Lighting device for vehicle and lighting fixture for vehicle

Abstract

To provide a lighting device for a vehicle and a lighting fixture for a vehicle that are able to emit various projection patterns to the periphery of the vehicle.SOLUTION: A lighting device for a vehicle which emits projection patterns to the periphery of the vehicle, includes: a socket; at least one light-emitting element provided on one-end side of the socket; a pattern forming unit provided on a light-emission side of the light-emitting element and configured to form a transmission area through which a part of the light emitted from the light-emitting element is transmitted; and a control element electrically connected to the pattern forming unit and configured to control formation of the transmission area.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to a vehicle lighting device and a vehicle lamp. [Background technology]

[0002] Vehicles such as automobiles are provided with lighting devices such as turn signal lamps, back lamps, etc. In recent years, a technology has been proposed in which a projection pattern is projected onto the road surface around the vehicle to communicate the intentions of the driver to people outside the vehicle. Safety can be improved if the intentions of the driver and others can be communicated to people outside the vehicle.

[0003] However, in such technology, only a predetermined projection pattern is projected onto the road surface, making it difficult for the driver or other person to convey various possible intentions to those outside the vehicle. Therefore, there has been a demand for the development of technology that can project various projection patterns onto the periphery of a vehicle. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-111465 [Patent Document 2] JP 2021-133894 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle lighting device and a vehicle lamp capable of irradiating various projection patterns onto the periphery of the vehicle. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A vehicle lighting device according to an embodiment is a vehicle lighting device that irradiates a projection pattern around a vehicle. The vehicle lighting device includes a socket, at least one light-emitting element provided on one end side of the socket, a pattern forming section provided on the light irradiation side of the light-emitting element and forming a transmission area that transmits a part of the light irradiated from the light-emitting element, and a control element electrically connected to the pattern forming section and controlling the formation of the transmission area. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the embodiments of the present invention, it is possible to provide a vehicle lighting device and a vehicle lamp capable of irradiating various projection patterns onto the periphery of a vehicle. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a vehicle lighting device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective exploded view illustrating an illumination unit. [Diagram 3] 2 is a schematic plan view of the light-emitting module as viewed from a direction along the central axis of the illumination unit. FIG. [Figure 4] 1 is a circuit diagram illustrating a light emitting circuit provided in a light emitting module. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective exploded view illustrating an optical portion. [Figure 6] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an arrangement of a vehicle lighting device; [Figure 7] 1A to 1C are schematic diagrams for illustrating an example of a projection pattern. [Figure 8] 1 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view illustrating a vehicle lamp. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0010] (Vehicle lighting device) The vehicle lighting device 1 according to the present embodiment can be installed in, for example, an automobile or a railcar. The vehicle lighting device 1 installed in an automobile can be installed in, for example, a front combination light (for example, a combination of a daytime running lamp (DRL), a position lamp, a turn signal lamp, etc.) or a rear combination light (for example, a combination of a stop lamp, a tail lamp, a turn signal lamp, a back lamp, a fog lamp, etc.). However, the arrangement of the vehicle lighting device 1 is not limited to the example shown. The vehicle lighting device 1 can be installed in a part of the vehicle that can project a projection pattern onto the periphery of the vehicle (for example, the road surface, etc.).

[0011] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a vehicle lighting device 1 according to the present embodiment. The vehicle lighting device 1 projects a projection pattern onto the periphery of the vehicle. As shown in Fig. 1, the vehicle lighting device 1 is provided with, for example, an illumination unit 1a and an optical unit 1b. The optical unit 1b is provided on the light irradiation side of the illumination unit 1a. The optical unit 1b is provided, for example, in a detachable manner on the illumination unit 1a (socket 10). For example, when the optical unit 1b is attached to the illumination unit 1a, the central axis 1b1 of the optical unit 1b is approximately coaxial with the central axis 1a1 of the illumination unit 1a.

[0012] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective exploded view illustrating the illumination unit 1a. As shown in FIG. 2, the illumination unit 1a includes a socket 10, a light-emitting module 20, a power supply unit 30, and a heat transfer unit 40, for example.

[0013] The socket 10 has, for example, a mounting portion 11, a bayonet 12, a flange 13, heat dissipation fins 14, and a connector holder 15. The mounting portion 11 is provided on the surface of the flange 13 opposite to the side on which the heat dissipation fins 14 are provided. The outer shape of the mounting portion 11 is, for example, cylindrical. The mounting portion 11 has, for example, a recess 11a that opens at the end opposite to the flange 13 side.

