Patent Description:
A lens unit including a plurality of lenses and a lens holder supporting the plurality of lenses is known, and for example, <CIT> discloses a vehicle lamp including such a lens unit.

The lens unit in <CIT> includes the plurality of lenses and the lens holder having a cylindrical support portion, and the support portion supports the plurality of lenses so as for the lenses to be arranged along the central axis of the support portion.

<CIT> is related to the preamble of claim <NUM>.

Therefore, in the assembly of the lens unit in <CIT>, for example, it is considered that the plurality of lenses are sequentially inserted into the support portion from an opening at one end of the support portion to support these lenses on the support portion. In a state where the plurality of lenses are supported on the support portion, the entire outer peripheral portions of the plurality of lenses are surrounded by the support portion. For this reason, for example, when an attempt is made to insert the lens into the support portion while pinching and gripping the outer peripheral portion of the lens with a tool or a finger of an operator, the tool or the finger of the operator easily comes into contact with the support portion, and it is difficult to support the lens at a predetermined position in the support portion.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a lens unit and a vehicle lamp that can easily be assembled.

In order to achieve the above object, a lens unit according to the present invention includes a plurality of lens members each having a lens portion that changes a divergence angle of transmitted light, and a lens holder including a support portion formed in a cylindrical shape having an opening at one end through which each of the plurality of lens members can be inserted. The support portion supports the plurality of lens members so as for the plurality of lens members to be arranged along a central axis of the support portion, and a communication portion that lets an inside and an outside of the support portion communicate with each other and exposes an outer peripheral portion of at least one of the plurality of lens members from the support portion is formed on a side wall of the support portion. A lens unit further includes a shielding portion that covers the communication portion from an outside of the support portion in a state of being attached to the support portion.

In this lens unit, when the lens members exposed from the support portion through the communication portion are to be supported by the support portion, for example, the outer peripheral portions of the lens members can be moved by being pressed with a tool or a finger of an operator via the communication portion. Therefore, with this lens unit, the lens members can be easily supported at predetermined positions in the support portion as compared with a case where the communication portion is not formed, and the assembly can be facilitated.

At least two of the lens members may be exposed from the communication portion.

With such a configuration, for example, the relative positions of the at least two of the lens members exposed can be easily set at predetermined positions, and the assembly can further be facilitated.

In this case, a pair of the lens members adjacent to each other out of the at least two of the lens members may be provided with fitting portions to be fitted to each other, and, as viewed along a straight line that perpendicularly intersects with the central axis and passes through a center of the communication portion, the fitting portions may overlap with the communication portion and may be located further on a side provided with the communication portion than the central axis.

With such a configuration, as compared with a case where the fitting portions to be fitted to each other are not provided in the pair of the lens members adjacent to each other, it is possible to suppress relative positional misalignment between one lens member and the other lens member in the pair of the lens members. In addition, as described above, as viewed along the straight line that perpendicularly intersects with the central axis and passes through the center of the communication portion, the fitting portions overlap with the communication portion and are located further on the side provided with the communication portion than the central axis of the support portion. Therefore, with this lens unit, as viewed in this manner, the fitting portions can be easily visually recognized through the communication portion, and the fitting portions can be easily fitted to each other as compared with a case where the fitting portions do not overlap with the communication portion or a case where the fitting portions are located on the opposite side of the side provided with the communication portion with the central axis interposed between the sides.

The communication portion may be a slit extending from the one end toward another end of the support portion.

With such a configuration, for example, the tool for gripping the lens members or the finger of the operator is made to pass through the slit, so that the lens members can be inserted and moved from the opening at the one end into the support portion in a state where the lens members are gripped. Therefore, according to this lens unit, the assembly can further be facilitated.

The lens holder may further include a securing portion that extends from the support portion to a side opposite to a side provided with the central axis and is secured to another member, and a reinforcing plate that extends from the securing portion in a direction non-perpendicular to the central axis and is connected to an outer peripheral surface of the support portion, and the reinforcing plate may overlap with the communication portion in a circumferential direction of the support portion.

By forming the communication portion, the strength of the support portion tends to decrease as compared with a case where the communication portion is not formed. However, with such a configuration, it is possible to suppress the decrease in strength of the support portion as compared with a case where the reinforcing plate does not overlap with the communication portion in the circumferential direction of the support portion.

An outer peripheral surface of at least one of the plurality of lens members may have a region where a predetermined uneven pattern is formed, and the region may be exposed from the communication portion.

With such a configuration, a part of light incident on the lens portion of the lens member having the above-described region can be emitted from the region and can be emitted to the outside of the support portion via the communication portion. As described above, the predetermined uneven pattern is formed in the predetermined region. Thus, by adjusting the uneven pattern, the emission direction and the diffusion state of the light emitted through the communication portion can be adjusted, and for example, the aesthetic impression can be improved.

The communication portion may be formed on each of both sides in a predetermined direction with the central axis interposed therebetween.

With such a configuration, when the lens members exposed from the communication portions are to be supported by the support portion, for example, the tool or the finger of the operator is inserted into each of the communication portions, so that the lens members can be pinched, gripped, and moved in the width direction. Therefore, according to this lens unit, the assembly can further be facilitated. From the viewpoint of easily gripping the lens members, the above-described region is preferably exposed from the communication portions. Since the predetermined uneven pattern is formed in this region, the lens members can be easily gripped as compared with a case where this region is not provided.

In this case, a shape of a specific lens member out of the plurality of lens members as viewed along the central axis may be long in the predetermined direction, and each of the communication portions may expose the specific lens member from the support portion.

With such a configuration, for example, the specific lens member can be pinched and gripped in the longer direction with the tool or the finger of the operator. In the case of pinching the lens members in the longer direction, the lens members can be made less likely to be inclined in the thickness direction as compared with the case of pinching the lens members in the shorter direction. Therefore, with this lens unit, the specific lens member can be easily moved in the support portion as compared with a case where the specific lens member is short in length in the predetermined direction.

The lens unit further includes a shielding portion that covers the communication portion from an outside of the support portion in a state of being attached to the support portion.

With such a configuration, as compared with a case where the shielding portion is not provided, it is possible to restrict dirt, dust, and the like from entering the support portion via the communication portions.

In this case, the support portion and the shielding portion may have a light shielding property.

With such a configuration, it is possible to restrict a part of the light incident on the lens portions of the lens members from leaking to the outside of the support portion via the communication portions.

In this case, the shielding portion may cover at least a part of an edge portion along an edge of the communication portion in the support portion.

With such a configuration, as compared with a case where the shielding portion does not cover the edge portion, it is possible to further restrict a part of the light incident on the lens portions of the lens members from leaking to the outside of the support portion.

