Drawing lamps

Abstract

To enhance a function of calling attention to surroundings with an inexpensive lighting fixture configuration in a lighting fixture for drawing configured to form a light distribution pattern for drawing. [Solution] Light emitted from a light-emitting element (20) is reflected by a reflector (30) arranged to cover the light from above, and then irradiated toward the front of the lamp via a light-blocking control member (40) and a projection lens (50). The light-blocking control member (40) is configured to have four openings (40a1, 40a2, 40a3, 40a4) formed at intervals in the vertical direction as light-transmitting sections that allow the light reflected from the reflector (30) to enter the projection lens (50). The reflector (30) is configured such that its reflective surface (30a) is divided into four reflective regions (30a1, 30a2, 30a3, 30a4) in the vertical direction, and is configured such that the light reflected from these four reflective regions (30a1-30a4) enters the four openings (40a1-40a4).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a drawing lighting fixture configured to form a drawing light distribution pattern. [Background technology]

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

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes an in-vehicle drawing lamp that is configured such that a light blocking plate is disposed between a light-emitting element and a projection lens to block a portion of the light traveling from the light-emitting element to the projection lens, and that the light emitted from the light-emitting element is made to enter the projection lens through an opening formed in the light blocking plate, thereby forming a light distribution pattern for drawing.

[0004] In the drawing lamp described in Patent Document 1, multiple openings are formed in the light-blocking plate at intervals in the vertical direction, and multiple light-emitting elements are arranged behind these multiple openings. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2024-71308 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] By forming a drawing light distribution pattern on the road surface in front of the lamp using light emitted from such an in-vehicle drawing lamp, the vehicle's intentions can be communicated to those around it when driving at night, thereby making it possible to alert other drivers of vehicles, pedestrians, etc.

[0007] In this case, if openings are formed in multiple locations in the vertical direction on the light shielding plate and multiple light-emitting elements are arranged on the rear side of the lamp, as in the drawing lamp described in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, a drawing light distribution pattern can be formed in multiple locations in the front-to-rear direction of the lamp on the road surface in front of the lamp, thereby enhancing the function of calling attention to those in the surrounding area, and it is desirable to achieve such an effect with an inexpensive lamp configuration.

[0008] It should be noted that such problems may also occur in drawing lamps other than those for vehicles.

[0009] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and aims to provide a drawing lamp configured to form a drawing light distribution pattern, which has an inexpensive lamp configuration and can enhance the function of calling attention to the surrounding area. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] The present invention aims to achieve the above object by providing a configuration with a reflector that reflects light emitted from a light-emitting element toward a projection lens, and by making improvements to the configuration of this reflector.

[0011] That is, the drawing lamp according to the present invention is: A drawing lamp configured to form a drawing light distribution pattern by irradiating light emitted from a light-emitting element forward through a projection lens, a reflector that reflects light emitted from the light-emitting element toward the projection lens, and a light-blocking control member that blocks a portion of the light reflected from the reflector, the reflector is disposed so as to cover the light emitting element from above, the light-blocking control member is configured such that light-transmitting portions for allowing reflected light from the reflector to enter the projection lens are formed at a plurality of positions spaced apart in the vertical direction, The reflecting surface of the reflector is divided into a plurality of reflecting areas in the vertical direction, and is formed so that reflected light from the plurality of reflecting areas is incident on the plurality of light-transmitting portions.

[0012] The "drawing lamp" may be a lamp for use in a vehicle, or may be a lamp for use in a non-vehicle application.

[0013] The "light blocking control member" is not particularly limited in its specific configuration as long as it is configured to block a portion of the reflected light from the reflector that is directed toward the projection lens.

[0014] The "light-transmitting portion" is not particularly limited in its specific configuration or light-transmitting shape, as long as it is configured to allow reflected light from the reflector to enter the projection lens.

[0015] The above-mentioned "reflector" is arranged so as to cover the light-emitting element from above, and its reflective surface is divided into multiple reflective areas in the vertical direction, and the reflected light from these multiple reflective areas is formed so as to be incident on multiple translucent sections, so that its specific configuration is not particularly limited. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] The drawing lamp of the present invention is configured to form a drawing light distribution pattern by irradiating light emitted from a light-emitting element toward the front of the lamp through a projection lens, and is configured to include a reflector that reflects the light emitted from the light-emitting element toward the projection lens, and a shading control member that blocks a portion of the reflected light from the reflector. The reflector is arranged to cover the light-emitting element from above, and the shading control member is configured to have translucent portions formed in multiple locations spaced apart in the vertical direction to allow the reflected light from the reflector to enter the projection lens. The reflective surface of the reflector is divided into multiple reflective areas in the vertical direction, and is configured to allow the reflected light from these multiple reflective areas to enter the multiple translucent portions, thereby achieving the following effects.

