Projection device

Abstract

To provide a projection device that prevents glare to irradiation light of an auxiliary lamp of a vehicle and suppresses reduction in the brightness of a light pattern projected onto a road surface.SOLUTION: A projection device 1 which is mounted on a vehicle and projects a light pattern onto the surrounding road surface, includes: far-distance side projection units 2, 3 that project a prescribed far-distance side light pattern onto a relatively distant position; and a near-distance side projection unit 4 that projects a prescribed near-distance side light pattern onto a relatively near position. The far-distance side projection units 2, 3 project the surface shape of the light emitting surfaces of LEDs 12, 13 as light patterns FOP, COP by projection lenses 22, 23. The near-distance side projection unit 4 projects an opening shape of a shade opening 34 opened in a shade 30 that shields the light emitted from an LED 14 as a light pattern NOP by a projection lens 24.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a projection device that is mounted on a vehicle and is suitable for projecting and drawing a required light pattern onto the surface of a road. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, in order to ensure traffic safety during the travel of automobiles, a technology has been proposed that projects a light pattern onto the road surface around the automobile to increase the ability to attract the attention of other vehicles and pedestrians. For example, Patent Document 1 proposes a technology for a projection device that projects such a light pattern, in which a shade opening having a required shape is arranged in front of a light-emitting element serving as a light source, and a light pattern formed by this shade opening is projected by a projection lens. Patent Document 1 also proposes a technology for projecting multiple light patterns by one projection device by arranging multiple light sources and multiple shade openings. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2023-028932 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] This type of projection device is often disposed at a position lower than the front lamp FL of the automobile CAR, as exemplified by the projection device 1 in FIG. 1. In this example, the projection device 1 is disposed at a position near the front bumper of the automobile CAR, and is configured to project a light pattern OP onto the road surface in front of the automobile. By projecting the light pattern OP indicating the driving direction onto the road surface in front of the automobile CAR, other vehicles and pedestrians in front of or in front of the automobile CAR are notified of the driving direction of the automobile, thereby contributing to traffic safety. For example, when the turn signal lamp (auxiliary lamp SL) constituting a part of the front lamp FL is turned on (blinked), the light pattern OP is projected in synchronization with this, so that the driving direction of the automobile can be displayed by the light irradiation of the turn signal lamp and the light pattern OP by the projection device 1, thereby improving traffic safety.

[0005] In this way, when a light pattern is projected in synchronization with the lamp, a portion of the light emitted from the projection device enters the light irradiation area of ​​the lamp, and this entering light may adversely affect normal light irradiation of the lamp as glare light. Details will be described later, but in the example of Fig. 1, a portion of the light projected from the projection device 1 that is directed upward enters the light irradiation area of ​​the turn signal lamp SL located on the upper side as glare light LG.

[0006] In order to prevent this glare light, it is conceivable to provide a light shielding means such as a hood or shade for shielding light (non-pattern light) that does not contribute to the projection of the light pattern, particularly light directed upward where the front lamps FL are located, from the light projected from the projection lens. Alternatively, it is conceivable to suppress the light directed upward from the projected light by making the shape of the projection lens unique or reducing the area of ​​the lens surface of the projection lens. However, in either case, since a part of the projected light is shielded, the amount of light of the projected light pattern is reduced, which is a factor in reducing the brightness of the light pattern.

[0007] An object of the present invention is to provide a projection device which prevents glare from the light emitted by a lamp while suppressing a decrease in the brightness of the projected light pattern. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The projection device of the present invention is mounted on a vehicle and projects a light pattern onto a surrounding road surface, and includes a long-distance side projection unit that projects a predetermined long-distance side light pattern onto a relatively long-distance position, and a short-distance side projection unit that projects a predetermined short-distance side light pattern onto a relatively short-distance position. The long-distance side projection unit projects the surface shape of a light-emitting surface of a light source unit as a light pattern, and the short-distance side projection unit projects the opening shape of a shade opening opened in a shade that blocks light emitted from the light source unit as a light pattern.