Also, a vehicle lamp according to the present invention includes the lens unit, and a light source unit that emits light transmitted through the plurality of lens members in an arrangement order of the lens members.

As described above, according to the present invention, a lens unit and a vehicle lamp that can easily be assembled are provided.

Hereinbelow, a preferred embodiment of a lens unit and a vehicle lamp according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The embodiment exemplified below is intended to facilitate understanding of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. The present invention can be modified and improved without departing from the claims, which limit the present invention. In the drawings referred to below, dimensions of each member may be changed to facilitate understanding.

<FIG> is a side view schematically illustrating a vehicle lamp including a lens unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. A vehicle lamp <NUM> according to the present embodiment is an automobile headlight. The automobile headlight is generally provided in each of the right and left sides of the front of the vehicle, and the right and left headlights have a substantially symmetrical configuration in the right-left direction. Therefore, in the present embodiment, one of the headlights will be described. As illustrated in <FIG>, the vehicle lamp <NUM> according to the present embodiment includes a housing <NUM> and a lamp unit LU as main components. In <FIG>, the housing <NUM> is illustrated in a vertical cross section.

The housing <NUM> according to the present embodiment includes a lamp housing <NUM>, a front cover <NUM>, and a back cover <NUM> as main components. The front of the lamp housing <NUM> is opened, and the front cover <NUM> is secured to the lamp housing <NUM> so as to close the opening. Also, a smaller opening than one at the front is formed at the rear of the lamp housing <NUM>, and the back cover <NUM> is secured to the lamp housing <NUM> so as to close the opening. In the housing <NUM>, a storage space <NUM> surrounded by the lamp housing <NUM>, the front cover <NUM>, and the back cover <NUM> is formed, and the lamp unit LU is arranged in the storage space <NUM>.

<FIG> is a perspective view schematically illustrating the lamp unit LU, and is a perspective view of the lamp unit LU viewed diagonally from the upper front. <FIG> is an exploded perspective view schematically illustrating the lamp unit LU, and is an exploded perspective view of the lamp unit LU viewed diagonally from the upper front. <FIG> is a horizontal cross-sectional view schematically illustrating the lamp unit LU illustrated in <FIG>. As illustrated in <FIG>, the lamp unit LU according to the present embodiment mainly includes a heat sink <NUM>, a cooling fan <NUM>, a light source unit <NUM>, and a lens unit <NUM>. Note that, in <FIG>, description of the cooling fan <NUM> is omitted, and in <FIG>, description of a part of the heat sink <NUM> is omitted.

The heat sink <NUM> according to the present embodiment includes a base plate <NUM> made of metal extending substantially in the vertical direction and in the right-left direction, and on the rear surface side of the base plate <NUM>, a plurality of heat dissipation fins <NUM> are provided integrally with the base plate <NUM>. At each of the right and left end portions of the base plate <NUM>, two bosses <NUM> protruding to the front side and a screw hole <NUM> are provided. The two bosses <NUM> and the screw hole <NUM> are arranged in the up-down direction such that the screw hole <NUM> is interposed between the two bosses <NUM>. The cooling fan <NUM> is disposed to be spaced from the heat dissipation fin <NUM> and is secured to the heat sink. The heat sink <NUM> is cooled by the airflow generated by the rotation of the cooling fan <NUM>.

The light source unit <NUM> according to the present embodiment includes a circuit board <NUM> and a light emitting unit <NUM>. The circuit board <NUM> is provided on the front surface of the base plate <NUM> in the heat sink <NUM>. The light emitting unit <NUM> is implemented on the circuit board <NUM> and emits light to the front side by being supplied with power from the circuit board <NUM>. In the present embodiment, the light emitting unit <NUM> is a so-called LED array in which a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) are arranged in a matrix form. Therefore, the light source unit <NUM> can emit light of a predetermined light distribution pattern by selecting the LEDs from which light is emitted. Also, the light source unit <NUM> can adjust the intensity distribution of light in the predetermined light distribution pattern by adjusting the intensity of light emitted from the respective LEDs. Note that the light source unit <NUM> is not particularly limited as long as it can emit light.

The lens unit <NUM> includes a plurality of lens members, and adjusts a divergence angle of incident light by means of the plurality of lens members. In the present embodiment, the lens unit <NUM> includes a lens holder <NUM>, a first lens member <NUM>, a second lens member <NUM>, a third lens member <NUM>, and a cover <NUM>, and the three lens members <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> are supported by the lens holder <NUM>.

<FIG> is a front view schematically illustrating the lens holder <NUM>, and is a view of the lens holder <NUM> viewed from the front side. As illustrated in <FIG>, the lens holder <NUM> according to the present embodiment includes a cylindrical support portion <NUM> extending in the front-rear direction, a pair of right and left plate-shaped securing portions <NUM>, and four reinforcing plates <NUM>. The lens holder <NUM> has a light shielding property, and is made of, for example, resin, and the support portion <NUM>, the securing portions <NUM>, and the reinforcing plates <NUM> are integrally formed.

In the present embodiment, the outer shape of the support portion <NUM> as viewed along a central axis 51a of the support portion <NUM> is a substantially oval track shape in which a pair of short sides of a rectangle that is long in the right-left direction, which is a predetermined direction perpendicular to the central axis 51a, is in an arc shape curved outward. Of the side walls constituting the support portion <NUM>, the upper side and the lower side extend substantially in the horizontal direction, and the right side and the left side are curved substantially in the arc shape. An opening 51h1 at the front end of the support portion <NUM> is substantially in an oval track shape that is substantially similar in shape to the outer shape of the support portion <NUM> and is long in the right-left direction. Note that the shape of the support portion <NUM> is not particularly limited, and for example, the support portion <NUM> may be in a cylindrical shape.

At the rear end portion of the support portion <NUM> is provided a support wall <NUM> protruding substantially perpendicularly from the inner peripheral surface. The support wall <NUM> extends over the entire circumference of the inner peripheral surface, and an opening 51h2 at the rear end of the support portion <NUM> is defined by the tip end of the support wall <NUM>. In the present embodiment, the shape of the opening 51h2 is substantially circular, but the shape of the opening 51h2 is not particularly limited. The support wall <NUM> is provided with a plurality of abutting portions <NUM> protruding from the front surface to the front side so as to surround the opening 51h2, and the end surfaces of the abutting portions <NUM> substantially coincide with a predetermined plane perpendicular to the central axis 51a. Also, through holes <NUM> are formed on both the right and left sides of the support wall <NUM>. Such a support portion <NUM> supports the three lens members <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> so as for the lens members to be arranged along the central axis 51a.

