Lighting module, device with lighting module, lighting module unit, lighting system, and lighting method

Abstract

The present invention provides a lighting module that projects a projection pattern onto a projection surface and is suitable for being incorporated into or mounted on other collaborating devices. [Solution] The lighting module 10 is a lighting module that projects a projection pattern onto a projection surface. The lighting module 10 includes a light source 20, an optical system 25 facing the light source 20 in the axial direction, a case 30 that holds the light source 20 and the optical system 25, a cover 50 that partially covers the case 30, and a circuit board 70A located between the case 30 and the cover 50. The circuit board 70A is at least partially located between the output end of the optical system 25 and the light source 20 in the axial direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a lighting module, a device with a lighting module, a lighting module unit, a lighting system, and a lighting method. <000​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​An optical system facing the light source in the axial direction of the lighting module, A case for holding the light source and the optical system, The light source is electrically connected to a circuit board, The circuit board includes a socket that contacts the terminals of the light source and electrically connects to the terminals. The light source is located between the circuit board and the optical system in the axial direction.

[0007] According to this disclosure, a lighting module suitable for being incorporated into or mounted in other devices can be obtained. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1A] Figure 1A is a diagram illustrating one embodiment, and shows an example of a device with a lighting module. [Figure 1B] Figure 1B shows the device with the lighting module shown in Figure 1A. [Figure 2A] Figure 2A shows another example of a device with a lighting module. [Figure 2B] Figure 2B shows the device with the lighting module shown in Figure 2A. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows yet another example of a device with a lighting module. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows yet another example of a device with a lighting module. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows yet another example of a device with a lighting module. [Figure 6A] Figure 6A shows an example of a block diagram of a device with a lighting module, as shown in Figures 1A to 5. [Figure 6B] Figure 6B shows another example of a block diagram of a device with a lighting module, as shown in Figures 1A to 5. [Figure 6C] Figure 6C shows yet another example of the block diagram of the device with lighting modules shown in Figures 1A to 5. [Figure 6D]FIG. 6D is a view showing still another example of the block diagram of the apparatus with the lighting module shown in FIGS. 1A to 5. [Figure 7A] FIG. 7A is a perspective view showing an example of the lighting module that may be included in the apparatus with the lighting module shown in FIGS. 1A to 5. [Figure 7B] FIG. 7B is a view showing the lighting module shown in FIG. 7A from a direction different from that of FIG. 7A. [Figure 8A] FIG. 8A is a view showing the lighting module shown in FIG. 7A from a direction different from that of FIG. 7A. [Figure 8B] FIG. 8B is a view showing the lighting module shown in FIG. 7A from a direction different from that of FIG. 7A. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a first aspect of the lighting module shown in FIG. 7A. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line X-X of FIG. 9. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a partially enlarged view of FIG. 9. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a view corresponding to FIG. 9 and is a cross-sectional view showing another example of the first aspect of the lighting module. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a view showing an example of the circuit board that may be included in the lighting module. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a view corresponding to FIG. 9 and is a cross-sectional view showing still another example of the first aspect of the lighting module. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XV-XV of FIG. 14. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a second aspect of the lighting module shown in FIG. 7A. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a plan view showing the lighting module shown in FIG. 16 from the second side in the axial direction with the cover removed. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a partially enlarged view of FIG. 16. [Figure 19]FIG. 19 is a diagram for explaining a modified example of an illumination method, and is a perspective view showing an illumination system together with an illumination pattern observed on a projection surface. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a configuration diagram showing an example of the illumination system shown in FIG. 19. [Figure 21A] FIG. 21A is a plan view showing an example of a projection pattern constituting the illumination pattern shown in FIG. 19. [Figure 21B] FIG. 21B is a plan view showing another example of a projection pattern constituting the illumination pattern shown in FIG. 19. [Figure 21C] FIG. 21C is a plan view showing still another example of a projection pattern constituting the illumination pattern shown in FIG. 19. [Figure 21D] FIG. 21D is a plan view showing still another example of a projection pattern constituting the illumination pattern shown in FIG. 19. [Figure 21E] FIG. 21E is a plan view showing still another example of a projection pattern constituting the illumination pattern shown in FIG. 19. [Figure 21F] FIG. 21F is a plan view showing still another example of a projection pattern constituting the illumination pattern shown in FIG. 19. [Figure 21G] FIG. 21G is a plan view showing still another example of a projection pattern constituting the illumination pattern shown in FIG. 19. [Figure 21H] FIG. 21H is a plan view showing still another example of a projection pattern constituting the illumination pattern shown in FIG. 19. [Figure 22A] FIG. 22A is a plan view showing an example of the arrangement of illumination module units. [Figure 22B] FIG. 22B is a plan view showing another example of the arrangement of illumination module units. [Figure 23] FIG. 23 is a side view showing an illumination system including the illumination module unit shown in FIG. 22A or FIG. 22B. [Figure 24A] FIG. 24A is a diagram for explaining a modified example of an illumination pattern and an illumination system, and is a plan view showing an illumination system together with an illumination pattern observed on a projection surface. [Figure 24B] Figure 24B is a diagram showing the lighting system shown in Figure 24A, where the lighting system displays a different lighting pattern than the one shown in Figure 24A. [Figure 24C] Figure 24C is a diagram showing the lighting system shown in Figure 24A, which displays a different lighting pattern from the lighting patterns shown in Figures 24A and 24B. [Figure 25] Figure 25 is a diagram illustrating other variations of the lighting pattern and lighting system, and is a plan view showing the lighting system along with the lighting pattern observed on the projection plane. [Figure 26] Figure 26 shows the changes in the lighting pattern displayed by the lighting system shown in Figure 25. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] One embodiment of this disclosure is as follows: <1> ~ <60> Regarding.

[0010] <1> A lighting module that projects a projection pattern onto a projection surface, A light source that emits light, An optical system facing the light source in the axial direction of the lighting module, A case for holding the light source and the optical system, The light source is electrically connected to a circuit board, A lighting module in which, in the axial direction, the circuit board is at least partially located between the light source and the exit end of the optical system from which light emitted from the light source is emitted.

[0011] <2> The system further includes an FPC that electrically connects the light source and the circuit board. The light source includes terminals that penetrate the FPC, The terminal is electrically connected to the FPC. <1> The lighting module described above.

[0012] <3> The system further includes an FPC that electrically connects the light source and the circuit board. The FPC is attached to the case. <1> or <2> The lighting module described above.

[0013] <4> The case includes a cylindrical portion and a bottom portion connected to the cylindrical portion, The cylindrical portion opens to the first side in the axial direction and is connected to the bottom from the second side in the axial direction. The optical system is held inside the cylindrical portion, The light source is held at the bottom, <1> ~ <3> A lighting module as described in any one of the items.

[0014] <5> The cylindrical portion includes a first cylindrical portion and a second cylindrical portion, The first cylindrical portion is located on the first side in the axial direction compared to the second cylindrical portion. The second cylindrical portion is thinner than the first cylindrical portion. The circuit board is mounted on the outside of the second cylindrical portion. <4> The lighting module described above.

[0015] <6> The circuit board includes a substrate, elements and wiring provided on the substrate, The substrate is oriented in a radial direction perpendicular to the axial direction, <1> ~ <5> A lighting module as described in any one of the items.

[0016] <7> It is equipped with a second circuit board, The circuit board and the second circuit board are arranged apart from each other in the circumferential direction about an axis parallel to the axial direction. <1> ~ <6> A lighting module as described in any one of the items.

[0017] <8> The circuit board is annular in shape and is penetrated by the second cylindrical portion. <5> The lighting module described above.

[0018] <9> The circuit board includes a substrate, elements and wiring provided on the substrate, The substrate is oriented in the axial direction. <8> The lighting module described above.

[0019] <10> A lighting module that projects a projection pattern onto a projection surface, A light source that emits light, An optical system facing the light source in the axial direction of the lighting module, A case for holding the light source and the optical system, The light source is electrically connected to a circuit board, The circuit board includes a socket that contacts the terminals of the light source and electrically connects to the terminals. The light source is a lighting module located between the circuit board and the optical system in the axial direction.

[0020] <11> The circuit board, in projection onto a plane perpendicular to the axial direction, is located at the same position as the case or inside the case. <10> The lighting module described above.

[0021] <12> The system includes a second circuit board that is at least partially located between the output end of the optical system and the light source in the axial direction, <10> or <11> The lighting module described above.

[0022] <13> The circuit board and the second circuit board are electrically connected using an FPC. <7> or <12> The lighting module described above.

[0023] <14> A detachment prevention mechanism is provided to prevent the socket from coming loose from the terminal. <10> ~ <13> A lighting module as described in any one of the items.

[0024] <15> The light source includes a laser diode, The circuit board includes a driver IC for driving the laser diode. <1> ~ <14> A lighting module as described in any one of the items.

[0025] <16> The aforementioned driver IC includes multiple channels connected in parallel, Each of the multiple channels contains a separate element. <15> The lighting module described above.

[0026] <17> The circuit board is in contact with the case. <1> ~ <16> A lighting module as described in any one of the items.

[0027] <18> The case is equipped with a cover that partially covers the aforementioned case, The circuit board is located between the case and the cover. The circuit board is in contact with the cover. <1> ~ <17> A lighting module as described in any one of the items.

[0028] <19> The case is equipped with a cover that partially covers the aforementioned case, The circuit board is located between the case and the cover. A lighting module used by being incorporated into or attached to another device, At least one of the case and the cover is fixed to the device. <1> ~ <18> A lighting module as described in any one of the items.

[0029] <20> The case is equipped with a cover that partially covers the aforementioned case, The circuit board is located between the case and the cover. A lighting module used by being incorporated into or attached to another device, The cover includes a portion that contacts the device. The contact portion is located between the circuit board and the device. <1> ~ <19> A lighting module as described in any one of the items.

[0030] <21> The case is equipped with a cover that partially covers the aforementioned case, The circuit board is located between the case and the cover. At least one of the case and the cover includes an indicator showing the orientation in which it should be installed. <1> ~ <20> A lighting module as described in any one of the items.

[0031] <22> The case is equipped with a cover that partially covers the aforementioned case, The circuit board is located between the case and the cover. The cover includes a plate-shaped end facing the case in the axial direction and a cylindrical side facing the case in a radial direction perpendicular to the axial direction. <1> ~ <21> A lighting module as described in any one of the items.

[0032] <23> A lighting module used by being incorporated into or attached to another device, A connection connector for electrically connecting to the device is provided at a position offset from the center of the end. <22> The lighting module described above.

[0033] <24> The case is equipped with a cover that partially covers the aforementioned case, The circuit board is located between the case and the cover. The cover, in projection onto a plane perpendicular to the axial direction, is located at the same position as the case or inside the case. <1> ~ <23> A lighting module as described in any one of the items.

[0034] <25> The case is equipped with a cover that partially covers the aforementioned case, The circuit board is located between the case and the cover. The cover has a circular contour when projected onto a plane perpendicular to the axial direction. <1> ~ <24> A lighting module as described in any one of the items.

[0035] <26> The case is equipped with a cover that partially covers the aforementioned case, The circuit board is located between the case and the cover. The cover has a circular contour when projected onto a plane perpendicular to the axial direction. <1> ~ <25> A lighting module as described in any one of the items.

[0036] <27> The optical system includes a diffractive optical element and a lens optical system. <1> ~ <26> A lighting module as described in any one of the items.

[0037] <28> The optical system includes a light-shielding mask and an imaging optical system. <1> ~ <27> A lighting module as described in any one of the items.

[0038] <29> <1> ~ <28> A lighting module as described in any one of the items, A device with a lighting module, comprising: a device into which the aforementioned lighting module is incorporated or attached.

[0039] <30> <1> ~ <28> A plurality of lighting modules as described in any one of the items, A lighting module unit that displays a lighting pattern on a projection surface by a plurality of projection patterns projected onto the projection surface from each of the plurality of lighting modules.

[0040] <31> Equipped with multiple lighting modules, A lighting module unit that displays a lighting pattern on a projection surface by a plurality of projection patterns projected onto the projection surface from each of the plurality of lighting modules.

[0041] <32> The aforementioned multiple projection patterns are arranged in a fourth direction, Each of the aforementioned plurality of projection patterns extends in a fifth direction that is non-parallel to the fourth direction. <30> or <31> The lighting module unit described above.

[0042] <33> <1> ~ <28> A plurality of lighting modules as described in any one of the items, The multiple projection patterns projected onto the projection surface from each of the multiple lighting modules are arranged in a fourth direction. Each of the aforementioned multiple projection patterns is a lighting module unit that extends in a fifth direction non-parallel to the fourth direction.

[0043] <34> Equipped with multiple lighting modules, The multiple projection patterns projected onto the projection surface from each of the multiple lighting modules are arranged in a fourth direction. Each of the aforementioned multiple projection patterns is a lighting module unit that extends in a fifth direction non-parallel to the fourth direction.

[0044] <35> Each of the aforementioned multiple projection patterns is linear. <30> ~ <34> A lighting module unit as described in any one of the items.

[0045] <36> On the projection surface, the plurality of projection patterns are separated from each other in the fourth direction. <32> ~ <34> A lighting module unit as described in any one of the items.

[0046] <37> The aforementioned plurality of projection patterns include a first outermost projection pattern, a second outermost projection pattern, and an intermediate projection pattern. The first outermost projection pattern is located on the first side in the fourth direction, The second outermost projection pattern is located on the second side in the fourth direction, The intermediate projection pattern is located between the first outermost projection pattern and the second outermost projection pattern in the fourth direction. At a certain position in the fifth direction, the first outermost projection pattern is brighter than the intermediate projection pattern, and the second outermost projection pattern is brighter than the intermediate projection pattern. <32> ~ <34> , and <36> A lighting module unit as described in any one of the items.

[0047] <38> The plurality of projection patterns include a first outermost projection pattern and a second outermost projection pattern. The first outermost projection pattern is located on the first side in the fourth direction, The second outermost projection pattern is located on the second side in the fourth direction, At a certain position in the fifth direction, the first outermost projection pattern is brighter than any other projection pattern except the second outermost projection pattern. At a certain position in the fifth direction, the second outermost projection pattern is brighter than any other projection pattern other than the first outermost projection pattern. <32> ~ <34> , <36> , and <37> A lighting module unit as described in any one of the items.

[0048] <39> Each of the plurality of lighting modules includes a light source and an optical system that adjusts the optical path of light from the light source, The light source includes a laser diode, <30> ~ <38> A lighting module unit as described in any one of the items.

[0049] <40> Each of the plurality of lighting modules includes a light source and an optical system that adjusts the optical path of light from the light source, The optical system includes one or more diffractive optical elements, microlens arrays, light diffusing elements, phosphors, and spatial light modulators. <30> ~ <39> A lighting module unit as described in any one of the items.

[0050] <41> One or more lighting modules included in the plurality of lighting modules and one or more other lighting modules included in the plurality of lighting modules are positioned facing each other in the fifth direction. <32> ~ <34> , <36> , <37> , and <38> A lighting module unit as described in any one of the items.

[0051] <42> The aforementioned multiple lighting modules are located in different positions from each other. <30> ~ <41> A lighting module unit as described in any one of the items.

[0052] <43> The aforementioned multiple projection patterns are identical to each other. <30> ~ <42> A lighting module unit as described in any one of the items.

[0053] <44> The aforementioned multiple projection patterns are different from each other, <30> ~ <43> A lighting module unit as described in any one of the items.