[0009] In the present invention, the long-distance projection unit includes, for example, a light source section having a light-emitting surface of a required shape, and a projection lens for projecting the light emitted from the light-emitting surface, the light-emitting surface being disposed on the focal plane of the projection lens, and the projection lens being configured to project the surface shape of the light-emitting surface as a light pattern. In addition, it is preferable that the long-distance projection unit includes a shade for blocking non-pattern light that does not contribute to the projected light pattern.

[0010] In the present invention, the close-distance projection unit includes, for example, a light source section that emits light, a primary lens that collects the light from the light source section, a shade having a shade opening that transmits the light collected by the primary lens, and a projection lens that projects the light that has transmitted through the shade opening, and the projection lens is configured to project the opening shape of the shade opening as a light pattern. Effect of the Invention

[0011] According to the present invention, since the long-distance projection unit is a projection unit that projects the surface shape of the light-emitting surface of the light source unit as a light pattern, the brightness of the projected light pattern can be prevented from decreasing even if non-pattern light is blocked by a shade or the like to prevent glare light. Also, since the short-distance projection unit that has less glare light is a projection unit that projects the opening shape of a shade opening opened in a shade that blocks light emitted from the light source unit as a light pattern, it is possible to realize the projection of a bright and sharp light pattern. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic partial perspective view of an automobile equipped with a projection device according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1A is a schematic plan view illustrating the function of the projection device, and FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a projection apparatus according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a partially exploded perspective view of a main part of the projection device according to the embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view of a projection apparatus according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a schematic side view illustrating the operation of the projection device according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view illustrating the operation of the projection device according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] Next, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 1, a projection device 1 is disposed below a front lamp FL disposed at the front of a vehicle body of an automobile CAR. Although Fig. 1 shows only the front part of the automobile CAR, the front lamps FL are disposed on the left and right sides of the automobile CAR, and the projection devices 1 are also disposed on the left and right sides of the automobile CAR correspondingly. The front lamps FL are configured as composite lamps in which a head lamp HL and an auxiliary lamp SL that is used both as a clearance lamp and a turn signal lamp are integrally configured.

[0014] The left and right projection devices 1 are configured to project the required light pattern in synchronization with the lighting of the front lamps FL on the same left and right sides of the automobile CAR. Here, when either the left or right auxiliary lamp SL is lit in a flashing state as a turn signal lamp, the projection device 1 on the corresponding side is configured to synchronously project an elongated rectangular light pattern OP along the fore-and-aft direction of the automobile onto the road surface in front of the automobile CAR.

[0015] That is, as shown in the schematic plan view of Fig. 2(a) and the schematic side view of Fig. 2(b), each of the left and right projection devices 1 is configured to project a rectangular or strip-shaped light pattern OP along a virtual straight line (dashed line) extending slightly outwardly and diagonally forward in the vehicle width direction with respect to the straight-ahead direction of the automobile CAR. In this example, each of the left and right projection devices 1 projects a nearby light pattern NOP, a central light pattern COP, and a distant light pattern FOP as light patterns along the virtual straight line to a nearby position just in front of the automobile CAR, a central position slightly farther than that, and a distant position farthest from the automobile CAR. The distances from the automobile CAR to the nearby light pattern NOP, the central light pattern COP, and the distant light pattern FOP are appropriately set, but for example, the distance to the distant light pattern FOP is set to about 4 m.

[0016] Fig. 3 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of the projection device 1 of the embodiment, and shows the left projection device 1 disposed at the front left part of the body of the automobile CAR shown in Fig. 1. The right projection device 1, which is not shown, has a symmetrical configuration. The projection device 1 shown in Fig. 3 has a heat dissipation fin 101 on the rear side to also serve as a heat sink, and is equipped with a horizontally elongated housing 100 with an open front side. Three projection units 2, 3, and 4, which will be described later, are integrated into the housing 100 and aligned in the vehicle width direction.

[0017] 3, the projection device 1 has a projection lens 20 attached to the front of a housing 100 by screws or the like, and this projection lens 20 is fixed to the front of the automobile CAR by bolts or the like at both sides of a front flange 102 of the housing 100. When fixed, the projection lens 20 is exposed to the front side of the automobile CAR through an opening window PW opened in the front panel P of the vehicle body, and a light pattern OP can be projected by light emitted from this projection lens 20.