[0017] That is, by reflecting the light emitted from the light-emitting element at a plurality of reflective areas on the reflective surface of the reflector and then passing through a plurality of light-transmitting portions formed in the shading control member and then entering the projection lens, it is possible to form a light distribution pattern for drawing at a plurality of locations on the road surface in front of the lamp in the fore-and-aft direction of the lamp, thereby enhancing the function of calling attention to those in the surroundings. Moreover, this can be achieved by using a configuration in which the light emitted from a common light-emitting element is reflected by the reflector toward the shading control member, thereby making it possible to make the lamp configuration inexpensive.

[0018] Thus, according to the present invention, in a drawing lighting fixture configured to form a drawing light distribution pattern, the lighting fixture configuration is inexpensive and can enhance the function of calling attention to those in the surrounding area.

[0019] In the above configuration, if the reflecting surface of the reflector is configured so that reflected light from the reflective area located first from the bottom among the plurality of reflective areas is incident on the translucent section located first from the bottom among the plurality of light-transmitting sections, and reflected light from the reflective area located second from the bottom among the plurality of reflective areas is incident on the translucent sections located first and second from the bottom among the plurality of light-transmitting sections, the following effects can be obtained.

[0020] That is, the light distribution pattern for drawing formed by light incident on the projection lens through the light-transmitting portion located first from the bottom among the multiple light-transmitting portions is a light distribution pattern formed in the long-distance region on the road surface in front of the lamp, and it is not easy to ensure sufficient brightness. Therefore, by configuring the reflected light from the reflective region located second from the bottom to be incident not only on the light-transmitting portion located second from the bottom but also on the light-transmitting portion located first from the bottom, the brightness of the light distribution pattern for drawing formed in the long-distance region can be reinforced.

[0021] Furthermore, in the above configuration, if the reflecting surface of the reflector is configured so that reflected light from the reflective area located first from the bottom among the plurality of reflective areas is incident on the light-transmitting area located first from the bottom among the plurality of light-transmitting areas, and reflected light from the reflective area located second from the bottom among the plurality of reflective areas is incident on the light-transmitting area located first from the bottom, then the brightness of the drawing light distribution pattern formed in the long-distance area can be effectively reinforced.

[0022] When these configurations are adopted, if the reflecting surface of the reflector is configured so that the first reflective area from the bottom has a higher degree of convergence of reflected light than the second reflective area from the bottom, the brightness of the central area of ​​the drawing light distribution pattern formed in the long-distance area can be increased.

[0023] In the above configuration, if the light-blocking control member is configured so that each of the multiple light-transmitting sections has a V-shaped outer shape when viewed from the front of the lamp, and the reflector's reflective surface is configured so that the boundary lines separating the multiple reflective areas extend in a V-shape when viewed from the front of the lamp, it becomes easy to form V-shaped drawing light distribution patterns with approximately uniform brightness at multiple locations on the road surface in front of the lamp in the fore-and-aft direction of the lamp. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0024] [Figure 1] 1 is a cross-sectional plan view showing a drawing lamp according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] Cross section of line II-II in Figure 1 [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a front view showing the main components of the drawing lamp; [Figure 4] Detailed view of the main part of Figure 3 [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a plan view showing the drawing lamp mounted on a vehicle. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a side view showing the drawing lamp mounted on a vehicle. [Figure 7] FIG. 1( a ) is a diagram showing a light distribution pattern for drawing formed on a virtual screen placed in front of the drawing lamp by light emitted from the drawing lamp, and FIG. 1( b ) is a diagram showing a comparative example. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a view similar to FIG. 1, illustrating a modification of the embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 3 is a diagram similar to FIG. 2 showing the above modification. [Figure 10] FIG. 5 is a diagram similar to FIG. 4 showing the above modification. [Figure 11] 5A and 5B are views similar to those of FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B, illustrating the operation of the above [Figure 12] 8 is a diagram similar to FIG. 7, illustrating the operation of the above-described modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0025] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0026] Fig. 1 is a plan cross-sectional view showing a drawing lamp 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II in Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a front view showing the main components of the drawing lamp 10, and Fig. 4 is a detailed view of the main parts of Fig. 3. Figs. 5 and 6 are a plan view and a side view showing the drawing lamp 10 mounted on a vehicle 100.

[0027] 1 to 6, the direction indicated by X is "forward of the lamp" ("left diagonally forward" for the vehicle), the direction indicated by Y is "leftward" ("rightward" when viewed from the front of the lamp, "left diagonally rearward" for the vehicle) perpendicular to "forward of the lamp", and the direction indicated by Z is "upward". This is the same for figures other than Figures 1 to 6.

[0028] Before describing the specific configuration of the drawing lamp 10 according to this embodiment, an outline thereof will be described.

[0029] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the drawing lamp 10 is mounted on a side end in the vehicle width direction at the front end of the vehicle 100 and is configured to emit light obliquely downward toward the outside in the vehicle width direction. At this time, the drawing lamp 10 is turned on in synchronization with the lighting of the front turn signal lamp (not shown), thereby forming a drawing light distribution pattern PA (details of which will be described later) on the road surface 2 in front of the lamp. Note that Figures 5 and 6 show a state in which the left drawing lamp 10 is turned on.