[0054] <45> <30> ~ <44> A lighting module unit as described in any one of the items, A power supply that provides power to the aforementioned multiple lighting modules, The system comprises a plurality of controllers located between the plurality of lighting modules and the power supply, A lighting system in which each of the plurality of controllers regulates the power supply from the power source to a corresponding lighting module included in the plurality of lighting modules, independently of the power supply from the power source to other lighting modules.

[0055] <46> Each of the plurality of controllers adjusts whether or not power is supplied to the corresponding lighting module and / or the amount of power supplied. <45> The lighting system described above.

[0056] <47> <30> ~ <44> A lighting method comprising the step of illuminating a projection surface using a lighting module unit described in any one of the paragraphs, A lighting method comprising the process of lighting, wherein a lighting pattern is displayed on the projection surface by a plurality of projection patterns projected from the lighting module unit onto the projection surface.

[0057] <48> A lighting method comprising the step of illuminating a projection surface using a lighting module unit, A lighting method comprising the process of lighting, wherein a lighting pattern is displayed on the projection surface by a plurality of projection patterns projected from the lighting module unit onto the projection surface.

[0058] <49> The aforementioned multiple projection patterns are arranged in a fourth direction, Each of the aforementioned plurality of projection patterns extends in a fifth direction that is non-parallel to the fourth direction. <47> or <48> The lighting method described above.

[0059] <50> <30> ~ <44> A lighting method comprising the step of illuminating a projection surface using a lighting module unit described in any one of the paragraphs, In the illumination process described above, multiple projection patterns are projected from the illumination module unit onto the projection surface. The aforementioned multiple projection patterns are arranged in a fourth direction, An illumination method wherein each of the plurality of projection patterns extends in a fifth direction that is not parallel to the fourth direction.

[0060] <51> A lighting method comprising the step of illuminating a projection surface using a lighting module unit, In the illumination process described above, multiple projection patterns are projected from the illumination module unit onto the projection surface. The aforementioned multiple projection patterns are arranged in a fourth direction, An illumination method wherein each of the plurality of projection patterns extends in a fifth direction that is not parallel to the fourth direction.

[0061] <52> Each of the aforementioned multiple projection patterns is linear. <47> ~ <51> A lighting method as described in any one of the items.

[0062] <53> On the projection surface, the plurality of projection patterns are separated from each other in the fourth direction. <49> ~ <51> A lighting method as described in any one of the items.

[0063] <54> In the illumination step, the thickness and / or brightness of the illumination pattern are controlled by adjusting the number of the plurality of projection patterns. <49> ~ <51> , and <53> A lighting method as described in any one of the items.

[0064] <55> In the illumination process, some of the projection patterns included in the plurality of projection patterns are made to blink. <49> ~ <51> , <53> , and <54> A lighting method as described in any one of the items.

[0065] <56> While some of the aforementioned projection patterns are flashing, some of the other projection patterns included in the plurality of projection patterns are illuminated. The other partial projection pattern includes a projection pattern located on the first side in the fourth direction of the partial projection pattern and a projection pattern located on the second side in the fourth direction of the partial projection pattern. <55> The lighting method described above.

[0066] <57> The aforementioned plurality of projection patterns include a first outermost projection pattern, a second outermost projection pattern, and an intermediate projection pattern. The first outermost projection pattern is located on the first side in the fourth direction, The second outermost projection pattern is located on the second side in the fourth direction, The intermediate projection pattern is located between the first outermost projection pattern and the second outermost projection pattern in the fourth direction. At a certain position in the fifth direction, the first outermost projection pattern is brighter than the intermediate projection pattern, and the second outermost projection pattern is brighter than the intermediate projection pattern. <49> ~ <51> , and <53> ~ <56> A lighting method as described in any one of the items.

[0067] <58> The plurality of projection patterns include a first outermost projection pattern and a second outermost projection pattern. The first outermost projection pattern is located on the first side in the fourth direction, The second outermost projection pattern is located on the second side in the fourth direction, At a certain position in the fifth direction, the first outermost projection pattern is brighter than any other projection pattern except the second outermost projection pattern. At a certain position in the fifth direction, the second outermost projection pattern is brighter than any other projection pattern other than the first outermost projection pattern. <49> ~ <51> , and <53> ~ <57> A lighting method as described in any one of the items.

[0068] <59> One or more projection patterns included in the plurality of projection patterns and one or more other projection patterns included in the plurality of projection patterns are projected onto the projection plane from positions facing each other in the fifth direction. <49> ~ <51> , and <53> ~ <58> A lighting method as described in any one of the items.

[0069] <60> One or more projection patterns included in the plurality of projection patterns are projected onto the projection surface from two or more positions that are opposite to each other in the fifth direction. <49> ~ <51> , and <53> ~ <59> A lighting method as described in any one of the items.

[0070] The following describes in detail one embodiment of the present disclosure. In the drawings attached to this specification, the scale and aspect ratios have been appropriately changed and exaggerated from those of the actual object for the sake of ease of understanding. Some components shown in some drawings may be omitted in other drawings. The scale and aspect ratios may differ between drawings.

[0071] In this specification, terms such as "plate (substrate)," "sheet," and "film" are not distinguished from each other solely on the basis of differences in name.

[0072] In this specification, the normal direction of a plate-like (sheet-like, film-like) member refers to the direction parallel to the normal or perpendicular to the plate surface (sheet surface, film surface) of the plate-like (sheet-like, film-like) member in question. The "plate surface (sheet surface, film surface)" refers to the surface that coincides with the plate-like (sheet-like, film-like) member in question when viewed as a whole and in a broad sense.

[0073] In this specification, multiple candidate upper limits and multiple candidate lower limits for a numerical range may be described in separate statements. In such statements, the numerical range may be constructed by combining any one candidate upper limit and any one candidate lower limit. As an example, consider the statement, "Parameter B may be greater than or equal to A1, greater than or equal to A2, greater than or equal to A3. Parameter B may be less than or equal to A4, less than or equal to A5, or less than or equal to A6." In this example, the numerical range of parameter B may be greater than or equal to A1 and less than or equal to A4, greater than or equal to A1 and less than or equal to A5, greater than or equal to A1 and less than or equal to A6, greater than or equal to A2 and less than or equal to A4, greater than or equal to A2 and less than or equal to A5, greater than or equal to A2 and less than or equal to A6, greater than or equal to A3 and less than or equal to A4, greater than or equal to A3 and less than or equal to A5, or greater than or equal to A6.

[0074] The axial direction AD, circumferential direction CD, and the first to sixth directions D1 to D6, which are common across several drawings, are indicated by arrows with common reference numerals in each drawing. The axial direction AD, circumferential direction CD, and the first to third directions D1 to D3 are defined relative to the lighting module 10. The fourth to sixth directions D4 to D6 are defined relative to the lighting module 10. In each direction, the tip of the arrow is the first side. In each direction, the side opposite to the first side, i.e., the base end of the arrow, is the second side. Arrows pointing from the back to the front of the paper in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the drawing are indicated by a symbol with a dot inside a circle, as shown in Figure 8A, for example. Arrows pointing from the front to the back of the paper in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the drawing are indicated by a symbol with an "x" inside a circle, as shown in Figure 8B, for example.

[0075] Figures 1A to 6D show some specific examples of the device 105 with a lighting module according to this embodiment. As shown in Figures 1A to 6D, the device 105 with a lighting module includes a device 110 and a lighting module 10. The lighting module 10 may be incorporated into the device 110. The lighting module 10 may be built into the device 110. The lighting module 10 may be attached to the device 110. The lighting module 10 projects a projection pattern 101 onto the projection surface 100. The lighting module 10 emits projection light L that constitutes the projection pattern 101.

[0076] According to this embodiment, the lighting module 10 is provided with a configuration suitable for being incorporated into or mounted in the device 110, as described below. More specifically, the lighting module 10 can be miniaturized. Therefore, the degree of freedom in how the lighting module 10 is incorporated into or mounted in the device 110 is increased. In addition, the circuit board 70A included in the lighting module 10 can be protected from physical contact and collision by the cover 60. Furthermore, the circuit board 70A included in the lighting module 10 can be electromagnetically shielded by the cover 60. Therefore, the reliability of the operation of the lighting module 10 can be improved.

[0077] As shown in Figures 9 to 18, the lighting module 10 may include a single circuit board 70A, or it may include multiple circuit boards 70A, 70B. When the lighting module 10 includes multiple circuit boards, as shown in Figures 10, 14, 16, 18, etc., the circuit board 70A may be referred to as the first circuit board 70A.

[0078] The device 110 is not particularly limited. The device 110 may have functions or actions related to the projection pattern 101 through the lighting module 10. The device 110 may exert functions or actions on the projection surface 100. The device 110 may be a security gate 110A, a lighting device 110B, a display device 110C, a mobile body 110D, or a detection device 110E. The mobile body 110D may be capable of unmanned operation. The mobile body 110D may be capable of manned operation. Examples of the mobile body 110D include ships, airplanes, drones, railway vehicles, automobiles, etc.

[0079] The projection surface 100 is not particularly limited. The projection surface 100 may be a surface on which the device 110 functions or acts. The projection surface 100 may also be a surface surrounding a part on which the device 110 functions or acts. Examples of the projection surface 100 include the surface of a building, a road surface, a parking lot for a mobile vehicle, a water surface, the ground, the surface of the device, etc. The surface of a building may be an exterior wall surface or a rooftop. Examples of the surface of a building include a floor surface, a wall surface, a ceiling, etc. The building is not particularly limited. The building may be a school, a company, a factory, a meeting hall, an auditorium, a gymnasium, a stadium, a venue, etc.

[0080] The projection pattern 101 is not particularly limited. The projection pattern 101 may be various patterns. The projection pattern 101 may be a pattern related to the function or operation of the device 110. The projection pattern 101 may be a pattern that displays information. The projection pattern 101 may be one pattern or multiple patterns. The projection pattern 101 may include patterns that represent one or more of the following: letters, pictures, color patterns, symbols, marks, lines, illustrations, characters, and pictograms. Lines may be straight lines, curves, or combinations of straight lines and curves. Lines may be dotted lines.

[0081] In the examples shown in Figures 1A and 1B, the device 110 is a security gate 110A. The security gate 110A includes a state in which passage is permitted as shown in Figure 1A and a state in which passage is restricted as shown in Figure 1B. The security gate 110A may permit passage based on an ID card or the like.

[0082] In the illustrated example, two lighting modules 10 are incorporated into the security gate 110A. In this example, the projection surface 100 is the ground or floor surface that pedestrians pass over after passing through the security gate 110A. The lighting modules 10 display projection patterns 101 corresponding to the authentication result of the security gate 110A. In the state where passage is permitted, as shown in Figure 1A, the lighting modules 10 project arrow marks as projection patterns 101 onto the projection surface 100 to encourage pedestrians to pass. In the state where passage is restricted, as shown in Figure 1B, the lighting modules 10 project restriction line marks as projection patterns 101 onto the projection surface 100 to encourage pedestrians to stop moving.

[0083] In the examples shown in Figures 2A and 2B, the device 110 is a lighting device. The lighting module 10 is incorporated into the lighting device 110B. As shown in Figure 2A, the lighting device illuminates the road. In this example, the projection surface 100 is the road surface, i.e., the road surface, that is illuminated by the lighting device 110B. In the example shown in Figure 2B, there is an obstacle on the road that obstructs driving. In the illustrated example, road construction is underway. As shown in Figure 2B, the lighting module 10 may project an arrow mark to encourage lane changes as a projection pattern 101 onto the projection surface 100.

[0084] In the example shown in Figure 3, the device 110 is a display device 110C. The use of the display device 110C is not particularly limited. The lighting module 10 is incorporated into the display device 110C. In the example shown in Figure 3, the display device 110C may display information to the driver of a vehicle traveling on a road. In this example, the projection surface 100 is the road surface. In the example shown in Figure 3, the lighting module 10 displays a median line to draw the driver's attention. The lighting module 10 may project a linear pattern as a projection pattern 101 onto the projection surface 100.

[0085] In the example shown in Figures 2A to 3, where the running surface of the moving object is the projection surface 100, the lighting module 10 may project a projection pattern 101 indicating driving conditions such as speed limits onto the projection surface 100. The lighting module 10 may also project linear marks useful for measuring the distance between vehicles onto the projection surface 100 as the projection pattern 101.

[0086] In the example shown in Figure 4, the device 110 may be a mobile body 110D. The lighting module 10 is incorporated into the mobile body 110D. The mobile body 110D shown in Figure 4 is an automobile. In the example shown in Figure 4, the lighting module 10 may display a sign to pedestrians passing by the side of the road. In this example, the projection surface 100 is the road surface. In the example shown in Figure 4, the lighting module 10 displays a sign to alert pedestrians of the approaching vehicle, drawing their attention to the surroundings. The lighting module 10 may project a linear pattern as a projection pattern 101 onto the projection surface 100.

[0087] In the example shown in Figure 5, the device 110 may be a detection device 110E such as a sensor. The lighting module 10 is incorporated into the detection device 110E. In the example shown in Figure 5, the detection device 110E can detect the approach or presence of a person. The detection device 110E may include a camera. In the example shown in Figure 5, the lighting module 10 may display information to the person detected by the detection device 110E. In this example, the projection surface 100 may be the ground where the detection device 110E is installed, or the wall, floor, or ceiling of the building where the detection device 110E is installed. In the example shown in Figure 5, the lighting module 10 displays information to guide the person detected by the detection device 110E. The lighting module 10 may project an arrow mark indicating a movement path as a projection pattern 101 onto the floor surface which is the projection surface 100.

[0088] Figures 6A to 6D show block diagrams of the lighting module-equipped device 105.

[0089] As shown in Figures 6A and 6B, the device 105 with a lighting module includes a lighting module 10 and a device 110. The lighting module 10 may be incorporated into the device 110 as shown in Figure 6A. The lighting module 10 may be mounted on the device 110 as shown in Figure 6B.

[0090] As shown in Figures 6A and 6B, the apparatus 110 may include a housing 111, equipment 112, a power supply unit 113, and a control unit 114. The equipment 112, power supply unit 113, and control unit 114 may be housed in the housing 111. The equipment 112 is powered by the power supply unit 113. The equipment 112 is controlled and operated by the control unit 114. The control unit 114 may include an interface for accepting manual operation.

[0091] In the examples shown in Figures 6A and 6B, the lighting module 10 may be electrically connected to a power supply unit 113 and a control unit 114. The lighting module 10 may be supplied with power from the power supply unit 113. The operation of the lighting module 10 may be controlled by the control unit 114. The lighting module 10 may receive an input signal from the control unit 114 and project the projection pattern 101 onto the projection surface 100.

[0092] The lighting module 10 can be made smaller by not having a dedicated power supply unit. The lighting module 10 can be made lighter by not having a dedicated power supply unit. The lighting module 10 can be made smaller by not having a dedicated control unit. The lighting module 10 can be made lighter by not having a dedicated control unit.

[0093] The compact and lightweight lighting module 10 can be applied to a variety of devices. Since the lighting module 10 does not require a dedicated control unit, it can also be used in unmanned applications that do not require manual operation. As a result, the range of applications for the lighting module 10 can be greatly expanded.

[0094] As shown in Figure 6A, the lighting module 10 incorporated into the device 110 may be partially or entirely housed in the housing 111. In the example shown in Figure 6A, the entire lighting module 10 may be placed in the available space within the housing 111. The lighting module 10 is preferably small in size. The equipment 112, power supply unit 113, and control unit 114 are located near the lighting module 10. The circuit board 70A of the lighting module 10, which will be described later, is preferably shielded from electromagnetic noise from these components.