[0014] The bayonet 12 is provided, for example, on a side surface of the mounting portion 11. The bayonet 12 protrudes toward the outside of the vehicle lighting device 1. The bayonet 12 faces the flange 13. A plurality of bayonets 12 may be provided. The bayonet 12 is used when mounting the vehicle lighting device 1, for example, to a housing 101 of a vehicle lamp 100 described later. The bayonet 12 may be used for a twist lock.

[0015] The flange 13 has a plate shape. A side surface of the flange 13 is located outward of the vehicle lighting device 1 with respect to a side surface of the bayonet 12.

[0016] The heat dissipating fin 14 is provided on the side of the flange 13 opposite to the mounting portion 11. At least one heat dissipating fin 14 can be provided. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the socket 10 can be provided with a plurality of heat dissipating fins 14. The plurality of heat dissipating fins 14 can be arranged side by side in a predetermined direction. The heat dissipating fin 14 has, for example, a plate or cylinder shape.

[0017] The connector holder 15 is provided on the opposite side of the flange 13 to the mounting portion 11. The connector holder 15 can be provided alongside the heat dissipation fins 14. The connector holder 15 has a cylindrical shape, and a connector 105 having a seal member 105a therein is inserted into the connector holder 15.

[0018] The socket 10 has a function of holding the light-emitting module 20 and the power supply unit 30, and a function of transmitting heat generated in the light-emitting module 20 to the outside. For this reason, the socket 10 is preferably made of a material with high thermal conductivity. The socket 10 can be made of, for example, a metal such as an aluminum alloy, or a highly thermally conductive resin. The highly thermally conductive resin is, for example, a resin such as PET (Polyethylene terephthalate) or nylon mixed with a filler using carbon, aluminum oxide, or the like.

[0019] The power supply unit 30 includes, for example, a plurality of power supply terminals 31 and a holding unit 32 . One end of each of the power supply terminals 31 protrudes from the bottom surface 11a1 of the recess 11a. One end of each of the power supply terminals 31 is soldered to the wiring pattern 21a provided on the substrate 21. The other end of each of the power supply terminals 31 is exposed inside the hole of the connector holder 15. The connector 105 is fitted into the power supply terminals 31 exposed inside the hole of the connector holder 15. The power supply terminals 31 are formed of a metal such as a copper alloy.

[0020] The aforementioned highly thermally conductive resin containing a carbon-based filler and metals are conductive, and therefore may result in a conductive socket 10. For this reason, the holding portion 32 is provided to insulate the plurality of power supply terminals 31 from the conductive socket 10. The holding portion 32 also has a function of holding the plurality of power supply terminals 31. If the socket 10 is made of an insulating material, the holding portion 32 can be omitted. The holding portion 32 can be, for example, pressed into a hole provided in the socket 10 or adhered to the inner wall of the hole.

[0021] The heat transfer section 40 has a plate shape and is provided between the socket 10 and the light emitting module 20 (substrate 21). For example, as shown in Fig. 1, the heat transfer section 40 can be adhered to the bottom surface 11a1 of the recess 11a. In addition, the heat transfer section 40 can be adhered to the inside of a recess provided in the bottom surface 11a1 of the recess 11a, the heat transfer section 40 can be attached to the inside of the recess via thermally conductive grease, or the heat transfer section 40 can be embedded in the inside of the recess by using an insert molding method.

[0022] The heat transfer section 40 is provided to facilitate the transfer of heat generated in the light-emitting module 20 to the socket 10. For this reason, the heat transfer section 40 is made of a material with high thermal conductivity, such as metal. Note that, for example, when the amount of heat generated in the light-emitting module 20 is relatively small or when the socket 10 is made of metal, the heat transfer section 40 can be omitted.

[0023] FIG. 3 is a schematic plan view of the light-emitting module 20 as viewed from a direction along the central axis 1a1 of the illumination unit 1a. FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram illustrating the light-emitting circuit 20a provided in the light-emitting module 20. As shown in FIG.

[0024] The light emitting module 20 (substrate 21) is provided on one end side of the socket 10. For example, the light emitting module 20 is adhered onto the heat transfer section 40. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the light emitting module 20 includes, for example, a substrate 21, a light emitting element 22, a frame portion 23, a sealing portion 24, a circuit element 25, and an optical sensor 26.

[0025] The substrate 21 has a plate shape. The planar shape of the substrate 21 (the shape when viewed from a direction along the central axis 1a1 of the illumination unit 1a) is, for example, substantially rectangular. The substrate 21 is formed of, for example, an inorganic material such as ceramics (for example, aluminum oxide or aluminum nitride), or an organic material such as paper phenol or glass epoxy. The substrate 21 may also be a metal core substrate in which the surface of a metal plate is covered with an insulating material. The substrate 21 may have a single-layer structure or a multi-layer structure.

