycarbonate or nylon, and has a first bracket portion 9a and a second bracket portion 9b.

The first bracket portion 9a is fixed to the heat sink 6 at one end side of the heat sink 6. In particular, as shown in FIG. 5, the first bracket portion 9a is fixed to the left end portion 62 of the heat sink 6 by a pair of screws 112. The first bracket portion 9a is connected to an aiming screw 92 that functions as a first optical axis adjustment mechanism and a fulcrum screw 95 that functions as a fulcrum mechanism. Specifically, the aiming screw 92 and the fulcrum screw 95 are inserted into screw insertion holes 130a, 132a, respectively, formed in the first bracket portion 9a (see FIG. 3). The first bracket portion 9a is supported by the lamp housing 12 via the aiming screw 92 and the fulcrum screw 95.

The aiming screw 92 is configured to adjust the position of the optical axis Ax (see FIG. 2B) of the lamp unit 3 in the vertical direction of the left-side vehicle lamp 2L (or the lamp unit 3). In this regard, as shown in FIG. 4, the aiming screw 92 is configured to rotate the lamp unit 3 about the first rotation axis A1 passing through the fulcrum screw 95 and the aiming screw 93. The first rotation axis A1 extends parallel to the left-right direction of the lamp unit 3. The aiming screw 92 moves in the front-rear direction, causing the lamp unit 3 to tilt about the first rotation axis A1, making it possible to adjust the position of the optical axis Ax in the vertical direction. In this way, since the first bracket portion 9a is fixed to the left end portion 62 of the heat sink 6, the aiming screw 92 can adjust the position of the optical axis Ax of the lamp unit 3 in the vertical direction via the first bracket portion 9a.

The second bracket portion 9b is completely separate from the first bracket portion 9a and is disposed so as to face each other via the heat sink 6. In this embodiment, the first bracket portion 9a and the second bracket portion 9b are each completely independent parts.

The second bracket portion 9b is disposed so as to be substantially parallel to the first bracket portion 9a. In this respect, the second bracket portion 9b may be disposed so as to be completely parallel to the first bracket portion 9a, or may be disposed so as to be inclined by a predetermined angle θ (for example, 0°<θ<30°) with respect to the first bracket portion 9a. The second bracket portion 9b is fixed to the heat sink 6 at the other end side of the heat sink 6. In particular, as shown in FIG. 5, the second bracket portion 9b is fixed to the right end portion 63 of the heat sink 6 by a pair of screws 110. The second bracket portion 9b is connected to an aiming screw 93 that functions as a second optical axis adjustment mechanism. Specifically, the aiming screw 93 is inserted into a screw insertion hole 132b formed in the second bracket portion 9b (see FIG. 3). The second bracket portion 9b is supported by the lamp housing 12 via the aiming screw 93.

The aiming screw 93 is configured to adjust the position of the optical axis Ax of the lamp unit 3 in the horizontal direction of the left-side vehicle lamp 2L (lamp unit 3). In this regard, as shown in FIG. 4, the aiming screw 93 is configured to rotate the lamp unit 3 around the second rotation axis A2 passing through the fulcrum screw 95 and the aiming screw 92. The second rotation axis A2 extends parallel to the vertical direction and is perpendicular to the first rotation axis A1. The aiming screw 93 moves in the front-rear direction, causing the lamp unit 3 to tilt around the second rotation axis A2, making it possible to adjust the position of the optical axis Ax in the horizontal direction. In this way, since the second bracket portion 9b is fixed to the right end portion 63 of the heat sink 6, the aiming screw 93 can adjust the position of the optical axis Ax of the lamp unit 3 in the horizontal direction via the second bracket portion 9b.

Next, the positioning between the first bracket part 9a and the heat sink 6 and the positioning between the second bracket part 9b and the heat sink 6 will be described below with reference to FIG. 5. As shown in FIG. 5, a first positioning pin 116 is provided on the first bracket part 9a. The first positioning pin 116 is inserted into a first positioning hole 69 formed in the left end part 62 of the heat sink 6. Furthermore, a first positioning recess 95a that accommodates the left end part 62 of the heat sink 6 is formed on the first bracket part 9a. With the left end part 62 of the heat sink 6 accommodated in the first positioning recess 95a, the upper peripheral wall 97a of the first positioning recess 95a is in contact with the upper end surface 164 of the heat sink 6. Furthermore, the side peripheral wall 98a of the first positioning recess 95a is in contact with the left end surface 162 of the heat sink 6, and the lower peripheral wall 99a of the first positioning recess 95a is in contact with the lower end surface 165 of the heat sink 6.

In this way, the first positioning pin 116 and the first positioning recess 95a function as a first positioning mechanism configured to determine the positional relationship between the first bracket portion 9a and the heat sink 6. After the positional relationship between the heat sink 6 and the first bracket portion 9a is determined by the first positioning pin 116 and the first positioning recess 95a, the first bracket portion 9a and the heat sink 6 are fixed to each other by a pair of screws 112.

A second positioning pin 118 is provided on the second bracket part 9b. The second positioning pin 118 is inserted into a second positioning hole 68 formed in the right end part 63 of the heat sink 6. A second positioning recess 95b that accommodates the right end part 63 of the heat sink 6 is formed on the second bracket part 9b. When the right end part 63 of the heat sink 6 is accommodated in the second positioning recess 95b, the upper peripheral wall 97b of the second positioning recess 95b contacts the upper end surface 164 of the heat sink 6. Furthermore, the side peripheral wall 98b of the second positioning recess 95b contacts the right end surface 163 of the heat sink 6, and the lower peripheral wall 99b of the second positioning recess 95b contacts the lower end surface 165 of the heat sink 6.

In this way, the second positioning pin 118 and the second positioning recess 95b function as a second positioning mechanism configured to determine the positional relationship between the second bracket portion 9b and the heat sink 6. After the positional relationship between the heat sink 6 and the second bracket portion 9b is determined by the second positioning pin 118 and the second positioning recess 95b, the second bracket portion 9b and the heat sink 6 are fixed to each other by a pair of screws 110.

According to this embodiment, the first bracket portion 9a and the heat sink 6 are positioned by the first positioning pin 116 and the first positioning recess 95a. Furthermore, the second bracket portion 9b and the heat sink 6 are positioned by the second positioning pin 118 and the second positioning recess 95b. In this manner, the first bracket portion 9a and the second bracket portion 9b can be arranged substantially parallel to each other. Furthermore, the bracket 9 and the heat sink 6 can be positioned so that the first rotation axis A1 is parallel to the left-right direction and the second rotation axis A2 is parallel to the up-down direction.

3, the circuit board 8 is disposed on the front surface 60 of the heat sink 6. The circuit board 8 is electrically connected to a power supply circuit (not shown). The light-emitting elements 5a to 5d are disposed on the circuit board 8 and electrically connected to a light source driving circuit (not shown) via the circuit board 8. The light-emitting element 5 is, for example, a semiconductor light-emitting element such as an LED. The light-emitting element 5 is configured to emit white light toward the outside, and may include, for example, a blue LED and a yellow phosphor. The light-emitting elements 5a to 5d are arranged on the same straight line in the left-right direction. The light-emitting element 5b constituting the high beam lighting unit 7b and the light-emitting element 5c constituting the high beam lighting unit 7c are disposed between the light-emitting element 5a constituting the first low beam lighting unit 7a and the light-emitting element 5d constituting the second low beam lighting unit 7d in the left-right direction.

Each of the light-emitting elements 5a to 5c is arranged on the circuit board 8 so that its lower end is parallel to the left-right direction, while the light-emitting element 5d is arranged on the circuit board 8 so that its lower end is oblique to the left-right direction. Because the lower end of the light-emitting element 5d is oblique to the left-right direction, the second low beam lighting unit 7d can form a low beam light distribution pattern P2 (an example of a second low beam light distribution pattern) having an oblique cut-off line L2, as described below (see FIG. 9(a)).

The inner lens 4 is disposed on the front surface 60 of the heat sink 6 so as to cover each of the light-emitting elements 5a to 5d. The inner lens 4 is formed from a transparent resin material such as polycarbonate or acrylic resin. The inner lens 4 has lens units 40a to 40d arranged on the same straight line in the left-right direction. Each of the lens units 40a to 40d is formed integrally.

As shown in FIG. 6, the lens unit 40a faces the light-emitting element 5a in the front-rear direction. The lens unit 40a is configured to form a low-beam light distribution pattern P1 having a horizontal cutoff line L1 by emitting light emitted from the light-emitting element 5a toward the outside of the vehicle 1 (see FIG. 9(a)). Here, FIG. 9(a) is a diagram that shows a schematic diagram of a light distribution pattern formed on a virtual screen located 25 m in front of the vehicle 1 when a low beam is emitted. FIG. 9(b) is a diagram that shows a schematic diagram of a light distribution pattern formed on the virtual screen when a high beam is emitted. The low-beam light distribution pattern P1 is formed to extend along the H-H line.

