Luminaire unit

Abstract

As a rotary reflector (20), a reflector main body (22) having six reflecting surfaces (22a) and an actuator that rotates the reflector main body (22) are provided. On this basis, by selectively disposing any one of the six reflecting surfaces (22a) at a reflection control position, a drawing light distribution pattern is formed using reflected light from the reflecting surface (22a). At this time, as the reflector main body (22), a structure is adopted in which the shapes of effective reflecting regions (22a1 to 22a6) of the six reflecting surfaces (22a) are different from each other. Also, by rotating the reflector main body (22) by 60° each time, six kinds of drawing light distribution patterns corresponding to the shapes of the effective reflecting regions (22a1 to 22a6) are formed.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a lamp unit. BACKGROUND

[0002] Conventionally, as a lamp unit for vehicle, there is known, for example, a lamp unit described in "Patent Document 1" configured to radiate light from a light source unit toward a front of the unit via a projection lens after the light is reflected by a spatial light modulator, or a lamp unit described in "Patent Document 2" configured to radiate light from a light source unit toward a front of the unit via a projection lens after the light is reflected by a rotary reflector.

[0003] The lamp unit described in "Patent Document 1" is configured to be able to form a depiction light distribution pattern (i.e., a light distribution pattern for performing depiction of characters, symbols, or the like) on a road surface or the like in front of a vehicle by controlling a spatial distribution of reflected light in the spatial light modulator.

[0004] In addition, the lamp unit described in "Patent Document 2" is configured to be able to form a depiction light distribution pattern by performing on-off control of the light source unit in a state where the rotary reflector is rotated.

[0005] PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS

[0006] PATENT DOCUMENTS

[0007] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2016-91976

[0008] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2014-216049 SUMMARY

[0009] PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0010] If a structure using a spatial light modulator is adopted like the lamp unit described in "Patent Document 1", a depiction light distribution pattern can be formed with high precision, but becomes an expensive structure.

[0011] If a structure provided with a rotary reflector is adopted like the lamp unit described in "Patent Document 2", a depiction light distribution pattern can be formed with a relatively inexpensive structure, but since on-off control of the light source unit is required, it is difficult to achieve further cost reduction.

[0012] An object of the present application is to provide a lamp unit capable of forming a depiction light distribution pattern with an inexpensive structure.

[0013] MEANS FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEMS

[0014] That is, the lamp unit according to one embodiment of the present application is configured to radiate light from a light source unit toward the front of the unit via a projection lens after the light is reflected by a rotary reflector,

[0015] The rotary reflector includes a reflector body having a plurality of reflecting surfaces, and an actuator that rotates the reflector body,

[0016] The reflector body is configured so that, by driving of the actuator, any one of the plurality of reflecting surfaces can be selectively disposed at a reflection control position that reflects light from the light source unit toward the projection lens,

[0017] The reflector body has at least two reflecting surfaces having different shapes of effective reflection areas as the plurality of reflecting surfaces.

[0018] The "light source unit" can be configured so that the emitted light from the light source directly enters the rotary reflector, or can be configured so that the emitted light from the light source enters the rotary reflector in a state controlled by a reflector, a lens, or the like.

[0019] The "rotary reflector" is not particularly limited in the orientation of the rotation axis, the specific shape of each reflecting surface, or the like, as long as it is configured so that, by driving of the actuator, any one of the plurality of reflecting surfaces that constitute the reflector body can be selectively disposed at a reflection control position.

[0020] The "effective reflection area" refers to an area having a function of reflecting light from the light source unit toward the projection lens, and is not particularly limited in the specific shape.

[0021] One technical solution of the present disclosure relates to a lamp unit configured to radiate light from a light source unit toward the front of the unit via a projection lens after the light is transmitted through a rotary light-transmitting plate,

[0022] The rotary light-transmitting plate includes a light-transmitting plate body having a plurality of light-transmission control portions, and an actuator that rotates the light-transmitting plate body,

[0023] The light-transmitting plate body is configured so that, by driving of the actuator, any one of the plurality of light-transmission control portions can be selectively disposed at a light-transmission control position that transmits light from the light source unit toward the projection lens,

[0024] The light-transmitting plate body has at least two light-transmission control portions having different shapes of effective light-transmission areas as the plurality of light-transmission control portions.

[0025] The light source unit described above can be configured so that the emitted light from the light source directly enters the rotating light-transmitting plate, or can be configured so that the emitted light from the light source enters the rotating light-transmitting plate in a state controlled by a reflector, a lens, or the like.

[0026] The rotating light-transmitting plate described above is only required to be configured so that any one of the plurality of light-transmission control portions constituting the main body of the light-transmitting plate is selectively arranged at the light-transmission control position by the driving of the actuator, and the orientation of the rotation axis, the specific shape of each light-transmission control portion, and the like are not particularly limited.

[0027] The effective light-transmission region described above refers to a region having a function of transmitting light from the light source unit toward the projection lens, and the specific shape thereof is not particularly limited.

[0028] Effects of Invention

[0029] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a luminaire unit capable of forming a drawing light distribution pattern at a low cost. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0030] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a luminaire unit according to a first embodiment.

[0031] Figure 2 is a II-directional view of Figure 1

[0032] Figure 3 is a III-directional view of Figure 1

[0033] Figure 4 is a IV-directional view of Figure 1

[0034] Figure 5 is a V-V line cross-sectional view of Figure 2

[0035] Figure 6 is a perspective view showing the luminaire unit according to the first embodiment as viewed obliquely from the back.

[0036] Figure 7 is a perspective view showing the luminaire unit according to the first embodiment as viewed obliquely from the back.

[0037] Figure 8 is a perspective view showing a main part of a rotating reflector in the luminaire unit according to the first embodiment.

[0038] Figure 9A is a view showing a drawing light distribution pattern formed by the irradiation light from the luminaire unit according to the first embodiment. ​​​​

[0039] Figure 9B FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a drawing light distribution pattern formed by irradiation light from a lamp unit according to the first embodiment.

[0040] Figure 9C FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a drawing light distribution pattern formed by irradiation light from a lamp unit according to the first embodiment.

[0041] Figure 9D FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a drawing light distribution pattern formed by irradiation light from a lamp unit according to the first embodiment.

[0042] Figure 9E FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a drawing light distribution pattern formed by irradiation light from a lamp unit according to the first embodiment.

[0043] Figure 9F FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a drawing light distribution pattern formed by irradiation light from a lamp unit according to the first embodiment.

[0044] Figure 10 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a drawing light distribution pattern formed by irradiation light from a lamp unit according to the first embodiment.

[0045] Figure 11 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a drawing light distribution pattern formed by irradiation light from a lamp unit according to the first embodiment.

[0046] Figure 12 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a drawing light distribution pattern formed by irradiation light from a lamp unit according to the first embodiment.

[0047] Figure 13 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a drawing light distribution pattern formed by irradiation light from a lamp unit according to the first embodiment.

[0048] Figure 14 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a drawing light distribution pattern formed by irradiation light from a lamp unit according to the first embodiment.

[0049] Figure 15A FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a drawing light distribution pattern formed by irradiation light from a lamp unit according to the first embodiment.

[0050] Figure 15B is a b-directional view of Figure 15A

[0051] Figure 15C FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a drawing light distribution pattern formed by irradiation light from a lamp unit according to the first embodiment.

[0052] Figure 16 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a drawing light distribution pattern formed by irradiation light from a lamp unit according to the first embodiment. ​

[0053] Figure 17 is a view in the direction XVII of Figure 16

[0054] Figure 18 is a view in the direction XVIII of Figure 16

[0055] Figure 19 is a view in the direction XIX of Figure 16

[0056] Figure 20 is a view in the direction XX-XX of Figure 17

[0057] Figure 21 is a perspective view showing the lamp unit according to the third embodiment as viewed obliquely from the back.

[0058] Figure 22 is a perspective view showing the lamp unit according to the third embodiment as viewed obliquely from the back.

[0059] Figure 23 is a perspective view showing the main part of the rotary light-transmissive plate in the lamp unit according to the third embodiment.

[0060] Figure 24A is a perspective view showing the main part of the rotary light-transmissive plate in the lamp unit according to the second modification of the third embodiment.

[0061] Figure 24B is a view in the direction b-b of Figure 24A

[0062] is a perspective view showing the main part of the rotary light-transmissive plate in the lamp unit according to the third modification of the third embodiment. Figure 25A

[0063] is a view in the direction b-b of Figure 25B Figure 25A is a view showing the main part of the rotary light-transmissive plate in the lamp unit according to the fourth modification of the third embodiment.

