Drawing lamp

Abstract

A drawing lamp is configured to form a drawing light distribution pattern (PA) by delivering emission light from a first light emitting element (20A) toward a lamp front side via a projection lens (30). A light shielding plate (40) configured to shield a part of light from the first light emitting element (20A) toward the projection lens (30) is disposed between the first light emitting element (20A) and the projection lens (30). The light shielding plate (40) has a first opening portion (40Aa) having a V-shaped opening shape. A first condenser lens (52A) configured to condense the emission light from the first light emitting element (20A) toward the first opening portion (40Aa) is disposed between the first light emitting element (20A) and the light shielding plate (40). The first condenser lens (52A) extends to have a V shape to satisfy a positional relationship in which the first condenser lens (52A) overlaps the first opening portion (40Aa) in a front view of the drawing lamp.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a drawing lamp that forms a drawing light distribution pattern.BACKGROUND ART

[0002] In the related art, as a drawing lamp for forming a drawing light distribution pattern (that is, a light distribution pattern for drawing characters, symbols, or the like on a road surface or the like in front of the lamp), a drawing lamp that delivers emission light from a light emitting element toward a lamp front side via a projection lens is known.

[0003] In such a drawing lamp, a light shielding plate for shielding a part of light from the light emitting element toward the projection lens is disposed between the light emitting element and the projection lens, and a drawing light distribution pattern is formed by projecting an opening shape of an opening portion formed in the light shielding plate with the projection lens.

[0004] Patent Literature 1 describes a configuration of a light shielding plate in an on-vehicle drawing lamp in which an opening portion having a V-shaped opening shape is formed.

[0005] In addition, Patent Literature 2 describes a configuration of a light shielding plate in an on-vehicle drawing lamp in which a plurality of opening portions are formed at a plurality of positions at intervals in an up-down direction.

[0006] Further, in an on-vehicle drawing lamp described in Patent Literature 3, a light shielding plate for shielding a part of light from a light emitting element toward a projection lens is disposed between the light emitting element and the projection lens, and a drawing light distribution pattern is formed on a road surface in front of the lamp by projecting an opening shape of an opening portion formed in the light shielding plate with the projection lens.CITATION LISTPATENT LITERATURE

[0007] Patent Literature 1: WO2021 / 140932A1 Patent Literature 2: WO2022 / 019231A1 Patent Literature 3: JP2022-060057A SUMMARY OF INVENTIONTECHNICAL PROBLEM

[0008] By forming the drawing light distribution pattern using irradiation light from the on-vehicle drawing lamp, it is possible to indicate the intention of the own vehicle to the surroundings when the vehicle is traveling at night, and thus it is possible to call attention to other vehicles, walkers, or the like.

[0009] At this time, as in the drawing lamp described in Patent Literature 1, if the opening portion formed in the light shielding plate is set to have a V-shaped opening shape, an inverted V-shaped (that is, a shape pointed toward a lamp front side) drawing light distribution pattern is formed, and thus it is possible to enhance an attention calling effect on the surroundings. However, when the opening portion has a V-shaped opening shape, it is not easy to form the entire drawing light distribution pattern with uniform brightness.

[0010] On the other hand, as in the drawing lamp described in Patent Literature 1, if a condenser lens is disposed between the light emitting element and the light shielding plate to condense the emission light from the light emitting element toward the opening portion, it is possible to make the brightness of the drawing light distribution pattern uniform.

[0011] However, in the drawing lamp described in Patent Literature 1, in order to condense the emission light from the light emitting element toward the opening portion having a V-shaped opening shape, the condenser lens has to be large.

[0012] A first object of the present disclosure is to provide a drawing lamp that forms a drawing light distribution pattern and can efficiently form an inverted V-shaped drawing light distribution pattern.

[0013] As in the drawing lamp described in Patent Literature 2, if the plurality of opening portions are formed in the light shielding plate at intervals in the up-down direction, drawing light distribution patterns are formed in a state of being arranged in series toward the lamp front side, and thus it is possible to enhance the attention calling effect on the surroundings.

[0014] However, when such a configuration is adopted, an up-down width of a portion between the opening portions as a configuration of the light shielding plate is narrowed, and a rigidity thereof is likely to decrease, and thus it is difficult to maintain a desired opening shape, and it is difficult to form a plurality of drawing light distribution patterns in series in a state of being close to each other.

[0015] A second object of the present disclosure is to provide a drawing lamp that forms a drawing light distribution pattern and can form a plurality of drawing light distribution patterns in series in a state of being close to each other.

[0016] As in the drawing lamp described in Patent Literature 1, if the condenser lens is disposed between the light emitting element and the light shielding plate, the emission light from the light emitting element can be efficiently incident on the projection lens.

[0017] However, even in the case in which the drawing lamp includes such a condenser lens, it is not necessarily easy to cause the emission light from the light emitting element to be efficiently incident on the opening portion formed in the light shielding plate, and thus it is not easy to efficiently form the drawing light distribution pattern.

[0018] Such a problem may also occur in a drawing lamp other than the on-vehicle drawing lamp.

[0019] A third object of the present disclosure is to provide a drawing lamp that forms a drawing light distribution pattern and can efficiently form a drawing light distribution pattern.SOLUTION TO PROBLEM

[0020] A drawing lamp according to a first aspect of the present disclosure is a drawing lamp configured to form a drawing light distribution pattern by delivering emission light from a light emitting element toward a lamp front side via a projection lens, in which: a light shielding plate configured to shield a part of light from the light emitting element toward the projection lens is disposed between the light emitting element and the projection lens; the light shielding plate has an opening portion having a V-shaped opening shape; a condenser lens configured to condense the emission light from the light emitting element toward the opening portion is disposed between the light emitting element and the light shielding plate; and the condenser lens extends to have a V shape to satisfy a positional relationship in which the condenser lens overlaps the opening portion in a front view of the drawing lamp.

[0021] A drawing lamp according to a second aspect of the present disclosure is a drawing lamp configured to form a drawing light distribution pattern by delivering emission light from a light emitting element toward a lamp front side via a projection lens, in which: a light shielding plate configured to shield a part of light from the light emitting element toward the projection lens is disposed between the light emitting element and the projection lens; the projection lens has a configuration in which a first projection lens portion and a second projection lens portion are arranged side by side in a required direction intersecting a front-rear direction of the lamp; the light shielding plate has a plurality of opening portions; the light shielding plate has, as the plurality of opening portions, a plurality of first opening portions arranged at intervals in a direction intersecting the required direction on a lamp rear side of the first projection lens portion, and at least one second opening portion arranged on the lamp rear side of the second projection lens portion; the drawing lamp includes, as the light emitting element, a first light emitting element arranged on the lamp rear side of the plurality of first opening portions and a second light emitting element arranged on the lamp rear side of the at least one second opening portion; and an arrangement of the first projection lens portion and the plurality of first opening portions, and an arrangement of the second projection lens portion and the at least one second opening portion are set such that each of a plurality of first drawing light distribution patterns to be formed by emission light from the first light emitting element incident on the first projection lens portion through the plurality of first opening portions and each of at least one second drawing light distribution pattern to be formed by emission light from the second light emitting element incident on the second projection lens portion through the at least one second opening portion are alternately formed in a series arrangement.

[0022] A drawing lamp according to a third aspect of the present disclosure is a drawing lamp configured to form a drawing light distribution pattern by delivering emission light from a light emitting element toward a lamp front side via a projection lens, in which: a light shielding plate configured to shield a part of light from the light emitting element toward the projection lens is disposed between the light emitting element and the projection lens; the light shielding plate includes a body portion in which an opening portion for causing the emission light from the light emitting element to be incident on the projection lens is formed, and a tubular portion extending in a tubular shape from the body portion toward a lamp rear side so as to surround the opening portion; an inner peripheral surface of the tubular portion is formed as a reflection surface such that a cross-sectional shape of the inner peripheral surface decreases toward the lamp rear side; and the light emitting element is located at the lamp rear side of the tubular portion. ADVANTAGEOUS EFFECTS OF INVENTION

[0023] The drawing lamp according to the first aspect of the present disclosure forms a drawing light distribution pattern by delivering the emission light from the light emitting element toward the front lamp side via the projection lens. The light shielding plate that shields a part of the light from the light emitting element toward the projection lens is disposed between the first light emitting element and the projection lens. Since the light shielding plate has the opening portion having a V-shaped opening shape, an inverted V-shaped drawing light distribution pattern is formed as a reverse projection image, and thus the attention calling effect on the surroundings can be enhanced.

[0024] In addition, a condenser lens that condenses the emission light from the light emitting element toward the opening portion is disposed between the light emitting element and the light shielding plate. In addition, the condenser lens extends to have a V shape to satisfy a positional relationship in which the condenser lens overlaps the opening portion in a front view of the drawing lamp. Therefore, the emission light from the light emitting element can be efficiently incident on the opening portion without increasing a size of the condenser lens, and thus the entire drawing light distribution pattern can be formed with substantially uniform brightness.

[0025] In this way, according to the present disclosure, the drawing lamp that forms the drawing light distribution pattern can efficiently form the inverted V-shaped drawing light distribution pattern.

[0026] The drawing lamp according to the second aspect of the present disclosure forms a drawing light distribution pattern by delivering the emission light from the light emitting element toward the lamp front side via the light shielding plate and the projection lens. The projection lens has first and second projection lens portions arranged side by side in a required direction intersecting a front-rear direction of the lamp. The light shielding plate has a plurality of first opening portions formed at intervals in a direction intersecting the required direction on the lamp rear side of the first projection lens portion. The light shielding plate has at least one second opening portion arranged on the lamp rear side of the second projection lens portion. Further, the light emitting element includes the first light emitting element arranged on the lamp rear side of the first opening portions and a second light emitting element arranged on the lamp rear side of the at least one second opening portion.

[0027] Therefore, a plurality of first drawing light distribution patterns can be formed as reverse projection images of the plurality of first opening portions by the emission light from the first light emitting element incident on the first projection lens portion through the plurality of first opening portions. In addition, the at least one second drawing light distribution pattern can be formed as a reverse projection image of the at least one second opening portion by the emission light from the second light emitting element incident on the second projection lens portion through the at least one second opening portion. Accordingly, it is possible to call attention to other vehicles, walkers, or the like.

[0028] Further, an arrangement of the first projection lens portion and the plurality of first opening portions and an arrangement of the second projection lens portion and the at least one second opening portion are set such that each of the plurality of first drawing light distribution patterns and each of the at least one second drawing light distribution pattern are alternately formed in a series arrangement.

[0029] Therefore, the plurality of first opening portions are formed on the lamp rear side of the first projection lens portion, and at least one second opening portion is formed on the lamp rear side of the second projection lens portion. Therefore, it is not necessary to extremely narrow an interval between the plurality of first opening portions and an interval between the at least one second opening portion.

[0030] Therefore, even when the light shielding plate is provided, a rigidity of a portion located between the plurality of first opening portions and a rigidity of a portion located between the at least one second opening portion are less likely to decrease. Accordingly, a plurality of drawing light distribution patterns can be formed in series in a state of being close to each other.

[0031] In this way, according to the present disclosure, the drawing lamp that forms the drawing light distribution pattern can form the plurality of drawing light distribution patterns in series in a state of being close to each other. Accordingly, it is possible to form a drawing light distribution pattern having an excellent attention calling function to the surroundings.

[0032] In the drawing lamp according to the third aspect of the present disclosure, the drawing light distribution pattern can be formed as the reverse projection image of the opening portion by causing the emission light from the light emitting element to be incident on the projection lens through the opening portion of the light shielding plate.

[0033] In addition, the light shielding plate is provided with a tubular portion protruding toward the lamp rear side so as to surround the opening portion formed in the body portion. The inner peripheral surface of the tubular portion is formed as a reflection surface, and thus the emission light from the light emitting element can be guided to the opening portion directly or after being reflected by the inner peripheral surface. The inner peripheral surface of the tubular portion is formed such that a cross-sectional shape decreases toward the lamp rear side, and thus the emission light from the light emitting element can be efficiently guided to the opening portion and then incident on the projection lens. Accordingly, the drawing light distribution pattern can be efficiently formed.

[0034] In this way, according to the present disclosure, the drawing lamp that forms the drawing light distribution pattern can efficiently form the drawing light distribution pattern. Accordingly, the attention calling effect on the surroundings can be enhanced.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0035] [FIG. 1] FIG. 1 is a front view illustrating a drawing lamp according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. [FIG. 2] FIG. 2 is a plan view illustrating the drawing lamp according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [FIG. 3] FIG. 3 is a side view illustrating the drawing lamp according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [FIG. 4] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of main components of the drawing lamp according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [FIG. 5] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along a line V-V in FIG. 1. [FIG. 6] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along a line VI-VI in FIG. 1. [FIG. 7] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along a line VII-VII in FIG. 1. [FIG. 8] FIG. 8 is a side view illustrating a state in which drawing lamps according to the first embodiment are mounted on a vehicle. [FIG. 9] FIG. 9 is a plan view illustrating a state in which the drawing lamps according to the first embodiment are mounted on the vehicle. [FIG. 10] FIG. 10 is a front view illustrating a drawing lamp according to a first modification of the first embodiment. [FIG. 11] FIG. 11 is a front view illustrating a drawing lamp according to a second modification of the first embodiment. [FIG. 12] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along a line XII-XII in FIG. 11. [FIG. 13] FIG. 13 is a front view illustrating a drawing lamp according to a third modification of the first embodiment. [FIG. 14] FIG. 14 is a front view illustrating a drawing lamp according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. [FIG. 15] FIG. 15 is a plan view illustrating the drawing lamp according to the second embodiment. [FIG. 16] FIG. 16 is a side view illustrating the drawing lamp according to the second embodiment. [FIG. 17] FIG. 17 is an exploded perspective view of main components of the drawing lamp according to the second embodiment. [FIG. 18] FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view taken along a line XVIII-XVIII in FIG. 14. [FIG. 19] FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view taken along a line XIX-XIX in FIG. 14. [FIG. 20] FIG. 20 is a side view illustrating a state in which drawing lamps according to the first embodiment are mounted on a vehicle. [FIG. 21] FIG. 21 is a plan view illustrating a state in which the drawing lamps according to the first embodiment are mounted on the vehicle. [FIG. 22A] FIG. 22A is a front view of the drawing lamp according to the second embodiment. [FIG. 22B] FIG. 22B is a front view illustrating a drawing lamp according to a comparative example. [FIG. 23] FIG. 23 is a front view illustrating a main part of a drawing lamp according to a first modification of the second embodiment. [FIG. 24A] FIG. 24A is a cross-sectional view taken along a line XXIVa-XXIVa in FIG. 23. [FIG. 24B] FIG. 24B is a cross-sectional view taken along a line XXIVb-XXIVb in FIG. 23. [FIG. 25A] FIG. 25A is a cross-sectional view of a drawing lamp according to a second modification of the second embodiment. [FIG. 25B] FIG. 25B is a cross-sectional view of the drawing lamp according to the second modification of the second embodiment. [FIG. 26] FIG. 26 is a front view illustrating a drawing lamp according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure. [FIG. 27] FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view taken along a line XXVII-XXVII in FIG. 26. [FIG. 28] FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional view taken along a line XXVIII-XXVIII in FIG. 26. [FIG. 29] FIG. 29 is an exploded perspective view of main components of the drawing lamp according to the third embodiment. [FIG. 30] FIG. 30 is a side view illustrating a state in which drawing lamps according to the third embodiment are mounted on a vehicle. [FIG. 31] FIG. 31 is a plan view illustrating a state in which the drawing lamps according to the third embodiment are mounted on the vehicle. [FIG. 32] FIG. 32 is a front view of a drawing lamp according to a modification of the third embodiment. [FIG. 33] FIG. 33 is a cross-sectional view of the drawing lamp according to the modification of the third embodiment. DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS(First Embodiment)

[0036] Hereinafter, a drawing lamp according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0037] FIG. 1 is a front view illustrating a drawing lamp 10 according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a plan view illustrating the drawing lamp 10 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a side view illustrating the drawing lamp 10 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of main components of the drawing lamp 10 according to the first embodiment.