[0030] Next, a specific configuration of the drawing lamp 10 will be described.

[0031] 1 to 4, the drawing lamp 10 is configured such that a light emitting element 20 as a light source, a reflector 30 for reflecting light emitted from the light emitting element 20 toward the projection lens 50, and a light blocking control member 40 for blocking a portion of the light emitted from the light emitting element 20 reflected by the reflector 30 are incorporated into a lamp chamber formed by a lamp body 12 and a projection lens 50 attached to the front end opening. A body adapter 14 is attached to the top of the front end opening of the lamp body 12, and the top of the projection lens 50 is attached to the front end opening of this body adapter 14.

[0032] The light-emitting element 20 is a light-emitting diode that emits amber light, and its light-emitting surface 20a has a square outer shape. The light-emitting element 20 is mounted on the substrate 22 in such a manner that the light-emitting surface 20a is rhombic in plan view. The substrate 22 is supported by the lamp body 12.

[0033] The projection lens 50 is a plano-convex lens whose front surface 50a is a convex curved surface and whose rear surface 50b is a flat surface, and is disposed so that its optical axis Ax extends obliquely downward relative to the front direction of the lamp. Specifically, the projection lens 50 is disposed so that its optical axis Ax extends in a direction inclined downward by about 10 to 20 degrees (for example, about 15 degrees) relative to the front direction of the lamp.

[0034] The projection lens 50 is supported by the lamp body 12 and the body adapter 14 at its outer periphery flange portion 52 .

[0035] The light blocking control member 40 is disposed in a state inclined downward with respect to the front direction of the lamp. Specifically, the light blocking control member 40 is configured as a thin light blocking plate with a constant thickness, and is disposed so as to extend along a plane perpendicular to the optical axis Ax at the position of the rear focal point F of the projection lens unit 50.

[0036] The light blocking control member 40 has four openings 40a1, 40a2, 40a3, and 40a4 formed at intervals in the vertical direction as light transmitting portions for transmitting the light emitted from the light emitting element 20 reflected by the reflector 30.

[0037] Of the four openings 40a1 to 40a4, opening 40a1, which is the first opening from the bottom, is an opening for long-distance drawing and has a V-shaped opening shape when viewed from the front of the lamp. The opening angle of this V-shape is set to a value of about 140 to 160 degrees (for example, about 150 degrees).

[0038] The second-lowest opening 40a2 is an opening for intermediate-distance drawing, the third-lowest opening 40a3 is an opening for close-distance drawing, and the fourth-lowest opening 40a4 is an opening for close-distance drawing. These openings 40a2-40a4 also have a V-shaped opening shape similar to opening 40a1, but their vertical and horizontal widths gradually increase in this order, and their both end faces are formed to be located on extensions of both end faces of opening 40a1. The spacing between the four openings 40a1-40a4 also gradually increases in the order of between openings 40a1 and 40a2, between openings 40a2 and 40a3, and between openings 40a3 and 40a4.

[0039] The light blocking control member 40 is supported by the lamp body 12 and the body adapter 14 in a state where the central lower end position of the second-lowest opening 40a2 is positioned on the optical axis Ax of the projection lens 50.

[0040] The reflector 30 is disposed so as to cover the light emitting element 20 from above. The reflective surface 30a of the reflector 30 is divided into four reflective areas 30a1, 30a2, 30a3, and 30a4 in the vertical direction, and the boundary line B that separates these areas is formed so as to extend in an upward arc shape when the lamp is viewed from the front.

[0041] The four reflective regions 30a1 to 30a4 are all configured to reflect the light emitted from the light emitting element 20 as convergent light toward the light blocking control member 40. Specifically, each of the four reflective regions 30a1 to 30a4 has a substantially ellipsoidal surface shape with the light emitting center of the light emitting element 20 as a first focal point and a point located further forward than the light blocking control member 40 as a second focal point.

[0042] In this case, the reflection region 30a1 located first from the bottom is configured to reflect the light emitted from the light emitting element 20 toward the opening 40a1 located first from the bottom.

[0043] In addition, the reflective area 30a3 located third from the bottom is configured to reflect the light emitted from the light-emitting element 20 toward the opening 40a3 located third from the bottom, and the reflective area 30a4 located fourth from the bottom is configured to reflect the light emitted from the light-emitting element 20 toward the opening 40a4 located fourth from the bottom.

[0044] On the other hand, the second lowest reflective region 30a2 is configured to reflect light emitted from the light emitting element 20 toward the first lowest opening 40a1 and the second lowest opening 40a2.

[0045] Furthermore, the first reflective area 30a1 from the bottom is formed with a surface shape that converges reflected light more effectively than the other reflective areas 30a2 to 30a4. For this reason, as shown in Figures 1, 3, and 4, the first reflective area 30a1 from the bottom is formed so that both left and right ends are displaced inward compared to the second reflective area 30a2 from the bottom.

