Road delineation device

Abstract

A road surface delineation device (10) includes a plurality of light sources (12) capable of being individually lit up; a mask (18) having a plurality of transmission windows (20) respectively illuminated by corresponding light sources (12) among the plurality of light sources (12); a partition (22) dividing a space between the plurality of light sources (12) and the mask (18) into a plurality of sections each having a mutually corresponding light source (12) and transmission window (20); and a common projection lens (16) projecting light respectively from the plurality of light sources (12) through the corresponding transmission windows (20) to a road surface.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a road surface marking device. Background Technology

[0002] Previously, a drawing device was known that drew a colored image by projecting images of different colors of multiple lamp units in a manner that overlapped in the same location in front of it (for example, see Patent Document 1).

[0003] [Prior Technology Documents]

[0004] [Patent Literature]

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-85076 Summary of the Invention

[0006] [The problem the invention aims to solve]

[0007] The aforementioned drawing apparatus can only display a single type of colored image. Therefore, multiple drawing apparatuses must be prepared to draw multiple colored images or to animate images. If multiple drawing apparatuses are combined, the overall apparatus tends to become large. Drawing apparatuses using digital micromirror devices (DMDs) are also known, but such devices are expensive and require complex control for drawing.

[0008] This disclosure was made in view of the above circumstances, and one of the exemplary objectives of one of its solutions is to provide a compact and inexpensive road surface drawing device for drawing a variety of images on a road surface.

[0009] [Technical solutions used to address technical problems]

[0010] To address the aforementioned issues, one aspect of the present invention provides a road surface drawing apparatus comprising: multiple light sources capable of being individually illuminated; a mask having multiple transmission windows respectively illuminated by corresponding light sources among the multiple light sources; a separator dividing the space between the multiple light sources and the mask into multiple partitions each having a corresponding light source and a transmission window; and a common projection lens that projects light from the multiple light sources through the corresponding transmission windows onto the road surface.

[0011] According to this solution, the road surface drawing device switches the graphics represented by multiple transmission windows on a mask and projects them onto the road surface by individually illuminating a light source, thereby enabling the drawing of various images on the road surface. Therefore, multiple sections, each with its own light source and transmission window, are separated by separators and are adjacent to each other, allowing for a dense configuration as a whole. By using a common projection lens for these multiple sections, a compact road surface drawing device can be designed. Furthermore, the road surface drawing device can be implemented without using a DMD (Digital Modulation Device), making it inexpensive to provide.

[0012] Multiple transmission windows of the mask can also be arranged on the focal plane of a common projection lens. In this way, by illuminating each transmission window with a corresponding light source, the shape of the pattern represented by the transmission window can be projected onto the projection surface through the projection lens.

[0013] Multiple transmission windows of the mask can also be configured on an inclined surface tilted relative to the main surface of a common projection lens. In this way, since the multiple transmission windows and the projection lens are configured at an angle to each other, the transmission windows, projection lens, and road surface can be configured according to the Scheimpflug principle. This can mitigate the distortion of the projected image on the road surface caused by the non-parallel (typically orthogonal) configuration of the transmission windows and the road surface.

[0014] The mask can also be arranged adjacent to multiple light sources in such a way that each transmission window is directly illuminated by the corresponding light source. No optical elements such as reflectors or lenses are placed between the light sources and the mask. This configuration contributes to the miniaturization of the road surface drawing device.

[0015] The distance from the light source to the mask can also be in the range of 3mm to 8mm. Alternatively, the angle formed by the two straight lines connecting the two ends of the partition from the light source can also be in the range of 35 degrees to 65 degrees. In this way, when the light source provides a typical light distribution (e.g., a Lambertian distribution), it is easy to ensure that the incident light from the light source satisfies the overall pattern represented by the corresponding transmission window without any deficiencies.

[0016] Multiple transmission windows can also be arranged opposite to the center of the incident surface of the projection lens. This makes it easier to suppress distortion caused by aberrations of the projection lens compared to the case where the transmission windows are opposite to the outer periphery. Furthermore, since multiple transmission windows are concentrated in the center, the road surface drawing device can be miniaturized.

