Light emitting unit and vehicle lamp

Abstract

A light emitting unit has a light source (2) and a lens body (3A) disposed in front of the light source (2), the lens body (3A) having a projection lens portion (5) that projects a drawing pattern based on light emission of the light source (2) toward a road surface, and a light emitting lens portion (6) that makes the periphery of the projection lens portion (5) emit light by light (L) emitted from the light source (2).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to light-emitting units and vehicle lamps.

[0002] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2021-073000, filed on April 23, 2021, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Background Technology

[0003] In order to improve driving safety, vehicle lighting fixtures have proposed using light projected toward the road surface in addition to light projected toward the front of the vehicle (for example, see Patent Document 1 below).

[0004] Prior art literature

[0005] Patent documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2021-9772 Summary of the Invention

[0007] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0008] However, in conventional vehicle lighting fixtures, an additional light-emitting unit was required inside the lamp body to perform the aforementioned road surface marking, which resulted in an increase in the number of components and a larger lamp body.

[0009] The present invention provides a light-emitting unit that combines the functions of ordinary light emission and road surface marking, and a vehicle lamp that can use such a light-emitting unit to achieve the sequential lighting of multiple light-emitting units arranged along the width direction of the vehicle while simultaneously illuminating multiple light-emitting units in sequence, and to perform road surface marking.

[0010] Methods for solving problems

[0011] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following structure.

[0012] [1] A light-emitting unit, characterized in that it has:

[0013] Light source; and

[0014] A lens body, which is positioned in front of the light source.

[0015] The lens body comprises:

[0016] A projection lens section that projects a pattern of light emitted from the light source toward the road surface; and

[0017] The light-emitting lens section emits light around the projection lens section by emitting light from the light source.

[0018] [2] According to the light-emitting unit of [1] above, the projection lens portion projects a depiction pattern reflecting the shape of the light emission based on the light source toward the road surface.

[0019] [3] The light-emitting unit according to [1] or [2] above is characterized in that the projection lens is composed of a convex lens whose focal length is adjusted so that the rear focal point is consistent with the light source or its vicinity.

[0020] [4] According to the light-emitting unit of [3] above, the light-emitting lens portion comprises: an incident surface located on a side opposite to the light source, for light emitted from the light source to enter the interior of the light-emitting lens portion; and an exiting surface located on a side opposite to the incident surface, for light incident from the incident surface to exit the exterior of the light-emitting lens portion.

[0021] The convex lens is positioned to protrude forward from the side opposite to the incident surface.

[0022] [5] The light-emitting unit according to [4] above is characterized in that at least one of the incident surface and the exit surface is provided with a light distribution control unit for controlling the light distribution of light emitted from the exit surface.

[0023] [6] The light-emitting unit according to [4] or [5] above is characterized in that at least a portion of the light emitted from the emission surface is emitted in a direction different from the light emitted from the projection lens portion.

[0024] [7] The light-emitting unit as described in any one of [4] to [6] above is characterized in that at least one of the incident surface and the exit surface is provided with a light-diffusing part that diffuses the light emitted from the exit surface.

[0025] [8] The light-emitting unit according to any one of [1] to [7] above is characterized in that, when viewed from the front, multiple light sources are arranged in the plane overlapping the lens body, with the distance between the light source and the lens body being successively different.

[0026] The projection lens section, with its focal length adjusted in relation to each of the light sources, has multiple lenses arranged within the surface of the lens body.

[0027] Multiple depiction patterns with different projection distances are arranged and projected toward the road surface.

[0028] [9] A vehicle lamp, wherein the order of light emission based on the plurality of light-emitting units arranged in the width direction of the vehicle is indicated by sequentially illuminating a plurality of light-emitting units, characterized in that,

[0029] The vehicle lighting fixture includes a light-emitting unit according to any one of [1] to [8] above.

[0030] The vehicle lights repeatedly perform the following lighting action: while the multiple light-emitting units are lit in sequence, multiple depicted patterns with different projection distances are projected toward the road surface in sequence.