[0046] The reflector 30 is supported by the lamp body 12 at a peripheral flange portion 32 formed at the lower end portion thereof.

[0047] 1 and 2 show the optical path of light emitted from the light-emitting center of the light-emitting element 20, which is reflected by the four reflective areas 30a1 to 30a4 that make up the reflective surface 30a of the reflector 30, before passing through the four openings 40a1 to 40a4 formed in the light-blocking control member 40 to enter the projection lens 50 and then exit from this projection lens 50 toward the front of the lamp. Also, Fig. 4 shows the optical path of light emitted from the light-emitting center of the light-emitting element 20, which is reflected by the four reflective areas 30a1 to 30a4, before passing through the four openings 40a1 to 40a4 to reach the projection lens 50.

[0048] Next, the drawing light distribution pattern PA shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 will be described.

[0049] As described above, the drawing light distribution pattern PA is formed by the light emitted from the drawing lighting fixture 10, and this drawing light distribution pattern PA is made up of four drawing light distribution patterns PAa, PAb, PAc, and PAd.

[0050] The four drawing light distribution patterns PAa-PAd are light distribution patterns formed as inverted projection images of the four openings 40a1-40a4 formed in the shading control member 40, and all have an inverted V-shaped outer shape (i.e., a shape that points forward toward the lamp). These four drawing light distribution patterns PAa-PAd are approximately the same size and are arranged in series at approximately equal intervals, and are formed in the long-distance region, middle-distance region, short-distance region, and very close-distance region of the road surface 2 in front of the lamp. This is because the vertical widths and the spacing between the four openings 40a1-40a4 increase in this order, and the inner peripheral edges on both the left and right sides are formed to extend upward in a direction that widens slightly relative to the vertical direction.

[0051] FIG. 7(a) is a diagram showing a drawing light distribution pattern PA0 formed on a virtual screen S placed in front of the drawing lamp 10 (specifically, at the position indicated by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 6) by light emitted from the drawing lamp 10.

[0052] 7(a), the plotting light distribution pattern PA0 is composed of four plotting light distribution patterns PA0a, PA0b, PA0c, and PA0d formed at intervals in the vertical direction. Each of these four plotting light distribution patterns PA0a to PA0d is a light distribution pattern formed as an inverted projection image of each of the four openings 40a1 to 40a4 formed in the light blocking control member 40, and each has an inverted V-shaped (i.e., a shape pointed upward) outer shape.

[0053] The plotting light distribution pattern PA0 is formed so that the central upper end position of the plotting light distribution pattern PA0b, which is the second from the top, is located on the optical axis Ax of the projection lens 50. This is because the central lower end position of the second from the bottom opening 40a2 is located on the optical axis Ax of the projection lens 50.

[0054] Of the four drawing light distribution patterns PA0a to PA0d, the drawing light distribution pattern PA0a, which is the first from the top, is the smallest, followed by the drawing light distribution pattern PA0b, which is the second from the top, the drawing light distribution pattern PA0c, which is the third from the top, and the drawing light distribution pattern PA0d, which is the fourth from the top, in that order.

[0055] In this case, the first plotting light distribution pattern PA0a from the top is formed as a brighter light distribution pattern than the other plotting light distribution patterns PA0b to PA0d. This is because the first opening 40a1 from the bottom is illuminated by a portion of the reflected light from the first reflective region 30a1 from the bottom and the second reflective region 30a2 from the bottom. Furthermore, the plotting light distribution pattern PA0a is formed as a light distribution pattern with a particularly bright central region, which is due to the high degree of convergence of the reflected light from the first reflective region 30a1 from the bottom.

[0056] These four drawing light distribution patterns PA0a to PA0d are projected onto the road surface 2 in front of the lamp to form four drawing light distribution patterns PAa to PAd, but since the drawing light distribution pattern PA0a, which is the first from the top, is brighter than the other drawing light distribution patterns PA0b to PA0d, the drawing light distribution pattern PAa formed in the long distance region of the road surface 2 in front of the lamp will not be darker than the other drawing light distribution patterns PAb to PAd.

[0057] FIG. 7(b) is a diagram showing a plotting light distribution pattern PA0' as a comparative example of the plotting light distribution pattern PA0 shown in FIG. 7(a).

[0058] The drawing light distribution pattern PA0' shown in Figure 7(b) is a light distribution pattern formed when the reflecting surface 30a of the reflector 30 shown in Figure 2 is configured so that reflected light from the second lowest reflecting area 30a2 does not enter the first lowest opening 40a1 but only enters the second lowest opening 40a2, and when the degree of convergence of reflected light from the first lowest reflecting area 30a1 is equivalent to the degree of convergence of reflected light from the second lowest reflecting area 30a2.