[0026] Moreover, a wiring pattern 21a is provided on the surface of the substrate 21. The wiring pattern 21a is formed, for example, from a material mainly composed of silver or a material mainly composed of copper. A covering portion may also be provided to cover the wiring pattern 21a and a film resistor, which will be described later. The covering portion may include, for example, a glass material.

[0027] At least one light emitting element 22 is provided on the substrate 21 (on the surface of the substrate 21 opposite to the socket 10 side). The light emitting element 22 is electrically connected to the wiring pattern 21a.

[0028] In this case, at least two types of light emitting elements that emit light with different peak wavelengths may be provided. Also, at least one light emitting element may be provided for each of a plurality of types.

[0029] For example, as shown in FIG. 3, a light-emitting element 22g that irradiates green light (e.g., light having a peak wavelength of 513 nm to 545 nm), a light-emitting element 22b that irradiates blue light (e.g., light having a peak wavelength of 450 nm to 480 nm), and a light-emitting element 22r that irradiates red light (e.g., light having a peak wavelength of 627 nm to 638 nm) can be provided.

[0030] In addition, it is also possible to provide a light-emitting element 22w that emits white light, a light-emitting element 22y that emits yellow light (for example, light with a peak wavelength of 550 nm to 590 nm), and a light-emitting element 22a that emits amber light (for example, light with a peak wavelength of 590 nm to 610 nm).

[0031] It is also possible to provide at least one light-emitting element that emits light having the same peak wavelength. However, if multiple types of light with different peak wavelengths can be emitted from the illumination unit 1a (light-emitting module 20), the color of the projection pattern can be changed when the projection pattern is emitted around the vehicle. If the color of the projection pattern can be changed, it becomes easier for people outside the vehicle to see the projection pattern, and the intention of the driver or the like can be easily conveyed to people outside the vehicle. For this reason, it is preferable that the illumination unit 1a (light-emitting module 20) can emit multiple types of light with different peak wavelengths and can switch between multiple types of light with different peak wavelengths.

[0032] In this case, if the light emitting element 22g that emits green light, the light emitting element 22b that emits blue light, and the light emitting element 22r that emits red light are provided, the colors of these lights can be mixed to emit light of a desired color from the illumination unit 1a (light emitting module 20). Therefore, in the following, as an example, a case where one each of the light emitting element 22g, the light emitting element 22b, and the light emitting element 22r are provided will be described.

[0033] The light emitting element 22g, the light emitting element 22b, and the light emitting element 22r are connected in parallel. Light emitting elements 22g, 22b, and 22r can be, for example, light emitting diodes, organic light emitting diodes, laser diodes, and the like.

[0034] The light emitting element 22g, the light emitting element 22b, and the light emitting element 22r may be chip-shaped light emitting elements, surface mount type light emitting elements such as PLCC (Plastic Leaded Chip Carrier) type, or light emitting elements having leads such as bullet type. The light emitting element 22g, the light emitting element 22b, and the light emitting element 22r illustrated in FIG. 3 are chip-shaped light emitting elements. In this case, in consideration of miniaturization of the light emitting module 20 and thus miniaturization of the illumination unit 1a, it is preferable to use chip-shaped light emitting elements. In the following, as an example, a case where the light emitting element 22g, the light emitting element 22b, and the light emitting element 22r are chip-shaped light emitting elements will be described.

[0035] The chip-shaped light-emitting elements 22g, 22b, and 22r can be mounted on the wiring pattern 21a by COB (Chip On Board). The chip-shaped light-emitting elements 22g, 22b, and 22r may be any of an upper electrode type light-emitting element, a top and bottom electrode type light-emitting element, and a flip chip type light-emitting element.

[0036] The frame portion 23 is provided on the substrate 21. The frame portion 23 is bonded to the substrate 21. The frame portion 23 has a frame shape and surrounds the light emitting element 22g, the light emitting element 22b, and the light emitting element 22r. The frame portion 23 is formed, for example, from a thermoplastic resin. The frame portion 23 can have a function of defining the formation range of the sealing portion 24 and a function of a reflector. The frame portion 23 can be omitted. When the frame portion 23 is omitted, for example, a dome-shaped sealing portion 24 is provided on the substrate 21.

[0037] The sealing portion 24 is provided inside the frame portion 23. The sealing portion 24 is provided so as to cover the area surrounded by the frame portion 23. The sealing portion 24 is provided so as to cover the light-emitting element 22g, the light-emitting element 22b, and the light-emitting element 22r. The sealing portion 24 contains a resin having light-transmitting properties. The resin is, for example, a silicone resin.

[0038] In addition, if the light-emitting elements 22g, 22b, and 22r are surface-mount type light-emitting elements or light-emitting elements having lead wires such as a bullet type, the frame portion 23 and the sealing portion 24 can be omitted.