The lens unit 40a has a central light transmitting portion 42a and a peripheral light transmitting portion 43a. The central light transmitting portion 42a faces the light emitting element 5a in the front-rear direction and is configured to transmit a portion of the light emitted from the light emitting element 5a toward the outside of the vehicle 1. The peripheral light transmitting portion 43a is provided to surround the central light transmitting portion 42a and is configured to totally reflect another portion of the light emitted from the light emitting element 5a toward the outside of the vehicle 1. The light distribution pattern formed by the central light transmitting portion 42a and the light distribution pattern formed by the peripheral light transmitting portion 43a are combined to form a low beam light distribution pattern P1.

Two recesses 54a and 56a are formed in the lens unit 40a. The recess 54a is connected to the recess 56a, and the diameter of the recess 56a is larger than the diameter of the recess 54a. The central light transmitting portion 42a has an exit surface 52a that constitutes the bottom surface of the recess 54a and an incident surface 47a. The peripheral light transmitting portion 43a has an exit surface 53a that constitutes the bottom surface of the recess 56a, an incident surface 49a, and a total reflection surface 46a. In this embodiment, the light emitting element 5a and the lens unit 40a form a first low beam lighting unit 7a configured to form a low beam light distribution pattern P1.

The lens unit 40b faces the light-emitting element 5b in the front-rear direction. The lens unit 40b is configured to form a high-beam light distribution pattern P3 by emitting the light emitted from the light-emitting element 5b toward the outside of the vehicle 1 (see FIG. 9(b)). The lens unit 40b has a central light-transmitting portion 42b and a peripheral light-transmitting portion 43b. The central light-transmitting portion 42b faces the light-emitting element 5b in the front-rear direction and is configured to emit a part of the light emitted from the light-emitting element 5b toward the outside of the vehicle 1. The peripheral light-transmitting portion 43b is provided so as to surround the central light-transmitting portion 42b and is configured to totally reflect another part of the light emitted from the light-emitting element 5b toward the outside of the vehicle 1. The light distribution pattern formed by the central light-transmitting portion 42b and the light distribution pattern formed by the peripheral light-transmitting portion 43b are combined to form the high-beam light distribution pattern P3.

Two recesses 54b and 56b are formed in the lens unit 40b. The recess 54b is connected to the recess 56b, and the diameter of the recess 56b is larger than the diameter of the recess 54b. The central light transmitting portion 42b has an exit surface 52b that constitutes the bottom surface of the recess 54b and an incident surface 47b. The peripheral light transmitting portion 43b has an exit surface 53b that constitutes the bottom surface of the recess 56b, an incident surface 49b, and a total reflection surface 46b. In this embodiment, the light emitting element 5b and the lens unit 40b form a high beam lighting unit 7b configured to form a high beam light distribution pattern P3.

The lens unit 40c faces the light-emitting element 5c in the front-rear direction. The lens unit 40c has the same configuration as the lens unit 40b, and is configured to form a high beam light distribution pattern P4 by emitting the light emitted from the light-emitting element 5c toward the outside of the vehicle 1 (see FIG. 9(b)). In the description of this embodiment, the high beam light distribution pattern P4 formed by the lens unit 40c is assumed to completely overlap the high beam light distribution pattern P3 formed by the lens unit 40b. The lens unit 40c has a central light transmitting portion 42c and a peripheral light transmitting portion 43c. The central light transmitting portion 42c faces the light-emitting element 5c in the front-rear direction and is configured to emit a part of the light emitted from the light-emitting element 5c toward the outside of the vehicle 1. The peripheral light transmitting portion 43c is provided to surround the central light transmitting portion 42c, and is configured to totally reflect the other part of the light emitted from the light-emitting element 5c toward the outside of the vehicle 1. A high beam light distribution pattern P4 is formed by combining the light distribution pattern formed by the central light transmitting portion 42c and the light distribution pattern formed by the peripheral light transmitting portion 43c.

Two recesses 54c and 56c are formed in the lens unit 40c. The recess 54c is connected to the recess 56c, and the diameter of the recess 56c is larger than the diameter of the recess 54c. The central light transmitting portion 42c has an exit surface 52c that constitutes the bottom surface of the recess 54c and an incident surface 47c. The peripheral light transmitting portion 43c has an exit surface 53c that constitutes the bottom surface of the recess 56c, an incident surface 49c, and a total reflection surface 46c. In this embodiment, the light emitting element 5c and the lens unit 40c constitute a high beam lighting unit 7c that is configured to form a high beam light distribution pattern P4.

The lens unit 40d faces the light-emitting element 5d in the front-rear direction. The lens unit 40d is configured to form a low-beam light distribution pattern P2 having an oblique cutoff line L2 by emitting the light emitted from the light-emitting element 5d toward the outside of the vehicle 1 (see FIG. 9(a)). As shown in FIG. 9(a), the low-beam light distribution pattern P2 is formed to extend obliquely with respect to the H-H line. The low-beam light distribution pattern P1 formed by the lens unit 40a and the low-beam light distribution pattern P2 formed by the lens unit 40d form a light distribution pattern when the low beam is emitted. The lens unit 40d has a central light-transmitting portion 42d and a peripheral light-transmitting portion 43d. The central light-transmitting portion 42d faces the light-emitting element 5d in the front-rear direction and is configured to emit a part of the light emitted from the light-emitting element 5d toward the outside of the vehicle 1. The peripheral light transmitting portion 43d is provided so as to surround the central light transmitting portion 42d, and is configured to totally reflect another part of the light emitted from the light emitting element 5d toward the outside of the vehicle 1. The light distribution pattern formed by the central light transmitting portion 42d and the light distribution pattern formed by the peripheral light transmitting portion 43d are combined to form a low beam light distribution pattern P2.

Two recesses 54d and 56d are formed in the lens unit 40d. The recess 54d is connected to the recess 56d, and the diameter of the recess 56d is larger than the diameter of the recess 54d. The central light transmitting portion 42d has an exit surface 52d that constitutes the bottom surface of the recess 54d and an incident surface 47d. The peripheral light transmitting portion 43d has an exit surface 53d that constitutes the bottom surface of the recess 56d, an incident surface 49d, and a total reflection surface 46d. In this embodiment, the light emitting element 5d and the lens unit 40d form a second low beam lighting unit 7d configured to form a low beam light distribution pattern P2.

Thus, in this embodiment, the lamp unit 3 includes a first low beam lighting unit 7a (hereinafter simply referred to as "lighting unit 7a"), high beam lighting units 7b and 7c (hereinafter simply referred to as "lighting units 7b and 7c"), and a second low beam lighting unit 7d (hereinafter simply referred to as "lighting unit 7d"). As shown in Figure 6, these lighting units 7a to 7d are arranged side by side in the left-right direction. Lighting units 7b and 7c are arranged between lighting units 7a and 7d in the left-right direction.

The emission surfaces 52a to 52d of the central light transmitting portions 42a to 42d are located on the same plane, and the emission surfaces 53a to 53d of the peripheral light transmitting portions 43a to 43d are located on the same plane. Furthermore, the distance D1 between the light emitting elements 5a and 5b in the left-right direction satisfies 0 mm < D1 < 75 mm, and the distance D2 between the light emitting elements 5c and 5d in the left-right direction satisfies 0 mm < D2 < 75 mm. Therefore, when the lamp unit 3 is emitting a low beam, the lighting of the lighting unit 7a makes it difficult to visually recognize from outside the vehicle 1 that the lighting unit 7b is turned off, and the lighting of the lighting unit 7d makes it difficult to visually recognize from outside the vehicle 1 that the lighting unit 7c is turned off.

Next, the lens unit 40a will be specifically described with reference to FIG. 7. FIG. 7 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the lens unit 40a. As shown in FIG. 7, a part of the light emitted from the light-emitting element 5a is incident on the entrance surface 47a of the central light-transmitting portion 42a and then reaches the exit surface 52a. The light that has reached the exit surface 52a is then diffused by the diffusion lens element 48a formed on the exit surface 52a and emitted to the outside. Meanwhile, another part of the light emitted from the light-emitting element 5a is totally reflected by the total reflection surface 46a after being incident on the entrance surface 49a of the peripheral light-transmitting portion 43a. The light totally reflected by the total reflection surface 46a then reaches the exit surface 53a and is then diffused by the diffusion lens element 48a formed on the exit surface 53a and emitted to the outside. In this way, the low beam light distribution pattern P1 is formed by the lens unit 40a.