[0059] 7(b) is also composed of four plotting light distribution patterns PA0a', PA0b', PA0c', and PA0d' formed at intervals in the vertical direction. In this plotting light distribution pattern PA0', the second plotting light distribution pattern PA0b' from the top is formed as a plotting light distribution pattern brighter than the plotting light distribution pattern PA0b of the plotting light distribution pattern PA0, but the first plotting light distribution pattern PA0a' from the top is formed as a plotting light distribution pattern darker than the plotting light distribution pattern PA0a of the plotting light distribution pattern PA0.

[0060] When the drawing light distribution pattern PA0' shown in FIG. 7(b) is projected onto the road surface 2 in front of the lamp, the drawing light distribution pattern formed in the long distance region by the drawing light distribution pattern PA0a' is darker than the drawing light distribution patterns formed in the medium distance region, short distance region, and close distance region by the other three drawing light distribution patterns PA0b', PA0c', and PA0d'.

[0061] Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described.

[0062] The drawing lighting fixture 10 according to this embodiment is configured to form a drawing light distribution pattern PA by irradiating light emitted from the light-emitting element 20 toward the front of the lighting fixture through a projection lens 50, and is configured to include a reflector 30 that reflects the light emitted from the light-emitting element 20 toward the projection lens 50, and a light-blocking control member 40 that blocks a portion of the light reflected from the reflector 30. The reflector 30 is disposed so as to cover the light-emitting element 20 from above, and the light-blocking control member 40 blocks a portion of the light reflected from the reflector 30. The reflector 30 has a configuration in which four openings 40a1, 40a2, 40a3, and 40a4 are formed at intervals in the vertical direction as light-transmitting sections for allowing the reflected light from the four openings 40a1 to 40a4 to enter the projection lens 50, and the reflecting surface 30a of the reflector 30 is divided into four reflecting areas 30a1, 30a2, 30a3, and 30a4 in the vertical direction, and is formed so that the reflected light from these four reflecting areas 30a1 to 30a4 enters the four openings 40a1 to 40a4, thereby achieving the following effects.

[0063] That is, by reflecting the light emitted from the light-emitting element 20 by the four reflection regions 30a1 to 30a4 on the reflection surface 30a of the reflector 30 and then making it incident on the projection lens 50 through the four openings 40a1 to 40a4 formed in the shading control member 40, it is possible to form four light distribution patterns PAa, PAb, PAc, and PAd as the light distribution pattern PA at four locations in the front-to-rear direction of the lamp on the road surface 2 in front of the lamp, thereby enhancing the function of calling attention to those in the surroundings. Moreover, this can be achieved by using a configuration in which the light emitted from a single light-emitting element 20 is reflected by the reflector 30 toward the shading control member 40, which makes it possible to make the lamp configuration inexpensive.

[0064] As described above, according to this embodiment, in the drawing lighting fixture 10 configured to form the drawing light distribution pattern PA, the function of calling attention to the surroundings can be enhanced with an inexpensive lighting fixture configuration.

[0065] In this embodiment, the reflecting surface 30a of the reflector 30 is configured so that reflected light from the reflecting region 30a1, which is located first from the bottom among the four reflecting regions 30a1 to 30a4, is incident on the opening 40a1, which is located first from the bottom among the four openings 40a1 to 40a4, and reflected light from the reflecting region 30a2, which is located second from the bottom among the four reflecting regions 30a1 to 30a4, is incident on the openings 40a1 and 40a2, which are located first and second from the bottom among the four openings 40a1 to 40a4, thereby achieving the following advantageous effects.

[0066] That is, the drawing light distribution pattern PAa formed by light incident on the projection lens 50 through the opening 40a1 located first from the bottom among the four openings 40a1 to 40a4 is a light distribution pattern formed in the long-distance region on the road surface 2 in front of the lamp, and it is generally not easy to ensure sufficient brightness. In contrast, as in the present embodiment, by configuring the light reflected from the reflective region 30a2 located second from the bottom to be incident not only on the opening 40a2 located second from the bottom but also on the opening 40a1 located first from the bottom, it is possible to enhance the brightness of the drawing light distribution pattern PAa formed in the long-distance region.

[0067] Moreover, in this embodiment, the reflecting surface 30a of the reflector 30 is configured so that the reflecting area 30a1, which is located first from the bottom, has a higher degree of convergence of reflected light than the reflecting area 30a2, which is located second from the bottom, and therefore, the brightness of the central area of ​​the drawing light distribution pattern PAa formed in the long distance area can be increased.

[0068] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the light emitting element 20 is arranged so that its light emitting surface 20a is diamond-shaped in a planar view, so that the light emitted from the light emitting element 20, reflected by the four reflective areas 30a1 to 30a4 that make up the reflective surface 30a of the reflector 30, can be efficiently incident on the four openings 40a1 to 40a4.

[0069] In the above embodiment, the light emitting element 20 is described as emitting amber light, but other light colors (such as blue and green) may also be used.

[0070] In the above embodiment, the configuration has been described as one in which light emitted from a single light-emitting element 20 is reflected by the reflector 30, but it is also possible to configure the configuration so that light emitted from multiple light-emitting elements 20 is reflected by the reflector 30.