[0031]

[10] A vehicle lamp that indicates the order of light emission based on a plurality of light-emitting units arranged in the width direction of the vehicle by sequentially illuminating the plurality of light-emitting units, characterized in that,

[0032] The vehicle lighting fixture includes the light-emitting unit described in [8] above.

[0033] The vehicle lights repeatedly perform the following lighting action: after lighting up the multiple light-emitting units in sequence, multiple depicted patterns with different projection distances are projected toward the road surface in sequence.

[0034] Invention Effects

[0035] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a light-emitting unit that has both the function of ordinary light emission and the function of road surface marking, and a vehicle lamp that can use such a light-emitting unit to display the light emission sequence based on the multiple light-emitting units while illuminating multiple light-emitting units arranged along the width direction of the vehicle, and to mark the road surface. Attached Figure Description

[0036] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing the structure of the light-emitting unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 2 It means Figure 1 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the structure of the light-emitting unit.

[0038] Figure 3A This is the front view showing the shape of the light source.

[0039] Figure 3B It is a top view showing the shape of a pattern that reflects the shape of light emitted from a light source when projected onto the road surface.

[0040] Figure 3C It is a top view representing other shapes depicting the pattern.

[0041] Figure 4A This is a cross-sectional view showing a modified example of the light-emitting unit.

[0042] Figure 4B This is a cross-sectional view showing a modified example of the light-emitting unit.

[0043] Figure 5This is a perspective view showing the structure of a vehicle lamp having a light-emitting unit according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 An enlarged cross-sectional view of the main part of the light-emitting unit shown.

[0045] Figure 7A From Figure 5 A top view of multiple depicted patterns projected onto the road surface by the light-emitting unit shown.

[0046] Figure 7B From Figure 5 A three-dimensional view of multiple depicted patterns projected onto the road surface by the light-emitting unit shown.

[0047] Figure 8A This is a diagram illustrating a scenario where a vehicle is involved in an accident while turning at an intersection.

[0048] Figure 8B This is a schematic diagram illustrating a scenario where vehicles encounter an accident while turning at an intersection.

[0049] Figure 9A An example illustrating the structure and lighting operation of a vehicle lamp according to a third embodiment of the present invention is shown in a schematic diagram illustrating the lighting operation of a plurality of light-emitting units in sequence.

[0050] Figure 9B An example illustrating the structure and lighting operation of a vehicle lamp according to a third embodiment of the present invention is a schematic diagram showing a plurality of depicted patterns projected onto the road surface in sequence.

[0051] Figure 10A Another example illustrating the structure and lighting operation of a vehicle lamp according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention is a schematic diagram showing the lighting operation of a plurality of light-emitting units in sequence.

[0052] Figure 10B The diagram illustrating the structure of a vehicle lamp according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention and other examples of its lighting operation is a schematic diagram showing a plurality of depicted patterns projected onto the road surface in sequence. Detailed Implementation

[0053] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0054] Furthermore, in the accompanying drawings used in the following description, different scales are used to represent the dimensions of each structural element in order to facilitate observation of the structural elements. The dimensional ratios of each structural element may not be the same as the actual dimensions.

[0055] In addition, in the following figures, an XYZ orthogonal coordinate system is set, with the X-axis representing the front-to-back direction (length direction) of the light-emitting unit (vehicle lamp), the Y-axis representing the left-to-right direction (width direction) of the light-emitting unit (vehicle lamp), and the Z-axis representing the up-down direction (height direction) of the light-emitting unit (vehicle lamp).

[0056] (First Implementation)

[0057] First, as a first embodiment of the present invention, for example... Figures 1 to 4B The light-emitting unit 1A shown will be explained.

[0058] in addition, Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional diagram showing the structure of the light-emitting unit 1A. Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the light-emitting unit 1A. Figure 3A This is the front view showing the shape of light source 2. Figure 3B It is a top view showing the shape of the depicted pattern P when projected onto the road surface, which reflects the shape of the light emitted based on the light source 2. Figure 3C It is a top view representing other shapes depicting pattern P. Figure 4A , Figure 4B This is a cross-sectional view showing a modified example of the light-emitting unit 1A.