Lens units 40b to 40d have the same configuration as lens unit 40a. In this respect, as shown in FIG. 4, the exit surfaces of lens units 40b to 40d also have diffusion lens elements 48b to 48d. As shown in the figure, each of the diffusion lens elements 48a to 48c formed on lens units 40a to 40c is formed to extend approximately parallel to the vertical direction. On the other hand, the diffusion lens element 48d formed on lens unit 40d is formed to extend obliquely at angle α to the vertical direction because the lower end of light-emitting element 5d is inclined at angle α (α>0°, for example, α=15°) to the left-right direction.

Next, referring to FIG. 8, the configuration of the peripheral light transmitting portion 43a of the lens unit 40a, the peripheral light transmitting portion 43b of the lens unit 40b, and the peripheral light transmitting portion 43d of the lens unit 40d will be described below. FIG. 8(a) is a front view showing the illumination unit 7a in a schematic manner. FIG. 8(b) is a front view showing the illumination unit 7b in a schematic manner. FIG. 8(c) is a front view showing the illumination unit 7d in a schematic manner. As shown in FIG. 8(a), the peripheral light transmitting portion 43a of the lens unit 40a is provided so as to surround the central light transmitting portion 42a in its circumferential direction. The peripheral light transmitting portion 43a is divided into eight reflection regions R1 to R8 along its circumferential direction. Each of the reflection regions R1 to R8 has an angular region of 45° from the center of the lens unit 40a. Each of the reflection regions R1 to R8 has a total reflection surface 46a with a different outer shape from each other.

As shown in FIG. 8(b), the peripheral light transmitting portion 43b of the lens unit 40b is arranged to surround the central light transmitting portion 42b in the circumferential direction. The peripheral light transmitting portion 43b is not divided into a plurality of reflective regions in the circumferential direction. Since the lens unit 40c has a similar configuration to the lens unit 40b, the peripheral light transmitting portion 43c of the lens unit 40c is also not divided into a plurality of reflective regions in the circumferential direction.

As shown in Figure 8 (c), the peripheral light transmitting portion 43d of the lens unit 40d is arranged to surround the central light transmitting portion 42d in the circumferential direction. The peripheral light transmitting portion 43d is divided into eight reflective regions R10 to R17 along the circumferential direction. Each of the reflective regions R10 to R17 has an angular region of 45° from the center of the lens unit 40d. Each of the reflective regions R10 to R17 has a total reflective surface 46d that is different in shape from the other ones.

Next, the effects of the lighting unit 3 of this embodiment will be described below.

According to this embodiment, since the first bracket portion 9a and the second bracket portion 9b are completely separated from each other, it is not necessary to manufacture a different new bracket for each of a plurality of lamp units having different dimensions in the left-right direction. In this respect, by adjusting the distance between the first bracket portion 9a and the second bracket portion 9b in the left-right direction, it is possible to apply the bracket 9 to each of a plurality of lamp units 3 having different dimensions in the left-right direction. In addition, for a lamp unit 3 that does not fit either the first bracket portion 9a or the second bracket portion 9b, the other of the first bracket portion 9a and the second bracket portion 9b can be used, so that it is possible to reduce the cost of the mold for manufacturing the bracket 9. In this way, it is possible to reduce the manufacturing cost of the lamp unit 3 equipped with the bracket 9.

In addition, the aiming screw 92 can adjust the position of the optical axis Ax of the lamp unit 3 in the vertical direction via the first bracket portion 9a fixed to the heat sink 6. The aiming screw 93 can adjust the position of the optical axis Ax of the lamp unit 3 in the horizontal direction via the second bracket portion 9b fixed to the heat sink 6. In addition, heat radiated from the light-emitting element 5 of the lamp unit 3 can be efficiently radiated to the outside of the left-side vehicle lamp 2L via the heat sink 6, the bracket 9, and the optical axis adjustment mechanism.

For example, in this embodiment, the lamp unit 3 has two high beam lighting units, but the number of high beam lighting units is not particularly limited. For example, the number of high beam lighting units provided in the lamp unit 3 may be one.

Second Embodiment
Hereinafter, a second embodiment of the present disclosure (hereinafter, referred to as the present embodiment) will be described with reference to the drawings. For the sake of convenience, the dimensions of each component shown in the drawings may differ from the actual dimensions of each component.

In the description of this embodiment, for convenience of explanation, the "left-right direction", "up-down direction", and "front-rear direction" may be referred to as appropriate. These directions are relative directions set for the lighting unit 203 shown in FIG. 10 or FIG. 11. Here, the "left-right direction" is a direction that includes the "left direction" and the "right direction". The "up-down direction" is a direction that includes the "upward direction" and the "downward direction". The "front-rear direction" is a direction that includes the "forward direction" and the "rearward direction". One of the left-right direction, the up-down direction, and the front-rear direction is assumed to be perpendicular to the remaining two directions.

In this embodiment, the "horizontal direction" is a direction perpendicular to the up-down direction (vertical direction) and includes the left-right direction and the front-rear direction. In the description of this embodiment, the directions (left-right direction, up-down direction, front-rear direction) set for the lighting unit 203 are assumed to match the directions (left-right direction, up-down direction, front-rear direction) set for the vehicle 1A and the left vehicle lighting fixture 202L.

First, the vehicle 1A according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 10. Figure 10 is a front view of the vehicle 1A equipped with a left vehicle lamp 202L and a right vehicle lamp 202R. As shown in Figure 10, the left vehicle lamp 202L is disposed on the left front side of the vehicle 1A, and the right vehicle lamp 202R is disposed on the right front side of the vehicle 1A. The left vehicle lamp 202L and the right vehicle lamp 202R each have the same lamp unit 203 mounted thereon.

Next, the left-side vehicle lamp 202L will be described with reference to FIG. 11. The configuration of the left-side vehicle lamp 202L is generally the same as that of the right-side vehicle lamp 202R, so a description of the right-side vehicle lamp 202R will be omitted. FIG. 11 shows a vertical cross-sectional view of the left-side vehicle lamp 202L. As shown in FIG. 11, the left-side vehicle lamp 202L comprises a lamp housing 212, a lamp cover 214 that covers the opening of the lamp housing 212, and a lamp unit 203. The lamp unit 203 is disposed within a lamp chamber S2 formed by the lamp housing 212 and the lamp cover 214.

Next, the structure of the lamp unit 203 will be specifically described with reference to Figures 12 to 14. Figure 12 is a front view of the lamp unit 203. Figure 13 is a rear view of the lamp unit 203. Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view of the lamp unit 203 cut along line A-A shown in Figure 12. As shown in Figures 12 to 14, the lamp unit 203 includes a heat sink 206, a bracket 209, a circuit board 208, light-emitting elements 205a to 205d, an inner lens 204, and a position adjustment mechanism (specifically, a movable part 293, a first fixing part 292, and a second fixing part 295). Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the light-emitting elements 205a to 205d may be collectively referred to as light-emitting element 205.

The heat sink 206 is configured to release heat emitted from the light emitting element 205 into the air in the lamp chamber S2. The heat sink 206 is formed, for example, by extruding an aluminum plate. The heat sink 206 has a plurality of fins 264 arranged at equal intervals in the left-right direction while being spaced apart from each other. The bracket 209 is formed, for example, from a resin material such as polycarbonate or nylon, and has a first bracket portion 209a and a second bracket portion 209b that are completely separated from each other.

12 and 13, the first bracket portion 209a is fixed to the left end portion 262 of the heat sink 206 by a screw 312, and is connected to a first aiming screw (not shown) that functions as an optical axis adjustment mechanism and a fulcrum screw (not shown) that functions as a fulcrum mechanism. Specifically, the first aiming screw and the fulcrum screw are inserted into screw insertion holes 330a, 332a, respectively, formed in the first bracket portion 209a. The first aiming screw is configured to adjust the optical axis Ax (see FIG. 11) of the lamp unit 203 in the vertical direction.

The second bracket portion 209b is fixed to the right end portion 263 of the heat sink 206 via a pair of screws 310 and is connected to a second aiming screw (not shown) that functions as an optical axis adjustment mechanism. Specifically, the second aiming screw is inserted into a screw insertion hole 332b formed in the second bracket portion 209b. The second aiming screw is configured to adjust the optical axis Ax of the lamp unit 203 in the horizontal direction.

