Drawing lamp

Abstract

The light distribution pattern (PA) for drawing is formed by irradiating the light emitted from the first light-emitting element (20A) toward the front of the lamp through the projection lens (30). Between the first light-emitting element (20A) and the projection lens (30), a light-shielding plate (40) for shielding a part of light from the first light-emitting element (20A) toward the projection lens (30) is disposed. A first opening (40Aa) formed in a V-shaped opening shape is formed in the light shielding plate (40). A first condenser lens (52A) for condensing light emitted from the first light-emitting element (20A) toward the first opening (40Aa) is disposed between the first light-emitting element (20A) and the light-shielding plate (40). The first condenser lens (52A) is formed so as to extend in a V-shape in a positional relationship overlapping the first opening (40Aa) when the lamp is viewed from the front.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a drawing lamp configured to form a light distribution pattern for drawing. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as a drawing lamp for forming a drawing light distribution pattern (i.e., a light distribution pattern for drawing text, symbols, etc. on the road surface in front of the lamp), a drawing lamp is known that is configured to irradiate light emitted from a light emitting element toward the front of the lamp via a projection lens.

[0003] In such a drawing lamp, a shading plate for shielding part of the light from the light emitting element toward the projection lens is arranged between the light emitting element and the projection lens, and the projection lens projects the opening shape of the opening formed in the shading plate to form a drawing light distribution pattern.

[0004] Patent Document 1 describes a structure in which an opening portion formed to have a V-shaped opening shape is formed as a structure of a visor in a vehicle-mounted image drawing lamp.

[0005] Patent Document 2 discloses a structure in which a plurality of openings are formed at a plurality of locations at intervals in the vertical direction as a structure of a visor in a vehicle-mounted image drawing lamp.

[0006] Furthermore, in the vehicle-mounted depicting lamp described in Patent Document 3, a shading plate for shielding a portion of light from the light emitting element toward the projection lens is arranged between the light emitting element and the projection lens, and the opening shape of the opening formed in the shading plate is projected by the projection lens, thereby forming a depicting light distribution pattern on the road surface in front of the lamp.

[0007] Prior art literature

[0008] Patent Literature

[0009] Patent Document 1: International Publication No. 2021 / 140932

[0010] Patent Document 2: International Publication No. 2022 / 019231

[0011] Patent Document 3: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2022-60057 Summary of the invention

[0012] Technical problem that the invention aims to solve

[0013] By forming a depiction light distribution pattern using the irradiation light from the vehicle-mounted depiction lamp, the vehicle can indicate its intention to the surroundings when the vehicle is traveling at night, thereby urging other vehicles, pedestrians, etc. to pay attention.

[0014] At this time, if the opening formed in the shading plate is set to a V-shaped opening shape as in the depiction lamp described in Patent Document 1, an inverted V-shaped (i.e., a shape that becomes sharper toward the front of the lamp) depiction light distribution pattern is formed, thereby improving the effect of alerting the surroundings. However, when the opening is formed in a V-shaped opening shape, it is not easy to form the entire depiction light distribution pattern with uniform brightness.

[0015] On the other hand, as in the image drawing lamp described in Patent Document 1, if a condenser lens is disposed between the light emitting element and the light shielding plate to condense the light emitted from the light emitting element toward the opening, the brightness of the image drawing light distribution pattern can be made uniform.

[0016] However, in the drawing lamp described in Patent Document 1, in order to condense the light emitted from the light emitting element toward the opening portion formed in a V-shaped opening shape, the condensing lens has to be a large lens.

[0017] A first object of the present invention is to provide an image drawing lamp configured to form an image drawing light distribution pattern, wherein an inverted V-shaped image drawing light distribution pattern can be efficiently formed.

[0018] As in the image drawing lamp described in Patent Document 2, if a plurality of openings are formed in a visor at intervals in the vertical direction, the image drawing light distribution pattern is formed in a state of being arranged in a row toward the front of the lamp, thereby enhancing the effect of alerting the surroundings.

[0019] However, when such a structure is adopted, the vertical width of the portion between the openings of the light shielding plate is narrowed, and its rigidity is easily reduced, so it is difficult to maintain the desired opening shape, and it is difficult to form a plurality of drawing light distribution patterns in a row in a state close to each other.

[0020] A second object of the present invention is to provide an image drawing lamp configured to form an image drawing light distribution pattern, wherein a plurality of image drawing light distribution patterns can be formed while being arranged in a row in a state close to each other.

[0021] If a condenser lens is disposed between a light emitting element and a light shielding plate as in the image drawing lamp described in Patent Document 1, light emitted from the light emitting element can be efficiently incident on a projection lens.

[0022] However, even when such a condenser lens is provided, it is not always easy to efficiently allow light emitted from the light emitting element to enter the opening formed in the light shielding plate, and therefore it is not easy to efficiently form a light distribution pattern for drawing.

[0023] Such a problem may also occur in drawing lamps other than those for vehicle use.

[0024] A third object of the present invention is to provide an image drawing lamp configured to form an image drawing light distribution pattern, which can efficiently form the image drawing light distribution pattern.

[0025] Technical solutions to the problem

[0026] A drawing lamp according to a first aspect of the present invention is configured as follows:

[0027] The light emitted from the light emitting element is irradiated toward the front of the lamp through the projection lens to form a light distribution pattern for drawing.

[0028] A light shielding plate is arranged between the light emitting element and the projection lens, and the light shielding plate is used to shield a part of the light from the light emitting element toward the projection lens.

[0029] The light shielding plate has an opening formed therein, and the opening is formed in a V-shaped opening shape.

[0030] A condenser lens is arranged between the light emitting element and the light shielding plate, and the condenser lens is used to condense the light emitted from the light emitting element toward the opening.

[0031] The condenser lens is formed to extend in a V-shape so as to overlap with the opening when the lamp is viewed from the front.

[0032] A drawing lamp according to a second aspect of the present invention is configured as follows:

[0033] The light emitted from the light emitting element is irradiated toward the front of the lamp through the projection lens to form a light distribution pattern for drawing.

[0034] A shading plate is arranged between the light emitting element and the projection lens, and the shading plate is used to shield a part of the light from the light emitting element toward the projection lens;

[0035] The projection lens is configured such that a first projection lens unit and a second projection lens unit are arranged in a desired direction intersecting with the front-rear direction of the lamp.

[0036] A plurality of openings are formed in the light shielding plate.

[0037] The shading plate includes a plurality of first openings and at least one second opening as the plurality of openings, the plurality of first openings being arranged at intervals in a direction intersecting the desired direction on the rear side of the lamp of the first projection lens unit; and at least one second opening being arranged on the rear side of the lamp of the second projection lens unit.

[0038] A first light emitting element and a second light emitting element are provided as the light emitting elements, wherein the first light emitting element is arranged at the rear side of the lamps of the plurality of the first openings, and the second light emitting element is arranged at the rear side of the lamp of at least one of the second openings,

[0039] The arrangement of the first projection lens unit and the plurality of first openings and the arrangement of the second projection lens unit and the at least one second opening are set so that each of the plurality of first light distribution patterns for depiction and each of the at least one second light distribution pattern for depiction are alternately formed in an arrangement arranged in a row, the plurality of first light distribution patterns for depiction are formed by the emitted light from the first light emitting element incident on the first projection lens unit via the plurality of first openings, and the at least one second light distribution pattern for depiction is formed by the emitted light from the second light emitting element incident on the second projection lens unit via the at least one second opening.

[0040] A drawing lamp according to a third aspect of the present invention is configured as follows:

[0041] The light emitted from the light emitting element is irradiated toward the front of the lamp through the projection lens to form a light distribution pattern for drawing.

[0042] A shading plate is arranged between the light emitting element and the projection lens, and the shading plate is used to shield a part of the light from the light emitting element toward the projection lens;

[0043] The shading plate comprises: a main body portion, the main body portion being formed with an opening portion for allowing the emitted light from the light emitting element to be incident on the projection lens; and a cylindrical portion, the cylindrical portion extending in a cylindrical shape from the main body portion toward the rear of the lamp in a manner surrounding the opening portion.

[0044] The inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion is formed as a reflective surface whose cross-sectional shape becomes smaller as it moves toward the rear of the lamp.

[0045] The light emitting element is configured to be located behind the lamp of the cylindrical portion.

[0046] Effects of the Invention

[0047] The first embodiment of the present invention is a lamp for drawing, which forms a light distribution pattern for drawing by irradiating the light emitted from the light emitting element toward the front of the lamp through the projection lens. A light shielding plate for shielding a part of the light from the light emitting element toward the projection lens is arranged between the light emitting element and the projection lens. The light shielding plate has an opening formed in a V-shaped opening shape, so that an inverted V-shaped light distribution pattern for drawing is formed as its reversed projection image, thereby improving the effect of reminding the surroundings to pay attention.

[0048] Furthermore, a focusing lens for focusing the emitted light from the light emitting element toward the opening is arranged between the light emitting element and the light shielding plate. In addition, the focusing lens is formed to extend in a V-shape in a positional relationship overlapping with the opening when the lamp is viewed from the front. Therefore, the emitted light from the light emitting element can be efficiently incident on the opening without enlarging the focusing lens, so that the entire light distribution pattern for drawing can be formed with approximately uniform brightness.

[0049] As described above, according to the present invention, in the image drawing lamp configured to form the image drawing light distribution pattern, an inverted V-shaped image drawing light distribution pattern can be efficiently formed.

[0050] The second embodiment of the present invention is a lamp for depiction, which is configured to form a light distribution pattern for depiction by irradiating the emitted light from the light-emitting element toward the front of the lamp through a shading plate and a projection lens. The projection lens is arranged in a state where a first projection lens portion and a second projection lens portion are arranged in a desired direction intersecting the front-rear direction of the lamp. A plurality of first opening portions are formed at intervals in a direction intersecting the desired direction on the rear side of the lamp of the first projection lens portion in the shading plate. At least one second opening portion is formed on the rear side of the lamp of the second projection lens portion. Moreover, a first light-emitting element is arranged on the rear side of the lamp of the first opening portion, and a second light-emitting element is arranged on the rear side of the lamp of at least one second opening portion.

[0051] Therefore, by the emission light from the first light emitting element incident on the first projection lens unit via the plurality of first openings, a plurality of first depiction light distribution patterns can be formed as the reverse projection images of the plurality of first openings. In addition, by the emission light from the second light emitting element incident on the second projection lens unit via at least one second opening, at least one second depiction light distribution pattern can be formed as the reverse projection image of at least one second opening. Thus, it is possible to draw the attention of other vehicles, pedestrians, etc.

[0052] The first projection lens unit and the plurality of first openings are arranged, and the second projection lens unit and the at least one second opening are arranged so that the plurality of first image-drawing light distribution patterns and the at least one second image-drawing light distribution pattern are alternately arranged in a row.

[0053] Therefore, the plurality of first openings are formed on the rear side of the first projection lens unit, and the at least one second opening is formed on the rear side of the second projection lens unit. Therefore, it is not necessary to extremely narrow the intervals between the plurality of first openings and the intervals between the at least one second opening.

[0054] Therefore, even if the light shielding plate is provided, the rigidity of the portion between the plurality of first openings and the portion between the at least one second opening is unlikely to decrease. Thus, a plurality of drawing light distribution patterns can be formed in a row in a state close to each other.

[0055] Thus, according to the present invention, in the image drawing lamp configured to form the image drawing light distribution pattern, a plurality of image drawing light distribution patterns can be formed in a row in a state close to each other, thereby forming an image drawing light distribution pattern with an excellent function of calling attention to the surroundings.

[0056] The image drawing lamp according to the third aspect of the present invention can form an image drawing light distribution pattern as a reverse projection image of the opening by causing light emitted from the light emitting element to enter the projection lens via the opening of the light shielding plate.

[0057] Furthermore, the shading plate is provided with a cylindrical portion protruding toward the rear of the lamp so as to surround the opening formed in the main body thereof. The inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion is formed as a reflecting surface, so that the emitted light from the light emitting element can be guided to the opening directly or after being reflected by the inner peripheral surface. The inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion is formed in a manner that the cross-sectional shape becomes smaller toward the rear of the lamp, so that the emitted light from the light emitting element can be efficiently guided to the opening and then incident on the projection lens. Furthermore, a light distribution pattern for drawing can be efficiently formed thereby.

[0058] As described above, according to the present invention, in the image drawing lamp configured to form the image drawing light distribution pattern, the image drawing light distribution pattern can be formed efficiently, thereby improving the effect of alerting the surroundings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0059] Figure 1 It is a front view showing the drawing lamp according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0060] Figure 2 It is a plan view showing the drawing lamp according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0061] Figure 3 It is a side view showing the drawing lamp according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0062] Figure 4 It is an exploded perspective view of main components of the drawing lamp according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0063] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 Cross-sectional view at line VV of FIG.

[0064] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 Cross-sectional view at line VI-VI.

[0065] Figure 7 yes Figure 1 Cross-sectional view at line VII-VII.

[0066] Figure 8 It is a side view showing a state where the image drawing lamp according to the first embodiment is mounted on a vehicle.

[0067] Fig. 9 It is a plan view showing a state where the image drawing lamp according to the first embodiment is mounted on a vehicle.

[0068] Fig.10 It is a front view showing a drawing lamp according to a first modified example of the first embodiment.

[0069] Fig.11 It is a front view showing a drawing lamp according to a second modified example of the first embodiment.

[0070] Fig.12 yes Fig.11 Cross-sectional view along line XII-XII.

[0071] Fig.13 It is a front view showing a drawing lamp according to a third modified example of the first embodiment.

[0072] Fig.14 It is a front view showing a drawing lamp according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0073] Fig.15 It is a plan view showing a drawing lamp according to a second embodiment.

[0074] Fig.16 It is a side view showing the drawing lamp according to the second embodiment.

[0075] Fig.17 It is an exploded perspective view of main components of the image drawing lamp according to the second embodiment.

[0076] Fig.18 yes Fig.14 Cross-sectional view taken along line XVIII-XVIII.

[0077] Fig.19 yes Fig.14 Cross-sectional view at line XIX-XIX.

[0078] Fig. 20 It is a side view showing a state where the image drawing lamp according to the first embodiment is mounted on a vehicle.

[0079] Fig.21It is a plan view showing a state where the image drawing lamp according to the first embodiment is mounted on a vehicle.

[0080] Fig.22A It is a front view of the drawing lamp according to the second embodiment.

[0081] Fig. 22B It is a front view showing a drawing lamp according to a comparative example.

[0082] Fig.23 It is a front view showing the main part of the image drawing lamp according to the first modified example of the second embodiment.

[0083] Fig.24A yes Fig.23 Cross-sectional view at line XXIVa-XXIVa.