[0039] In addition, other optical elements and the like can be provided as necessary. The optical elements are, for example, convex lenses, concave lenses, etc. The optical elements can be provided on the sealing portion 24, for example.

[0040] The circuit element 25 may be a passive element or an active element used to configure the light-emitting circuit 20a having the light-emitting elements 22 (light-emitting elements 22g, 22b, and 22r). The circuit element 25 may be provided on the substrate 21. The circuit element 25 is provided, for example, on the periphery of the frame portion 23 and is electrically connected to the wiring pattern 21a. The circuit element 25 is electrically connected to the light-emitting elements 22g, 22b, and 22r via the wiring pattern 21a.

[0041] 2 to 4, the circuit elements 25 may be, for example, a protective element 25a, a resistor 25b, a capacitor 25c, and a control element 25d. However, the types of the circuit elements 25 are not limited to those exemplified, and may be appropriately changed according to the configuration of the light-emitting circuit 20a. For example, the circuit elements 25 may be, in addition to those described above, a positive characteristic thermistor, a negative characteristic thermistor, an inductor, a surge absorber, a varistor, a transistor, an integrated circuit, a computing element, and the like.

[0042] The protective element 25a is provided, for example, to prevent a reverse voltage from being applied to the light-emitting elements 22 (the light-emitting elements 22g, 22b, and 22r) and to prevent pulse noise from the reverse direction from being applied to the light-emitting elements 22 (the light-emitting elements 22g, 22b, and 22r). The protective element 25a is, for example, a diode. The protective element 25a illustrated in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 is a surface-mounted diode.

[0043] The resistor 25b may be, for example, a surface mount resistor, a resistor having leads (metal oxide film resistor), a film resistor formed by using a screen printing method, etc. The resistor 25b illustrated in Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 is a surface mount resistor. The resistor 25b is electrically connected to each of the light emitting elements 22g, 22b, and 22r.

[0044] Here, since there is variation in the forward voltage characteristics of light-emitting elements 22g, 22b, and 22r, if the voltage applied between the anode and cathode sides of light-emitting elements 22g, 22b, and 22r is kept constant, variation will occur in the brightness (luminous flux, luminance, luminous intensity, illuminance) of the light irradiated from light-emitting elements 22g, 22b, and 22r.

[0045] Therefore, in order to keep the brightness of the light emitted from the light emitting elements 22g, 22b, and 22r within a predetermined range, the resistors 25b connected in series to the light emitting elements 22g, 22b, and 22r respectively control the value of the current flowing through the light emitting elements 22g, 22b, and 22r to be within a predetermined range. In this case, the resistance value of each of the resistors 25b is changed to keep the value of the current flowing through the light emitting elements 22g, 22b, and 22r within the predetermined range.

[0046] When the resistor 25b is a surface mount resistor or a resistor with leads, the resistor 25b having an appropriate resistance value is selected according to the forward voltage characteristics of the light emitting element 22g, the light emitting element 22b, and the light emitting element 22r. When the resistor 25b is a film resistor, the resistance value can be increased by removing a part of the resistor 25b. For example, by irradiating the film resistor with laser light, a part of the film resistor can be easily removed. The number, arrangement, size, etc. of the resistor 25b are not limited to those exemplified, and can be appropriately changed according to the number and specifications of the light emitting elements 22g, the light emitting element 22b, and the light emitting element 22r.

[0047] The capacitor 25c can be provided to smooth the voltage applied to the light emitting element 22g, the light emitting element 22b, and the light emitting element 22r and as a countermeasure against noise. The capacitor 25c illustrated in Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 is a surface mount type capacitor.

[0048] The control element 25d is, for example, electrically connected to the pattern forming unit 54 described later, and controls the formation of the transmissive region 54a. The control element 25d is, for example, electrically connected to each of the light emitting elements 22g, 22b, and 22r, and controls the lighting states of the light emitting elements 22g, 22b, and 22r. The lighting states include, for example, the amount of light irradiated, the color of the light, the hue of the light (color temperature), and the blinking cycle.

[0049] The control element 25d may have, for example, a storage unit and a calculation unit. The storage unit may store, for example, a control program for the projection pattern described below and data related to the projection pattern. The control element 25d controls the lighting state of the light-emitting elements 22g, 22b, and 22r, and therefore the lighting state of the projection pattern, based on the data and control program stored in the storage unit and signals from the lighting circuit 106, the optical sensor 26, and the like.

[0050] The control element 25d can also be connected to, for example, the Internet. For example, the control element 25d can receive data on a projection pattern and data on the outside environment of the vehicle, such as tunnels and weather, via the Internet. The control element 25d can control the lighting states of the light-emitting elements 22g, 22b, and 22r based on the received data.