[0064] Figure 26A is a view showing the main part of the rotary light-transmissive plate in the lamp unit according to the fifth modification of the third embodiment.

[0065] Figure 26B

[0066] Figure 26C ​​​​​​is a cross-sectional view showing a main portion of a rotary light-transmitting plate in a light fixture unit according to a sixth modification as a modification of the third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0067] Hereinafter, the embodiments of the present disclosure will be described using the drawings. For the members having the same reference numerals as those already described in the description of the embodiments, the description thereof will be omitted for the sake of convenience of the description. In addition, the dimensions of the members shown in the accompanying drawings are sometimes different from the dimensions of the actual members for the sake of convenience of the description.

[0068] In the drawings, for the sake of convenience of the description, the "front-rear direction", the "left-right direction", and the "up-down direction" are appropriately mentioned. The "front-rear direction" is a direction including the "front" and the "rear". The "left-right direction" is a direction including the "left" and the "right". The "up-down direction" is a direction including the "upper" and the "lower". The direction indicated by F is the "front". The direction indicated by B is the "rear". The direction indicated by L is the "left". The direction indicated by R is the "right". The direction indicated by U is the "upper". The direction indicated by D is the "lower". However, when the light fixture unit is installed in a vehicle, these directions are not limited to coincide with the respective directions set for the vehicle.

[0069] First, the first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0070] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the light fixture unit 10 according to the first embodiment. Figure 2 is a II direction view of Figure 1 . Figure 3 is a III direction view of Figure 1 . Figure 4 is a IV direction view of Figure 1 . Figure 5 is a V-V line cross-sectional view of Figure 2 . Figure 6 is a perspective view shown from an oblique rear side of the light fixture unit 10. Figure 7 is a perspective view shown by disassembling the light fixture unit 10 into main constituent elements.

[0071] The light fixture unit 10 according to the present embodiment is configured as a part of a road surface delineation lamp (not shown) for a vehicle. The road surface delineation lamp is configured to form a delineation light distribution pattern on a road surface in front of a vehicle by irradiation light from the light fixture unit 10 in a state of being fitted to a front end portion of the vehicle.

[0072] As shown in Figure 5 , the light fixture unit 10 is configured to irradiate light from a light source unit 50 reflected by a rotary reflector 20 toward a front side of the unit via a projection lens unit 70.

[0073] The rotary reflector 20, the light source unit 50, and the projection lens unit 70 are supported by a bracket 40 that is common thereto. The bracket 40 is a member made of metal (for example, aluminum die casting), and has a vertical surface portion 40A extending along a vertical surface orthogonal to the unit front-rear direction, and a horizontal surface portion 40B extending toward the front of the unit in a lower region of the vertical surface portion 40A.

[0074] The light fixture unit 10 is configured to be supported on a lamp body (not shown) of the road surface delineation lamp in a state of being accommodated in a lamp chamber of the road surface delineation lamp.

[0075] Note that, in Figures 1-7 , the light fixture unit 10 is shown in a state of being arranged so that the front-rear direction of the light fixture unit 10 (i.e., the unit front-rear direction) extends in the horizontal direction, but in a state of being accommodated in the lamp chamber of the road surface delineation lamp, the front of the light fixture unit 10 is arranged in a diagonally downward state in the vehicle in order to form a delineation light distribution pattern on the road surface in front of the vehicle.

[0076] As shown in Figures 4-6 , the rotary reflector 20 has a reflector main body 22 having six reflecting surfaces 22a, and an actuator 30 that rotates the reflector main body 22.

[0077] The reflector main body 22 is configured so that, by driving of the actuator 30, any one of the six reflecting surfaces 22a can be selectively arranged at a reflection control position that reflects light from the light source unit 50 toward the projection lens unit 70.

[0078] As shown in Figures 1-3 , the projection lens unit 70 has a projection lens 72 having an optical axis Ax extending in the unit front-rear direction, and a lens holder 74 that supports the projection lens 72, the lens holder 74 being supported on the horizontal surface portion 40B of the bracket 40.

[0079] The light source unit 50 is arranged below the projection lens unit 70.

[0080] The light source unit 50 has a pair of left and right light sources (specifically, light emitting diodes) 52 mounted on a substrate 56, and a reflector 54 that reflects outgoing light from each light source 52 toward the reflector main body 22 of the rotary reflector 20.

[0081] As shown in Figure 5As shown, the bracket 40 is disposed in a manner that the rear surface of the vertical surface portion 40A thereof is positioned at a position further forward than the rear focal point F of the projection lens 72. In the vertical surface portion 40A of the bracket 40, a rectangular opening portion 40Aa elongated in the left-right direction is formed in a manner of surrounding the optical axis Ax. When viewed from the front of the luminaire unit 10, the opening portion 40Aa has an opening shape larger by one turn than one of the reflecting surfaces 22a disposed at the reflection control positions. The opening portion 40Aa is formed in a manner that a slope extends from the rear surface of the vertical surface portion 40A toward the front surface over the entire circumference of the opening portion 40Aa.

[0082] Next, the specific structure of the rotary reflector 20 will be described.

[0083] Figure 8 is a perspective view showing the main part of the rotary reflector 20.

[0084] Also as Figure 8 shown, the reflector body 22 of the rotary reflector 20 is formed in a hexagonal prism shape, and is fixedly supported in a manner of not making relative movement with respect to the rotation shaft 24.

[0085] As Figure 6 shown, the rotation shaft 24 is disposed on an axis Axl extending in the left-right direction in a manner of being orthogonal to the optical axis Ax. At two positions on the left and right sides of the rotation shaft 24, the rotation shaft 24 is supported so as to be rotatable with respect to the vertical surface portion 40A of the bracket 40.

[0086] Specifically, the rotation shaft 24 is supported in a state of being sandwiched from the front and rear directions by the left and right pair of rotation shaft support portions 40Ab formed in a manner of protruding from the rear surface of the vertical surface portion 40A of the bracket 40 toward the rear side of the luminaire unit 10, and the left and right pair of fixing members 26 fixed with respect to the left and right pair of rotation shaft support portions 40Ab, respectively, by screw fastening or the like. In this state, the rotation shaft 24 is rotatable about the axis Axl.

[0087] On the left and right sides of the reflector body 22 of the rotation shaft 24, a left and right pair of annular protruding portions 24a are formed. By engaging the left and right pair of annular protruding portions 24a with the left and right pair of rotation shaft support portions 40Ab and the fixing members 26, respectively, the rotation shaft 24 is positionable in the direction in which the axis Axl extends.

[0088] The pin gear 28 is fixedly supported to the right end portion of the rotation shaft 24 in a manner of not making relative rotation with respect to the rotation shaft 24.

[0089] The actuator 30 is fixed to the bracket 40 via the actuator holder 32 at the right end portion of the bracket 40.

[0090] The actuator 30 is constituted by a stepping motor having an output shaft protruding toward the rear of the unit, and a spur gear 34 is fixed to the output shaft.

[0091] The actuator 30 is configured to engage with the pin gear 28 of the rotating shaft 24 in a state where the spur gear 34 protrudes rearward through the opening 40Ac formed in the vertical face 40A of the bracket 40.

[0092] The actuator 30 is configured to be driven and controlled according to the vehicle's driving conditions. By driving the actuator 30, the reflector body 22 can be rotated by a predetermined angle around axis Ax1 each time.

[0093] The reflector body 22 is constructed from a colored resin component (e.g., black polycarbonate resin). The outer peripheral surface of the hexagonal prism reflector body 22 is configured as six reflective surfaces 22a.

[0094] Driven by the actuator 30, the reflector body 22 can selectively configure any one of the six reflective surfaces 22a in a reflection control position that causes light from the light source unit 50 to be reflected toward the projection lens 72.

[0095] like Figure 5 As shown, the actuator 30 is configured to rotate the reflector body 22 so that the reflective surface 22a disposed in the reflection control position is tilted at a predetermined angle θ (e.g., θ = about 12°) relative to the vertical surface orthogonal to the optical axis Ax at the rear focal point F of the projection lens 72 in front of the unit.

[0096] In each of the six reflective surfaces 22a, the region having the function of reflecting light from the light source unit 50 toward the projection lens 72 is formed into effective reflective regions 22a1, 22a2, 22a3, 22a4, 22a5, and 22a6 with different shapes.