[0084] Fig. 24B yes Fig.23 Cross-sectional view at line XXIVb-XXIVb.

[0085] Fig.25A It is a cross-sectional view of a drawing lamp according to a second modified example of the second embodiment.

[0086] Fig.25B It is a cross-sectional view of a drawing lamp according to a second modified example of the second embodiment.

[0087] Fig.26 It is a front view showing a drawing lamp according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0088] Fig. 27 yes Fig.26 Cross-sectional view at line XXVII-XXVII.

[0089] Fig.28 yes Fig.26 Cross-sectional view at line XXVIII-XXVIII.

[0090] Fig.29 It is an exploded perspective view of main components of the image drawing lamp according to the third embodiment.

[0091] Fig.30 It is a side view showing a state where the image drawing lamp according to the third embodiment is mounted on a vehicle.

[0092] Fig.31 It is a plan view showing a state where the image drawing lamp according to the third embodiment is mounted on a vehicle.

[0093] Fig.32 It is a front view of a drawing lamp according to a modified example of the third embodiment.

[0094] Fig.33 It is a cross-sectional view of a drawing lamp according to a modified example of the third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0095] (First Embodiment)

[0096] Hereinafter, a drawing lamp according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0097] Figure 1 1 is a front view showing a drawing lamp 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 It is a plan view showing the image drawing lamp 10 according to the first embodiment. Figure 3 It is a side view showing the image drawing lamp 10 according to the first embodiment. Figure 4 This is an exploded perspective view showing the image drawing lamp 10 according to the first embodiment broken down into main components.

[0098] exist Figure 1 to Figure 4 In the figure, the direction indicated by X is the "front of the lamp", the direction indicated by Y is the "left direction" orthogonal to the "front of the lamp" (the "right direction" when observing the lamp from the front), and the direction indicated by Z is the "upward direction". Figure 1 to Figure 4 The same applies to other figures.

[0099] Before describing the specific structure of the image drawing lamp 10 according to the present embodiment, an outline thereof will be described.

[0100] Figure 8 It is a side view showing a state where the image drawing lamp 10 is mounted on the vehicle 100 . Fig. 9 1 is a top view showing a state where the image drawing lamp 10 is mounted on the vehicle 100. Fig. 9 The drawing lamp 10 on the left is shown in a lighted state.

[0101] like Figure 8 as well as Fig. 9 As shown, the depiction lamp 10 is configured to irradiate light obliquely downward toward the outside in the vehicle width direction when mounted on the end portion of the front end portion of the vehicle 100 in the vehicle width direction. The depiction lamp 10 is lit synchronously with the lighting of the front turn signal lamp (not shown). Thus, the depiction lamp 10 is configured to form a depiction light distribution pattern PA on the road surface 2 in front of the vehicle.

[0102] like Figure 8 as well as Fig. 9 As shown in FIG. 1 , when the drawing lamp 10 is mounted on the vehicle 100, the front face of the lamp is arranged to face in a direction inclined obliquely downward relative to the front-rear direction of the vehicle. Figure 1 to Figure 4As shown, when the image drawing lamp 10 is a single product, the front surface of the lamp is configured to face the horizontal direction.

[0103] Next, the specific structure of the image drawing lamp 10 will be described.

[0104] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 Cross-sectional view at line VV of FIG. Figure 6 yes Figure 1 Cross-sectional view at line VI-VI. Figure 7 yes Figure 1 Cross-sectional view at line VII-VII.

[0105] like Figure 5 to Figure 7 As shown, the image drawing lamp 10 is configured to irradiate light emitted from the light emitting element toward the front of the lamp via a projection lens 30. The image drawing lamp 10 includes three light emitting elements, namely, a first light emitting element 20A, a second light emitting element 20B, and a third light emitting element 20C.

[0106] The projection lens 30 is configured such that the first projection lens unit 32A, the second projection lens unit 32B, and the third projection lens unit 32C are integrally formed in a state where the three projection lens units are arranged in the left-right direction. At this time, the first projection lens unit 32A, the second projection lens unit 32B, and the third projection lens unit 32C are formed so that their respective optical axes Axa, Axb, and Axc extend at the same height position along the front-rear direction of the lamp.

[0107] The first projection lens unit 32A located on the right side (left side when the lamp is viewed from the front) is a projection lens unit for long-distance drawing. The second projection lens unit 32B located in the center is a projection lens unit for short-distance drawing. The second projection lens unit 32B located on the left side is a projection lens unit for very short-distance drawing.

[0108] The first projection lens unit 32A, the second projection lens unit 32B, and the third projection lens unit 32C are plano-convex lenses whose front surfaces 32Aa, 32Ba, and 32Ca are convex surfaces, and have a rectangular shape when the lamp is viewed from the front. Moreover, the first projection lens unit 32A to the third projection lens unit 32C are formed integrally with their respective lens effective surfaces (i.e., the front surfaces 32Aa to 32Ca that perform lens functions) being adjacent to each other.

[0109] Specifically, the first projection lens unit 32A to the third projection lens unit 32C are formed with the same vertical width, but the first projection lens unit 32A is configured to have a larger horizontal width than the second projection lens unit 32B and the third projection lens unit 32C. That is, the first projection lens unit 32A has a substantially square outer shape when the lamp is viewed from the front, but the second projection lens unit 32B and the third projection lens unit 32C each have a vertically long rectangular outer shape when the lamp is viewed from the front.

[0110] The first projection lens unit 32A to the third projection lens unit 32C are arranged in this order in a state of stepwise displacement toward the rear side of the lamp. At this time, the first projection lens unit 32A to the third projection lens unit 32C are configured so that the respective focal points Fa, Fb, and Fc of the rear side of the first projection lens unit 32A, the second projection lens unit 32B, and the third projection lens unit 32C are at the same position in the front-rear direction of the lamp.

[0111] The first to third projection lens portions 32A to 32C are surrounded by an outer peripheral flange portion 34 formed in a stepped manner along the rear surfaces thereof. A pair of mounting flange portions 36 are formed on the left and right sides of the outer peripheral flange portion 34. The left and right pair of mounting flange portions 36 have an L-shaped horizontal cross-sectional shape with different lengths in the front-rear direction of the lamp. The rear end surfaces of the left and right pair of mounting flange portions 36 are formed to be located on the same plane orthogonal to the front-rear direction of the lamp.

[0112] The first to third light emitting elements 20A to 20C are all white light emitting diodes, and have a rectangular (specifically, square) light emitting surface 20 a .

[0113] The first to third light emitting elements 20A to 20C are mounted on a common substrate 22 and arranged behind the first to third projection lens portions 32A to 32C, respectively. The substrate 22 is supported by the heat sink 60 and arranged to extend along a plane perpendicular to the front-rear direction of the lamp.

[0114] A light shielding plate 40 is disposed between the first light emitting element 20A to the third light emitting element 20C and the first projection lens unit 32A to the third projection lens unit 32C. The light shielding plate 40 is used to shield a portion of the light from the first light emitting element 20A to the third light emitting element 20C toward the first projection lens unit 32A to the third projection lens unit 32C. The light shielding plate 40 is composed of a thin plate extending along a plane orthogonal to the front-rear direction of the lamp.

[0115] The shading plate 40 is positioned so that its left and right ends abut against the left and right mounting flanges 36 of the projection lens 30 from the rear side of the lamp. Thus, the shading plate 40 is arranged along the vertical plane including the rear focal points Fa to Fc of the first to third projection lens units 32A to 32C.

[0116] A first opening 40Aa, a second opening 40Ba, and a third opening 40Ca are formed in the light shielding plate 40 at the rear side of the first projection lens section 32A, the second projection lens section 32B, and the third projection lens section 32C.

[0117] The first to third openings 40Aa to 40Ca are all formed into a V-shaped opening shape when the lamp is viewed from the front. The opening angle of the V-shape at the first to third openings 40Aa to 40Ca is about 90° to 150° (for example, about 120°).

[0118] Among the first opening 40Aa to the third opening 40Ca, the second opening 40Ba is located above the first opening 40Aa, and the third opening 40Ca is located above the second opening 40Ba.

[0119] Specifically, the first opening 40Aa is formed so that the lower end position of the central portion of the inner circumference on the upper side of the first opening 40Aa is located below the optical axis Axa of the first projection lens unit 32A. The second opening 40Ba is formed so that the lower end position of the central portion of the inner circumference on the upper side of the second opening 40Ba is located on the optical axis Axb of the second projection lens unit 32B. The third opening 40Ca is formed so that the lower end position of the central portion of the inner circumference on the upper side of the third opening 40Ca is located above the optical axis Axc of the third projection lens unit 32C. The displacement amount Dc of the lower end position of the central portion of the inner circumference on the upper side of the third opening 40Ca from the optical axis Axc is set to a value greater than the displacement amount Da of the lower end position of the central portion of the inner circumference on the upper side of the first opening 40Aa from the optical axis Axa (for example, a value of about 2 times).

[0120] Among the first to third openings 40Aa to 40Ca, the second opening 40Ba is formed with a larger vertical width than the first opening 40Aa, and the third opening 40Ca is formed with a larger vertical width than the second opening 40Ba.

[0121] In addition, the inner peripheral edges of the first opening 40Aa to the third opening 40Ca on both sides extend upward in a direction slightly wider than the vertical direction. The left and right width of the second opening 40Ba is formed to be slightly larger than the left and right width of the first opening 40Aa. In addition, the left and right width of the third opening 40Ca is formed to be slightly larger than the left and right width of the second opening 40Ba.

[0122] The first light emitting element 20A is arranged below the optical axis Axa of the first projection lens unit 32A. The second light emitting element 20B is arranged on the optical axis Axb of the second projection lens unit 32B. The third light emitting element 20C is arranged above the optical axis Axc of the third projection lens unit 32C.

[0123] Specifically, the first light emitting element 20A, the second light emitting element 20B, and the third light emitting element 20C are arranged so that their light emission centers are located on the first reference axis La, the second reference axis Lb, and the third reference axis Lc, respectively. The first reference axis La, the second reference axis Lb, and the third reference axis Lc extend in the front-rear direction of the lamp in a manner passing through the lower end positions of the central portions of the inner peripheral edges of the upper sides of the first opening 40Aa, the second opening 40Ba, and the third opening 40Ca of the light shielding plate 40, respectively.

[0124] The first to third light emitting elements 20A to 20C are connected to an electronic control unit (not shown) and are configured to be turned on and off by the electronic control unit in accordance with the vehicle driving conditions and the like.

[0125] A condenser lens assembly 50 is disposed between the substrate 22 and the light shielding plate 40 .

[0126] In the condenser lens assembly 50, the first condenser lens 52A, the second condenser lens 52B, and the third condenser lens 52C arranged in the left-right direction are integrally formed via a plate-shaped portion. The first condenser lens 52A, the second condenser lens 52B, and the third condenser lens 52C are configured to be located on the first reference axis La, the second reference axis Lb, and the third reference axis Lc, respectively.

[0127] The first condenser lens 52A, the second condenser lens 52B and the third condenser lens 52C are formed to extend in a V-shape so as to overlap with the first opening 40Aa, the second opening 40Ba and the third opening 40Ca of the light shielding plate 40 when the lamp is viewed from the front.

[0128] Specifically, the first condenser lens 52A is formed to surround the first opening 40Aa with a larger upper and lower width than the first opening 40Aa throughout the entire circumference, and has a generally heart-shaped external shape. In addition, the second condenser lens 52B is formed to surround the second opening 40Ba with a larger upper and lower width than the second opening 40Ba throughout the entire circumference, and has a generally heart-shaped external shape that is one circle larger than the first condenser lens 52A. And, the third condenser lens 52C is formed to surround the third opening 40Ca with a larger upper and lower width than the third opening 40Ca throughout the entire circumference, and has a generally heart-shaped external shape that is one circle larger than the second opening 40Ba.

[0129] In the first condenser lens 52A, the second condenser lens 52B and the third condenser lens 52C, the rear surfaces 52Ab, 52Bb and 52Cb thereof are formed into convex curved surfaces. In the first condenser lens 52A, the second condenser lens 52B and the third condenser lens 52C, the front surfaces 52Aa, 52Ba and 52Ca thereof are formed into convex curved surfaces with a curvature smaller than that of the rear surfaces 52Ab, 52Bb and 52Cb thereof.

[0130] Thus, the first to third condensing lenses 52A to 52C are respectively configured to emit incident light from the first to third light emitting elements 20A to 20C as light condensed toward the first to third openings 40Aa to 40Ca toward the light shielding plate 40 .

[0131] The condenser lens assembly 50 is configured to have a pair of mounting flanges 54 formed on the left and right sides of the plate-shaped portion around the first condenser lens 52A to the third condenser lens 52C. The pair of mounting flanges 54 on the left and right sides have an L-shaped horizontal cross-sectional shape. The front end surfaces of the mounting flanges 54 abut against the left and right ends of the shading plate 40 from the rear side of the lamp, so that the first condenser lens 52A to the third condenser lens 52C are positioned on the first reference axis La to the third reference axis Lc.

[0132] The heat sink 60 comprises: a main body 62 extending along a plane perpendicular to the front-rear direction of the lamp; a plurality of heat sinks 64 extending from the main body 62 along a vertical plane toward the rear of the lamp; and a pair of mounting flanges 66 formed on the left and right sides of the main body 62.

[0133] The substrate 22 is positioned and supported by being fastened with screws 72 at two locations on the diagonal line of the substrate 22 in a state of surface contact with the main body 62 of the heat sink 60 .

[0134] The projection lens 30, the shading plate 40, and the condenser lens assembly 50 are fastened with screws 74 at two locations on the diagonal line of the radiator 60 to be positioned and supported. The screw fastening is performed by fastening the left and right mounting flanges 36 of the projection lens 30, the left and right ends of the shading plate 40, and the left and right mounting flanges 54 of the condenser lens assembly 50 together with the left and right mounting flanges 66 of the radiator 60 in a state where they overlap. In addition, positioning pins 36a are formed on the left and right mounting flanges 36 of the projection lens 30, respectively. On the other hand, pin insertion holes 40a, 54a, 66a for inserting the positioning pins 36a are formed on the left and right ends of the shading plate 40, the left and right mounting flanges 54 of the condenser lens assembly 50, and the left and right mounting flanges 66 of the radiator 60, respectively.

[0135] Next, Figure 8 and Fig. 9 The depicted light distribution pattern PA is described below.

[0136] As described above, the image drawing light distribution pattern PA is formed by the irradiation light from the image drawing lamp 10. Figure 8 , Fig. 9 As shown, the image drawing light distribution pattern PA is composed of three image drawing light distribution patterns PAa, PAb, and PAc.