[0071] In the above embodiment, it has been described that the shading control member 40 is made up of a shading plate and that four openings 40a1 to 40a4 are formed as the light-transmitting portion thereof. However, instead of this configuration, it is also possible to make the shading control member out of a colorless and transparent light-transmitting member, and to make the shading area surrounding the light-transmitting portion out of a plurality of corner cubes or the like.

[0072] In the above embodiment, the drawing lamp 10 is described as being configured to light up in synchronization with the lighting of the front turn signal lamp when mounted at the front end of the vehicle, but it is also possible to configure the drawing lamp 10 to light up in synchronization with the lighting of the rear turn signal lamp, etc. when mounted at the rear end of the vehicle.

[0073] In the above embodiment, it has been described that the light emitted from the drawing lamp 10 forms a drawing light distribution pattern PA on the road surface 2 in front of the lamp, but it is also possible to form a drawing light distribution pattern on a wall surface located in front of the lamp or a wall surface extending toward the front of the lamp.

[0074] Next, a modification of the above embodiment will be described.

[0075] 8 and 9 are views similar to FIGS. 1 and 2, showing a drawing lamp 110 according to this modified example. Also, FIG. 10 is a view similar to FIG. 4, showing the main components of the drawing lamp 110.

[0076] As shown in FIGS. 8 to 10, the basic configuration of this modification is the same as that of the above embodiment, but the configurations of the reflector 130 and the light blocking control member 140 are partially different from those of the above embodiment.

[0077] That is, the shading control member 140 of this modified example is also composed of a shading plate arranged at a downward incline relative to the front of the lamp, and is arranged to extend along a plane perpendicular to the optical axis Ax at the rear focal point F of the projection lens unit 50, but is configured to have three openings 140a1, 140a2, 140a3 formed at intervals in the vertical direction as translucent sections for transmitting the light emitted from the light-emitting element 20 reflected by the reflector 130.

[0078] Of the three openings 140a1 to 140a3, opening 140a1, which is the first from the bottom, is an opening for long-distance drawing, opening 140a2, which is the second from the bottom, is an opening for medium-distance drawing, and opening 140a3, which is the third from the bottom, is an opening for close-distance drawing. These openings 140a1 to 140a3 have a V-shaped opening shape when viewed from the front of the lamp, and their vertical and horizontal widths and the distance between them gradually increase, and they are formed so that both end faces are positioned on the same straight line.

[0079] The light blocking control member 140 of this modified example is supported by the lamp body 12 and the body adapter 14 in a state where it is positioned so that the optical axis Ax of the projection lens 50 passes slightly above the upper central end position of the opening 140a1 that is located first from the bottom.

[0080] The reflector 130 of this modified example is also disposed so as to cover the light-emitting element 20 from above, and its reflective surface 130a is divided into four reflective regions 130a1, 130a2, 130a3, and 130a4 in the vertical direction, with boundary lines B separating these regions extending in a V-shape when the lamp is viewed from the front, as shown in Fig. 10. However, when the lamp is viewed from the front, diagonally downward along the optical axis Ax, it appears that substantially the entire region extends in a V-shape.

[0081] In this modification, each of the four reflective regions 130a1 to 130a4 is configured to reflect the light emitted from the light emitting element 20 toward the light blocking control member 40 as convergent light.

[0082] In this case, the first reflective area 130a1 from the bottom is configured to reflect the light emitted from the light emitting element 20 toward the first opening 140a1 from the bottom. The second reflective area 130a2 from the bottom is also configured to reflect the light emitted from the light emitting element 20 toward the first opening 140a1 from the bottom.

[0083] The reflective area 130a3, which is the third from the bottom, is configured to reflect the light emitted from the light-emitting element 20 toward the opening 140a2, which is the second from the bottom, and the reflective area 30a4, which is the fourth from the bottom, is configured to reflect the light emitted from the light-emitting element 20 toward the opening 140a3, which is the third from the bottom.

[0084] Furthermore, in this modified example, the first reflective area 130a1 from the bottom is formed so that the degree of convergence of reflected light is higher than that of the other reflective areas 130a2 to 130a4. For this reason, as shown in Figures 8 and 10, the first reflective area 130a1 from the bottom is formed so that both left and right end portions are displaced inward compared to the second reflective area 130a2 from the bottom.

[0085] The reflector 130 is supported by the lamp body 12 at a peripheral flange portion 132 formed at the lower end portion thereof.

[0086] 8 and 9 show the optical path of light emitted from the light-emitting center of the light-emitting element 20, which is reflected by the four reflective regions 130a1 to 130a4 that make up the reflective surface 130a of the reflector 130, then enters the projection lens 50 through the three openings 140a1 to 140a3 formed in the light-blocking control member 140, and is emitted from this projection lens 50 toward the front of the lamp. Also, Fig. 10 shows the optical path of light emitted from the light-emitting center of the light-emitting element 20, which is reflected by the four reflective regions 130a1 to 130a4, then passes through the three openings 140a1 to 140a3 and reaches the projection lens 50.