[0017] At least two of the multiple light sources can also operate in a way that correlates their on / off timings. In this way, by using the correlated on / off of at least two light sources and at least two transmission windows corresponding to each of these light sources, animation can be displayed on the road surface.

[0018] At least two of the multiple transmission windows can also have different shapes and / or colors. In this way, various images can be drawn on the road surface.

[0019] [Invention Effects]

[0020] According to the present invention, a compact and inexpensive road surface drawing device for drawing various images on a road surface can be provided. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is an exploded perspective view of the road surface drawing device according to the embodiment.

[0022] Figure 2 This is a schematic perspective view of the road surface drawing device according to the embodiment.

[0023] Figure 3 This is a schematic perspective view showing the light source and light-shielding components inside the road surface drawing device according to the embodiment.

[0024] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A schematic front view of the light-shielding component shown.

[0025] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the optical system of the road surface drawing device according to an embodiment.

[0026] Figure 6 It is Figure 3 A further enlarged representation of a schematic three-dimensional diagram.

[0027] Figure 7 (a) indicates in Figure 5 The image shown is a projection onto the projection surface by the road surface drawing device. Figure 7 (b) represents the graphic projected onto the road surface by the road surface drawing device.

[0028] Figure 8 (a) is a schematic perspective view showing an enlarged representation of other examples of the light source and light-shielding components inside the road surface painting device of the embodiment. Figure 8 (b) is Figure 8 (a) is a schematic front view of the light-shielding component.

[0029] Figure 9 (a) to Figure 9 (c) is a diagram schematically illustrating an application example of the road surface drawing device according to the embodiment.

[0030] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the optical system of the road surface drawing device in Modified Example 1. Detailed Implementation

[0031] The present invention will now be described based on preferred embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. These embodiments are not intended to limit the invention but are merely illustrative, and all features and combinations thereof described in the embodiments may not be essential to the invention. Identical or equivalent constituent elements, components, and processes shown in the various drawings are labeled with the same reference numerals, and repeated descriptions are omitted where appropriate. Furthermore, for ease of explanation, the scale and shape of the parts shown in the various drawings are conveniently set and are not to be interpreted limitingly unless specifically mentioned. Additionally, the terms "first," "second," etc., used in this specification or claims do not indicate any order or importance, but are used to distinguish one configuration from others. Furthermore, in the various drawings, parts of components that are not important in describing the embodiments are omitted.

[0032] Figure 1 This is an exploded perspective view of the road surface drawing device according to the embodiment. Figure 2 This is a schematic perspective view of the road surface drawing device according to the embodiment. Figure 3 This is a schematic perspective view showing the light source and light-shielding components inside the road surface drawing device according to the embodiment. Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A schematic front view of the light-shielding component shown. Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the optical system of the road surface drawing device according to an embodiment. Figure 6 It is Figure 3 A further enlarged representation of a schematic three-dimensional diagram. Figure 7 (a) indicates in Figure 5 The image shown is a projection onto the projection surface by the road surface drawing device. Figure 7 (b) represents the graphic projected onto the road surface by the road surface drawing device.

[0033] like Figure 1 As shown, the road surface drawing device 10 includes multiple light sources 12, a light-shielding member 14, and a projection lens 16. Details will be described later. The light-shielding member 14 includes a mask 18 with multiple transmission windows 20 and a separator 22. Additionally, the road surface drawing device 10 includes a lens holder 24 for holding the projection lens 16 and a support member 26 for supporting the light sources 12, the light-shielding member 14, and the lens holder 24.

[0034] In this embodiment, each light source 12 is a light-emitting diode (LED), but there is no particular limitation; it can also be other semiconductor light-emitting elements or any other light-emitting element. The light sources 12 are mounted on the front surface of a light source mounting substrate 13 facing the projection lens 16, and are arranged relatively densely and close to each other on the light source mounting substrate 13. The emitting surface of each light source 12 is parallel to the front surface of the light source mounting substrate 13 and faces the projection lens 16. The light source 12 provides its emitting surface with a typical light distribution (e.g., Lambertian distribution) that emits light most strongly towards the front.