[0137] The three image-drawing light distribution patterns PAa, PAb, and PAc are all inverted V-shaped (i.e., a shape that tapers toward the front of the lamp). The three image-drawing light distribution patterns PAa, PAb, and PAc are of substantially the same size and are arranged in a row and formed at substantially equal intervals.

[0138] The drawing light distribution pattern PAa formed in the long-distance region of the road surface 2 in front of the vehicle is a light distribution pattern formed by irradiating the light emitted from the first light emitting element 20A toward the front of the lamp via the first projection lens unit 32A.

[0139] The image drawing light distribution pattern PAa is formed as a reverse projection image of the first opening 40Aa formed in a V-shaped opening shape formed in the light shielding plate 40 .

[0140] In the first opening 40Aa, the lower end position of the central portion of the inner peripheral edge of the upper side of the first opening 40Aa is located below the optical axis Axa of the first projection lens unit 32A, so the depiction light distribution pattern PAa is irradiated toward the front of the lamp as light directed upward from the optical axis Axa. Thus, the depiction light distribution pattern PAa is formed in the long-distance area.

[0141] In addition, the emitted light from the first light emitting element 20A is efficiently incident on the first opening 40Aa through the first condenser lens 52A formed in a manner that surrounds the first opening 40Aa in a V-shape over the entire circumference. Therefore, the light distribution pattern PAa for depiction is formed with sufficient and approximately uniform brightness. Moreover, the first light emitting element 20A and the first condenser lens 52A are arranged on the first reference axis La at the lower end position of the central part of the inner peripheral edge of the upper side of the first opening 40Aa, so that the brightness of the light distribution pattern PAa for depiction can be fully ensured.

[0142] The drawing light distribution pattern PAb formed in the short-distance region of the road surface 2 in front of the vehicle is a light distribution pattern formed by irradiating the light emitted from the second light emitting element 20B toward the front of the lamp via the second projection lens unit 32B.

[0143] The image drawing light distribution pattern PAb is formed as a reverse projection image of the second opening 40Ba formed in a V-shaped opening shape formed in the light shielding plate 40 .

[0144] In the second opening 40Ba, the lower end position of the central portion of the inner peripheral edge of the upper side of the second opening 40Ba is located on the optical axis Axb of the second projection lens 32B. Therefore, the light distribution pattern PAb for drawing is irradiated toward the front of the lamp as light substantially parallel to the optical axis Axb. Thus, the light distribution pattern PAb for drawing is formed in the short distance area.

[0145] In addition, the emitted light from the second light emitting element 20B is efficiently incident on the second opening 40Ba through the second condenser lens 52B formed in a manner of surrounding the second opening 40Ba in a V-shape over the entire circumference. Therefore, the light distribution pattern PAb for depiction is formed with sufficient and substantially uniform brightness. Moreover, the second light emitting element 20B and the second condenser lens 52B are arranged on the second reference axis Lb passing through the lower end position of the central part of the inner peripheral edge of the upper side of the second opening 40Ba, so that the brightness of the light distribution pattern PAb for depiction can be sufficiently ensured.

[0146] The drawing light distribution pattern PAc formed in the extremely close distance region of the road surface 2 in front of the vehicle is a light distribution pattern formed by irradiating the light emitted from the third light emitting element 20C toward the front of the lamp via the third projection lens unit 32C.

[0147] The drawing light distribution pattern PAc is formed as a reverse projection image of the third opening 40Ca formed in a V-shaped opening shape formed in the light shielding plate 40 .

[0148] In the third opening 40Ca, the lower end position of the central portion of the inner peripheral edge of the upper side of the third opening 40Ca is located above the optical axis Axc of the third projection lens unit 32C. Therefore, the light distribution pattern PAc for drawing is irradiated toward the front of the lamp as light that is downward from the optical axis Axc of the third projection lens unit 32C. As a result, the light distribution pattern PAc for drawing is formed in the extremely close distance area.

[0149] In addition, the emitted light from the third light emitting element 20C is efficiently incident on the third opening 40Ca through the second condenser lens 52B formed in a manner that surrounds the third opening 40Ca in a V-shape over the entire circumference. Therefore, the brightness of the light distribution pattern PAc for depiction is fully ensured and is formed with a substantially uniform brightness. Moreover, the third light emitting element 20C and the second condenser lens 52B are arranged on the third reference axis Lc at the lower end position of the central part of the inner peripheral edge on the upper side of the third opening 40Ca, so that the brightness of the light distribution pattern PAc for depiction can be fully ensured.

[0150] The upward displacement amount Dc of the third opening 40Ca from the optical axis Axc is set to a value greater than the downward displacement amount Da of the first opening 40Aa from the optical axis Axa. Therefore, although the irradiation angles of the emitted light from the first projection lens unit 32A to the third projection lens unit 32C with respect to the road surface 2 in front of the vehicle are different, the interval between the light distribution pattern PAb for drawing and the light distribution pattern PAc for drawing becomes substantially the same as the interval between the light distribution pattern PAa for drawing and the light distribution pattern PAb for drawing.

[0151] The three light distribution patterns PAa to PAc for depiction are formed in substantially the same size. This is because the vertical widths of the first opening 40Aa to the third opening 40Ca increase in sequence, and the inner peripheral edges on both sides thereof extend upward in a direction slightly wider than the vertical direction, and the horizontal widths also increase slightly in the order of the first opening 40Aa to the third opening 40Ca.

[0152] Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described.

[0153] The lamp 10 for drawing according to the present embodiment is configured to form light distribution patterns PAa to PAc for drawing by irradiating the emitted light from the first light emitting element 20A to the third light emitting element 20C toward the front of the lamp via the projection lens 30. The projection lens 30 is configured such that a first projection lens unit 32A for long-distance drawing, a second projection lens unit 32B for short-distance drawing, and a third projection lens unit 32C for very short-distance drawing are arranged in a horizontal direction (a desired direction intersecting the front-rear direction of the lamp). In the light shielding plate 40 arranged between the first light emitting element 20A to the third light emitting element 20C and the projection lens 30, first openings 40Aa to third openings 40Ca formed in a V-shaped opening shape are formed at the rear side of the lamp of the first projection lens unit 32A to the third projection lens unit 32C. Therefore, the light emitted from the first to third light emitting elements 20A to 20C and passing through the first to third openings 40Aa to 40Ca forms inverted V-shaped image drawing light distribution patterns PAa to PAc at three locations near and far as reverse projection images. This can enhance the effect of alerting the surroundings.

[0154] Furthermore, between the first light emitting element 20A to the third light emitting element 20C and the light shielding plate 40, there are arranged first to third light condensing lenses 52A to 52C for condensing the emitted light from the first light emitting element 20A to the third light emitting element 20C toward the first opening 40Aa to the third opening 40Ca. The first to third light condensing lenses 52A to 52C are all formed to extend in a V-shape in a positional relationship overlapping with the first opening 40Aa to the third opening 40Ca when the lamp is viewed from the front. Therefore, it is not necessary to enlarge the first to third light condensing lenses 52A to 52C, respectively, and the emitted light from the first light emitting element 20A to the third light emitting element 20C can be efficiently incident on the first opening 40Aa to the third opening 40Ca. As a result, the light distribution patterns PAa to PAc for drawing can be formed with substantially uniform brightness.

[0155] As described above, according to the present embodiment, in the image drawing lamp 10 configured to form the image drawing light distribution pattern PA, the three inverted V-shaped image drawing light distribution patterns PAa to PAc constituting the image drawing light distribution pattern PA can be efficiently formed.

[0156] Moreover, as in the present embodiment, the first projection lens unit 32A to the third projection lens unit 32C are integrally formed with their lens effective surfaces adjacent to each other. Thus, the projection lens 30 can be regarded as a single lens assembly, and the design of the first projection lens unit 32A to the third projection lens unit 32C can be improved.

[0157] In addition, in the projection lens 30 of the present embodiment, the first projection lens unit 32A is formed with a larger size than the second projection lens unit 32B and the third projection lens unit 32C. Therefore, the light distribution pattern PAa for drawing formed in the long-distance area is formed with substantially the same clarity and brightness as the light distribution pattern PAb for drawing formed in the short-distance area and the light distribution pattern PAc for drawing formed in the very short-distance area. Thus, the function of alerting the surroundings based on the formation of the light distribution pattern PA for drawing can be improved.

[0158] In the present embodiment, the first opening portion 40Aa to the third opening portion 40Ca formed into a V-shaped opening shape are all formed with fixed upper and lower widths. However, as long as the lower inner peripheral edges of the first opening portion 40Aa to the third opening portion 40Ca are formed to extend in a V-shape, opening shapes other than these may also be adopted. For example, the first opening portion 40Aa to the third opening portion 40Ca may also be formed into an opening shape in which the upper and lower widths of the first opening portion 40Aa to the third opening portion 40Ca gradually narrow from the center position in the left-right direction toward the two end positions. In addition, the first opening portion 40Aa to the third opening portion 40Ca may also be an opening shape that is asymmetric on the left and right, an opening shape that is formed in the shape of a downward arrow, and the like. In the case of adopting these opening shapes, it is also possible to form the depiction light distribution patterns PAa to PAc into a light distribution pattern in the shape of an inverted V (i.e., a shape that becomes pointed toward the front of the lamp).

[0159] In the present embodiment, the first projection lens unit 32A to the third projection lens unit 32C are formed so that their optical axes Axa to Axc all extend in the front-rear direction of the lamp at the same height position. However, the first projection lens unit 32A to the third projection lens unit 32C may also be structures other than this. For example, the first projection lens unit 32A to the third projection lens unit 32C may also be formed so that the optical axis Axa of the first projection lens unit 32A extends upwards than the optical axis Axb of the second projection lens unit 32B, and the optical axis Axc of the third projection lens unit 32C extends downwards than the optical axis Axb of the second projection lens unit 32B.

[0160] In the present embodiment, the light emitting color of the first to third light emitting elements 20A to 20C is white, but other light emitting colors (for example, amber, red, etc.) may be used.

[0161] In the present embodiment, the drawing lamp 10 is mounted on the vehicle width direction side end portion of the front end portion of the vehicle 100 , but may be mounted on the rear end portion, the side portion, or the like of the vehicle 100 .

[0162] In the present embodiment, the image drawing light distribution pattern PA is formed on the road surface 2 in front of the vehicle by the irradiation light from the image drawing lamp 10. However, the image drawing light distribution pattern PA may be formed on a wall surface arranged in front of the lamp or a wall surface extending forward of the lamp.

[0163] Next, a modification of the present embodiment will be described.

[0164] First, a first modification example of the first embodiment will be described.

[0165] Fig.10 It is a front view showing a drawing lamp according to a first modified example of the first embodiment.

[0166] The basic structure of the first modification example is the same as that of the first embodiment, but the arrangement of the first light emitting element 120A is different from that of the first embodiment.

[0167] Specifically, the first light emitting element 120A of the first modified example is arranged in a state rotated 45° around the first reference axis La of the first light emitting element 20A of the first embodiment. That is, the first light emitting element 120A is the same as the first light emitting element 20A of the first embodiment, and has a rectangular (specifically, a square) light emitting surface 120a, but its light emitting surface 120a is arranged to appear as a rhombus with its vertices facing the up, down, left, and right directions when the lamp is observed from the front.

[0168] In this modification, the structures of the first projection lens unit 32A, the first opening 40Aa of the light shielding plate 40, and the first condenser lens 52A, and the positional relationship between the optical axis Axa of the first projection lens unit 32A and the first reference axis La are the same as those of the first embodiment.

[0169] By adopting the structure of this modification example, the following effects can be obtained.

[0170] The first light emitting element 120A is configured such that its light emitting surface 120a appears to be a rhombus with its apex facing up, down, left, and right when the lamp is viewed from the front. Thus, the emitted light from the first light emitting element 120A incident on the first condenser lens 52A can be incident on the first opening 40Aa formed in a V-shaped opening shape more efficiently.

[0171] In addition, the same structure as that of this modification example can also be applied to the second light emitting element 20B and the third light emitting element 20C in the first embodiment.

[0172] In addition, when the first opening 40Aa is configured so that the angle of the V-shape constituting the opening shape of the first opening 40Aa becomes close to 90 degrees, it is particularly effective to adopt the structure of this modified example.

[0173] Next, a second modification of the first embodiment will be described.

[0174] Fig.11 It is a front view showing a drawing lamp according to a second modified example of the first embodiment.

[0175] The basic structure of the second modification example is the same as that of the first embodiment, but the number and arrangement of the first light emitting elements 220A are different from those of the first embodiment.

[0176] In this modification, the first light emitting elements 220A are arranged in a V-shaped arrangement at three locations.

[0177] The three first light emitting elements 220A having the same structure as the first light emitting element 20A of the first embodiment are arranged to be located at the center and both ends of the first opening 40Aa in the left-right direction of the light shielding plate 40. At this time, the first light emitting element 220A arranged at the center in the left-right direction among the three first light emitting elements 220A is located below the first reference axis La and approximately at the center of the first opening 40Aa in the up-down direction. In addition, the first light emitting elements 220A arranged at both ends in the left-right direction among the three first light emitting elements 220A are also located approximately at the center of the first opening 40Aa in the up-down direction.

[0178] In this modification, the structures of the first projection lens unit 32A, the first opening 40Aa of the light shielding plate 40, and the first condenser lens 52A, and the positional relationship between the optical axis Axa of the first projection lens unit 32A and the first reference axis La are the same as those of the first embodiment.

[0179] Fig.12 yes Fig.11 Cross-sectional view along line XII-XII. Fig.12 The cross-sectional shape along the inclined straight line portion on one side of the V-shaped first opening 40Aa is shown.

[0180] like Fig.12 As shown in the figure, in the cross-sectional position along the inclined straight line portion, in the rear surface 52Ab of the first condenser lens 52A, the central portion 52Ab1 thereof extends linearly in a vertical plane orthogonal to the front-rear direction of the lamp. The rear surface 52Ab of the first condenser lens 52A extends in a convex curve shape in a manner that its two end portions 52Ab2 and 52Ab3 surround the front side of the lamp. In addition, the front surface 52Aa of the first condenser lens 52A is also configured in the same manner as the rear surface 52Ab of the first condenser lens 52A.

[0181] Therefore, light emitted from each first light emitting element 220A and incident on the central portion 52Ab1 of the rear surface 52Ab of the first condenser lens 52A is emitted from the front surface 52Aa at the same emission angle as the incident angle, and most of it reaches the first opening 40Aa of the light shielding plate 40 .