As shown in FIG. 14, the circuit board 208 is disposed on the front surface 260 of the heat sink 206. The circuit board 208 is electrically connected to a power supply circuit (not shown). The light-emitting elements 205a to 205d are disposed on the circuit board 208 and are electrically connected to a light source driving circuit (not shown) via the circuit board 208. The light-emitting elements 205 are, for example, semiconductor light-emitting elements such as LEDs. The light-emitting elements 205 are configured to emit white light toward the outside, and may include, for example, a blue LED and a yellow phosphor. The light-emitting elements 205a to 205d are arranged on the same straight line in the left-right direction. The light-emitting elements 205b constituting the high beam lighting unit 207b and the light-emitting elements 205c constituting the high beam lighting unit 207c are disposed between the light-emitting elements 205a constituting the low beam lighting unit 207a and the light-emitting elements 205d constituting the low beam lighting unit 207d in the left-right direction.

Each of the light-emitting elements 205b to 205d is arranged on the circuit board 208 so that its lower end is parallel to the left-right direction, while the light-emitting element 205a is arranged on the circuit board 208 so that its lower end is oblique to the left-right direction. Because the lower end of the light-emitting element 205a is oblique to the left-right direction, the low beam lighting unit 207a can form a low beam light distribution pattern P2 having an oblique cut-off line L2, as described below (see FIG. 9(a)).

As shown in Figures 12 and 14, the inner lens 204 is disposed in front of the heat sink 206 so as to cover each of the light-emitting elements 205a to 205d. The left end 342 of the inner lens 204 is connected to the first bracket part 209a and the heat sink 206 via the first fixing part 292 and the second fixing part 295. The right end 343 of the inner lens 204 is connected to the second bracket part 209b and the heat sink 206 via the movable part 293.

The inner lens 204 is formed from a transparent resin material such as polycarbonate or acrylic resin. The inner lens 204 has lens units 240a to 240d arranged on the same straight line in the left-right direction. Each of the lens units 240a to 240d is formed integrally.

As shown in FIG. 14, the lens unit 240a (an example of the second lens unit) faces the light emitting element 205a (an example of the second light emitting element) in the front-rear direction. The lens unit 240a is configured to form a low beam light distribution pattern P2 (an example of the second low beam light distribution pattern) having an oblique cutoff line L2 by emitting light emitted from the light emitting element 205a toward the outside of the vehicle 1A (see FIG. 9(a)). Here, FIG. 9(a) is a diagram that shows a schematic diagram of a light distribution pattern formed on a virtual screen disposed 25 m in front of the vehicle 1A during low beam emission. FIG. 9(b) is a diagram that shows a schematic diagram of a light distribution pattern formed on the virtual screen during high beam emission. As shown in FIG. 9(a), the low beam light distribution pattern P2 is formed to extend obliquely with respect to the H-H line. The lens unit 240a has a central light transmitting portion 242a and a peripheral light transmitting portion 243a. The central light transmitting portion 242a faces the light emitting element 205a in the front-rear direction and is configured to transmit a part of the light emitted from the light emitting element 205a toward the outside of the vehicle 1A. The peripheral light transmitting portion 243a is provided so as to surround the central light transmitting portion 242a and is configured to totally reflect another part of the light emitted from the light emitting element 205a toward the outside of the vehicle 1A. The light distribution pattern P2 for low beam is formed by combining the light distribution pattern formed by the central light transmitting portion 242a and the light distribution pattern formed by the peripheral light transmitting portion 243a.

Two recesses 254a and 256a are formed in the lens unit 240a. The recess 254a is connected to the recess 256a, and the diameter of the recess 256a is larger than the diameter of the recess 254a. The central light transmitting portion 242a has an exit surface 252a that constitutes the bottom surface of the recess 254a and an incident surface 247a. The peripheral light transmitting portion 243a has an exit surface 253a that constitutes the bottom surface of the recess 256a, an incident surface 249a, and a total reflection surface 246a. In this embodiment, the light emitting element 205a and the lens unit 240a form a low beam lighting unit 207a configured to form a low beam light distribution pattern P2.

The lens unit 240b (an example of a third lens unit) faces the light emitting element 205b (an example of a third light emitting element) in the front-rear direction. The lens unit 240b is configured to form a high beam light distribution pattern P3 by emitting the light emitted from the light emitting element 205b toward the outside of the vehicle 1A (see FIG. 9B). The lens unit 240b has a central light transmitting portion 242b and a peripheral light transmitting portion 243b. The central light transmitting portion 242b faces the light emitting element 205b in the front-rear direction and is configured to emit a part of the light emitted from the light emitting element 205b toward the outside of the vehicle 1A. The peripheral light transmitting portion 243b is provided to surround the central light transmitting portion 242b and is configured to totally reflect the other part of the light emitted from the light emitting element 205b toward the outside of the vehicle 1A. A high beam light distribution pattern P3 is formed by combining the light distribution pattern formed by the central light transmitting portion 242b and the light distribution pattern formed by the peripheral light transmitting portion 243b.

Two recesses 254b and 256b are formed in the lens unit 240b. The recess 254b is connected to the recess 256b, and the diameter of the recess 256b is larger than the diameter of the recess 254b. The central light transmitting portion 242b has an exit surface 252b that constitutes the bottom surface of the recess 254b and an incident surface 247b. The peripheral light transmitting portion 243b has an exit surface 253b that constitutes the bottom surface of the recess 256b, an incident surface 249b, and a total reflection surface 246b. In this embodiment, the light emitting element 205b and the lens unit 240b form a high beam lighting unit 207b configured to form a high beam light distribution pattern P3.

The lens unit 240c faces the light-emitting element 205c in the front-rear direction. The lens unit 240c has the same configuration as the lens unit 240b, and is configured to form a high beam light distribution pattern P4 by emitting the light emitted from the light-emitting element 205c toward the outside of the vehicle 1A (see FIG. 9B). In the description of this embodiment, the high beam light distribution pattern P4 formed by the lens unit 240c is assumed to completely overlap the high beam light distribution pattern P3 formed by the lens unit 240b. The lens unit 240c has a central light transmitting portion 242c and a peripheral light transmitting portion 243c. The central light transmitting portion 242c faces the light-emitting element 205c in the front-rear direction, and is configured to emit a portion of the light emitted from the light-emitting element 205c toward the outside of the vehicle 1A. The peripheral light transmitting portion 243c is provided so as to surround the central light transmitting portion 242c and is configured to totally reflect another part of the light emitted from the light emitting element 205c toward the outside of the vehicle 1A. The light distribution pattern formed by the central light transmitting portion 242c and the light distribution pattern formed by the peripheral light transmitting portion 243c are combined to form a high beam light distribution pattern P4.

Two recesses 254c and 256c are formed in the lens unit 240c. The recess 254c is connected to the recess 256c, and the diameter of the recess 256c is larger than the diameter of the recess 254c. The central light transmitting portion 242c has an exit surface 252c that constitutes the bottom surface of the recess 254c and an incident surface 247c. The peripheral light transmitting portion 243c has an exit surface 253c that constitutes the bottom surface of the recess 256c, an incident surface 249c, and a total reflection surface 246c. In this embodiment, the light emitting element 205c and the lens unit 240c constitute a high beam lighting unit 207c that is configured to form a high beam light distribution pattern P4.

The lens unit 240d (an example of the first lens unit) faces the light emitting element 205d (an example of the first light emitting element) in the front-rear direction. The lens unit 240d is configured to form a low beam light distribution pattern P1 (an example of the first low beam light distribution pattern) having a horizontal cutoff line L1 by emitting light emitted from the light emitting element 205d toward the outside of the vehicle 1A (see FIG. 9(a)). The low beam light distribution pattern P1 is formed to extend along the H-H line. The low beam light distribution pattern P1 formed by the lens unit 240d and the low beam light distribution pattern P2 formed by the lens unit 240a form a light distribution pattern when the low beam is emitted.

The lens unit 240d has a central light transmitting portion 242d and a peripheral light transmitting portion 243d. The central light transmitting portion 242d faces the light emitting element 205d in the front-rear direction and is configured to transmit a portion of the light emitted from the light emitting element 205d toward the outside of the vehicle 1A. The peripheral light transmitting portion 243d is provided to surround the central light transmitting portion 242d and is configured to totally reflect another portion of the light emitted from the light emitting element 205d toward the outside of the vehicle 1A. The light distribution pattern formed by the central light transmitting portion 242d and the light distribution pattern formed by the peripheral light transmitting portion 243d are combined to form a low beam light distribution pattern P1.

Two recesses 254d and 256d are formed in the lens unit 240d. The recess 254d is connected to the recess 256d, and the diameter of the recess 256d is larger than the diameter of the recess 254d. The central light transmitting portion 242d has an exit surface 252d that constitutes the bottom surface of the recess 254d and an incident surface 247d. The peripheral light transmitting portion 243d has an exit surface 253d that constitutes the bottom surface of the recess 256d, an incident surface 249d, and a total reflection surface 246d. In this embodiment, the light emitting element 205d and the lens unit 240d form a low beam lighting unit 207d that is configured to form a low beam light distribution pattern P1.