[0051] The control program for the projection pattern and data related to the projection pattern may be stored in the lighting circuit 106 or the like provided outside the vehicle lighting device 1. The lighting circuit 106 or the like may be connectable to the Internet or the like. In this case, the control element 25d controls the lighting states of the light-emitting elements 22g, 22b, and 22r based on signals from the lighting circuit 106 or the like.

[0052] In addition, the control element 25d can be capable of executing temperature derating control. In this case, at least one of a positive temperature coefficient thermistor and a negative temperature coefficient thermistor can be provided on the substrate 21 as the circuit element 25.

[0053] The optical sensor 26 is electrically connected to the control element 25d. The optical sensor 26 detects at least one of the illuminance of light and the color of light in the external environment of the vehicle, and converts the detected illuminance and color of light into an electric signal. The converted electric signal is input to the control element 25d or the lighting circuit 106. The optical sensor 26 can be, for example, a color sensor, an illuminance sensor, a color camera, or the like. For example, if a color sensor and an illuminance sensor are used as the optical sensor 26, the illuminance and color of light in the external environment of the vehicle can be detected. If a color camera is used as the optical sensor 26, the color of light in the external environment of the vehicle can be detected, and the illuminance can be obtained from the illuminance distribution image.

[0054] 2 and 3, the control element 25d and the optical sensor 26 are provided on the light-emitting module 20 (substrate 21), but the locations of the control element 25d and the optical sensor 26 are not limited thereto. The control element 25d can be provided on, for example, the lighting circuit 106 provided outside the vehicle lighting device 1. The optical sensor 26 can be provided on, for example, the body of the vehicle or near the windshield inside the vehicle. If the vehicle is provided with an on-board camera or the like, the optical sensor 26 can also be used as the on-board camera or the like.

[0055] FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective exploded view illustrating the optical portion 1b. As shown in FIG. 5, the optical unit 1b includes, for example, a housing 51, a lens 52, a spacer 53, and a pattern forming unit . The housing 51 is cylindrical and has open ends on both sides. One end of the housing 51 is provided at the end of the mounting part 11 where the recess 11a opens. A pair of claws 51a can be provided at the end of the housing 51 on the mounting part 11 side. As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, each of the pair of claws 51a can be fitted into a hole 11b provided on the side of the mounting part 11.

[0056] It is possible to provide at least one lens 52. When a plurality of lenses 52 are provided, as shown in Fig. 5, one lens 52 can be provided at the end of the housing 51 opposite to the mounting portion 11 side. The other lenses can be provided inside the housing 51 at predetermined intervals.

[0057] At least one spacer 53 is provided, and has a frame shape. The spacer 53 can be provided between the lens 52 and the pattern forming portion 54. The spacer 53 can be provided, for example, to keep the distance between the lens 52 and the pattern forming portion 54 within a predetermined range.

[0058] The pattern forming unit 54 is provided on the light emitting side of the light emitting elements 22g, 22b, and 22r, and forms a transmission area 54a that transmits a part of the light irradiated from the light emitting elements 22g, 22b, and 22r. In this case, the pattern forming unit 54 forms the transmission area 54a having a shape similar to the projection pattern irradiated around the vehicle. The pattern forming unit 54 can arbitrarily change at least one of the size, shape, number, and arrangement of the transmission area 54a based on a signal from the control element 25d. The pattern forming unit 54 can be, for example, a transmission type liquid crystal panel.

[0059] A part of the light emitted from the light-emitting module 20 is irradiated to the periphery of the vehicle through the transmission area 54a. The light emitted from the light-emitting module 20 and not entering the transmission area 54a is blocked by the pattern forming portion 54.

[0060] The pattern forming unit 54 can arbitrarily change the size, shape, number, arrangement, etc. of the transparent regions 54a based on a signal from the control element 25d, and therefore can arbitrarily change the shape, number, irradiation position, etc. of the projection pattern.

[0061] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating the arrangement of a vehicle lighting device 1c. 6 shows a case where the vehicle lighting device 1c is installed near the headlamp of the vehicle body. The arrangement of the vehicle lighting device 1c is not limited to the example shown. The vehicle lighting device 1c can be installed in a part of the vehicle that can project a projection pattern around the vehicle.

[0062] 6, the vehicle lighting device 1c is provided with, for example, a lighting unit 1aa and an optical unit 1b. The lighting unit 1aa can be obtained by removing the control unit 25d and the optical sensor 26 from the above-mentioned lighting unit 1a. In this case, the control unit 25d can be provided in, for example, a lighting circuit 106 provided in the vehicle. The optical sensor 26 can be provided, for example, in the passenger compartment of the vehicle, near the windshield. If the vehicle is provided with an on-board camera or the like, the optical sensor 26 can be used in combination with the on-board camera or the like.