[0035] In this embodiment, as an example, four light sources 12 are provided corresponding to the four transmission windows 20. The four light sources 12 are arranged in a square shape on the light source mounting substrate 13 near the optical axis O of the projection lens 16. The number of light sources 12 is determined according to the number of transmission windows 20 on the mask 18. The transmission windows 20 can be provided in a desired number on the mask 18, and the number of light sources 12 can also be provided in any number corresponding to the number of transmission windows 20.

[0036] Multiple light sources 12 can be lit individually. For example... Figure 3 As shown, the light source mounting substrate 13 can also be connected to the control substrate 28 via any suitable electrical connection, such as a connector. Multiple light sources 12 can be individually turned on and off under the control of the control substrate 28. Furthermore, the control substrate 28 can also be connected to an external power source (not shown). The light sources 12 can be powered from an external power source through the control substrate 28 and the light source mounting substrate 13.

[0037] Each light source 12 emits light in a desired color, such as white light or other colors. All or some of the multiple light sources 12 may also emit light in the same color, or all or some of the multiple light sources 12 may emit light in different colors.

[0038] The mask 18 is positioned between the light source 12 and the projection lens 16 with its back surface facing the light source 12 and its front surface facing the projection lens 16. Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the mask 18 has a plurality of transmission windows 20. In this embodiment, the mask 18 is a perforated mask, and each transmission window 20 is an opening extending from the front surface to the back surface of the mask 18. The transmission windows 20 are formed, for example, by punching from a plate-shaped mask substrate. The mask substrate is formed, for example, of a metallic material, but may also be formed of a resin material or other suitable material.

[0039] At least two of the multiple transmission windows 20 may have different shapes from each other; for example, all the transmission windows 20 may have different shapes from each other. Alternatively, all or some of the multiple transmission windows 20 may have the same shape.

[0040] The shape of each projection window 20 represents a graphic that should be projected onto the road surface; for example, it could be a mark such as an arrow or a straight line, or a graphic representing any text or number. As an example, such as... Figure 4 As clearly shown, one of the two upper transmission windows 20 can be shaped like a right arrow and the other like a left arrow. Alternatively, one of the two lower transmission windows 20 can be shaped like arrow feathers and the other like a horizontal line.

[0041] The multiple transmission windows 20 on the mask 18 are each illuminated by a corresponding light source 12 from among the multiple light sources 12. That is, there is a one-to-one correspondence between the transmission window 20 and the light source 12, and for each transmission window 20, a light source 12 is provided to illuminate that transmission window 20. As described above, as an example, four transmission windows 20 are provided in the mask 18, and these transmission windows 20 are arranged on the mask 18 near the optical axis O of the projection lens.

[0042] The mask 18 is arranged adjacent to the multiple light sources 12 in such a way that each transmission window 10 is directly illuminated from the corresponding light source 12. Therefore, no optical elements such as reflectors or lenses are arranged between the light sources 12 and the mask 18. According to this configuration, the light sources 12 and the mask 18 can be arranged close to each other, which helps to miniaturize the road surface drawing device 10.

[0043] from Figure 3 and Figure 5 The distance D between the light source 12 and the mask 18 can, for example, be in the range of 3 mm to 8 mm. If the distance D is less than 3 mm, the light from the light source 12 is too close to the transmission window 20 of the mask 18, making it difficult for the light to reach the outer periphery of the transmission window 20, which extends outward from the center of the light-emitting surface of the light source 12, thus making it difficult to accurately project the shape of the transmission window 20. On the other hand, if the distance D exceeds 8 mm, the light source 12 moves away from the mask 18 in the direction of the optical axis O, resulting in a larger device in the optical axis direction. Therefore, by setting the distance D to, for example, the range of 3 mm to 8 mm, the entire transmission window 20 can be illuminated by light from the light source 12, allowing the shape of the transmission window 20 to be accurately projected onto the road surface, and the enlargement of the road surface drawing device 10 can be suppressed.