Thus, in this embodiment, the lamp unit 203 includes a low beam lighting unit 207a (hereinafter simply referred to as "lighting unit 207a"), high beam lighting units 207b and 207c (hereinafter simply referred to as "lighting units 207b and 207c"), and a low beam lighting unit 207d (hereinafter simply referred to as "lighting unit 207d"). As shown in Figure 14, these lighting units 207a to 207d are arranged side by side in the left-right direction. Lighting units 207b and 207c are arranged between lighting units 207a and 207d in the left-right direction.

In addition, the emission surfaces 252a to 252d of the central light transmitting portions 242a to 242d are located on the same plane, and the emission surfaces 253a to 253d of the peripheral light transmitting portions 243a to 243d are located on the same plane. Furthermore, the distance D1 between the light emitting elements 205a and 205b in the left-right direction satisfies 0 mm < D1 < 75 mm, and the distance D2 between the light emitting elements 205c and 205d in the left-right direction satisfies 0 mm < D2 < 75 mm. Therefore, when the lamp unit 203 is emitting a low beam, the lighting of the lighting unit 207a makes it difficult to visually recognize from outside the vehicle 1A that the lighting unit 207b is turned off, and the lighting of the lighting unit 207d makes it difficult to visually recognize from outside the vehicle 1A that the lighting unit 207c is turned off.

Next, the lens unit 240d will be specifically described with reference to FIG. 15. FIG. 15 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the lens unit 240d. As shown in FIG. 15, a part of the light emitted from the light-emitting element 205d is incident on the entrance surface 247d of the central light-transmitting portion 242d and then reaches the exit surface 252d. The light that has reached the exit surface 252d is then diffused by the diffusion lens element 248d formed on the exit surface 252d and emitted to the outside. Meanwhile, another part of the light emitted from the light-emitting element 205d is totally reflected by the total reflection surface 246d after being incident on the entrance surface 249d of the peripheral light-transmitting portion 243d. The light totally reflected by the total reflection surface 246d then reaches the exit surface 253d and is then diffused by the diffusion lens element 248d formed on the exit surface 253d and emitted to the outside. In this way, the low beam light distribution pattern P1 is formed by the lens unit 240d.

Lens units 240a to 240c have the same configuration as lens unit 240d. In this respect, as shown in FIG. 12, the exit surfaces of lens units 240a to 240c also have diffusion lens elements 248a to 248c. As shown in the figure, each of diffusion lens elements 248b to 248d formed on lens units 240b to 240d is formed to extend approximately parallel to the vertical direction. On the other hand, diffusion lens element 248a formed on lens unit 240a is formed to extend obliquely at angle α to the vertical direction because the lower end of light-emitting element 205a is inclined at angle α (α>0°, for example, α=15°) to the left-right direction.

Next, referring to FIG. 16, the configuration of the peripheral light transmitting portion 243a of the lens unit 240a, the peripheral light transmitting portion 243b of the lens unit 240b, and the peripheral light transmitting portion 243d of the lens unit 240d will be described below. FIG. 16(a) is a front view showing the illumination unit 207a in a schematic manner. FIG. 16(b) is a front view showing the illumination unit 207b in a schematic manner. FIG. 16(c) is a front view showing the illumination unit 207d in a schematic manner. As shown in FIG. 16(a), the peripheral light transmitting portion 243a of the lens unit 240a is provided so as to surround the central light transmitting portion 242a in its circumferential direction. The peripheral light transmitting portion 243a is divided into eight reflection regions R31 to R38 along its circumferential direction. Each of the reflection regions R31 to R38 has an angular region of 45° from the center of the lens unit 240a. Each of the reflective regions R31 to R38 has a total reflection surface 246a having a different outer shape.

As shown in FIG. 16(b), the peripheral light transmitting portion 243b of the lens unit 240b is arranged to surround the central light transmitting portion 242b in the circumferential direction. The peripheral light transmitting portion 243b is not divided into a plurality of reflective regions in the circumferential direction. Since the lens unit 240c has a similar configuration to the lens unit 240b, the peripheral light transmitting portion 243c of the lens unit 240c is also not divided into a plurality of reflective regions in the circumferential direction.

As shown in Figure 16 (c), the peripheral light transmitting portion 243d of the lens unit 240d is arranged to surround the central light transmitting portion 242d in the circumferential direction. The peripheral light transmitting portion 243d is divided into eight reflective regions R40 to R47 along the circumferential direction. Each of the reflective regions R40 to R47 has an angular region of 45° from the center of the lens unit 240d. Each of the reflective regions R40 to R47 has a total reflective surface 246d that is different in shape from the other ones.

Next, the position adjustment mechanism configured to adjust the relative positional relationship of the inner lens 204 with respect to the heat sink 206 will be described below with reference to Figures 12 to 14. In this embodiment, the first fixing part 292, the second fixing part 295, and the movable part 293 function as a position adjustment mechanism configured to adjust the relative positional relationship of the inner lens 204 with respect to the heat sink 206. The first fixing part 292, the second fixing part 295, and the movable part 293 are disposed between the inner lens 204 and the heat sink 206 in the front-rear direction of the lamp unit 203. Each of the first fixing part 292, the second fixing part 295, and the movable part 293 is configured as a screw, for example.

12 and 13, the first fixing portion 292 is connected to the heat sink 206, the first bracket portion 209a, and the inner lens 204 at the left end 342 of the inner lens 204. The second fixing portion 295 faces the first fixing portion 292 in the up-down direction of the lamp unit 203, and is connected to the heat sink 206, the first bracket portion 209a, and the inner lens 204 at the left end 342 of the inner lens 204.

As shown in FIG. 14, the movable part 293 is connected to the heat sink 206, the second bracket part 209b, and the inner lens 204 at the right end 343 of the inner lens 204. In particular, the movable part 293 is inserted into the insertion hole 363 of the heat sink 206, the insertion hole 290b of the second bracket part 209b, and the insertion hole 340 of the inner lens 204. When an operator rotates the movable part 293 using a tool, the right end 343 of the inner lens 204 engaged with the movable part 293 moves in the front-rear direction. As a result, the inner lens 204 rotates horizontally around the rotation axis A1 (see FIG. 12) passing through the first fixing part 292 and the second fixing part 295.

In this way, the inner lens 204 rotates horizontally around the rotation axis A1 through the rotational movement of the movable part 293, and the relative position of the inner lens 204 with respect to the heat sink 206 changes. Also, since the circuit board 208 is fixed to the heat sink 206 via fixing means such as screws, the position of each of the light-emitting elements 205a to 205d mounted on the circuit board 208 is fixed with respect to the heat sink 206. Therefore, as the inner lens 204 rotates, the relative positional relationship between the lens units 240a to 240d and the light-emitting elements 205a to 205d is adjusted.

In this respect, even if the assembly of the lamp unit 203 has already been completed, the relative positional relationship between the lens unit 240a and the light-emitting element 205a can be adjusted, so that the desired low-beam light distribution pattern P1 can be obtained. Furthermore, the relative positional relationship between the lens unit 240b and the light-emitting element 205b can be adjusted, so that the desired high-beam light distribution pattern P3 can be obtained. Similarly, the relative positional relationship between the lens unit 240c and the light-emitting element 205c can be adjusted, so that the desired high-beam light distribution pattern P4 can be obtained. Furthermore, the relative positional relationship between the lens unit 240d and the light-emitting element 205d can be adjusted, so that the desired low-beam light distribution pattern P2 can be obtained.

According to this embodiment, by adjusting the relative positional relationship of the inner lens 204 with respect to the heat sink 206 using the position adjustment mechanism, the relative positional relationship between the lens units 240a to 240d and the light emitting elements 205a to 205d can be adjusted, and a desired light distribution pattern can be obtained. In this respect, even if the positioning accuracy between the light emitting elements 205a to 205d and the lens units 240a to 240d is low or the processing accuracy of the lens units 240a to 240d is low, a desired light distribution pattern can be obtained by adjusting the position between the lens units 240a to 240d and the light emitting elements 205a to 205d using the position adjustment mechanism.

In addition, in this embodiment, lens units 240a to 240d are disposed between movable part 293 and rotation axis A1 in the left-right direction. Furthermore, among lens units 240a to 240d, lens unit 240a is disposed at a position furthest from rotation axis A1. Therefore, as inner lens 204 rotates around rotation axis A1, the amount of change in the relative position between lens unit 240a and light-emitting element 205a can be maximized. In this way, the relative positional relationship of inner lens 204 to heat sink 206 can be adjusted using the position adjustment mechanism to obtain the desired low beam light distribution pattern P2.