[0095] In the example shown in Figure 6B, the lighting module 10 is not located inside the housing 111. The lighting module 10 is located outside the housing 111 and is attached to the housing 111. In the example shown in Figure 6B, it is preferable that the lighting module 10 is compact. It is preferable that the circuit board 70A of the lighting module 10 is shielded from electromagnetic noise.

[0096] The lighting module-equipped device 105 shown in Figure 6C includes a control device 117 in addition to the lighting module 10 and the device 110. In the example shown in Figure 6C, the device 110 does not necessarily include a control unit 114. The control device 117 may be located separately from the device 110. The control device 117 may be electrically connected to the device 110 and the lighting module 10 by wire or wireless. The control device 117 may have an interface for accepting manual operation. The operation of the device 110 and the lighting module 10 may be controlled by the control device 117. In the example shown in Figure 6C, the lighting module 10 is preferably small in size. The circuit board 70A of the lighting module 10 is preferably shielded from electromagnetic noise.

[0097] The lighting module-equipped device 105 shown in Figure 6D includes a power supply unit 118 in addition to the lighting module 10 and the device 110. In the example shown in Figure 6D, the device 110 does not necessarily include a power supply unit 113. The device 110 and the lighting module 10 may be powered by the power supply unit 118. The power supply unit 118 may be located away from the device 110. The power supply unit 118 may be electrically connected to the device 110 and the lighting module 10 by wire or wireless means. In this example as well, it is preferable that the lighting module 10 is small in size. It is preferable that the circuit board 70A of the lighting module 10 is shielded from electromagnetic noise.

[0098] In the examples shown in Figures 6C and 6D, the lighting module 10 may be located outside the housing 111 or mounted on the housing 111.

[0099] Unlike the examples shown in Figures 6A and 6B, the lighting module-equipped device 105 may include a control device 117 and a power supply 118 in addition to the lighting module 10 and the device 110. In this example, the device 110 may not include a power supply unit 113. The device 110 may not include a control unit 114. The device 110 and the lighting module 10 may be powered by the power supply 118. The operation of the device 110 and the lighting module 10 may be controlled by the control device 117.

[0100] Next, we will describe the lighting module 10.

[0101] As shown in Figures 7A and 7B, the lighting module 10 may have an overall cylindrical shape. In the example shown in Figures 7A and 7B, the lighting module 10 includes a central axis L1. The central axis L1 extends from the light source 20 toward the output end 25a of the optical system 25, which will be described later. The central axis L1 passes through the center of the lighting module 10, which is overall cylindrical. The lighting module 10 may also have a rotationally symmetric shape with respect to the central axis L1. As shown in Figures 8A and 8B, in the projection onto a plane perpendicular to the axial direction AD, the outer edge of the lighting module 10 may be circular.

[0102] The axial direction AD is parallel to the central axis of the lighting module 10.

[0103] In the illustrated example, the first direction D1 is parallel to the axial direction AD. The second direction D2 and the third direction D3 are perpendicular to the first direction D1. Both the second direction D2 and the third direction D3 are radial directions RD perpendicular to the axial direction AD. The second direction D2 and the third direction D3 are perpendicular to each other.

[0104] As shown in Figures 9 to 11, the lighting module 10 includes a light source 20, an optical system 25, a case 30, a cover 50, and a circuit board 70A.

[0105] The light source 20 emits light. The light source 20 emits light when power is supplied to it. The light source 20 may be a device, component, apparatus, etc., capable of emitting light. The light source 20 is not particularly limited. The light source 20 may include a light-emitting diode, also called an LED. The light source 20 may emit coherent light. Coherent light is light with synchronized wavelength and phase. The light source 20 may include a laser diode, also called an LD, as shown in the illustrated example.

[0106] In the illustrated example, the light source 20 includes a light-emitting section 21 and a terminal 22. The light source 20 may be supplied with power from an external source at the terminal 22. The light source 20 may receive an input signal at the terminal 22. The terminal 22 may be a lead wire. The terminal 22 may be a pin protruding from the light-emitting section 21, as in the illustrated example. The light-emitting section 21 of the light source 20, which is a laser diode, may be a semiconductor. The light-emitting section 21 may include a light-emitting surface 21a that emits light. The terminal 22 is connected to the surface of the light-emitting section 21 facing away from the light-emitting surface a.

[0107] As shown in Figures 9 and 11, in the illustrated example, the light source 20 is located on the central axis L1. The light-emitting surface 21a faces the first side in the axial direction AD. In the illustrated example, the terminal 22 extends from the light-emitting part 21 to the second side in the axial direction AD.

[0108] The optical system 25 acts on the light emitted from the light source 20. The optical system 25 adjusts the optical path emitted from the light source 20. The optical system 25 generates projection light that is incident on the illuminated area of ​​the projection surface 100. The optical system 25 shapes the light from the light source 20 to generate projection light L. The illuminated area irradiated with projection light is observed by the observer as a projection pattern 101. The optical system 25 emits projection light L from its output end 25a. The optical system 25 faces the light source 20 in the first direction D1. The optical system 25 is located downstream along the optical path of the light emitted from the light source 20. The output end 25a constitutes the light output surface of the optical system 25. The output end 25a is located at the very downstream end of the optical system 25 along the optical path of the light emitted from the light source 20. In the illustrated example, the output end 25a constitutes the light output surface of the illumination module 10. The optical system 25 is located at the downstream end of the lighting module 10 along the optical path of the light emitted from the light source 20. The optical system 25 may be located on the central axis L1. The exit end 25a is located at the downstream end of the optical system 25 along the optical path of the light from the light source 20. The exit end 25a may be located on the central axis L1.

[0109] The optical system 25 may include a pattern optical system 26 and a lens system 27. The pattern optical system 26 shapes the light from the light source 20 in accordance with the desired projection pattern 101. For example, the pattern optical system 26 may include a diffractive optical element 26A. The lens system 27 has lens functions such as imaging and projection. The lens system 27 may include a single lens or multiple lenses. The multiple lenses may be arranged in the axial direction AD. The optical axes of the lenses included in the lens system 27 may be parallel to the axial direction AD. As shown in the figure, the optical axes of the lenses included in the lens system 27 may be located on the central axis L1.

[0110] In the examples shown in Figures 9 and 11, the lens system 27 transforms the light emitted from the light source 20 into a widened parallel beam. That is, the lens system 27 functions as a collimator optical system 27A. For example, the lens system 27 may include a first lens 28A, a second lens 28B, and a third lens 28C arranged along the optical path of the light from the light source 20. The first lens 28A, the second lens 28B, and the third lens 28C may be arranged in this order from the second side to the first side in the axial direction AD. For example, the first lens 28A may transform coherent light into a divergent beam, the second lens 28B may straighten the divergent beam, and the third lens 28C may transform the divergent beam back into a parallel beam.

[0111] The diffractive optical element 26A is an element that exerts a diffracting effect on light emitted from the light source 20. The diffractive optical element 26A diffracts the light from the light source 20 to generate projected light L. The projected light L is directed towards the illuminated area 103 on the projection surface 100. When the projected light L enters the illuminated area 103, the projection pattern 101 is displayed on the projection surface 100.

[0112] The diffractive optical element 26A may include a holographic element. The holographic element is a holographic optical element (HOE). A holographic element may be used as the diffractive optical element 26A. Using a holographic element as the diffractive optical element makes it easier to design the diffraction characteristics of the diffractive optical element 26A. A holographic element that can illuminate only the entire area of ​​a desired region with predetermined position, contour shape, size, and orientation on the projection surface 100 can be designed relatively easily. The diffractive optical element 26A may also be a computer-generated hologram (CGH). A computer-generated hologram is created by calculating a structure with arbitrary diffraction characteristics on a computer.

[0113] The diffractive optical element 26A may include multiple elemental diffractive optical elements. Each elemental diffractive optical element is, for example, a holographic element and can be configured in the same way as the diffractive optical element 26A described above. The coherent light diffracted by the multiple elemental diffractive optical elements is directed to illuminate the same illuminated region 103. In other words, the light diffracted by each elemental diffractive optical element illuminates the entire illuminated region on the projection surface 100. With such a diffractive optical element, light directed towards each position within the illuminated region can be dispersed and emitted from the multiple elemental diffractive optical elements included in the diffractive optical element 26A. This suppresses excessive brightness at each position on the diffractive optical element 26A, allowing the diffractive optical element 26A to be observed with uniform brightness. Furthermore, when laser light is incident on the diffractive optical element 26A, laser safety can be improved.

[0114] Each elemental diffractive optical element may be configured to have the same diffraction characteristics as the others. However, in order to achieve higher precision illumination, each elemental diffractive optical element may be given separately designed diffraction characteristics depending on its position within the diffractive optical element 26A. In this example, by adjusting the diffraction characteristics of each elemental diffractive optical element according to the differences in their arrangement with other elemental diffractive optical elements, the diffractive light can be directed with high precision only to the entire area to be illuminated on the projection surface 100.

[0115] As shown in the examples in Figures 9 and 11, the collimator optical system 27A and the diffractive optical element 26A can accurately project the projection light L onto the illuminated area 103 on the projection surface 100. This allows a projection pattern 101 with a desired shape to be accurately projected onto the projection surface 100.

[0116] However, the configuration of the optical system 25 is not limited to the examples shown in Figures 9 to 11. As shown in Figure 12, the optical system 25 may also include a light-shielding mask 26B and a projection optical system 27B. The projection pattern 101 can also be projected onto the projection surface 100 by the example shown in Figure 12.

[0117] In the example shown in Figure 12, the light-shielding mask 26B includes a light-shielding portion 29a and a light-transmitting portion 29b. The light-transmitting portion 29b may also be an opening provided in the light-shielding plate that constitutes the light-shielding portion 29a. Because the light-transmitting portion 29b has a shape corresponding to the projection pattern 101, the light that passes through the light-shielding mask 26B is formed into a pattern corresponding to the projection pattern 101.

[0118] The projection optical system 27B images the desired pattern obtained by the light-shielding mask 26B onto the projection surface 100. The projection optical system 27B may include multiple lenses. The projection optical system 27B may also enlarge the pattern of the light-transmitting portion 29b and project it onto the projection surface 100.

[0119] The optical system 25 may include, in place of or in addition to the diffractive optical element 26A, one or more of a microlens array, a light diffusing element, a phosphor, and a spatial light modulator. One or more of the microlens array, light diffusing element, phosphor, and spatial light modulator may function as a pattern optical system 26.

[0120] As shown in Figure 9, the optical system 25 may include a cover member 24A that protects the diffractive optical element 26A or the pattern optical system 26.

[0121] The diffractive optical element 26A and the cover member 24A are arranged in this order from the first side to the second side in the axial direction AD. A gap may be provided between the diffractive optical element 26A and the cover member 24A in the axial direction AD. By providing a gap, condensation on the surface of the diffractive optical element 26A facing the cover member 24A can be suppressed. In the illustrated example, the exit end 25a is composed of the diffractive optical element 26A.

[0122] In the example shown in Figure 12, the optical system 25 may include a second cover member 24B in addition to the first cover member 24A. The second cover member 24B is optional.

[0123] The case 30 holds the light source 20. The case 30 houses the optical system 25. The optical system 25 is protected from physical contact and collision by the case 30. The case 30 maintains the proper relative positions between the components contained in the optical system 25. The case 30 maintains the proper relative positions between the light source 20 and the optical system 25.

[0124] As shown in Figure 9, the case 30 may include a cylindrical portion 31 and a bottom portion 38 connected to the cylindrical portion 31. The cylindrical portion 31 is cylindrical. The cylindrical portion 31 has openings on both sides in the axial direction AD. The bottom portion 38 may be connected to the cylindrical portion 31 from the second side in the axial direction AD. As shown in Figure 9, the bottom portion 38 may at least partially close the opening on the second side in the axial direction AD of the cylindrical portion 31.

[0125] In the illustrated example, the bottom portion 38 has a hole 38a at a position corresponding to the central axis L1. In the illustrated example, the light source 20 is held within the hole 38a. The hole 38a is closed by the light source 20.

[0126] The cylindrical portion 31 includes an inner surface 31a and an outer surface 31b. The optical system 25 is attached to the inner surface 31a and held inside the cylindrical portion 31.

[0127] The cylindrical portion 31 includes a tip cylindrical portion 32, a first cylindrical portion 33, and a second cylindrical portion 34. The tip cylindrical portion 32, the first cylindrical portion 33, and the second cylindrical portion 34 are arranged in this order from the first side to the second side in the axial direction AD.

[0128] As shown in Figure 9, the second cylindrical portion 34 is narrower than the first cylindrical portion 33. The width of the second cylindrical portion 34 along the radial direction RD may be smaller than the width of the first cylindrical portion 33 along the radial direction RD. The outer surface 31b of the second cylindrical portion 34 may be located at the same position as the outer surface 31b of the first cylindrical portion 33 or inside the outer surface 31b of the first cylindrical portion 33 in any radial direction RD. In projection onto a plane perpendicular to the axial direction AD, the outer contour of the second cylindrical portion 34 may be located at the same position as the outer contour of the first cylindrical portion 33 or inside the outer contour of the first cylindrical portion 33. In projection onto a plane perpendicular to the axial direction AD, the outer contour of the second cylindrical portion 34 may be located inside the outer contour of the first cylindrical portion 33. The radial direction RD refers to the direction perpendicular to the central axis L1, as shown in Figure 10.

[0129] As shown in Figure 9, the first cylindrical portion 33 is narrower than the tip cylindrical portion 32. The width of the first cylindrical portion 33 along the radial direction RD may be smaller than the width of the tip cylindrical portion 32 along the radial direction RD. The outer surface 31b of the first cylindrical portion 33 may be located at the same position as the outer surface 31b of the tip cylindrical portion 32 or inside the outer surface 31b of the tip cylindrical portion 32 in any radial direction RD. In projection onto a plane perpendicular to the axial direction AD, the outer contour of the first cylindrical portion 33 may be located at the same position as the outer contour of the tip cylindrical portion 32 or inside the outer contour of the tip cylindrical portion 32. In projection onto a plane perpendicular to the axial direction AD, the outer contour of the first cylindrical portion 33 may be located inside the outer contour of the tip cylindrical portion 32.

[0130] In the radial direction RD, "inside" refers to the side closer to the central axis L1. In the radial direction RD, "outside" refers to the side further from the central axis L1.

[0131] As shown in Figure 9, case 30 may include a tip step 35a located between the tip cylindrical portion 32 and the first cylindrical portion 33 in the axial direction AD. The tip step 35a may extend over the entire circumference along the circumferential direction CD centered on the central axis L1. That is, the tip step 35a may be circumferential along the circumferential direction CD. Case 30 may also include an intermediate step 35b located between the first cylindrical portion 33 and the second cylindrical portion 34 in the axial direction AD. The intermediate step 35b may extend over the entire circumference along the circumferential direction CD centered on the central axis L1. That is, the intermediate step 35b may be circumferential along the circumferential direction CD. The circumferential direction CD refers to the circumferential direction centered on the central axis L1, as shown in Figure 10.

[0132] As shown in Figure 9, the case 30 may include a plurality of annular grooves 36 extending in the circumferential direction CD in the tip cylindrical portion 32. In the illustrated example, two annular grooves 36 are provided on the outer surface 31b located on the tip cylindrical portion 32. The two annular grooves 36 are separated in the axial direction AD. The two annular grooves 36 may function as anti-slip features when gripping the lighting module 10.