[0097] Specifically, such as Figure 8 As shown, with the reflective surface 22a positioned in the reflection control position, the effective reflection area 22a1 is formed as a downward-pointing arrow. The effective reflection area 22a2 is formed as two downward-pointing arrows arranged in series. The effective reflection area 22a3 is formed as a right-pointing arrow. The effective reflection area 22a4 is formed as a left-pointing arrow. The effective reflection area 22a5 is formed as three striped areas arranged in a horizontal stripe pattern at intervals in the vertical direction. The effective reflection area 22a6 is formed as four striped areas arranged in a vertical stripe pattern at intervals in the horizontal direction.

[0098] Each effective reflection area 22a1 to 22a6 is formed by performing mirror treatment such as aluminum vapor deposition on a portion of each reflection surface 22a.

[0099] Next, the specific structure of the light source unit 50 will be explained.

[0100] Each light source 52 is composed of a light emitting diode that emits green light, and is supported to the light source holder 60 via a substrate 56.

[0101] A connector 58 for supplying power to the pair of light sources 52 is mounted on the substrate 56.

[0102] The light source holder 60 is composed of a heat sink provided with a cooling fan 62, and is fixedly supported to the horizontal surface portion 40B of the bracket 40.

[0103] The reflector 54 is provided with a pair of left and right reflecting surfaces 54a. The reflector 54 is configured to converge the emitted light from each light source 52 at each reflecting surface 54a to a position of the rear focal point F (refer to FIG. 2) of the projection lens 72. Figure 5 ) on the optical axis Ax.

[0104] Note that an opening portion 40Bb for the reflector 54 to pass through is formed in the horizontal surface portion 40B of the bracket 40.

[0105] Next, the specific structure of the projection lens unit 70 will be described.

[0106] As shown in FIG. 3, the projection lens 72 is composed of a first lens 72A, a second lens 72B, and a third lens 72C arranged in the order along the unit front-rear direction on the optical axis Ax. Figure 5 The first lens 72A located on the most forward side of the luminaire is configured as a generally plano-convex lens bulging toward the front of the luminaire, the second lens 72B located in the center is configured as a double-concave lens, and the third lens 72C located on the most rearward side of the luminaire is configured as a double-convex lens.

[0107] The first lens 72A to the third lens 72C are each composed of a resin lens. Specifically, the first lens 72A and the third lens 72C are made of acrylic resin, and the second lens 72B is made of polycarbonate resin.

[0108] The first lens 72A to the third lens 72C are configured such that the upper end portions thereof are slightly cut along the horizontal surface, and the lower end portions thereof are largely cut along the horizontal surface. Also, the first lens 72A to the third lens 72C are supported to the common lens holder 74 via mounting fittings 76A, 76B at the outer peripheral edge portions thereof.

[0109] The lens holder 74 is a member made of metal (for example, aluminum die casting), and is provided with a holder main body 74A formed so as to surround the projection lens 72 in a cylindrical shape, and a holder leg portion 74B formed so as to protrude to the left and right sides from the lower end portion of the outer peripheral surface of the holder main body 74A.

[0110]

[0111] ​On the holder main body 74A, a first fitting 76A is fitted from the front side of the luminaire, and a second fitting 76B is fitted from the rear side of the luminaire, whereby a structure is obtained in which the first to third lenses 72A to 72C are fixed to the holder main body 74A.

[0112] The holder leg portions 74B are placed on the horizontal surface portions 40B of the cradle 40 at both left and right end portions thereof. On the horizontal surface portions 40B of the cradle 40, a pair of engagement groove portions 40Ba are formed which engage with a pair of protrusion portions 74Ba formed on the lower surfaces of both left and right end portions of the holder leg portions 74B. The projection lens unit 70 is configured so that, in a state in which focusing of the projection lenses 72 is performed by adjusting the position of the lens holder 74 in the unit front-rear direction, the lens holder 74 is fixed to the cradle 40.

[0113] Figures 9A-9F is a view showing a depiction distribution pattern formed on a virtual vertical screen disposed in front of a vehicle by irradiation light from the luminaire unit 10 according to the present embodiment.

[0114] Figures 9A-9F The depiction distribution patterns P1 to P6 shown in the respective views are distribution patterns formed when the respective reflection surfaces 22a in which the effective reflection regions 22al to 22a6 are formed are disposed at the reflection control positions in the reflector main body 22 of the rotary reflector 20.

[0115] Figure 9A The depiction distribution pattern P1 shown in the view is a distribution pattern in which, as the effective reflection region 22al is formed as a downward arrow, the inverted projection image thereof is formed as an upward arrow.

[0116] Figure 9B The depiction distribution pattern P2 shown in the view is a distribution pattern in which, as the effective reflection region 22a2 is formed as two arrows arranged in series downward, the inverted projection image thereof is formed as two arrows arranged in series upward.

[0117] Figure 9C The depiction distribution pattern P3 shown in the view is a distribution pattern in which, as the effective reflection region 22a3 is formed as a rightward arrow, the inverted projection image thereof is formed as a leftward arrow.

[0118] Figure 9D The depiction distribution pattern P4 shown in the view is a distribution pattern in which, as the effective reflection region 22a4 is formed as a leftward arrow, the inverted projection image thereof is formed as a rightward arrow.

[0119] Figure 9EThe illustrated depiction light distribution pattern P5 is formed of three band-shaped regions arranged in a horizontal stripe shape at intervals in the up-and-down direction, as the effective reflection region 22a5 is formed of three band-shaped regions arranged in a horizontal stripe shape at intervals in the up-and-down direction. Therefore, the depiction light distribution pattern P5 is a light distribution pattern composed of three band-shaped regions arranged in a horizontal stripe shape at intervals in the up-and-down direction as its inverse projection image.

[0120] Figure 9F The illustrated depiction light distribution pattern P6 is formed of four band-shaped regions arranged in a vertical stripe shape at intervals in the left-and-right direction, as the effective reflection region 22a6 is formed of four band-shaped regions arranged in a vertical stripe shape at intervals in the left-and-right direction. Therefore, the depiction light distribution pattern P6 is a light distribution pattern composed of four band-shaped regions arranged in a vertical stripe shape at intervals in the left-and-right direction as its inverse projection image.

[0121] Note that, in Figures 9A-9F , the region Z indicated by a double-dot chain line indicates a range in which the depiction light distribution pattern can be formed (i.e., a range in which the depiction light distribution pattern is formed in the case where the entire region of the reflection surface 22a is assumed to be an effective reflection region).

[0122] Figure 10 is a view that schematically shows a depiction light distribution pattern P1 formed when the reflection surface 22a in which the effective reflection region 22a1 is formed is disposed at the reflection control position.

[0123] As Figure 10 indicated, the depiction light distribution pattern P1 is formed together with (or independently of) a low-beam light distribution pattern PL formed by irradiation light from another luminaire unit not shown.

[0124] The low-beam light distribution pattern PL is a left light distribution low-beam light distribution pattern, and has cut-off lines CL1, CL2 at an upper end edge of the low-beam light distribution pattern PL.

[0125] The cut-off lines CL1, CL2 are formed as a horizontal cut-off line CL1 on a side of an opposite lane side portion of a V-V line of a H-V that passes through a front face direction of the luminaire in a vertical direction, and as an inclined cut-off line CL2 on a side of a self lane side portion of the V-V line, and an inflection point E that is an intersection of the two is located at about 0.5 to 0.6° below the H-V.

[0126] On the other hand, the depiction light distribution pattern P1 is formed on a road surface in front of the vehicle as a light distribution pattern in an arrow shape toward a front direction of the vehicle, and thus, it is possible to draw attention to the surroundings.

[0127] At this time, the light source 52 of the light source unit 50 is composed of a light-emitting diode that emits green light, and thus the depiction light distribution pattern P1 is also formed as a light distribution pattern in green.

[0128] When the vehicle is running at night, by forming such an arrow-shaped depiction light distribution pattern P1, for example, it is possible to report to the surroundings that the host vehicle is approaching an intersection ahead of the vehicle to draw attention.

[0129] Next, the operation of the first embodiment will be described.

[0130] The light fixture unit 10 according to the first embodiment is configured to irradiate light from the light source unit 50, which has been reflected by the rotary reflector 20, toward the front of the unit via the projection lens 72. The rotary reflector 20 is provided with the reflector body 22, which is provided with six reflecting surfaces 22a, and the actuator 30, which rotates the reflector body 22. Thus, by driving the actuator 30 to selectively position any one of the six reflecting surfaces 22a at a reflection control position, it is possible to form a depiction light distribution pattern using reflected light from the reflecting surface 22a positioned at the reflection control position.

[0131] At this time, since the shapes of the effective reflection regions 22al to 22a6 of the six reflecting surfaces 22a are different from each other, by rotating the reflector body 22 by 60° each time, it is possible to form six depiction light distribution patterns Pl to P6 corresponding to the shapes of the effective reflection regions 22al to 22a6. Furthermore, by a cheap structure in which the reflector body 22 is rotated by 60° each time, it is possible to achieve formation of the six depiction light distribution patterns.

