Image projection device

Abstract

Provided is an image projection device that can project a uniform shape in a projected image, whether the portion is close to a vehicle body or far from the vehicle body. The image projection device for a vehicle according to the present application includes a plurality of light sources (2), a plurality of lenses (4) that respectively face the plurality of light sources (2), and a plate-shaped light-blocking member (3) that is interposed between the light sources (2) and the lenses (4). The light-blocking member (3) includes a plurality of opening portions (31) that respectively allow light (L) from the plurality of light sources (2) to pass toward the plurality of lenses (4). The opening portions are formed in a trapezoidal shape.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to an image projection device for a vehicle that projects a prescribed image on a road surface. BACKGROUND

[0002] In the past, in a vehicle lamp, a technology has been known in which an image is projected on a road surface to call attention of surrounding vehicles and pedestrians or to assist driving of a driver. For example, in Patent Literature 1, an invention of a start notification display device that draws a prescribed shape of a start notification display on a road surface in a vehicle travel direction to make a pedestrian or the like accurately grasp a timing at which the vehicle starts is proposed.

[0003] PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS

[0004] PATENT LITERATURE

[0005] Patent Literature 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-55519 SUMMARY

[0006] PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0007] However, if an image is projected on a road surface using an image projection device, since light is projected from an oblique direction above the road surface, there is a problem in that the width is elongated farther from the vehicle body and a desired image cannot be drawn.

[0008] Therefore, an object of the present application is to provide an image projection device that can project a shape that is uniform in both a portion close to the vehicle body and a portion farther from the vehicle body in a projected image.

[0009] MEANS FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEMS

[0010] In order to solve the above problems, the image projection device of the present application is an image projection device for a vehicle, characterized by comprising a plurality of light sources, a plurality of lenses that respectively face the plurality of light sources, and a plate-shaped light-blocking member that is interposed between the light sources and the lenses, the light-blocking member comprising a plurality of opening portions through which light from the plurality of light sources respectively passes toward the plurality of lenses, the opening portions being provided in a trapezoidal shape.

[0011] It is preferable that the shape of the opening portions be provided in a trapezoidal shape in which the lower base is shorter than the upper base, and the opening portions be arranged in a row.

[0012] It is also possible to provide three or more opening portions in the light-blocking member, and to arrange distances between the opening portions to be different from each other.

[0013] It is also possible to provide the plurality of opening portions to be different in size.

[0014] EFFECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0015] According to the image projection device of the present application, since the light shield is interposed between the light source and the lens, the opening portion through which the light of the light source passes is provided on the light shield, and the opening portion is provided in a trapezoidal shape, the effect that a uniform shape can be projected regardless of a portion close to the vehicle body or a portion far from the vehicle body is obtained by adjusting the lengths of the upper base and the lower base of the trapezoidal shape with a simple configuration. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0016] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an image projection device according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0017] Figure 2 is Figure 1 a schematic exploded perspective view of the image projection device of

[0018] Figure 3 indicates Figure 1 the optical axis, the light flux, and the projected image of the image projection device of Figure 3 (a) of Figure 3 (b) of

[0019] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram in a case where a focal point is arranged inside the lens, Figure 4 (a) of Figure 4 (b) of

[0020] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram in a case where a focal point is arranged inside the lens, Figure 4 (a) of Figure 5 (b) of Figure 5 (a) of

[0021] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram in a case where a focal point is not arranged inside the lens, Figure 6 (a) of Figure 6 (b) of

[0022] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram in a case where a focal point is arranged inside the lens, Figure 6 (a) of Figure 7 (b) of Figure 7 (a) of

[0023] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram in a case where a focal point is not arranged inside the lens, Figure 1Fig. 1 is a schematic view showing an image projection device according to the present application and a projected image.

[0024] Figure 9 Fig. 2 is a schematic view showing a case where the image projection device according to the present application is disposed in a lamp chamber of a headlamp.

[0025] Figure 10 Fig. 3 is a schematic view showing a configuration of lenses of the image projection device according to the present application and a direction of the lenses. Figure 9 Fig. 4 is a schematic view showing a B-B cross-sectional view of a lens portion of the image projection device according to the present application. Figure 10 Fig. 5 is a schematic view showing a state of inclination of each lens viewed from a side. Figure 10 Fig. 6 is a schematic view showing a light-shielding member of the image projection device according to the present application.