[0133] In the example shown in Figure 9, the case 30 includes a first case member 41, a second case member 42, and a third case member 43. The first case member 41, the second case member 42, and the third case member 43 are arranged in this order from the first side to the second side in the axial direction AD. The third case member 43 constitutes a part of the tip cylindrical portion 32, a first cylindrical portion 33, and a second cylindrical portion 34. The third case member 43 also constitutes the bottom portion 38. The lens system 27 of the optical system 25 is held inside the third case member 43.

[0134] The second case member 42 is plate-shaped. The second case member 42 includes a hole 42a at a position on the central axis L1. The hole 42a constitutes a part of the inner surface 31a of the case 30. The second case member 42 holds the diffractive optical element 26A and the cover member 24A within the hole 42a.

[0135] The first case member 41 is plate-shaped. The first case member 41 includes a hole 41a at a position on the central axis L1. The hole 41a faces the diffractive optical element 26A and the cover member 24A in the first direction D1. The diffractive optical element 26A is exposed within the hole 41a. The hole 41a is smaller than the diffractive optical element 26A. Therefore, the diffractive optical element 26A and the cover member 24A do not fall out of the hole 41a. The diffractive optical element 26A and the cover member 24A are stably held in the case 30.

[0136] The first case member 41, the second case member 42, and the third case member 43 may each be made of resin or metal. The first case member 41, the second case member 42, and the third case member 43 may also be made of anodized aluminum alloy.

[0137] As shown in Figure 9, the first case member 41, the second case member 42, and the third case member 43 may be connected to each other using fasteners 47 such as screws. The first case member 41, the second case member 42, and the third case member 43 may be connected to each other using adhesive. The first case member 41, the second case member 42, and the third case member 43 may be connected to each other using fasteners 47 such as screws and adhesive. The fasteners 47 such as screws may be special screws that require special tools other than ordinary Phillips or flathead screwdrivers to operate.

[0138] In the example shown in Figure 12, the first case member 41 and the second case member 42 can be omitted. In this example, the first cover member 24A and the second cover member 24B, which are held by the first case member 41 and the second case member 42, can also be omitted.

[0139] The cover 50 partially covers the case 30. The cover 50 may also cover the case 30 from the second side in the axial direction AD.

[0140] The cover 50 may be cylindrical with the opening on the second side in the first direction D1 closed. The cover 50 may have a circular contour when projected onto a plane perpendicular to the axial direction. Similarly, the case 30 may have a circular contour when projected onto a plane perpendicular to the axial direction.

[0141] As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the cover 50 may include a side portion 51 and an end portion 52. The side portion 51 may be cylindrical. The side portion 51 may be rectangular. The end portion 52 may be plate-shaped. The end portion 52 may close the second opening on the axial side of the side portion 51.

[0142] In the illustrated example, the side portion 51 and the end portion 52 are constructed as separate parts. The side portion 51 and the end portion 52 may be made of resin or metal, respectively. The side portion 51 and the end portion 52 may be made of anodized aluminum alloy.

[0143] As shown in Figures 8B and 9, the side portion 51 and the end portion 52 may be connected to each other using fasteners 53 such as screws. The side portion 51 and the end portion 52 may also be connected to each other using adhesive. The side portion 51 and the end portion 52 may be connected to each other using fasteners 53 such as screws and adhesive. The fasteners 53 such as screws may be special screws that require special tools other than ordinary Phillips or flathead screwdrivers to operate.

[0144] As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the side portion 51 may face the case 30 at least partially in the radial direction RD. In this example, a gap may be formed between the case 30 and the cover 50 in the radial direction RD. The end portion 52 may face the case 30 in the axial direction AD. In this example, a gap may be formed between the case 30 and the cover 50 in the axial direction AD.

[0145] In the example shown in Figure 9, the first end of the side portion 51 in the axial direction AD is located on the second end of the first cylindrical portion 33 of the case 30 in the axial direction AD. The inner surface of the side portion 51 is in contact with the outer surface 31b of the first cylindrical portion 33. The inner surface of the side portion 51 may also be in circumferential contact with the outer surface 31b of the first cylindrical portion 33 along its entire length in the circumferential direction CD.

[0146] As shown in Figure 10, the outer width of the second cylindrical portion 34 along the radial RD may be smaller than the inner width of the side portion 51 along the radial RD. The outer surface 31b of the second cylindrical portion 34 may be located at the same position as the inner surface of the side portion 51 or inside the inner surface of the side portion 51 at any radial RD. In projection onto a plane perpendicular to the axial direction AD, the inner contour of the side portion 51 may be located at the same position as the outer contour of the second cylindrical portion 34 or outside the outer contour of the second cylindrical portion 34. In projection onto a plane perpendicular to the axial direction AD, the inner contour of the side portion 51 may be located outside the outer contour of the second cylindrical portion 34.

[0147] As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the cover 50 is separated radially RD outward from the outer surface 31b of the second cylindrical portion 34 of the case 30. That is, a gap is formed between the side portion 51 of the cover 50 and the second cylindrical portion 34 of the case 30 in the radial RD. The circuit board 70A may be placed in this gap.

[0148] The cover 50 may be located at the same position as the outer contour of the case 30 or inside the outer contour of the case 30 when projected onto a plane perpendicular to the axial direction AD. The outer surface of the cover 50 may be located at the same position as the outer surface 31b of the case 30 or inside the outer surface 31b of the case 30 in any radial direction RD. As shown in the illustrated example, when projected onto a plane perpendicular to the axial direction AD, the outer contour of the cover 50 may be located at the same position as the outer contour of the case 30 along its entire length in the circumferential direction CD.

[0149] As shown in Figure 9, the case 30 and the cover 50 may be connected to each other using fasteners 49 such as screws. The case 30 and the cover 50 may also be connected to each other using adhesive. The case 30 and the cover 50 may be connected to each other using fasteners 49 such as screws and adhesive. The fasteners 49 such as screws may be special screws that require special tools other than ordinary Phillips or flathead screwdrivers to operate.

[0150] As shown in Figures 7B and 8B, the lighting module 10 may include an external connection connector 61. The external connection connector 61 is a connector for ensuring an electrical connection between the device 105 with the lighting module and the outside. The external connection connector 61 may be fixed by engaging with external wiring or connectors such as FPCs (Flexible Printed Circuits), and may also be electrically connected to external wiring or FPCs.

[0151] As shown in Figures 7B and 8B, the external connection connector 61 may be positioned offset from the center of the end portion 52. The center of the end portion 52 refers to the position of the end portion 52 where the centroid of the end portion 52 projected onto a plane perpendicular to the axial direction AD coincides with the axial direction AD. With this configuration, the arrangement of external wiring and external FPCs connected to the external connection connector 61 becomes stable. This suppresses instability in the arrangement of external wiring and external FPCs.

[0152] As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the circuit board 70A is located between the case 30 and the cover 50. The circuit board 70A is covered by the cover 50 from the outside in the radial direction RD. The circuit board 70A is covered by the cover 50 from the second side in the axial direction AD. The circuit board 70A is electrically connected to the light source 20. The circuit board 70A is electrically connected to the external connection connector 61.

[0153] The circuit board 70A may be a flexible circuit board. As shown in the figure, the circuit board 70A may be a rigid circuit board. As shown in Figure 13, the circuit board 70A may include a substrate 71, elements 72, and wiring 73. The materials of the substrate 71 and wiring 73 are not particularly limited. The materials of the substrate 71 and wiring 73 can be materials that are commonly used. The substrate 71 may be a board material made by impregnating a paper base material with resin, or a board material containing woven glass fibers and resin. The material of the wiring 73 may be copper, silver, aluminum, or alloys thereof. The elements 72 are elements expected to perform various functions. Examples of elements 72 include capacitors, resistors, diodes, transistors, etc.

[0154] The circuit board 70A may include circuits that receive input signals from the control unit 114 and the control device 117, and circuits that process the received input signals. The circuit board 70A may also include circuits that receive power from the power supply unit 113 and the power supply device 118, and circuits that perform processing such as voltage transformation on the received power.

[0155] The circuit board 70A may also function as a safety device. If an input signal exceeding an acceptable range is transmitted from the control unit 114 or the control device 117, the circuit board 70A may cut off the power supply to the lighting module 10. The circuit board 70A is located between the control unit 114 and the control device 117 and the lighting module 10. The circuit board 70A is located closer to the light source 20 than the control unit 114 and the control device 117, and can control the illumination of the light source 20. By placing the circuit board 70A near the light source 20, the voltage drop during power transmission can be reduced. By reducing the voltage drop, the amount of light emitted from the light source 20 can be increased. Therefore, the power consumption of the lighting module 10 can be reduced.

[0156] As shown in Figure 13, the circuit board 70A may include a driver IC 75 that drives the light source 20. If the light source 20 includes a laser diode, the driver IC 75 drives the laser diode. Relatively large currents flow through the circuit board 70A and the driver IC 75 that drive the laser diode. Power consumption is proportional to the square of the current value. The power consumption of the circuit board 70A that drives the laser diode will be large. As a result, the amount of heat generated in the circuit board 70A that drives the laser diode will also be large.

[0157] As shown in Figure 13, the driver IC 75 may include multiple channels 75a connected in parallel. Channels 75a are paths through which current flows. Each of the multiple channels 75a may also include a separate element 72. In this example, the current is distributed to multiple channels 75a, which reduces the total amount of heat generated by the driver IC 75 as a whole. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the circuit board 70A from becoming hot and unstable in operation. This improves the reliability of the control by the circuit board 70A. In addition, the current value flowing from the circuit board 70A to the light source 20 can be finely adjusted.

[0158] In the first aspect of this embodiment, as shown in Figure 9, the circuit board 70A is at least partially located between the output end 25a of the optical system 25 and the light source 20 in the axial direction AD. This arrangement of the circuit board 70A allows the length of the lighting module 10 along the axial direction AD to be shortened. This makes the lighting module 10 more compact.

[0159] As shown in Figure 9, when the optical system 25 transforms the light from the light source 20 from a divergent beam to a parallel beam, the circuit board 70A does not need to be positioned after the light from the light source 20 becomes a parallel beam in the axial direction AD.

[0160] The optical system 25 may include an optical element that shapes the divergent light beam into a parallel light beam. In the example shown in Figure 9, the divergent light beam is collimated by the first lens 28A. In the axial direction AD, the circuit board 70A may be located between the optical element 28A that shapes the divergent light beam into a parallel light beam and the light source 20. In the example shown in Figure 9, in the axial direction AD, the circuit board 70A is not located between the optical element 28A that shapes the divergent light beam into a parallel light beam and the output end 25a. In the axial direction AD, the circuit board 70A may be located only on the side of the optical element 28A that shapes the divergent light beam into a parallel light beam that is closer to the light source 20. In the axial direction AD, the circuit board 70A may be located only on the side of the optical element 28A that shapes the divergent light beam into a parallel light beam that is closer to the light source 20.

[0161] By positioning the circuit board 70A upstream of the optical element that shapes the divergent luminous beam into a parallel luminous beam along the optical path, the circuit board 70A is located near the light source 20. By positioning the circuit board 70A near the light source 20, the voltage drop during power transmission can be reduced. By reducing the voltage drop, the amount of light emitted from the light source 20 can be increased. Therefore, the power consumption of the lighting module 10 can be reduced.

[0162] Furthermore, downstream of the optical element that shapes the divergent luminous beam into a parallel luminous beam, the dimensions of the lighting module 10 and case 30 in the radial direction RD increase. Upstream of the optical element that shapes the divergent luminous beam into a parallel luminous beam, the dimensions of the lighting module 10 and case 30 in the radial direction RD can be reduced. By arranging the circuit board 70A upstream of the optical element that shapes the divergent luminous beam into a parallel luminous beam, the lighting module 10 including the circuit board 70A can be miniaturized.

[0163] The optical system 25 may include an optical element that shapes the light beam into a divergent beam. In the example shown in Figure 9, the third lens 28C diverges the incident light. In the axial direction AD, the circuit board 70A may be located between the optical element 28C that diverges the incident light and the light source 20. In the example shown in Figure 9, in the axial direction AD, the circuit board 70A is not located between the optical element 28C that diverges the incident light and the output end 25a. In the axial direction AD, the circuit board 70A may be located only on the side of the optical element 28C that diverges the incident light that is closer to the light source 20. In the axial direction AD, the circuit board 70A may be located only on the side of the optical element 28C that diverges the incident light that is closer to the light source 20.

[0164] By positioning the circuit board 70A upstream of the optical element 28C that diverges the incident light along the optical path, the circuit board 70A is located near the light source 20. By positioning the circuit board 70A near the light source 20, the voltage drop during power transmission can be reduced. By reducing the voltage drop, the amount of light emitted from the light source 20 can be increased. Therefore, the power consumption of the lighting module 10 can be reduced.

[0165] Furthermore, the dimensions of the lighting module 10 and case 30 in the radial direction RD can be further reduced upstream of the optical element 28C that diverges the incident light along the optical path. By placing the circuit board 70A upstream of the optical element that shapes the divergent luminous flux into a parallel luminous flux along the optical path, the lighting module 10 including the circuit board 70A can be more efficiently miniaturized.

[0166] As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the circuit board 70A may face the second cylindrical portion 34 in the radial direction RD. The circuit board 70A may be located within the region where the second cylindrical portion 34 is located in the axial direction AD. In the illustrated example, the cylindrical portion 31 of the case 30 includes a first cylindrical portion 33 and a second cylindrical portion 34. The first cylindrical portion 33 is located first in the axial direction AD compared to the second cylindrical portion 34. The second cylindrical portion 34 is thinner than the first cylindrical portion 33. Therefore, with this arrangement of the circuit board 70A, the dimensions of the lighting module 10 in the axial direction AD can be reduced without increasing the maximum dimensions of the lighting module 10 in the radial direction RD. In other words, the lighting module 10 can be efficiently miniaturized.

[0167] As shown in Figure 10, the substrate 71 of the circuit board 70A may be oriented in the radial direction RD perpendicular to the axial direction AD. For the substrate 71 to be oriented in the radial direction RD perpendicular to the axial direction AD means that the angle θa (see Figure 9) between the direction perpendicular to the substrate 71 (the normal direction to the substrate 71) and the axial direction AD is between 80° and 90°. In other words, the surface of the substrate 71 is oriented in the radial direction RD. This angle θa may be between 85° and 90°, or it may be 90°. According to this example, the dimensions of the lighting module 10 in the axial direction AD can be reduced without increasing the maximum dimensions of the lighting module 10 in the radial direction RD. In other words, the lighting module 10 can be efficiently miniaturized.

[0168] The angle between the direction perpendicular to the substrate 71 (the normal direction to the substrate 71) and the axial direction AD is the smaller of the two angles between the normal direction of the substrate and the axial direction AD. This angle is between 0° and 90°.

[0169] As shown in Figure 9, the circuit board 70A may be positioned so as to overlap with the optical system 25 when the illumination module 10 is observed from the first side in the axial direction AD, for example, when the illumination module 10 is observed from the light-emitting side. The circuit board 70A may partially overlap with the optical system 25. Alternatively, the entire circuit board 70A may overlap with the optical system 25. In other words, in a projection onto a plane perpendicular to the axial direction AD, the circuit board 70A may be located inside the outer contour of the optical system 25, either entirely or in part. In a projection onto a plane perpendicular to the axial direction AD, the circuit board 70A may be located inside the outer contour of the optical system 25.