[0038] In FIGS. 1 to 4, a direction indicated by X is "the lamp front side", a direction indicated by Y is a "left direction" (a "right direction" in a front view of the lamp) orthogonal to "the lamp front side", and a direction indicated by Z is an "upward direction". The same applies to figures other than FIGS. 1 to 4.

[0039] Before a specific configuration of the drawing lamp 10 according to the present embodiment is described, an outline thereof will be described.

[0040] FIG. 8 is a side view illustrating a state in which the drawing lamps 10 are mounted on a vehicle 100. FIG. 9 is a plan view illustrating a state in which the drawing lamps 10 are mounted on the vehicle 100. FIG. 9 illustrates a state in which the left drawing lamp 10 is turned on.

[0041] As illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9, the drawing lamp 10 delivers light obliquely downward toward the outside in a vehicle width direction in a state of being mounted on an end portion on a vehicle width direction side in a front end portion of the vehicle 100. The drawing lamp 10 is turned on in synchronization with turning on of a front turn signal lamp (not illustrated). Accordingly, the drawing lamp 10 forms a drawing light distribution pattern PA on a road surface 2 in front of the vehicle.

[0042] As illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9, in the state in which the drawing lamps 10 are mounted on the vehicle 100, a front surface of the lamp faces a direction inclined obliquely downward with respect to a front-rear direction of the vehicle. However, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 4, when the drawing lamp 10 is in a single state, the front surface of the lamp is oriented in a horizontal direction.

[0043] Next, a specific configuration of the drawing lamp 10 will be described.

[0044] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along a line V-V in FIG. 1. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along a line VI-VI in FIG. 1. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along a line VII-VII in FIG. 1.

[0045] As illustrated in FIGS. 5 to 7, the drawing lamp 10 delivers emission light from a light emitting element toward the lamp front side via a projection lens 30. The drawing lamp 10 includes three light emitting elements, that is, a first light emitting element 20A, a second light emitting element 20B, and a third light emitting element 20C.

[0046] The projection lens 30 has a configuration in which three projection lens portions, that is, a first projection lens portion 32A, a second projection lens portion 32B, and a third projection lens portion 32C are integrally formed in a state of being arranged side by side in a left-right direction. At this time, the first projection lens portion 32A, the second projection lens portion 32B, and the third projection lens portion 32C are formed such that respective optical axes Axa, Axb, and Axc extend in a front-rear direction of the lamp at the same height position.

[0047] The first projection lens portion 32A located on a right side (left side in the front view of the lamp) is a projection lens portion for long-distance drawing. The second projection lens portion 32B located at the center is a projection lens portion for short-distance drawing. The second projection lens portion 32B located on a left side is a projection lens portion for close-distance drawing.

[0048] The first projection lens portion 32A, the second projection lens portion 32B, and the third projection lens portion 32C are plano-convex lenses in which respective front surfaces 32Aa, 32Ba, and 32Ca are implemented by convex curved surfaces, and each have a rectangular outer shape in the front view of the lamp. The first projection lens portion 32A to the third projection lens portion 32C are integrally formed in a state in which respective lens effective surfaces (that is, the front surfaces 32Aa to 32Ca performing a lens function) are adjacent to one another.

[0049] Specifically, the first projection lens portion 32A to the third projection lens portion 32C have the same up-down width, and a left-right width of the first projection lens portion 32A is larger than those of the second projection lens portion 32B and the third projection lens portion 32C. That is, the first projection lens portion 32A has a substantially square outer shape in the front view of the lamp, and the second projection lens portion 32B and the third projection lens portion 32C each have a vertically long rectangular outer shape in the front view of the lamp.

[0050] The first projection lens portion 32A to the third projection lens portion 32C are disposed in this order in a state of being displaced in a stepped manner toward a rear side. At this time, the first projection lens portion 32A to the third projection lens portion 32C are configured such that respective rear focal points Fa, Fb, and Fc of the first projection lens portion 32A, the second projection lens portion 32B, and the third projection lens portion 32C are at the same position in the front-rear direction of the lamp.

[0051] The first projection lens portion 32A to the third projection lens portion 32C are surrounded by an outer peripheral flange portion 34 extending in a stepped manner along respective rear surfaces thereof. A pair of mounting flange portions 36 are formed on both left and right sides of the outer peripheral flange portion 34. The pair of left and right mounting flange portions 36 have L-shaped horizontal cross-sectional shapes having different lengths in the front-rear direction of the lamp. Rear end surfaces of the pair of left and right mounting flange portions 36 are located on the same plane orthogonal to the front-rear direction of the lamp.

[0052] The first light emitting element 20A to the third light emitting element 20C are all white light emitting diodes and each have a rectangular (specifically, square) light emitting surface 20a.

[0053] The first light emitting element 20A to the third light emitting element 20C are mounted on a common substrate 22 in a state of being disposed on the lamp rear side of the first projection lens portion 32A to the third projection lens portion 32C, respectively. The substrate 22 is supported by a heat sink 60 in a state of extending along a plane orthogonal to the front-rear direction of the lamp.

[0054] A light shielding plate 40 for shielding a part of light from the first light emitting element 20A to the third light emitting element 20C toward the first projection lens portion 32A to the third projection lens portion 32C is disposed between the first light emitting element 20A to the third light emitting element 20C and the first projection lens portion 32A to the third projection lens portion 32C. The light shielding plate 40 is implemented by a thin plate extending along the plane orthogonal to the front-rear direction of the lamp.

[0055] The light shielding plate 40 is positioned in a state in which both end portions thereof in the left-right direction are in contact with the pair of left and right mounting flange portions 36 of the projection lens 30 from the lamp rear side. Accordingly, the light shielding plate 40 is disposed along a vertical surface including the rear focal points Fa to Fc of the first projection lens portion 32A to the third projection lens portion 32C.

[0056] The light shielding plate 40 has a first opening portion 40Aa, a second opening portion 40Ba, and a third opening portion 40Ca formed in portions of the first projection lens portion 32A, the second projection lens portion 32B, and the third projection lens portion 32C on the lamp rear side.

[0057] The first opening portion 40Aa to the third opening portion 40Ca each have a V-shaped opening shape in the front view of the lamp. At this time, an opening angle of the V shape in the first opening portion 40Aa to the third opening portion 40Ca is about 90° to 150° (for example, about 120°).

[0058] In the first opening portion 40Aa to the third opening portion 40Ca, the second opening portion 40Ba is located above the first opening portion 40Aa, and the third opening portion 40Ca is located above the second opening portion 40Ba.

[0059] Specifically, the first opening portion 40Aa is formed such that a lower end of a central portion of an upper inner peripheral edge of the first opening portion 40Aa is located below the optical axis Axa of the first projection lens portion 32A. The second opening portion 40Ba is formed such that a lower end of a central portion of an upper inner peripheral edge of the second opening portion 40Ba is located on the optical axis Axb of the second projection lens portion 32B. The third opening portion 40Ca is formed such that a lower end of a central portion of an upper inner peripheral edge of the third opening portion 40Ca is located above the optical axis Axc of the third projection lens portion 32C. An upper displacement amount Dc of the lower end of the central portion of the upper inner peripheral edge of the third opening portion 40Ca from the optical axis Axc is set to a value (for example, a value of about twice) larger than a lower displacement amount Da of the lower end of the central portion of the upper inner peripheral edge of the first opening portion 40Aa from the optical axis Axa.

[0060] In the first opening portion 40Aa to the third opening portion 40Ca, the second opening portion 40Ba has an up-down width larger than that of the first opening portion 40Aa, and the third opening portion 40Ca has an up-down width larger than that of the second opening portion 40Ba.

[0061] Further, inner peripheral edges thereof on both left and right sides of the first opening portion 40Aa to the third opening portion 40Ca extend upward in a direction slightly expanding with respect to the vertical direction. The second opening portion 40Ba has a left-right width slightly larger than that of the first opening portion 40Aa. In addition, the third opening portion 40Ca has a left-right width slightly larger than that of the second opening portion 40Ba.

[0062] The first light emitting element 20A is disposed below the optical axis Axa of the first projection lens portion 32A. The second light emitting element 20B is disposed on the optical axis Axb of the second projection lens portion 32B. The third light emitting element 20C is disposed above the optical axis Axc of the third projection lens portion 32C.

[0063] Specifically, the first light emitting element 20A, the second light emitting element 20B, and the third light emitting element 20C are disposed such that light emitting centers thereof are located on a first reference axis line La, a second reference axis line Lb, and a third reference axis line Lc, respectively. The first reference axis line La, the second reference axis line Lb, and the third reference axis line Lc extend in the front-rear direction of the lamp so as to pass through the lower ends of the central portions of the upper inner peripheral edges of the first opening portion 40Aa, the second opening portion 40Ba, and the third opening portion 40Ca of the light shielding plate 40, respectively.

[0064] The first light emitting element 20A to the third light emitting element 20C are connected to an electronic control unit (not illustrated), and are turned on and off by the electronic control unit according to a vehicle travel state or the like.

[0065] A condenser lens assembly 50 is disposed between the substrate 22 and the light shielding plate 40.

[0066] The condenser lens assembly 50 is integrally formed with a first condenser lens 52A, a second condenser lens 52B, and a third condenser lens 52C in a state of being arranged side by side in the left-right direction via a plate-shaped portion. The first condenser lens 52A, the second condenser lens 52B, and the third condenser lens 52C are located on the first reference axis line La, the second reference axis line Lb, and the third reference axis line Lc, respectively.

[0067] Each of the first condenser lens 52A, the second condenser lens 52B, and the third condenser lens 52C extends to have a V shape to satisfy a positional relationship in which the first condenser lens 52A, the second condenser lens 52B, and the third condenser lens 52C overlap the first opening portion 40Aa, the second opening portion 40Ba, and the third opening portion 40Ca of the light shielding plate 40 in the front view of the lamp, respectively.

[0068] Specifically, the first condenser lens 52A surrounds the first opening portion 40Aa over the entire circumference with an up-down width larger than that of the first opening portion 40Aa, and has a substantially heart-shaped outer shape. In addition, the second condenser lens 52B surrounds the second opening portion 40Ba over the entire circumference with an up-down width larger than that of the second opening portion 40Ba, and has a substantially heart-shaped outer shape slightly larger than that of the first condenser lens 52A. Further, the third condenser lens 52C surrounds the third opening portion 40Ca over the entire circumference with an up-down width larger than that of the third opening portion 40Ca, and has a substantially heart-shaped outer shape slightly larger than that of the second opening portion 40Ba.

[0069] Rear surfaces 52Ab, 52Bb, and 52Cb of the first condenser lens 52A, the second condenser lens 52B, and the third condenser lens 52C are formed in a convex curved surface shape. Respective front surfaces 52Aa, 52Ba, and 52Ca of the first condenser lens 52A, the second condenser lens 52B, and the third condenser lens 52C are each formed in a convex curved surface shape having a curvature smaller than that of the respective rear surfaces 52Ab, 52Bb, and 52Cb.

[0070] Accordingly, the first condenser lens 52A to the third condenser lens 52C emit the incident emission light from the first light emitting element 20A to the third light emitting element 20C toward the light shielding plate 40 as light that converges in a direction of the first opening portion 40Aa to the third opening portion 40Ca, respectively.

[0071] The condenser lens assembly 50 has a pair of mounting flange portions 54 formed on both left and right sides of the plate-shaped portion located around the first condenser lens 52A to the third condenser lens 52C. The pair of left and right mounting flange portions 54 each have an L-shaped horizontal cross-sectional shape. When a front end surface of the mounting flange portion 54 is in contact with both left and right end portions of the light shielding plate 40 from the lamp rear side, the first condenser lens 52A to the third condenser lens 52C are positioned on the first reference axis line La to the third reference axis line Lc.

[0072] The heat sink 60 includes a body portion 62 extending along a plane orthogonal to the front-rear direction of the lamp, a plurality of heat-dissipating fins 64 extending from the body portion 62 toward the lamp rear side along a vertical surface, and a pair of mounting flange portions 66 formed on both left and right side portions of the body portion 62.

[0073] The substrate 22 is positioned and supported by fastening screws 72 at two positions on a diagonal line thereof in a state of being in surface contact with the body portion 62 of the heat sink 60.

[0074] The projection lens 30, the light shielding plate 40, and the condenser lens assembly 50 are positioned and supported on the pair of left and right mounting flange portions 66 of the heat sink 60 by fastening screws 74 at two positions on a diagonal line thereof. The pair of left and right mounting flange portions 36 of the projection lens 30, both the left and right end portions of the light shielding plate 40, and the pair of left and right mounting flange portions 54 of the condenser lens assembly 50 are screwed together in a state of overlapping the pair of left and right mounting flange portions 66 of the heat sink 60. The pair of left and right mounting flange portions 36 of the projection lens 30 are each provided with a positioning pin 36a. On the other hand, pin insertion holes 40a, 54a, and 66a into which the positioning pins 36a are to be inserted are respectively formed in both the left and right end portions of the light shielding plate 40, the pair of left and right mounting flange portions 54 of the condenser lens assembly 50, and the pair of left and right mounting flange portions 66 of the heat sink 60.

[0075] Next, the drawing light distribution pattern PA illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9 will be described.