[0018] Fig. 4 is a partially exploded perspective view of the main parts of the projection device 1, and Fig. 5 is a schematic plan view of the projection units 2, 3, and 4 housed in the housing 100. Note that in these figures, illustrations and descriptions of the detailed configuration of the housing 100 and the specific support structures of the projection units 2, 3, and 4 disposed within the housing 100 are omitted.

[0019] The three projection units 2, 3, and 4 are arranged in the housing 100 in the vehicle width direction, and are configured as the far projection unit 2 arranged on the inner side of the vehicle width direction (the left side of FIG. 4 in this example, the upper side of FIG. 5) and projecting the far light pattern FOP, the central projection unit 3 arranged on the outer side of the vehicle width direction and projecting the central light pattern COP, and the near projection unit 4 arranged on the outermost side of the vehicle width direction and projecting the near light pattern NOP. Of these projection units 2, 3, and 4, the far projection unit 2 and the central projection unit 3 are configured as the far distance side projection units in the present invention, and the near projection unit 4 is configured as the near distance side projection unit in the present invention. Each of the projection units 2, 3, and 4 includes a light source unit 10, a projection lens 20, and a shade 30, which will be described in detail later, and the near projection unit 4 further includes a primary lens 40.

[0020] The far projection unit 2 includes a far light source section 12 that emits light to a light source section 10. It also includes a far projection lens 22 that projects the light emitted from the light source section 12 to a projection lens 20 onto a road surface as a light pattern. Furthermore, a shade 30 is disposed between the light source section 12 and the projection lens 22, and this shade 30 is provided with a far shade opening 32 that transmits light that contributes to the formation of the light pattern out of the light emitted from the light source section 12.

[0021] The central projection unit 3 has substantially the same configuration as the far projection unit 2, and includes a central light source section 13 that emits light to the light source section 10. It also includes a central projection lens 23 that projects the light emitted from the light source section 13 to the projection lens 20 onto the road surface as a light pattern. Furthermore, a shade 30 is disposed between the light source section 13 and the projection lens 23, and this shade 30 is provided with a central shade opening 33 that transmits light that contributes to the formation of the light pattern out of the light emitted from the light source section 13.

[0022] The near projection unit 4 includes a near light source section 14 that emits light to the light source section 10, and a near projection lens 24 that projects the light emitted from the near light source section 13 to the projection lens 20 as a light pattern onto the road surface. In addition, a primary lens 40 that collects the light emitted from the near light source section 14 is provided between the near light source section 14 and the near projection lens 24, and a shade 30 is further disposed between the primary lens 40 and the near projection lens 24, and the shade 30 is provided with a near shade opening 34 that forms a pseudo light source of a light pattern with the light collected by the primary lens 40.

[0023] In the far projection unit 2 and the central projection unit 3, the far light source section 12 and the central light source section 13 are each composed of one light emitting element, and here, each light emitting element is composed of an LED (light emitting diode) that emits a required color light, for example, amber color light. Hereinafter, each light source section 12, 13 will be referred to as LED 12, 13, or far LED 12 and central LED 13, respectively. Each LED 12, 13 has a rectangular light emitting surface, and is mounted on a common light source board 15 in which a required electric circuit is configured with this light emitting surface facing forward. Although not shown in the figure, each LED 12, 13 is electrically connected to the lighting control section via an electric circuit configured in the light source board 15, and emits light when the auxiliary lamp SL is turned on as a turn signal lamp.

[0024] In the proximity projection unit 4, the light source section 14 is composed of an LED that emits amber light. Hereinafter, this light source section 14 will be referred to as the LED 14 or the proximity LED 14. This proximity LED 14 has a rectangular light-emitting surface, and is mounted on a light source board 16 that is separate from the light source board 15, with this light-emitting surface facing forward. This proximity LED 14 is electrically connected to a lighting control section via an electric circuit configured in the light source board 16, and emits light when the auxiliary lamp SL is turned on as a turn signal lamp.