[0044] In addition, such as Figure 6 As shown, the angle α formed by the two straight lines connecting the two ends of the partition from the light source 12 can, for example, be in the range of 35 degrees to 65 degrees. When the angle α is greater than 65 degrees, it is considered that the light source 12 is too close to the transmission window 20 of the mask 18. On the other hand, when the angle α is less than 35 degrees, it is considered that the light source 12 is too far from the transmission window 20 of the mask 18. Therefore, by setting the angle α, for example, to the range of 35 degrees to 65 degrees, the shape of the transmission window 20 can be accurately projected onto the road surface, and the enlargement of the road surface drawing device 10 can be suppressed.

[0045] like Figure 5 As shown, multiple transmission windows 20 of the mask 18 are arranged on the focal plane 30 of a common projection lens 16 (a plane orthogonal to the optical axis O of the projection lens 16 at the focal position). In this way, by illuminating each transmission window 20 with a corresponding light source 12, the shape of the pattern represented by the transmission window 20 can be projected onto the projection surface 32 through the projection lens 16. Figure 7As shown in (a), on the projection plane 32, the patterns represented by each transmission window 20 are projected in a reversed manner from their positions on the mask 18.

[0046] Refer again Figure 3 and Figure 4 The separator 22 divides the space between the multiple light sources 12 and the mask 18 into multiple partitions. The separator 22 is fixed to the back of the mask 18, or it can be disposed between the light sources 12 and the mask 18. In each of the multiple partitions separated by the separator 22, a corresponding light source 12 and a transmission window 20 are respectively disposed. That is, each partition contains a light source 12 and a transmission window 20 corresponding to that light source 12.

[0047] In this embodiment, the separator 22 has a vertical plate 22a and a horizontal plate 22b that are orthogonal to each other at their respective middle portions. The space between the light source 12 and the mask 18 is divided into four partitions, each having a light source 12 and a transmission window 20, by the vertical plate 22a to the left and right and by the horizontal plate 22b to the top and bottom.

[0048] The separator 22 is a partition that prevents light from entering from one partition to other partitions (e.g., adjacent partitions). That is, the separator 22 blocks light from each light source 12 from entering a transmission window 20 that is different from the transmission window 20 corresponding to that light source 12 (e.g., the transmission window 20 of an adjacent partition). In order to suppress light reflection, the surface of the separator 22 is preferably a low-reflectivity surface or a non-reflective surface, for example, black, roughened, etc.

[0049] The separator 22 may be formed of a metallic material, but may also be formed of a resin material or other suitable material. The separator 22 may be formed of the same material as the mask 18, or it may be formed of a different material.

[0050] The projection lens 16 projects light from the multiple light sources 12 through their respective transmission windows 20 onto the road surface. The projection lens 16 is configured as a common lens for the multiple light sources 12 and the multiple transmission windows 20. The projection lens 16 can also be a composite lens, for example... Figure 1 As shown, it can also be composed of three lenses arranged on the optical axis O. By setting the projection lens 16 as a compound lens, aberrations such as chromatic aberration can be corrected, and the shape of the transmission window 20 can be accurately projected. In cases where low cost is a greater priority, the projection lens 16 can also be a single lens.

[0051] Multiple transmission windows 20 (and multiple light sources 12) can also be arranged opposite to the center of the incident surface of the projection lens 16. The center of the incident surface of the projection lens 16, for example, centered on the optical axis O, can be a region of less than 2 / 3, 1 / 2, or 1 / 3 of the radius of the projection lens. In this way, compared to the case where the transmission windows 20 are opposite to the outer periphery of the projection lens 16, it is easier to suppress the distortion of the projected image caused by the aberrations of the projection lens 16. In addition, since multiple transmission windows 20 are concentrated in the center, it also helps to miniaturize the road surface drawing device 10.