[0076] As described above, the drawing light distribution pattern PA is formed by the irradiation light from the drawing lamp 10. The drawing light distribution pattern PA includes three drawing light distribution patterns PAa, PAb, and PAc as illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9.

[0077] The three drawing light distribution patterns PAa, PAb, and PAc are all inverted V-shaped (that is, a shape pointed toward the lamp front side) light distribution patterns. The three drawing light distribution patterns PAa, PAb, and PAc are formed with substantially the same size at substantially equal intervals in a series arrangement.

[0078] The drawing light distribution pattern PAa formed in a long-distance region of the road surface 2 in front of the vehicle is a light distribution pattern to be formed by delivering the emission light from the first light emitting element 20A toward the lamp front side via the first projection lens portion 32A.

[0079] The drawing light distribution pattern PAa is formed as a reverse projection image of the first opening portion 40Aa having a V-shaped opening shape formed in the light shielding plate 40.

[0080] The lower end of the central portion of the upper inner peripheral edge of the first opening portion 40Aa is located below the optical axis Axa of the first projection lens portion 32A, and thus the drawing light distribution pattern PAa is delivered toward the lamp front side as light directed upward relative to the optical axis Axa. Accordingly, the drawing light distribution pattern PAa is formed in the long-distance region.

[0081] The emission light from the first light emitting element 20A is efficiently incident on the first opening portion 40Aa by the first condenser lens 52A that surrounds the first opening portion 40Aa in a V shape over the entire circumference. Therefore, the drawing light distribution pattern PAa is formed with sufficient and substantially uniform brightness. Moreover, the first light emitting element 20A and the first condenser lens 52A are disposed on the first reference axis line La passing through the lower end of the central portion of the upper inner peripheral edge of the first opening portion 40Aa, and thus the brightness of the drawing light distribution pattern PAa is sufficiently secured.

[0082] The drawing light distribution pattern PAb formed in a short-distance region of the road surface 2 in front of the vehicle is a light distribution pattern to be formed by delivering the emission light from the second light emitting element 20B toward the lamp front side via the second projection lens portion 32B.

[0083] The drawing light distribution pattern PAb is formed as a reverse projection image of the second opening portion 40Ba having a V-shaped opening shape formed in the light shielding plate 40.

[0084] The lower end of the central portion of the upper inner peripheral edge of the second opening portion 40Ba is located on the optical axis Axb of the second projection lens portion 32B. Therefore, the drawing light distribution pattern PAb is delivered toward the lamp front side as light substantially parallel to the optical axis Axb. Accordingly, the drawing light distribution pattern PAb is formed in the short-distance region.

[0085] The emission light from the second light emitting element 20B is efficiently incident on the second opening portion 40Ba by the second condenser lens 52B that surrounds the second opening portion 40Ba in a V shape over the entire circumference. Therefore, the drawing light distribution pattern PAb is formed with sufficient and substantially uniform brightness. Moreover, the second light emitting element 20B and the second condenser lens 52B are disposed on the second reference axis line Lb passing through the lower end of the central portion of the upper inner peripheral edge of the second opening portion 40Ba, and thus the brightness of the drawing light distribution pattern PAb is sufficiently secured.

[0086] The drawing light distribution pattern PAc formed in the close-distance region of the road surface 2 in front of the vehicle is a light distribution pattern to be formed by delivering the emission light from the third light emitting element 20C toward the lamp front side via the third projection lens portion 32C.

[0087] The drawing light distribution pattern PAc is formed as a reverse projection image of the third opening portion 40Ca having a V-shaped opening shape formed in the light shielding plate 40.

[0088] The lower end of the central portion of the upper inner peripheral edge of the third opening portion 40Ca is located above the optical axis Axc of the third projection lens portion 32C. Therefore, the drawing light distribution pattern PAc is delivered toward the lamp front side as light directed downward relative to the optical axis Axc of the third projection lens portion 32C. Accordingly, the drawing light distribution pattern PAc is formed in the close-distance region.

[0089] The emission light from the third light emitting element 20C is efficiently incident on the third opening portion 40Ca by the second condenser lens 52B that surrounds the third opening portion 40Ca in a V shape over the entire circumference. Therefore, the brightness of the drawing light distribution pattern PAc is sufficiently secured, and the drawing light distribution pattern PAc is formed with substantially uniform brightness. Moreover, the third light emitting element 20C and the second condenser lens 52B are disposed on the third reference axis line Lc passing through the lower end of the central portion of the upper inner peripheral edge of the third opening portion 40Ca, and thus the brightness of the drawing light distribution pattern PAc is sufficiently secured.

[0090] The upper displacement amount Dc of the third opening portion 40Ca from the optical axis Axc is set to a value larger than that of the lower displacement amount Da of the first opening portion 40Aa from the optical axis Axa. Therefore, although irradiation angles of the emission light from the first projection lens portion 32A to the third projection lens portion 32C with respect to the road surface 2 in front of the vehicle are different from each other, an interval between the drawing light distribution pattern PAb and the drawing light distribution pattern PAc is substantially the same as an interval between the drawing light distribution pattern PAa and the drawing light distribution pattern PAb.

[0091] The three drawing light distribution patterns PAa to PAc are formed in substantially the same size. This is because the up-down widths of the first opening portion 40Aa to the third opening portion 40Ca increase in this order, the inner peripheral edges on both the left and right sides thereof extend upward in a direction slightly expanding with respect to the vertical direction, and the left-right widths of the first opening portion 40Aa to the third opening portion 40Ca also increase slightly in this order.

[0092] Next, operations of the present embodiment will be described.

[0093] The drawing lamp 10 according to the present embodiment forms the drawing light distribution patterns PAa to PAc by delivering the emission light from the first light emitting element 20A to the third light emitting element 20C toward the lamp front side via the projection lens 30. The projection lens 30 has a configuration in which the first projection lens portion 32A for long-distance drawing, the second projection lens portion 32B for short-distance drawing, and the third projection lens portion 32C for close-distance drawing are arranged side by side in the left-right direction (required direction intersecting the front-rear direction of the lamp). The light shielding plate 40 disposed between the first light emitting element 20A to the third light emitting element 20C and the projection lens 30 is provided with the first opening portion 40Aa to the third opening portion 40Ca having a V-shaped opening shape at portions of the first projection lens portion 32A to the third projection lens portion 32C on the lamp rear side. Therefore, the light emitted from the first light emitting element 20A to the third light emitting element 20C and passing through the first opening portion 40Aa to the third opening portion 40Ca forms the inverted V-shaped drawing light distribution patterns PAa to PAc as reverse projection images at three far and near positions. Accordingly, the attention calling effect on the surroundings can be enhanced.

[0094] In addition, the first condenser lens 52A to the third condenser lens 52C for condensing the emission light from the first light emitting element 20A to the third light emitting element 20C toward the first opening portion 40Aa to the third opening portion 40Ca are disposed between the first light emitting element 20A to the third light emitting element 20C and the light shielding plate 40. Each of the first condenser lens 52A to the third condenser lens 52C extends to have a V shape to satisfy a positional relationship in which the first condenser lens 52A to the third condenser lens 52C overlap the first opening portion 40Aa to the third opening portion 40Ca in the front view of the lamp, respectively. Therefore, it is not necessary to increase the size of the first condenser lens 52A to the third condenser lens 52C, and the emission light from the first light emitting element 20A to the third light emitting element 20C can be efficiently incident on the first opening portion 40Aa to the third opening portion 40Ca. Accordingly, all of the drawing light distribution patterns PAa to PAc can be formed with substantially uniform brightness.

[0095] As described above, according to the present embodiment, in the drawing lamp 10 that forms the drawing light distribution pattern PA, the three inverted V-shaped drawing light distribution patterns PAa to PAc constituting the drawing light distribution pattern PA can be efficiently formed.

[0096] Moreover, as in the present embodiment, the first projection lens portion 32A to the third projection lens portion 32C are integrally formed in the state in which the lens effective surfaces thereof are adjacent to one another. Accordingly, the projection lens 30 can be seen as one integrated lens, and a design of the first projection lens portion 32A to the third projection lens portion 32C can be improved.

[0097] In the projection lens 30 according to the present embodiment, the first projection lens portion 32A has a size larger than those of the second projection lens portion 32B and the third projection lens portion 32C. Therefore, the drawing light distribution pattern PAa formed in the long-distance region is formed with substantially the same definition and brightness as the drawing light distribution pattern PAb formed in the short-distance region and the drawing light distribution pattern PAc formed in the close-distance region. Accordingly, it is possible to enhance an attention calling function to the surroundings by forming the drawing light distribution pattern PA.

[0098] In the present embodiment, the first opening portion 40Aa to the third opening portion 40Ca having a V-shaped opening shape are all formed with a constant up-down width. However, other opening shapes may be adopted as long as the lower inner peripheral edges of the first opening portion 40Aa to the third opening portion 40Ca extend in a V shape. For example, the first opening portion 40Aa to the third opening portion 40Ca may have an opening shape in which the up-down widths of the first opening portion 40Aa to the third opening portion 40Ca gradually decrease from a center position toward both end positions in the left-right direction. In addition, the first opening portion 40Aa to the third opening portion 40Ca may have a left and right asymmetric opening shape, an opening shape formed in a downward arrow shape, or the like. Even when these opening shapes are adopted, the drawing light distribution patterns PAa to PAc can be formed as inverted V-shaped (that is, a shape pointed toward the lamp front side) light distribution patterns.

[0099] In the present embodiment, the first projection lens portion 32A to the third projection lens portion 32C are formed such that the optical axes Axa to Axc thereof extend in the front-rear direction of the lamp at the same height position. However, the first projection lens portion 32A to the third projection lens portion 32C may have other configurations. For example, the first projection lens portion 32A to the third projection lens portion 32C may be formed such that the optical axis Axa of the first projection lens portion 32A extends upward from the optical axis Axb of the second projection lens portion 32B and the optical axis Axc of the third projection lens portion 32C extends downward from the optical axis Axb of the second projection lens portion 32B.

[0100] In the present embodiment, light emitting colors of the first light emitting element 20A to the third light emitting element 20C are white, and other light emitting colors (for example, amber and red) may be adopted.

[0101] In the present embodiment, the drawing lamp 10 is mounted on the end portion on the vehicle width direction side in the front end portion of the vehicle 100, and may be mounted on a rear end portion, a side surface portion, or the like of the vehicle 100.

[0102] In the present embodiment, the drawing light distribution pattern PA is formed on the road surface 2 in front of the vehicle by the irradiation light from the drawing lamp 10, and the drawing light distribution pattern may be formed on a wall surface disposed in front of the lamp, a wall surface extending toward the lamp front side, or the like.

[0103] Next, modifications of the present embodiment will be described.

[0104] First, a first modification of the first embodiment will be described.

[0105] FIG. 10 is a front view illustrating a drawing lamp according to a first modification of the first embodiment.

[0106] A basic configuration of the first modification is the same as that of the first embodiment, and an arrangement of a first light emitting element 120A is different from that of the first embodiment.

[0107] Specifically, the first light emitting element 120A of the first modification is disposed in a state of being rotated by 45° around the first reference axis line La of the first light emitting element 20A of the first embodiment. That is, similar to the first light emitting element 20A of the first embodiment, the first light emitting element 120A has a rectangular (specifically, square) light emitting surface 120a, and is disposed such that the light emitting surface 120a is seen as a rhombus having vertices oriented in upper and lower and left and right directions in the front view of the lamp.

[0108] In the present modification, the configurations of the first projection lens portion 32A, the first opening portion 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 portion 32A and the first reference axis line La are the same as those in the first embodiment.

[0109] By adopting the configuration according to the present modification, the following operations and effects can be obtained.

[0110] The first light emitting element 120A is disposed such that the light emitting surface 120a is seen as a rhombus having vertices oriented the upper and lower and left and right direction in the front view of the lamp. Accordingly, emission light from the first light emitting element 120A incident on the first condenser lens 52A can be more efficiently incident on the first opening portion 40Aa having a V-shaped opening shape.

[0111] The same configuration as that of the present modification may be applied to the second light emitting element 20B and the third light emitting element 20C of the first embodiment.

[0112] When the first opening portion 40Aa is configured such that an included angle of the V shape constituting the opening shape of the first opening portion 40Aa is an included angle close to 90°, it is particularly effective to adopt the configuration of the present modification.

[0113] Next, a second modification of the first embodiment will be described.

[0114] FIG. 11 is a front view illustrating a drawing lamp according to a second modification of the first embodiment.

[0115] A basic configuration of the second modification is the same as that of the first embodiment, and the number and arrangement of first light emitting elements 220A are different from those of the first embodiment.

[0116] In the present modification, the first light emitting elements 220A are arranged at three positions along a V shape.

[0117] The three first light emitting elements 220A having the same configuration as the first light emitting element 20A of the first embodiment are located at a center portion and both end portions in the left-right direction of the first opening portion 40Aa of the light shielding plate 40. At this time, among the three first light emitting elements 220A, the first light emitting element 220A disposed at the center portion in the left-right direction is located below the first reference axis line La and substantially at the center of the first opening portion 40Aa in the up-down direction. Among the three first light emitting elements 220A, the first light emitting elements 220A disposed at both the end portions in the left-right direction are also located substantially at the center in the up-down direction of the first opening portion 40Aa.

[0118] In the present modification, the configurations of the first projection lens portion 32A, the first opening portion 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 portion 32A and the first reference axis line La are the same as those in the first embodiment.

[0119] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along a line XII-XII in FIG. 11. FIG. 12 illustrates a cross-sectional shape along an inclined linear portion on one side of the V-shaped first opening portion 40Aa.

[0120] As illustrated in FIG. 12, at a cross-sectional position along the inclined linear portion, a central portion 52Ab1 of the rear surface 52Ab of the first condenser lens 52A extends linearly in a vertical surface 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 such that both end portions 52Ab2 and 52Ab3 thereof curve around toward the lamp front side. The front surface 52Aa of the first condenser lens 52A is the same as the rear surface 52Ab of the first condenser lens 52A.

[0121] Therefore, the light emitted from each of the 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 an incident angle, and most of the light reaches the first opening portion 40Aa of the light shielding plate 40.

[0122] In addition, the light emitted from each of the first light emitting element 220A and incident on both the end portions 52Ab2 and 52Ab3 of the rear surface 52Ab of the first condenser lens 52A is refracted in directions approaching each other, and then is emitted from the front surface 52Aa in directions further approaching each other, and most of the light reaches the first opening portion 40Aa of the light shielding plate 40.

[0123] By adopting the configuration according to the present modification, the following operations and effects can be obtained.

[0124] That is, the first light emitting elements 220A are arranged at three positions along a V shape, and thus the inverted V-shaped drawing light distribution pattern PAa (see FIGS. 8 and 9) can be formed more brightly and uniformly.