[0059] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the light-emitting unit 1 of this embodiment has a light source 2 and a lens body 3A disposed in front of the light source 2.

[0060] The light source 2 is composed of a light-emitting diode (LED) that emits light L. The light source 2 is mounted on one side (the front side in this embodiment) of the circuit board 4, which is provided with a driving circuit for driving the LED. In addition, the circuit board 4 is arranged with one side facing forward (+X axis side). As a result, the light source 2 emits light L radially forward (+X axis side).

[0061] In addition, the circuit board 4 is configured to have a driving circuit for driving the LED, but it can also be configured to have the mounting board with the LED and the circuit board with the driving circuit arranged separately, and the mounting board and the circuit board electrically connected via a wiring harness, thus forming a structure that protects the driving circuit from the heat emitted by the LED.

[0062] The lens body 3A is composed of a light-transmitting component that guides the light L emitted from the light source 2. The light-transmitting component can be made of materials with a higher refractive index than air, such as transparent resins like polycarbonate and acrylic, or glass.

[0063] The lens body 3A has a projection lens section 5 and a light-emitting lens section 6, and has a structure in which the projection lens section 5 is located inside the light-emitting lens section 6 when viewed from the front.

[0064] The projection lens section 5 is composed of a convex lens 5a whose focal length is adjusted so that its rear focal point is aligned with or near the light source 2. The convex lens 5a is provided to protrude forward from the front side (exit surface 8 described later) of the light-emitting lens section 6. On the other hand, the back side of the projection lens section 5 forms a plane that is continuous with the back side (incident surface 7 described later) of the light-emitting lens section 6.

[0065] like Figure 3A , Figure 3B , Figure 3C As shown, the projection lens 5 projects a depiction pattern P, reflecting the shape of light emitted from the light source 2, toward the road surface T. Specifically, as... Figure 3A As shown, when viewed from the front, the light source 2 has a rectangular (square in this embodiment) light-emitting surface 2a.

[0066] like Figure 3B As shown, the projection lens 5 projects the light L emitted from the light source 2 toward the road surface T in front. At this time, by projecting the light source image, which reflects the shape of the light-emitting surface 2a of the light source 2, toward the road surface in front, a rectangular pattern P that extends toward the road surface T and gradually increases in width is formed.

[0067] Furthermore, regarding the shape of the pattern P, such as Figure 3C As shown, depending on the orientation of the light source 2 within the disposed surface, it can also be set to a rhomboid shape extending forward toward the road surface T. Furthermore, regarding the pattern P, its shape can be appropriately changed by altering the shape of the light-emitting surface 2a of the light source, or by placing a light-shielding component (sunshade) in front of the light-emitting surface 2a.

[0068] On the other hand, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the light-emitting lens 6 is formed into a rectangular plate shape and has an incident surface 7 located on the side opposite to the light source 2 (back side) and an exit surface 8 located on the side opposite to the incident surface 7 (front side).

[0069] The light-emitting lens section 6 causes the light L emitted from the light source 2 to enter into the light source 2 through the incident surface 7, and causes the light L emitted from the incident surface 7 to exit outward through the exit surface 8. Thus, in the light-emitting lens section 6, the exit surface 8 located around the projection lens section 5 can be made to emit light using the light L emitted from the light source 2.

[0070] Furthermore, a light distribution control unit 9 is provided on at least one of the incident surface 7 and the exit surface 8 (exit surface 8 in this embodiment) to control the light distribution of the light L emitted from the exit surface 8. The light distribution control unit 9 has a plurality of light distribution patterns 9a arranged in the width direction of the light-emitting lens section 6.

[0071] In the light-emitting lens section 6, a portion of the light L incident on the exit surface 8 is refracted by multiple light distribution patterns 9a and then emitted obliquely forward. That is, in this light-emitting lens section 6, the light distribution control section 9 can direct a portion of the light L emitted from the exit surface 8 to a direction different from the light L emitted from the projection lens section 5.