[0026] Figure 11 Fig. 7 is a schematic view showing a state of inclination of each lens viewed from a side. Figure 9 Fig. 8 is a schematic view showing a B-B cross-sectional view of a lens portion of the image projection device according to the present application. Figure 11 Fig. 9 is a schematic view showing a state of inclination of each lens viewed from a side. Figure 11 Fig. 10 is a schematic view showing an enlarged view of an opening portion.

[0027] Figure 12 Fig. 11 is a schematic view showing an image projection device according to the present application and a projected image. Figure 9

[0028] BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0029] 1 image projection device

[0030] 2 light source

[0031] 3 light-shielding member

[0032] 4 lens

[0033] 5 attachment

[0034] 6 extension member

[0035] 7 substrate

[0036] 31 opening portion

[0037] 32 upper bottom (opening portion)

[0038] 33 lower bottom (opening portion)

[0039] 51 vehicle body

[0040] 52 backup light

[0041] 54 headlamp

[0042] G1 to G3 (collectively also referred to as "G") image

[0043] L light

[0044] R road surface DETAILED DESCRIPTION​

[0045] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention as an image projection device will be described based on the accompanying drawings. Figure 1 , 2 The image projection device 1 shown is installed near the reversing light 52 and has multiple light sources 2 (2a to 2c) that emit light L (L1 to L3) to project the image G (G1 to G3), multiple lenses 4 (4a to 4c) that are respectively opposite to the multiple light sources 2, and a light shield 3 sandwiched between the light sources 2 and the lenses 4.

[0046] like Figure 2 As shown, the image projection device 1 consists of a substrate 7 on which a light source 2 is mounted, an accessory 5 for mounting a light shield 3 on the substrate 7, a flat light shield 3 that cuts the light L from the light source 2 into a predetermined shape, a lens 4 that allows the light L from the light source 2 to pass through, and an extension 6 that shields the internal structure of the image projection device 1 from the exterior of the vehicle.

[0047] Light sources 2a to 2c are LEDs with the same beam size, i.e., LEDs with the same current value and the same brightness, and are arranged vertically. Arranging the light sources vertically has the advantage of simplifying the optical design of the lens compared to arranging them horizontally.

[0048] Multiple lenses 4 (4a to 4c) are formed as a single unit, configured to allow multiple light rays L1 to L3 from multiple light sources 2a to 2c to pass through respectively. Furthermore, lenses 4a to 4c are each configured with different diameters, decreasing in diameter towards the bottom. The lenses 4 are arranged such that the larger the diameter, the greater the distance between them, to prevent them from overlapping. Additionally, the position of each lens 4 relative to the light source 2 is determined by its own focal length.

[0049] At this time, the tilt angle of lens 4 is adjusted so that the light L passing through the larger diameter lens 4 projects the image G further than that passing through the smaller diameter lens 4. The tilt angle of lens 4 is set such that the closer the lens 4 is to the vehicle projection device 1 and the vehicle body 51, the greater the tilt angle. With this adjustment, more light beams pass through the larger diameter lens 4 than through the smaller diameter lens 4, thus enabling the image G to be projected with equal illumination regardless of the distance from the vehicle body 51. Furthermore, lens 4 can also be configured to become larger towards the lower side. In this case, it is also preferable to adjust the tilt angle of lens 4 so that a larger diameter lens 4 projects the image G further away from the vehicle body 51.

[0050] like Figure 3 As shown in (a), the vehicle projection device 1 is configured such that the light L emitted from light sources 2a-2c tilts and descends towards the road surface R. At this time, as... Figure 3As shown in (b), images G1 to G3 extending along the vehicle length direction are projected onto the road surface R. Furthermore, the light source 2 and the image G depicted by the light L from the light source 2 are arranged on the same straight line A. By aligning the light source 2 and the image G on the same straight line A, it is easier to identify images belonging to the same function compared to the case where the light source 2 and the image G are projected with left and right deviations. Further, it is possible to include vehicle lamps (e.g., reversing lights 52) arranged parallel to the light source 2, also aligned on the same straight line as the light source 2 and the image G.

[0051] like Figure 4 As shown, when a focal point F exists within the lens, light passing through the opening 31 of the light-shielding member 3 is reversed at the focal point F of the lens 4 and projected. Therefore, light L passing near the upper bottom 32 of the opening 31 is projected to the vicinity of the edge Ga closer to the vehicle body 51, while light L passing near the lower bottom 33 is projected to the vicinity of the edge Gb farther from the vehicle body 51 (see reference). Figure 5 ).