[0132] Thus, according to the first embodiment, in the light fixture unit 10 configured to irradiate light from the light source unit 50, which has been reflected by the rotary reflector 20, toward the front of the unit via the projection lens 72, it is possible to form the depiction light distribution patterns Pl to P6 with a cheap structure.

[0133] In particular, in the first embodiment, the effective reflection regions 22al to 22a6 are formed by mirror processing a part of the reflecting surface 22a, and thus it is possible to form the depiction light distribution patterns Pl to P6 with clear outlines.

[0134] At this time, in the first embodiment, the light source unit 50 is configured to cause light to enter the reflection control position from a diagonally lower position on the front side of the unit (i.e., a position on the front side of the unit that is offset from the optical axis Ax of the projection lens 72), but the rotary reflector 20 is configured such that the effective reflection regions 22al to 22a6 of the reflecting surface 22a positioned at the reflection control position are positioned in a state in which they are inclined forward by a predetermined angle θ with respect to a vertical plane orthogonal to the optical axis Ax of the projection lens 72 (i.e., in a state in which they are inclined by the predetermined angle θ toward the light source unit 50 side), and thus it is possible to cause reflected light from the effective reflection regions 22al to 22a6 to efficiently enter the projection lens 72.

[0135] In the first embodiment described above, the case where the reflector body 22 is composed of a member made of colored resin has been described, but it can also be composed of a member made of transparent resin (for example, colorless transparent polycarbonate resin). In the case where such a structure is adopted, it is possible to cause the light from the light source unit 50 to reach the reflector body 22 and to be transmitted through the reflector body 22 after reaching the area of the six reflecting surfaces 22a where mirror surface processing is not performed (i.e., the area surrounding the effective reflecting areas 22al to 22a6). Therefore, it is possible to effectively suppress the reflector body 22 from being heated by the light from the light source unit 50. Note that the reflector body 22 can also be composed of a member made of metal (for example, aluminum die casting).

[0136] In the first embodiment described above, the effective reflecting areas 22al to 22a6 are formed by performing mirror surface processing on the central area of the reflecting surface 22a, but it can also be a structure formed by performing mirror surface processing on the area surrounding the central area. In this case, the drawing light distribution patterns Pl to P6 are formed as light distribution patterns of hollow shape.

[0137] In the first embodiment described above, the case where the reflector body 22 has six reflecting surfaces 22a has been described, but it can also be configured to have five or less or seven or more reflecting surfaces 22a.

[0138] In the first embodiment described above, the case where the light source 52 is composed of a light emitting diode that emits green light has been described, but the light source 52 can also be a light emitting element having a light emission color such as blue, white, or the like.

[0139] In the first embodiment described above, the case where the optical axis Ax of the projection lens 72 and the axis Axl of the reflector body 22 of the rotary reflector 20 are located at the same height has been described, but a structure can also be adopted in which the axis Axl is displaced upward with respect to the optical axis Ax. By adopting such a structure, it is possible to form the drawing light distribution pattern on the road surface in front of the vehicle while maintaining the horizontal arrangement of the light fixture unit 10.

[0140] In the first embodiment described above, the case where the light fixture unit 10 is a light fixture unit for vehicle mounting has been described, but it can also be used for purposes other than vehicle mounting (for example, a light fixture unit of a streetlight configured to perform drawing from an obliquely upward direction with respect to the road surface, or the like).

[0141] Next, the second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. Note that, for the member having the same reference numeral as the member already described in the description of the first embodiment, the description thereof will be omitted for the sake of convenience of description.

[0142] Figure 11 is a left view of the light fixture unit according to the second embodiment. Figure 12is a front view of the lamp unit according to the second embodiment. Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along a vertical plane along the optical axis of the lamp unit according to the second embodiment. Figure 14 is a perspective view showing a part of the lamp unit 110 in exploded form.

[0143] As shown in Figures 11-14 , the structure of the rotary reflector 120 is partly different from that of the first embodiment, and in conjunction therewith, the structure of the bracket 140 is also partly different from that of the first embodiment.

[0144] The rotary reflector 120 of the present embodiment differs from the rotary reflector 20 of the first embodiment in that the rotary reflector 120 has: a reflector body 122 having six reflecting surfaces 122a; a reflector holder 124 that supports the reflector body 122; and the same actuator 30 as in the case of the first embodiment, which rotates the reflector holder 124.

[0145] The reflector body 122 is configured so that, by driving of the actuator 30, any one of the six reflecting surfaces 122a can be selectively disposed at a reflection control position that reflects light from the light source unit 50 toward the projection lens unit 70.

[0146] The reflector body 122 is a member made of transparent resin, and is configured so that six protruding portions 122B are formed on a front surface of a circular plate-shaped base portion 122A extending along a vertical plane orthogonal to the optical axis Ax.

[0147] Further, the reflector body 122 of the present embodiment differs from the reflector body 22 of the first embodiment in that it is configured to rotate about an axis Ax2 extending in parallel with the optical axis Ax at a position away to the right from the optical axis Ax.

[0148] A circular opening portion 122b is formed at the position of the axis Ax2 in the center of the circular plate-shaped base portion 122A. The six protruding portions 122B are formed at 60° intervals in the circumferential direction about the axis Ax2. Each protruding portion 122B has a rectangular outer shape extending radially and elongated in the front view of the lamp, and its front surface is configured as a reflecting surface 122a.

[0149] Each reflecting surface 122a is constituted by a plane inclined in the circumferential direction with respect to the axis Ax2. Specifically, each reflecting surface 122a is formed in a state inclined by a predetermined angle θ (for example, θ = about 12°) toward the clockwise direction and to the rear side of the unit in the front view of the lamp.

[0150] In each of the six reflecting surfaces 122a, a region having a function of reflecting light from the light source unit 50 toward the projection lens 72 is formed as an effective reflecting region 122a1, 122a2, 122a3, 122a4, 122a5, 122a6, each of which has a different shape.

[0151] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6, in a state where the reflecting surface 122a is disposed at the reflection control position, the effective reflecting region 122a1 is formed as a downward arrow. The effective reflecting region 122a2 is formed as two downward arrows disposed in series. The effective reflecting region 122a3 is formed as a rightward arrow. The effective reflecting region 122a4 is formed as a leftward arrow. The effective reflecting region 122a5 is formed as three band-shaped regions disposed in a horizontal stripe shape at intervals in the vertical direction. The effective reflecting region 122a6 is formed as six band-shaped regions disposed in a vertical stripe shape at intervals in the horizontal direction. However, in the present embodiment, the order of the six effective reflecting regions 122a1 to 122a6 is different from that in the case of the first embodiment. Figure 14

[0152] Each of the effective reflecting regions 122a1 to 122a6 is formed by mirror surface processing such as aluminum evaporation on a part of each reflecting surface 122a.

[0153] On the front surface of the circular plate-shaped base portion 122A, three positioning pins 122c extending toward the front of the unit are formed at intervals of 120° in the circumferential direction with the axis Ax2 as the center.

[0154] The reflector holder 124 is configured as a circular plate-shaped member made of colored resin (for example, polyacetal resin) having a larger outer diameter than the circular plate-shaped base portion 122A of the reflector main body 122.

[0155] A circular opening portion 124a is formed in the center of the reflector holder 124, and a circular ring-shaped region surrounding the circular opening portion 124a is formed as a thick wall portion 124b. Six opening portions 124c are formed at intervals of 60° in the circumferential direction around the thick wall portion 124b of the reflector holder 124. In addition, three pin insertion holes 124d are formed at intervals of 120° in the circumferential direction on the reflector holder 124.

[0156] Straight teeth 124e are formed on the outer peripheral surface of the reflector holder 124 over the entire circumference. Thus, the reflector holder 124 is configured as an external gear having a large diameter.

[0157] Further, the rotary reflector 120 is rotatably supported on the vertical surface portion 140A of the bracket 140 by the rotation shaft 126 disposed on the axis Ax2 in a state where the reflector main body 122 is assembled with respect to the reflector holder 124 from the rear side of the unit. ​

[0158] The three positioning pins 122c of the reflector body 122 are inserted into the three pin insertion holes 124d of the reflector holder 124, and then the six protruding portions 122B of the reflector body 122 are inserted into the six opening portions 124c of the reflector holder 124. The rotation shaft 126 is inserted into the circular opening portion 122b of the reflector body 122 and the circular opening portion 124a of the reflector holder 124 from the rear side of the unit. The straight teeth 124e formed on the outer circumferential surface of the reflector holder 124 are engaged with the straight gear 34 of the actuator 30.