[0072] Alternatively, a light diffusion section can be provided on at least one of the incident surface 7 and the exit surface 8 to diffuse the light L emitted from the exit surface 8. The light diffusion section can be any structure that provides multiple diffusion patterns for diffusing the light L emitted from the exit surface 8 toward the outside.

[0073] Examples of diffusion profiles include lens profiles such as groove profiles and fisheye profiles, as well as irregular structures formed by knurling, pleating, etc. Furthermore, by adjusting the shape of this diffusion profile, the degree of diffusion of the light L emitted from the exit surface 8 can be controlled.

[0074] As described above, in the light-emitting unit 1A of this embodiment, the number of components and the size of the lamp body will not increase as in the conventional cases, and it can have both the function of the light-emitting lens 6 for normal light emission and the function of the projection lens 5 for road surface drawing.

[0075] Furthermore, in the aforementioned light-emitting unit 1A, such as Figure 4A As shown, the optical axis AX of the light L emitted from the projection lens section 5 is parallel to the perpendicular line BX of the emission surface 8 of the light-emitting lens section 6, but for example, it can also be as follows: Figure 4B As shown, the optical axis AX of the light L emitted from the projection lens section 5 is not parallel to the perpendicular line BX of the emission surface 8 of the light-emitting lens section 6. Therefore, in the light-emitting lens section 6, the light L emitted from the emission surface 8 can be emitted in a different direction than the light L emitted from the projection lens section 5.

[0076] (Second Implementation)

[0077] Next, as a second embodiment of the present invention, a method having, for example... Figures 5 to 8B The vehicle lamp 100A of the light-emitting unit 1B shown will be described.

[0078] also, Figure 5 This is a perspective view showing the structure of a vehicle lamp 100A equipped with a light-emitting unit 1B. Figure 6It is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the main part of the light-emitting unit 1B. Figure 7A This is a top view of multiple depicted patterns P1, P2, and P3 projected from the light-emitting unit 1B toward the road surface T. Figure 7B It is a three-dimensional image of multiple depicted patterns P1, P2, and P3 projected from the light-emitting unit 1B toward the road surface T. Figure 8A This is a schematic diagram illustrating a scenario where vehicle B is involved in an accident while turning at intersection C. Figure 8B This is a schematic diagram illustrating a scenario where a vehicle encounters another vehicle (B) while turning at intersection C. Furthermore, in the following description, parts equivalent to the aforementioned light-emitting unit 1A are omitted, and the same reference numerals are used in the accompanying drawings.

[0079] like Figure 5 As shown, the vehicle lamp 100A equipped with the light-emitting unit 1B of this embodiment applies the present invention to the light-emitting unit which is symmetrically mounted on the two corners of the front side of a vehicle (not shown) (the corner of the left front side in this embodiment), and flashes by emitting orange light.

[0080] Specifically, the light-emitting unit 1B includes multiple (three in this embodiment) light sources 2A, 2B, 2C and a lens body 3B disposed in front of the multiple light sources 2A, 2B, 2C.

[0081] Multiple light sources 2A, 2B, and 2C are arranged in one direction (the width direction in this embodiment) within the plane overlapping with the lens body 3B when viewed from the front, with different distances s1, S2, and S3 (s1 < S2 < S3 in this embodiment) between them and the lens body 3B.

[0082] In this embodiment, LEDs emitting orange light (hereinafter referred to as "light") L1, L2, and L3 are used as light sources 2A, 2B, and 2C. Each light source 2A, 2B, and 2C is mounted on one side (the front side in this embodiment) of each circuit board 4A, 4B, and 4C, and each light L1, L2, and L3 is emitted radially forward (on the +X axis side).

[0083] The lens body 3B has multiple (three in this embodiment) projection lens sections 5A, 5B, 5C and light-emitting lens section 6, and has a structure in which the multiple projection lens sections 5A, 5B, 5C and light-emitting lens section 6 are integrated in such a way that when viewed from the front, the multiple projection lens sections 5A, 5B, 5C are located inside the light-emitting lens section 6.