[0170] By arranging the circuit board 70A in this manner relative to the optical system 25, the maximum dimensions of the lighting module 10 in the radial direction RD can be reduced. Furthermore, the circuit board 70A can be placed near the light source 20. Placing the circuit board 70A near the light source 20 reduces the voltage drop during power transmission. Reducing the voltage drop increases the amount of light emitted from the light source 20. Therefore, the power consumption of the lighting module 10 can be reduced.

[0171] As shown in Figure 11, the lighting module 10 may include a connecting member 90 that connects the light source 20 and the circuit board 70A. The connecting member 90 may be a lead wire. The connecting member 90 may also be an FPC (Flexible Printed Circuits) 91. The FPC 91 is a flexible substrate. The FPC 91 includes a resin substrate such as a polyimide film or a polyethylene terephthalate film. The FPC 91 is flexible. Therefore, the degree of freedom in arranging the circuit board 70A can be improved.

[0172] In the example shown in Figure 11, the FPC 91 has a hole 91a. The hole 91a penetrates the FPC 91. The terminal 22 of the light source 20 passes through the hole 91a and penetrates the FPC 91. The terminal 22 is electrically connected to the FPC 91 by solder 79. With this configuration, a stable electrical connection between the light source 20 and the FPC 91 can be ensured in the small space between the case 30 and the cover 50. Resonance of the FPC 91 can be suppressed even when a large current flows from the first circuit board 70A to the light source 20.

[0173] The FPC91 may be placed in the space between the case 30 and the cover 50. This arrangement of the FPC91 allows for miniaturization of the lighting module 10.

[0174] As shown in Figure 11, the circuit board 70A may include a connector 77. The first circuit board 70A is physically connected to the FPC 91 at the connector 77, and is also electrically connected to the FPC 91.

[0175] As shown in Figure 11, the FPC 91 may be mounted on the case 30 at a position between the light source 20 and the circuit board 70A. In this example, the movement of the FPC 91 can be restricted. This ensures a stable electrical connection between the light source 20 and the circuit board 70A using the FPC 91. Resonance can also be suppressed even when a large current flows from the first circuit board 70A to the light source 20.

[0176] In the example shown in Figure 11, the FPC 91 is fixed to the case 30 using a fastener 95. As shown in Figure 11, the FPC 91 may also be fixed to the bottom 38 of the case 30. The FPC 91 may also be fixed to the cylindrical portion 31 of the case 30. The FPC 91 may also be fixed to the second cylindrical portion 34 of the cylindrical portion 31 of the case 30.

[0177] Unlike the examples shown in Figures 9 to 11, the circuit board 70A may be annular in shape, as shown in Figures 14 and 15, and penetrated by the second cylindrical portion 34 of the case 30. In this example as well, the circuit board 70A is at least partially located between the exit end 25a of the optical system 25 and the light source 20 in the axial direction AD. Therefore, the length of the lighting module 10 along the axial direction AD can be shortened. This allows for miniaturization of the lighting module 10.

[0178] In the examples shown in Figures 14 and 15, the substrate 71 may be oriented in the axial direction AD. For the substrate 71 to be oriented in the axial direction AD means that the angle between the direction perpendicular to the substrate 71 (the normal direction to the substrate 71) and the axial direction AD is between 0° and 10°. In other words, the surface of the substrate 71 is oriented in the axial direction AD. This angle may be between 0° and 5°, or it may be 0°. According to this example, the axial dimension AD of the lighting module 10 can be reduced without increasing the maximum dimension of the lighting module 10 in the radial direction RD. In other words, the lighting module 10 can be efficiently miniaturized.

[0179] The lighting module 10 may further include a second circuit board 70B in addition to the circuit board 70A described above as the first circuit board 70A. By providing the second circuit board 70B, it is possible to prevent one circuit board from becoming too large. This allows each circuit board 70A and 70B to be placed in the space between the case 30 and the cover 50. This makes it possible to effectively miniaturize the lighting module 10. In addition, the circuit boards 70A and 70B, which are heat sources, can be distributed within the space between the case 30 and the cover 50. This prevents the lighting module 10 from becoming overheated and unstable during use. Furthermore, a large number of circuits can be mounted on the lighting module 10.

[0180] In the examples shown in Figures 9 to 11, the second circuit board 70B is positioned similarly to the first circuit board 70A. That is, the second circuit board 70B is at least partially positioned between the exit end 25a of the optical system 25 and the light source 20 in the axial direction AD. The second circuit board 70B may face the second cylindrical portion 34 in the radial direction RD. The substrate 71 of the second circuit board 70B may face the radial direction RD perpendicular to the axial direction AD. These arrangements of the second circuit board 70B allow for miniaturization of the lighting module 10.

[0181] In the lighting module 10 shown in Figure 14, as indicated by the dashed line in Figure 14, the second circuit board 70B is at least partially located between the exit end 25a of the optical system 25 and the light source 20 in the axial direction AD. The second circuit board 70B may also be annular, penetrated by the second cylindrical portion 34 of the case 30. The substrate 71 of the second circuit board 70B may be oriented in the axial direction AD. These arrangements of the second circuit board 70B allow for miniaturization of the lighting module 10.

[0182] As shown in Figure 10, the first circuit board 70A and the second circuit board 70B may be electrically connected using a board connection member 92. A Flexible Printed Circuits (FPC) 93 may be used as the board connection member 92. The FPC 93 is a flexible substrate. The FPC 93 includes a resin substrate such as a polyimide film or polyethylene terephthalate film. The FPC 93 is flexible. Therefore, the degree of freedom in arranging the multiple circuit boards 70A and 70B can be improved.

[0183] The FPC93 may be placed in the space between the case 30 and the cover 50. This arrangement of the FPC93 allows for miniaturization of the lighting module 10.

[0184] The circuit boards 70A and 70B may be in contact with the case 30. While the lighting module 10 is projecting the projection pattern 101 onto the projection surface 100, the circuit boards 70A and 70B can become heat sources. By contacting the case 30, the circuit boards 70A and 70B can dissipate heat from the circuit boards 70A and 70B to the case 30 through heat conduction. In other words, the case 30 can provide a heat dissipation path for the heat generated by the circuit boards 70A and 70B. Therefore, overheating of the circuit boards 70A and 70B can be suppressed, and the reliability of the operation of the lighting module 10 can be improved.

[0185] As shown in Figure 11, the case 30 may include an outward projection 39 in the radial direction RD. The outward projection 39 may allow the circuit boards 70A and 70B to make surface contact with the case 30. In the examples shown in Figures 14 and 15, the circuit boards 70A and 70B can contact the case 30 on their inner surfaces.

[0186] The circuit boards 70A and 70B may be fixed to the case 30 or cover 50 by circuit board fasteners (not shown). The circuit board fasteners may be fixed so as not to overlap with the elements 72 on the circuit boards. The circuit board fasteners may be positioned so as not to come into contact with the elements 72. The circuit board fasteners may be made of a material with a higher thermal conductivity than the substrate 71 of the circuit boards 70A and 70B. By using circuit board fasteners made of a material with high thermal conductivity, the case 30 can ensure a heat dissipation path for the heat generated on the circuit boards 70A and 70B. The circuit board fasteners can reduce the thermal resistance between the elements 72 and the case 30, and / or between the elements 72 and the cover 50.

[0187] Furthermore, although not shown in the figures, a heat dissipation member may be placed so as to contact the element 72 of the circuit boards 70A and 70B. The heat dissipation member may be made of a material with a higher thermal conductivity than the substrate 71 of the circuit boards 70A and 70B. The heat dissipation member may be connected directly or indirectly to the circuit board fixing device to facilitate heat conduction. The heat dissipation member ensures a heat conduction path and reduces the thermal resistance between the element 72 and the case 30, and / or between the element 72 and the cover 50.

[0188] The circuit boards 70A and 70B may be in contact with the cover 50. By contacting the cover 50, heat can be dissipated from the circuit boards 70A and 70B to the cover 50 through heat conduction. In other words, the cover 50 ensures a heat dissipation path for the heat generated on the circuit boards 70A and 70B. Therefore, overheating of the circuit boards 70A and 70B can be suppressed, and the reliability of the operation of the lighting module 10 can be improved.

[0189] As shown in Figure 11, the cover 50 may include an inward projection 54 in the radial direction RD. The inward projection 54 may allow the circuit boards 70A and 70B to make surface contact with the cover 50. In the examples shown in Figures 14 and 15, the circuit boards 70A and 70B can contact the cover 50 at their outer edges.

[0190] The circuit boards 70A and 70B may be in contact with both the case 30 and the cover 50. This allows heat generated by the circuit boards 70A and 70B to be efficiently dissipated from the lighting module.

[0191] The above describes the method for dissipating heat generated from circuit boards 70A and 70B, but the same effect can be obtained even if there is only one circuit board.

[0192] The lighting module 10 having the above configuration is incorporated into or attached to the lighting module-equipped device 105, as described with reference to Figures 6A to 6D.

[0193] At least one of the case 30 and the cover 50 may be fixed to the device 110. By fixing at least one of the case 30 and the cover 50 to the device 110, the lighting module 10 is held in a constant relative position to the device 110. This allows the projection pattern 101 to be accurately projected onto the appropriate position on the projection surface 100. Furthermore, this configuration allows the heat generated by the circuit boards 70A and 70B to be efficiently transferred to the device 110.

[0194] In the example shown in Figure 11, the cover 50 includes a contact portion 50c that contacts the device 110. The contact portion 50c may be located between the circuit boards 70A, 70B and the device 110. In this example, the heat generated on the circuit boards 70A, 70B can be conducted to the device 110 via the contact portion 50c of the cover 50. Therefore, the heat generated on the circuit boards 70A, 70B can be efficiently transferred to the device 110.

[0195] The cover 50 may have a circular contour when projected onto a plane perpendicular to the axial direction AD. In this example, the cover 50 can be fixed to the device 110 by appropriately adjusting the rotational position of the lighting module 10 around the axial direction AD. Therefore, the projection pattern 101 can be accurately projected onto the appropriate position on the projection surface 100.

[0196] Case 30 may have a circular contour when projected onto a plane perpendicular to the axial direction AD. In this example, the rotational position of the lighting module 10 around the axial direction AD can be appropriately adjusted to fix case 30 to the device 110. Therefore, the projection pattern 101 can be accurately projected onto the appropriate position on the projection surface 100.

[0197] In the examples shown in Figures 7A and 7B, the cover 50 includes a plurality of receiving holes 55. The receiving holes 55 receive fasteners 98 (see Figure 11), such as screws, for attaching the lighting module 10 to the device 110. By selecting an appropriate receiving hole 55 from among the plurality of receiving holes 55, the rotational position of the lighting module 10 around the axial direction AD can be appropriately adjusted.

[0198] In the examples shown in Figures 7A and 7B, the multiple receiving holes 55 are provided at equal intervals in the circumferential direction CD. The receiving holes 55 may be provided in the case 30. The receiving holes 55 may be provided in both the case 30 and the cover 50.

[0199] As shown in Figures 7A and 7B, at least one of the case 30 and the cover 50 may include an indicator 64 that shows the orientation in which it should be installed. The indicator 64 may also be an index that shows the rotational position of the lighting module 10 around the axial direction AD. The indicator 64 may also show the orientation of the pattern optical system 26. By using the indicator 64, the rotational position of the lighting module 10 around the axial direction AD can be appropriately adjusted.

[0200] In the examples shown in Figures 7A and 7B, the indicator 64 is provided on the cover 50. The indicator 64 may also be provided on the case 30. The indicator 64 may also be provided on both the case 30 and the cover 50.

[0201] In the first embodiment of this embodiment described above, the lighting module 10 projects a projection pattern 101 onto the projection surface 100. The lighting module 10 includes a light source 20, an optical system 25 facing the light source 20 in the axial direction AD, a case 30 that holds the light source 20 and houses the optical system 25, and a circuit board 70A. The circuit board 70A is at least partially located between the exit end 25a of the optical system 25 and the light source 20 in the axial direction AD.

[0202] According to this first embodiment, the circuit board 70A is at least partially located between the output end 25a of the optical system 25 and the light source 20 in the axial AD. Therefore, the enlargement of the lighting module 10 in the axial AD can be effectively suppressed.

[0203] In one specific example of the first aspect of this embodiment, the lighting device may include a cover 50 that partially covers the case 30. The first circuit board 70A may be located between the case 30 and the cover 50.

[0204] In this specific example, the first circuit board 70A is positioned in the space between the case 30 and the cover 50. This allows for miniaturization of the lighting module 10 while physically protecting the first circuit board 70A between the case 30 and the cover 50. Furthermore, the lighting module 10 can be shielded by the cover 50 from electromagnetic noise emitted by equipment 112, the power supply unit 113, and the control unit 114, etc., that may be located near the lighting module 10. Therefore, malfunctions of the lighting module 10 caused by electromagnetic noise can be suppressed. Moreover, since the first circuit board 70A is positioned in the space between the case 30 and the cover 50, a heat dissipation path for the heat generated from the circuit board 70A can be secured using the case 30 and the cover 50. This suppresses malfunctions of the lighting module 10 caused by overheating.

[0205] In one specific example of the first aspect of this embodiment, the case 30 includes a cylindrical portion 31 and a bottom portion 38 connected to the cylindrical portion 31. The cylindrical portion 31 opens to a first side in the axial direction AD and is at least partially closed from the second side by the bottom portion 38. The optical system 25 is held inside the cylindrical portion 31. The light source 20 is held in the bottom portion 38. According to this example, the optical path from the light source 20 to the exit end 25a can be effectively shielded by the case 30. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the inflow of foreign matter such as dust into the case 30. It is possible to suppress the optical function expected of the optical system 25 inside the case 30 from being impaired by foreign matter. As a result, the projection pattern 101 can be projected onto the projection surface 100 with high accuracy.

[0206] The cover 50 includes a plate-shaped end portion 52 facing the case 30 in the axial direction AD, and a cylindrical side portion 51 facing the case 30 in the radial direction RD perpendicular to the axial direction AD. Such a cover 50 provides more reliable physical protection for the circuit board 70A and also protects the first circuit board 70A from electromagnetic noise.

[0207] The cover 50 is located in the same position as the case 30 or inside the case 30 when projected onto a plane perpendicular to the axial direction AD. With such a cover 50, the radial dimension RD of the lighting module 10 can be more effectively reduced.

[0208] A first aspect of this embodiment has been described with reference to Figures 9 to 15. In this first aspect, the circuit board 70A is at least partially located between the output end 25a of the optical system 25 and the light source 20 in the axial direction AD. However, this embodiment is not limited to this example. A second aspect of this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 16 to 18.

[0209] In the second embodiment, as shown in Figures 16 to 18, the circuit board 70A may include a socket 76 that contacts and electrically connects to the terminals of the light source. The light source 20 may be located between the socket 76 and the optical system 25 in the axial direction AD. The light source 20 may also be located between the circuit board 70A and the optical system 25 in the axial direction AD. The lighting module 10 can also be miniaturized by the arrangement of the circuit board 70A in the second embodiment.

[0210] The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the arrangement of the circuit board 70A. The second embodiment may be configured identically to the first embodiment in all other respects.

[0211] For example, the lighting device may include a cover 50 that partially covers the case 30. At least a portion of the circuit board 70A may be located between the case 30 and the cover 50 in the axial direction AD.