[0159] The rotation shaft 126 is fixed to the vertical surface portion 140A of the bracket 140 at the front end portion of the rotation shaft 126 by press-fitting or the like. In addition, by fitting the E-ring 128 to the rear end portion of the rotation shaft 126, it is possible to restrict the reflector body 122 and the reflector holder 124 from being detached from the rotation shaft 126.

[0160] Next, the operation of the present embodiment will be described.

[0161] The light fixture unit 110 according to the present embodiment is configured to radiate light from the light source unit 50 that has been reflected by the rotary reflector 120 toward the front side of the unit via the projection lens 72. The rotary reflector 120 has a reflector body 122 having six reflecting surfaces 122a, and an actuator 30 that rotates the reflector body 122. Thus, by driving the actuator 30, it is possible to selectively dispose any one of the six reflecting surfaces 122a at the reflection control position, and thereby form six kinds of drawing light distribution patterns using reflected light from the effective reflecting regions 122a1 to 122a6 of the reflecting surface 122a disposed at the reflection control position, as in the case of the first embodiment. Furthermore, it is possible to achieve formation of the six kinds of drawing light distribution patterns by a cheap structure in which the reflector body 122 is rotated by only 60° each time.

[0162] In particular, in the present embodiment, since the reflector body 122 is made of a transparent member, it is possible to cause light from the light source unit 50 that has reached a region of the six reflecting surfaces 122a that has not been subjected to mirror processing (i.e., a region surrounding the effective reflecting regions 122a1 to 122a6) to enter the reflector body 122 and pass through the reflector body 122, and thereby effectively suppress heating of the reflector body 122.

[0163] In addition, in the present embodiment, since the reflector body 122 is supported by the reflector holder 124, it is possible to simplify the structure of the reflector body 122 itself. Furthermore, since the portion of the reflector body 122 other than the six protruding portions 122B is covered from the front side of the unit by the reflector holder 124, it is possible to prevent stray light from being generated due to light from the light source unit 50 entering the circular plate-shaped base portion 122A in advance.

[0164] Next, a first modification of the second embodiment will be described.

[0165] Figure 15A is a side sectional view showing a main part of the rotary reflector 120 in the luminaire unit according to the first modification of the second embodiment. Figure 15B is a b-directional view of Figure 15A

[0166] The basic structure of the first modification is the same as that of the second embodiment, but the structure of the reflector body 222 is partly different from that of the second embodiment.

[0167] That is, the reflector body 222 of the first modification is also a member made of transparent resin, and is configured to have six protruding portions 222B formed on a front surface of a circular plate-shaped base portion (not shown) extending along a vertical plane orthogonal to the optical axis Ax, and the front surface of the reflector body 222 is configured as a reflecting surface 222a.

[0168] Further, in the first modification, in the reflecting surface 222a disposed at the reflection control position, an effective reflecting region 222a7 having a reflecting function is constituted by a plurality of reflecting elements 222a7s disposed at equal intervals in the up-down direction and the left-right direction. Specifically, the effective reflecting region 222a7 is configured to have square reflecting elements 222a7s disposed at five positions in the left-right direction and three positions in the up-down direction with the optical axis Ax as the center.

[0169] At this time, the plurality of reflecting elements 222a7s are each formed as an inclined surface inclined by a predetermined angle θ (for example, θ = 12° or so) forward of the same vertical plane containing the back focal point F of the projection lens 72.

[0170] Figure 15C is a view showing a depiction distribution pattern P7 formed on a virtual vertical screen disposed in front of a vehicle by irradiation light from the luminaire unit according to the present modification.

[0171] The depiction distribution pattern P7 is constituted by a plurality of distribution pattern constituent elements P7s formed at equal intervals in the up-down direction and the left-right direction with square outer shapes, as its inverse projection image, because the effective reflecting region 222a7 is constituted by a plurality of reflecting elements 222a7s disposed at equal intervals in the up-down direction and the left-right direction.

[0172] On the other hand, the depiction distribution pattern P7' indicated by a double-dot chain line in Figure 15C is a depiction distribution pattern P7' formed by irradiation light from the luminaire unit according to the second embodiment. Figure 15A ​In the reflective surface 222a' disposed at the reflection control position, the effective reflection area 222a7' is formed by a plurality of reflection elements 222a7s' formed on the same inclined surface inclined by a predetermined angle θ with respect to the vertical plane including the back focal point F of the projection lens 72, as indicated by the double-dot chain line. The light distribution pattern P7' formed by the effective reflection area 222a7' is composed of a plurality of reflection elements 222a7s' disposed at equal intervals in the up-and-down direction and the left-and-right direction.

[0173] The depicted light distribution pattern P7' is also composed of a plurality of reflection elements 222a7s' of the effective reflection area 222a7' disposed at equal intervals in the up-and-down direction and the left-and-right direction, and therefore, as its inverted projection image, a plurality of light distribution pattern constituent elements P7s' are formed at equal intervals in the up-and-down direction and the left-and-right direction in the shape of a square, but the square outlines of the light distribution pattern constituent elements P7s' located in the upper and lower stages are blurred.

[0174] This is because the reflection elements 222a7s' located in the upper and lower stages among the plurality of reflection elements 222a7s' constituting the effective reflection area 222a7' are displaced from the vertical plane including the back focal point F of the projection lens 72 to the unit front-and-back direction.

[0175] On the other hand, in the present modification, in the reflective surface 222a disposed at the reflection control position, the plurality of reflection elements 222a7s are each formed as an inclined surface inclined by a predetermined angle θ with respect to the same vertical plane including the back focal point F of the projection lens 72, and therefore, the plurality of light distribution pattern constituent elements P7s constituting the depicted light distribution pattern P7 are each formed in the shape of a square without blurring of the square outline.

[0176] Thus, by adopting the structure of the present modification, the plurality of light distribution pattern constituent elements P7s formed by the reflected light from each of the plurality of reflection elements 222a7s can be formed in clear outlines, and therefore, the depicted light distribution pattern P7 as a whole can also be formed in clear outlines.

[0177] The structure of the present modification can also be applied to the luminaire unit 10 related to the first embodiment described above.

[0178] Next, the luminaire unit 310 related to the third embodiment will be described. Figure 16 is a perspective view of the luminaire unit 310 related to the third embodiment. Figure 17 is Figure 16 is a view in the XVII direction of

[0179] Figure 18 is Figure 16 is a view in the XVIII direction of Figure 19 is Figure 16 is a view in the XIX direction of Figure 20 is Figure 17 is a cross-sectional view of XX-XX of Figure 21is a perspective view of the light fixture unit 310 as viewed obliquely from the rear, Figure 22 is a perspective view of the light fixture unit 310 as viewed obliquely from the rear,

[0180] As shown in Figures 16-22 , the light fixture unit 310 according to the third embodiment differs from the light fixture unit 10 according to the first embodiment in that a rotary transmissive plate 320 is provided instead of the rotary reflector 20. Light from the light source unit 350 that has passed through the rotary transmissive plate 320 is emitted toward the front of the unit via the projection lens unit 70.

[0181] The rotary transmissive plate 320, the light source unit 350, and the projection lens unit 70 are supported by a common bracket 340. This bracket 340 is a metal (e.g., aluminum die-cast) member that has a vertical surface portion 340A extending along a vertical surface orthogonal to the front-rear direction of the unit, and a horizontal surface portion 340B extending toward the front of the unit in a lower region of the vertical surface portion 340A.

[0182] The light fixture unit 310 is configured to be supported on a lamp body (not shown) of the road marking lamp in a state in which it is accommodated in a lamp chamber of the road marking lamp.

[0183] Note that, in Figures 16-22 , the light fixture unit 310 is shown in a state in which it is arranged so that its front-rear direction (i.e., the front-rear direction of the unit) extends in the horizontal direction, but in a state in which it is accommodated in a lamp chamber of the road marking lamp, the light fixture unit 310 is arranged in an obliquely downward state toward the front of the unit in order to form a road marking light distribution pattern in front of a vehicle.

[0184] As shown in Figures 19-21 , the rotary transmissive plate 320 is arranged at a position on the unit rear side of the vertical surface portion 340A of the bracket 340. This rotary transmissive plate 320 is configured to have a light-transmissive plate main body 322 that has six light-transmissive control portions 322a, and an actuator 330 that rotates the light-transmissive plate main body 322.