[0063] In this case, a signal from the optical sensor 26 is inputted via a wiring or the like to a control element 25d provided in the lighting circuit 106. A current from the control element 25d is applied to the light emitting element 22 via a wiring or the like.

[0064] If the control element 25d and the optical sensor 26 are provided separately from the illumination unit 1aa, the illumination unit 1aa can be made smaller, and the vehicle lighting device 1c can be made smaller. Furthermore, if the control element 25d can be combined with the lighting circuit 106, or if the optical sensor 26 can be combined with an in-vehicle camera, the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

[0065] Next, control of the projection pattern will be further described. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the projection pattern 55. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 7, for example, in the case of a left turn, a plurality of projection patterns 55 arranged in a direction inclined to the left can be projected around the vehicle. Similarly, in the case of a right turn, a plurality of projection patterns 55 arranged in a direction inclined to the right can be projected around the vehicle. In the case of backing up, a plurality of projection patterns 55 arranged behind the vehicle can be projected around the vehicle. In addition, when the projection pattern 55 is projected behind the vehicle, the projection pattern 55 may be projected from the vehicle lighting device 1 provided at the rear of the vehicle. In the case where the projection pattern 55 indicates the traveling direction, the projection pattern 55 may have a shape pointed toward the traveling direction as shown in FIG. 7. The traveling direction can be detected, for example, from the operating position of the turn signal lever or the shift lever.

[0066] As described above, the pattern forming unit 54 can arbitrarily change the size, shape, number, arrangement, etc., of the transmission area 54a. Therefore, the distance between the vehicle and the projection pattern 55 can also be changed. For example, the number of the projection patterns 55 can be increased from the near side, or the irradiation position of one projection pattern 55 can be moved away from the near side. The projection pattern 55 can also be blinked. The blinking can be performed by blinking the light emitting element 22, or by repeatedly forming and erasing the transmission area 54a. That is, the projection pattern 55 can be a dynamic pattern. If the projection pattern 55 is a dynamic pattern, it can attract the attention of a person outside the vehicle. Therefore, it becomes easy to convey the intention of the driver or the like to a person outside the vehicle.

[0067] The projection pattern is not limited to the one exemplified in FIG. 7. For example, the projection pattern may be an arrow bent to the left, an arrow bent to the right, an arrow extending in a straight line, or the like. The projection pattern is not limited to a symbol such as an arrow, and may be a character, a logotype, a logo mark, or the like. For example, the projection pattern may be a character such as "Turn left", "Turn right", "Back up", "Depart", or "Stop". For example, the projection pattern may be a character, a logotype, a logo mark, or the like, such as the name of the manufacturer of the vehicle, the nickname of the vehicle, the mark of the manufacturer of the vehicle, or a mark unique to the vehicle. If the projection pattern is a character, a logotype, a logo mark, or the like, it becomes easier to convey the intention of the driver or the like to a person outside the vehicle, and the advertising effect for the person outside the vehicle can be improved.

[0068] Furthermore, if at least two types of light-emitting elements that emit light with different peak wavelengths are provided, the color of the projection pattern 55 can be changed as appropriate. For example, when a person outside the vehicle is detected by the optical sensor 26 or the in-vehicle camera, the color of the projection pattern 55 can be changed from white or green to yellow or red. In addition to changing the color, the above-mentioned blinking or the like can also be performed. In this way, it becomes even easier for the driver or the like to convey his or her intention to a person outside the vehicle.

[0069] In addition, a vehicle equipped with the vehicle lighting device 1 is mainly used outdoors. Therefore, depending on the time of day, the external environment such as a tunnel or weather, and the color of the surroundings of the vehicle (for example, the color of the road surface), it may be difficult for people outside the vehicle to see the projection pattern.

[0070] For example, in the evening, the color of the light outside the vehicle is reddish, so if a white projection pattern is simply projected, it may be difficult for people outside the vehicle to see the projection pattern. In this case, if a projection pattern using bluish white light (for example, light with a color temperature of about 6700K) is projected, it becomes easier for people outside the vehicle to see the projection pattern.

[0071] For example, if white light is simply projected in the dark, such as at night, it may be difficult for people outside the vehicle to see the projected pattern. In this case, if a yellowish white light (e.g., light with a color temperature of about 4500K) is projected, it becomes easier for people outside the vehicle to see the projected pattern.