[0084] Multiple projection lens sections 5A, 5B, and 5C are arranged in one direction (the width direction in this embodiment) within the plane of the lens body 3B, with their focal lengths adjusted to correspond to multiple light sources 2A, 2B, and 2C respectively.

[0085] Furthermore, in the multiple projection lens sections 5A, 5B, and 5C, the size of the convex lens 5a varies depending on its focal length. Specifically, the convex lens 5a constituting projection lens section 5B is larger than the convex lens 5a constituting projection lens section 5A, and the convex lens 5a constituting projection lens section 5C is larger than the convex lens 5a constituting projection lens section 5B.

[0086] like Figure 6 As shown, a refractive surface 5b is provided on the back side of projection lens 5A, one of the multiple projection lens sections 5A, 5B, and 5C, for directing the light L emitted from the projection lens section 5A downwards.

[0087] like Figure 7A , Figure 7B As shown, multiple projection lens sections 5A, 5B, and 5C project depiction patterns P1, P2, and P3, reflecting the shapes of light emitted from multiple light sources 2A, 2B, and 2C, toward the road surface T.

[0088] Specifically, multiple light sources 2A, 2B, and 2C are related to the above... Figure 3A Similarly, the light source 2 shown also has a rectangular (square in this embodiment) luminous surface 2a when viewed from the front. Figure 7A , Figure 7B (Not shown in the image).

[0089] like Figure 7A , Figure 7B As shown, multiple projection lens sections 5A, 5B, and 5C project the light L1, L2, and L3 emitted from these light sources 2A, 2B, and 2C toward the road surface T in front. At this time, by projecting the light source image, which reflects the shape of the light-emitting surface 2a of each light source 2A, 2B, and 2C, toward the road surface in front, rectangular depiction patterns P1, P2, and P3 that extend toward the front of the road surface T and gradually increase in width are formed respectively.

[0090] Furthermore, multiple depicted patterns P1, P2, and P3 with different projection distances d1, d2, and d3 (d1 < d2 < d3 in this embodiment) are sequentially arranged and projected toward the road surface T. In the vehicle lamp 100A of this embodiment, as... Figure 7A As shown, multiple depicted patterns P1, P2, and P3 are projected side by side from the corner of the front end of vehicle B toward the road surface T diagonally forward and diagonally downward to the outside of the vehicle.

[0091] On the other hand, such as Figure 5As shown, the light-emitting lens section 6 has a structure that is basically the same as that of the light-emitting lens section 6 of the lens body 3A described above. In this embodiment, a portion of the light L incident on the exit surface 8 of the light-emitting lens section 6 is refracted by the plurality of light distribution patterns 9a of the light distribution control section 9 and emitted toward the front of the vehicle B.

[0092] Therefore, in the vehicle lamp 100A equipped with the light-emitting unit 1B of this embodiment, it can be used as a turn signal to flash normally, and can be used to draw the road surface by projecting multiple drawing patterns P1, P2, P3 toward the road surface T.

[0093] Furthermore, in the vehicle lamp 100A equipped with the light-emitting unit 1B of this embodiment, when the turn signal is turned on, it is also possible to perform road surface depiction based on the light-emitting sequence of the multiple depiction patterns P1, P2, and P3 by repeatedly performing the lighting action of projecting multiple depiction patterns P1, P2, and P3 toward the road surface T in sequence.

[0094] In addition, regarding the lighting action of projecting multiple depiction patterns P1, P2, and P3 in sequence, the following methods can be given: repeatedly performing the action of lighting multiple depiction patterns P1, P2, and P3 one by one alternately from a completely off state and then turning them all off; repeatedly performing the action of lighting depiction patterns P1, P2, and P3 one by one additionally from a completely off state until they are all lit and then turning them all off.

[0095] Therefore, in the vehicle lamp 100A of this embodiment, for example, Figure 8A As shown, in a scenario where vehicle B is involved in an accident while turning at intersection C, multiple depicted patterns P1, P2, and P3 projected onto the road surface T when the turn signal is on can alert a two-wheeled vehicle W, which is in the blind spot of vehicle B, to the fact that vehicle B is about to turn.