[0052] The projection lens 16 is formed of a light-transmitting material such as transparent resin or glass. In this embodiment, the projection lens 16 is colorless and transparent, but it can also be colored depending on the desired depiction.

[0053] The lens holder 24 has a cylindrical shape and holds the projection lens 16 inside. Supported by the support member 26, the lens holder 24 allows for positioning of the projection lens 16 and the mask 18. In this example, the lens holder 24 is directly mounted to the support member 26, but this is not a limitation, and various mounting methods can be used. For example, a bracket for mounting the lens holder 24 can also be provided and mounted on the support member 26.

[0054] The support member 26 not only supports the light source 12, the light-shielding member 14, and the lens holder 24, but can also serve as a heat dissipation member (also referred to as a heat sink) for the light source 12. The light source mounting substrate 13 is fixed to the support member 26 such that its back surface contacts the front surface of the support member 26, and the support member 26 is in thermal contact with the light source 12 and the light source mounting substrate 13. Multiple rearwardly extending heat dissipation fins (not shown) may also be provided on the back surface of the support member 26. The support member 26 is formed, for example, of a metallic material such as aluminum or aluminum alloy, or other materials with high thermal conductivity. The heat generated by the light emitted by the light source 12 can be dissipated to the surrounding environment through the support member 26, preventing the light source 12 and its surrounding components from being overheated.

[0055] The operation of the road surface drawing device 10 according to the embodiment is explained. Light emitted from the light source 12 is shaped according to the shape of the transmission window 20 corresponding to the light source 12 as it passes through the transmission window 20. The light beam shaped by the transmission window 20 is projected onto the road surface in front of the road surface drawing device 10 through the projection lens 16. Thus, as... Figure 7 As shown in (b), the patterns represented by each transmission window 20 are depicted on different areas of the road surface. By turning on one specific light source 12 among a plurality of light sources 12 and turning off the other light sources 12, the patterns represented by the transmission windows 20 corresponding to the lit light source 12 are projected onto the road surface.

[0056] As explained above, the road surface drawing apparatus 10 according to the embodiment can individually illuminate multiple light sources 12, selectively projecting the graphic represented by the transmission window 20 corresponding to the illuminated light source 12 onto the road surface. By turning off the light source 12 and illuminating other light sources 12, it is possible to switch to other graphics represented by the transmission window 20 corresponding to the other light source 12 and project them onto the road surface. In this way, the road surface drawing apparatus 10 can draw various images onto the road surface.

[0057] According to the embodiment of the road surface drawing device 10, multiple sections, each having a light source 12 and a transmission window 20, are separated by a separator 22 and are adjacent to each other, and these sections can be densely arranged as a whole. By arranging a common projection lens 16 relative to these multiple sections, the road surface drawing device 10 can be designed compactly.

[0058] The road surface mapping device 10 can be implemented without the use of DMD and can be provided at a low cost.

[0059] Furthermore, in road marking devices using a DMD, a reflector is provided to reflect light from the light source back to the DMD. Additionally, since the DMD becomes a considerable heat source during operation, a corresponding cooling structure such as a heat sink and cooling fan is required. In contrast, the road marking device 10 does not have a DMD, therefore it does not require such a reflector. Furthermore, the cooling structure can be simplified. These factors also contribute to the compact design and inexpensive provision of the road marking device 10.

[0060] In a DMD, multiple reflector elements are mechanically driven, and the tilt angle of the reflective surface of each reflector element is controlled, thereby changing the drawn pattern. In contrast, in the road surface drawing device 10, the drawn pattern can be switched by selecting the illuminated light source 12. Since the road surface drawing device 10 does not require mechanical drive in switching the drawn pattern, the risk of failure is reduced compared to the drawing device using a DMD.

[0061] Figure 8 (a) is a schematic perspective view showing an enlarged representation of other examples of the light source and light-shielding components inside the road surface painting device of the embodiment. Figure 8 (b) is Figure 8 (a) is a schematic front view of the light-shielding component.