[0182] In addition, the light emitted from each first light-emitting element 220A and incident on the two end portions 52Ab2 and 52Ab3 of the rear surface 52Ab of the first focusing lens 52A is refracted in directions approaching each other, and then further emitted from the front surface 52Aa in directions approaching each other, and most of it reaches the first opening portion 40Aa of the light shielding plate 40.

[0183] By adopting the structure of this modification example, the following effects can be obtained.

[0184] That is, the first light emitting elements 220A are arranged in a V-shaped arrangement at three locations, so that an inverted V-shaped light distribution pattern PAa for drawing can be formed more brightly and uniformly (see Figure 8 , Fig. 9 ).

[0185] Furthermore, the first condenser lens 52A is configured to emit the light emitted from the first light emitting elements 220A arranged at three locations toward directions close to each other. Therefore, the light emitted from the first light emitting elements 220A arranged at three locations can be more efficiently incident on the first opening 40Aa.

[0186] In particular, it is difficult to ensure sufficient brightness of the image drawing light distribution pattern PAa formed in a long distance area. However, by forming the image drawing light distribution pattern PAa using the light emitted from the three first light emitting elements 220A as in this modification, the brightness of the image drawing light distribution pattern PAa can be ensured sufficiently.

[0187] In addition, the same structure as that of this modification example can also be applied to the second light emitting element 20B and the third light emitting element 20C in the first embodiment.

[0188] Next, a third modification example of the first embodiment will be described.

[0189] Fig.13 It is a front view showing a drawing lamp according to a third modified example of the first embodiment.

[0190] This modification is different from the first embodiment in the following aspects. A first opening 340Aa, a second opening 340Ba, and a third opening 340Ca are formed at intervals in the vertical direction on the light shielding plate 340 disposed on the rear side of the lamp of the first projection lens unit 332A. A first condenser lens 352A, a second condenser lens 352B, and a third condenser lens 352C are arranged in the vertical direction on the rear side of the lamp of the first projection lens unit 332A. Furthermore, a first light emitting element 320A, a second light emitting element 320B, and a third light emitting element 320C are disposed at intervals in the vertical direction on the rear side of the lamp of the first projection lens unit 332A.

[0191] Specifically, the first opening 340Aa is formed so that the lower end position of the central portion of the inner circumference on the upper side of the first opening 340Aa is located below the optical axis Axa of the first projection lens unit 332A. The second opening 340Ba is formed so that the lower end position of the central portion of the inner circumference on the upper side of the second opening 340Ba is located on the optical axis Axa. The third opening 340Ca is formed so that the lower end position of the central portion of the inner circumference on the upper side of the third opening 340Ca is located above the optical axis Axa. At this time, the displacement amount of the central lower end position of the upper inner circumference of the third opening 340Ca from the optical axis Axa is greater than the displacement amount of the central lower end position of the upper inner circumference of the first opening 340Aa from the optical axis Axa.

[0192] Among the first to third openings 340Aa to 340Ca, the second opening 340Ba is formed with a larger vertical width than the first opening 340Aa, and the third opening 340Ca is formed with a larger vertical width than the second opening 340Ba.

[0193] In addition, the inner peripheral edges of the first opening 340Aa to the third opening 340Ca on both sides extend upward in a direction slightly wider than the vertical direction. The left and right width of the second opening 340Ba is slightly larger than that of the first opening 340Aa, and the left and right width of the third opening 340Ca is slightly larger than that of the second opening 340Ba.

[0194] The first light emitting element 320A, the second light emitting element 320B, and the third light emitting element 320C are arranged so that their light emission centers are located on the first reference axis La, the second reference axis Lb, and the third reference axis Lc, respectively. The first reference axis La, the second reference axis Lb, and the third reference axis Lc extend in the front-rear direction of the lamp in a manner passing through the lower end positions of the central portions of the inner circumferences of the upper sides of the first opening 340Aa, the second opening 340Ba, and the third opening 340Ca, respectively.

[0195] The first condenser lens 352A, the second condenser lens 352B, and the third condenser lens 352C are formed to extend in a V-shape in a positional relationship overlapping the first opening 340Aa, the second opening 340Ba, and the third opening 340Ca when the lamp is viewed from the front.

[0196] Specifically, the first condenser lens 352A is formed to surround the first opening 340Aa with a larger upper and lower width than the first opening 340Aa throughout the entire circumference, and has a generally heart-shaped outer shape. In addition, the second condenser lens 352B is formed to surround the second opening 340Ba with a larger upper and lower width than the second opening 340Ba throughout the entire circumference, and has a generally heart-shaped outer shape that is one circle larger than the first condenser lens 352A. Furthermore, the third condenser lens 352C is formed to surround the third opening 340Ca with a larger upper and lower width than the third opening 340Ca throughout the entire circumference, and has a generally heart-shaped outer shape that is one circle larger than the second condenser lens 352B.

[0197] The shapes of the front and rear surfaces of the first to third condenser lenses 352A to 352C are the same as those of the first embodiment, but the first condenser lens 352A is connected to the lower edge of the second condenser lens 352B at the upper edge of the first condenser lens 352A. In addition, the second condenser lens 352B is connected to the lower edge of the third condenser lens 352C at the upper edge of the second condenser lens 352B.

[0198] The first to third condensing lenses 352A to 352C are respectively configured to allow the emitted light from the first to third light emitting elements 320A to 320C to be emitted toward the light shielding plate 340 as light that is condensed in the directions of the first to third openings 340Aa to 340Ca after being incident thereon.

[0199] In this modification, the emitted light from the first light emitting element 320A to the third light emitting element 320Ca incident on the first projection lens unit 332A via the first opening 340Aa to the third opening 340Ca is the same as in the first embodiment, and three inverted V-shaped light distribution patterns PAa, PAb, and PAc are formed as the light distribution pattern PA for drawing. The three light distribution patterns PAa, PAb, and PAc for drawing are formed to have substantially the same size and are arranged in a row at substantially equal intervals (see Figure 8 , Fig. 9 ).

[0200] By adopting the configuration of this modification, it is possible to form the same image drawing light distribution pattern as in the first embodiment using light emitted from the single first projection lens unit 332A.

[0201] In this modification, the first to third condenser lenses 352A to 352C extending in a V shape are arranged adjacent to each other in the vertical direction, so that the emitted light from the first to third light emitting elements 320A to 320C can be efficiently incident on the first to third openings 340Aa to 340Ca.

[0202] The image drawing lamp according to the first embodiment and its modified examples may be a lamp for vehicle mounting or a lamp for use other than vehicle mounting.

[0203] The light shielding plate may be configured to shield a part of the light from the light emitting element toward the projection lens between the light emitting element and the projection lens, and its specific arrangement is not particularly limited.

[0204] The opening portion can be formed into a V-shaped opening shape, and its specific opening shape is not particularly limited. The V-shaped opening shape can be formed as long as its lower inner peripheral edge extends in a V shape, and the upper inner peripheral edge of the opening portion does not necessarily need to be formed to extend in a V shape.

[0205] The condenser lens can be formed to extend in a V-shape when the lamp is viewed from the front and overlaps with the opening of the shading plate. The specific configuration and shape of the condenser lens are not particularly limited. In addition, the condenser lens does not need to be configured in a positional relationship that completely overlaps with the opening of the shading plate.

[0206] (Second Embodiment)

[0207] Fig.14 4 is a front view showing a drawing lamp 410 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Fig.15 It is a plan view showing a drawing lamp 410 according to the second embodiment. Fig.16 4 is a side view showing a drawing lamp 410 according to the second embodiment. Fig.17 It is an exploded perspective view of main components of an image drawing lamp 410 according to the second embodiment.

[0208] exist Figure 14 to Figure 17 In the figure, the direction indicated by X is the "front of the lamp", the direction indicated by Y is the "left direction" orthogonal to the "front of the lamp" (the "right direction" when observing the lamp from the front), and the direction indicated by Z is the "upward direction". Figure 14 to Figure 17 The same applies to other figures.

[0209] Before describing the specific structure of the image drawing lamp 410 according to the present embodiment, an overview thereof will be described.

[0210] Fig. 20 It is a side view showing a state where the image drawing lamp 410 according to the first embodiment is mounted on a vehicle 500 . Fig.21 4 is a plan view showing a state where the image drawing lamp 410 according to the first embodiment is mounted on a vehicle 500. Fig.21 The drawing lamp 410 on the left is shown in a lit state.

[0211] like Fig. 20 as well as Fig.21 As shown, the depiction lamp 410 is configured to irradiate light obliquely downward toward the outside in the vehicle width direction when mounted on the vehicle width direction side end of the front end of the vehicle 500. The depiction lamp 410 is lit synchronously with the lighting of the front turn signal lamp (not shown). Thus, the depiction lamp 410 is configured to form a depiction light distribution pattern PA2 on the road surface 402 in front of the vehicle.

[0212] like Fig. 20 as well as Fig.21 As shown, when the drawing lamp 410 is mounted on the vehicle 500, the front face of the lamp is arranged to face in a direction inclined downward with respect to the front-rear direction of the vehicle. Figure 14 to Figure 17 As shown, when the drawing lamp 410 is a single product, the front surface of the lamp faces the horizontal direction.

[0213] Next, the specific structure of the image drawing lamp 410 will be described.

[0214] Fig.18 yes Fig.14 Cross-sectional view taken along line XVIII-XVIII. Fig.19 yes Fig.14 Cross-sectional view at line XIX-XIX.

[0215] like Fig.18 and Fig.19 As shown, the image drawing lamp 410 is configured to irradiate light emitted from the light emitting element toward the front of the lamp via a projection lens 430. The image drawing lamp 410 includes a first light emitting element 420A and a second light emitting element 420B as light emitting elements.

[0216] The projection lens 430 is configured by arranging two projection lens units, a first projection lens unit 432A and a second projection lens unit 432B, having the same structure, in a horizontal direction. The first projection lens unit 432A and the second projection lens unit 432B are formed so that their respective optical axes Axa2 and Axb2 extend at the same height position along the front-rear direction of the lamp.

[0217] The first projection lens unit 432A and the second projection lens unit 432B are plano-convex lenses whose front surfaces 432Aa and 432Ba are convex surfaces, and have a rectangular (specifically, substantially square) outer shape when the lamp is viewed from the front. The first projection lens unit 432A and the second projection lens unit 432B are formed integrally with their respective lens effective surfaces (i.e., the front surfaces 432Aa and 432Ba that perform lens functions) being adjacent to each other.

[0218] The first projection lens portion 432A and the second projection lens portion 432B are surrounded by a peripheral flange portion 434 formed in a manner extending along the rear surfaces of each. A pair of mounting flange portions 436 are formed on the left and right sides of the peripheral flange portion 434. The left and right pair of mounting flange portions 436 each have an L-shaped horizontal cross-sectional shape. The left and right pair of mounting flange portions 436 are formed so that their respective rear end surfaces are located on the same plane orthogonal to the front-rear direction of the lamp.

[0219] The first light emitting element 420A and the second light emitting element 420B are both white light emitting diodes, and have a rectangular (specifically, square) light emitting surface 420a.

[0220] The first light emitting element 420A and the second light emitting element 420B are respectively arranged behind the first projection lens unit 432A and the second projection lens unit 432B and mounted on a common substrate 422. The substrate 422 is supported by a heat sink 460 so as to extend along a plane perpendicular to the front-rear direction of the lamp.

[0221] A light shielding plate 440 is disposed between the first light emitting element 420A and the second light emitting element 420B and the first projection lens unit 432A and the second projection lens unit 432B. The light shielding plate 440 is used to shield a portion of the light from the first light emitting element 420A and the second light emitting element 420B toward the first projection lens unit 432A and the second projection lens unit 432B. The light shielding plate 440 is composed of a thin plate extending along a plane orthogonal to the front-rear direction of the lamp.

[0222] The shading plate 440 is positioned at both left and right ends to abut against the left and right mounting flanges 436 of the projection lens 430 from the rear side of the lamp. Thus, the shading plate 440 is arranged along the vertical plane including the rear focal points Fa2 and Fb2 of the first projection lens unit 432A and the second projection lens unit 432B.

[0223] The light shielding plate 440 has two first openings 440Aa and 440Ac formed at the rear side of the first projection lens unit 432A, and two second openings 440Bb and 440Bd formed at the rear side of the second projection lens unit 432B.

[0224] Fig.22A It is a front view showing the main part of the image drawing lamp 410.

[0225] exist Fig.22AIn the figure, the two second openings 440Bb and 440Bd are moved in parallel to the first projection lens unit 432A located on the right side (left side when the lamp is viewed from the front) by two-dot chain lines. In addition, the two first openings 440Aa and 440Ac are moved in parallel to the second projection lens unit 432B located on the left side by two-dot chain lines.

[0226] Also like Fig.22A As shown, the two first openings 440Aa, 440Ac and the two second openings 440Bb, 440Bd are formed into a V-shaped opening shape when the lamp is viewed from the front. At this time, the opening angle of the V-shape is set to a value of about 90° to 150° (for example, a value of about 120°).

[0227] In the first opening 440Aa and the second opening 440Bb, the second opening 440Bb is located above the first opening 440Aa. In addition, in the first opening 440Ac and the second opening 440Bb, the first opening 440Ac is located above the second opening 440Bb. And, in the first opening 440Ac and the second opening 440Bd, the second opening 440Bd is located above the first opening 440Ac.

[0228] At this time, the two first openings 440Aa, 440Ac and the two second openings 440Bb, 440Bd are formed so that the vertical width of the openings gradually increases in the order of the first opening 440Aa, the second opening 440Bb, the first opening 440Ac, and the second opening 440Bd. The two first openings 440Aa, 440Ac and the two second openings 440Bb, 440Bd are formed so that the interval in the vertical direction gradually increases in the order of the first opening 440Aa, the second opening 440Bb, the first opening 440Ac, and the second opening 440Bd.

[0229] The two first openings 440Aa and 440Ac and the two second openings 440Bb and 440Bd are arranged as a whole so that the central lower end position of the upper inner peripheral edge of the first opening 440Ac is located on the optical axis Axa2 of the first projection lens unit 432A.

[0230] In addition, the two first openings 440Aa, 440Ac and the two second openings 440Bb, 440Bd are formed so that the inner peripheral edges of the left and right sides of each extend upward in a direction slightly widened relative to the vertical direction. In addition, the two first openings 440Aa, 440Ac and the two second openings 440Bb, 440Bd are formed so that the inner peripheral edges of the left and right sides of each are located on a pair of identical left and right imaginary straight lines.

[0231] The first light emitting element 420A is disposed below the optical axis Axa2 of the first projection lens unit 432A. The second light emitting element 420B is disposed above the optical axis Axb2 of the second projection lens unit 432B.