[0096] Furthermore, in the vehicle lamp 100A of this embodiment, for example, Figure 8B As shown, in the scenario where vehicle B encounters an accident while turning at intersection C, when the turn signal is on, multiple depicted patterns P1, P2, and P3 projected onto the road surface T can alert the two-wheeled vehicle W traveling on the approaching side to the presence of vehicle B, which is located in a blind spot.

[0097] (Third Implementation)

[0098] Next, as a third embodiment of the present invention, [the invention will proceed as follows]. Figure 9A , Figure 9B The vehicle lamp 100B shown is described below.

[0099] also, Figure 9AAn example illustrating the structure and illumination operation of a vehicle lamp 100B is a schematic diagram showing the illumination operation of multiple light-emitting units R11, R12, and R13 in sequence. Figure 9B An example illustrating the structure and lighting operation of the vehicle lamp 100B is a schematic diagram showing multiple depicted patterns P1, P2, and P3 projected onto the road surface T in sequence.

[0100] like Figure 9A As shown, the vehicle lamp 100B of this embodiment includes a plurality of light-emitting units R11, R12, and R13 arranged in the width direction of the vehicle B to serve as turn signals.

[0101] The multiple light-emitting units R11, R12, and R13 have a structure that is basically the same as that of the light-emitting unit 1A described above. On the other hand, in the multiple light-emitting units R11, R12, and R13, the distance between each light source 2 and the lens body 3A is made different in sequence, and a projection lens section 5 is arranged with a focal length adjusted corresponding to each light source 2. Thus, the multiple light-emitting units R11, R12, and R13 are configured to make the light-emitting lens section 6 emit light, and to project multiple depicted patterns P1, P2, and P3 with different projection distances sequentially from the projection lens section 5 toward the road surface T.

[0102] In the vehicle lamp 100B of this embodiment having the structure described above, such as Figure 9A , Figure 9B As shown, when the turn signal is turned on, the following lighting action is repeatedly performed: as multiple light-emitting units R11, R12, and R13 are lit in sequence, the light-emitting lens 6 emits light and multiple depicted patterns P1, P2, and P3 are projected sequentially from the projection lens 5 toward the road surface T.

[0103] Specifically, the lighting action is repeated in the order of steps (1) to (4). Step (1) is to turn off all the multiple light-emitting units R11, R12 and R13.

[0104] On the other hand, step (2) is to light up the light-emitting unit R11 among the multiple light-emitting units R11, R12, and R13, so that the light-emitting lens 6 of the light-emitting unit R11 emits light, and the projection lens 5 of the light-emitting unit R11 projects the pattern P1 onto the road surface T.

[0105] On the other hand, step (3) involves lighting up the light-emitting units R11 and R12 among the multiple light-emitting units R11, R12 and R13, causing the light-emitting lens section 6 of the light-emitting units R11 and R12 to emit light, and projecting the pattern P1 and P2 from the projection lens section 5 of the light-emitting units R11 and R12 onto the road surface T.

[0106] On the other hand, step (4) involves lighting up all the multiple light-emitting units R11, R12, and R13, causing the light-emitting lens section 6 of the light-emitting units R11, R12, and R13 to emit light, and projecting the pattern P1, P2, and P3 from the projection lens section 5 of the light-emitting units R11, R12, and R13 onto the road surface T.

[0107] Therefore, in the vehicle lamp 100B of this embodiment, when the turn signal is turned on, it is possible to display the light emission sequence based on multiple light-emitting units R11, R12, R13, and to perform road surface depiction based on the light emission sequence of multiple drawing patterns P1, P2, P3.

[0108] Furthermore, in the aforementioned vehicle lamp 100B, it is also possible to repeatedly perform the action of sequentially illuminating multiple light-emitting units R11, R12, R13 and multiple depicted patterns P1, P2, P3 one by one from a completely off state, and then extinguishing them all.

[0109] (Fourth Implementation)

[0110] Next, as a fourth embodiment of the present invention, [the invention will proceed as follows]. Figure 10A , Figure 10B The vehicle lamp 100C shown is described below.