On both the sides of the side wall of the support portion <NUM> in a predetermined direction with the central axis 51a interposed therebetween, communication portions <NUM> penetrating from the inner peripheral surface to the outer peripheral surface to let the inside and the outside of the support portion <NUM> communicate with each other are formed. In the present embodiment, the predetermined direction is the right-left direction, which is a direction perpendicular to the central axis 51a, and the communication portions <NUM> are formed at portions curved in the arc shape that are both the sides of the side wall of the support portion <NUM> in the right-left direction, which is the predetermined direction. In the present embodiment, the communication portion <NUM> is a slit extending from the front end toward the rear end of the support portion <NUM>, and the rear end of the communication portion <NUM> coincides with the front surface of the support wall <NUM>. The two communication portions <NUM> overlap with each other in the radial direction of the support portion <NUM>. On the outer peripheral surface of the support portion <NUM> is formed a groove <NUM> extending along the edge of the communication portion <NUM>, and the groove <NUM> surrounds the entire edge of the communication portion <NUM>. Note that the communication portion <NUM> has only to penetrate from the inner peripheral surface to the outer peripheral surface to let the inside and the outside of the support portion <NUM> communicate with each other, and may be, for example, a through hole penetrating from the inner peripheral surface to the outer peripheral surface.

On both the upper and lower sides, formed substantially in a flat plate shape, of the side wall of the support portion <NUM> are formed protrusions <NUM> protruding from the outer peripheral surface. Also, on each of the right and left sides of the rear end of the support portion <NUM> is formed a connecting portion <NUM> extending to the rear side, and the outer surface of the connecting portion <NUM> is an arc-shaped surface connected to the outer peripheral surface of the support portion <NUM>.

The pair of right and left securing portions <NUM> is a member secured to the heat sink <NUM>. In the present embodiment, the right securing portion <NUM> is a plate-shaped member extending from the rear end portion of the right connecting portion <NUM> in the right direction opposite to the side provided with the central axis 51a, and the left securing portion <NUM> is a plate-shaped member extending from the rear end portion of the left connecting portion <NUM> in the left direction opposite to the side provided with the central axis 51a. Each of the securing portions <NUM> is substantially perpendicular to the central axis 51a. In each of the securing portions <NUM>, three through holes 52h1, 52h2, and 52h3 arranged in the up-down direction are formed. The upper and lower through holes 52h1 and 52h2 in the right securing portion <NUM> are formed at positions corresponding to the bosses <NUM> formed at the right end portion of the base plate <NUM> in the heat sink <NUM>. The center through hole 52h3 of the right securing portion <NUM> is formed at a position corresponding to the screw hole <NUM> formed at the right end portion of the base plate <NUM>. The upper and lower through holes 52h1 and 52h2 in the left securing portion <NUM> are formed at positions corresponding to the bosses <NUM> formed at the left end portion of the base plate <NUM>. The center through hole 52h3 of the right securing portion <NUM> is formed at a position corresponding to the screw hole <NUM> formed at the left end portion of the base plate <NUM>.

The reinforcing plate <NUM> is a plate-like member extending from the securing portion <NUM> in a direction non-perpendicular to the central axis 51a and connected to the outer peripheral surface of the support portion <NUM>. In the present embodiment, two reinforcing plates <NUM> extend from the right securing portion <NUM>, and two reinforcing plates <NUM> extend from the left securing portion <NUM>. These reinforcing plates <NUM> extend in the right-left direction, which is a direction substantially parallel to the central axis 51a, and are substantially in triangular shapes. One side of the reinforcing plate <NUM> is connected to the front surface of the securing portion <NUM>, and the other side is connected to the outer peripheral surface of the support portion <NUM>. The two reinforcing plates <NUM> extending from the right securing portion <NUM> overlap with the right communication portion <NUM> in the circumferential direction of the support portion <NUM>. Since the support portion <NUM> has the communication portion <NUM>, the strength of the support portion <NUM> tends to decrease as compared with a case where the support portion <NUM> does not have the communication portion <NUM>. However, in the present embodiment, the reinforcing plate <NUM> can suppress the decrease in strength of the support portion <NUM> having the communication portion <NUM>. In addition, it is possible to suppress the decrease in strength of the support portion <NUM> as compared with a case where the reinforcing plate <NUM> does not overlap with the right communication portion <NUM> in the circumferential direction of the support portion <NUM>. In the present embodiment, a part of the right communication portion <NUM> is located between the two reinforcing plates <NUM>, and the two reinforcing plates <NUM> causes a part of the communication portion <NUM> to be interposed therebetween. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the decrease in strength of the support portion <NUM> as compared with a case where the two reinforcing plates <NUM> do not cause the communication portion <NUM> to be interposed therebetween. Note that, from the viewpoint of suppressing the decrease in strength of the support portion <NUM>, the reinforcing plate <NUM> connected to the securing portion <NUM> and the support portion <NUM> has only to overlap with the communication portion <NUM> in the circumferential direction of the support portion <NUM>. For example, one of the two reinforcing plates <NUM> may be omitted. Also, the two reinforcing plates <NUM> has only to extend in the direction non-perpendicular to the central axis 51a, and may be inclined with respect to the central axis 51a. Also, the two reinforcing plates <NUM> extending from the left securing portion <NUM> overlap with the left communication portion <NUM> in the circumferential direction of the support portion <NUM>. Therefore, similarly to the case of the right reinforcing plate <NUM>, it is possible to suppress the decrease in strength of the support portion <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the first lens member <NUM> according to the present embodiment includes a lens portion <NUM> that changes a divergence angle of transmitted light, and an outer peripheral portion <NUM> connected to the entire outer periphery of the lens portion <NUM>. The first lens member <NUM> is made of, for example, resin or glass, and the lens portion <NUM> and the outer peripheral portion <NUM> are integrally formed. In the present embodiment, the lens portion <NUM> is a convex lens having a substantially circular outer shape, and one surface 61a and the other surface 61b are convexly curved. The outer peripheral portion <NUM> includes a cylindrical wall <NUM> having a cylindrical shape and a connection plate <NUM>. The cylindrical wall <NUM> extends in the thickness direction of the lens portion <NUM> and surrounds the outer periphery of the lens portion <NUM>. The connection plate <NUM> extends outward from the entire circumference of the outer peripheral surface of the lens portion <NUM>, and connects the entire circumference of the outer peripheral surface of the lens portion <NUM> to the entire circumference of the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical wall <NUM>.