[0025] The projection lenses 22, 23, 24 of the far, center, and near projection units 2, 3, 4 are configured as one projection lens 20. For example, the projection lenses 22, 23, 24 are configured as one integrally molded light-transmitting member such as transparent resin, and are formed in a form in which the far projection lens 22, the center projection lens 23, and the near projection lens 24 are arranged in this order horizontally from the inside to the outside in the vehicle width direction, and are set back in a stepped manner toward the rear along the optical axis Lx. Each projection lens 22, 23, 24 is configured as a spherical or aspherical single convex lens, but may be configured as a biconvex lens or a meniscus convex lens. Also, each projection lens is formed as a substantially rectangular lens with the four peripheries of a circular lens cut in an arc shape.

[0026] In each of the distant, central and nearby projection units 2, 3 and 4, the shade openings 32, 33 and 34 are formed in one shade 30. For example, the shade 30 is composed of one non-translucent horizontally elongated plate-like member, and the distant shade opening 32, the central shade opening 33 and the nearby shade opening 34 are provided corresponding to each of the projection units 2, 3 and 4. The distant shade opening 32 and the central shade opening 33 are formed as one horizontally elongated rectangular opening, but each may be an individual opening. The nearby shade opening 34 is formed as one square or rectangular opening, that is, as an opening having a shape corresponding to the light pattern to be projected.

[0027] The far shade opening 32 and the central shade opening 33 are provided to transmit only light that contributes to the projection of the light pattern among the light emitted from the far LED 12 and the central LED 13, respectively, and to block non-pattern light that does not contribute. In other words, they are configured to block light that is emitted from the light-emitting surfaces of the LEDs 12 and 13, respectively, that does not enter the projection lenses 22 and 23, or that enters the peripheral parts of the projection lenses 22 and 23, particularly light that deviates above the projection lenses 22 and 23 or that enters the upper sides.

[0028] Furthermore, the near projection unit 4 is provided with a primary lens 40 that temporarily focuses the light emitted by the near LED 14 at a position near the near shade opening 34, and this primary lens 40 is supported on the front end portion of the light source substrate 16. This primary lens 40 forms an image of the light emitting surface of the near LED 14 at the position of the near shade opening 34, thereby forming a pseudo light source for emitting light with a rectangular light flux shape (beam shape) based on the opening shape of the near shade opening 34.

[0029] Moreover, the light source section 10 and primary lens 40 of each of the projection units 2, 3, and 4 are housed within the housing 100. The projection lens 20 and shade 30 provided integrally and commonly to each of the projection units 2, 3, and 4 are fastened together to an opening flange 102 on the front surface of the housing 100 by a fastening means such as a screw, thereby forming the projection device 1 having the external configuration shown in FIG.

[0030] In the projection device 1 configured in this manner, as shown in the schematic side view of Fig. 6(a), the far projection lens 22 is configured so that the far LED 12 is located on the focal plane on the light source side. That is, the far LED 12 is located at a position displaced upward from the optical axis Lx by a required first dimension L1 on the focal plane of the far projection lens 12.

[0031] On the other hand, the central projection lens 23 is configured as a lens having a shorter focal length than the far projection lens 22, and as shown generally in FIG. 6(b), the central LED 13 is positioned on the focal plane of the central projection lens 23 at a position displaced upward from the optical axis Lx by a second dimension L2 that is slightly longer than the first dimension L1.

[0032] The near projection lens 24 is configured as a lens with a shorter focal length than the central projection lens 23, and the near shade opening 34 is disposed on the focal plane of the near projection lens 24 and above the optical axis Lx, as shown in Fig. 6(c). The primary lens 40 is configured as a lens with a focal length that collects the amber light emitted from the near LED 14 onto the near shade opening 34.

[0033] According to the projection device 1 of the embodiment configured as above, when the auxiliary lamp SL is turned on (blinked) as a turn signal lamp when the driving direction of the automobile CAR is changed, the projection device 1 simultaneously projects a light pattern. That is, the LEDs 12, 13, 14 of the projection units 2, 3, 4 emit light, and the light emitted from the LEDs 12, 13, 14 is projected by the projection lenses 22, 23, 24 into the light patterns FOP, COP, NOP shown in FIG. 2. Note that the illustrated light paths when the projection device 1 performs projection are simply shown for the purpose of explanation, and do not accurately represent the actual light paths.