[0232] Specifically, the first light emitting element 420A is configured so that the light emission center is located on the first reference axis La2 extending in the front-to-back direction of the lamp at the lower side of the optical axis Axa2. The second light emitting element 420B is configured so that the light emission center is located on the second reference axis Lb2 extending in the front-to-back direction of the lamp at the upper side of the optical axis Axb2. At this time, the first reference axis La2 is set at the position of the central lower end position of the lower inner peripheral edge of the first opening 440Aa of the light shielding plate 440. In addition, the second reference axis Lb2 is set at the position of the central lower end position of the lower inner peripheral edge of the second opening 440Bd of the light shielding plate 440.

[0233] The first light emitting element 420A and the second light emitting element 420B are connected to an electronic control unit (not shown), and lighting and extinguishing of the electronic control unit are controlled according to the vehicle driving conditions and the like.

[0234] A condenser lens assembly 450 is disposed between the substrate 422 and the light shielding plate 440 .

[0235] The condenser lens assembly 450 is configured by integrally forming a first condenser lens 452A and a second condenser lens 452B in a horizontally aligned state via a plate-shaped portion. The first condenser lens 452A and the second condenser lens 452B are arranged so that their respective optical axes are located on the first reference axis La2 and the second reference axis Lb2.

[0236] The rear surfaces 452Ab and 452Bb of the first condenser lens 452A and the second condenser lens 452B are formed into convex curved surfaces. The front surfaces 452Aa and 452Ba of the first condenser lens 452A and the second condenser lens 452B are formed into convex curved surfaces with a curvature smaller than that of the rear surfaces 452Ab and 452Bb.

[0237] Thus, the first condenser lens 452A is configured so that the emitted light from the first light emitting element 420A is incident on the first opening 440Aa of the light shielding plate 440 as light parallel to the first reference axis La2. In addition, the second condenser lens 452B is configured so that the emitted light from the second condenser lens 452B is incident on the two second openings 440Bb and 440Bd of the light shielding plate 440 as light parallel to the second reference axis Lb2.

[0238] The condenser lens assembly 450 is configured such that a pair of mounting flanges 454 are formed on the left and right sides of the plate-shaped portion around the first condenser lens 452A and the second condenser lens 452B. The pair of mounting flanges 454 have an L-shaped horizontal cross-sectional shape. The front end surfaces of the pair of mounting flanges 454 abut against the left and right ends of the light shielding plate 440 from the rear side of the lamp, so that the first condenser lens 452A and the second condenser lens 452B are positioned on the first reference axis La2 and the second reference axis Lb2.

[0239] The heat sink 460 includes: a main body 462 extending along a plane perpendicular to the front-rear direction of the lamp; a plurality of heat sinks 464 extending from the main body 462 along a vertical plane toward the rear of the lamp; and a pair of mounting flanges 466 formed on the left and right sides of the main body 462 .

[0240] The substrate 422 is positioned and supported by being fastened with screws 472 at two locations on the diagonal line thereof in a state of surface contact with the main body 462 of the heat sink 460 .

[0241] The projection lens 430, the light shielding plate 440, and the condenser lens assembly 450 are fastened with screws 374 at two locations on the diagonal line of the projection lens 430, and are positioned and supported. The screw fastening is performed by fastening the projection lens 430, the light shielding plate 440, and the condenser lens assembly 450 together in a state where the projection lens 430, the light shielding plate 440, and the condenser lens assembly 450 overlap with the condenser lens assembly 460. In addition, the projection lens 430 has a positioning pin 436a formed on each of the mounting flanges 436. On the other hand, the light shielding plate 440, the light shielding plate 450, and the condenser lens assembly 450 have pin insertion holes 440a, 454a, and 466a formed on each of the mounting flanges 436, and the condenser lens assembly 450.

[0242] Next, Fig. 20 and Fig.21 The depicted light distribution pattern PA2 will be described.

[0243] As described above, the image drawing light distribution pattern PA2 is formed by the irradiation light from the image drawing lamp 410. Fig. 20 as well as Fig.21 As shown, the image drawing light distribution pattern PA2 is composed of four image drawing light distribution patterns, namely, first image drawing light distribution patterns PAa2 and PAc2 and second image drawing light distribution patterns PAb2 and PAd2.

[0244] The first depicting light distribution pattern PAa2, PAc2 and the second depicting light distribution pattern PAb2, PAd2 are all inverted V-shaped (i.e., a shape that tapers toward the front of the lamp). The first depicting light distribution pattern PAa2, PAc2 and the second depicting light distribution pattern PAb2, PAd2 are arranged in a row with approximately equal intervals and are formed in the long-distance area, the medium-distance area, the short-distance area and the very short-distance area of ​​the road surface 2 in front of the vehicle.

[0245] The first depiction light distribution patterns PAa2 and PAc2 formed in the long-distance area and the short-distance area are light distribution patterns formed by irradiating the light emitted from the first light-emitting element 420A toward the front of the lamp through the first projection lens unit 432A. In addition, the second depiction light distribution patterns PAb2 and PAd2 formed in the medium-distance area and the very short-distance area are light distribution patterns formed by irradiating the light emitted from the second light-emitting element 420B toward the front of the lamp through the second projection lens unit 432B.

[0246] The first depiction light distribution pattern PAa2 is formed as a reverse projection image of the first opening 440Aa, which is formed in a V-shaped opening shape formed in the light shielding plate 440. The first opening 440Aa is located at a position substantially below the optical axis Axa2 of the first projection lens unit 432A. Therefore, the emitted light from the first light emitting element 420A is irradiated toward the front of the lamp as light substantially upward from the optical axis Axa2. Thus, the first depiction light distribution pattern PAa2 is formed in the long-distance area.

[0247] The second depiction light distribution pattern PAb2 is formed as an inverted projection image of the second opening 440Bb, which is formed in a V-shaped opening shape formed in the light shielding plate 440. The second opening 440Bb is located at a position lower than the optical axis Axb2 of the second projection lens unit 432B. Therefore, the emitted light from the second light emitting element 420B is irradiated toward the front of the lamp as light directed upward from the optical axis Axb2. Thus, the second depiction light distribution pattern PAb2 is formed in the middle distance area.

[0248] The first depiction light distribution pattern PAc2 is formed as a reverse projection image of the first opening portion 440Ac, which is formed in a V-shaped opening shape formed in the light shielding plate 440. The first opening portion 440Ac is approximately located on the optical axis Axa2 of the first projection lens portion 432A. Therefore, the emitted light from the first light emitting element 420A is irradiated toward the front of the lamp as light approximately parallel to the optical axis Axa2. Thus, the first depiction light distribution pattern PAc2 is formed in the short distance area.

[0249] The second light distribution pattern PAd2 for drawing is formed as an inverted projection image of the second opening 440Bd, which is formed in a V-shaped opening shape formed in the light shielding plate 440. The second opening 440Bd is located above the optical axis Axb2 of the second projection lens unit 432B, so that the emitted light from the second light emitting element 420B is irradiated toward the front of the lamp as light directed downward from the optical axis Axb2, thereby forming the second light distribution pattern PAd2 for drawing in the extremely close distance area.

[0250] At this time, the emitted light from the first light emitting element 420A is efficiently incident on the first openings 440Aa and 440Ac through the first lenticular lens-shaped condenser lens 452A. Therefore, the brightness of the first light distribution patterns PAa2 and PAc2 for drawing is fully ensured. In addition, the emitted light from the second light emitting element 420B is efficiently incident on the second openings 440Bb and 440Bd through the second lenticular lens-shaped condenser lens 452B. Therefore, the brightness of the second light distribution patterns PAb2 and PAd2 for drawing is fully ensured.

[0251] The four light distribution patterns for drawing, namely the first light distribution patterns for drawing PAa2 and PAc2 and the second light distribution patterns for drawing PAb2 and PAd2, are formed in substantially the same size. This is because the vertical widths of the first opening 440Aa, the second opening 440Bb, the first opening 440Ac, and the second opening 440Bd are successively larger, and the inner peripheral edges on both sides thereof are formed to extend upward in a direction slightly expanded relative to the vertical direction, and the inner peripheral edges on both sides thereof are located on a pair of identical left and right imaginary straight lines.

[0252] Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described.

[0253] The drawing lamp 410 involved in this embodiment is configured to irradiate the emitted light from the first light emitting element 420A and the second light emitting element 420B toward the front of the lamp via the shading plate 440 and the projection lens 430, thereby forming a drawing light distribution pattern PA2. The projection lens 430 is configured such that the first projection lens portion 432A and the second projection lens portion 432B are arranged in a state of being arranged in the left-right direction (the desired direction intersecting the front-back direction of the lamp). In addition, two first opening portions 440Aa and 440Ac are formed at intervals in the up-down direction (the direction intersecting the above-mentioned desired direction) on the rear side of the lamp of the first projection lens portion 432A in the shading plate 440. Two second opening portions 440Bb and 440Bd are formed at intervals in the up-down direction on the rear side of the lamp of the second projection lens portion 432B. Furthermore, the first light emitting element 420A is arranged on the rear side of the lamp at the two first openings 440Aa and 440Ac, and the second light emitting element 420B is arranged on the rear side of the lamp at the two second openings 440Bb and 440Bd.

[0254] The emitted light from the first light emitting element 420A incident on the first projection lens unit 432A via the two first openings 440Aa and 440Ac forms two first depiction light distribution patterns PAa2 and PAc2 as the reverse projection images of the two first openings 440Aa and 440Ac. In addition, the emitted light from the second light emitting element 420B incident on the second projection lens unit 432B via the two second openings 440Bb and 440Bd forms two second depiction light distribution patterns PAb2 and PAd2 as the reverse projection images of the two second openings 440Bb and 440Bd. This can promote the attention of other vehicles, pedestrians, etc.

[0255] On this basis, the configuration of the first projection lens unit 432A and the two first openings 440Aa, 440Ac and the configuration of the second projection lens unit 432B and the two second openings 440Bb, 440Bd are set so that the two first depiction light distribution patterns PAa2, PAc2 and the two second depiction light distribution patterns PAb2, PAd2 are each formed alternately in a row.

[0256] The two first openings 440Aa and 440Ac are formed on the rear side of the first projection lens unit 432A. The two second openings 440Bb and 440Bd are formed on the rear side of the second projection lens unit. Therefore, it is not necessary to extremely reduce the interval between the two first openings 440Aa and 440Ac and the interval between the two second openings 440Bb and 440Bd.

[0257] Therefore, even if the light shielding plate 440 is provided, the rigidity of the portion between the two first openings 440Aa and 440Ac and the portion between the two second openings 440Bb and 440Bd is not easily reduced. Thus, the four drawing light distribution patterns, namely the first drawing light distribution patterns PAa2 and PAc2 and the second drawing light distribution patterns PAb2 and PAd2 constituting the drawing light distribution pattern PA2, can be arranged in a row in a state close to each other.

[0258] Thus, according to the present embodiment, in the drawing lamp 410 configured to form the drawing light distribution pattern PA2, four drawing light distribution patterns, namely the first drawing light distribution patterns PAa2 and PAc2 and the second drawing light distribution patterns PAb2 and PAd2, can be formed in a row in a state close to each other as the drawing light distribution pattern PA2. Thus, a drawing light distribution pattern having an excellent function of alerting the surroundings can be formed.

[0259] In addition, in the present embodiment, the two first opening portions 440Aa, 440Ac and the two second opening portions 440Bb, 440Bd are arranged at intervals in the up and down directions, so that two first depicting light distribution patterns PAa2, PAc2 and two second depicting light distribution patterns PAb2, PAd2 can be formed in a row along the illumination direction of the lamp, thereby further improving the effect of reminding the surroundings.

[0260] In the drawing lamp 410 of the present embodiment, the two first openings 440Aa, 440Ac and the two second openings 440Bb, 440Bd are all formed in a V-shaped opening shape. Therefore, the light emitted from the light emitting element and passing through the two first openings 440Aa, 440Ac and the two second openings 440Bb, 440Bd is arranged in a row to form the four inverted V-shaped first drawing light distribution patterns PAa2, PAc2 and the second drawing light distribution patterns PAb2, PAd2 as reverse projection images. This can further improve the effect of reminding the surroundings to pay attention.

[0261] When the four first image-drawing light distribution patterns PAa2 and PAc2 and the four second image-drawing light distribution patterns PAb2 and PAd2 are arranged in a row to form an inverted V shape, the structure of the present embodiment is preferably adopted.

[0262] Fig. 22B It is a front view showing a drawing lamp according to a comparative example. Fig. 22B It is from Fig.22A The front view of the lamp is depicted while observing from the same direction.

[0263] like Fig. 22B As shown, in this comparative example, on the rear side of the lamp having the same structure as the first projection lens portion 432A of the present embodiment, a shading plate 440' is arranged instead of the shading plate 440 of the present embodiment, and the shading plate 440' has four opening portions 440a', 440b', 440c', and 440d' formed in a V-shaped opening shape at intervals in the up and down directions.

[0264] At this time, the four openings 440a', 440b', 440c', and 440d' are formed in the same opening shapes as the first openings 440Aa and 440Ac and the second openings 440Bb and 440Bd of the present embodiment, respectively.

[0265] In this comparative example, the light emitting element 420' is arranged on the optical axis Ax2' of the projection lens unit 432'. A condenser lens 452' for causing light emitted from the light emitting element 420' to enter the four openings 440a' to 440d' is arranged on the optical axis Ax2'.

[0266] When the light shielding plate 440' as in the comparative example is used, the portions between the four openings 440a' to 440d' are narrow and extend in a V-shape. Therefore, it is difficult to ensure the rigidity of the light shielding plate 440'.

[0267] In contrast, Fig.22A As shown, in the light shielding plate 440 of this embodiment, the interval between the two first openings 440Aa and 440Ac and the interval between the two second openings 440Bb and 440Bd are sufficiently ensured. Therefore, the rigidity of the portion between the two first openings 440Aa and 440Ac and the portion between the two second openings 440Bb and 440Bd can be sufficiently ensured.

[0268] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, a first condensing lens 452A for condensing the light emitted from the first light emitting element 420A toward the two first openings 440Aa and 440Ac is disposed between the first light emitting element 420A and the shading plate 440. A second condensing lens 452B for condensing the light emitted from the second light emitting element 420B toward the two second openings 440Bb and 440Bd is disposed between the second light emitting element 420B and the shading plate 440. Therefore, the four depiction light distribution patterns of the first depiction light distribution patterns PAa2 and PAc2 and the second depiction light distribution patterns PAb2 and PAd2 can be formed into brighter and more uniform light distribution patterns.