[0185] The light-transmissive plate main body 322 is configured so that, by driving of the actuator 330, any one of the six light-transmissive control portions 322a can be selectively arranged at a light-transmissive control position at which light from the light source unit 350 is transmitted toward the projection lens unit 70.

[0186] As shown in Figures 16-18 , the projection lens unit 70 is arranged at a position on the unit front side of the vertical surface portion 340A of the bracket 340. This projection lens unit 70 is supported on the horizontal surface portion 340B of the bracket 340 in a lens holder 74.

[0187] The light source unit 350 is positioned behind the light-transmitting plate body 322 of the rotating transparent plate 320. The light source unit 350 includes: a pair of light sources (specifically light-emitting diodes) 352 mounted on a substrate 356; and a reflector 354 that reflects the light emitted from each light source 352 toward the light-transmitting plate body 322 of the rotating transparent plate 320.

[0188] like Figure 20 As shown, the bracket 340 is positioned such that the rear surface of its vertical portion 340A is located slightly in front of the unit than the rear focal point F of the projection lens 72. A horizontally elongated rectangular opening 340Aa is formed on the vertical portion 340A of the bracket 340, surrounding the optical axis Ax. When viewed from the front of the unit, this opening 340Aa has a shape larger than the light transmission control portion 322a located at the reflection control position (specifically, centered on the rear focal point F of the projection lens 72), and is formed to extend obliquely from the rear surface of the vertical portion 340A towards the front surface along its entire circumference.

[0189] Next, the specific structure of the rotating permeable plate 320 will be explained.

[0190] Figure 23 This is a perspective view showing the main part of the rotating transparent plate 320.

[0191] Also Figure 23 As shown, the main body 322 of the rotating transmissive plate 320 is configured to rotate around an axis Ax3 that extends parallel to the optical axis Ax at a position away from the optical axis Ax in the right direction.

[0192] The light-transmitting plate body 322 is configured to include: a support plate 322A, which is arranged to extend along a vertical plane orthogonal to the optical axis Ax; and a thin plate 322B, which is fixedly supported on the front surface of the support plate 322A by means of adhesive (or screw fastening).

[0193] The support plate 322A is a component made of colored resin (e.g., polyacetal resin) and is formed into a circular plate shape.

[0194] A circular opening 322Aa is formed at the center of the support plate 322A, at a position along axis Ax3. The annular region surrounding this circular opening 322Aa is formed as a thick-walled portion 322Ab. Around the thick-walled portion 322Ab of the support plate 322A, six openings 322Ac are formed at 60° intervals in the circumferential direction. Each opening 322Ac has a rectangular shape that extends radially elongated when the luminaire is viewed from the front. Additionally, three positioning holes 322Ad are formed on the support plate 322A at 120° intervals in the circumferential direction.

[0195] The straight teeth 322Ae are formed on the entire circumference of the outer circumferential surface of the support plate 322A, and thus the support plate 322A is configured as an outer gear having a large diameter.

[0196] Also, as shown in Figure 21 the light-transmitting plate body 322 is supported by the pivot 326 on the axis Ax3 in a rotatable manner on the vertical surface portion 340A of the bracket 340.

[0197] The thin plate 322B is a metal (for example, stainless steel) member having a plate thickness of about 0.4 to 0.8 mm and is formed in a circular plate shape having a smaller outer diameter than the support plate 322A.

[0198] As shown in Figure 23 the center of the thin plate 322B is formed with a circular opening portion 322Ba having an opening shape slightly larger than the outer diameter of the thick wall portion 322Ab of the support plate 322A, and around the circular opening portion 322Ba, six effective light-transmitting regions 322Bbl, 322Bb2, 322Bb3, 322Bb4, 322Bb5, 322Bb6 having a function of transmitting light from the light source unit 350 toward the projection lens 72 are formed as opening portions at 60° intervals in the circumferential direction with the axis Ax3 as the center. In addition, three positioning holes 322Bc are formed at 120° intervals in the circumferential direction on the thin plate 322B.

[0199] The six effective light-transmitting regions 322Bbl to 322Bb6 are formed as opening portions having mutually different opening shapes.

[0200] Specifically, in a state where the light-transmission control portion 322a is disposed at the light-transmission control position, the effective light-transmitting region 322Bbl is formed as a downward arrow. The effective light-transmitting region 322Bb2 is formed as a rightward arrow. The effective light-transmitting region 322Bb3 is formed as a leftward arrow. The effective light-transmitting region 322Bb4 is formed as two arrows disposed in series downward. The effective light-transmitting region 322Bb5 is formed as six band-shaped regions disposed at intervals in the left-right direction in a vertical stripe shape. The effective light-transmitting region 322Bb6 is formed as three band-shaped regions disposed at intervals in the up-down direction in a horizontal stripe shape.

[0201] As shown in Figure 21As shown, the light-transmitting plate body 322 is supported by a thin plate 322B fixed to the front surface of a support plate 322A, and six light-transmitting control parts 322a are formed at 60° intervals in the circumferential direction with the axis Ax3 as the center. At this time, the three positioning holes 322Ad formed in the support plate 322A are aligned with the three positioning holes 322Bc formed in the thin plate 322B, thereby, in each light-transmitting control part 322a, each effective light-transmitting area 322Bb1 to 322Bb6 of the thin plate 322B is arranged at the center position of each opening 322Ac in the support plate 322A.

[0202] And, as Figure 19 As shown, the light-transmitting plate body 322 is configured such that, when it is rotatably supported on the vertical surface 340A of the bracket 340 via a rotating shaft 326 arranged on the axis Ax3, the spur teeth 322Ae formed on the outer peripheral surface of the support plate 322A mesh with the spur gear 334 of the actuator 330.

[0203] like Figure 22 As shown, the rotating shaft 326 is inserted from the rear side of the unit into the circular opening 322Aa of the support plate 322A and the circular opening 22Ba of the thin plate 322B. It is inserted into the rotating shaft insertion hole 340Ab formed in the vertical portion 340A of the bracket 340. In this state, by fitting E-rings 328A and 328B to its front and rear ends, it is supported so that it can rotate about axis Ax3 relative to the vertical portion 340A of the bracket 340.

[0204] The actuator 330 is fixed to the bracket 340 at the right end of the bracket 340 via the actuator retainer 332.

[0205] The actuator 330 is composed of a stepper motor having an output shaft protruding forward of the unit, and a spur gear 334 is fixed on the output shaft of the actuator 330.

[0206] The actuator 330 is configured such that its spur gear 334 protrudes toward the front of the unit through an opening (not shown) formed in the vertical face 340A of the bracket 340, and engages with the spur gear 322Ae of the support plate 322A in the light-transmitting plate body 322.

[0207] The actuator 330 is configured to be driven and controlled according to the vehicle's driving conditions, and through this drive, the light-transmitting panel body 322 can rotate a predetermined angle around axis Ax3 each time.

[0208] Furthermore, driven by the actuator 330, any one of the six light transmission control units 322a can be selectively configured at a light transmission control position that allows light from the light source unit 350 to pass through the projection lens 72.

[0209] Next, the specific structure of the light source unit 350 will be explained.

[0210] Each light source 352 is composed of a light-emitting diode that emits green light and is supported on a light source holder 360 via a substrate 356.

[0211] A connector 358 for supplying power to a pair of left and right light sources 352 is mounted on the substrate 356.

[0212] The light source holder 360 is configured as a heat sink with a cooling fan 362 and is fixedly supported on the horizontal surface 340B of the bracket 340.

[0213] The reflector 354 has a pair of left and right reflecting surfaces 354a, configured such that the light emitted from each light source 352 converges at the rear focal point F of the projection lens 72 (see reference). Figure 5 The position of ).

[0214] The retaining leg 74B is mounted on the horizontal surface 340B of the bracket 340 at its left and right ends. At this time, a pair of engaging grooves 340Ba are formed on the horizontal surface 340B of the bracket 340, which engage with a pair of protrusions 74Ba formed on the lower surfaces of the left and right ends of the retaining leg 74B. Moreover, the projection lens unit 70 can be fixed in the bracket 340 in the lens holder 74 while the projection lens 72 is focused by adjusting the position of the lens holder 74 in the front-rear direction of the unit.

[0215] The illumination light from the lamp unit 310 according to this embodiment is formed on a virtual vertical screen disposed in front of the vehicle. Figures 9A-9F The illustrated light distribution patterns are P1 to P6.

[0216] Figures 9A-9F The light distribution patterns P1 to P6 shown are also light distribution patterns formed when the light transmission control part 322a of each effective light transmission area 322Bb1 to 322Bb6 in the light transmission plate body 322 of the rotating light transmission plate 320 is arranged in the reflection control position.