Such a first lens member <NUM> can be inserted through the opening 51h2 of the support portion <NUM>. In the present embodiment, the outer shape of the first lens member <NUM> as viewed along the central axis of the first lens member <NUM> is substantially similar to that of the opening 51h1 of the support portion <NUM>, and the first lens member <NUM> is slightly smaller than the opening 51h1. Note that the outer shape of the first lens member <NUM> is not particularly limited. In addition, two protrusions <NUM> as fitting portions are formed on the end surface of the cylindrical wall <NUM> on the side of the lens portion <NUM> provided with the other surface 61b. One of the protrusions <NUM> is located on one side of the first lens member <NUM> in the longer direction, and the other of the protrusions <NUM> is located on the other side of the first lens member <NUM> in the longer direction. In the present embodiment, the two protrusions <NUM> intersect with a plane including the central axis of the first lens member <NUM> and extending in the longer direction of the first lens member <NUM>.

<FIG> is a rear view schematically illustrating the first lens member <NUM>, and is a view of the first lens member <NUM> viewed from the side of the lens portion <NUM> provided with the one surface 61a. <FIG> illustrates a central axis 60a of the first lens member <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, two protrusions <NUM> are formed on the surface of the connection plate <NUM> on the side of the lens portion <NUM> provided with the one surface 61a. One of the protrusions <NUM> is located on one side of the first lens member <NUM> in the longer direction and corresponds to one of the through holes <NUM> formed in the support wall <NUM> described above. The other protrusion <NUM> is located on the other side of the first lens member <NUM> in the longer direction and corresponds to the other of the through holes <NUM> formed in the support wall <NUM>.

A predetermined uneven pattern is formed on the entire outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical wall <NUM>, which is the outer peripheral surface of the first lens member <NUM>. Examples of the predetermined uneven pattern include stripe-shaped grooves, grid-shaped grooves, an uneven pattern formed by embossing, an uneven pattern formed by sandblasting, and the like. The depth of the recess and the height of the protrusion in the uneven pattern are not particularly limited, and can be set to, for example, about <NUM> to <NUM>. Note that no predetermined uneven pattern may be formed on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical wall <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the second lens member <NUM> according to the present embodiment includes a lens portion <NUM> that changes a divergence angle of transmitted light, and an outer peripheral portion <NUM> connected to the entire outer periphery of the lens portion <NUM>. The second lens member <NUM> is made of, for example, resin or glass, and the lens portion <NUM> and the outer peripheral portion <NUM> are integrally formed. In the present embodiment, the lens portion <NUM> is a concave lens having a substantially oval track shape whose outer shape is long in a predetermined direction, and one surface 71a and the other surface 71b are concavely curved. The outer peripheral portion <NUM> is a cylindrical member in which the entire circumference of the inner peripheral surface thereof is connected to the entire circumference of the outer peripheral surface of the lens portion <NUM>.

Such a second lens member <NUM> can be inserted through the opening 51h2 of the support portion <NUM>. In the present embodiment, the outer shape of the second lens member <NUM> as viewed along the central axis of the second lens member <NUM> is substantially similar to that of the opening 51h2 of the support portion <NUM>, and the second lens member <NUM> is slightly smaller than the opening 51h1, similarly to the first lens member <NUM>. Note that the outer shape of the second lens member <NUM> is not particularly limited. In addition, two protrusions <NUM> as fitting portions and four protrusions <NUM> as abutting portions are formed on the end surface of the outer peripheral portion <NUM> on the side of the lens portion <NUM> provided with the other surface 61b. One of the protrusions <NUM> is located on one side of the second lens member <NUM> in the longer direction, and the other of the protrusions <NUM> is located on the other side of the second lens member <NUM> in the longer direction. Further, two of the protrusions <NUM> are located on one side of the second lens member <NUM> in the shorter direction, and the other two of the protrusions <NUM> are located on the other side of the second lens member <NUM> in the shorter direction. In the present embodiment, the two protrusions <NUM> intersect with a plane including the central axis of the second lens member <NUM> and extending in the longer direction of the second lens member <NUM>.

<FIG> is a rear view schematically illustrating the second lens member <NUM>, and is a view of the second lens member <NUM> viewed from the side of the lens portion <NUM> provided with the one surface 71a. As illustrated in <FIG>, a hole <NUM> and a groove <NUM> as fitting portions and four protrusions <NUM> as abutting portions are formed on the end surface of the outer peripheral portion <NUM> on the side of the lens portion <NUM> provided with the one surface 71a. The hole <NUM> is located on one side of the second lens member <NUM> in the longer direction and corresponds to the one protrusion <NUM> as the fitting portion of the first lens member <NUM>. The groove <NUM> is located on the other side of the second lens member <NUM> in the longer direction, extends by a predetermined length inward from the outer edge of the outer peripheral portion <NUM>, and corresponds to the other protrusion <NUM> as the fitting portion of the first lens member <NUM>. Two of the protrusions <NUM> are located on one side of the second lens member <NUM> in the shorter direction, and the other two of the protrusions <NUM> are located on the other side of the second lens member <NUM> in the shorter direction. In the present embodiment, the four protrusions <NUM> and the four protrusions <NUM> correspond one-to-one, and the protrusions <NUM> overlap with the corresponding protrusions <NUM> as viewed along a central axis 70a of the second lens member <NUM>. In addition, the hole <NUM> and the groove <NUM> intersect with a plane including the central axis 70a of the second lens member <NUM> and extending in the longer direction of the second lens member <NUM>.

Similarly to the first lens member <NUM>, a predetermined uneven pattern is formed on the entire outer peripheral surface of the outer peripheral portion <NUM>, which is the outer peripheral surface of the second lens member <NUM>. An example of the predetermined uneven pattern includes an uneven pattern similar to that of the first lens member <NUM>. Note that no predetermined uneven pattern may be formed on the outer peripheral surface of the outer peripheral portion <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the third lens member <NUM> according to the present embodiment includes a lens portion <NUM> that changes a divergence angle of transmitted light, and an outer peripheral portion <NUM> connected to the entire outer periphery of the lens portion <NUM>. The third lens member <NUM> is formed of, for example, resin or glass, and the lens portion <NUM> and the outer peripheral portion <NUM> are integrally formed. In the present embodiment, the lens portion <NUM> is a convex lens having a substantially oval track shape whose outer shape is long in a predetermined direction, and one surface 81a and the other surface 81b are convexly curved. The outer peripheral portion <NUM> is a flange protruding outward from the entire circumference of the outer peripheral surface of the lens portion <NUM>.