[0034] 5 and 6(a), in the far projection unit 2, the far LED 12 emits light, and the emitted amber light passes through the far shade opening 32 and is projected onto the road surface far ahead of the automobile by the far projection lens 22. Fig. 7(a) is a schematic perspective view. That is, when the far LED 12 emits light, the light emitted from the rectangular light emitting surface passes through the far shade opening 32 and is then projected onto the road surface far ahead of the automobile by the far projection lens 22, where it is projected onto the road surface as a rectangular far light pattern FOP equivalent to the shape of the light emitting surface of the far LED 12.

[0035] Since the projected light is projected obliquely onto the road surface, the projected far light pattern FOP is a long and narrow light pattern in the front-rear direction of the automobile CAR, as shown in Fig. 2(a). In addition, among the light emitted from the far LED 12, non-pattern light that does not contribute to the projection of the far light pattern FOP is blocked by the shade 30.

[0036] Similarly, as shown in Fig. 5 and Fig. 6(b), when the central LED 13 emits light, the light emitted from the rectangular light-emitting surface passes through the central shade opening 33 and is projected by the central projection lens 23 toward the road surface in front of the car, and is projected onto the road surface as a rectangular central light pattern COP equivalent to the shape of the light-emitting surface of the central LED 13. As shown in Fig. 2(a), this central light pattern COP is closer to the car CAR than the far light pattern FOP, and is a light pattern elongated in the front-rear direction. In addition, non-pattern light that does not contribute to the projection of the central light pattern COP among the light emitted from the central LED 13 is blocked by the shade 30. This projection form is the same as the projection form of the far projection unit 2 shown in Fig. 7(a).

[0037] In the vicinity projection unit 4, as shown in Fig. 5 and Fig. 6(c), the vicinity LED 14 emits light, and the emitted amber light is focused at a position near the vicinity shade opening 34 by the primary lens 40. Then, the light is transmitted through the vicinity shade opening 34 to be converted into a light beam having a rectangular beam shape, and is projected as a vicinity light pattern NOP by the vicinity projection lens 24 onto the road surface in front of the automobile. As shown in Fig. 2(a), this vicinity light pattern NOP is located closer to the automobile CAR than the central light pattern COP, and is a light pattern that is elongated in the front-rear direction. In addition, non-pattern light that does not contribute to the projection of the vicinity light pattern NOP among the light emitted from the vicinity LED is blocked by the shade 30.

[0038] In this way, by projecting the light pattern OP in synchronization with the lighting (flashing) of the turn signal lamp SL, the driving direction of the automobile can be indicated by the light irradiation of the turn signal lamp SL and the light pattern OP by the projection device 1, thereby improving traffic safety. In particular, by projecting the far light pattern FOP far ahead of the automobile CAR, it is possible to call the attention of other vehicles and pedestrians present far ahead, thereby improving safety.

[0039] When projecting this light pattern, non-pattern light that does not contribute to the projection of the light pattern is emitted from each projection lens 22, 23, 24 of each projection unit 2, 3, 4, and when this non-pattern light is emitted from the projection lenses 22, 23, 24 to an upper area at an angle equal to or greater than the required angle, as shown in dotted line in Figure 2(b), this non-pattern light enters the illumination light area of ​​the auxiliary lamp SL, i.e., the turn signal lamp, which is disposed above the projection device 1, and becomes glare light LG.

[0040] In particular, in this projection device 1, glare light is likely to occur in the far projection unit 2 and the central projection unit 3, in which the projection light is directed relatively upward. Therefore, in the far projection unit 2 and the central projection unit 3, the shape and dimensions of the shade openings 32 and 33 are appropriately set, so that the light emitted from the respective LEDs 12 and 13 and directed upward is blocked by the shade 30. In FIG. 6(a), the non-pattern light (thick dashed line) LG directed upward in the far projection unit 2 is blocked by the shade 30. This prevents the non-pattern light from becoming glare light LG. On the other hand, in the near projection unit 4, only the light projecting the near light pattern NOP is transmitted through the shade opening 34, and the non-pattern light is blocked by the shade 30, so that glare light is hardly generated.