[0125] Moreover, the first condenser lens 52A emits the emission light from the first light emitting elements 220A arranged at the three positions in directions approaching each other. Therefore, the emission light from the first light emitting elements 220A arranged at the three positions can be efficiently incident on the first opening portion 40Aa.

[0126] In particular, it is not easy to sufficiently ensure the brightness of the drawing light distribution pattern PAa formed in the long-distance region. However, by forming the drawing light distribution pattern PAa by the emission light from the three first light emitting elements 220A as in the present modification, the brightness of the drawing light distribution pattern PAa can be sufficiently secured.

[0127] The same configuration as that of the present modification may be applied to the second light emitting element 20B and the third light emitting element 20C of the first embodiment.

[0128] Next, a third modification of the first embodiment will be described.

[0129] FIG. 13 is a front view illustrating a drawing lamp according to the third modification of the first embodiment.

[0130] The present modification is different from the first embodiment in the following points. A light shielding plate 340 disposed on the lamp rear side of a first projection lens portion 332A has a first opening portion 340Aa, a second opening portion 340Ba, and a third opening portion 340Ca formed at intervals in the up-down direction. A first condenser lens 352A, a second condenser lens 352B, and a third condenser lens 352C are arranged side by side in the up-down direction on the lamp rear side of the first projection lens portion 332A. Further, a first light emitting element 320A, a second light emitting element 320B, and a third light emitting element 320C are arranged at intervals in the up-down direction on the lamp rear side of the first projection lens portion 332A.

[0131] Specifically, the first opening portion 340Aa is formed such that a lower end of a central portion of an upper inner peripheral edge of the first opening portion 340Aa is located below the optical axis Axa of the first projection lens portion 332A. The second opening portion 340Ba is formed such that a lower end of a central portion of an upper inner peripheral edge of the second opening portion 340Ba is located on the optical axis Axa. The third opening portion 340Ca is formed such that a lower end of a central portion of an upper inner peripheral edge of the third opening portion 340Ca is located above the optical axis Axa. At this time, an upper displacement amount of the central lower end of the upper inner peripheral edge of the third opening portion 340Ca from the optical axis Axa is larger than a lower displacement amount of the central lower end of the upper inner peripheral edge of the first opening portion 340Aa from the optical axis Axa.

[0132] In the first opening portion 340Aa to the third opening portion 340Ca, the second opening portion 340Ba has an up-down width larger than that of the first opening portion 340Aa, and the third opening portion 340Ca has an up-down width larger than that of the second opening portion 340Ba.

[0133] Further, inner peripheral edges thereof on both the left and right sides of the first opening portion 340Aa to the third opening portion 340Ca extend upward in a direction slightly expanding with respect to the vertical direction. The second opening portion 340Ba has a left-right width slightly larger than that of the first opening portion 340Aa, and the third opening portion 340Ca has a left-right width slightly larger than that of the second opening portion 340Ba.

[0134] The first light emitting element 320A, the second light emitting element 320B, and the third light emitting element 320C are disposed such that light emitting centers thereof are located on the first reference axis line La, the second reference axis line Lb, and the third reference axis line Lc, respectively. The first reference axis line La, the second reference axis line Lb, and the third reference axis line Lc extend in the front-rear direction of the lamp so as to pass through the lower ends of the central portions of the upper inner peripheral edges of the first opening portion 340Aa, the second opening portion 340Ba, and the third opening portion 340Ca, respectively.

[0135] Each of the first condenser lens 352A, the second condenser lens 352B, and the third condenser lens 352C extends to have a V shape to satisfy a positional relationship in which the first condenser lens 352A, the second condenser lens 352B, and the third condenser lens 352C overlap the first opening portion 340Aa, the second opening portion 340Ba, and the third opening portion 340Ca in the front view of the lamp, respectively.

[0136] Specifically, the first condenser lens 352A surrounds the first opening portion 340Aa over the entire circumference with an up-down width larger than that of the first opening portion 340Aa, and has a substantially heart-shaped outer shape. In addition, the second condenser lens 352B surrounds the second opening portion 340Ba over the entire circumference with an up-down width larger than that of the second opening portion 340Ba, and has a substantially heart-shaped outer shape slightly larger than that of the first condenser lens 352A. Further, the third condenser lens 352C surrounds the third opening portion 340Ca over the entire circumference with an up-down width larger than that of the third opening portion 340Ca, and has a substantially heart-shaped outer shape slightly larger than that of the second condenser lens 352B.

[0137] Shapes of the front surfaces and the rear surfaces of the first condenser lens 352A to the third condenser lens 352C are the same as those in the first embodiment, and the first condenser lens 352A is connected to a lower end edge of the second condenser lens 352B at an upper end edge of the first condenser lens 352A. In addition, the second condenser lens 352B is connected to a lower end edge of the third condenser lens 352C at an upper end edge of the second condenser lens 352B.

[0138] The first condenser lens 352A to the third condenser lens 352C cause the emission light from the first light emitting element 320A to the third light emitting element 320C to be incident thereon, and then emit the light toward the light shielding plate 340 as light that converges in a direction of the first opening portion 340Aa to the third opening portion 340Ca.

[0139] In the present modification, the emission light from the first light emitting element 320A to the third light emitting element 320Ca incident on the first projection lens portion 332A through the first opening portion 340Aa to the third opening portion 340Ca forms the three inverted V-shaped drawing light distribution patterns PAa, PAb, and PAc as the drawing light distribution pattern PA, as in the first embodiment. The three drawing light distribution patterns PAa, PAb, and PAc are formed with substantially the same size at substantially equal intervals in a series arrangement (see FIGS. 8 and 9).

[0140] By adopting the configuration of the present modification, it is possible to form the same drawing light distribution pattern as in the first embodiment by the emission light from the single first projection lens portion 332A.

[0141] Moreover, in the present modification, the first condenser lens 352A to the third condenser lens 352C extending in a V shape are arranged adjacent to one another in the up-down direction. Therefore, the emission light from the first light emitting element 320A to the third light emitting element 320C can be efficiently incident on the first opening portion 340Aa to the third opening portion 340Ca.

[0142] The drawing lamp according to the first embodiment and the modifications thereof may be an on-vehicle lamp or a lamp used for a purpose other than the on-vehicle purpose.

[0143] A specific arrangement of the light shielding plate is not particularly limited as long as the light shielding plate shields a part of light from the light emitting element toward the projection lens between the light emitting element and the projection lens.

[0144] A specific opening shape of the opening portion is not particularly limited as long as the opening portion has a V-shaped opening shape. The upper inner peripheral edge of the opening portion does not necessarily have to extend in a V shape as long as the lower inner peripheral edge extends in a V shape.

[0145] A specific arrangement or a shape of the condenser lens is not particularly limited as long as the condenser lens extends to have a V shape to satisfy a positional relationship in which the condenser lens overlaps the opening portion of the light shielding plate in the front view of the lamp. In addition, the condenser lens does not necessarily have to be disposed to satisfy a positional relationship in which the condenser lens completely overlaps the opening portion of the light shielding plate.(Second Embodiment)

[0146] FIG. 14 is a front view illustrating a drawing lamp 410 according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 15 is a plan view illustrating the drawing lamp 410 according to the second embodiment. FIG. 16 is a side view illustrating the drawing lamp 410 according to the second embodiment. Further, FIG. 17 is an exploded perspective view of main components of the drawing lamp 410 according to the second embodiment.

[0147] In FIGS. 14 to 17, a direction indicated by X is "the lamp front side", a direction indicated by Y is a "left direction" (a "right direction" in a front view of the lamp) orthogonal to "the lamp front side", and a direction indicated by Z is an "upward direction". The same applies to figures other than FIGS. 14 to 17.

[0148] Before a specific configuration of the drawing lamp 410 according to the present embodiment is described, an outline thereof will be described.

[0149] FIG. 20 is a side view illustrating a state in which the drawing lamps 410 according to the first embodiment are mounted on a vehicle 500. FIG. 21 is a plan view illustrating a state in which the drawing lamps 410 according to the first embodiment are mounted on the vehicle 500. FIG. 21 illustrates a state in which the left drawing lamp 410 is turned on.

[0150] As illustrated in FIGS. 20 and 21, the drawing lamp 410 delivers light obliquely downward toward the outside in a vehicle width direction in a state of being mounted on an end portion on a vehicle width direction side in a front end portion of the vehicle 500. The drawing lamp 410 is turned on in synchronization with turning on of a front turn signal lamp (not illustrated). Accordingly, the drawing lamp 410 forms a drawing light distribution pattern PA2 on a road surface 402 in front of the vehicle.

[0151] As illustrated in FIGS. 20 and 21, in the state in which the drawing lamps 410 are mounted on the vehicle 500, a front surface of the lamp faces a direction inclined obliquely downward with respect to a front-rear direction of the vehicle. However, as illustrated in FIGS. 14 to 17, when the drawing lamp 410 is in a single state, the front surface of the lamp is oriented in a horizontal direction.

[0152] Next, a specific configuration of the drawing lamp 410 will be described.

[0153] FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view taken along a line XVIII-XVIII in FIG. 14. FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view taken along a line XIX-XIX in FIG. 14.

[0154] As illustrated in FIGS. 18 and 19, the drawing lamp 410 delivers emission light from a light emitting element toward the lamp front side via a projection lens 430. The drawing lamp 410 includes a first light emitting element 420A and a second light emitting element 420B as light emitting elements.

[0155] The projection lens 430 has a configuration in which a first projection lens portion 432A and a second projection lens portion 432B having the same configuration are arranged side by side in a left-right direction. The first projection lens portion 432A and the second projection lens portion 432B are formed such that respective optical axes Axa2 and Axb2 extend in a front-rear direction of the lamp at the same height position.

[0156] The first projection lens portion 432A and the second projection lens portion 432B are plano-convex lenses in which respective front surfaces 432Aa and 432Ba are implemented by convex curved surfaces, and each have a rectangular (specifically, substantially square) outer shape in the front view of the lamp. The first projection lens portion 432A and the second projection lens portion 432B are integrally formed in a state in which respective lens effective surfaces (that is, the front surfaces 432Aa and 432Ba performing a lens function) are adjacent to one another.

[0157] The first projection lens portion 432A and the second projection lens portion 432B are surrounded by an outer peripheral flange portion 434 extending along respective rear surfaces thereof. A pair of mounting flange portions 436 are formed on both left and right sides of the outer peripheral flange portion 434. The pair of left and right mounting flange portions 436 each have an L-shaped horizontal cross-sectional shape. Rear end surfaces of the pair of left and right mounting flange portions 436 are located on the same plane orthogonal to the front-rear direction of the lamp.

[0158] The first light emitting element 420A and the second light emitting element 420B are all white light emitting diodes and each have a rectangular (specifically, square) light emitting surface 420a.

[0159] The first light emitting element 420A and the second light emitting element 420B are mounted on a common substrate 422 in a state of being disposed on the lamp rear side of the first projection lens portion 432A and the second projection lens portion 432B, respectively. The substrate 422 is supported by a heat sink 460 in a state of extending along a plane orthogonal to the front-rear direction of the lamp.

[0160] A light shielding plate 440 for shielding a part of light from the first light emitting element 420A and the second light emitting element 420B toward the first projection lens portion 432A and the second projection lens portion 432B is disposed between the first light emitting element 420A and the second light emitting element 420B, and the first projection lens portion 432A and the second projection lens portion 432B. The light shielding plate 440 is implemented by a thin plate extending along the plane orthogonal to the front-rear direction of the lamp.

[0161] The light shielding plate 440 is positioned in a state of being in contact with the pair of left and right mounting flange portions 436 of the projection lens 430 from the lamp rear side at both left and right end portions. Accordingly, the light shielding plate 440 is disposed along a vertical surface including rear focal points Fa2 and Fb2 of the first projection lens portion 432A and the second projection lens portion 432B.

[0162] The light shielding plate 440 is provided with two first opening portions 440Aa and 440Ac formed in portions of the first projection lens portion 432A on the lamp rear side. In addition, the light shielding plate 440 is provided with two second opening portions 440Bb and 440Bd formed in portions of the second projection lens portion 432B on the lamp rear side.

[0163] FIG. 22A is a front view illustrating a main part of the drawing lamp 410.

[0164] FIG. 22A indicates, by a two-dot chain line, a state in which the two second opening portions 440Bb and 440Bd are moved in parallel to a position of the first projection lens portion 432A located on a right side (left side in the front view of the lamp). In addition, FIG. 22A indicates, by a two-dot chain line, a state in which the two first opening portions 440Aa and 440Ac are moved in parallel to a position of the second projection lens portion 432B located on a left side.

[0165] As illustrated in FIG. 22A, the two first opening portions 440Aa and 440Ac and the two second opening portions 440Bb and 440Bd each have a V-shaped opening shape in the front view of the lamp. At this time, an opening angle of the V shape is set to a value of about 90° to 150° (for example, a value of about 120°).

[0166] In the first opening portion 440Aa and the second opening portion 440Bb, the second opening portion 440Bb is located above the first opening portion 440Aa. In the first opening portion 440Ac and the second opening portion 440Bb, the first opening portion 440Ac is located above the second opening portion 440Bb. Further, in the first opening portion 440Ac and the second opening portion 440Bd, the second opening portion 440Bd is located above the first opening portion 440Ac.

[0167] At this time, the two first opening portions 440Aa and 440Ac and the two second opening portions 440Bb and 440Bd are formed such that the up-down widths of the opening portions gradually increase in the order of the first opening portion 440Aa, the second opening portion 440Bb, the first opening portion 440Ac, and the second opening portion 440Bd. The two first opening portions 440Aa and 440Ac and the two second opening portions 440Bb and 440Bd are formed such that intervals in the up-down direction gradually increase in the order of the first opening portion 440Aa, the second opening portion 440Bb, the first opening portion 440Ac, and the second opening portion 440Bd.

[0168] The two first opening portions 440Aa and 440Ac and the two second opening portions 440Bb and 440Bd are entirely arranged such that a central lower end of an upper inner peripheral edge of the first opening portion 440Ac is located on the optical axis Axa2 of the first projection lens portion 432A.

[0169] The two first opening portions 440Aa and 440Ac and the two second opening portions 440Bb and 440Bd are formed such that inner peripheral edges on both left and right sides thereof extend upward in a direction slightly expanding with respect to a vertical direction, respectively. In addition, the two first opening portions 440Aa and 440Ac and the two second opening portions 440Bb and 440Bd are formed such that the inner peripheral edges on both the left and right sides thereof are located on a pair of left and right identical virtual straight lines, respectively.