Such a third lens member <NUM> can be inserted through the opening 51h2 of the support portion <NUM>. In the present embodiment, the outer shape of the third lens member <NUM> as viewed along the central axis of the third lens member <NUM> is substantially similar to that of the opening 51h2 of the support portion <NUM>, and the third lens member <NUM> is slightly smaller than the opening 51h1, similarly to the first lens member <NUM>. Note that the outer shape of third lens member <NUM> is not particularly limited. A hole <NUM> and a slit <NUM> are formed as fitting portions in the outer peripheral portion <NUM>. The hole <NUM> is located on one side of the third lens member <NUM> in the longer direction and corresponds to the one protrusion <NUM> as the fitting portion of the second lens member <NUM>. The slit <NUM> is located on the other side of the third lens member <NUM> in the longer direction, extends by a predetermined length inward from the outer edge of the outer peripheral portion <NUM>, and corresponds to the other protrusion <NUM> as the fitting portion of the second lens member <NUM>.

Similarly to the first lens member <NUM>, a predetermined uneven pattern is formed on the entire outer peripheral surface of the outer peripheral portion <NUM>, which is the outer peripheral surface of the third lens member <NUM>. An example of the predetermined uneven pattern includes an uneven pattern similar to that of the first lens member <NUM>. Note that no predetermined uneven pattern may be formed on the outer peripheral surface of the outer peripheral portion <NUM>.

The first lens member <NUM>, the second lens member <NUM>, and the third lens member <NUM> are inserted into the support portion <NUM> through the opening 51h2 of the support portion <NUM> of the lens holder <NUM> in this order, and are supported by the support portion <NUM>. Specifically, the first lens member <NUM> is inserted into the support portion <NUM> from the opening 51h1 in a state where the longer direction is the right-left direction and the central axis 60a substantially coincides with the central axis 51a of the support portion <NUM>. Then, the first lens member <NUM> is moved to the side provided with the support wall <NUM> of the lens holder <NUM>, and as illustrated in <FIG>, the protrusions <NUM> are fitted into the through holes <NUM> formed in the support wall <NUM>, and the end surface of the cylindrical wall <NUM> is brought into contact with the abutting portions <NUM> formed in the support wall <NUM>.

Subsequently, the second lens member <NUM> is inserted into the support portion <NUM> from the opening 51h1 in a state where the longer direction is the right-left direction and the central axis 70a substantially coincides with the central axis 51a of the support portion <NUM>. The second lens member <NUM> is moved to the side provided with the first lens member <NUM>, the one protrusion <NUM> of the first lens member <NUM> is fitted into the hole <NUM> of the second lens member <NUM>, the other protrusion <NUM> is fitted into the groove <NUM> of the second lens member <NUM>, and the protrusions <NUM> as the abutting portions of the second lens member <NUM> are brought into contact with the end surface of the cylindrical wall <NUM>.

Subsequently, the third lens member <NUM> is inserted into the support portion <NUM> from the opening 51h1 in a state where the longer direction is the right-left direction and the central axis substantially coincides with the central axis 51a of the support portion <NUM>. The one protrusion <NUM> of the second lens member <NUM> is fitted into the hole <NUM> of the third lens member <NUM>, the other protrusion <NUM> is fitted into the slit <NUM> of the third lens member <NUM>, and the outer peripheral portion <NUM> of the third lens member <NUM> is brought into contact with the protrusions <NUM> as abutting portions.

In a state where the lens members <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> are inserted into the support portion <NUM> in this manner, the lens members <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> are arranged along the central axis 51a of the support portion <NUM>. That is, the support portion <NUM> supports the lens members <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> so as for the lens members to be arranged along the central axis 51a. In the present embodiment, in a state where the lens members <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> are supported by the support portion <NUM> in this manner, the central axis of each of the lens members <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> substantially coincides with the central axis 51a. The one surface 61a of the lens portion <NUM> of the first lens member <NUM> crosses the opening 51h2. The other surface 61b of the lens portion <NUM> of the first lens member <NUM> is opposed to the one surface 71a of the lens portion <NUM> of the second lens member <NUM>, and the other surface 71b of the lens portion <NUM> of the second lens member <NUM> is opposed to the one surface 81a of the lens portion <NUM> of the third lens member <NUM>. The other surface 81b of the lens portion <NUM> of the third lens member <NUM> is located outside the support portion <NUM>.

<FIG> is a view illustrating a state in which the lens members <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> are supported by the support portion <NUM>, and is a view taken along a straight line that perpendicularly intersects with the central axis 51a of the support portion <NUM> and passes through a center 56c of the left communication portion <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, in the present embodiment, the left communication portion <NUM> of the support portion <NUM> exposes the lens members <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> from the support portion <NUM>. Also, although not illustrated, the right communication portion <NUM> exposes the lens members <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> from the support portion <NUM> similarly to the left communication portion <NUM>. Also, as viewed along the straight line that perpendicularly intersects with the central axis 51a and passes through the center 56c of the left communication portion <NUM>, the hole <NUM> as a fitting portion, the other protrusion <NUM> as a fitting portion to be fitted into the hole <NUM>, the hole <NUM> as a fitting portion, and the other protrusion <NUM> as a fitting portion to be fitted into the hole <NUM> overlap with the left communication portion <NUM>. The hole <NUM>, the other protrusion <NUM>, the hole <NUM>, and the other protrusion <NUM> are located on the side provided with the communication portion <NUM> on the right side of the central axis 51a. The lens members <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> supported by the support portion <NUM> are restricted from coming off of the opening 51h1 by the cover <NUM>.

The cover <NUM> according to the present embodiment covers a part of the opening 51h1 of the support portion <NUM> in a state of being attached to the support portion <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, the cover <NUM> according to the present embodiment has elasticity and includes a base portion <NUM>, a pair of securing portions <NUM>, and a pair of shielding portions <NUM>. In the present embodiment, the base portion <NUM>, the pair of securing portions <NUM>, and the pair of shielding portions <NUM> are integrally formed by bending a metal plate, and have a light shielding property. Note that the material constituting the cover <NUM> is not particularly limited. For example, the cover <NUM> may be made of resin.

In the present embodiment, the base portion <NUM> is a plate-like member having a substantially similar shape to the outer shape of the support portion <NUM>, and a through hole <NUM> is formed in the base portion <NUM>. The pair of securing portions <NUM> and the pair of shielding portions <NUM> are plate-shaped members extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to the base portion <NUM> on one side with respect to the base portion <NUM>. Through holes <NUM> are formed in the pair of securing portions <NUM>. An end portion of one of the securing portions <NUM> on the side provided with the base portion <NUM> is connected to a portion of the outer edge portion of the base portion <NUM> extending substantially linearly on one side of the base portion <NUM> in the shorter direction. An end portion of the other of the securing portions <NUM> on the side provided with the base portion <NUM> is connected to a portion of the outer edge portion of the base portion <NUM> extending substantially linearly on the other side of the base portion <NUM> in the shorter direction. An end portion of one of the shielding portions <NUM> on the side provided with the base portion <NUM> is connected to a portion the outer edge portion of the base portion <NUM> extending in a substantially arc shape on one side of the base portion <NUM> in the longer direction. An end portion of the other of the shielding portions <NUM> on the side provided with the base portion <NUM> is connected to a portion the outer edge portion of the base portion <NUM> extending in a substantially arc shape on the other side of the base portion <NUM> in the longer direction.