[0269] In the second embodiment, the two first openings 440Aa, 440Ac and the two second openings 440Bb, 440Bd formed in the light shielding plate 440 are all formed into a V-shaped opening shape. However, the two first openings 440Aa, 440Ac and the two second openings 440Bb, 440Bd may also have opening shapes other than this (e.g., opening shapes such as a downward arrow or an inverted trapezoid).

[0270] In the second embodiment, the emitted light from the first light emitting element 420A and the second light emitting element 420B is incident on the two first openings 440Aa and 440Ac and the two second openings 440Bb and 440Bd via the first condenser lens 452A and the second condenser lens 452B. However, the drawing lamp may be configured so that the emitted light from the first light emitting element 420A and the second light emitting element 420B is directly incident on the two first openings 440Aa and 440Ac and the two second openings 440Bb and 440Bd.

[0271] In the second embodiment, two first openings 440Aa and 440Ac are formed on the rear side of the lamp of the first projection lens unit 432A in the light shielding plate 440. Two second openings 440Bb and 440Bd are formed on the rear side of the lamp of the second projection lens unit 432B. However, only a single second opening 440Bb may be formed on the rear side of the lamp of the second projection lens unit 432B.

[0272] In the second embodiment, as the first projection lens unit 432A and the second projection lens unit 432B, the respective optical axes Axa2 and Axb2 are formed to extend along the front-rear direction of the lamp at the same height position. However, other structures can also be adopted. For example, the optical axis Axa2 of the first projection lens unit 432A can also be formed to extend upward than the optical axis Axb2 of the second projection lens unit 432B.

[0273] In the second embodiment, the case where the light emitting colors of the first light emitting element 420A and the second light emitting element 420B are white has been described, but other light emitting colors (for example, amber, red, etc.) may also be used.

[0274] In the second embodiment, the image drawing lamp 410 is described as being mounted on the vehicle width direction side end portion of the front end portion of the vehicle 500 , but it may also be configured to be mounted on the rear end portion, side portion, or the like of the vehicle 500 .

[0275] In the second embodiment, a description is given of a case where the depicting light distribution pattern PA2 is formed on the road surface 402 in front of the vehicle by the irradiation light from the depicting lamp 410, but the depicting light distribution pattern can also be formed on a wall surface arranged in front of the lamp, a wall surface extending toward the front of the lamp, etc.

[0276] Next, a modification of the second embodiment will be described.

[0277] First, a first modification example of the second embodiment will be described.

[0278] Fig.23 It is a front view showing the main part of the image drawing lamp 510 according to the first modified example of the second embodiment. Fig.23 It is from Fig.22A The drawing lamp 510 is viewed from the same direction. Fig.24A yes Fig.23 The XXIVa-XXIVa line cross-sectional view, Fig. 24B yes Fig.23 Cross-sectional view along line XXIVb-XXIVb.

[0279] like Fig.23 , Fig.24A as well as Fig. 24B As shown, the basic structure of this modification is the same as that of the second embodiment, but the number and arrangement of the first light emitting elements 420A and the second light emitting elements 420B are partially different from those of the second embodiment.

[0280] In this modification, the first light emitting element 420A is disposed on the lamp rear side of each of the two first openings 440Aa and 440Ac formed in the light shielding plate 440. The second light emitting element 420B is disposed on the lamp rear side of each of the two second openings 440Bb and 440Bd.

[0281] Specifically, the two first light emitting elements 420A arranged on the rear side of the lamp of the two first openings 440Aa and 440Ac are arranged so that their respective light emission centers are located at the central lower end position of the upper inner peripheral edge of each first opening 440Aa and 440Ac when the lamp is viewed from the front. In addition, the two second light emitting elements 420B arranged on the rear side of the lamp of the two second openings 440Bb and 440Bd are arranged so that their respective light emission centers are located at the central lower end position of the upper inner peripheral edge of each second opening 440Bb and 440Bd when the lamp is viewed from the front.

[0282] Thus, in this modification, the emitted light from the first light emitting element 420A located at the lower side is efficiently incident on the first opening 440Aa via the first condensing lens 452A. The emitted light from the first light emitting element 420A located at the upper side is efficiently incident on the first opening 440Ac via the first condensing lens 452A. In addition, the emitted light from the second light emitting element 420B located at the lower side is efficiently incident on the second opening 440Bb via the second condensing lens 452B. The emitted light from the second light emitting element 420B located at the upper side is efficiently incident on the second opening 440Bd via the second condensing lens 452B.

[0283] By adopting the structure of this modified example, the amount of light incident on the first projection lens unit 432A through the two first openings 440Aa and 440Ac increases. Therefore, it is easy to ensure that the first image drawing light distribution patterns PAa2 and PAc2 (see FIG. 1 ) are formed in the long-distance area and the short-distance area. Fig. 20 , Fig.21 ) brightness. In addition, the amount of light incident on the second projection lens unit 432B via the two second openings 440Bb and 440Bd increases. Therefore, it is easy to ensure the brightness of the second light distribution patterns PAb2 and PAd2 formed in the medium distance area and the very close distance area.

[0284] Next, a second modified example of the above-described embodiment will be described.

[0285] Fig.25A as well as Fig.25B FIG. 2 shows the main parts of a drawing lamp 610 according to a second modification of the second embodiment. Fig.25A as well as Fig.25B Examples and Fig.24A as well as Fig. 24B A cross-sectional view of the same section.

[0286] like Fig.25A and Fig.25B As shown, the basic structure of this modification is the same as that of the first modification, but is different from the first modification in that a light guide 680 is arranged between the substrate 422 and the light shielding plate 440.

[0287] That is, in this modification, instead of the condenser lens assembly 450 of the first modification, a light guide 680 is disposed between the substrate 422 and the light shielding plate 440. The light guide 680 includes a plate-shaped portion 682 formed to extend along the rear surface of the light shielding plate 440, and four light guide portions 684Aa, 684Ac, 684Bb, and 684Bd formed to protrude from the rear surface of the plate-shaped portion 682 toward the rear of the lamp.

[0288] The four light guide portions 684Aa to 684Bd are formed at positions corresponding to the two first openings 440Aa and 440Ac and the two second openings 440Bb and 440Bd formed in the light shielding plate 440 .

[0289] Specifically, the light guide portion 684Aa is formed to widen from the first light emitting element 420A located at the lower side toward the first opening portion 440Aa. The light guide portion 684Aa has a trapezoidal vertical cross-sectional shape, and its rear end surface is located near the front of the first light emitting element 420A located at the lower side. In addition, the front end edge of the light guide portion 684Aa is connected to the plate-like portion 682 at a position surrounding the first opening portion 440Aa.

[0290] The light guide portion 684Ac is formed to become wider from the first light emitting element 420A located on the upper side toward the first opening portion 440Ac. The light guide portion 684Ac has a trapezoidal vertical cross-sectional shape, and its rear end surface is located near the front of the first light emitting element 420A located on the upper side. In addition, the front end edge of the light guide portion 684Ac is connected to the plate-like portion 682 at a position surrounding the first opening portion 440Ac.

[0291] The light guide portion 684Bb is formed to widen from the second light emitting element 420B located at the lower side toward the second opening portion 440Bb. The light guide portion 684Bb has a trapezoidal vertical cross-sectional shape, and its rear end surface is located near the front of the second light emitting element 420B located at the lower side. In addition, the front end edge of the light guide portion 684Bb is connected to the plate-like portion 282 at a position surrounding the second opening portion 440Bb.

[0292] The light guide portion 684Bd is formed to become wider from the second light emitting element 420B located on the upper side toward the second opening portion 440Bd. The light guide portion 684Bd has a trapezoidal vertical cross-sectional shape, and its rear end surface is located near the front of the second light emitting element 420B located on the upper side. In addition, the front end edge of the light guide portion 684Bd is connected to the plate-like portion 682 at a position surrounding the second opening portion 440Bd.

[0293] Thus, in this modified example, the emitted light from the first light emitting element 420A located at the lower side enters the light guide portion 684Aa from its rear end face and enters the first opening portion 440Aa directly or after being totally reflected by the peripheral wall surface of the light guide portion 684Aa. In addition, the emitted light from the first light emitting element 420A located at the upper side enters the light guide portion 684Ac from its rear end face and enters the first opening portion 440Ac directly or after being totally reflected by the peripheral wall surface of the light guide portion 684Ac.

[0294] Similarly, the emitted light from the second light emitting element 420B located at the lower side enters the light guide portion 684Bb from its rear end surface, and then enters the second opening portion 440Bb directly or after being totally reflected by the peripheral wall surface of the light guide portion 684Bb. In addition, the emitted light from the second light emitting element 420B located at the upper side enters the light guide portion 684Bd from its rear end surface, and then enters the second opening portion 440Bd directly or after being totally reflected by the peripheral wall surface of the light guide portion 684Bd.

[0295] By adopting the structure of this modification example, the following effects can be obtained.

[0296] That is, the light emitted from the first light emitting element 420A located at the lower side can be efficiently incident on the first opening 440Aa via the light guide portion 684Aa. In addition, the light emitted from the first light emitting element 420A located at the upper side can be efficiently incident on the first opening 440Ac via the light guide portion 684Ac.

[0297] Likewise, light emitted from the second light emitting element 420B located at the lower side can efficiently enter the second opening 440Bb via the light guide 684Bb, and light emitted from the second light emitting element 420B located at the upper side can efficiently enter the second opening 440Bd via the light guide 684Bd.

[0298] Therefore, in this modification, as in the case of the first modification, the amount of light incident on the first projection lens unit 432A and the second projection lens unit 432B can be increased. This makes it easy to ensure that the first image-drawing light distribution patterns PAa2 and PAc2 formed in the long-distance area and the short-distance area, the second image-drawing light distribution pattern PAb2 formed in the medium-distance area, and the second image-drawing light distribution pattern PAd2 formed in the very short-distance area (see FIG. Fig. 20 , Fig.21 ) brightness.

[0299] Moreover, in this modification, the emitted light from the first light emitting element 420A located at the lower side is not easy to be incident on the first opening portion 440Ac located at the upper side. In addition, the emitted light from the first light emitting element 420A located at the upper side is not easy to be incident on the first opening portion 440Aa located at the lower side. Similarly, the emitted light from the second light emitting element 420B located at the lower side is not easy to be incident on the second opening portion 440Bd located at the upper side. In addition, the emitted light from the second light emitting element 420B located at the upper side is not easy to be incident on the second opening portion 440Bb located at the lower side.

[0300] Therefore, by lighting the two first light emitting elements 420A and the two second light emitting elements 420B independently, four drawing light distribution patterns, namely the first drawing light distribution patterns PAa2 and PAc2 and the second drawing light distribution patterns PAb2 and PAd2, can be independently formed. Therefore, as the drawing light distribution pattern PA2, a mode in which the four drawing light distribution patterns, namely the first drawing light distribution patterns PAa2 and PAc2 and the second drawing light distribution patterns PAb2 and PAd2, are formed simultaneously or a mode in which the four drawing light distribution patterns, namely, the first drawing light distribution patterns PAa2 and PAc2 and the second drawing light distribution patterns PAb2 and PAd2, are formed separately can be selected.

[0301] The drawing lamp according to the second embodiment may be a lamp for vehicle mounting or a lamp for use other than vehicle mounting.

[0302] The light shielding plate may be configured to shield a part of the light from the light emitting element toward the projection lens between the light emitting element and the projection lens, and its specific arrangement is not particularly limited.

[0303] The specific arrangement of the first projection lens unit and the plurality of first openings and the arrangement of the second projection lens unit and the at least one second opening are not particularly limited as long as they are arranged in a row so as to alternately form “each of the plurality of first image-drawing light distribution patterns” and “each of the at least one second image-drawing light distribution pattern”.

[0304] For example, as a structure for achieving this purpose, the first projection lens unit and the second projection lens are configured in such a manner that the optical axis of the first projection lens unit is parallel to the optical axis of the second projection lens unit. The first projection lens unit and the second projection lens may also be configured such that the displacement of the plurality of first openings from the optical axis of the first projection lens unit and the displacement of at least one second opening from the optical axis of the second projection lens unit are set to different values ​​in a direction intersecting the desired direction. The first projection lens unit and the second projection lens may also be configured such that the displacement of the plurality of first openings from the optical axis of the first projection lens unit and the displacement of at least one second opening from the optical axis of the second projection lens unit are set to the same value in a direction intersecting the desired direction. The first projection lens unit and the second projection lens may also be configured such that the optical axis of the first projection lens unit and the optical axis of the second projection lens unit are arranged at different inclination angles in a direction intersecting the desired direction.

[0305] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described using the drawings.

[0306] (Third Embodiment)

[0307] Fig.26 2 is a front view of a drawing lamp 710 according to a third embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 27 yes Fig.26Cross-sectional view at line XXVII-XXVII. Fig.28 yes Fig.26 A cross-sectional view of the XXVIII-XXVIII line. And, Fig.29 It is an exploded perspective view of main components of an image drawing lamp 710 according to the third embodiment.

[0308] exist Figure 26 to Figure 29 In the figure, the direction indicated by X is the "front of the lamp", the direction indicated by Y is the "left direction" orthogonal to the "front of the lamp" (the "right direction" when observing the lamp from the front), and the direction indicated by Z is the "upward direction". Figure 26 to Figure 29 The same applies to other figures.

[0309] Before describing the specific structure of the image drawing lamp 710 according to the present embodiment, an overview thereof will be described.

[0310] Fig.30 It is a side view showing a state where the image drawing lamp 710 according to the third embodiment is mounted on a vehicle 800 . Fig.31 1 is a plan view showing a state where the image drawing lamp 710 according to the third embodiment is mounted on a vehicle 800. Fig.31 The drawing lamp 710 on the left is shown in a lit state.

[0311] like Fig.30 as well as Fig.31 As shown, the depiction lamp 710 is configured to irradiate light obliquely downward toward the outside in the vehicle width direction when mounted on the vehicle width direction side end of the front end of the vehicle 800. At this time, the depiction lamp 710 is lit synchronously with the lighting of the front turn signal lamp (not shown). Thus, the depiction lamp 710 is configured to form a depiction light distribution pattern PA3 on the road surface 702 in front of the vehicle.

[0312] like Fig.30 as well as Fig.31 As shown in FIG. 8 , when the drawing lamp 710 is mounted on the vehicle 800, the front face of the lamp is arranged to face in a direction inclined downward with respect to the front-rear direction of the vehicle. Figure 26 to Figure 29 As shown, when the image drawing lamp 710 is a single product, the front of the lamp is oriented in the horizontal direction.

[0313] Next, the specific structure of the image drawing lamp 710 will be described.

[0314] like Fig. 27 and Fig.28As shown, the image drawing lamp 710 is configured to irradiate light emitted from the light emitting element toward the front of the lamp via a projection lens 730. The image drawing lamp 710 includes three light emitting elements, namely, a first light emitting element 720A, a second light emitting element 720B, and a third light emitting element 720C.