For example, in this embodiment, the lamp unit 203 has two high beam lighting units, but the number of high beam lighting units is not particularly limited. For example, the number of high beam lighting units provided in the lamp unit 203 may be one.

Third Embodiment
Hereinafter, a third embodiment of the present disclosure (hereinafter, referred to as the present embodiment) will be described with reference to the drawings. For the sake of convenience, the dimensions of each component shown in the drawings may differ from the actual dimensions of each component.

In the description of this embodiment, for convenience of explanation, the "left-right direction", "up-down direction", and "front-rear direction" may be referred to as appropriate. These directions are relative directions set for the lighting unit 403 shown in FIG. 19. Here, the "left-right direction" is a direction that includes the "left direction" and the "right direction". The "up-down direction" is a direction that includes the "upward direction" and the "downward direction". The "front-rear direction" is a direction that includes the "forward direction" and the "rearward direction". One of the left-right direction, the up-down direction, and the front-rear direction is assumed to be perpendicular to the remaining two directions.

In this embodiment, the "horizontal direction" is a direction perpendicular to the up-down direction (vertical direction) and includes the left-right direction and the front-rear direction. In the description of this embodiment, the directions (left-right direction, up-down direction, front-rear direction) set for the lighting unit 403 are assumed to match the directions (left-right direction, up-down direction, front-rear direction) set for the vehicle 1B and the left vehicle lighting device 402L.

First, the vehicle 1B according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 17. Figure 17 is a front view of the vehicle 1B equipped with a left vehicle lamp 402L and a right vehicle lamp 402R. As shown in Figure 17, the left vehicle lamp 402L is disposed on the left front side of the vehicle 1B, and the right vehicle lamp 402R is disposed on the right front side of the vehicle 1B. Each of the left vehicle lamp 402L and the right vehicle lamp 402R is equipped with the same lamp unit 403.

Next, the left-side vehicle lamp 402L will be described with reference to FIG. 18. The configuration of the left-side vehicle lamp 402L is generally the same as that of the right-side vehicle lamp 402R, so a description of the right-side vehicle lamp 402R will be omitted. FIG. 18 shows a vertical cross-sectional view of the left-side vehicle lamp 402L. As shown in FIG. 18, the left-side vehicle lamp 402L comprises a lamp housing 412, a lamp cover 414 that covers the opening of the lamp housing 412, and a lamp unit 403. The lamp unit 403 is disposed within a lamp chamber S3 formed by the lamp housing 412 and the lamp cover 414.

Next, the structure of the lamp unit 403 will be specifically described with reference to Figures 19 to 21. Figure 19 is a perspective view of the lamp unit 403. Figure 20 is a front view of the lamp unit 403. Figure 21 is a cross-sectional view of the lamp unit 403 cut along line A-A shown in Figure 20. As shown in Figures 19 to 21, the lamp unit 403 comprises a heat sink 406, a bracket 409, a circuit board 408, light-emitting elements 405a to 405d, and an inner lens 404. Hereinafter, for ease of explanation, the light-emitting elements 405a to 405d may be collectively referred to as light-emitting element 405.

The heat sink 406 is configured to release heat emitted from the light emitting element 405 into the air in the lamp chamber S3. The heat sink 406 is formed, for example, by extruding an aluminum plate. The bracket 409 is formed, for example, from a resin material such as polycarbonate or nylon, and has a first bracket portion 409a and a second bracket portion 409b that are completely separate from each other.

The first bracket portion 409a is fixed to the heat sink 406 at one end thereof, and is connected to an aiming screw 492 that functions as an optical axis adjustment mechanism and a fulcrum screw 495 that functions as a fulcrum mechanism (see FIG. 20). The aiming screw 492 is configured to adjust the optical axis Ax2 of the lamp unit 403 in the vertical direction. The second bracket portion 409b is fixed to the heat sink 406 at the other end thereof, and is connected to an aiming screw 493 that functions as an optical axis adjustment mechanism (see FIG. 20). The aiming screw 493 is configured to adjust the optical axis Ax2 of the lamp unit 403 in the horizontal direction.

The circuit board 408 is disposed on the front surface 460 of the heat sink 406. The circuit board 408 is electrically connected to a power supply circuit (not shown). The light-emitting elements 405a to 405d are disposed on the circuit board 408 and are electrically connected to a light source driving circuit (not shown) via the circuit board 408. The light-emitting element 405 is, for example, a semiconductor light-emitting element such as an LED. The light-emitting element 405 is configured to emit white light toward the outside, and may include, for example, a blue LED and a yellow phosphor. The light-emitting elements 405a to 405d are arranged on the same straight line in the left-right direction. The light-emitting element 405b constituting the high beam lighting unit 407b and the light-emitting element 405c constituting the high beam lighting unit 407c are disposed between the light-emitting element 405a constituting the low beam lighting unit 407a and the light-emitting element 405d constituting the low beam lighting unit 407d in the left-right direction.

Each of the light-emitting elements 405a to 405c is arranged on the circuit board 408 so that its lower end is parallel to the left-right direction, while the light-emitting element 405d is arranged on the circuit board 408 so that its lower end is oblique to the left-right direction. Because the lower end of the light-emitting element 405d is oblique to the left-right direction, the low-beam lighting unit 407d can form a low-beam light distribution pattern P2 having an oblique cut-off line L2, as described below (see FIG. 25(a)).

The inner lens 404 is disposed on the front surface 460 of the heat sink 406 so as to cover each of the light-emitting elements 405a to 405d. The inner lens 404 is formed from a transparent resin material such as polycarbonate or acrylic resin. The inner lens 404 has lens units 440a to 440d arranged on the same straight line in the left-right direction. Each of the lens units 440a to 440d is formed integrally.

As shown in FIG. 21, the lens unit 440a (an example of the second lens unit) faces the light emitting element 405a (an example of the second light emitting element) in the front-rear direction. The lens unit 440a is configured to form a low beam light distribution pattern P1 having a horizontal cutoff line L1 by emitting light emitted from the light emitting element 405a toward the outside of the vehicle 1B (see FIG. 25(a)). Here, FIG. 25(a) is a diagram that shows a schematic diagram of a light distribution pattern formed on a virtual screen disposed 25 m in front of the vehicle 1B when the low beam is emitted. FIG. 25(b) is a diagram that shows a schematic diagram of a light distribution pattern formed on the virtual screen when the high beam is emitted. The low beam light distribution pattern P1 is formed to extend along the H-H line.

The lens unit 440a has a central light transmitting portion 442a and a peripheral light transmitting portion 443a. The central light transmitting portion 442a faces the light emitting element 405a in the front-rear direction and is configured to emit a part of the light emitted from the light emitting element 405a toward the outside of the vehicle 1B. The peripheral light transmitting portion 443a is provided so as to surround the central light transmitting portion 442a and is configured to totally reflect the other part of the light emitted from the light emitting element 405a toward the outside of the vehicle 1B. The light distribution pattern formed by the central light transmitting portion 442a and the light distribution pattern formed by the peripheral light transmitting portion 443a are combined to form a low beam light distribution pattern P1.

Two recesses 454a and 456a are formed in the lens unit 440a. The recess 454a is connected to the recess 456a, and the diameter of the recess 456a is larger than the diameter of the recess 454a. The central light transmitting portion 442a has an exit surface 452a that constitutes the bottom surface of the recess 454a and an incident surface 447a. The peripheral light transmitting portion 443a has an exit surface 453a that constitutes the bottom surface of the recess 456a, an incident surface 449a, and a total reflection surface 446a. In this embodiment, the light emitting element 405a and the lens unit 440a form a low beam lighting unit 407a configured to form a low beam light distribution pattern P1.

The lens unit 440b (an example of a third lens unit) faces the light emitting element 405b (an example of a third light emitting element) in the front-rear direction. The lens unit 440b is configured to form a high beam light distribution pattern P3 by emitting the light emitted from the light emitting element 405b toward the outside of the vehicle 1B (see FIG. 25 (b)). The lens unit 440b has a central light transmitting portion 442b and a peripheral light transmitting portion 443b. The central light transmitting portion 442b faces the light emitting element 405b in the front-rear direction and is configured to emit a part of the light emitted from the light emitting element 405b toward the outside of the vehicle 1B. The peripheral light transmitting portion 443b is provided to surround the central light transmitting portion 442b and is configured to totally reflect the other part of the light emitted from the light emitting element 405b toward the outside of the vehicle 1B. A high beam light distribution pattern P3 is formed by combining the light distribution pattern formed by the central light transmitting portion 442b and the light distribution pattern formed by the peripheral light transmitting portion 443b.