[0052] In addition, such as Figure 4 As shown in (b), the openings 31 are arranged in a row along the long side of the light-shielding member 3. The size of the openings 31 is set to match the size of the LED chip, which serves as the light source 2. In addition, the height h of the openings 31 is preferably about 0.9 mm. Furthermore, the distances k1 and k2 between the openings 31 are set to be different from each other depending on the size and tilt of each lens 4.

[0053] Figure 5 (a) in the figure represents the image G' projected when a focal point F is present in the lens and a rectangular opening 31' is provided. Figure 5 (b) in the diagram represents the projected image G when a focal point F is present within the lens, provided there is a trapezoidal opening 31 with a lower base 33 shorter than the upper base 32. Figure 5 In (b) of the middle, with Figure 5 Compared to (a), the elongation of the edge Gb farther from the vehicle body 51 is suppressed (Gb'>Gb), and a strip-shaped image G extending along the vehicle length direction is projected.

[0054] like Figure 6 As shown, the image projection device 1 can also be configured such that light passing through the opening 31 of the light-shielding member 3 travels directly inside the lens 4. In this case, no focal point F is provided inside the lens. In this situation, light L passing near the upper bottom 32 of the opening 31 is projected to the vicinity of the edge Gb, which is farther from the vehicle body 51, and light L passing near the lower bottom 33 is projected to the vicinity of the edge Ga, which is closer to the vehicle body 51 (see reference). Figure 7 ).

[0055] Figure 7(a) in FIG. 1 indicates an image G' projected when an opening portion 31' having a rectangular shape is provided, in the case where there is no focal point F inside the lens, Figure 7 (b) in FIG. 1 indicates an image G projected when an opening portion 31 having a trapezoidal shape in which the lower base 33 is longer than the upper base 32 is provided, in the case where there is no focal point F inside the lens. Figure 7 In (b) in FIG. 1, compared with (a) in FIG. 1, the elongation of the edge Gb farther from the vehicle body 51 (Gb' > Gb) is suppressed, and a band-shaped image G elongated in the vehicle longitudinal direction is projected. Figure 7 In (b) in FIG. 1, compared with (a) in FIG. 1, the elongation of the edge Gb farther from the vehicle body 51 (Gb' > Gb) is suppressed, and a band-shaped image G elongated in the vehicle longitudinal direction is projected.

[0056] Figure 8 A case where the above-described image projection device 1 is turned on is shown in FIG. 2. The images G1 to G3 are drawn on a straight line A obtained by projecting the optical axis of the light L emitted from the light source 2 to the road surface R. As for the image G, compared with the image G3 projected to a position closer to the vehicle body 51, the image G1 projected to a position farther from the vehicle body 51 is elongated more in the vehicle longitudinal direction. In addition, as for the image G, compared with the image G3 projected to a position closer to the vehicle body 51, the image G1 projected to a position farther from the vehicle body 51 becomes wider in the vehicle width direction.

[0057] Here, the preferable projection distance D of the image G in the vehicle longitudinal direction varies depending on the mounting position of the image projection device 1. For example, in the case of the headlamp or the backup lamp 52, it is preferable to be within 3 m, and in the case of the side turn signal lamp, it is preferable to be within 5 m. In particular, in the case of the backup lamp 52, it is most preferable to set the projection distance D to 2.5 m. In addition, it is preferable to adjust the optical performance in such a manner that the luminance of the image G is 0.2 or more of the Michelson contrast at the brightest position P. Further, in this example, from G1 to G3, the length in the vehicle longitudinal direction of the image G decreases (D1 > D2 > D3), and the width W in the vehicle width direction also decreases (W1 > W2 > W3).

[0058] Next, based on Figures 9-12 A modification example of the image projection device 1 is shown. The image projection device 1 can also be provided in parallel with a vehicle lamp other than the backup lamp 52, such as a headlamp 54, a side turn signal lamp, or the like, or provided inside a lamp chamber of the vehicle lamp. In this modification example, an example of a case where the image projection device 1 is provided inside the lamp chamber of the headlamp 54 is shown.