[0170] The first light emitting element 420A is disposed below the optical axis Axa2 of the first projection lens portion 432A. The second light emitting element 420B is disposed above the optical axis Axb2 of the second projection lens portion 432B.

[0171] Specifically, the first light emitting element 420A is disposed such that a light emitting center is located on a first reference axis line La2 extending in the front-rear direction of the lamp below the optical axis Axa2, and the second light emitting element 420B is disposed such that a light emitting center is located on a second reference axis line Lb2 extending in the front-rear direction of the lamp above the optical axis Axb2. At this time, the first reference axis line La2 is set at a position passing through a central lower end of a lower inner peripheral edge of the first opening portion 440Aa of the light shielding plate 440. In addition, the second reference axis line Lb2 is set at a position passing through a central lower end of a lower inner peripheral edge of the second opening portion 440Bd of the light shielding plate 440.

[0172] The first light emitting element 420A and the second light emitting element 420B are connected to an electronic control unit (not illustrated), and are turned on and off by the electronic control unit according to a vehicle travel state or the like.

[0173] A condenser lens assembly 450 is disposed between the substrate 422 and the light shielding plate 440.

[0174] The condenser lens assembly 450 has a configuration in which the first condenser lens 452A and the second condenser lens 452B are integrally formed via a plate-shaped portion in a state of being arranged side by side in the left-right direction. The first condenser lens 452A and the second condenser lens 452B are disposed such that the optical axes are located on the first reference axis line La2 and the second reference axis line Lb2, respectively.

[0175] Rear surfaces 452Ab and 452Bb of the first condenser lens 452A and the second condenser lens 452B are formed in a convex curved surface shape. Respective front surfaces 452Aa and 452Ba of the first condenser lens 452A and the second condenser lens 452B are each formed in a convex curved surface shape having a curvature smaller than those of the rear surfaces 452Ab and 452Bb.

[0176] Accordingly, the first condenser lens 452A causes emission light from the first light emitting element 420A to be incident on the first opening portion 440Aa of the light shielding plate 440 as light parallel to the first reference axis line La2. In addition, the second condenser lens 452B causes emission light from the second condenser lens 452B to be incident on the two second opening portions 440Bb and 440Bd of the light shielding plate 440 as light parallel to the second reference axis line Lb2.

[0177] The condenser lens assembly 450 has a pair of mounting flange portions 454 formed on both left and right sides of the plate-shaped portion located around the first condenser lens 452A and the second condenser lens 452B. The pair of left and right mounting flange portions 454 each have an L-shaped horizontal cross-sectional shape. When front end surfaces of the pair of left and right mounting flange portions 454 are in contact with both left and right end portions of the light shielding plate 440 from the lamp rear side, the first condenser lens 452A and the second condenser lens 452B are positioned on the first reference axis line La2 and the second reference axis line Lb2.

[0178] The heat sink 460 includes a body portion 462 extending along a plane orthogonal to the front-rear direction of the lamp, a plurality of heat-dissipating fins 464 extending from the body portion 462 toward the lamp rear side along a vertical surface, and a pair of mounting flange portions 466 formed on both left and right side portions of the body portion 462.

[0179] The substrate 422 is positioned and supported by fastening screws 472 at two positions on a diagonal line thereof in a state of being in surface contact with the body portion 462 of the heat sink 460.

[0180] The projection lens 430, the light shielding plate 440, and the condenser lens assembly 450 are positioned and supported on the pair of left and right mounting flange portions 466 of the heat sink 460 by fastening screws 374 at two positions on a diagonal line thereof. The pair of left and right mounting flange portions 436 of the projection lens 430, both the left and right end portions of the light shielding plate 440, and the pair of left and right mounting flange portions 454 of the condenser lens assembly 450 are screwed together in a state of overlapping the pair of left and right mounting flange portions 466 of the heat sink 460. The pair of left and right mounting flange portions 436 of the projection lens 430 are each provided with a positioning pin 436a. On the other hand, pin insertion holes 440a, 454a, and 466a into which the positioning pins 436a are to be inserted are respectively formed in both the left and right end portions of the light shielding plate 440, the pair of left and right mounting flange portions 454 of the condenser lens assembly 450, and the pair of left and right mounting flange portions 466 of the heat sink 460.

[0181] Next, the drawing light distribution pattern PA2 illustrated in FIGS. 20 and 21 will be described.

[0182] As described above, the drawing light distribution pattern PA2 is formed by the irradiation light from the drawing lamp 410. As illustrated in FIGS. 20 and 21, the drawing light distribution pattern PA2 includes four first drawing light distribution patterns PAa2 and PAc2 and second drawing light distribution patterns PAb2 and PAd2.

[0183] The four first drawing light distribution patterns PAa2 and PAc2 and second drawing light distribution patterns PAb2 and PAd2 are all inverted V-shaped (that is, a shape pointed toward the lamp front side) light distribution patterns. The four first drawing light distribution patterns PAa2 and PAc2 and second drawing light distribution patterns PAb2 and PAd2 are respectively formed in a long-distance region, a medium-distance region, a short-distance region, and a close-distance region of the road surface 2 in front of the vehicle with substantially the same size at substantially equal intervals in a series arrangement.

[0184] The first drawing light distribution patterns PAa2 and PAc2 formed in the long-distance region and the short-distance region are light distribution patterns formed by delivering the emission light from the first light emitting element 420A toward the lamp front side via the first projection lens portion 432A. In addition, the second drawing light distribution patterns PAb2 and PAd2 formed in the medium-distance region and the close-distance region are light distribution patterns formed by delivering emission light from the second light emitting element 420B toward the lamp front side via the second projection lens portion 432B.

[0185] The first drawing light distribution pattern PAa2 is formed as a reverse projection image of the first opening portion 440Aa having a V-shaped opening shape formed in the light shielding plate 440. The first opening portion 440Aa is located considerably below the optical axis Axa2 of the first projection lens portion 432A. Therefore, the emission light from the first light emitting element 420A is delivered toward the lamp front side as light considerably upward from the optical axis Axa2, and thus the first drawing light distribution pattern PAa2 is formed in the long-distance region.

[0186] The second drawing light distribution pattern PAb2 is formed as a reverse projection image of the second opening portion 440Bb having a V-shaped opening shape formed in the light shielding plate 440. The second opening portion 440Bb is located below the optical axis Axb2 of the second projection lens portion 432B. Therefore, the emission light from the second light emitting element 420B is delivered toward the lamp front side as light upward from the optical axis Axb2. Accordingly, the second drawing light distribution pattern PAb2 is formed in the medium-distance region.

[0187] The first drawing light distribution pattern PAc2 is formed as a reverse projection image of the first opening portion 440Ac having a V-shaped opening shape formed in the light shielding plate 440. The first opening portion 440Ac is substantially located on the optical axis Axa2 of the first projection lens portion 432A. Therefore, the emission light from the first light emitting element 420A is delivered toward the lamp front side as light substantially parallel to the optical axis Axa2. Accordingly, the first drawing light distribution pattern PAc2 is formed in the short-distance region.

[0188] The second drawing light distribution pattern PAd2 is formed as a reverse projection image of the second opening portion 440Bd having a V-shaped opening shape formed in the light shielding plate 440. Since the second opening portion 440Bd is located above the optical axis Axb2 of the second projection lens portion 432B, the emission light from the second light emitting element 420B is delivered toward the lamp front side as light downward from the optical axis Axb2, and thus the second drawing light distribution pattern PAd2 is formed in the close-distance region.

[0189] At this time, the emission light from the first light emitting element 420A is efficiently incident on the first opening portions 440Aa and 440Ac by the first condenser lens 452A having a biconvex lens shape. Therefore, the brightness of the first drawing light distribution patterns PAa2 and PAc2 is sufficiently secured. In addition, the emission light from the second light emitting element 420B is efficiently incident on the second opening portions 4440Bb and 440Bd by the second condenser lens 452B having a biconvex lens shape. Therefore, the brightness of the second drawing light distribution patterns PAb2 and PAd2 is sufficiently secured.

[0190] The four first drawing light distribution patterns PAa2 and PAc2 and second drawing light distribution patterns PAb2 and PAd2 are formed in substantially the same size. This is because up-down widths of the first opening portion 440Aa, the second opening portion 440Bb, the first opening portion 440Ac, and the second opening portion 440Bd increase in this order, the inner peripheral edges on both the left and right sides thereof extend upward in a direction slightly expanding with respect to the vertical direction, and the inner peripheral edges on both the left and right sides thereof are located on the pair of left and right identical virtual straight lines.

[0191] Next, operations of the present embodiment will be described.

[0192] The drawing lamp 410 according to the present embodiment forms the drawing light distribution pattern PA2 by delivering the emission light from the first light emitting element 420A and the second light emitting element 420B toward the lamp front side via the light shielding plate 440 and the projection lens 430. The projection lens 430 has a configuration in which the first projection lens portion 432A and the second projection lens portion 432B are arranged side by side in the left-right direction (required direction intersecting the front-rear direction of the lamp). In addition, the light shielding plate 440 has the two first opening portions 440Aa and 440Ac formed at an interval in the up-down direction (direction intersecting the required direction) on the lamp rear side of the first projection lens portion 432A. The light shielding plate 440 has the two second opening portions 440Bb and 440Bd formed at an interval in the up-down direction on the lamp rear side of the second projection lens portion 432B. Further, the first light emitting elements 420A are disposed on the lamp rear side of the two first opening portions 440Aa and 440Ac, and the second light emitting elements 420B are disposed on the lamp rear side of the two second opening portions 440Bb and 440Bd.

[0193] The two first drawing light distribution patterns PAa2 and PAc2 are formed as reverse projection images of the two first opening portions 440Aa and 440Ac by the emission light from the first light emitting elements 420A incident on the first projection lens portion 432A through the two first opening portions 440Aa and 440Ac. In addition, the two second drawing light distribution patterns PAb2 and PAd2 are formed as reverse projection images of the two second opening portions 440Bb and 440Bd by the emission light from the second light emitting element 420B incident on the second projection lens portion 432B through the two second opening portions 440Bb and 440Bd. Accordingly, it is possible to call attention to other vehicles, walkers, or the like.

[0194] In addition, an arrangement of the first projection lens portion 432A and the two first opening portions 440Aa and 440Ac and an arrangement of the second projection lens portion 432B and the two second opening portions 440Bb and 440Bd are set such that each of the two first drawing light distribution patterns PAa2 and PAc2 and each of the two second drawing light distribution patterns PAb2 and PAd2 are alternately formed in a series arrangement.

[0195] The two first opening portions 440Aa and 440Ac are formed on the lamp rear side of the first projection lens portion 432A. The two second opening portions 440Bb and 440Bd are formed on the lamp rear side of the second projection lens portion. Therefore, it is not necessary to extremely narrow an interval between the two first opening portions 440Aa and 440Ac and an interval between the two second opening portions 440Bb and 440Bd.

[0196] Therefore, when the light shielding plate 440 is provided, a rigidity of a portion located between the two first opening portions 440Aa and 440Ac and a rigidity of a portion located between the two second opening portions 440Bb and 440Bd are less likely to decrease. Accordingly, the four first drawing light distribution patterns PAa2 and PAc2 and second drawing light distribution patterns PAb2 and PAd2 constituting the drawing light distribution pattern PA2 can be formed in series in a state of being close to each other.

[0197] As described above, according to the present embodiment, in the drawing lamp 410 that forms the drawing light distribution pattern PA2, the four first drawing light distribution patterns PAa2 and PAc2 and second drawing light distribution patterns PAb2 and PAd2 can be formed in series in the state of being close to each other as the drawing light distribution pattern PA2. Accordingly, it is possible to form a drawing light distribution pattern having an excellent attention calling function to the surroundings.

[0198] In the present embodiment, since the two first opening portions 440Aa and 440Ac and the two second opening portions 440Bb and 440Bd are arranged at intervals in the up-down direction, the two first drawing light distribution patterns PAa2 and PAc2 and the two second drawing light distribution patterns PAb2 and PAd2 can be formed in a series arrangement in a direction along a lamp irradiation direction, and thus the attention calling effect on the surroundings can be further enhanced.

[0199] In the drawing lamp 410 of the present embodiment, the two first opening portions 440Aa and 440Ac and the two second opening portions 440Bb and 440Bd each have a V-shaped opening shape. Therefore, the light emitted from the light emitting element and passing through the two first opening portions 440Aa and 440Ac and the two second opening portions 440Bb and 440Bd forms the four first drawing light distribution patterns PAa2 and PAc2 and second drawing light distribution patterns PAb2 and PAd2 having an inverted V-shape in a series arrangement as the reverse projection images. Accordingly, the attention calling effect on the surroundings can be further enhanced.

[0200] When the four first drawing light distribution patterns PAa2 and PAc2 and second drawing light distribution patterns PAb2 and PAd2 having an inverted V-shape are formed in a series arrangement, the configuration of the present embodiment is preferably adopted. This point will be described in detail below.

[0201] FIG. 22B is a front view illustrating a drawing lamp according to a comparative example. FIG. 22B is a front view of the drawing lamp viewed from the same direction as in FIG. 22A.

[0202] As illustrated in FIG. 22B, in the present comparative example, instead of the light shielding plate 440 of the present embodiment, a light shielding plate 440' in which four opening portions 440a', 440b', 440c', and 440d' having a V-shaped opening shape are formed at intervals in an up-down direction is disposed on the lamp rear side of a projection lens portion 432' having the same configuration as the first projection lens portion 432A of the present embodiment.

[0203] At this time, the four opening portions 440a', 440b', 440c', and 440d' have the same opening shapes as the first opening portions 440Aa and 440Ac and the second opening portions 440Bb and 440Bd of the present embodiment, respectively.

[0204] In the present comparative example, a light emitting element 420' is disposed on an optical axis Ax2' of the projection lens portion 432'. In addition, a condenser lens 452' for causing emission light from the light emitting element 420' to be incident on the four opening portions 440a' to 440d' is disposed on the optical axis Ax2'.

[0205] When the light shielding plate 440' as in the present comparative example is adopted, a portion located between the four opening portions 440a' to 440d' extends in a V shape with a narrow width. Therefore, it is less likely to ensure a rigidity of the light shielding plate 440'.

[0206] In contrast, as illustrated in FIG. 22A, in the light shielding plate 440 of the present embodiment, the interval between the two first opening portions 440Aa and 440Ac and the interval between the two second opening portions 440Bb and 440Bd are sufficiently secured. Therefore, the rigidity of the portion between the two first opening portions 440Aa and 440Ac and the rigidity of the portion between the two second opening portions 440Bb and 440Bd can be sufficiently ensured.