Two recesses 454b and 456b are formed in the lens unit 440b. The recess 454b is connected to the recess 456b, and the diameter of the recess 456b is larger than the diameter of the recess 454b. The central light transmitting portion 442b has an exit surface 452b that constitutes the bottom surface of the recess 454b and an incident surface 447b. The peripheral light transmitting portion 443b has an exit surface 453b that constitutes the bottom surface of the recess 456b, an incident surface 449b, and a total reflection surface 446b. In this embodiment, the light emitting element 405b and the lens unit 440b form a high beam lighting unit 407b configured to form a high beam light distribution pattern P3.

The lens unit 440c faces the light-emitting element 405c in the front-rear direction. The lens unit 440c has the same configuration as the lens unit 440b, and is configured to form a high beam light distribution pattern P4 by emitting the light emitted from the light-emitting element 405c toward the outside of the vehicle 1B (see FIG. 25(b)). In the description of this embodiment, the high beam light distribution pattern P4 formed by the lens unit 440c is assumed to completely overlap the high beam light distribution pattern P3 formed by the lens unit 440b. The lens unit 440c has a central light transmitting portion 442c and a peripheral light transmitting portion 443c. The central light transmitting portion 442c faces the light-emitting element 405c in the front-rear direction, and is configured to emit a part of the light emitted from the light-emitting element 405c toward the outside of the vehicle 1B. The peripheral light transmitting portion 443c is provided so as to surround the central light transmitting portion 442c, and is configured to totally reflect another part of the light emitted from the light emitting element 405c toward the outside of the vehicle 1B. The light distribution pattern formed by the central light transmitting portion 442c and the light distribution pattern formed by the peripheral light transmitting portion 443c are combined to form a high beam light distribution pattern P4.

Two recesses 454c and 456c are formed in the lens unit 440c. The recess 454c is connected to the recess 456c, and the diameter of the recess 456c is larger than the diameter of the recess 454c. The central light transmitting portion 442c has an exit surface 452c that constitutes the bottom surface of the recess 454c, and an incident surface 447c. The peripheral light transmitting portion 443c has an exit surface 453c that constitutes the bottom surface of the recess 456c, an incident surface 449c, and a total reflection surface 446c. In this embodiment, the light emitting element 405c and the lens unit 440c form a high beam lighting unit 407c that is configured to form a high beam light distribution pattern P4.

The lens unit 440d (an example of the first lens unit) faces the light emitting element 405d (an example of the first light emitting element) in the front-rear direction. The lens unit 440d is configured to form a low beam light distribution pattern P2 having an oblique cutoff line L2 by emitting the light emitted from the light emitting element 405d toward the outside of the vehicle 1B (see FIG. 25(a)). As shown in FIG. 25(a), the low beam light distribution pattern P2 is formed to extend obliquely with respect to the H-H line. The low beam light distribution pattern P1 formed by the lens unit 440a and the low beam light distribution pattern P2 formed by the lens unit 440d form a light distribution pattern at the time of low beam emission. The lens unit 440d has a central light transmitting portion 442d and a peripheral light transmitting portion 443d. The central light transmitting portion 442d faces the light emitting element 405d in the front-rear direction and is configured to emit a part of the light emitted from the light emitting element 405d toward the outside of the vehicle 1B. The peripheral light transmitting portion 443d is provided so as to surround the central light transmitting portion 442d, and is configured to totally reflect another part of the light emitted from the light emitting element 405d toward the outside of the vehicle 1B. The light distribution pattern formed by the central light transmitting portion 442d and the light distribution pattern formed by the peripheral light transmitting portion 443d are combined to form a low beam light distribution pattern P2.

Two recesses 454d and 456d are formed in the lens unit 440d. The recess 454d is connected to the recess 456d, and the diameter of the recess 456d is larger than the diameter of the recess 454d. The central light transmitting portion 442d has an exit surface 452d that constitutes the bottom surface of the recess 454d, and an incident surface 447d. The peripheral light transmitting portion 443d has an exit surface 453d that constitutes the bottom surface of the recess 456d, an incident surface 449d, and a total reflection surface 446d. In this embodiment, the light emitting element 405d and the lens unit 440d form a low beam lighting unit 407d configured to form a low beam light distribution pattern P2.

Thus, in this embodiment, the lamp unit 403 includes a low beam lighting unit 407a (hereinafter simply referred to as "lighting unit 407a"), high beam lighting units 407b and 407c (hereinafter simply referred to as "lighting units 407b and 407c"), and a low beam lighting unit 407d (hereinafter simply referred to as "lighting unit 407d"). As shown in FIG. 21, these lighting units 407a to 407d are arranged side by side in the left-right direction. Lighting units 407b and 407c are arranged between lighting units 407a and 407d in the left-right direction.

In addition, the emission surfaces 452a to 452d of the central light transmitting portions 442a to 442d are located on the same plane, and the emission surfaces 453a to 453d of the peripheral light transmitting portions 443a to 443d are located on the same plane. Furthermore, the distance D1 between the light emitting elements 405a and 405b in the left-right direction satisfies 0 mm < D1 < 75 mm, and the distance D2 between the light emitting elements 405c and 405d in the left-right direction satisfies 0 mm < D2 < 75 mm. Therefore, when the lamp unit 403 is emitting a low beam, the lighting of the lighting unit 407a makes it difficult to visually recognize from outside the vehicle 1B that the lighting unit 407b is turned off, and the lighting of the lighting unit 407d makes it difficult to visually recognize from outside the vehicle 1B that the lighting unit 407c is turned off.

Next, the lens unit 440a will be specifically described with reference to FIG. 22. FIG. 22 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the lens unit 440a. As shown in FIG. 22, a part of the light emitted from the light-emitting element 405a is incident on the entrance surface 447a of the central light-transmitting portion 442a and then reaches the exit surface 452a. The light that has reached the exit surface 452a is then diffused by the diffusion lens element 448a formed on the exit surface 452a and emitted to the outside. Meanwhile, another part of the light emitted from the light-emitting element 405a is totally reflected by the total reflection surface 446a after being incident on the entrance surface 449a of the peripheral light-transmitting portion 443a. The light totally reflected by the total reflection surface 446a then reaches the exit surface 453a and is then diffused by the diffusion lens element 448a formed on the exit surface 453a and emitted to the outside. In this way, the low beam light distribution pattern P1 is formed by the lens unit 440a.

Lens units 440b to 440d have the same configuration as lens unit 440a. In this respect, as shown in FIG. 20, the exit surfaces of lens units 440b to 440d also have diffusion lens elements 448b to 448d. As shown in the figure, each of the diffusion lens elements 448a to 448c formed on lens units 440a to 440c is formed to extend approximately parallel to the vertical direction. On the other hand, the diffusion lens element 448d formed on lens unit 440d is formed to extend obliquely at angle α to the vertical direction because the lower end of light-emitting element 405d is inclined at angle α (α>0°, for example, α=15°) to the left-right direction.

Next, the positioning mechanism between the inner lens 404 and the circuit board 408 will be described below with reference to Figures 23 and 24. Figure 23 is a cross-sectional view showing the lamp unit 403 cut along line B-B shown in Figure 20. Figure 24 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing the lamp unit 403 cut along line C-C shown in Figure 20.

23, the lens unit 440d is provided with a positioning pin 550. Specifically, the positioning pin 550 is formed so as to protrude rearward from the peripheral light transmitting portion 443d. The positioning pin 550 is inserted into a positioning hole 480 formed in the circuit board 408. The positioning hole 480 is formed, for example, as a circular hole. The diameter of the positioning hole 480 may be slightly larger than the inner diameter of the positioning pin 550.

In addition, another positioning pin 552 (an example of a positioning portion) is provided at a position away from lens unit 440d. In this embodiment, positioning pin 552 is provided on lens unit 440b. Specifically, positioning pin 552 is formed so as to protrude rearward from peripheral light transmitting portion 443b. Positioning pin 552 is inserted into positioning hole 482 (an example of a portion to be positioned) formed in circuit board 408. Positioning hole 482 is formed, for example, as an elongated hole.

24, the positioning pin 550 is disposed near the outer periphery 548d of the light entrance recess 444d of the lens unit 440d. Here, the light entrance recess 444d faces the emission surface 415d of the light-emitting element 405d and is configured to pass light emitted from the light-emitting element 405d. The light entrance recess 444d is defined by the incidence surface 447d of the central light-transmitting portion 442d and the incidence surface 449d of the peripheral light-transmitting portion 443d. In particular, the positioning pin 550 is formed between the outer periphery 548d of the light entrance recess 444d and the total reflection surface 446d (an example of the opposite surface of the peripheral light-transmitting portion 443d).