The cover <NUM> is attached to the support portion <NUM> by fitting the protrusions <NUM> of the support portion <NUM> into the through holes <NUM> of the securing portion <NUM>. In a state where the cover <NUM> is attached to the support portion <NUM>, the base portion <NUM> covers the outer peripheral side of the opening 51h1, and the base portion <NUM> and the outer peripheral portion <NUM> of the third lens member <NUM> overlap with each other in a direction parallel to the central axis 51a. Therefore, the lens members <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> are restricted from coming off of the opening 51h1. Further, the base portion <NUM> presses the outer peripheral portion <NUM> of the third lens member <NUM> toward the side provided with the support wall <NUM> of the support portion <NUM>, and the lens members <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> are held so as to be interposed between the base portion <NUM> and the support wall <NUM>. Although not illustrated, each of the straight lines parallel to the central axis 51a of the support portion <NUM> and passing through the protrusion <NUM> of the second lens member <NUM> passes through the base portion <NUM>, the outer peripheral portion <NUM> of the third lens member <NUM>, the protrusion <NUM> of the second lens member <NUM>, the <NUM> of the first lens member <NUM>, and the abutting portion <NUM> of the support wall <NUM>. Therefore, when the lens members <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> are held so as to be interposed between the base portion <NUM> and the support wall <NUM>, the lens members <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> are restricted from being inclined with respect to the central axis 51a.

In addition, in a state where the cover <NUM> is attached to the support portion <NUM>, the one shielding portion <NUM> covers the one communication portion <NUM> from the outside of the support portion <NUM>, and the other shielding portion <NUM> covers the other communication portion <NUM> from the outside of the support portion <NUM>. Therefore, as compared with a case where the cover <NUM> does not have the shielding portions <NUM>, it is possible to restrict dirt, dust, and the like from entering the support portion <NUM> via the communication portions <NUM>. In addition, in a state where the cover <NUM> is attached to the support portion <NUM>, each of the shielding portions <NUM> is inserted into the groove <NUM> of the support portion <NUM>. Therefore, the shielding portions <NUM> are restricted from protruding from the outer peripheral surface of the support portion <NUM>. In addition, each of the shielding portions <NUM> covers the entire edge portion along the edge of the communication portion <NUM> in the support portion <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, such a lens unit <NUM> is placed on the front surface of the base plate <NUM> such that the bosses <NUM> and <NUM> of the heat sink <NUM> are inserted into the through holes 52h1 and 52h2 of the right and left securing portions <NUM>, and screws <NUM> are inserted into the through holes 52h2 of the securing portions <NUM> and fastened to the screw holes <NUM>, thereby being secured to the heat sink <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, in a state where the lens unit <NUM> is secured to the heat sink <NUM>, the central axis 51a of the support portion <NUM> passes through the light emitting unit <NUM> of the light source unit <NUM>. That is, the lens holder <NUM> is formed such that the central axis 51a passes through the light emitting unit <NUM>. Then, light L emitted from the light source unit <NUM> is transmitted through the lens portions <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> of the lens members <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> in the order of the first lens member <NUM>, the second lens member <NUM>, and the third lens member <NUM>, and the divergence angle of the light L is adjusted. The light L whose divergence angle is adjusted by the lens members <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> is emitted from the vehicle lamp <NUM> toward the front of the vehicle via the front cover <NUM>. In the present embodiment, the shapes of the lens portions <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> in the lens members <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> are adjusted such that the light distribution pattern of the light L emitted from the light source unit <NUM> is projected to be a predetermined light distribution pattern of a predetermined size on a virtual plane spaced a predetermined distance ahead of the vehicle.

As described above, the lens unit <NUM> according to the present embodiment includes the plurality of lens members <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> having the lens portions <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> that change the divergence angle of transmitted light, and the lens holder <NUM>. The lens holder <NUM> has the cylindrical support portion <NUM> in which each of the plurality of lens members <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> can be inserted into the opening 51h2 at the front end. The support portion <NUM> supports the plurality of lens members <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> so as for the lens members to be arranged along the central axis 51a of the support portion <NUM>. On the side walls of the support portion <NUM>, the communication portions <NUM> that let the inside and the outside of the support portion <NUM> communicate with each other and expose the outer peripheral portions <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> of the lens members <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> from the support portion <NUM> are formed. Therefore, in the lens unit <NUM> according to the present embodiment, when the lens members <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> exposed from the communication portions <NUM> are to be supported by the support portion <NUM>, for example, the outer peripheral portions <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> of the lens members <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> can be moved by being pressed with a tool or a finger of an operator via the communication portions <NUM>. Therefore, with the lens unit <NUM> according to the present embodiment, the lens members <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> can be easily supported at predetermined positions in the support portion <NUM> as compared with the case where the communication portions <NUM> are not formed, and the assembly can be facilitated.

Also, in the present embodiment, the outer peripheral portions <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> of the three lens members <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> are exposed from the communication portions <NUM>. Therefore, the relative positions of the three exposed lens members <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> can be easily set at predetermined positions, and the assembly can further be facilitated.

Further, in the present embodiment, each of the communication portions <NUM> is a slit extending from the front end toward the rear end of the support portion <NUM>. For example, the tool for gripping the lens members <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> or the finger of the operator is made to pass through each of the communication portions <NUM>, which is a slit, so that the lens members <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> can be inserted and moved from the opening 51h1 at the front end into the support portion <NUM> in a state where the lens members <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> are gripped. Therefore, with the lens unit <NUM> according to the present embodiment, the assembly can further be facilitated.

Further, in the present embodiment, the communication portions <NUM> are formed on both the sides in a predetermined direction with the central axis 51a interposed therebetween, and are formed on both the sides of the side wall of the support portion <NUM> in the right-left direction perpendicular to the central axis 51a. Therefore, for example, the tool or the finger of the operator is inserted into each of the communication portions <NUM>, so that the lens members <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> can be pinched, gripped, and moved in the width direction. Therefore, with the lens unit <NUM> according to the present embodiment, the assembly can further be facilitated.