[0207] Further, in the present embodiment, the first condenser lens 452A that condenses the emission light from the first light emitting element 420A toward the two first opening portions 440Aa and 440Ac is disposed between the first light emitting element 420A and the light shielding plate 440. The second condenser lens 452B that condenses the emission light from the second light emitting element 420B toward the two second opening portions 440Bb and 440Bd is disposed between the second light emitting element 420B and the light shielding plate 440. Therefore, the four first drawing light distribution patterns PAa2 and PAc2 and second drawing light distribution patterns PAb2 and PAd2 can be formed as brighter and more uniform light distribution patterns.

[0208] In the second embodiment, the two first opening portions 440Aa and 440Ac and the two second opening portions 440Bb and 440Bd formed in the light shielding plate 440 each have a V-shaped opening shape. However, the two first opening portions 440Aa and 440Ac and the two second opening portions 440Bb and 440Bd may have other opening shapes (for example, opening shapes such as downward arrows and inverted trapezoids).

[0209] In the second embodiment, the emission light from the first light emitting element 420A and the second light emitting element 420B is incident on the two first opening portions 440Aa and 440Ac and the two second opening portions 440Bb and 440Bd via the first condenser lens 452A and the second condenser lens 452B. However, the drawing lamp may be configured such that the emission light from the first light emitting element 420A and the second light emitting element 420B is directly incident on the two first opening portions 440Aa and 440Ac and the two second opening portions 440Bb and 440Bd.

[0210] In the second embodiment, the light shielding plate 440 has the two first opening portions 440Aa and 440Ac formed on the lamp rear side of the first projection lens portion 432A. The light shielding plate 440 has the two second opening portions 440Bb and 440Bd formed on the lamp rear side of the second projection lens portion 432B. However, only the single second opening portion 440Bb may be formed on the lamp rear side of the second projection lens portion 432B.

[0211] In the second embodiment, the first projection lens portion 432A and the second projection lens portion 432B are formed such that the optical axes Axa2 and Axb2 thereof extend in the front-rear direction of the lamp at the same height position. However, other configurations may be adopted. For example, the optical axis Axa2 of the first projection lens portion 432A may extend upward from the optical axis Axb2 of the second projection lens portion 432B.

[0212] In the second embodiment, it has been described that light emitting colors of the first light emitting element 420A and the second light emitting element 420B are white, and other light emitting colors (for example, amber and red) may also be adopted.

[0213] In the second embodiment, it has been described that the drawing lamp 410 is mounted on the end portion on the vehicle width direction side in the front end portion of the vehicle 500, and the drawing lamp 410 may be mounted on a rear end portion, a side surface portion, or the like of the vehicle 500.

[0214] In the second embodiment, it has been described that the drawing light distribution pattern PA2 is formed on the road surface 402 in front of the vehicle by the irradiation light from the drawing lamp 410, and the drawing light distribution pattern may be formed on a wall surface disposed in front of the lamp, a wall surface extending toward the lamp front side, or the like.

[0215] Next, modifications of the second embodiment will be described.

[0216] First, a first modification of the second embodiment will be described.

[0217] FIG. 23 is a front view illustrating a main part of a drawing lamp 510 according to the first modification of the second embodiment. FIG. 23 is a view of the drawing lamp 510 viewed from the same direction as in FIG. 22A. In addition, FIG. 24A is a cross-sectional view taken along a line XXIVa-XXIVa of FIG. 23, and FIG. 24B is a cross-sectional view taken along a line XXIVb-XXIVb of FIG. 23.

[0218] As illustrated in FIGS. 23, 24A, and 24B, a basic configuration of the present modification is the same as that of the second embodiment, and the number and arrangement of first light emitting elements 420A and second light emitting elements 420B are partially different from those of the second embodiment.

[0219] In the present modification, the first light emitting elements 420A are disposed on the lamp rear side of the two first opening portions 440Aa and 440Ac formed in the light shielding plate 440, respectively. The second light emitting elements 420B are disposed on the lamp rear side of the two second opening portions 440Bb and 440Bd, respectively.

[0220] Specifically, the two first light emitting elements 420A disposed on the lamp rear side of the two first opening portions 440Aa and 440Ac are disposed such that the respective light emitting centers are located at the central lower ends of the upper inner peripheral edges of the first opening portions 440Aa and 440Ac in the front view of the lamp. In addition, the two second light emitting elements 420B disposed on the lamp rear side of the two second opening portions 440Bb and 440Bd are disposed such that the respective light emitting centers are located at the central lower ends of the upper inner peripheral edges of the second opening portions 440Bb and 440Bd in the front view of the lamp.

[0221] Accordingly, in the present modification, the emission light from the first light emitting element 420A located on the lower side is efficiently incident on the first opening portion 440Aa via the first condenser lens 452A. The emission light from the first light emitting element 420A located on the upper side is efficiently incident on the first opening portion 440Ac via the first condenser lens 452A. Further, the emission light from the second light emitting element 420B located on the lower side is efficiently incident on the second opening portion 440Bb via the second condenser lens 452B. The emission light from the second light emitting element 420B located on the upper side is efficiently incident on the second opening portion 440Bd via the second condenser lens 452B.

[0222] By adopting the configuration of the present modification, an amount of light incident on the first projection lens portion 432A through the two first opening portions 440Aa and 440Ac increases. Therefore, it is easy to ensure the brightness of the first drawing light distribution patterns PAa2 and PAc2 (see FIGS. 20 and 21) formed in the long-distance region and the short-distance region. In addition, an amount of light incident on the second projection lens portion 432B through the two second opening portions 440Bb and 440Bd increases. Therefore, it is easy to ensure the brightness of the second drawing light distribution patterns PAb2 and PAd2 formed in the medium-distance region and the close-distance region.

[0223] Next, a second modification of the above embodiment will be described.

[0224] FIGS. 25A and 25B illustrate a main part of a drawing lamp 610 according to the second modification of the second embodiment, and FIGS. 25A and 25B are cross-sectional views illustrating the same cross sections as in FIGS. 24A and 24B, respectively.

[0225] As illustrated in FIGS. 25A and 25B, a basic configuration of the present modification is the same as that of the first modification, and is different from that of the first modification in that a light guide body 680 is disposed between the substrate 422 and the light shielding plate 440.

[0226] That is, in the present modification, instead of the condenser lens assembly 450 of the first modification, the light guide body 680 is disposed between the substrate 422 and the light shielding plate 440. The light guide body 680 includes a plate-shaped portion 682 extending along a rear surface of the light shielding plate 440, and four light guide portions 684Aa, 684Ac, 684Bb, and 684Bd that protrude from a rear surface of the plate-shaped portion 682 toward the lamp rear side.

[0227] The four light guide portions 684Aa to 684Bd are formed at positions corresponding to the two first opening portions 440Aa and 440Ac and the two second opening portions 440Bb and 440Bd formed in the light shielding plate 440.

[0228] Specifically, the light guide portion 684Aa expands from the first light emitting element 420A located on the lower side toward the first opening portion 440Aa. The light guide portion 684Aa has a trapezoidal vertical cross-sectional shape, and a rear end surface thereof is located in the vicinity of the front side of the first light emitting element 420A located on the lower side. In addition, a front end edge of the light guide portion 684Aa is connected to the plate-shaped portion 682 at a position surrounding the first opening portion 440Aa.

[0229] The light guide portion 684Ac expands 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 a rear end surface thereof is located in the vicinity of the front side of the first light emitting element 420A located on the upper side. In addition, a front end edge of the light guide portion 684Ac is connected to the plate-shaped portion 682 at a position surrounding the first opening portion 440Ac.

[0230] The light guide portion 684Bb expands from the second light emitting element 420B located on the lower side toward the second opening portion 440Bb. The light guide portion 684Bb has a trapezoidal vertical cross-sectional shape, and a rear end surface thereof is located in the vicinity of the front side of the second light emitting element 420B located on the lower side. A front end edge of the light guide portion 684Bb is connected to the plate-shaped portion 282 at a position surrounding the second opening portion 440Bb.

[0231] The light guide portion 684Bd expands 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 a rear end surface thereof is located in the vicinity of the front side of the second light emitting element 420B located on the upper side. A front end edge of the light guide portion 684Bd is connected to the plate-shaped portion 682 at a position surrounding the second opening portion 440Bd.

[0232] Accordingly, in the present modification, the emission light from the first light emitting element 420A located on the lower side is incident on the light guide portion 684Aa from the rear end surface thereof, and then is incident on the first opening portion 440Aa directly or after being totally reflected by a peripheral wall surface of the light guide portion 684Aa. In addition, the emission light from the first light emitting element 420A located on the upper side is incident on the light guide portion 684Ac from the rear end surface thereof, and then is incident on the first opening portion 440Ac directly or after being totally reflected by a peripheral wall surface of the light guide portion 684Ac.

[0233] Similarly, the emission light from the second light emitting element 420B located on the lower side is incident on the light guide portion 684Bb from the rear end surface thereof, and then is incident on the second opening portion 440Bb directly or after being totally reflected by a peripheral wall surface of the light guide portion 684Bb. In addition, the emission light from the second light emitting element 420B located on the upper side is incident on the light guide portion 684Bd from the rear end surface thereof, and then is incident on the second opening portion 440Bd directly or after being totally reflected by a peripheral wall surface of the light guide portion 684Bd.

[0234] By adopting the configuration according to the present modification, the following operations and effects can be obtained.

[0235] That is, the emission light from the first light emitting element 420A located on the lower side can be efficiently incident on the first opening portion 440Aa via the light guide portion 684Aa. In addition, the emission light from the first light emitting element 420A located on the upper side can be efficiently incident on the first opening portion 440Ac via the light guide portion 684Ac.

[0236] Similarly, the emission light from the second light emitting element 420B located on the lower side can be efficiently incident on the second opening portion 440Bb via the light guide portion 684Bb. In addition, the emission light from the second light emitting element 420B located on the upper side can be efficiently incident on the second opening portion 440Bd via the light guide portion 684Bd.

[0237] Therefore, as in the first modification, in the present modification, the amount of light incident on the first projection lens portion 432A and the second projection lens portion 432B can also be increased. Accordingly, it is easy to ensure the brightness of the first drawing light distribution patterns PAa2 and PAc2 formed in the long-distance region and the short-distance region, the second drawing light distribution pattern PAb2 formed in the medium-distance region, and the second drawing light distribution pattern PAd2 formed in the close-distance region (see FIGS. 20 and 21).

[0238] Moreover, in the present modification, the emission light from the first light emitting element 420A located on the lower side is less likely to be incident on the first opening portion 440Ac located on the upper side. In addition, the emission light from the first light emitting element 420A located on the upper side is less likely to be incident on the first opening portion 440Aa located on the lower side. Similarly, the emission light from the second light emitting element 420B located on the lower side is less likely to be incident on the second opening portion 440Bd located on the upper side. In addition, the emission light from the second light emitting element 420B located on the upper side is less likely to be incident on the second opening portion 440Bb located on the lower side.

[0239] Therefore, the four first drawing light distribution patterns PAa2 and PAc2 and second drawing light distribution patterns PAb2 and PAd2 can be individually formed by individually turning on the two first light emitting elements 420A and the two second light emitting elements 420B. Therefore, it is possible to select a mode in which the four first drawing light distribution patterns PAa2 and PAc2 and second drawing light distribution patterns PAb2 and PAd2 are simultaneously formed as the drawing light distribution pattern PA2 and a mode in which these patterns are individually formed.

[0240] The drawing lamp according to the second embodiment may be an on-vehicle lamp or a lamp used for a purpose other than the on-vehicle purpose.

[0241] A specific arrangement of the light shielding plate is not particularly limited as long as the light shielding plate shields a part of light from the light emitting element toward the projection lens between the light emitting element and the projection lens.

[0242] The arrangement of the first projection lens portion and the plurality of first opening portions and the arrangement of the second projection lens portion and the at least one second opening portion are not particularly limited in a specific arrangement as long as "each of the plurality of first drawing light distribution patterns" and "each of the at least one second drawing light distribution pattern" can be alternately formed in a series arrangement.

[0243] For example, as a configuration for implementing the arrangement, the first projection lens portion and the second projection lens are disposed such that the optical axis of the first projection lens portion and the optical axis of the second projection lens portion are parallel to each other. In the first projection lens portion and the second projection lens, a displacement amount of the plurality of first opening portions from the optical axis of the first projection lens portion and a displacement amount of the at least one second opening portion from the optical axis of the second projection lens portion in the direction intersecting the required direction may be set to different values. In the first projection lens portion and the second projection lens, the displacement amount of the plurality of first opening portions from the optical axis of the first projection lens portion and the displacement amount of the at least one second opening portion from the optical axis of the second projection lens portion in the direction intersecting the required direction may be set to the same value. The first projection lens portion and the second projection lens may be arranged such that the optical axis of the first projection lens portion and the optical axis of the second projection lens portion are inclined at different inclination angles with respect to the direction intersecting the required direction.

[0244] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.(Third Embodiment)

[0245] FIG. 26 is a front view illustrating a drawing lamp 710 according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view taken along a line XXVII-XXVII in FIG. 26. FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional view taken along a line XXVIII-XXVIII in FIG. 26. Further, FIG. 29 is an exploded perspective view of main components of the drawing lamp 710 according to the third embodiment.

[0246] In FIGS. 26 to 29, a direction indicated by X is "the lamp front side", a direction indicated by Y is a "left direction" (a "right direction" in a front view of the lamp) orthogonal to "the lamp front side", and a direction indicated by Z is an "upward direction". The same applies to figures other than FIGS. 26 to 29.

[0247] Before a specific configuration of the drawing lamp 710 according to the present embodiment is described, an outline thereof will be described.

[0248] FIG. 30 is a side view illustrating a state in which the drawing lamps 710 according to the third embodiment are mounted on a vehicle 800. FIG. 31 is a plan view illustrating a state in which the drawing lamps 710 according to the third embodiment are mounted on the vehicle 800. FIG. 31 illustrates a state in which the left drawing lamp 710 is turned on.

[0249] As illustrated in FIGS. 30 and 31, the drawing lamp 710 delivers light obliquely downward toward the outside in a vehicle width direction in a state of being mounted on an end portion on a vehicle width direction side in a front end portion of the vehicle 800. At this time, the drawing lamp 710 is turned on in synchronization with turning on of a front turn signal lamp (not illustrated). Accordingly, the drawing lamp 710 forms a drawing light distribution pattern PA3 on a road surface 702 in front of the vehicle.

[0250] As illustrated in FIGS. 30 and 31, in the state in which the drawing lamps 710 are mounted on the vehicle 800, a front surface of the lamp is oriented a direction inclined obliquely downward with respect to a front-rear direction of the vehicle. However, as illustrated in FIGS. 26 to 29, when the drawing lamp 710 is in a single state, the front of the lamp is oriented in a horizontal direction.