[0315] The projection lens 730 includes a lens body portion 732 , an outer peripheral flange portion 734 , and a pair of left and right mounting flange portions 736 .

[0316] The lens body 732 is a plano-convex lens with a convex front surface 732a and has an optical axis Ax3 extending in the front-rear direction of the lamp. The lens body 732 has a rectangular (specifically, square) shape when the lamp is viewed from the front and is surrounded by a peripheral flange 734.

[0317] The peripheral flange portion 734 is formed to extend along the rear surface of the lens body portion 732. The left and right pair of mounting flange portions 736 are formed on the left and right sides of the peripheral flange portion 734 to extend toward the rear of the lamp in an L-shaped horizontal cross-sectional shape. The rear end surfaces of the left and right pair of mounting flange portions 736 are located on a vertical plane orthogonal to the front-rear direction of the lamp.

[0318] The first light emitting element 720A, the second light emitting element 720B, and the third light emitting element 720C are all white light emitting diodes, and have a rectangular (specifically, square) light emitting surface 720a.

[0319] The first to third light emitting elements 720A to 720C are mounted on a common substrate 722 and arranged behind the lens body 732. The substrate 722 is supported by a heat sink 760 and arranged to extend along a vertical plane orthogonal to the front-rear direction of the lamp.

[0320] A light shielding plate 740 is disposed between the first to third light emitting elements 720A to 720C and the projection lens 730 to shield a portion of light from the first to third light emitting elements 720A to 720C toward the lens body 732 of the projection lens 730. The light shielding plate 740 is formed of an opaque resin molded product.

[0321] The shading plate 740 includes: a main body 742, which is formed with a first opening portion 742Aa, a second opening portion 742Ba and a third opening portion 742Ca for allowing the emitted light from the first light-emitting element 720A, the second light-emitting element 720B and the third light-emitting element 720C to be incident on the lens main body 732; and a first cylindrical portion 744A, a second cylindrical portion 744B and a third cylindrical portion 744C, which extend in a cylindrical shape toward the rear of the lamp in a manner of surrounding the first opening portion 742Aa, the second opening portion 742Ba and the third opening portion 742Ca.

[0322] The main body 742 is formed to extend along a vertical plane orthogonal to the front-rear direction of the lamp. The circular area 742d centered on the optical axis Ax3 is formed so that the front surface of the circular area 742d extends along a concave surface (specifically, a meridional image plane) C3 including the rear focus F of the lens main body 732 of the projection lens 730.

[0323] The first opening 742Aa to the third opening 742Ca are formed at intervals in the vertical direction. The first opening 742Aa is located below the optical axis Ax3. The second opening 742Ba is located on the optical axis Ax3. The third opening 742Ca is located above the optical axis Ax3.

[0324] The first to third openings 742Aa to 742Ca are each formed in an opening shape in which the horizontal width is larger than the vertical width. Specifically, the first to third openings 742Aa to 742Ca are each formed in a V-shaped opening shape when the lamp is viewed from the front.

[0325] The first opening 742Aa, the second opening 742Ba, and the third opening 742Ca are formed so that the upper and lower widths of the openings gradually increase in sequence. The intervals in the upper and lower directions of the first opening 742Aa, the second opening 742Ba, and the third opening 742Ca are formed so that they gradually increase in this order. In addition, the first opening 742Aa to the third opening 742Ca are formed so that the inner peripheral edges of the left and right sides of each extend upward in a direction slightly expanded relative to the vertical direction. The first opening 742Aa to the third opening 742Ca are formed so that the inner peripheral edges of the left and right sides of each are located on a pair of the same imaginary straight lines on the left and right sides.

[0326] The first cylindrical portion 744A, the second cylindrical portion 744B, and the third cylindrical portion 744C are formed so that their inner peripheral surfaces 744Aa, 744Ba, and 744Ca extend coplanarly with the first opening 742Aa, the second opening 742Ba, and the third opening 742Ca. At this time, the inner peripheral surfaces 744Aa to 744Ca of the first cylindrical portion 744A to the third cylindrical portion 744C are formed as reflecting surfaces whose cross-sectional shapes become smaller toward the rear of the lamp. Specifically, the inner peripheral surfaces 744Aa to 744Ca of the first cylindrical portion 744A to the third cylindrical portion 744C are treated with a reflective surface such as vacuum deposition of aluminum.

[0327] The rear end openings 744Ab, 744Bb, and 744Cb of the first cylindrical portion 744A, the second cylindrical portion 744B, and the third cylindrical portion 744C are all formed into a V-shaped opening shape.

[0328] The light shielding plate 740 is positioned at both left and right end portions of the main body 742 so as to abut against the pair of left and right mounting flange portions 736 of the projection lens 730 from the rear side of the lamp.

[0329] The first light emitting element 720A, the second light emitting element 720B, and the third light emitting element 720C are arranged to be located on the rear side of the lamp with respect to the first cylindrical portion 744A, the second cylindrical portion 744B, and the third cylindrical portion 744C.

[0330] That is, the first light emitting element 720A is configured to face the rear end opening 744Ab of the first cylindrical portion 744A at a position lower than the optical axis Ax3. The second light emitting element 720B is configured to face the rear end opening 744Bb of the second cylindrical portion 744B on the optical axis Ax. The third light emitting element 720C is configured to face the rear end opening 744Cb of the third cylindrical portion 744C at a position higher than the optical axis Ax3.

[0331] like Fig. 27 and Fig.28As shown, the emitted light from the first light emitting element 720A, the second light emitting element 720B and the third light emitting element 720C enters the first cylindrical portion 744A, the second cylindrical portion 744B and the third cylindrical portion 744C from the rear end openings 744Ab, 744Bb and 744Cb thereof. The light entering the first cylindrical portion 744A, the second cylindrical portion 744B and the third cylindrical portion 744C is reflected by the inner peripheral surfaces 744Aa, 744Ba and 744Ca, and then guided to the first opening 742Aa, the second opening 742Ba and the third opening 742Ca of the main body 742, and then directly enters the lens main body 732 of the projection lens 730. The inner peripheral surfaces 744Aa to 744Ca of the first cylindrical portion 744A to the third cylindrical portion 744C are formed so that the cross-sectional shape becomes smaller as it goes to the rear of the lamp. Therefore, the light emitted from the first to third light emitting elements 720A to 720C is easily guided to the first to third openings 742Aa to 742Ca.

[0332] The first to third light emitting elements 720A to 720C are connected to an electronic control unit (not shown), and lighting and extinguishing of the electronic control unit are controlled according to the vehicle driving conditions and the like.

[0333] The radiator 760 comprises: a main body 762 extending along a vertical plane orthogonal to the front-rear direction of the lamp; a plurality of heat sinks 764 extending along the vertical plane from the main body 762 toward the rear of the lamp; and a pair of mounting flanges 766 formed on the left and right sides of the main body 762.

[0334] The substrate 722 is in surface contact with the main body 762 of the heat sink 760 , and is positioned and supported by being fastened at two locations on the diagonal line thereof with screws 752 .

[0335] The projection lens 730 and the light shielding plate 740 are positioned and supported by being fastened with screws 754 at two locations on the diagonal line of the projection lens 730 and the light shielding plate 740 in a state where the left and right mounting flanges 736 of the projection lens 730 and the left and right ends of the light shielding plate 740 overlap with the left and right mounting flanges 766 of the heat sink 760. Positioning pins 736a are formed on the left and right mounting flanges 736 of the projection lens 730, respectively, and pin insertion holes 742e and 766a for inserting the positioning pins 736a are formed on the left and right ends of the main body 742 of the light shielding plate 740 and the left and right mounting flanges 766 of the heat sink 760, respectively.

[0336] Next, Fig.30 and Fig.31 The depicted light distribution pattern PA3 will be described.

[0337] As described above, the image drawing light distribution pattern PA is formed by the irradiation light from the image drawing lamp 710. Fig.30 as well as Fig.31 As shown, the image drawing light distribution pattern PA is composed of three image drawing light distribution patterns: a first image drawing light distribution pattern PAa3, a second image drawing light distribution pattern PAb3, and a third image drawing light distribution pattern PAc3.

[0338] The first to third depicting light distribution patterns PAa3 to PAc3 are all inverted V-shaped (i.e., a shape that tapers toward the front of the lamp). The three first to third depicting light distribution patterns PAa3 to PAc3 are approximately the same size and are arranged in a row at approximately equal intervals in the long-distance area, the medium-distance area, and the short-distance area of ​​the road surface 702 in front of the vehicle.

[0339] The first depiction light distribution pattern PAa3 formed in the long-distance area is a light distribution pattern formed by irradiating the light emitted from the first light-emitting element 720A toward the front of the lamp through the projection lens 730. The second depiction light distribution pattern PAb formed in the medium-distance area is a light distribution pattern formed by irradiating the light emitted from the second light-emitting element 720B toward the front of the lamp through the projection lens 730. The third depiction light distribution pattern PAc formed in the short-distance area is a light distribution pattern formed by irradiating the light emitted from the third light-emitting element 720C toward the front of the lamp through the projection lens 730.

[0340] The first depiction light distribution pattern PAa3 is formed as a reverse projection image of the first opening 742Aa, and the first opening 742Aa is formed in a V-shaped opening shape formed in the main body 742 of the light shielding plate 740. The first opening 742Aa is located at a position below the optical axis Ax3 of the projection lens 730. Therefore, the emitted light from the first light emitting element 720A is irradiated toward the front of the lamp as light that is upward from the optical axis Ax3. As a result, the first depiction light distribution pattern PAa3 is formed in the long-distance area.

[0341] The second light distribution pattern PAb3 for depiction is formed as an inverted projection image of the second opening 742Ba, and the second opening 742Ba is formed in a V-shaped opening shape formed in the main body 742 of the light shielding plate 740. The second opening 742Ba is located on the optical axis Ax3 of the projection lens 730. Therefore, the emitted light from the second light emitting element 720B is irradiated toward the front of the lamp as light substantially parallel to the optical axis Ax3. Thus, the second light distribution pattern PAb3 for depiction is formed in the middle distance area.

[0342] The third depiction light distribution pattern PAc3 is formed as an inverted projection image of the third opening 742Ca, and the third opening 742Ca is formed in a V-shaped opening shape formed in the main body 742 of the light shielding plate 740. The third opening 742Ca is located above the optical axis Ax3 of the projection lens 730. Therefore, the emitted light from the third light emitting element 720C is irradiated toward the front of the lamp as light downward from the optical axis Ax3. Thus, the third depiction light distribution pattern PAc3 is formed in the short distance area.

[0343] At this time, the light emitted from the first to third light emitting elements 720A to 720C is efficiently guided to the first to third openings 742Aa to 742Ca by the first to third cylindrical portions 744A to 744C. Therefore, the brightness of the first to third image drawing light distribution patterns PAa3 to PAc3 is sufficiently ensured.

[0344] The upper and lower widths of the first opening 740Aa, the second opening 740Ba, and the third opening 740Ca are successively larger. In addition, the inner peripheral edges of the left and right sides of the first opening 740Aa, the second opening 740Ba, and the third opening 740Ca are formed to extend upward in a direction slightly expanded relative to the vertical direction. The inner peripheral edges of the right sides of the first opening 740Aa, the second opening 740Ba, and the third opening 740Ca are located on a pair of the same imaginary straight lines on the left and right. Therefore, the three depiction light distribution patterns of the first depiction light distribution pattern PAa3 to the third depiction light distribution pattern PAc3 are formed with approximately the same size.

[0345] Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described.

[0346] The drawing lamp 710 according to the present embodiment is configured to irradiate the light emitted from the first light emitting element 720A to the third light emitting element 720C toward the front of the lamp via the light shielding plate 740 and the projection lens 730, thereby forming a light distribution pattern PA for drawing. The light shielding plate 740 includes a main body 742 having first openings 742Aa to third openings 742Ca for allowing the light emitted from the first light emitting element 720A to the third light emitting element 720C to enter the projection lens 730, and first cylindrical portions 744A to third cylindrical portions 744C extending from the main body 742 in a cylindrical shape toward the rear of the lamp so as to surround the first openings 742Aa to the third openings 742Ca. The inner peripheral surfaces 744Aa to 744Ca of the first cylindrical portions 744A to the third cylindrical portions 744C are formed as reflecting surfaces whose cross-sectional shapes become smaller toward the rear of the lamp. The first to third light emitting elements 720A to 720C are arranged to be located behind the first to third cylindrical portions 744A to 744C of the lamp.

[0347] Light emitted from the first to third light emitting elements 720A to 720C and incident on the projection lens 730 via the first to third openings 742Aa to 742Ca of the light shielding plate 740 can form a drawing light distribution pattern PA consisting of first to third drawing light distribution patterns PAa3 to PAc3 which are respectively inverted projection images of the first to third openings 742Aa to 742Ca.

[0348] On this basis, the light shielding plate 740 is formed with first to third cylindrical portions 744A to 744C that protrude toward the rear of the lamp so as to surround the first to third openings 742Aa to 742Ca formed in the main body 742 thereof. The inner peripheral surfaces 744Aa to 744Ca of the first to third cylindrical portions 744A to 744C are formed as reflecting surfaces. Therefore, the emitted light from the first to third light emitting elements 720A to 720C can be guided to the first to third openings 742Aa to 742Ca directly or after being reflected on the inner peripheral surfaces 744Aa to 744Ca thereof. The inner peripheral surfaces 744Aa to 744Ca of the first to third cylindrical portions 744A to 744C are formed so that the cross-sectional shape becomes smaller as it goes toward the rear of the lamp. Therefore, it is easy to guide the emitted light from the first to third light emitting elements 720A to 720C to the first to third openings 742Aa to 742Ca and then enter the projection lens 730. Thus, the image drawing light distribution pattern PA3 can be efficiently formed.

[0349] As described above, according to the present embodiment, in the image drawing lamp 710 configured to form the image drawing light distribution pattern PA3, the image drawing light distribution pattern PA3 can be efficiently formed. This can improve the effect of alerting the surroundings.

[0350] The first to third openings 742Aa to 742Ca of the light shielding plate 740 are formed to have a greater width than the vertical width. The inner circumferential surfaces 744Aa to 744Ca of the first to third cylindrical portions 744A to 744C are formed to have a greater rate of decrease in width than the vertical width as they go toward the rear of the lamp.

[0351] The opening shapes of the first opening 742Aa to the third opening 742Ca are formed so that the left-right width is larger than the upper-lower width. The first to third drawing light distribution patterns PAa3 to PAc3 constituting the drawing light distribution pattern PA3 can be formed into horizontally long light distribution patterns that are easy to visually identify. This can improve the effect of alerting the surroundings.