Further, in the present embodiment, the two communication portions <NUM> are formed as described above, and the shapes of the lens members <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> as viewed along the central axis 51a of the support portion <NUM> are long in the predetermined direction. Also, each of the communication portions <NUM> exposes the lens members <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> from the support portion <NUM>. In the case of pinching the lens members in the longer direction, the lens members can be made less likely to be inclined in the thickness direction as compared with the case of pinching the lens members in the shorter direction. Therefore, with the lens unit <NUM> according to the present embodiment, the lens members <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> can be easily moved in the support portion <NUM> as compared with the case where the lens members <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> are short in length in the predetermined direction.

Further, in the present embodiment, the predetermined uneven pattern is formed on the entire outer peripheral surface of each of the lens members <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>. Therefore, the predetermined uneven patterns in the lens members <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> are exposed from the communication portions <NUM>. For this reason, the lens members <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> are easily pinched and gripped in the width direction as compared with the case where no predetermined uneven patterns are formed. Note that, from the viewpoint of easily gripping the lens members, all that is required is that two communication portions <NUM> are formed in the support portion <NUM>, the outer peripheral surface of at least one of the lens members <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> has a region where a predetermined uneven pattern is formed, and the region is exposed from the communication portions <NUM>. For example, an uneven pattern may be formed on a part of the outer peripheral surface of the lens member <NUM>, and a region where the uneven pattern is formed may be exposed from each of the communication portions <NUM>.

Further, in the present embodiment, as illustrated in <FIG>, in a set of the first lens member <NUM> and the second lens member <NUM>, which is a set of lens members adjacent to each other, the first lens member <NUM> is provided with the protrusions <NUM> and <NUM> as fitting portions, and the second lens member <NUM> is provided with the hole <NUM> and the groove <NUM> as fitting portions. The hole <NUM> and the one protrusion <NUM> are fitted to each other, and the groove <NUM> and the other protrusion <NUM> are fitted to each other. That is, the pair of the first lens member <NUM> and the second lens member <NUM> is provided with fitting portions to be fitted to each other. Therefore, as compared with a case where the hole <NUM>, the groove <NUM>, and the protrusions <NUM> and <NUM> are not provided, it is possible to suppress relative positional misalignment between the first lens member <NUM> and the second lens member <NUM>. In addition, as illustrated in <FIG>, as viewed along the straight line that perpendicularly intersects with the central axis 51a and passes through the center 56c of the left communication portion <NUM>, the groove <NUM> and the protrusion <NUM> fitted in the groove <NUM> overlap with the left communication portion <NUM> and are located further on the side provided with the left communication portion <NUM> than the central axis 51a. Therefore, with the lens unit <NUM> according to the present embodiment, as viewed in this manner, the groove <NUM> and the one protrusion <NUM> can be easily visually recognized through the left communication portion <NUM> as compared with the case where the groove <NUM> and the one protrusion <NUM> do not overlap with the left communication portion <NUM> or the case where the groove <NUM> and the one protrusion <NUM> are located on the opposite side of the side provided with the left communication portion <NUM> with the central axis 51a interposed between the sides. Therefore, the one protrusion <NUM> can be easily fitted into the groove <NUM>. In addition, although not illustrated, as viewed along the straight line that perpendicularly intersects with the central axis 51a and passes through the center of the right communication portion <NUM>, the hole <NUM> and the other protrusion <NUM> fitted in the hole <NUM> overlap with the right communication portion <NUM> and are located on the side provided with the communication portion <NUM> on the right side of the central axis 51a. Therefore, similarly to the groove <NUM> and the one protrusion <NUM>, the hole <NUM> and the other protrusion <NUM> can be easily visually recognized through the right communication portion <NUM>, and the other protrusion <NUM> can be easily fitted into the hole <NUM>.

Further, in the present embodiment, as illustrated in <FIG>, in a set of the second lens member <NUM> and the third lens member <NUM>, which is a set of lens members adjacent to each other, the second lens member <NUM> is provided with the protrusions <NUM> and <NUM> as fitting portions, and the third lens member <NUM> is provided with the hole <NUM> and the slit <NUM> as fitting portions. The hole <NUM> and the one protrusion <NUM> are fitted to each other, and the slit <NUM> and the other protrusion <NUM> are fitted to each other. That is, the pair of the second lens member <NUM> and the third lens member <NUM> is provided with fitting portions to be fitted to each other. Therefore, as compared with a case where the hole <NUM>, the slit <NUM>, and the protrusions <NUM> and <NUM> are not provided, it is possible to suppress relative positional misalignment between the second lens member <NUM> and the third lens member <NUM>. In addition, as illustrated in <FIG>, as viewed along the straight line that perpendicularly intersects with the central axis 51a and passes through the center 56c of the left communication portion <NUM>, the slit <NUM> and the protrusion <NUM> fitted in the slit <NUM> overlap with the left communication portion <NUM> and are located further on the side provided with the left communication portion <NUM> than the central axis 51a. Therefore, with the lens unit <NUM> according to the present embodiment, as viewed in this manner, the groove <NUM> and the one protrusion <NUM> can be easily visually recognized through the left communication portion <NUM> as compared with the case where the slit <NUM> and the one protrusion <NUM> do not overlap with the left communication portion <NUM> or the case where the slit <NUM> and the one protrusion <NUM> are located on the opposite side of the side provided with the left communication portion <NUM> with the central axis 51a interposed between the sides. Therefore, the one protrusion <NUM> can be easily fitted into the groove <NUM>. In addition, although not illustrated, as viewed along the straight line that perpendicularly intersects with the central axis 51a and passes through the center of the right communication portion <NUM>, the hole <NUM> and the other protrusion <NUM> fitted in the hole <NUM> overlap with the right communication portion <NUM> and are located on the side provided with the communication portion <NUM> on the right side of the central axis 51a. Therefore, similarly to the slit <NUM> and the one protrusion <NUM>, the hole <NUM> and the other protrusion <NUM> can be easily visually recognized through the right communication portion <NUM>, and the other protrusion <NUM> can be easily fitted into the hole <NUM>.

Further, in the present embodiment, as illustrated in <FIG>, the groove <NUM>, the one protrusion <NUM> fitted in the groove <NUM>, the slit <NUM>, and the one protrusion <NUM> fitted in the slit <NUM> are exposed from the left communication portion <NUM>. Therefore, the groove <NUM>, the one protrusion <NUM>, the slit <NUM>, and the one protrusion <NUM> can be more easily visually recognized and can be easily fitted through the left communication portion <NUM>.