[0251] Next, the specific configuration of the drawing lamp 710 will be described.

[0252] As illustrated in FIGS. 27 and 28, the drawing lamp 710 delivers emission light from a light emitting element toward the lamp front side via a projection lens 730. The drawing lamp 710 includes three light emitting elements, that is, a first light emitting element 720A, a second light emitting element 720B, and a third light emitting element 720C.

[0253] 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.

[0254] The lens body portion 732 is a plano-convex lens in which a front surface 732a of the lens body portion 732 is implemented by a convex curved surface, and has an optical axis Ax3 extending in the front-rear direction of the lamp. The lens body portion 732 has a rectangular (specifically, square) outer shape in the front view of the lamp, and is surrounded by the outer peripheral flange portion 734.

[0255] The outer peripheral flange portion 734 extends along a rear surface of the lens body portion 732. The pair of left and right mounting flange portions 736 are formed on both left and right sides of the outer peripheral flange portion 734 so as to extend toward the lamp rear side with an L-shaped horizontal cross-sectional shape. Rear end surfaces of the pair of left and right mounting flange portions 736 are located on a vertical surface orthogonal to the front-rear direction of the lamp.

[0256] 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 each have a rectangular (specifically, square) light emitting surface 720a.

[0257] The first light emitting element 720A to the third light emitting element 720C are mounted on a common substrate 722 in a state of being disposed on the lamp rear side of the lens body portion 732. The substrate 722 is supported by a heat sink 760 in a state of extending along the vertical surface orthogonal to the front-rear direction of the lamp.

[0258] A light shielding plate 740 for shielding a part of light from the first light emitting element 720A to the third light emitting element 720C toward the lens body portion 732 of the projection lens 730 is disposed between the first light emitting element 720A to the third light emitting element 720C and the projection lens 730. The light shielding plate 740 is implemented by a non-transparent resin molded product.

[0259] The light shielding plate 740 includes a body portion 742 in which a first opening portion 742Aa, a second opening portion 742Ba, and a third opening portion 742Ca for causing emission 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 body portion 732 are formed, and a first tubular portion 744A, a second tubular portion 744B, and a third tubular portion 744C extending in a tubular shape from the body portion 742 toward the lamp rear side so as to surround the first opening portion 742Aa, the second opening portion 742Ba, and the third opening portion 742Ca.

[0260] The body portion 742 extends along the vertical surface orthogonal to the front-rear direction of the lamp. A circular region 742d centered on the optical axis Ax3 is formed such that a front surface of the circular region 742d extends along a concave curved plane (specifically, a meridional image plane) C3 including a rear focal point F of the lens body portion 732 of the projection lens 730.

[0261] The first opening portion 742Aa to the third opening portion 742Ca are formed at intervals in an up-down direction. The first opening portion 742Aa is located below the optical axis Ax3. The second opening portion 742Ba is located on the optical axis Ax3. The third opening portion 742Ca is located above the optical axis Ax3.

[0262] The first opening portion 742Aa to the third opening portion 742Ca are each formed in an opening shape having a left-right width larger than an up-down width. Specifically, the first opening portion 742Aa to the third opening portion 742Ca each have a V-shaped opening shape in the front view of the lamp.

[0263] The first opening portion 742Aa, the second opening portion 742Ba, and the third opening portion 742Ca are formed such that up-down widths of the opening portions gradually increase in this order. Intervals between the first opening portion 742Aa, the second opening portion 742Ba, and the third opening portion 742Ca in the up-down direction gradually increase in this order. The first opening portion 742Aa to the third opening portion 742Ca are formed such that inner peripheral edges on both left and right sides thereof extend upward in a direction slightly expanding with respect to a vertical direction. The first opening portion 742Aa to the third opening portion 742Ca are formed such that the inner peripheral edges on both the left and right sides thereof are located on a pair of left and right identical virtual straight lines, respectively.

[0264] The first tubular portion 744A, the second tubular portion 744B, and the third tubular portion 744C are formed such that inner peripheral surfaces 744Aa, 744Ba, and 744Ca thereof extend so as to be flush with the first opening portion 742Aa, the second opening portion 742Ba, and the third opening portion 742Ca. At this time, the inner peripheral surfaces 744Aa to 744Ca of the first tubular portion 744A to the third tubular portion 744C are formed as reflection surfaces whose cross-sectional shapes decrease toward the lamp rear side. Specifically, the inner peripheral surfaces 744Aa to 744Ca of the first tubular portion 744A to the third tubular portion 744C are subjected to a reflection surface treatment made by aluminum vacuum deposition or the like.

[0265] Rear end opening portions 744Ab, 744Bb, and 744Cb of the first tubular portion 744A, the second tubular portion 744B, and the third tubular portion 744C each have a V-shaped opening shape.

[0266] The light shielding plate 740 is positioned at both left and right end portions of the body portion 742 in a state of being in contact with the pair of left and right mounting flange portions 736 of the projection lens 730 from the lamp rear side.

[0267] The first light emitting element 720A, the second light emitting element 720B, and the third light emitting element 720C are located on the lamp rear side of the first tubular portion 744A, the second tubular portion 744B, and the third tubular portion 744C.

[0268] That is, the first light emitting element 720A faces the rear end opening portion 744Ab of the first tubular portion 744A below the optical axis Ax3. The second light emitting element 720B faces the rear end opening portion 744Bb of the second tubular portion 744B on the optical axis Ax. The third light emitting element 720C faces the rear end opening portion 744Cb of the third tubular portion 744C above the optical axis Ax3.

[0269] As illustrated in FIGS. 27 and 28, the emission light from the first light emitting element 720A, the second light emitting element 720B, and the third light emitting element 720C is incident on the first tubular portion 744A, the second tubular portion 744B, and the third tubular portion 744C from the rear end opening portions 744Ab, 744Bb, and 744Cb thereof. The light incident on the first tubular portion 744A, the second tubular portion 744B, and the third tubular portion 744C is reflected by the inner peripheral surfaces 744Aa, 744Ba, and 744Ca, guided to the first opening portion 742Aa, the second opening portion 742Ba, and the third opening portion 742Ca of the body portion 742, and then directly incident on the lens body portion 732 of the projection lens 730. The inner peripheral surfaces 744Aa to 744Ca of the first tubular portion 744A to the third tubular portion 744C are formed such that the cross-sectional shapes decrease toward the lamp rear side. Therefore, the emission light from the first light emitting element 720A to the third light emitting element 720C is likely to be guided to the first opening portion 742Aa to the third opening portion 742Ca.

[0270] The first light emitting element 720A to the third light emitting element 720C are connected to an electronic control unit (not illustrated), and are turned on and off by the electronic control unit according to a vehicle travel state or the like.

[0271] The heat sink 760 includes a body portion 762 extending along a vertical surface orthogonal to the front-rear direction of the lamp, a plurality of heat-dissipating fins 764 extending from the body portion 762 toward the lamp rear side along the vertical surface, and a pair of mounting flange portions 766 formed on both left and right side portions of the body portion 762.

[0272] The substrate 722 is positioned and supported by fastening screws 752 at two positions on a diagonal line thereof in a state of being in surface contact with the body portion 762 of the heat sink 760.

[0273] In addition, the projection lens 730 and the light shielding plate 740 are positioned and supported on the pair of left and right mounting flange portions 766 of the heat sink 760 by fastening screws 754 at two positions on a diagonal line thereof. The pair of left and right mounting flange portions 736 of the projection lens 730 and both left and right end portions of the light shielding plate 740 are screwed together in a state of overlapping the pair of left and right mounting flange portions 766 of the heat sink 760. Respective positioning pins 736a are formed on the pair of left and right mounting flange portions 736 of the projection lens 730, while pin insertion holes 742e and 766a into which the positioning pins 736a are to be inserted are formed on both the left and right end portions of the body portion 742 of the light shielding plate 740 and the pair of left and right mounting flange portions 766 of the heat sink 760, respectively.

[0274] Next, the drawing light distribution pattern PA3 illustrated in FIGS. 30 and 31 will be described.

[0275] As described above, the drawing light distribution pattern PA is formed by the irradiation light from the drawing lamp 710. As illustrated in FIGS. 30 and 31, the drawing light distribution pattern PA includes three drawing light distribution patterns, that is, a first drawing light distribution pattern PAa3, a second drawing light distribution pattern PAb3, and a third drawing light distribution pattern PAc3.

[0276] The three first drawing light distribution pattern PAa3 to third drawing light distribution pattern PAc3 are all inverted V-shaped (that is, a shape pointed toward the lamp front side) light distribution patterns. The three first drawing light distribution patterns PAa3 to third drawing light distribution pattern PAc3 are respectively formed in a long-distance region, a medium-distance region, and a short-distance region of a road surface 702 in front of the vehicle with substantially the same size at substantially equal intervals in a series arrangement.

[0277] The first drawing light distribution pattern PAa3 formed in the long-distance region is a light distribution pattern formed by delivering the emission light from the first light emitting element 720A toward the lamp front side via the projection lens 730. The second drawing light distribution pattern PAb formed in the medium-distance region is a light distribution pattern formed by delivering the emission light from the second light emitting element 720B toward the lamp front side via the projection lens 730. The third drawing light distribution pattern PAc formed in the short-distance region is a light distribution pattern formed by delivering the emission light from the third light emitting element 720C toward the lamp front side via the projection lens 730.

[0278] The first drawing light distribution pattern PAa3 is formed as a reverse projection image of the first opening portion 742Aa having a V-shaped opening shape formed in the body portion 742 of the light shielding plate 740. The first opening portion 742Aa is located below the optical axis Ax3 of the projection lens 730. Therefore, the emission light from the first light emitting element 720A is delivered toward the lamp front side as light directed upward relative to the optical axis Ax3. Accordingly, the first drawing light distribution pattern PAa3 is formed in the long-distance region.

[0279] The second drawing light distribution pattern PAb3 is formed as a reverse projection image of the second opening portion 742Ba having a V-shaped opening shape formed in the body portion 742 of the light shielding plate 740. The second opening portion 742Ba is located on the optical axis Ax3 of the projection lens 730. Therefore, the emission light from the second light emitting element 720B is delivered toward the lamp front side as light substantially parallel to the optical axis Ax3. Accordingly, the second drawing light distribution pattern PAb3 is formed in the medium-distance region.

[0280] The third drawing light distribution pattern PAc3 is formed as a reverse projection image of the third opening portion 742Ca having a V-shaped opening shape formed in the body portion 742 of the light shielding plate 740. The third opening portion 742Ca is located above the optical axis Ax3 of the projection lens 730. Therefore, the emission light from the third light emitting element 720C is delivered toward the lamp front side as light directed downward relative to the optical axis Ax3. Accordingly, the third drawing light distribution pattern PAc3 is formed in the short-distance region.

[0281] At this time, the emission light from the first light emitting element 720A to the third light emitting element 720C is efficiently guided to the first opening portion 742Aa to the third opening portion 742Ca by the first tubular portion 744A to the third tubular portion 744C. Therefore, the brightness of the first drawing light distribution pattern PAa3 to the third drawing light distribution pattern PAc3 is sufficiently secured.

[0282] Up-down widths of a first opening portion 740Aa, a second opening portion 740Ba, and a third opening portion 740Ca increase in this order. In addition, inner peripheral edges on both left and right sides of the first opening portion 740Aa, the second opening portion 740Ba, and the third opening portion 740Ca extend upward in a direction slightly expanding with respect to a vertical direction. The inner peripheral edges on both the right sides of the first opening portion 740Aa, the second opening portion 740Ba, and the third opening portion 740Ca are located on a pair of left and right identical virtual straight lines. Therefore, the three first drawing light distribution pattern PAa3 to third drawing light distribution pattern PAc3 are formed in substantially the same size.

[0283] Next, operations of the present embodiment will be described.

[0284] The drawing lamp 710 according to the present embodiment forms the drawing light distribution pattern PA by delivering the emission light from the first light emitting element 720A to the third light emitting element 720C toward the lamp front side via the light shielding plate 740 and the projection lens 730. The light shielding plate 740 includes the body portion 742 in which the first opening portion 742Aa to the third opening portion 742Ca for causing the emission light from the first light emitting element 720A to the third light emitting element 720C to be incident on the projection lens 730 are formed, and the first tubular portion 744A to the third tubular portion 744C extending in a tubular shape from the body portion 742 toward the lamp rear side so as to surround the first opening portion 742Aa to the third opening portion 742Ca. The inner peripheral surfaces 744Aa to 744Ca of the first tubular portion 744A to the third tubular portion 744C are formed as reflection surfaces whose cross-sectional shapes decrease toward the lamp rear side. The first light emitting element 720A to the third light emitting element 720C are located on the lamp rear side of the first tubular portion 744A to the third tubular portion 744C.

[0285] The light emitted from the first light emitting element 720A to the third light emitting element 720C and incident on the projection lens 730 via the first opening portion 742Aa to the third opening portion 742Ca of the light shielding plate 740 can form the drawing light distribution pattern PA including the first drawing light distribution pattern PAa3 to the third drawing light distribution pattern PAc3 as reverse projection images of the first opening portion 742Aa to the third opening portion 742Ca, respectively.

[0286] In addition, the light shielding plate 740 is formed with the first tubular portion 744A to the third tubular portion 744C protruding toward the lamp rear side so as to surround the first opening portion 742Aa to the third opening portion 742Ca formed in the body portion 742 thereof. The inner peripheral surfaces 744Aa to 744Ca of the first tubular portion 744A to the third tubular portion 744C are formed as the reflection surfaces. Therefore, the emission light from the first light emitting element 720A to the third light emitting element 720C can be guided to the first opening portion 742Aa to the third opening portion 742Ca directly or after being reflected by the inner peripheral surfaces 744Aa to 744Ca. The inner peripheral surfaces 744Aa to 744Ca of the first tubular portion 744A to the third tubular portion 744C are formed such that the cross-sectional shapes decrease toward the lamp rear side. Therefore, the emission light from the first light emitting element 720A to the third light emitting element 720C is likely to be incident on the projection lens 730 after being guided to the first opening portion 742Aa to the third opening portion 742Ca. Accordingly, the drawing light distribution pattern PA3 can be efficiently formed.

[0287] As described above, according to the present embodiment, the drawing lamp 710 that forms the drawing light distribution pattern PA3 can efficiently form the drawing light distribution pattern PA3. Accordingly, the attention calling effect on the surroundings can be enhanced.

[0288] The first opening portion 742Aa to the third opening portion 742Ca of the light shielding plate 740 are each formed in an opening shape having a left-right width larger than an up-down width. The inner peripheral surfaces 744Aa to 744Ca of the first tubular portion 744A to the third tubular portion 744C are formed such that a reduction rate of the left-right width is larger than a reduction rate of the up-down width toward the lamp rear side.