[0072] For example, in a tunnel, depending on the type of lighting device, orange light or white light may be irradiated. Therefore, simply irradiating white light in a tunnel may make it difficult for people outside the vehicle to see the projection pattern. For example, when orange light is irradiated, if a projection pattern made of bluish white light (for example, light with a color temperature of about 6700K) is irradiated, people outside the vehicle can easily see the projection pattern. For example, when white light is irradiated, if a projection pattern made of yellowish white light (for example, light with a color temperature of about 4500K) is irradiated, people outside the vehicle can easily see the projection pattern.

[0073] Also, depending on the weather, such as fog or rain, simply illuminating the white light may make it difficult for people outside the vehicle to see the projection pattern. For example, in the case of fog or rain, if a projection pattern is illuminated using yellowish white light (for example, light with a color temperature of about 4500K), people outside the vehicle can easily see the projection pattern. Note that fog, rain, and the like can be identified by analyzing image data from, for example, the optical sensor 26 (color camera) or an in-vehicle camera.

[0074] Also, for example, depending on the color of the road surface, simply illuminating white light may make it difficult for people outside the vehicle to see the projection pattern. For example, when the color of the road surface is a dark, cool color (receding color) such as black, illuminating a projection pattern using white light, which is the opposite color, makes it easier for people outside the vehicle to see the projection pattern. The color of the road surface can be detected, for example, by analyzing image data from the optical sensor 26 (color camera) or an in-vehicle camera. The relationship between the color of the road surface and the color and hue (color temperature) of the illuminating light may be appropriately determined by conducting experiments or simulations.

[0075] The control element 25d can change at least one of the amount of light, the color of light, and the color tone (color temperature) of light when forming a projection pattern, based on a signal from the optical sensor 26 or the on-board camera. For example, the control element 25d can change at least one of the amount of light, the color of light, and the color tone (color temperature) of light by controlling the current flowing through the light-emitting element 22g, the light-emitting element 22b, and the light-emitting element 22r, based on a signal from the optical sensor 26 (color camera) or the on-board camera. The same applies when other light-emitting elements such as the light-emitting element 22w, the light-emitting element 22b, and the light-emitting element 22y are provided.

[0076] In addition, the relationship between the signal from the optical sensor 26 or the on-board camera and the amount of light, color of light, and color tone (color temperature) of light with excellent visibility can be obtained in advance by performing experiments and simulations. The obtained data can be stored in the control element 25d, the lighting circuit 106 provided in the vehicle, etc.

[0077] In addition, the control element 25d and the lighting circuit 106 provided in the vehicle can also receive data such as time, the color of the illumination light in a tunnel, the outside environment such as weather, and the color of the road surface via the Internet. The control element 25d and the lighting circuit 106 provided in the vehicle can change at least one of the amount of light, the color of the light, and the color tone (color temperature) of the light when forming a projection pattern based on the received data. In this way, it is possible to reduce the amount of data stored in the control element 25d and the lighting circuit 106 provided in the vehicle, and to obtain appropriate data in real time.

[0078] (Vehicle lighting fixtures) In one embodiment of the present invention, a vehicle lamp 100 can be provided that includes the vehicle lighting device 1. The above description of the vehicle lighting device 1 and modified versions of the vehicle lighting device 1 (for example, the vehicle lighting device 1c, or a vehicle lighting device that has been modified by a person skilled in the art to add or remove components or change the design as appropriate and that has the features of the present invention) can all be applied to the vehicle lamp 100.

[0079] FIG. 8 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view illustrating the vehicle lamp 100. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 8, the vehicle lamp 100 includes, for example, the vehicle lighting device 1, a housing 101, a cover 102, an optical element 103, a seal member 104, a connector 105, and a lighting circuit 106.

[0080] The vehicle lighting device 1 is attached to the housing 101. The housing 101 holds the mounting portion 11. The housing 101 is box-shaped with one end side open. The housing 101 is formed of, for example, a resin that does not transmit light. The bottom surface of the housing 101 is provided with a mounting hole 101a into which the portion of the mounting portion 11 provided with the bayonet 12 is inserted. A recess is provided around the mounting hole 101a into which the bayonet 12 provided on the mounting portion 11 is inserted. Note that, although the case where the mounting hole 101a is directly provided in the housing 101 has been exemplified, a mounting member having the mounting hole 101a may be provided on the housing 101.

[0081] When mounting the vehicle lighting device 1 to the vehicle lamp 100, the portion of the mounting portion 11 on which the bayonet 12 is provided is inserted into the mounting hole 101a, and the vehicle lighting device 1 is rotated. Then, for example, the bayonet 12 is held in a fitting portion provided on the periphery of the mounting hole 101a. This type of mounting method is called a twist lock.

[0082] The cover 102 is provided so as to cover the opening of the housing 101. The cover 102 is made of a light-transmitting resin or the like. The cover 102 may also have a function such as a lens.