Furthermore, when the diameter of the positioning pin 550 is φ, the shortest distance L between the positioning pin 550 and the outer peripheral edge 548d may, for example, satisfy 0<L<φ. More specifically, the shortest distance L between the outer peripheral edge 550e and the outer peripheral edge 548d of the positioning pin 550 may satisfy 0<L<φ. In other words, the shortest distance L1 between the central axis of the positioning pin 550 and the outer peripheral edge 548d may satisfy 0.5φ<L1<1.5φ. In this way, the positioning pin 550 may be located in the vicinity of the outer peripheral edge 548d so as to satisfy the positional relationship of 0<L<φ.

In this embodiment, positioning between the inner lens 404 and the circuit board 408 is performed by inserting the positioning pin 550 into the positioning hole 480 and then inserting the positioning pin 552 into the positioning hole 482.

In addition, the emission surface 415d of the light-emitting element 405d is located between the surface 484 of the circuit board 408 and the outer peripheral edge 548d in the front-to-rear direction of the lighting unit 403, which corresponds to the direction perpendicular to the surface 484 of the circuit board 408 on which the light-emitting element 405d is mounted.

Next, referring to FIG. 25, the configuration of the peripheral light transmitting portion 443a of the lens unit 440a, the peripheral light transmitting portion 443b of the lens unit 440b, and the peripheral light transmitting portion 443d of the lens unit 440d will be described below. FIG. 25(a) is a front view showing the illumination unit 407a in a schematic manner. FIG. 25(b) is a front view showing the illumination unit 407b in a schematic manner. FIG. 25(c) is a front view showing the illumination unit 407d in a schematic manner. As shown in FIG. 25(a), the peripheral light transmitting portion 443a of the lens unit 440a is provided so as to surround the central light transmitting portion 442a in its circumferential direction. The peripheral light transmitting portion 443a is divided into eight reflection regions R51 to R58 along its circumferential direction. Each of the reflection regions R51 to R58 has an angular region of 45° from the center of the lens unit 440a. Each of the reflective regions R51 to R58 has a total reflection surface 446a having a different outer shape from each other.

As shown in FIG. 25(b), the peripheral light transmitting portion 443b of the lens unit 440b is arranged to surround the central light transmitting portion 442b in the circumferential direction. The peripheral light transmitting portion 443b is not divided into a plurality of reflective regions in the circumferential direction. Since the lens unit 440c has a similar configuration to the lens unit 440b, the peripheral light transmitting portion 443c of the lens unit 440c is also not divided into a plurality of reflective regions in the circumferential direction.

As shown in Figure 25 (c), the peripheral light transmitting portion 443d of the lens unit 440d is arranged to surround the central light transmitting portion 442d in the circumferential direction. The peripheral light transmitting portion 443d is divided into eight reflective regions R60-R67 along the circumferential direction. Each of the reflective regions R60-R67 has an angular region of 45° from the center of the lens unit 440d. Each of the reflective regions R60-R67 has a total reflective surface 446d that is different in shape from the other reflection regions.

Next, the effects of the lighting unit 403 in this embodiment will be described below.

According to this embodiment, the positioning pin 550 of the lens unit 440d is inserted into the positioning hole 480 of the circuit board 408, and the positioning pin 552 and the positioning hole 482 engage with each other. In this way, the positioning accuracy between the inner lens 404 and the circuit board 408 can be improved. As a result, through the improvement of the positioning accuracy between the inner lens 404 and the circuit board 408, it is possible to improve the positioning accuracy between the lens unit 440a and the light-emitting element 405a, the positioning accuracy between the lens unit 440b and the light-emitting element 405b, the positioning accuracy between the lens unit 440c and the light-emitting element 405c, and the positioning accuracy between the lens unit 440d and the light-emitting element 405d.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, positioning between the inner lens 404 and the circuit board 408 is not performed via the heat sink 406, but rather the positioning between the inner lens 404 and the circuit board 408 is performed directly by two positioning pins. Therefore, there is no need to provide a separate positioning mechanism in the heat sink 406, and the manufacturing cost of the heat sink 406 can be reduced. As a result, the manufacturing cost of the lamp unit 403 including the heat sink 406 can be reduced. In this way, the manufacturing cost of the lamp unit 403 can be reduced, and the positioning accuracy between the lens units 440a to 440d and the light emitting elements 405a to 405d can be improved.

Furthermore, in the lamp unit 403 according to this embodiment, the highest positioning accuracy is required for the lens unit 440d that forms the low beam light distribution pattern P2 among the four lens units 440a to 440d. In this respect, in this embodiment, the positioning pin 550 is disposed near the outer peripheral edge 548d of the light entrance recess 444d formed in the lens unit 440d, so that the positioning accuracy between the lens unit 440d and the light emitting element 405d can be improved. As a result, the low beam light distribution pattern P2 can be accurately projected to the outside of the vehicle 1B.

In addition, since the positioning pin 550 is located between the outer peripheral edge 548d and the total reflection surface 446d of the peripheral light transmitting portion 443d, it is possible to preferably prevent a portion of the light emitted from the light emitting element 405d from interfering with the positioning pin 550. In this way, it is possible to improve the positioning accuracy between the lens unit 440d and the light emitting element 405d while increasing the utilization efficiency of the light emitted from the light emitting element 405d.

For example, in this embodiment, the lamp unit 403 has two high beam lighting units, but the number of high beam lighting units is not particularly limited. For example, the number of high beam lighting units provided in the lamp unit 403 may be one.

Although an embodiment of the present invention has been described above, it goes without saying that the technical scope of the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited by the description of this embodiment. This embodiment is merely an example, and it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications of the embodiment are possible within the scope of the invention described in the claims. The technical scope of the present invention should be determined based on the scope of the invention described in the claims and its equivalents.

This application incorporates by reference, as appropriate, the contents disclosed in a Japanese patent application filed on February 18, 2020 (Patent Application No. 2020-025177), the contents disclosed in a Japanese patent application filed on February 18, 2020 (Patent Application No. 2020-025178), and the contents disclosed in a Japanese patent application filed on February 18, 2020 (Patent Application No. 2020-025179).

Claims (8)

A lighting unit provided in a vehicle lighting fixture,
a first optical axis adjustment mechanism configured to adjust an optical axis of the lamp unit in one of a horizontal direction and a vertical direction of the vehicle lamp;
a second optical axis adjustment mechanism configured to adjust an optical axis of the lamp unit in the other of a horizontal direction and a vertical direction of the vehicle lamp;
an optical axis adjustment mechanism having
A first bracket portion connected to the first optical axis adjustment mechanism;
a second bracket portion connected to the second optical axis adjustment mechanism and facing the first bracket portion in a completely separated state;
A bracket having
Equipped with
The optical axis adjustment mechanism further includes a fulcrum mechanism, the fulcrum mechanism being connected to the first bracket portion. the first optical axis adjustment mechanism is configured to rotate the lamp unit about a first rotation axis passing through the fulcrum mechanism and the second optical axis adjustment mechanism;
the second optical axis adjustment mechanism is configured to rotate the lamp unit about a second rotation axis passing through the fulcrum mechanism and the first optical axis adjustment mechanism;
The first rotation axis and the second rotation axis are perpendicular to each other.
A lamp unit according to claim 1. The lamp unit further includes a support member.
The first bracket portion is fixed to the support member at one end side of the support member,
The lamp unit according to claim 1 , wherein the second bracket portion is fixed to the support member at an other end side of the support member opposite to the one end side. The lamp unit according to claim 3, wherein the support member is a heat sink. The first bracket portion and the second bracket portion are disposed substantially parallel to each other.
A lamp unit according to any one of claims 1 to 4. the first bracket portion has a first positioning mechanism configured to determine a positional relationship between the first bracket portion and the support member;
The lamp unit according to claim 3 , wherein the second bracket portion has a second positioning mechanism configured to determine a positional relationship between the second bracket portion and the support member. The first positioning mechanism includes:
a first positioning pin provided on the first bracket portion;
a first positioning recess formed in the first bracket portion so as to accommodate the support member;
The second positioning mechanism includes:
a second positioning pin provided on the second bracket portion;
a second positioning recess formed in the second bracket portion to accommodate the support member,
The first positioning pin is inserted into a first positioning hole formed in the support member,
The second positioning pin is inserted into a second positioning hole formed in the support member,
When the support member is accommodated in the first positioning recess, a peripheral wall of the first positioning recess comes into contact with a part of a side surface of the support member,
The lamp unit according to claim 6 , wherein a peripheral wall of the second positioning recess contacts a part of a side surface of the support member when the support member is accommodated in the second positioning recess. A vehicle lamp having a lamp unit according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

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