[0212] The circuit board 70A faces the light source 20 in the axial direction A and D. The light source 20 may be located inside the outer contour of the circuit board 70A in its projection onto a plane perpendicular to the axial direction A and D.

[0213] In the example shown in FIGS. 16 and 18, the substrate 71 may face the axial direction AD. That the substrate 71 faces the axial direction AD means that the angle between the direction orthogonal to the substrate 71 (the normal direction to the substrate 71) and the axial direction AD is 0° or more and 10° or less. That is, the plane of the substrate 71 faces the axial direction AD. This angle may be 0° or more and 5° or less, or may be 0°. According to this example, the dimension in the axial direction AD of the lighting module 10 can be shortened without increasing the maximum dimension in the radial direction RD of the lighting module 10. That is, the lighting module 10 can be efficiently miniaturized.

[0214] In a second aspect, the lighting module 10 may include a detachment prevention mechanism 65. The detachment prevention mechanism 65 prevents the socket 76 from coming off the terminal 22 of the light source 20. According to the detachment prevention mechanism 65, the electrical connection between the light source 20 and the circuit boards 70A, 70B can be stably maintained.

[0215] The detachment prevention mechanism 65 may be constituted by a cover 50 that contacts the circuit board 70A from the second side in the axial direction AD. That is, the cover 50 may restrict the relative movement with respect to the light source 20 from the first side to the second side in the axial direction AD of the circuit board 70A.

[0216] As shown in FIG. 18, the cover 50 may include an inner convex portion 56 that protrudes toward the inside in the radial direction RD. The circuit board 70A may be in surface contact with the cover 50 by the inner convex portion 56. The inner convex portion 56 functions as the detachment prevention mechanism 65. The inner convex portion 56 can form a heat dissipation path for the heat generated in the circuit board 70A by contacting the circuit board 70A.

[0217] As shown in FIG. 18, the detachment prevention mechanism 65 may include a plate material 66 that contacts the circuit board 70A from the second side in the axial direction AD. That is, the relative movement of the circuit board 70A toward the second side from the first side in the axial direction AD with respect to the light source 20 may be restricted by the plate material 66. The plate material 66 may be fixed to the case 30 using a fixture 67. The plate material 66 may be fixed to the bottom 38 of the case 30 using the fixture 67. Different from the illustrated example, the plate material 66 may be fixed to the cover 50. The plate material 66 functions as the detachment prevention mechanism 65. By contacting the circuit board 70A, the plate material 66 can form a heat dissipation path for the heat generated in the circuit board 70A.

[0218] As shown in FIG. 15 and the like, the outer width along the radial direction RD of the circuit board 70A may be smaller than the outer width along the radial direction RD of the case 30. The outer edge of the circuit board 70A may be located at the same position as the outer surface of the case 30 or inside the outer surface of the case 30 in any radial direction RD. In a projection onto a plane orthogonal to the axial direction AD, the outer contour of the circuit board 70A may be located at the same position as the outer contour of the case 30 or inside the outer contour of the case 30. In a projection onto a plane orthogonal to the axial direction AD, the outer contour of the circuit board 70A may be located inside the outer contour of the case 30.

[0219] This circuit board 70A can be arranged while suppressing an increase in the size of the illumination module 10 in the radial direction RD. Thereby, the illumination module 10 can be efficiently miniaturized.

[0220] The outer width along the radial direction RD of the circuit board 70A may be smaller than the outer width along the radial direction RD of the first cylindrical portion 33 of the case 30. The outer edge of the circuit board 70A may be located at the same position as the outer edge of the first cylindrical portion 33 or inside the outer edge of the first cylindrical portion 33 in any radial direction RD. In a projection onto a plane orthogonal to the axial direction AD, the outer contour of the circuit board 70A may be located at the same position as the outer contour of the first cylindrical portion 33 or inside the outer contour of the first cylindrical portion 33. In a projection onto a plane orthogonal to the axial direction AD, the outer contour of the circuit board 70A may be located inside the outer contour of the first cylindrical portion 33.

[0221] In the example shown in Figure 16, the inner surface of the side portion 51 of the cover 50 is in contact with the outer surface of the cylindrical portion 31. Therefore, this circuit board 70A can be placed in the space within the cover 50 without increasing the radial dimensions RD of the lighting module 10. This makes it possible to efficiently miniaturize the lighting module 10.

[0222] The outer width of the circuit board 70A along the radial RD may be smaller than the outer width of the second cylindrical portion 34 of the case 30 along the radial RD. The outer edge of the circuit board 70A may be located at the same position as the outer edge of the second cylindrical portion 34 or inside the outer edge of the second cylindrical portion 34 at any radial RD. In projection onto a plane perpendicular to the axial direction AD, the outer contour of the circuit board 70A may be located at the same position as the outer contour of the second cylindrical portion 34 or inside the outer contour of the second cylindrical portion 34. In projection onto a plane perpendicular to the axial direction AD, the outer contour of the circuit board 70A may be located inside the outer contour of the second cylindrical portion 34.

[0223] The outer width of the circuit board 70A along the radial RD may be smaller than the outer width of the bottom 38 of the case 30 along the radial RD. The outer edge of the circuit board 70A may be located at the same position as the outer edge of the bottom 38 or inside the outer edge of the bottom 38 at any radial RD. In projection onto a plane perpendicular to the axial direction AD, the outer contour of the circuit board 70A may be located at the same position as the outer contour of the bottom 38 or inside the outer contour of the bottom 38. In projection onto a plane perpendicular to the axial direction AD, the outer contour of the circuit board 70A may be located inside the outer contour of the bottom 38.

[0224] The outer width of the circuit board 70A along the radial RD may be smaller than the inner width of the side portion 51 of the cover 50 along the radial RD. The outer edge of the circuit board 70A may be located at the same position as the inner edge of the side portion 51 or inside the inner edge of the side portion 51 at any radial RD. In projection onto a plane perpendicular to the axial direction AD, the outer contour of the circuit board 70A may be located at the same position as the inner contour of the side portion 51 or inside the inner contour of the side portion 51. In projection onto a plane perpendicular to the axial direction AD, the outer contour of the circuit board 70A may be located inside the inner contour of the side portion 51.

[0225] In the second embodiment, the lighting module 10 may include a second circuit board 70B separate from the first circuit board 70A, along with the first circuit board 70A. By providing the second circuit board 70B, it is possible to prevent one circuit board from becoming too large. This allows each circuit board 70A, 70B to be placed in the space between the case 30 and the cover 50. This allows the lighting module 10 to be effectively miniaturized. In addition, the circuit boards 70A, 70B, which are heat sources, can be distributed within the space between the case 30 and the cover 50. This prevents the lighting module 10 from becoming overheated and unstable during use. Furthermore, a large number of circuits can be mounted on the lighting module 10.

[0226] The second circuit board 70B can be configured in the same way as the first circuit board 70A and the second circuit board 70B described in the first embodiment. For example, as shown in Figure 16, the second circuit board 70B may be at least partially located between the output end 25a of the optical system 25 and the light source 20 in the axial direction AD. This arrangement of the second circuit board 70B allows the lighting module 10 to be miniaturized in the axial direction AD and the radial direction RD.

[0227] The second circuit board 70B may face the first cylindrical portion 33 in the radial direction RD. The substrate 71 of the second circuit board 70B may be oriented in the radial direction RD perpendicular to the axial direction AD. This arrangement of the second circuit board 70B allows for miniaturization of the lighting module 10.

[0228] The circuit board 70A and the second circuit board 70B may be electrically connected by a board connection member 92, such as an FPC 93. By using an FPC 93, the lighting module 10 can be miniaturized.

[0229] In the second embodiment of this embodiment described above, the lighting module 10 projects a projection pattern 101 onto a projection surface 100. The lighting module 10 includes a light source 20, an optical system 25 facing the light source 20 in the axial direction AD, a case 30 that holds the light source 20 and houses the optical system 25, a cover 50 that partially covers the case 30, and a circuit board 70A located between the case 30 and the cover 50. The circuit board 70A includes a socket 76 that contacts and electrically connects to the terminals 22 of the light source 20. The light source 20 is located between the socket 76 and the optical system 25 in the axial direction AD. At least a portion of the circuit board 70A is located between the case 30 and the cover 50 in the axial direction AD.

[0230] According to this second embodiment, the case 30 and the first circuit board 70A can be directly connected using the socket 76. Therefore, the increase in size of the lighting module 10 in the axial AD and radial RD directions can be effectively suppressed. The first circuit board 70A is located in the space between the case 30 and the cover 50. In this way, the lighting module 10 can be miniaturized while the first circuit board 70A can be physically protected between the case 30 and the cover 50.

[0231] Furthermore, according to the second embodiment, the lighting module 10 can be shielded by the cover 50 from electromagnetic noise emitted by equipment 112, a power supply unit 113, and a control unit 114, etc., that may be located in the vicinity of the lighting module 10. Therefore, malfunctions of the lighting module 10 caused by electromagnetic noise can be suppressed.

[0232] Furthermore, according to the second embodiment, the first circuit board 70A is positioned in the space between the case 30 and the cover 50. Therefore, a heat dissipation path for the heat generated from the circuit board 70A can be secured using the case 30 and the cover 50. This makes it possible to suppress malfunctions of the lighting module 10 caused by overheating.

[0233] This embodiment has been described with reference to several specific examples, but the above-mentioned examples do not limit this embodiment. The above-described embodiment can be implemented with various other examples, and various omissions, substitutions, modifications, additions, etc., can be made without departing from its essence.

[0234] An example of modification will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following explanation and the drawings used therein, parts that can be configured in the same way as in the specific example described above will be given the same reference numerals as those used for the corresponding parts in the specific example described above, and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0235] In the specific examples described above, we showed an example of projecting a pattern onto the projection surface 100 using a single lighting module 10. However, this is not the only example.

[0236] As shown in Figures 19 and 20, the lighting system 5 may include a lighting module unit 8. The lighting module unit 8 includes a plurality of lighting modules 10. Each lighting module 10 included in the lighting system 5 projects a projection pattern 101 onto the projection surface 100. The plurality of projection patterns 101 projected onto the projection surface 100 form a lighting pattern 102 as a composite pattern. That is, the plurality of projection patterns 101 projected onto the projection surface 100 display the lighting pattern 102 on the projection surface 100.

[0237] As shown in Figures 19 and 20, the illumination method may include an illumination step in which the projection surface 100 is illuminated using an illumination module unit 8. In the illumination step, a plurality of projection patterns 101 are projected from the illumination module unit 8 onto the projection surface 100. The plurality of projection patterns 101 projected onto the projection surface 100 form an illumination pattern 102 as a composite pattern. That is, the illumination pattern 102 is displayed on the projection surface 100 by the plurality of projection patterns 101 projected onto the projection surface 100.

[0238] According to the examples shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, the illumination pattern 102 projected onto the projection surface 100 is constituted by a plurality of projection patterns 101 being combined. Therefore, a large illumination pattern 102 can be displayed on the projection surface 100. By adjusting the brightness of the plurality of projection patterns 101, the illumination pattern 102 can be displayed brightly. According to the examples shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, an illumination pattern 102 that can be observed from a distance can be displayed on the projection surface 100.

[0239] Even in the examples shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, the projection surface 100 onto which the illumination pattern 102 and the projection pattern 101 are projected is not particularly limited. The projection surface 100 onto which the illumination pattern 102 and the projection pattern 101 are projected may be the same as in the above-described examples. The illumination pattern 102 and the projection pattern 101 are not particularly limited. The illumination pattern 102 and the projection pattern 101 may be the same as in the above-described examples.

[0240] FIGS. 19 and 20 show a configuration example of the illumination system 5. The illumination system 5 shown in FIG. 20 can project a plurality of projection patterns 101 onto the projection surface 100. The illumination system 5 shown in FIG. 20 can display the illumination pattern 102 on the projection surface 100.

[0241] As shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, the illumination system 5 includes an illumination module unit 8. The illumination module unit 8 includes a plurality of illumination modules 10. The illumination module 10 projects the projection pattern 101 onto the projection surface 100. The illumination module 10 irradiates light onto an illuminated area 103 on the projection surface 100. The illuminated area 103 is an area on the projection surface 100 where the projection pattern 101 should be projected. The illuminated area 103 has the same shape as the shape of the projection pattern 101 to be projected. ID=14]]

[0242] As shown in FIG. 19, the plurality of illumination modules 10 may be located at different positions from each other. The plurality of illumination modules 10 may be held at a certain relative position with respect to the projection surface 100. The illumination module 10 may be held by a holder such as a tripod (not shown).

[0243] Multiple projection patterns 101 may be identical to each other, as shown in Figure 19. Some projection patterns 101 may be identical to each other. Multiple projection patterns 101 may be different to each other. Some projection patterns 101 may be different to each other.

[0244] The shapes of the multiple projection patterns 101 may be identical to each other, as shown in Figure 19. The shapes of some of the projection patterns 101 may be identical to each other. The shapes of the multiple projection patterns 101 may be different to each other. The shapes of some of the projection patterns 101 may be different to each other.

[0245] The brightness of multiple projection patterns 101 may be the same as one another. The brightness of some of the projection patterns 101 may be the same as one another. The brightness of multiple projection patterns 101 may be different from one another. The brightness of some of the projection patterns 101 may be different from one another.

[0246] The projection positions of multiple projection patterns 101 on the projection surface 100 may be the same as shown in Figure 19. The projection positions of some of the projection patterns 101 on the projection surface 100 may be the same as those of others. The projection positions of multiple projection patterns 101 on the projection surface 100 may be different from each other. The projection positions of some of the projection patterns 101 on the projection surface 100 may be different from each other.

[0247] As shown in Figures 19 and 20, the lighting system 5 may include a power supply 96 and an indicator 97 in addition to the lighting module unit 8.

[0248] The power supply 96 supplies power to the lighting module unit 8. As shown in Figures 19 and 20, the power supply 96 may include one or more of the power supply unit 113 and power supply device 118 described above. A separate power supply 96 may be provided for each lighting module 10. The power supply 96 may be electrically connected to multiple lighting modules by wire or wireless. The power supply 96 may also be a storage battery. A power supply 96 acting as a storage battery can be placed near the lighting module 10. By placing the power supply 96 near the lighting module 10, power loss can be reduced.

[0249] The power supply 96 may be electrically connected to the circuit board 70A of the lighting module 10 by wire or wireless connection. The circuit board 70A of each lighting module 10 may regulate the power supply from the power supply 96 to that lighting module 10 independently of the power supply from the power supply 96 to other lighting modules 10. In other words, each circuit board 70A may regulate the power supply from the power supply 96 to that lighting module 10 without being affected by the power supply status from the power supply 96 to other lighting modules 10.

[0250] The circuit board 70A of each lighting module 10 may switch on or off the power supply from the power source 96 to the lighting module 10. The circuit board 70A of each lighting module 10 may switch on or off the power supply from the power source 96 to the lighting module 10 independently of the circuit boards 70A of other lighting modules 10. The circuit board 70A of each lighting module 10 may switch on or off the power supply from the power source 96 to the lighting module 10 without being affected by the circuit boards 70A of other lighting modules 10.