[0217] Figure 9A The light distribution pattern P1 shown is formed as a downward arrow due to the effective light transmission area 322Bb1, and therefore becomes an upward arrow shape as its inverted projection image.

[0218] Figure 9B The light distribution pattern P2 shown is formed as a right-pointing arrow due to the effective light transmission area 322Bb2, and thus becomes a left-pointing arrow shape as its inverted projection image.

[0219] Figure 9C The depicted use-light distribution pattern P3 is formed as two arrows arranged in series downward, and thus as a reversed projection image thereof, a use-light distribution pattern is formed as two arrows arranged in series upward.

[0220] Figure 9D The depicted use-light distribution pattern P4 is formed as two arrows arranged in series downward, and thus as a reversed projection image thereof, a use-light distribution pattern is formed as two arrows arranged in series upward.

[0221] Figure 9E The depicted use-light distribution pattern P5 is formed as six band-shaped regions arranged in vertical stripes with intervals in the left-right direction, and thus as a reversed projection image thereof, a use-light distribution pattern is formed as six band-shaped regions arranged in vertical stripes with intervals in the left-right direction.

[0222] Figure 9F The depicted use-light distribution pattern P6 is formed as three band-shaped regions arranged in horizontal stripes with intervals in the up-down direction, and thus as a reversed projection image thereof, a use-light distribution pattern is formed as three band-shaped regions arranged in horizontal stripes with intervals in the up-down direction.

[0223] Note that, in the present embodiment, in the range indicated by the double-dotted line in FIG. 27, a use-light distribution pattern is formed. Figures 9A-9F The range Z indicated by the double-dotted line in FIG. 27 indicates a range in which a use-light distribution pattern can be formed (i.e., a range in which a use-light distribution pattern is formed assuming that the entire region of the light-transmission control portion 322a (specifically, a rectangular region having the same size as the opening shape of the opening portion 322Aa) is an effective light-transmission region).

[0224] When the light-transmission control portion 322a is disposed at the reflection control position, the use-light distribution pattern P1 formed by the effective light-transmission region 322Bb1 is represented in perspective as in FIG. 28 similarly to the light fixture unit 10 in the first embodiment. Figure 10

[0225] As shown in FIG. 29, the use-light distribution pattern P1 is formed together with (or independently from) a low-beam use-light distribution pattern PL formed by irradiation light from another light fixture unit not shown. Figure 10

[0226] Similarly to the first embodiment, the light source 352 of the light source unit 350 is constituted by a light-emitting diode that emits green light, and thus the use-light distribution pattern P1 is also formed as a green use-light distribution pattern.

[0227] Next, the effects of the present embodiment will be described.

[0228] ​​The light fixture unit 310 according to the present embodiment is configured to radiate light from the light source unit 350, which has passed through the rotary transmission plate 320, toward the front of the unit via the projection lens 72. The rotary transmission plate 320 includes a light-transmissive plate main body 322 having six light-transmission control portions 322a, and an actuator 330 that rotates the light-transmission plate main body 322. By driving the actuator 330, any one of the six light-transmission control portions 322a is selectively arranged at a light-transmission control position, and a drawing light distribution pattern can be formed using transmitted light from the light-transmission control portion 322a arranged at the light-transmission control position.

[0229] At this time, the effective light-transmission regions 322Bb1 to 322Bb6 of the six light-transmission control portions 322a of the light-transmission plate main body 322 have different shapes, and thus by rotating the light-transmission plate main body 322 by 60° each time, six drawing light distribution patterns P1 to P6 corresponding to the shapes of the effective light-transmission regions 322Bb1 to 322Bb6 can be formed. Furthermore, the formation of the six drawing light distribution patterns can be achieved by a low-cost configuration in which the light-transmission plate main body 322 is rotated by 60° each time.

[0230] Thus, according to the present embodiment, in the light fixture unit 310 configured to radiate light from the light source unit 350, which has passed through the rotary transmission plate 320, toward the front of the unit via the projection lens 72, the drawing light distribution patterns P1 to P6 can be formed at a low cost.

[0231] In particular, the light-transmission plate main body 322 according to the present embodiment is configured such that the six light-transmission control portions 322a are formed with a thickness thinner than other general portions. Thus, the drawing light distribution patterns P1 to P6 having clear outlines can be formed while ensuring the rigidity of the light-transmission plate main body 322. Note that the "other general portions" refer to portions of the light-transmission plate main body 322 other than the light-transmission control portions 322a.

[0232] Furthermore, the light-transmission plate main body 322 is configured such that the front surface of a support plate 322A having openings formed at portions where the six light-transmission control portions 322a are present supports a thin plate 322B having the six effective light-transmission regions 322Bb1 to 322Bb6, and thus the light-transmission plate main body 322 can be easily manufactured.

[0233] At this time, the thin plate 322B is composed of a member made of metal (i.e., an opaque member), and the six effective light-transmission regions 322Bb1 to 322Bb6 are formed as openings, and thus the thin plate 322B can be easily manufactured by press forming or the like.

[0234] In the above embodiment, the case where the support plate 322A of the light-transmitting plate body 322 is composed of a member made of colored resin has been described, but it can also be composed of a member made of metal (for example, aluminum die casting).

[0235] In the above embodiment, the case where the light-transmitting plate body 322 has six light-transmitting control sections 322a has been described, but it can also be configured to have five or less or seven or more light-transmitting control sections 322a.

[0236] In the above embodiment, the case where the light source 352 is composed of a light-emitting diode that emits green light has been described, but as the light source 352, it can also be configured to have a light-emitting color other than green, such as blue or white.

[0237] In the above embodiment, the case where the light-transmitting control position is located on the optical axis Ax of the projection lens 72 has been described, but it can also be configured so that the light-transmitting control position is displaced toward the upper side of the optical axis Ax. By adopting such a configuration, it is also possible to form a delineation light distribution pattern on the road surface in front of the vehicle while maintaining the horizontally arranged state of the luminaire unit 310.

[0238] In the above embodiment, the case where the luminaire unit 310 is a vehicle-mounted luminaire unit has been described, but it can also be used for purposes other than vehicle-mounted use (for example, a luminaire unit of a streetlight that is configured to perform delineation from an oblique upper side with respect to the road surface, and the like).

[0239] Next, a modification of the third embodiment will be described.

[0240] First, a second modification as a modification of the third embodiment will be described.

[0241] Figure 24A is a perspective view showing the main part of the rotary light-transmitting plate in the luminaire unit to which the present modification is applied. Figure 24B is a cross-sectional view taken along the b-b line of Figure 24A

[0242] The basic structure of the present modification is the same as in the case of the third embodiment, but the structure of the thin plate 422B in the light-transmitting plate body of the rotary light-transmitting plate is partially different from that in the case of the third embodiment.

[0243] ​That is, the light-transmitting plate main body 422 of the present modification is also configured such that the front surface of the support plate 322A in which the six light-transmitting control portions 422a are present is supported by the thin plate 422B having the six effective light-transmitting regions 422Bbl, 422Bb2, 422Bb3, 422Bb4, 422Bb5, and 422Bb6, but in the present modification, the thin plate 422B is configured of a transparent member, and the region surrounding the six effective light-transmitting regions 422Bbl to 422Bb6 is subjected to light-shielding treatment.

[0244] Specifically, the thin plate 422B is configured of a film made of a colorless transparent resin (for example, polycarbonate resin), and on the front surface thereof, a black light-shielding print B is formed in the region surrounding the effective light-transmitting regions 422Bbl to 422Bb6.

[0245] Also, in the thin plate 422B of the present modification, the six effective light-transmitting regions 422Bbl to 422Bb6 are formed as flat light-transmitting regions arranged at 60° intervals in the circumferential direction with the axis Ax3 as the center.

[0246] In addition, in the thin plate 422B of the present modification, the circular opening portion 422Ba is also formed on the axis Ax34, and in addition, the three positioning holes 422Bc are formed at 120° intervals in the circumferential direction with the axis Ax3 as the center.

[0247] In the case where the structure of the present modification is employed, it is also possible to form the depiction light distribution pattern as a green light distribution pattern.

[0248] On this basis, by employing the structure of the present modification, it is possible to easily manufacture the thin plate 422B by performing printing or the like on the surface of the transparent film.

[0249] Next, a third modification as a modification of the third embodiment will be described.

[0250] Figure 25A is a perspective view showing a main portion of a rotary light-transmitting plate in a luminaire unit to which the present modification is applied, Figure 25B is a b-b line sectional view of Figure 25A .