[0062] like Figure 8 (a) and Figure 8As shown in (b), the mask 18 has multiple transmission windows 20. Each of the multiple transmission windows 20 on the mask 18 is illuminated by a corresponding light source 12 from among the multiple light sources 12. In this example, the space between the multiple light sources 12 and the mask 18 is also divided into multiple partitions by a separator 22. The separator 22 has a vertical plate 22a and a horizontal plate 22b; the space between the light sources 12 and the mask 18 is divided left and right by the vertical plate 22a and up and down by the horizontal plate 22b. The separator 22 also has an additional vertical plate 22c, which divides the lower right partition of the four partitions into two partitions, left and right. Light sources 12 and transmission windows 20 are respectively provided in these five partitions.

[0063] As an example, one of the two transmission windows 20 on the upper side is two horizontal lines, and the other is a triangle. The three transmission windows 20 on the lower side are a triangle pointing to the left, a vertical line, and a vertical line, respectively. The three transmission windows 20 on the lower side together form a left-pointing arrow. In addition, as with the two lines of the transmission window 20 in the upper left corner, multiple transmission windows 20 can also be formed in one section, depending on the graphic to be depicted.

[0064] In this case, multiple light sources 12 can be lit individually, and the pattern represented by the transmission window 20 corresponding to the lit light source 12 can be selectively projected onto the road surface.

[0065] Furthermore, at least two of the multiple light sources 12 can also operate in a manner that is interconnected by timing their on / off states. In this way, by utilizing the interconnected on / off states of at least two light sources 12 and the at least two transmission windows 20 corresponding to each of these light sources 12, animation can be displayed on the road surface.

[0066] For example, by illuminating multiple transmission windows 20 arranged on the mask 18 with corresponding light sources 12 in their arranged order, the graphics represented by these transmission windows 20 can be sequentially displayed on the road surface. For example, for Figure 8 (a) and Figure 8 The three transmission windows 20 on the lower side shown in (b) can be used to sequentially illuminate the arrows represented by the corresponding light sources 12 on and off, so that the arrows are illuminated sequentially on the road surface.

[0067] Figure 9 (a) to Figure 9 Figure (c) is a schematic diagram illustrating an application example of the road surface drawing device according to the embodiment. The road surface drawing device 10 is mounted on a vehicle such as an automobile and can draw on the road surface around the vehicle or in other locations around the vehicle. Alternatively, the road surface drawing device 10 can also be mounted on a mobile body other than a vehicle.

[0068] For example, such as Figure 9As shown in (a), the road surface marking device 10 can also be mounted on the headlight 101 of the vehicle 100 to mark the road surface in front of or near the vehicle. Alternatively, the road surface marking device 10 can also be mounted on other vehicle lights such as fog lights located at the front of the vehicle.

[0069] As other examples, such as Figure 9 As shown in (b), the road marking device 10 can also be assembled to the rear combination lamp 102 or other vehicle lights located at the rear of the vehicle to mark the road surface behind or near the vehicle. Alternatively, as Figure 9 As shown in (c), the road surface marking device 10 can also be mounted on the side mirror 103 to mark the road surface around the vehicle. The road surface marking device 10 can also be mounted on the side of the vehicle, such as the welcome light, or on other parts of the vehicle to mark the road surface around the vehicle or other locations around the vehicle.

[0070] The road marking device 10 may also be mounted on streetlights, traffic lights, signs, buildings, other outdoor fixed structures or equipment to mark the road surface or other locations around such fixed structures or equipment.

[0071] This invention is not limited to the embodiments and modifications described above. Further modifications can be made by combining the embodiments and modifications, or by applying various design changes based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art. Such combinations and embodiments and modifications with further modifications are also included within the scope of this invention. New embodiments resulting from the above-described embodiments and modifications, and combinations of the above-described embodiments and modifications with the following modifications, possess the respective effects of the combined embodiments, modifications, and further modifications.