[0352] Furthermore, the inner circumferential surfaces 744Aa to 744Ca of the first cylindrical portion 744A to the third cylindrical portion 744C are formed such that the rate of decrease of the left-right width is greater than the rate of decrease of the upper-lower width as it goes toward the rear of the lamp. Therefore, the emitted light from the first light emitting element 720A to the third light emitting element 720C after being reflected by the inner circumferential surfaces 744Aa to 744Ca is guided to the first opening 742Aa to the third opening 742Ca as light of substantially uniform brightness. Thus, the first to third depiction light distribution patterns PAa3 to PAc3 can be formed with substantially uniform brightness.

[0353] At this time, the first opening 742Aa to the third opening 742Ca are formed into a V-shaped opening shape. Therefore, the light emitted from the first light emitting element 720A to the third light emitting element 720C and passing through the first opening 742Aa to the third opening 742Ca forms an inverted V-shaped (i.e., a shape that becomes sharper toward the front of the lamp) first depiction light distribution pattern PAa3 to third depiction light distribution pattern PAc3 as a reverse projection image. This can further improve the effect of reminding the surroundings to pay attention.

[0354] Furthermore, a circular region 742d extending along the concave curved surface C3 including the rear focus F of the projection lens 730 is formed on the front surface of the main body 742 of the light shielding plate 740. Therefore, the first to third image drawing light distribution patterns PAa3 to PAc3 can be formed as light distribution patterns with clear outlines.

[0355] Furthermore, the light shielding plate 740 is provided with first to third openings 742Aa to 742Ca and first to third cylindrical portions 744A to 744C spaced apart in the vertical direction. The first to third light emitting elements 720A to 720C are respectively arranged for the first to third openings 742Aa to 742Ca and the first to third cylindrical portions 744A to 744C. Therefore, the three depiction light distribution patterns of the first to third depiction light distribution patterns PAa3 to PAc3 can be efficiently formed in a row. Thus, the effect of reminding the surroundings to pay attention can be further improved.

[0356] In this embodiment, the first to third openings 742Aa to 742Ca formed in the light shielding plate 740 are all formed in a V-shaped opening shape. However, the first to third openings 742Aa to 742Ca may be formed in other opening shapes (eg, a downward arrow, an inverted trapezoid, etc.).

[0357] In this embodiment, the inner peripheral surfaces 744Aa to 744Ca of the first cylindrical portion 744A to the third cylindrical portion 744C formed on the light shielding plate 740 are subjected to reflection processing, thereby forming the inner peripheral surfaces 744Aa to 744Ca as reflective surfaces. However, the inner peripheral surfaces 744Aa to 744Ca may also be formed as reflective surfaces by forming the light shielding plate 740 from a white resin molded product with a high surface reflectivity.

[0358] In this embodiment, the case where the light emitting color of the first light emitting element 720A to the third light emitting element 720C is white is described, but other light emitting colors (for example, amber, red, etc.) may be used.

[0359] In the present embodiment, the drawing lamp 710 is mounted on the vehicle width direction side end portion of the front end portion of the vehicle 800 , but may be mounted on the rear end portion, the side portion, or the like of the vehicle 800 .

[0360] In this embodiment, the image drawing light distribution pattern PA is formed on the road surface 702 in front of the vehicle by the irradiation light from the image drawing lamp 710. However, the image drawing light distribution pattern PA may be formed on a wall surface arranged in front of the lamp or a wall surface extending forward of the lamp.

[0361] Next, a modification of the third embodiment will be described.

[0362] Fig.32 It is a front view of a drawing lamp 810 according to a modified example of the third embodiment. Fig.32 It is from Fig.26 The drawing lamp 810 is viewed from the same direction. Fig.33 It is a cross-sectional view of a drawing lamp 810 according to a modified example of the third embodiment. Fig.33 It is from Fig.28 The drawing lamp 810 is viewed from the same direction.

[0363] like Fig.32 and Fig.33 As shown, the basic structure of this modification is the same as that of the third embodiment, but the structure of the light shielding plate 840 is partially different from that of the third embodiment. Accordingly, the arrangement of the first to third light emitting elements 720A to 720C is partially different from that of the third embodiment.

[0364] The shapes and configurations of the first opening 842Aa, the second opening 842Ba, and the third opening 842Ca formed on the main body 842 of the light shielding plate 840 of this modified example are also the same as those of the third embodiment. However, the first cylindrical portion 844A, the second cylindrical portion 844B, and the third cylindrical portion 844C are formed to extend toward the rear of the lamp at different inclination angles relative to the up and down directions, which is different from the third embodiment.

[0365] Specifically, the shape of the second cylindrical portion 844B is the same as the second cylindrical portion 744B of the third embodiment. However, the first cylindrical portion 844A is formed to extend downward toward the rear of the lamp compared to the first cylindrical portion 744A of the third embodiment. The third cylindrical portion 844C is formed to extend upward toward the rear of the lamp compared to the third cylindrical portion 744C of the third embodiment.

[0366] In the present modification, the light shielding plate 840 is formed by stacking three light shielding plate components 840A, 840B, and 840C in the vertical direction.

[0367] That is, the shading plate 840 of this modified example is formed by dividing the main body 842 into three shading plate components 840A, 840B, and 840C with the lower end position of the first opening 842Aa and the upper end position of the third opening 842Ca as boundaries. At this time, the shading plate component 840A located at the lowermost side is formed into a substantially U-shape. The shading plate components 840B and 840C are supported so as to be embedded in the shading plate component 840A from the upper side.

[0368] In addition, the cross-sectional shapes of the inner circumferential surfaces 844Aa, 844Ba, and 844Ca of the first cylindrical portion 844A, the second cylindrical portion 844B, and the third cylindrical portion 844C are the same as those of the third embodiment. The shapes of the rear end openings 844Ab, 844Bb, and 844Cb of the first cylindrical portion 844A, the second cylindrical portion 844B, and the third cylindrical portion 844C are also the same as those of the third embodiment. Furthermore, the circular region 842d of the main body 842 is also formed to extend along the concave curved surface C3 that is the same as that of the third embodiment.

[0369] In addition, in this modification, the first light emitting element 720A, the second light emitting element 720B, and the third light emitting element 720C are also arranged to be located behind the lamp of the first cylindrical portion 844A, the second cylindrical portion 844B, and the third cylindrical portion 844C. The first cylindrical portion 844A to the third cylindrical portion 844C are formed to extend toward the rear of the lamp at different vertical inclination angles. The first light emitting element 720A is slightly displaced to the upper side than in the case of the third embodiment. The third light emitting element 720C is slightly displaced to the lower side than in the case of the third embodiment.

[0370] By adopting the structure of this modified example, the light emitted from the first to third light emitting elements 720A to 720C after being emitted from the first to third openings 842Aa to 842Ca via the first to third cylindrical portions 844A to 844C is easily incident on the central area close to the optical axis Ax3 of the projection lens 730. As a result, the accuracy of the deflection control of the projection lens 730 is improved.

[0371] In addition, as in this modification, by stacking three light shielding plate components 840A, 840B, and 840C in the up-down direction as the structure of the light shielding plate 840, the degree of freedom of the shapes of the first to third cylindrical portions 844A to 844C can be increased.

[0372] Specifically, in the light shielding plate 840 of the present modification, the first to third cylindrical portions 844A to 844C extend toward the rear of the lamp at different inclination angles with respect to the up-down direction.

[0373] That is, when the light shielding plate 840 of this modification is formed as a single component, an undercut occurs, which makes it difficult to realize.

[0374] On the other hand, the light shielding plate 840 can be easily formed individually by stacking the three light shielding plate components 840A to 840C, thereby increasing the degree of freedom in the shapes of the first cylindrical portion 844A to the third cylindrical portion 844C.

[0375] The drawing lamp according to the third embodiment may be a lamp for vehicle mounting or a lamp for use other than vehicle mounting.

[0376] The light shielding plate may be configured to shield a part of the light from the light emitting element toward the projection lens between the light emitting element and the projection lens, and its specific arrangement is not particularly limited.

[0377] The opening portion may be formed so as to allow light emitted from the light emitting element to enter the projection lens, and its specific arrangement and opening shape are not particularly limited.

[0378] The cylindrical portion extends in a cylindrical shape from the main body toward the rear of the lamp so as to surround the opening portion thereof. However, in this case, it is not necessary to form the cylindrical portion so as to surround the opening portion over the entire circumference.

[0379] The inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion can be formed into a reflecting surface that becomes smaller towards the rear of the lamp as long as its cross-sectional shape is formed, and its specific inner peripheral surface shape is not particularly limited. In addition, the reflecting surface of the inner peripheral surface can be formed by implementing the reflecting surface processing, and can also be formed by the high surface of reflectivity such as the smooth surface of white.

[0380] In addition, the numerical values ​​shown as specifications in the first to third embodiments and their modified examples are merely examples, and it is apparent that they may be set to different values ​​as appropriate.

[0381] In addition, the present invention is not limited to the configurations described in the first to third embodiments and their modified examples, and can employ configurations to which various other modifications are added.

[0382] This application appropriately refers to the contents disclosed in the Japanese patent application (Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-150309) filed on September 21, 2022, the Japanese patent application (Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-150310) filed on September 21, 2022, and the Japanese patent application (Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-182184) filed on November 14, 2022.

Claims

1. A lamp for drawing, characterized in that: The image drawing lamp is configured to irradiate light emitted from the light emitting element toward the front of the lamp via a projection lens, thereby forming a light distribution pattern for image drawing. A light shielding plate is arranged between the light emitting element and the projection lens, and the light shielding plate is used to shield a part of the light from the light emitting element toward the projection lens. The light shielding plate has an opening formed therein, and the opening is formed in a V-shaped opening shape. A condenser lens is arranged between the light emitting element and the light shielding plate, and the condenser lens is used to condense the light emitted from the light emitting element toward the opening. The condenser lens is formed to extend in a V-shape so as to overlap with the opening when the lamp is viewed from the front.

2. The drawing lamp according to claim 1, characterized in that: The light emitting element has a rectangular light emitting surface, and the light emitting surface is configured to appear as a rhombus when the lamp is observed from the front.

3. The drawing lamp according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The light emitting elements are arranged in a V-shaped configuration at three locations.

4. The drawing lamp according to claim 3, characterized in that: The condenser lens is configured to emit the light emitted from the light emitting elements arranged at the three locations in directions approaching each other.

5. The drawing lamp according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The openings are formed at a plurality of locations at intervals in the up-down direction.

6. A lamp for drawing, characterized in that: The image drawing lamp is configured to irradiate light emitted from the light emitting element toward the front of the lamp via a projection lens, thereby forming an image drawing light distribution pattern. A shading plate is arranged between the light emitting element and the projection lens, and the shading plate is used to shield a part of the light from the light emitting element toward the projection lens; The projection lens is configured such that a first projection lens unit and a second projection lens unit are arranged in a desired direction intersecting with the front-rear direction of the lamp. A plurality of openings are formed in the light shielding plate. The shading plate includes a plurality of first openings and at least one second opening as the plurality of openings, the plurality of first openings being arranged at intervals on the rear side of the lamp of the first projection lens unit in a direction intersecting the desired direction; and at least one second opening being arranged on the rear side of the lamp of the second projection lens unit. A first light emitting element and a second light emitting element are provided as the light emitting element, wherein the first light emitting element is arranged at the rear side of the lamp of the plurality of the first openings, and the second light emitting element is arranged at the rear side of the lamp of at least one of the second openings, The arrangement of the first projection lens unit and the plurality of first openings and the arrangement of the second projection lens unit and the at least one second opening are set so that each of the plurality of first light distribution patterns for depiction and each of the at least one second light distribution pattern for depiction are alternately formed in an arrangement arranged in a row, the plurality of first light distribution patterns for depiction are formed by the emitted light from the first light emitting element incident on the first projection lens unit via the plurality of first openings, and the at least one second light distribution pattern for depiction is formed by the emitted light from the second light emitting element incident on the second projection lens unit via the at least one second opening.

7. The drawing lamp according to claim 6, characterized in that: A direction intersecting the desired direction is set as the up-down direction.

8. The drawing lamp according to claim 7, characterized in that: The plurality of first openings and the at least one second opening are each formed in a V-shaped opening shape.

9. The drawing lamp according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that: A first condenser lens is disposed between the first light emitting element and the light shielding plate, and the first condenser lens is used to condense the light emitted from the first light emitting element toward the plurality of first openings. A second condenser lens is disposed between the second light emitting element and the light shielding plate, and the second condenser lens is configured to condense light emitted from the second light emitting element toward at least one of the second openings.

10. The drawing lamp according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that: The first light emitting elements are respectively arranged at positions corresponding to each of the plurality of first openings. The second light emitting elements are respectively arranged at positions corresponding to at least one of the second openings.

11. A lamp for drawing, characterized in that: The image drawing lamp is configured to irradiate light emitted from the light emitting element toward the front of the lamp via a projection lens, thereby forming an image drawing light distribution pattern. A shading plate is arranged between the light emitting element and the projection lens, and the shading plate is used to shield a part of the light from the light emitting element toward the projection lens; The shading plate comprises: a main body portion, the main body portion being formed with an opening portion for allowing the emitted light from the light emitting element to be incident on the projection lens; and a cylindrical portion, the cylindrical portion extending in a cylindrical shape from the main body portion toward the rear of the lamp in a manner surrounding the opening portion. The inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion is formed as a reflective surface whose cross-sectional shape becomes smaller as it moves toward the rear of the lamp. The light emitting element is configured to be located behind the lamp of the cylindrical portion.

12. The drawing lamp according to claim 11, characterized in that: The opening is formed in an opening shape with a left-right width greater than a top-bottom width. The inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion is formed so that the rate of decrease in the left-right width is greater than the rate of decrease in the top-bottom width as it goes toward the rear of the lamp.

13. The drawing lamp according to claim 12, characterized in that: The opening is formed in a V-shaped opening shape.

14. The drawing lamp according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that: The light shielding plate is formed such that the front surface of the main body portion extends along a concave curved surface including a rear focus of the projection lens.

15. The drawing lamp according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that: The light shielding plate is configured such that the opening and the cylindrical portion are formed at a plurality of locations spaced apart in the up-down direction. The light emitting element is disposed at each of the plurality of locations.

16. The drawing lamp according to claim 15, characterized in that: The cylindrical portion is formed so as to extend toward the rear of the lamp at different vertical inclination angles at each of the plurality of locations.

17. The drawing lamp according to claim 15, characterized in that: The light shielding plate has a structure in which a plurality of light shielding plate components are stacked in a vertical direction.

Images