[0087] FIG. 11 is a side view showing the drawing lamp 110 mounted on the vehicle 100. As shown in FIG.

[0088] As shown in FIG. 11, the drawing light distribution pattern PB is made up of three drawing light distribution patterns PBa, PBb, and PBc.

[0089] The three drawing light distribution patterns PBa to PBc are light distribution patterns formed as inverted projection images of the three openings 40a1 to 40a3 formed in the shading control member 140, and all have an inverted V-shaped outer shape (i.e., a shape that points forward toward the lamp). These three drawing light distribution patterns PBa to PBc are approximately the same size and are arranged in series at approximately equal intervals, and are formed in the long-distance region, middle-distance region, and short-distance region of the road surface 2 in front of the lamp. This is because the vertical widths and the spacing between the three openings 40a1 to 40a3 increase in this order, and the inner peripheral edges on both the left and right sides are formed to extend upward in a direction that widens slightly relative to the vertical direction.

[0090] FIG. 12(a) is a diagram showing a drawing light distribution pattern PB0 formed on a virtual screen S placed in front of the drawing lamp 110 by light emitted from the drawing lamp 110.

[0091] 12(a), the plotting light distribution pattern PA0 is composed of three plotting light distribution patterns PB0a, PB0b, and PB0c formed at intervals in the vertical direction. Each of these three plotting light distribution patterns PB0a to PB0c is a light distribution pattern formed as an inverted projection image of each of the three openings 140a1 to 140a3 formed in the shading control member 140, and each has an inverted V-shaped (i.e., a shape pointed upward) outer shape.

[0092] The light distribution pattern for plotting PB0 is formed so that a point slightly below the lower central edge of the light distribution pattern for plotting PB0b, which is the second from the top, is located on the optical axis Ax of the projection lens 50. This is because a point slightly above the upper central edge of the opening 140a2, which is the second from the bottom, is located on the optical axis Ax of the projection lens 50.

[0093] Of the three plotting light distribution patterns PB0a to PB0c, the plotting light distribution pattern PB0a, which is the first from the top, is the smallest, followed by the plotting light distribution pattern PB0b, which is the second from the top, and the plotting light distribution pattern PB0c, which is the third from the top, in that order.

[0094] In this case, the first plotting light distribution pattern PB0a from the top is formed as a brighter light distribution pattern than the other plotting light distribution patterns PB0b and PB0c. This is because the first opening 140a1 from the bottom receives reflected light from the first reflective area 130a1 from the bottom and reflected light from the second reflective area 130a2 from the bottom. The plotting light distribution pattern PB0a is formed as a light distribution pattern with a particularly bright central region. This is due to the high degree of convergence of the reflected light from the first reflective area 130a1 from the bottom. The central region of the plotting light distribution pattern PB0a is particularly bright above it, which can be achieved by configuring the light reflected from the reflective area 130a1 to be incident on the lower region of the opening 140a1 in a concentrated manner, as shown in FIG. 9.

[0095] These three drawing light distribution patterns PB0a-PB0c are projected onto the road surface 2 in front of the lamp to form three drawing light distribution patterns PBa-PBc, but the drawing light distribution pattern PB0a, which is the first from the top, is formed as a light distribution pattern brighter than the other drawing light distribution patterns PB0b and PB0c, so the drawing light distribution pattern PBa formed in the long distance region of the road surface 2 in front of the lamp will not be darker than the other drawing light distribution patterns PBb and PBc. Moreover, the drawing light distribution pattern PB0a is formed as a light distribution pattern in which the region above its central region is particularly bright, so the long distance region of the road surface 2 in front of the lamp is brightly illuminated up to the tip region of the inverted V shape.

[0096] FIG. 12(b) is a diagram showing a light distribution pattern PB0' for plotting as a comparative example of the light distribution pattern PB0 for plotting shown in FIG. 12(a).

[0097] The drawing light distribution pattern PB0' shown in Figure 12(b) is a light distribution pattern formed when the reflecting surface 130a of the reflector 130 shown in Figure 9 is configured such that the reflecting area 30a1 located first from the bottom has the same reflecting surface shape as the second reflecting area 30a2.

[0098] 12(b) is also composed of three plotting light distribution patterns PB0a', PB0b', and PB0c' that are spaced apart in the vertical direction. In this plotting light distribution pattern PB0', the plotting light distribution pattern PB0a' that is the topmost from the top is formed as a light distribution pattern that is brighter than the other plotting light distribution patterns PB0b' and PB0c', but the region above its central region is not formed as a particularly bright light distribution pattern.

[0099] Next, the operation of this modified example will be described.