[0072] (Variation Example 1)

[0073] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the optical system of the road surface drawing device in modified example 1. The transmission window 20 on the mask 18 can also be arranged on an inclined surface 36 that is tilted relative to the main surface 34 of the common projection lens 16. In this way, since the transmission window 20 and the projection lens 16 are arranged at an inclination relative to each other, the transmission window 20, the projection lens 16, and the road surface 38 can be arranged according to the Scheimpflug principle. This can reduce the distortion of the projected image 40 on the road surface 38 caused by the non-parallel (typically orthogonal) arrangement of the transmission window 20 and the road surface 38.

[0074] (Variation Example 2)

[0075] Since each projected pattern is colored with a different color, the emission color of the light source 12 corresponding to a certain transmission window 20 can be different from the emission color of the light sources corresponding to other transmission windows 20. Alternatively, a certain transmission window 20 can also have a different color than other transmission windows 20. In this case, the transmission window 20 can also be covered by a color filter. Alternatively, the area outside the transmission window 20 of the mask 18 can be, for example, a light-transmitting plate blocked by a light-shielding film, and the transmission window 20 can be a colorless and transparent area on the plate or a light-transmitting colored area.

[0076] (Variation Example 3)

[0077] Alternatively, a light source 12 capable of emitting multiple colors can be provided relative to a single transmission window 20. In this way, the graphic represented by the transmission window 20 can be depicted by switching between multiple colors.

[0078] (Variation Example 4)

[0079] In the above embodiment, one light source 12 is provided corresponding to one transmission window 20. However, for example, in order to increase the amount of light illuminating one transmission window 20, multiple light sources 12 may be provided corresponding to one transmission window 20.

[0080] (Variation Example 5)

[0081] The configuration and shape of the separator 22 depend on the configuration and shape of the transmission windows 20 on the mask 18. For example, if the mask 18 has 3 transmission windows 20 in each direction, for a total of 9 transmission windows 20, the separator 22 may also have two vertical plates 22a and two horizontal plates 22b.

[0082] Based on the implementation methods, the present invention has been described using specific statements. However, the implementation methods only represent one aspect of the principle and application of the present invention. In the implementation methods, various modifications or configuration changes have been identified without departing from the spirit of the present invention as defined in the claims.

[0083] [Industrial Availability]

[0084] This invention can be used in road surface drawing devices.

[0085] [Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures]

[0086] 10 Road surface drawing device, 12 Light source, 14 Light shielding component, 16 Projection lens, 18 Mask, 20 Transmission window, 22 Separator.

Claims

1. A road surface marking device, characterized in that, include: Multiple light sources that can be individually lit. A mask having multiple transmission windows, each illuminated by a corresponding light source from one of the plurality of light sources. A separator that divides the space between the plurality of light sources and the mask into multiple partitions, each having a corresponding light source and a transmission window. A common projection lens projects light from the multiple light sources, each passing through a corresponding transmission window, onto the road surface. No optical elements are placed between the light source and the mask. The mask is arranged adjacent to the plurality of light sources in such a way that each transmission window is directly illuminated from the corresponding light source.

2. The road surface drawing device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The plurality of transmission windows of the mask are arranged on the focal plane of the common projection lens.

3. The road surface drawing device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The plurality of transmission windows of the mask are configured on an inclined surface that is tilted relative to the main surface of the common projection lens.

4. The road surface drawing device as claimed in claim 3, characterized in that, The distance from the light source to the mask is in the range of 3mm to 8mm.

5. The road surface drawing device as claimed in claim 3, characterized in that, The angle formed by the two straight lines connecting the two ends of the partition from the light source is in the range of 35 degrees to 65 degrees.

6. The road surface drawing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The plurality of transmission windows are arranged opposite to the center of the incident surface of the projection lens.

7. The road surface drawing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, At least two of the plurality of light sources are capable of operating in a manner that correlates the timing of their illumination and extinguishing.

8. The road surface drawing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, At least two of the plurality of transmission windows have different shapes and / or colors.

Images