[0251] The circuit board 70A may adjust the amount of power supplied from the power supply 96 to the lighting module 10. The circuit board 70A of each lighting module 10 may adjust the amount of power supplied from the power supply 96 to that lighting module 10 independently of the circuit boards 70A of other lighting modules 10. The circuit board 70A of each lighting module 10 may adjust the amount of power supplied from the power supply 96 to that lighting module 10 without being affected by the circuit boards 70A of other lighting modules 10. The adjustment of the amount of power supplied by the circuit board 70A may be an adjustment of voltage and / or current. The adjustment of the amount of power supplied by the circuit board 70A may be an adjustment of the amount of power supplied per unit time. The adjustment of the amount of power supplied by the circuit board 70A may be an adjustment of the amount of power supplied per unit time.

[0252] As shown in Figures 19 and 20, the lighting system 5 may include an indicator 97. The indicator 97 transmits instruction signals to the circuit boards 70A of the multiple lighting modules 10. As shown in Figures 19 and 20, the indicator 97 may include one or more of the power supply unit 113 and power supply device 118 described above. The indicator 97 is electrically connected to the circuit board 70A by wire or wireless. The indicator 97 transmits instruction signals to the circuit board 70A according to conditions input from an external source or pre-recorded conditions. The circuit board 70A may include circuits for receiving instruction signals from the indicator 97 and circuits for processing the received instruction signals. Based on the instruction signals, the circuit board 70A may adjust the power supply to the light source 20 and control the projection of the projection pattern 101. The indicator 97 may include one or more of a smartphone, tablet, and computer. The indicator 97 may include an interface for accepting manual operation.

[0253] Next, a method for illuminating the projection surface 100 using the lighting system 5 and lighting module unit 8, which consist of the above configuration, will be described.

[0254] The illumination method may include a step of preparing an illumination module unit 8 and an illumination step of illuminating the projection surface 100 using the illumination module unit 8. In the preparation step, an illumination pattern 102 to be displayed on the projection surface 100 may be selected. The selection of the illumination pattern 102 may be input to an indicator 97. The indicator 97 may select or generate an instruction signal to the circuit board 70A corresponding to the illumination pattern 102 to be displayed on the projection surface 100.

[0255] In the illumination process, each circuit board 70A supplies power from the power supply 96 to the corresponding illumination module 10 based on an instruction signal from the indicator 97. The illumination module 10, upon receiving power, projects a projection pattern 101 onto the projection surface 100. Multiple projection patterns 101 are projected onto the projection surface 100 from multiple illumination modules 10 included in the illumination module unit 8. The multiple projection patterns 101 projected onto the projection surface 100 form an illumination pattern 102 as a composite pattern. That is, the illumination pattern 102 is displayed on the projection surface 100 by the multiple projection patterns 101 projected onto the projection surface 100.

[0256] In the above illumination method, the illumination pattern 102 projected onto the projection surface 100 is composed of a combination of multiple projection patterns 101. Therefore, a large illumination pattern 102 can be displayed on the projection surface 100. By adjusting the shapes of the multiple projection patterns 101, a complex illumination pattern 102 can be displayed. By adjusting the brightness of the multiple projection patterns 101, the illumination pattern 102 can be displayed brightly. As a result, an illumination pattern 102 that can be observed from a distance can be displayed on the projection surface 100.

[0257] In addition, the aesthetic appeal of the lighting pattern 102 can be improved by adjusting the shape and / or brightness of each projection pattern 101. By improving the aesthetic appeal of the lighting pattern 102, it can be made more conspicuous. As a result, the lighting pattern 102 displayed on the projection surface 100 can be easily observed from a distance.

[0258] The lighting system 5 and the lighting module unit 8 may include a plurality of lighting modules 10. The plurality of lighting modules 10 may project separate projection patterns 101 onto the projection surface 100. By configuring each lighting module 10 to project only a part or one projection pattern 101 of the lighting pattern 102, rather than the entirety, the overall power consumption of the lighting module unit 8 can be reduced. Furthermore, this configuration allows for the maintenance of laser safety for separate projection patterns and suppresses a decrease in the overall laser safety of the lighting pattern.

[0259] Furthermore, in a configuration where each lighting module 10 projects only a part or one projection pattern 101 of the lighting pattern 102, rather than the entirety, the power consumption of each individual lighting module 10 is low. Low-power lighting modules 10 offer greater flexibility in installation. Low-power lighting modules 10 can be installed together with the power supply 96, even in locations where there are constraints on the size and capacity of the power supply 96. Therefore, the lighting module unit 8 and lighting system 5, including the low-power lighting modules 10, are suitable for installation in security devices, underground areas, ships, railway vehicles, aircraft, railway facilities, airport facilities, and the like.

[0260] If each lighting module 10 projects only a part or one projection pattern 101 of the lighting pattern 102, rather than the entirety, then projection and projection stopping for each lighting module 10 can be switched independently of other lighting modules 10. In other words, the display and hiding of each projection pattern 101 can be selected independently of other projection patterns 101.

[0261] If each lighting module 10 projects only a part or one projection pattern 101 of the lighting pattern 102, rather than the entire pattern, the power supply to each lighting module 10 can be adjusted independently of the other lighting modules 10. In other words, the brightness of each projection pattern 101 can be adjusted independently of the brightness of the other projection patterns 101.

[0262] In other words, if each lighting module 10 projects only a part or one projection pattern 101 of the lighting pattern 102, rather than the entirety, the shape and brightness distribution of the lighting pattern 102 can be changed continuously or partially. With this configuration, videos can be displayed. With this configuration, the aesthetic appeal of the lighting pattern 102 can be improved. By improving the aesthetic appeal of the lighting pattern 102, the lighting pattern 102 can be made more conspicuous. In particular, compared to the case where the entire lighting pattern 102 is turned on and off and flashes, it can be made more conspicuous without even a momentary period of complete darkness, making it suitable for applications where information display is necessary, such as warnings and guidance in traffic areas. As a result, the lighting pattern 102 displayed on the projection surface 100 can be easily observed from a distance.

[0263] Figures 21A to 21H show specific examples of lighting methods. Figures 21A to 21H show specific examples of lighting patterns 102 and multiple projection patterns 101. The lighting patterns 102 shown in Figures 21A to 21H can be displayed on the projection surface 100 by the lighting system 5 and lighting module unit 8 shown in Figure 20. The multiple projection patterns 101 shown in Figures 21A to 21H can be projected onto the projection surface 100 by the lighting system 5 and lighting module unit 8 shown in Figure 20.

[0264] In the examples shown in Figures 19, 20, and 21A, the illumination pattern 102, as a composite pattern observed on the projection surface 100, is linear. The multiple projection patterns 101 actually projected onto the projection surface 100 are linear. As a composite pattern formed by combining the multiple linear projection patterns 101, the illumination pattern 102 is observed as linear.

[0265] In the illustrated example, the longitudinal direction of the lines formed by the lighting pattern 102 is the fifth direction D5. As described above, according to this example, a large lighting pattern 102 can be displayed. The length of the lighting pattern 102 along its longitudinal direction may be 5m or more, 20m or more, or 50m or more. The length of the lighting pattern 102 along its longitudinal direction may be 200m or less, 100m or less, or 50m or less.

[0266] In the illustrated example, the width direction of the lines formed by the lighting pattern 102 is the fourth direction D4. The length (width) of the lighting pattern 102 along the width direction may be 50 cm or less, 20 cm or less, or 10 cm or less. The length (width) of the lighting pattern 102 along the width direction may be 2 cm or more, 10 cm or more, or 20 cm or more.

[0267] When attempting to illuminate a linear illuminated area 103, the incident angle α of the light incident from the illumination module 10 to the projection surface 100 can become very large. The maximum value of the incident angle α may be less than 90°. The incident angle α is the angle that the direction of propagation of the projected light makes with respect to the normal direction ND of the projection surface 100, as shown in Figure 19.

[0268] Figure 21A is a plan view showing the illumination pattern 102 displayed on the projection surface 100 as shown in Figure 20, along with a plurality of projection patterns 101. As shown in Figure 21A, the plurality of projection patterns 101 may be arranged in a fourth direction D4. The plurality of projection patterns 101 may extend in a fifth direction D5 that is not parallel to the fourth direction D4. In the example shown in Figure 21A, the illumination pattern 102 is linear.

[0269] As shown in Figure 20, the width W101 of each projection pattern 101 in the fourth direction D4 is narrower than the width W102 of the illumination pattern 102 in the fourth direction D4. In the illustrated example, by combining multiple narrow projection patterns 101 with a width W101, a thick illumination pattern 102 with a width W102 can be displayed. The inventors have confirmed that by displaying a single thick illumination pattern 102 with a width W102 using multiple projection patterns 101 projected with a shift in the fourth direction D4, the total power consumption can be reduced while making the illumination pattern 102 more prominent and easier to observe from a distance. Furthermore, by projecting multiple projection patterns 101 with a shift in the fourth direction D4, laser safety can be improved more stably. In addition, the power consumption of individual illumination modules 10 can be reduced more stably. The reduced power consumption of the illumination modules 10 improves the flexibility of installation.

[0270] In the examples shown in Figures 20 and 21A, each of the multiple projection patterns 101 extends linearly in the fifth direction D5, which is perpendicular to the fourth direction D4. Each projection pattern 101 is linear. In this example, the illumination pattern 102 extends linearly in the fifth direction D5, which is perpendicular to the fourth direction D4. Similar to the illumination pattern 102 shown in Figure 19, the illumination pattern 102 is also linear.

[0271] As shown in Figure 20, the width W101 of each linear projection pattern 101 is narrower than the width W102 of the linearly observed illumination pattern 102. According to the illustrated example, by combining multiple narrow projection patterns 101 with a width W101, a thick illumination pattern 102 with a width W102 can be displayed. The inventors have confirmed that by displaying a single thick illumination pattern 102 with a width W102 using multiple projection patterns 101 projected with a shift in the fourth direction D4, the total power consumption can be reduced while making the linear illumination pattern 102 more prominent and easier to observe from a distance. Furthermore, projecting multiple projection patterns 101 with a shift in the fourth direction D4 can more stably improve laser safety. In addition, the power consumption of individual illumination modules 10 can be more stably reduced. The reduced power consumption of the illumination modules 10 improves the flexibility of their installation.

[0272] As shown in Figures 20 and 21A, on the projection surface 100, the multiple projection patterns 101 are separated from each other in the fourth direction D4. That is, between two adjacent projection patterns 101 in the fourth direction D4, there exists an unilluminated area where the projection light is not illuminating. If the width of the unilluminated area 102X along the fourth direction D4 is short, the unilluminated area 102X can be made less noticeable when observed from a distance. In other words, when observed from a distance, the illumination pattern 102 with a widened width W102 can be observed more clearly while making it difficult to observe the unilluminated area 102X.

[0273] When determining whether two adjacent projection patterns 101 are separated from each other in the fourth direction D4, first, the region on which each projection pattern 101 is projected is identified. If the two regions on which the two adjacent projection patterns 101 are projected are separated from each other in the fourth direction D4, then the two adjacent projection patterns 101 are evaluated as being separated from each other in the fourth direction D4. The region on which each projection pattern 101 is projected is determined by projecting only that projection pattern 101 onto the projection surface 100. The region on which each projection pattern 101 is projected is identified as a region where an illuminance of 5% or more of the maximum illuminance at that position on the projection surface 100 due to the projection light forming that projection pattern 101 can be obtained.

[0274] In the illumination process, the number of projection patterns 101 may be changed. That is, in the illumination process, the number of illuminated projection patterns 101 may be changed. The number of projection patterns 101 can be changed by adjusting whether or not power is supplied to the multiple lighting modules 10. In the illumination process, the width and / or brightness of the illumination pattern 102 may be controlled by adjusting the number of projection patterns 101. By increasing the width of the illumination pattern 102, the illumination pattern 102 can be observed more clearly from a distance. By increasing the brightness of the illumination pattern 102, the illumination pattern 102 can be observed more clearly from a distance.

[0275] For example, environmental conditions such as rain or fog can make it difficult to observe the lighting pattern 102. Another example is that a moving observer will find it more difficult to observe the lighting pattern 102 than a stationary observer. An example of a moving observer is a person riding in a moving object at high speed. More specifically, the crew and passengers of cars, trains, ships, airplanes, etc., are examples of moving observers. Depending on the environment and the observer's condition, the thickness and / or brightness of the lighting pattern 102 may be controlled to make it easier to observe.

[0276] In the example shown in Figure 21B, some of the multiple projection patterns 101 shown in Figure 21A are turned off. The illumination pattern 102 shown in Figure 21B has a shorter width W102 along the fourth direction D4 than the illumination pattern 102 shown in Figure 21A. Under conditions where the illumination pattern 102 is easy to observe, fewer projection patterns 101 may be projected onto the projection surface 100, as shown in Figure 21B. The illumination pattern 102 shown in Figure 21B can be displayed with low power consumption. Under conditions where the illumination pattern 102 is difficult to observe, more projection patterns 101 may be projected onto the projection surface 100, as shown in Figure 21A. As shown in Figure 21A, the illumination pattern 102 can be made easier to observe by increasing its width W102.

[0277] In the example shown in Figure 21C, some of the multiple projection patterns 101 shown in Figure 21A are turned off. The width W102 of the illumination pattern 102 shown in Figure 21C is the same as the width W102 of the illumination pattern 102 shown in Figure 21A. The number of illuminated projection patterns 101 is greater in the example shown in Figure 21A than in the example shown in Figure 21C. Therefore, the illumination pattern 102 shown in Figure 21A appears brighter than the illumination pattern 102 shown in Figure 21C. Under conditions where the illumination pattern 102 is easy to observe, a smaller number of projection patterns 101 may be projected onto the projection surface 100, as shown in Figure 21C. The illumination pattern 102 shown in Figure 21C can be displayed with low power consumption. Under conditions where the illumination pattern 102 is difficult to observe, a larger number of projection patterns 101 may be projected onto the projection surface 100, as shown in Figure 21A. As shown in Figure 21A, the illumination pattern 102 can be made easier to observe by increasing its brightness.

[0278] In the example shown in Figure 21C, the illuminated projection pattern 101 includes a first outermost projection pattern 101X and a second outermost projection pattern 101Y. The first outermost projection pattern 101X is the projection pattern 101 located furthest to the first side in the fourth direction D4. The second outermost projection pattern 101Y is the projection pattern 101 located furthest to the second side in the fourth direction D4. The width W102 of the illumination pattern 102 shown in Figure 21C is the same as the width W102 of the illumination pattern 102 shown in Figure 21A, and is wider than the width W102 of the illumination pattern 102 shown in Figure 21B. The illumination pattern 102 shown in Figure 21C is easier to observe from a distance compared to the illumination pattern 102 shown in Figure 21B.

[0279] In the example shown in Figure 21D, some of the projection patterns 101 shown in Figure 21A are turned off. The width W102 of the illumination pattern 102 shown in Figure 21B is the same as the width W102 of the illumination pattern 102 shown in Figure 21A. The number of illuminated projection patterns 101 is greater in the example shown in Figure 21A than in the example shown in Figure 21D. Therefore, the illumination pattern 102 shown in Figure 21D may appear somewhat dimmer than the illumination pattern 102 shown in Figure 21A.

[0280] However, as shown in Figure 21D, at any position on the projection plane 100 that is the same in the fifth direction D5, the arrangement pitch P102X of the first outermost projection pattern 101X is shorter than the arrangement pitch P102C of the intermediate projection pattern 101C. At any position on the projection plane 100 that is the same in the fifth direction D5, the arrangement pitch P102Y of the second outermost projection pattern 101Y is shorter than the arrangement pitch P102C of the intermediate projection pattern 101C.