[0100] In the drawing lamp 110 according to this modification, light emitted from the light-emitting element 20 is reflected by four reflection regions 130a1 to 130a4 on the reflection surface 130a of the reflector 130, and then incident on the projection lens 50 through three openings 140a1 to 140a3 formed in the shading control member 140, thereby forming three drawing light distribution patterns PBa, PBb, and PBc as the drawing light distribution pattern PB at three locations in the front-to-rear direction of the lamp on the road surface 2 in front of the lamp, thereby enhancing the function of calling attention to those in the surroundings. Moreover, this can be achieved by using a configuration in which light emitted from a single light-emitting element 20 is reflected by the reflector 130 toward the shading control member 140, thereby making it possible to make the lamp configuration inexpensive.

[0101] Furthermore, in this modified example, the three openings 140a1 to 140a3 formed in the shading control member 140 have a V-shaped outer shape when viewed from the front of the lamp, and accordingly, the boundary line B that separates the four reflective areas 130a1 to 130a4 that make up the reflective surface 130a of the reflector 130 is formed to extend in a V-shape when viewed from the front of the lamp, making it easy to form V-shaped drawing light distribution patterns PBa to PBc with approximately uniform brightness at three locations in the fore-and-aft direction of the lamp on the road surface 2 in front of the lamp.

[0102] Furthermore, the reflective surface 130a of the reflector 130 is formed so that reflected light from the reflective areas 130a1 and 130a2, which are located first and second from the bottom among the four reflective areas 130a1 to 130a4, is incident on the opening 40a1, which is located first from the bottom, thereby effectively reinforcing the brightness of the drawing light distribution pattern PBa formed in the long-distance area.

[0103] Also in this modification, the reflective surface 130a of the reflector 130 is formed so that the degree of convergence of reflected light is higher in the reflective region 130a1 located first from the bottom than in the reflective region 130a2 located second from the bottom, thereby increasing the brightness of the central region of the drawing light distribution pattern PBa formed in the long distance region of the road surface 2 in front of the lamp. In this case, by concentrating the reflected light from the reflective region 130a1 into the lower region of the opening 140a1, the drawing light distribution pattern PB0a can be formed as a light distribution pattern whose upper region above the central region is particularly bright.

[0104] It should be noted that the numerical values ​​shown as the specifications in the above embodiment and its modified examples are merely examples, and it goes without saying that these may be set to different values ​​as appropriate.

[0105] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the configurations described in the above embodiment and its modified examples, and various other modified configurations can be adopted. [Explanation of symbols]

[0106] 2 Road surface in front of the light fixture 10, 110 Drawing lamp 12 Lamp body 14 Body Adapter 20 Light-emitting element 20a Light-emitting surface 22 PCB 30, 130 reflector 30a, 130a reflective surface 30a1, 30a2, 30a3, 30a4, 130a1, 130a2, 130a3, 130a4 reflective area 32, 132 Peripheral flange 40, 140 Light blocking control member 40a1, 40a2, 40a3, 40a4, 140a1, 140a2, 140a3 opening (transparent part) 50 Projection Lens 50a front 50b rear 52 Peripheral flange 100 vehicles Ax optical axis B Border F back focus PA, PAa, PAb, Pac, PAd, PA0, PA0a, PA0b, PA0c, PA0d, PB, PBa, PBb, PBc, PB0, PB0a, PB0b, PB0c Light distribution pattern for drawing S Virtual Screen

Claims

1. A drawing lamp configured to form a drawing light distribution pattern by irradiating light emitted from a light-emitting element forward through a projection lens, a reflector that reflects light emitted from the light-emitting element toward the projection lens, and a light-blocking control member that blocks a portion of the light reflected from the reflector, the reflector is disposed so as to cover the light emitting element from above, the light-blocking control member is configured such that light-transmitting portions for allowing reflected light from the reflector to enter the projection lens are formed at a plurality of positions spaced apart in the vertical direction, A drawing lamp characterized in that the reflective surface of the reflector is divided into a plurality of reflective areas in the vertical direction, and is formed so that reflected light from the plurality of reflective areas is incident on the plurality of translucent portions.

2. 2. The drawing lamp according to claim 1, wherein the reflective surface is formed so that reflected light from the reflective area located first from the bottom among the plurality of reflective areas is incident on the translucent area located first from the bottom among the plurality of translucent areas, and so that reflected light from the reflective area located second from the bottom among the plurality of reflective areas is incident on the translucent areas located first and second from the bottom among the plurality of translucent areas.

3. 2. The drawing lamp according to claim 1, wherein the reflective surface is formed so that reflected light from the reflective area located first from the bottom among the plurality of reflective areas is incident on the translucent area located first from the bottom among the plurality of translucent areas, and so that reflected light from the reflective area located second from the bottom among the plurality of reflective areas is incident on the translucent area located first from the bottom.

4. 4. A drawing lamp as described in claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the reflective surface is formed so that the degree of convergence of reflected light is higher in the reflective area located first from the bottom than in the reflective area located second from the bottom.

5. Each of the plurality of light-transmitting portions has a V-shaped outer shape when viewed from the front of the lamp, 2. The drawing lamp according to claim 1, wherein the reflecting surface is formed so that boundaries separating the plurality of reflecting areas extend in a V-shape when the lamp is viewed from the front.

Images