[0111] also, Figure 10A An example illustrating the structure and illumination operation of a vehicle lamp 100C is a schematic diagram showing the illumination operation of multiple light-emitting units R21, R22, and R23 in sequence. Figure 10B This is a schematic diagram showing multiple depiction patterns P1, P2, and P3 projected onto the road surface T in sequence.

[0112] like Figure 10A As shown, the vehicle lamp 100C of this embodiment includes a plurality of light-emitting units R21, R22, and R23 arranged in the width direction of the vehicle B to serve as turn signals.

[0113] Among them, the light-emitting unit R23 uses the aforementioned light-emitting unit 1B. On the other hand, the remaining light-emitting units R21 and R22 use light-emitting units that do not perform road surface drawing. That is, the light-emitting units R21 and R22 use light-emitting units that have a light source 2 that emits orange light and a light-emitting lens that emits orange light as a whole through the light L emitted from the light source 2.

[0114] In the vehicle lamp 100C of this embodiment having the structure described above, such as Figure 10A , Figure 10BAs shown, when the turn signal is turned on, the following lighting action is repeated: after multiple light-emitting units R21, R22, and R23 are lit in sequence, multiple depicted patterns P1, P2, and P3 are projected toward the road surface T in sequence.

[0115] Specifically, the lighting action is repeated in the order of steps (1) to (6). Step (1) is to turn off all the multiple light-emitting units R21, R22, and R23.

[0116] On the other hand, step (2) is to make the light-emitting lens part 6 of the light-emitting unit R21 emit light by lighting up the light-emitting unit R21 among the multiple light-emitting units R21, R22, and R23.

[0117] On the other hand, step (3) is to make the light-emitting lens section 6 of the light-emitting units R21 and R22 emit light by lighting up the light-emitting units R11 and R12 among the multiple light-emitting units R21, R22 and R23.

[0118] On the other hand, step (4) is to make the light-emitting lens section 6 of the multiple light-emitting units R21, R22, and R23 emit light by lighting up all of them, and to project the pattern P1 onto the road surface T from the projection lens section 5A of the light-emitting unit R23.

[0119] On the other hand, step (5) is to make the light-emitting lens section 6 of the multiple light-emitting units R21, R22, and R23 emit light by lighting up all of them, and to project the pattern P1 and P2 onto the road surface T from the projection lens section 5A and 5B of the light-emitting unit R23.

[0120] On the other hand, step (6) is to make the light-emitting lens section 6 of the multiple light-emitting units R21, R22, and R23 emit light by lighting up all of them, and to project the pattern P1, P2, and P3 onto the road surface T from the projection lens sections 5A, 5B, and 5C of the light-emitting unit R23.

[0121] Therefore, in the vehicle lamp 100C of this embodiment, when the turn signal is turned on, it is possible to display the light emission sequence based on multiple light-emitting units R11, R12, R13, and to perform road surface depiction based on the light emission sequence of multiple drawing patterns P1, P2, P3.

[0122] Furthermore, in the aforementioned vehicle lamp 100C, the following actions can be repeatedly performed: the action of sequentially and alternately illuminating multiple light-emitting units R21, R22, and R23 from a completely off state and then extinguishing them all; and the action of sequentially and alternately illuminating multiple depicted patterns P1, P2, and P3 while the light-emitting unit R23 is illuminated and then extinguishing them all.

[0123] In addition, in the above-mentioned vehicle lamp 100C, similar to the above-mentioned vehicle lamp 100B, when the turn signal is turned on, the following lighting action can be repeatedly performed: as multiple light-emitting units R21, R22, and R23 are lit in sequence, multiple depicted patterns P1, P2, and P3 are projected in sequence toward the road surface T.

[0124] Furthermore, the present invention is not necessarily limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0125] For example, the aforementioned vehicle lights 100A to 100C, used as turn signals, can also be installed on bumpers, rearview mirrors, etc. Furthermore, they can also be applied to vehicle lights other than the aforementioned turn signals.