[0251] The basic structure of the present modification is the same as in the case of the above-described embodiment, but the structure of the thin plate 522B in the light-transmitting plate main body of the rotary light-transmitting plate is partially different from that in the case of the above-described embodiment.

[0252] That is, the light-transmissive plate main body 522 of the present modification is also configured such that the front surface of the support plate 322A in which the six light-transmissive control sections 522a are present is supported by the thin plate 522B having the six effective light-transmissive regions 522Bbl, 522Bb2, 522Bb3, 522Bb4, 522Bb5, and 522Bb6, but in the present modification, the thin plate 522B is configured of a transparent member, and the regions in which the six effective light-transmissive regions 522Bbl to 522Bb6 are present are subjected to colored light-transmissive processing, and the regions surrounding them are subjected to light-shielding processing.

[0253] Specifically, the thin plate 522B is configured of a film made of a colorless transparent resin (for example, polycarbonate resin), and on the front surface of the thin plate 522B, colored transparent light-transmissive printing A is applied to the regions in which the effective light-transmissive regions 522Bbl to 522Bb6 are present, and black light-shielding printing B is formed in the regions surrounding them.

[0254] Further, in the thin plate 522B of the present modification, the six effective light-transmissive regions 522Bbl to 522Bb6 are formed as colored flat light regions arranged at intervals of 60° in the circumferential direction with the axis Ax3 as the center.

[0255] Note that in the thin plate 522B of the present modification, a circular opening section 522Ba is also formed on the axis Ax3, and in addition, three positioning holes 522Bc are formed at intervals of 120° in the circumferential direction with the axis Ax3 as the center.

[0256] In the case where the structure of the present modification is employed, it is possible to form the depiction light distribution pattern as a light distribution pattern in which the color of the effective light-transmissive regions 522Bbl to 522Bb6 of the thin plate 522B is added to the color of green.

[0257] Note that in the above-described third modification, if the light source 352 (see Figure 20 ) of the light source unit 350 is configured of a light-emitting diode that emits white light instead of a light-emitting diode that emits green light, it is possible to form the depiction light distribution pattern as a light distribution pattern in which the color of the effective light-transmissive regions 522Bbl to 522Bb6 of the thin plate 522B is added to the color of green.

[0258] In addition, in the thin plate 522B of the above-described third modification, if the color of the colored flat light region is set to be different in each of the six effective light-transmissive regions 522Bbl to 522Bb6, it is possible to make the color of the depiction light distribution pattern different in each of the effective light-transmissive regions 522Bbl to 522Bb6.

[0259] Next, a fourth modification as a modification of the third embodiment will be described.

[0260] Figure 26A is a perspective view showing a main part of the rotary light-transmitting plate in the luminaire unit of the present modification.

[0261] The basic structure of the present modification is the same as that of the above-described embodiment, but the structure of the light-transmitting plate main body 622 of the rotary light-transmitting plate is partly different from that of the above-described embodiment.

[0262] That is, the light-transmitting plate main body 622 of the present modification is composed of a transparent member in which portions where the six light-transmitting control portions 622a are located are formed as rectangular recesses 622f with thin walls.

[0263] Specifically, the light-transmitting plate main body 622 is a member made of colorless transparent polycarbonate resin, and on the front surface of the light-transmitting plate main body 622, a black light-shielding print B is formed in a region surrounding a region where the effective light-transmitting region 622bl and the like are located.

[0264] Note that in the light-transmitting plate main body 622 of the present modification, the three positioning holes 622c are also formed at 120° intervals in the circumferential direction with the axis Ax3 as the center.

[0265] In the case where the structure of the present modification is employed, it is also possible to form the depiction light distribution pattern as a green light distribution pattern.

[0266] Note that in the above-described fourth modification, the light-transmitting plate main body 622 can also be composed of a member that is colored transparent.

[0267] Next, a fifth modification of the above-described embodiment will be described.

[0268] Figure 26B is a perspective view showing a main part of the rotary light-transmitting plate in the luminaire unit of the present modification.

[0269] The basic structure of the present modification is the same as that of the above-described embodiment, but the structure of the light-transmitting plate main body 722 of the rotary light-transmitting plate is partly different from that of the above-described embodiment.

[0270] That is, the light-transmitting plate main body 722 of the present modification is composed of a transparent member in which portions where the six light-transmitting control portions 722a are located are formed as rectangular recesses 722f with thin walls.

[0271] Specifically, the light-transmitting plate main body 722 is a member made of colorless transparent polycarbonate resin, and on the front surface of the light-transmitting plate main body 722, a color-transparent light-transmitting print A is implemented in a region where the effective light-transmitting region 722bl and the like are located, and a black light-shielding print B is formed in a region surrounding them.

[0272] Note that in the light-transmitting plate main body 722 of the present modification example, three positioning holes 722c are also formed at intervals of 120° in the circumferential direction with the axis Axl as the center.

[0273] In the case of adopting the structure of the present modification example, it is also possible to form the depiction light distribution pattern as a light distribution pattern in which the color of the effective light-transmitting region and the like is added to the color of green.

[0274] Note that in the fourth modification example described above, if the light source 352 (see Figure 20 ) of the light source unit 350 is constituted by a light-emitting diode that emits white light rather than a light-emitting diode that emits green light, it is possible to form the depiction light distribution pattern as a light distribution pattern in which the color of the effective light-transmitting region and the like is added to the color of green.

[0275] In addition, in the thin plate 722B of the fifth modification example described above, if the color of the colored flat light-transmitting region is set to be different in each of the six effective light-transmitting regions 722bl and the like, it is possible to make the color of the depiction light distribution pattern different in each of the effective light-transmitting regions 722bl and the like.

[0276] Next, a sixth modification example of the embodiment described above will be described.

[0277] Figure 26C is a perspective view showing a main part of a rotary light-transmitting plate in a light fixture unit to which the present modification example is applied.

[0278] The basic structure of the present modification example is the same as in the case of the embodiment described above, but the structure of the light-transmitting plate main body 822 of the rotary light-transmitting plate is partly different from that in the case of the embodiment described above.

[0279] That is, the light-transmitting plate main body 822 of the present modification example is constituted by a transparent member formed with a certain wall thickness.

[0280] Specifically, the light-transmitting plate main body 822 is a member made of a colorless transparent polycarbonate resin, and on the front surface of the light-transmitting plate main body 822, a black light-shielding print B is formed in a region surrounding the effective light-transmitting region 822bl and the like.

[0281] Note that in the light-transmitting plate main body 822 of the present modification example, three positioning holes 822c are also formed at intervals of 120° in the circumferential direction with the axis Ax3 as the center.

[0282] In the case of adopting the structure of the present modification example, it is also possible to form the depiction light distribution pattern as a light distribution pattern in which the color of the effective light-transmitting region and the like is added to the color of green.

[0283] Note that in the sixth modification example described above, it is also possible to constitute the light-transmitting plate main body 822 by a colored transparent member.

[0284] In the above-described embodiments and modifications thereof, the values shown as the specifications are merely examples, and they can of course be appropriately set to different values.

[0285] In addition, the present disclosure is not limited to the structures described in the above-described embodiments and modifications thereof, and various modifications other than these can be applied.

[0286] This application appropriately refers to the content disclosed in Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-134220 filed on August 6, 2020, and Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-138982 filed on August 19, 2020.

Claims

1. A lighting unit configured to direct light from a light source unit, reflected by a rotating reflector, toward the front of the unit via a projection lens, wherein, The aforementioned rotary reflector comprises: a reflector body having multiple reflective surfaces; and an actuator that rotates the reflector body. The reflector body is configured such that, driven by the actuator, any one of the plurality of reflective surfaces can be selectively positioned at a reflection control position that causes light from the light source unit to be reflected toward the projection lens. The aforementioned reflector body has at least two reflective surfaces with different shapes of effective reflective areas, which are referred to as the plurality of reflective surfaces. The aforementioned light source unit is configured such that light enters the aforementioned reflection control position from a position offset from the optical axis of the aforementioned projection lens in front of the unit. The reflector body is configured such that the effective reflection area of ​​the reflective surface located at the reflection control position is inclined toward the light source unit relative to the plane orthogonal to the optical axis. The aforementioned effective reflection area is composed of a plurality of reflective elements arranged at intervals from each other, and the plurality of reflective elements are formed in a state of tilting toward the light source unit side on a plane orthogonal to the aforementioned optical axis.

2. The lighting unit according to claim 1, wherein, The aforementioned effective reflective area is formed by performing a mirror treatment on a portion of the aforementioned reflective surface.

3. The lighting unit according to claim 2, wherein, The main body of the aforementioned reflector is composed of transparent components.

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