[0041] Each projection lens 22, 23, 24 of each projection unit 2, 3, 4 is formed in a shape in which the four peripheries of a circular lens are cut off, and the area of ​​the lens surface, i.e., the light exit surface for projecting the light pattern, is reduced. This reduces the amount of light passing through the lens surface of each projection lens 22, 23, 24 and directed left and right and up and down. In particular, by cutting off the upper edge of the lens surface to reduce the vertical dimension of the projection lens, the amount of light passing through the upper edge region of the lens surface and directed upward is reduced, and glare light is suppressed. In addition, by cutting off the lower edge and the left and right edges, non-pattern light directed upward from these edge regions can be suppressed, and glare light is suppressed. Note that glare light is less generated in the downward direction and the left and right horizontal directions, so shading by the shade is suppressed in these directions.

[0042] When the sides, including the top sides, of the projection lenses 22, 23, and 24 are cut off to reduce the area of ​​the lens surfaces of the projection lenses, the amount of light projected from each of the projection lenses 22, 23, and 24 is reduced, and the brightness of the projected light patterns may be reduced. In particular, the reduction in brightness of each light pattern is noticeable in the far projection unit 2 and the central projection unit 3, which have a relatively long projection distance for the light patterns.

[0043] In the embodiment, the far projection unit 2 and the central projection unit 3 use a projection method in which the light emitted from the LEDs 12 and 13 is directly incident on the projection lenses 22 and 23, respectively, and a light pattern based on the surface shape of the light-emitting surface of each of the LEDs 12 and 13 is projected. That is, a direct projection method is used in which the rectangular shape of the light-emitting surface of the LEDs 12 and 13 is projected as a light pattern. Therefore, compared to an indirect projection method in which a light pattern corresponding to the shape of the shade opening 34 is projected by a pseudo light source of the LED in which the light of the LED 14 is imaged by the primary lens 40, as in the near projection unit 4, a decrease in brightness of the light pattern due to light absorption and diffuse reflection when passing through the primary lens 40 is suppressed, and a decrease in brightness due to a reduction in the area of ​​the lens surface can be prevented.

[0044] The direct projection method used in the far projection unit 2 and the central projection unit 3 tends to result in lower sharpness at the edges of the projected light pattern compared to the indirect projection method of the near projection unit 4. However, since the projection distance of the far light pattern FOP and the central light pattern COP is long, the sharpness of the light pattern is originally lower compared to the near light pattern NOP, and the decrease in the sharpness of the light pattern is not noticeable even when the direct projection method is used. Since the projection distance of the light pattern in the near projection unit 4 is short and the sharpness is easily noticeable, it is possible to project a light pattern with high sharpness by adopting the indirect projection method using the primary lens 40 and the shade opening 34.

[0045] As described above, in the projection device 1 of the embodiment, in the far projection unit 2 and the central projection unit 3, non-pattern light is blocked by the shade 30 built into the housing 100, and the emission of non-pattern light from the projection lenses 22, 23 is suppressed, so that glare light can be effectively prevented. Meanwhile, by adopting the direct projection method, a decrease in brightness of the light pattern can be prevented. Meanwhile, in the near projection unit 4, glare light and a decrease in brightness of the light pattern are not so much of a problem, so by adopting the indirect projection method, the pattern quality of the light pattern can be improved.

[0046] In the present invention, the light source section 10, the shade 30, and the projection lens 20 of each of the projection units 2, 3, and 4 may be configured as separate components. When the projection lens 20 is configured as a separate component, glare light is suppressed by reducing the area of ​​the lens surface of the projection lens, particularly in a projection unit that employs a direct projection method.

[0047] The projection device 1 may be disposed to the side of the front lamp FL. In this case, the area of ​​the lens surface of the projection lens can be reduced by reducing the size in the left-right direction in particular. For example, one side of the projection lens on the side where the front lamp is present can be cut off. Also, the shade can be configured to block non-pattern light in the left-right direction.