In addition, the lens unit <NUM> according to the present embodiment further includes the cover <NUM> having the shielding portions <NUM> that cover the communication portions <NUM> from the outside of the support portion <NUM> in a state of being attached to the support portion <NUM>, and the support portion <NUM> and the shielding portions <NUM> have a light shielding property. Therefore, it is possible to restrict a part of the light L emitted from the light source unit <NUM> and incident on the lens portions <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> of the lens members <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> from leaking to the outside of the support portion <NUM> via the communication portions <NUM>.

Further, in the present embodiment, each of the shielding portions <NUM> covers the entire edge portion along the edge of the communication portion <NUM> in the support portion <NUM>. As compared with a case where the shielding portion <NUM> does not cover this edge portion, it is possible to further restrict a part of the light L from leaking to the outside of the support portion <NUM>. Note that, from the viewpoint of further restricting a part of the light L from leaking, the shielding portion <NUM> only needs to cover a part of the edge portion along the edge of the communication portion <NUM> in the support portion <NUM>, and for example, a part of the edge of the shielding portion <NUM> may be along the edge of the communication portion <NUM>.

Further, in the present embodiment, as illustrated in <FIG>, as viewed along the straight line that perpendicularly intersects with the central axis 51a and passes through the center 56c of the communication portion <NUM>, outer peripheral edges 62e and 72e on both sides in the thickness direction of the outer peripheral portions <NUM> and <NUM> of the lens members <NUM> and <NUM> exposed from the communication portion <NUM> cross the communication portion <NUM>. Therefore, for example, the outer peripheral portions <NUM> and <NUM> of the lens members <NUM> and <NUM> can be pinched, gripped, and moved in the thickness direction with the tool or the finger of the operator via the communication portion <NUM>. Note that, in the present embodiment, an outer peripheral edge 82e of the outer peripheral portion <NUM> of the third lens member <NUM> on the side provided with the second lens member <NUM> crosses the communication portion <NUM>, and an outer peripheral edge 82e on the other side slightly protrudes from the opening 51h1.

The present invention has been described above by taking the embodiment as an example, and the present invention is not limited to the embodiment.

For example, in the above embodiment, the vehicle lamp <NUM> is a headlight, but is not particularly limited. For example, the vehicle lamp <NUM> may be one that irradiates an irradiated object such as a road surface with light constituting an image.

Also, in the above embodiment, the cover <NUM> having the shielding portions <NUM> that cover the communication portions <NUM> from the outside of the support portion <NUM> in the state of being attached to the support portion <NUM> has been described as an example. However, the shielding portions <NUM> may be formed separately from the cover <NUM> and attached to the support portion <NUM>. Further, the lens unit <NUM> may not include the shielding portions <NUM>, what is not according to the invention. In this case, a part of the light L emitted from the light source unit <NUM> and incident on the lens portions <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> of the lens members <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> could be emitted from the communication portions <NUM> to the outside of the lens unit <NUM>, and the aesthetic impression could be improved. From the viewpoint of improving the aesthetic impression by means of light as described above, the shielding portion <NUM> may be light-transmissive. Furthermore, from this viewpoint, the outer peripheral surface of at least one of the lens members <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may have a region where the predetermined uneven pattern is formed, and this region may be exposed from the communication portion <NUM>. In this case, by adjusting the uneven pattern, the emission direction and the diffusion state of the light emitted through the communication portion <NUM> can be adjusted, and the aesthetic impression can further be improved.

Further, in the above embodiment, the support portion <NUM> that supports the three lens members <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> has been described as an example. However, the support portion <NUM> only needs to support a plurality of lens members, and for example, the support portion <NUM> may support two lens members. Further, in the above embodiment, the communication portion <NUM> that exposes the three lens members <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> has been described as an example, but the communication portion <NUM> may expose at least one lens member. In this case, the outer peripheral portion of the lens member exposed from the communication portion <NUM> can be moved by being pressed with the tool or the finger of the operator. Note that at least two lens members are preferably exposed. With such a configuration, the relative positions of at least two exposed lens members can be easily set at predetermined positions, and the assembly can further be facilitated.

Further, in the above embodiment, the lens unit <NUM> including the cover <NUM> has been described as an example, but the lens unit <NUM> may not include the cover <NUM>. In this case, for example, a member that restricts the third lens member <NUM> from moving in the direction from the other end side toward the one end side is provided in the support portion <NUM>. An example of this member includes a protrusion that is located further on the side provided with the opening 51h1 than the third lens member <NUM> in the direction along the central axis 51a and protrudes from the inner peripheral surface of the support portion <NUM>. By doing so, the third lens member <NUM> can be restricted from coming off of the opening 51h1.

Further, in the above embodiment, the lens members <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> respectively including the lens portions <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> and the outer peripheral portions <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> have been described as examples. However, the lens members <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> only need to have the lens portions <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, and may include only the lens portions <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, for example. In this case, the outer peripheral portions of the lens portions <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, which are the outer peripheral portions of the lens members <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, are exposed from the communication portions <NUM>. In addition, the outer peripheral portions <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may be intermittently provided in the circumferential direction of the lens portions <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>.

Further, in the above embodiment, the fitting portions fitted to each other in the pair of the first lens member <NUM> and the second lens member <NUM> have the configuration of the protrusion <NUM> and the hole <NUM> and the configuration of the protrusion <NUM> and the groove <NUM>. Also, the fitting portions fitted to each other in the pair of the second lens member <NUM> and the third lens member <NUM> have the configuration of the protrusion <NUM> and the hole <NUM> and the configuration of the protrusion <NUM> and the slit <NUM>. However, the configuration of the fitting portions fitted to each other is not particularly limited. Also, the lens members <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may not have the fitting portions.

Claim 1:
A lens unit (<NUM>) for a vehicle lamp (<NUM>) comprising:
a plurality of lens members (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) each having a lens portion (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) that changes a divergence angle of transmitted light; and
a lens holder (<NUM>) including a support portion (<NUM>) formed in a cylindrical shape having an opening (51h1) at one end through which each of the plurality of lens members (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) can be inserted, wherein
the support portion (<NUM>) supports the plurality of lens members (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) so as for the plurality of lens members (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) to be arranged along a central axis (51a) of the support portion (<NUM>), and
a communication portion (<NUM>) that lets an inside and an outside of the support portion (<NUM>) communicate with each other and exposes an outer peripheral portion (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) of at least one of the plurality of lens members (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) from the support portion (<NUM>) is formed on a side wall of the support portion (<NUM>),
characterized by further comprising:
a shielding portion (<NUM>) that covers the communication portion (<NUM>) from an outside of the support portion (<NUM>) in a state of being attached to the support portion (<NUM>).