[0059] As shown in FIG. 5, the lenses 4 of the image projection device 1 of the modification example are arranged in the horizontal direction. The lenses 4a to 4c are provided so as to have different diameters, and the diameter becomes larger as it goes inward (toward the vehicle axle side). In addition, the lenses 4 are mounted in a posture in which the entire lens 4 is inclined toward the side of the vehicle body. By appropriately adjusting the inclination angle θ1 of the entire lens 4, it is possible to change the inclination angle θ2 of the image G toward the side of the vehicle body (refer to FIG. 6). Figure 9 10 As shown in FIG. 5, the lenses 4 of the image projection device 1 of the modification example are arranged in the horizontal direction. The lenses 4a to 4c are provided so as to have different diameters, and the diameter becomes larger as it goes inward (toward the vehicle axle side). In addition, the lenses 4 are mounted in a posture in which the entire lens 4 is inclined toward the side of the vehicle body. By appropriately adjusting the inclination angle θ1 of the entire lens 4, it is possible to change the inclination angle θ2 of the image G toward the side of the vehicle body (refer to FIG. 6).​Figure 12 (a) in the middle.

[0060] like Figure 10 As shown in (a), lens 4 is configured such that the optical axes of light rays L1 to L3 passing through lenses 4a to 4c intersect when viewed from above. Additionally, as... Figure 10 As shown in (b), the tilt of lens 4 in the vertical direction is adjusted so that the smaller the diameter of lens 4, the closer the image G is to the vehicle body 51, and the larger the diameter of lens 4, the farther the image G is to the vehicle body 51.

[0061] like Figure 11 As shown, in the modified example, the opening 31 of the light-shielding member 3 is configured as a trapezoidal shape where the upper base 32 is longer than the lower base 33. Here, the openings opposite to lenses 4a, 4b, and 4c are designated as 31a, 31b, and 31c, respectively. Each opening 31 is inclined downward toward the axle side, and the bottom angle of the upper base 32 toward the side of the vehicle body is set such that if the angles of the bottom angles of openings 31a, 31b, and 31c are θa, θb, and θc, respectively, then θa > θb > θc. In addition, the openings 31 are configured to have different sizes (areas). With this configuration, the elongation of the width W can be suppressed for multiple images G projected by light L that intersect each other in a top view and have different vertical inclinations.

[0062] Figure 12 The image projection device 1 is shown in the case of illuminating a modified example. Images G1 to G3 are depicted on a straight line A formed by projecting the optical axis of the light L emitted from the light source 2 onto the road surface R. Regarding image G, compared to image G3 projected to a position closer to the vehicle body 51, image G1 projected to a position farther from the vehicle body 51 extends longer along the vehicle length direction. In addition, regarding image G, compared to image G3 projected to a position closer to the vehicle body 51, image G1 projected to a position farther from the vehicle body 51 becomes wider along the vehicle width direction.

[0063] The image projection device 1 configured as described above, by setting the opening 31 to a trapezoidal shape and aligning the longer of either the upper base 32 or the lower base 33 with the edge Ga depicted closer to the image projection device 1 and the vehicle body 51, achieves the effect of suppressing the elongation of the image in the width direction and enabling the projection of a strip-shaped image that extends along the length direction of the vehicle. Furthermore, since multiple openings 31 are formed together on the light shield 3, the image projection device 1 can be manufactured with fewer parts, thus reducing labor time and costs.

[0064] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. For example, it can also be implemented by appropriately changing the shape and configuration of each part without departing from the spirit of the present invention, as illustrated in the following examples.

Claims

1. An image projection device, which is an image projection device for a vehicle, characterized by comprising a plurality of light sources, a plurality of lenses respectively opposed to the plurality of light sources, and a plate-shaped light-blocking member interposed between the light sources and the lenses, the light-blocking member comprises a plurality of opening portions through which light from the plurality of light sources respectively passes toward the plurality of lenses, the opening portions are provided in a trapezoidal shape, the plurality of lenses respectively have different diameters, the plurality of lenses are provided such that the lenses having a larger diameter project an image at a position farther from a vehicle body than the lenses having a smaller diameter, the image projected at the position farther from the vehicle body extends long in a vehicle longitudinal direction. the opening portions are in a trapezoidal shape in which a lower base is shorter than an upper base.

2. The image projection apparatus according to claim 1, characterized by the opening portions are arranged in a row.

3. The image projection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein 4. The image projection device according to claim 1, characterized in that the light-blocking member has three or more opening portions, distances between the opening portions are arranged to be different from each other. the plurality of opening portions are respectively provided in different sizes.

5. The image projection apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by ​

Images