[0048] Here, for example, in the case where the reduction in the area of ​​the lens surface in the central projection unit 3 does not cause a problem of a decrease in the brightness of the light pattern, the central projection unit 3 may be configured as an indirect projection type projection unit, similar to the near projection unit 4. That is, the unit is configured by providing a shade opening having a shape corresponding to the light pattern in the shade, and using a primary lens that focuses light from the light source on the shade opening. Also, in the near projection unit 4, the primary lens may be configured as a reflector as long as it has the function of focusing light to form a pseudo light source.

[0049] In the above-described embodiment, an example has been shown in which light patterns are projected onto three different positions, namely, a distant light pattern, a central light pattern, and a nearby light pattern, but the present invention can be applied to a projection device that projects light patterns onto at least two positions, namely, a near side and a far side. That is, the far-distance side projection unit that projects the light pattern onto the far-distance side is configured as a projection unit of a direct projection type, and the near-distance side projection unit that projects the light pattern onto the near-distance side is configured as a projection unit of an indirect projection type.

[0050] The present invention is not limited to a projection device for projecting a light pattern onto a road surface in front of a vehicle as described in the embodiment, but can also be applied to a projection device that projects a light pattern toward the rear or side of a vehicle, and can also be applied to a case where the projection device is disposed to the side of a lamp. [Explanation of symbols]

[0051] 1 Projection device 2 Far-field projection unit (far-field projection unit) 3 Central projection unit (far-distance projection unit) 4 Near-field projection unit (near-field projection unit) 10(12,13,14) Light source (light emitting element: LED) 15,16 Light source board 20(22,23,24) Projection lens 30 Shades 32, 33, 34 Shade opening 40 Primary Lens 100 Housing CAR Automobile (vehicle) OP Light Pattern FOP far-field light pattern (far-field light pattern) COP central light pattern (far side light pattern) NOP Near-field light pattern (near-field light pattern) SL Auxiliary lamp (turn signal lamp) LG Glare Light

Claims

1. A projection device mounted on a vehicle and projecting a light pattern onto a surrounding road surface, the projection device comprising a long-distance projection unit that projects a predetermined long-distance light pattern onto a relatively long-distance position, and a short-distance projection unit that projects a predetermined short-distance light pattern onto a relatively short-distance position, the long-distance projection unit being a projection unit that projects the surface shape of a light-emitting surface of a light source unit as a light pattern, and the short-distance projection unit being a projection unit that projects the opening shape of a shade opening opened in a shade that blocks light emitted from the light source unit as a light pattern.

2. 2. The projection device according to claim 1, wherein the long-distance projection unit comprises a light source section having a light-emitting surface of a required shape, and a projection lens that projects light emitted from the light-emitting surface, the light-emitting surface being disposed on a focal plane of the projection lens, and the projection lens projects the surface shape of the light-emitting surface as a light pattern.

3. 3. The projection device according to claim 2, wherein the long-distance projection unit includes a shade for blocking non-pattern light that does not contribute to the projected light pattern.

4. 2. The projection device according to claim 1, wherein the near-distance projection unit comprises a light source unit that emits light, a primary lens that collects the light from the light source unit, a shade having a shade opening that transmits the light collected by the primary lens, and a projection lens that projects the light that has passed through the shade opening, and the projection lens projects the opening shape of the shade opening as a light pattern.

5. 5. The projection device according to claim 1, wherein the projection device is disposed below a lamp mounted on the vehicle and irradiating a predetermined light, and projects a light pattern in synchronization with the light irradiation of the lamp.

6. 6. The projection device according to claim 5, wherein the lamp is an auxiliary lamp including a turn signal lamp of a vehicle.

7. 6. The projection device according to claim 5, wherein the projection lens has a circular lens surface, the upper side of which is cut away.

8. 2. The projection device according to claim 1, wherein the long-distance projection unit is configured as a long-distance projection unit that projects a long-distance light pattern at the farthest point from the vehicle, and a central projection unit that projects a central light pattern closer to the vehicle than the long-distance light pattern, and the short-distance projection unit is configured as a short-distance projection unit that projects a short-distance light pattern closer to the vehicle than the central light pattern.

9. 9. The projection device according to claim 8, wherein the long-distance projection unit and the short-distance projection unit each have a projection lens and a shade formed integrally therewith.

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