[0126] Furthermore, the light-emitting unit using the present invention is suitable for use in vehicle lighting fixtures that constitute the aforementioned turn signals, but the present invention can be widely applied to light-emitting units that combine the functions of ordinary light emission and road surface marking.

[0127] Regarding the light source, in addition to LEDs mentioned above, light-emitting elements such as laser diodes (LDs) can also be used. Furthermore, the color of the light emitted by the light-emitting element is not limited to the orange light mentioned above; it can also be appropriately changed to red light, white light, etc., depending on the application of the light source.

[0128] Furthermore, the light-emitting unit using the present invention is applicable to the aforementioned vehicle lamps, but can also be applied to lighting devices other than vehicle lamps.

[0129] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0130] 1A, 1B…Light-emitting unit; 2, 2A, 2B, 2C…Light source; 3A, 3B…Lens body; 4, 4A, 4B, 4C…Circuit board; 5, 5A, 5B, 5C…Projection lens section; 6…Light-emitting lens section; 7…Incident surface; 8…Exit surface; 9…Light distribution control section; 100A, 100B, 100C…Vehicle lamps; L…Light; P1, P2, P3…Painting pattern; R11, R12, R13, R21, R22, R23…Light-emitting unit.

Claims

1. A light-emitting unit, characterized in that, have: Light source; and A lens body, which is positioned in front of the light source. The lens body comprises: The projection lens section is composed of a convex lens whose focal length is adjusted so that the rear focal point is consistent with the light source or its vicinity, and projects a depiction pattern reflecting the shape of the light emission based on the light source toward the road surface. as well as The light-emitting lens section emits light around the projection lens section by means of light emitted from the light source. The light-emitting lens includes an incident surface located on the side opposite to the light source, for light emitted from the light source to enter the interior of the light-emitting lens. And an exit surface, which is located on the side opposite to the incident surface, so that light incident from the incident surface exits to the outside of the light-emitting lens. The side of the projection lens portion opposite to the light source and the side of the light-emitting lens portion opposite to the light source form a continuous plane as the incident surface. The convex lens is positioned to protrude forward from the side opposite to the incident surface compared to the exit surface. At least a portion of the light emitted from the light-emitting lens is directed in a direction different from that emitted from the projection lens. With the light source positioned at successively different distances from the lens body, multiple light sources are arranged within the plane overlapping the lens body when viewed from the front. The projection lens section, with its focal length adjusted in relation to each of the light sources, has multiple lenses arranged within the surface of the lens body. Multiple depiction patterns with different projection distances are arranged and projected toward the road surface.

2. The light-emitting unit according to claim 1, characterized in that, A light distribution control unit is provided on at least one of the incident surface and the exit surface, which controls the light distribution of a portion of the light incident on the exit surface to a different direction than the light emitted from the projection lens.

3. The light-emitting unit according to claim 2, characterized in that, At least one of the incident surface and the exit surface is provided with a light diffusion section that diffuses the light emitted from the exit surface.

4. The light-emitting unit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The projection lens portion and the light-emitting lens portion are formed in the lens body such that, when viewed from the front, the projection lens portion is located inside the light-emitting lens portion.

5. A vehicle lamp that indicates a lighting sequence based on a plurality of light-emitting units arranged in the width direction of the vehicle by sequentially illuminating the plurality of light-emitting units, characterized in that, The vehicle lighting fixture includes the light-emitting unit as described in claim 1. The vehicle lights repeatedly perform the following lighting action: while the multiple light-emitting units are lit in sequence, multiple depicted patterns with different projection distances are projected toward the road surface in sequence.

6. A vehicle lamp that indicates a lighting sequence based on a plurality of light-emitting units arranged in the width direction of the vehicle by sequentially illuminating the plurality of light-emitting units, characterized in that, The vehicle lighting fixture includes the light-emitting unit as described in claim 1. The vehicle lights repeatedly perform the following lighting action: after lighting up the multiple light-emitting units in sequence, multiple depicted patterns with different projection distances are projected toward the road surface in sequence.

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