[0083] Light emitted from the vehicle lighting device 1 is incident on the optical element 103. The optical element 103 reflects, diffuses, guides, and collects the light emitted from the vehicle lighting device 1, and forms a predetermined light distribution pattern. For example, the optical element 103 illustrated in FIG. 8 is a reflector. In this case, the optical element 103 reflects the light emitted from the vehicle lighting device 1 to form a predetermined light distribution pattern. Note that the optical element 103 is not necessarily required and can be omitted.

[0084] The seal member 104 is provided between the flange 13 and the housing 101. The seal member 104 has an annular shape and is made of an elastic material such as rubber or silicone resin.

[0085] When the vehicle lighting device 1 is attached to the vehicle lamp 100, the seal member 104 is sandwiched between the flange 13 and the housing 101. Therefore, the seal member 104 can seal the internal space of the housing 101. In addition, the bayonet 12 is pressed against the housing 101 by the elastic force of the seal member 104. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the vehicle lighting device 1 from coming off the housing 101.

[0086] The connector 105 is fitted to ends of the multiple power supply terminals 31 exposed inside the connector holder 15. The lighting circuit 106 is electrically connected to the connector 105. Therefore, by fitting the connector 105 to the ends of the multiple power supply terminals 31, the lighting circuit 106 and the light-emitting module 20 can be electrically connected to each other.

[0087] Furthermore, a seal member 105a is provided on the connector 105. When the connector 105 having the seal member 105a is inserted into the inside of the connector holder 15, the inside of the connector holder 15 is sealed so as to be watertight.

[0088] Although some embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated above, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, modifications, etc. can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents described in the claims. In addition, the above-mentioned embodiments can be implemented in combination with each other.

[0089] Below, supplementary notes regarding the above-described embodiment are given.

[0090] (Appendix 1) A vehicle lighting device that projects a projection pattern onto an area surrounding a vehicle, Socket and; At least one light emitting element provided on one end side of the socket; a pattern forming section provided on a light emitting side of the light emitting element, the pattern forming section forming a transmission region that transmits a part of the light irradiated from the light emitting element; a control element electrically connected to the pattern forming portion and controlling the formation of the transmission area; A vehicle lighting device comprising:

[0091] (Appendix 2) 2. The vehicle lighting device according to claim 1, wherein the pattern forming portion is capable of changing at least one of a size, a shape, a number, and an arrangement of the transmissive regions based on a signal from the control element.

[0092] (Appendix 3) The control element is further electrically connected to the light emitting element, 3. The vehicle lighting device according to claim 1, wherein the control element controls a lighting state of the projection pattern.

[0093] (Appendix 4) At least two types of the light emitting element are provided, each of which emits light having a different peak wavelength; The control element is further electrically connected to the light emitting element, 4. The vehicle lighting device according to claim 1, wherein the control element controls a color of the projection pattern.

[0094] (Appendix 5) A vehicle lighting device according to any one of appendix 1 to 4; A housing in which the vehicle lighting device is mounted; A vehicle lamp equipped with: [Explanation of symbols]

[0095] 1 Vehicle lighting device, 1a lighting section, 1aa lighting section, 1b optical section, 1c vehicle lighting device, 10 socket, 20 light emitting module, 20a light emitting circuit, 21 substrate, 22 light emitting element, 22a light emitting element, 22b light emitting element, 22g light emitting element, 22r light emitting element, 22w light emitting element, 22y light emitting element, 25 circuit element, 25d control element, 26 optical sensor, 51 housing, 52 lens, 53 spacer, 54 pattern forming section, 54a transmission area, 100 vehicle lamp, 101 housing, 106 lighting circuit

Claims

1. A vehicle lighting device that projects a projection pattern onto an area surrounding a vehicle, A socket; At least one light emitting element provided on one end side of the socket; a pattern forming section provided on the light emitting side of the light emitting element and forming a transmission region that transmits a part of the light irradiated from the light emitting element; a control element electrically connected to the pattern forming portion and controlling the formation of the transmission area; A vehicle lighting device comprising:

2. The vehicle lighting device according to claim 1 , wherein the pattern forming portion is capable of changing at least one of a size, a shape, a number, and an arrangement of the transmissive regions based on a signal from the control element.

3. The control element is further electrically connected to the light emitting element, The vehicle lighting device according to claim 1 , wherein the control element controls a lighting state of the projection pattern.

4. At least two types of the light emitting element are provided, each of which emits light having a different peak wavelength; The control element is further electrically connected to the light emitting element, The vehicle lighting device according to claim 1 , wherein the control element controls a color of the projection pattern.

5. The vehicle lighting device according to claim 1; A housing in which the vehicle lighting device is mounted; A vehicle lamp equipped with:

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