[0289] The first opening portion 742Aa to the third opening portion 742Ca are each formed in an opening shape having a left-right width larger than an up-down width. The first drawing light distribution pattern PAa3 to the third drawing light distribution pattern PAc3 constituting the drawing light distribution pattern PA3 can be formed as a horizontally elongated light distribution pattern that is likely to be recognized visually. Accordingly, the attention calling effect on the surroundings can be enhanced.

[0290] In addition, the inner peripheral surfaces 744Aa to 744Ca of the first tubular portion 744A to the third tubular portion 744C are formed such that the reduction rate of the left-right width is larger than the reduction rate of the up-down width toward the lamp rear side. Therefore, the emission light from the first light emitting element 720A to the third light emitting element 720C reflected by the inner peripheral surfaces 744Aa to 744Ca is guided to the first opening portion 742Aa to the third opening portion 742Ca as light with substantially uniform brightness. Accordingly, the first drawing light distribution pattern PAa3 to the third drawing light distribution pattern PAc3 can be formed with substantially uniform brightness.

[0291] At this time, the first opening portion 742Aa to the third opening portion 742Ca each have 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 portion 742Aa to the third opening portion 742Ca forms the first drawing light distribution pattern PAa3 to the third drawing light distribution pattern PAc3 having an inverted V-shape (that is, a shape pointed toward the lamp front side) as reverse projection images. Accordingly, the attention calling effect on the surroundings can be further enhanced.

[0292] Moreover, the light shielding plate 740 is formed with, on a front surface of the body portion 742, the circular region 742d extending along a concave curved plane C3 including the rear focal point F of the projection lens 730. Therefore, the first drawing light distribution pattern PAa3 to the third drawing light distribution pattern PAc3 can be formed as light distribution patterns having clear contours.

[0293] Further, the light shielding plate 740 is formed with the first opening portion 742Aa to the third opening portion 742Ca and the first tubular portion 744A to the third tubular portion 744C at intervals in the up-down direction. The first light emitting element 720A to the third light emitting element 720C are disposed in the first opening portion 742Aa to the third opening portion 742Ca and the first tubular portion 744A to the third tubular portion 744C, respectively. Therefore, the three first drawing light distribution pattern PAa3 to third drawing light distribution pattern PAc3 can be efficiently formed in a series arrangement. Accordingly, the attention calling effect on the surroundings can be further enhanced.

[0294] In the present embodiment, the first opening portion 742Aa to the third opening portion 742Ca formed in the light shielding plate 740 each have a V-shaped opening shape. However, the first opening portion 742Aa to the third opening portion 742Ca may have other opening shapes (for example, opening shapes such as downward arrows and inverted trapezoids).

[0295] In the present embodiment, the inner peripheral surfaces 744Aa to 744Ca of the first tubular portion 744A to the third tubular portion 744C formed in the light shielding plate 740 are subjected to a reflection treatment, whereby the inner peripheral surfaces 744Aa to 744Ca are formed as reflection surfaces. However, the inner peripheral surfaces 744Aa to 744Ca may be formed as reflection surfaces by constituting the light shielding plate 740 with a white resin molded product or the like having a high surface reflectance.

[0296] In the present embodiment, it has been described that light emitting colors of the first light emitting element 720A to the third light emitting element 720C are white, and other light emitting colors (for example, amber and red) may be adopted.

[0297] In the present embodiment, the drawing lamp 710 is mounted on the end portion on the vehicle width direction side in the front end portion of the vehicle 800, and may be mounted on a rear end portion, a side surface portion, or the like of the vehicle 800.

[0298] In the present embodiment, the drawing light distribution pattern PA is formed on the road surface 702 in front of the vehicle by the irradiation light from the drawing lamp 710. However, the drawing light distribution pattern may be formed on a wall surface disposed in the lamp front side, a wall surface extending toward the lamp front side, or the like.

[0299] Next, a modification of the third embodiment will be described.

[0300] FIG. 32 is a front view of a drawing lamp 810 according to a modification of the third embodiment. FIG. 32 is a view of the drawing lamp 810 viewed from the same direction as in FIG. 26. FIG. 33 is a cross-sectional view of the drawing lamp 810 according to the modification of the third embodiment. FIG. 33 is a view of the drawing lamp 810 viewed from the same direction as in FIG. 28.

[0301] As illustrated in FIGS. 32 and 33, a basic configuration of the present modification is the same as that of the third embodiment, and a configuration of the light shielding plate 840 is partially different from that of the third embodiment. Accordingly, an arrangement of the first light emitting element 720A to the third light emitting element 720C is partially different from that in the third embodiment.

[0302] In the light shielding plate 840 of the present modification, the shape and arrangement of the first opening portion 842Aa, the second opening portion 842Ba, and the third opening portion 842Ca formed in the body portion 842 are the same as those in the third embodiment. However, the present modification is different from the third embodiment in that the first tubular portion 844A, the second tubular portion 844B, and the third tubular portion 844C extend toward the lamp rear side at different inclination angles with respect to the up-down direction.

[0303] Specifically, the shape of the second tubular portion 844B is the same as that of the second tubular portion 744B of the third embodiment. However, the first tubular portion 844A extends downward toward the lamp rear side than the first tubular portion 744A of the third embodiment. The third tubular portion 844C extends upward toward the lamp rear side than the third tubular portion 744C of the third embodiment.

[0304] In the present modification, the light shielding plate 840 is formed by stacking three light shielding plate components 840A, 840B, and 840C in the up-down direction.

[0305] That is, the light shielding plate 840 of the present modification is implemented by dividing the body portion 842 into the three light shielding plate components 840A, 840B, and 840C with a lower end position of the first opening portion 842Aa and an upper end position of the third opening portion 842Ca as a boundary. At this time, the light shielding plate component 840A located at a lowermost side is formed in a substantially U shape. The light shielding plate components 840B and 840C are supported by being fitted into the light shielding plate component 840A from above.

[0306] Cross-sectional shapes of inner peripheral surfaces 844Aa, 844Ba, and 844Ca of the first tubular portion 844A, the second tubular portion 844B, and the third tubular portion 844C are the same as those in the third embodiment. Shapes of rear end opening portions 844Ab, 844Bb, and 844Cb of the first tubular portion 844A, the second tubular portion 844B, and the third tubular portion 844C are the same as those in the third embodiment. Further, a circular region 842d of the body portion 842 also extends along the concave curved plane C3 as in the third embodiment.

[0307] In the present modification, the first light emitting element 720A, the second light emitting element 720B, and the third light emitting element 720C are also located on the lamp rear side of the first tubular portion 844A, the second tubular portion 844B, and the third tubular portion 844C. The first tubular portion 844A to the third tubular portion 844C extend toward the lamp rear side at different inclination angles in the up-down direction. The first light emitting element 720A is slightly displaced upward than in the third embodiment. The third light emitting element 720C is slightly displaced downward than in the third embodiment.

[0308] By adopting the configuration of the present modification, the emission light from the first light emitting element 720A to the third light emitting element 720C emitted from the first opening portion 842Aa to the third opening portion 842Ca via the first tubular portion 844A to the third tubular portion 844C is likely to be incident on a central region of the projection lens 730 near the optical axis Ax3. This improves an accuracy of deflection control by the projection lens 730.

[0309] As in the present modification, as the configuration of the light shielding plate 840, the three light shielding plate components 840A, 840B, and 840C are stacked in the up-down direction, whereby a degree of freedom in the shapes of the first tubular portion 844A to the third tubular portion 844C can be increased.

[0310] Specifically, in the light shielding plate 840 of the present modification, the first tubular portion 844A to the third tubular portion 844C extend toward the lamp rear side at different inclination angles with respect to the up-down direction.

[0311] That is, in a case in which the light shielding plate 840 of the present modification is formed as a single member, it is difficult to implement the light shielding plate 840 because an undercut occurs.

[0312] On the other hand, the light shielding plate 840 can be easily molded by stacking the three light shielding plate components 840A to 840C. Accordingly, the degree of freedom in the shapes of the first tubular portion 844A to the third tubular portion 844C can be increased.

[0313] The drawing lamp according to the third embodiment may be an on-vehicle lamp or a lamp used for a purpose other than the on-vehicle purpose.

[0314] A specific arrangement of the light shielding plate is not particularly limited as long as the light shielding plate shields a part of light from the light emitting element to the projection lens between the light emitting element and the projection lens.

[0315] The specific arrangement or the opening shape of the opening portion is not particularly limited as long as the opening portion causes the emission light from the light emitting element to be incident on the projection lens.

[0316] The tubular portion extends in a tubular shape from the body portion toward the lamp rear side so as to surround the opening portion, and in this case, the tubular portion does not necessarily have to surround the opening portion over the entire circumference.

[0317] The specific shape of the inner peripheral surface of the tubular portion is not particularly limited as long as the inner peripheral surface is formed as a reflection surface whose cross-sectional shape decreases toward the lamp rear side. In addition, the reflection surface of the inner peripheral surface may be implemented by performing a reflection surface treatment, or may be implemented by a surface having high reflectance such as a white smooth surface.

[0318] Numerical values shown as specifications in the first embodiment to the third embodiment and the modifications thereof are merely examples, and as a matter of course, these numerical values may be set to different values as appropriate.

[0319] Further, the present disclosure is not limited to the configurations described in the first embodiment to the third embodiment and the modifications thereof, and a configuration added with various other changes may be adopted.

[0320] The present application appropriately refers to contents disclosed in Japanese Patent Application filed on September 21, 2022 (Patent Application No. 2022-150309), Japanese Patent Application filed on September 21, 2022 (Patent Application No. 2022-150310), and Japanese Patent Application filed on November 14, 2022 (Patent Application No. 2022 -182184).

Claims

1. A drawing lamp configured to form a drawing light distribution pattern by delivering emission light from a light emitting element toward a lamp front side via a projection lens, wherein a light shielding plate configured to shield a part of light from the light emitting element toward the projection lens is disposed between the light emitting element and the projection lens, wherein the light shielding plate has an opening portion having a V-shaped opening shape, wherein a condenser lens configured to condense the emission light from the light emitting element toward the opening portion is disposed between the light emitting element and the light shielding plate, and wherein the condenser lens extends to have a V shape to satisfy a positional relationship in which the condenser lens overlaps the opening portion in a front view of the drawing lamp.

2. The drawing lamp according to claim 1, wherein the light emitting element comprises a rectangular light emitting surface, and is disposed such that the light emitting surface is seen as a rhombus in the front view of the drawing lamp.

3. The drawing lamp according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the light emitting element is arranged at each of three positions along a V-shape.

4. The drawing lamp according to claim 3, wherein the condenser lens is configured to emit emission light from light emitting elements arranged at the three positions in directions approaching one another.

5. The drawing lamp according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the opening portion is formed at each of a plurality of positions at intervals in an up-down direction.

6. A drawing lamp configured to form a drawing light distribution pattern by delivering emission light from a light emitting element toward a lamp front side via a projection lens, wherein a light shielding plate configured to shield a part of light from the light emitting element toward the projection lens is disposed between the light emitting element and the projection lens, wherein the projection lens has a configuration in which a first projection lens portion and a second projection lens portion are arranged side by side in a required direction intersecting a front-rear direction of the lamp, wherein the light shielding plate has a plurality of opening portions, wherein the light shielding plate has, as the plurality of opening portions, a plurality of first opening portions arranged at intervals in a direction intersecting the required direction on a lamp rear side of the first projection lens portion, and at least one second opening portion arranged on the lamp rear side of the second projection lens portion, wherein the drawing lamp comprises, as the light emitting element, a first light emitting element arranged on the lamp rear side of the plurality of first opening portions and a second light emitting element arranged on the lamp rear side of the at least one second opening portion, and wherein an arrangement of the first projection lens portion and the plurality of first opening portions, and an arrangement of the second projection lens portion and the at least one second opening portion are set such that each of a plurality of first drawing light distribution patterns to be formed by emission light from the first light emitting element incident on the first projection lens portion through the plurality of first opening portions and each of at least one second drawing light distribution pattern to be formed by emission light from the second light emitting element incident on the second projection lens portion through the at least one second opening portion are alternately formed in a series arrangement.

7. The drawing lamp according to claim 6, wherein the direction intersecting the required direction is set as an up-down direction.

8. The drawing lamp according to claim 7, wherein each of the plurality of first opening portions and each of the at least one second opening portion has a V-shaped opening shape.

9. The drawing lamp according to claim 6 or 7, wherein a first condenser lens configured to condense the emission light from the first light emitting element toward the plurality of first opening portions is disposed between the first light emitting element and the light shielding plate, and wherein a second condenser lens configured to condense the emission light from the second light emitting element toward the at least one second opening portion is disposed between the second light emitting element and the light shielding plate.

10. The drawing lamp according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the first light emitting element is disposed at each of positions corresponding to the plurality of first opening portions, and wherein the second light emitting element is disposed at each of at least one position corresponding to the at least one second opening portion.

11. A drawing lamp configured to form a drawing light distribution pattern by delivering emission light from a light emitting element toward a lamp front side via a projection lens, wherein a light shielding plate configured to shield a part of light from the light emitting element toward the projection lens is disposed between the light emitting element and the projection lens, wherein the light shielding plate comprises a body portion in which an opening portion for causing the emission light from the light emitting element to be incident on the projection lens is formed, and a tubular portion extending in a tubular shape from the body portion toward a lamp rear side so as to surround the opening portion, wherein an inner peripheral surface of the tubular portion is formed as a reflection surface such that a cross-sectional shape of the inner peripheral surface decreases toward the lamp rear side, and wherein the light emitting element is located at the lamp rear side of the tubular portion.

12. The drawing lamp according to claim 11, wherein the opening portion is formed in an opening shape having a left-right width larger than an up-down width, and wherein the inner peripheral surface of the tubular portion is formed such that a reduction rate of the left-right width toward the lamp rear side is larger than a reduction rate of the up-down width toward the lamp rear side.

13. The drawing lamp according to claim 12, wherein the opening portion has a V-shaped opening shape.

14. The drawing lamp according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the light shielding plate is formed such that a front surface of the body portion extends along a concave curved plane including a rear focal point of the projection lens.

15. The drawing lamp according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the light shielding plate is configured to have the opening portion and the tubular portion formed at each of a plurality of positions at intervals in an up-down direction, and wherein the light emitting element is disposed at each of the plurality of positions.

16. The drawing lamp according to claim 15, wherein the tubular portion extends at an inclination angle in the up-down direction toward the lamp rear side which is different at each of the plurality of positions.

17. The drawing lamp according to claim 15, wherein the light shielding plate has a configuration in which a plurality of light shielding plate components are stacked in the up-down direction.

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