[0281] The first outermost projection pattern 101X is the projection pattern 101 located furthest to the first side in the fourth direction D4. The second outermost projection pattern 101Y is the projection pattern 101 located furthest to the second side in the fourth direction D4. The intermediate projection pattern 101C is the projection pattern 101 located between the first outermost projection pattern 101X and the second outermost projection pattern 101Y in the fourth direction D4.

[0282] In the example shown in Figure 21D, the outer edges of the illumination pattern 102 in the fourth direction D4 appear brighter than the middle section in the fourth direction D4. The outer contour of the illumination pattern 102 shown in Figure 21D can be observed more clearly. On the other hand, since the brightness in the middle section in the fourth direction D4 is reduced, power consumption can be reduced. Therefore, according to the example shown in Figure 21D, the illumination pattern 102 can be clearly observed even from a distance while reducing power consumption. The illumination pattern 102 shown in Figure 21D can be observed with substantially the same brightness as the illumination pattern 102 shown in Figure 21A.

[0283] In the example shown in Figure 21D, the arrangement pitch P102X of the first outermost projection pattern 101X may be shorter than the arrangement pitch P102C of the intermediate projection pattern 101C at any position on the projection plane 100 that is the same in the fifth direction D5. The arrangement pitch P102Y of the second outermost projection pattern 101Y may be shorter than the arrangement pitch P102C of the intermediate projection pattern 101C at any position on the projection plane 100 that is the same in the fifth direction D5. According to this example, at any position on the projection plane 100 that is the same in the fifth direction D5, both outer parts of the illumination pattern 102 in the fourth direction D4 can be observed to be brighter than the middle part in the fourth direction D4. The outer contour of the illumination pattern 102 shown in Figure 21D can be observed more clearly. On the other hand, since the brightness in the middle part in the fourth direction D4 is reduced, power consumption can be reduced. Therefore, the illumination pattern 102 can be observed more clearly even from a distance while reducing power consumption.

[0284] In the example shown in Figure 21D, at any position on the projection plane 100 that is the same in the fifth direction D5, the arrangement pitch P102X of the first outermost projection pattern 101X may be shorter than the arrangement pitch of the projection patterns 101 other than the second outermost projection pattern 101Y. In the example shown in Figure 21D, at any position on the projection plane 100 that is the same in the fifth direction D5, the arrangement pitch P102Y of the second outermost projection pattern 101Y may be shorter than the arrangement pitch of the projection patterns other than the first outermost projection pattern 101X. According to this example, at any position on the projection plane 100 that is the same in the fifth direction D5, both outer parts of the illumination pattern 102 in the fourth direction D4 may be observed to be brighter than the middle part in the fourth direction D4. The outer contour of the illumination pattern 102 shown in Figure 21D may be observed more clearly. On the other hand, since the brightness in the middle part in the fourth direction D4 is reduced, power consumption can be reduced. Therefore, the lighting pattern 102 can be clearly observed even from a distance while reducing power consumption.

[0285] In the example shown in Figure 21D, the arrangement pitch P102X of the first outermost projection pattern 101X may be shorter than the arrangement pitch of the projection patterns 101 other than the second outermost projection pattern 101Y at any position on the projection plane 100 that is the same in the fifth direction D5. In the example shown in Figure 21D, the arrangement pitch P102Y of the second outermost projection pattern 101Y may be shorter than the arrangement pitch of the projection patterns other than the first outermost projection pattern 101X at any position on the projection plane 100 that is the same in the fifth direction D5. According to this example, at any position on the projection plane 100 that is the same in the fifth direction D5, the outer parts of the illumination pattern 102 in the fourth direction D4 may be observed to be brighter than the middle part in the fourth direction D4. The outer contour of the illumination pattern 102 shown in Figure 21D may be observed more clearly. On the other hand, since the brightness in the middle part in the fourth direction D4 is reduced, power consumption can be reduced. Therefore, while reducing power consumption, the lighting pattern 102 can be observed more clearly even from a distance.

[0286] During the illumination process, the brightness of the projection pattern 101 may be changed. The brightness of each projection pattern 101 can be adjusted by the amount of power supplied to the illumination module 10 corresponding to that projection pattern 101. During the illumination process, the brightness of the illumination pattern 102 may be controlled by adjusting the brightness of multiple projection patterns 101. By increasing the brightness of the illumination pattern 102, it can be made easier to observe the illumination pattern 102 from a distance.

[0287] For example, environmental conditions such as rain or fog can make it difficult to observe the lighting pattern 102. Observers in motion will find it more difficult to observe the lighting pattern 102 than stationary observers. An example of an observer in motion is a person riding in a moving vehicle at high speed. More specifically, drivers and passengers of vehicles such as cars, trains, ships, and airplanes are examples of observers in motion. Depending on the environment and the observer's condition, the brightness of the projection pattern 101 may be controlled to make it easier to observe the lighting pattern 102.

[0288] In the example shown in Figure 21E, the brightness of the multiple projection patterns 101 shown in Figure 21A is dimmed. The illumination pattern 102 shown in Figure 21A is observed to be brighter than the illumination pattern 102 shown in Figure 21E. Under conditions where the illumination pattern 102 is easy to observe, the output of the lighting module 10 may be reduced to project the projection pattern 101 onto the projection surface 100, as shown in Figure 21E. The illumination pattern 102 shown in Figure 21E can be displayed with low power consumption. Under conditions where the illumination pattern 102 is difficult to observe, the output of the lighting module 10 may be increased to project the projection pattern 101 brightly onto the projection surface 100, as shown in Figure 21A. As shown in Figure 21A, increasing the brightness of the illumination pattern 102 makes it easier to observe.

[0289] In the example shown in Figure 21E, the brightness of all projection patterns 101 is made darker compared to the example shown in Figure 21A. As shown in Figures 21F and 21G, the brightness of only some of the projection patterns 101 among the multiple projection patterns 101 may be made darker.

[0290] As shown in Figure 21F, at any position on the projection surface 100 that is the same in the fifth direction D5, the first outermost projection pattern 101X may be projected onto the projection surface 100 brighter than the intermediate projection pattern 101C. At any position on the projection surface 100 that is the same in the fifth direction D5, the second outermost projection pattern 101Y may be projected onto the projection surface 100 brighter than the intermediate projection pattern 101C. That is, in the example shown in Figure 21F, the illumination pattern 102 is brighter on both sides in the fourth direction D4 than in the middle part in the fourth direction D4. The outer contour of the illumination pattern 102 shown in Figure 21F can be observed more clearly. On the other hand, since the brightness in the middle part in the fourth direction D4 is reduced, power consumption can be reduced. Therefore, according to the example shown in Figure 21F, the illumination pattern 102 can be clearly observed even from a distance while reducing power consumption.

[0291] The brightness of the projection patterns is compared by the illuminance at the same position in the fifth direction D5. For example, when comparing the brightness between the first projection pattern and the second projection pattern, the maximum illuminance of the first projection pattern and the maximum illuminance of the second projection pattern at a specific position in the fifth direction D5 are compared. The projection pattern with the higher maximum illuminance is evaluated as the brighter projection pattern.

[0292] In the example shown in Figure 21F, the first outermost projection pattern 101X may be projected onto the projection surface 100 at any position on the projection surface 100 that is the same in the fifth direction D5, and the second outermost projection pattern 101Y a brighter brightness than the intermediate projection pattern 101C. According to this example, the illumination pattern 102 can be observed more clearly even from a distance while reducing power consumption.

[0293] As shown in Figure 21G, at any position on the projection surface 100 that is the same in the fifth direction D5, the first outermost projection pattern 101X may be projected onto the projection surface 100 more brightly than other projection patterns other than the second outermost projection pattern 101Y. At any position on the projection surface 100 that is the same in the fifth direction D5, the second outermost projection pattern 101Y may be projected onto the projection surface 100 more brightly than other projection patterns other than the first outermost projection pattern 101X. According to this example, the illumination pattern 102 can be observed more clearly even from a distance while reducing power consumption.

[0294] In the example shown in Figure 21G, the first outermost projection pattern 101X may be projected onto the projection surface 100 at any position on the projection surface 100 that is the same in the fifth direction D5, and brighter than the other projection patterns 101 other than the second outermost projection pattern 101Y. Similarly, the second outermost projection pattern 101Y may be projected onto the projection surface 100 at any position on the projection surface 100 that is the same in the fifth direction D5, and brighter than the other projection patterns 101 other than the first outermost projection pattern 101X. According to this example, the illumination pattern 102 can be observed more clearly even from a distance while reducing power consumption.

[0295] As shown in Figure 21H, during the illumination process, some of the projection patterns 101 included in the multiple projection patterns 101 may be made to blink. By blinking some of the projection patterns 101, the illumination pattern 102 can be made to stand out. As a result, the illumination pattern 102 displayed on the projection surface 100 can be easily observed from a distance.

[0296] As shown in Figure 21H, while some projection patterns 101 are blinking, some of the other projection patterns 101 included in the multiple projection patterns 101 may be kept lit. In this example, the illumination pattern 102 can be continuously displayed on the projection surface 100. Therefore, the illumination pattern 102 displayed on the projection surface 100 can be easily observed from a distance.

[0297] As shown in Figure 21H, the other projection patterns 101 that remain lit may include projection patterns 101 located on the first side in the fourth direction D4 of the projection patterns 101 and projection patterns 101 located on the second side in the fourth direction D4 of the projection patterns. The other projection patterns 101 that remain lit may include a first outermost projection pattern 101X and a second outermost projection pattern 101Y. The lit projection patterns 101 form the outer edge of the illumination pattern 102 in the fourth direction D4. That is, the width W102 in the fourth direction D4 of the illumination pattern 102 that is blinking in part remains constant. Therefore, the illumination pattern 102 displayed on the projection surface 100 can be more easily observed from a distance.

[0298] As shown in Figures 22A, 22B, and 23, one or more lighting modules 10X and one or more other lighting modules 10Y included in the lighting module unit 8 may be positioned opposite each other in the fifth direction D5. One or more lighting modules 10X and one or more other lighting modules 10Y included in the lighting module unit 8 may be positioned apart in the fifth direction D5. One or more lighting modules 10X and one or more other lighting modules 10Y included in the lighting module unit 8 may emit light in opposite directions in the fifth direction D5. The central optical path D10X of the projected light from one or more lighting modules 10X included in the lighting module unit 8 (see Figure 23) and the central optical path D10Y of the projected light from one or more other lighting modules 10Y included in the lighting module unit 8 (see Figure 23) may be in opposite directions in the fifth direction D5. The central optical path of the projected light means the direction and orientation in which maximum brightness is obtained on the output end 25a of the lighting module that emits the projected light.

[0299] In the example shown in Figure 22A, one or more projection patterns 101A included in the plurality of projection patterns 101, and one or more other projection patterns 101B included in the plurality of projection patterns 101, are projected onto the projection surface 100 from positions opposite each other in the fifth direction D5. As shown in Figure 22B, one or more projection patterns 101 included in the plurality of projection patterns 101 may be projected from both sides in the fifth direction D5. All projection patterns 101 included in the lighting module unit 8 may be projected from both sides in the fifth direction D5.

[0300] The fifth direction D5 is the longitudinal direction of the linear illumination pattern 102. As shown in the examples in Figures 22A, 22B, and 23, the change in brightness along the longitudinal direction of the illumination pattern 102 can be reduced. Therefore, the illumination pattern 102 can be clearly observed along its entire length even from a distance.

[0301] As shown in the examples in Figures 22A, 22B, and 23, even when the projection surface 100 has undulations, bumps, or curves, an illumination pattern 102 that is easily observable from a distance can be displayed on the projection surface 100. In the example shown in Figure 23, the projection surface 100 is curved and has a raised center in the illuminated area 103 of the projection surface 100 where the projection pattern 101 is projected. Even on such a projection surface 100, an illumination pattern 102 that is easily observable from a distance can be displayed on the projection surface 100.

[0302] In the example described above, the first lighting module unit 8 includes a plurality of lighting modules 10. A plurality of projection patterns 101 projected onto the projection surface 100 from each of the plurality of lighting modules 10 display a lighting pattern 102 on the projection surface 100. In the example described above, the first lighting method includes the step of illuminating the projection surface 100 using the lighting module unit 8. In the lighting step, a plurality of projection patterns 101 projected onto the projection surface 100 from the lighting module unit 8 display a lighting pattern 102 on the projection surface 100.

[0303] According to the first lighting module unit 8 and the first lighting method, the lighting pattern 102 projected onto the projection surface 100 is composed of a combination of multiple projection patterns 101. Therefore, a large lighting pattern 102 can be displayed on the projection surface 100. A complex lighting pattern 102 can be displayed by adjusting the shape of the multiple projection patterns 101. The lighting pattern 102 can be displayed brightly by adjusting the brightness of the multiple projection patterns 101. As a result, a lighting pattern 102 that can be observed from a distance can be displayed on the projection surface 100. Furthermore, if each lighting module 10 displays only a part or one projection pattern 101 of the lighting pattern 102, rather than the entirety of the lighting pattern 102, the overall power consumption of the lighting module unit 8 can be reduced, and the deterioration of laser safety can be suppressed.

[0304] In the example described above, the second lighting module unit 8 includes a plurality of lighting modules 10. The plurality of projection patterns 101 projected onto the projection surface 100 from each of the plurality of lighting modules 10 are arranged in a fourth direction D4. The plurality of projection patterns 101 extend in a fifth direction D5 that is not parallel to the fourth direction D4. In the example described above, the second lighting method includes the step of illuminating the projection surface 100 using the lighting module unit 8. In the lighting step, a plurality of projection patterns 101 are projected onto the projection surface 100 from the lighting module unit 8. The plurality of projection patterns 101 are arranged in a fourth direction D4. Each of the plurality of projection patterns 101 extends in a fifth direction D5 that is not parallel to the fourth direction D4.

[0305] The second lighting module unit 8 and the second lighting method provide the same effects and benefits as those obtained with the first lighting module unit 8 and the first lighting method. Specifically, the second lighting module unit 8 and the second lighting method allow a lighting pattern 102 that can be observed from a distance to be displayed on the projection surface 100.

[0306] In addition, according to the second lighting module unit 8 and the second lighting method, the width W102 of the lighting pattern 102 in the fourth direction D4 can be made thicker than the width W101 of each projection pattern 101 in the fourth direction D4. By combining multiple narrow projection patterns 101 with a width W101, a thick lighting pattern 102 with a width W102 can be displayed. The inventors have confirmed that by displaying a single thick lighting pattern 102 with a width W102 using multiple projection patterns 101 projected with a shift in the fourth direction D4, the total power consumption can be reduced while making the lighting pattern 102 more prominent and easier to observe from a distance. Furthermore, by projecting multiple projection patterns 101 with a shift in the fourth direction D4, the decrease in laser safety can be stably suppressed.

[0307] In the specific examples described above, the multiple projection patterns 101 were identical to each other. The multiple projection patterns 101 do not have to be identical. The multiple projection patterns 101 do not have to be different.

[0308] In the example shown in Figures 24A to 24C, the lighting module unit 8 and the lighting system 5 include first to fourth lighting modules 10A to 10D. As shown in Figures 24A to 24C, the first lighting module 10A projects a first projection pattern 1011 onto the projection surface 100. As shown in Figure 24A, the second lighting module 10B projects a second projection pattern 1012 onto the projection surface 100. As shown in Figure 24B, the third lighting module 10C projects a third projection pattern 1013 onto the projection surface 100. As shown in Figure 24C, the fourth lighting module 10D projects a fourth projection pattern 1014 onto the projection surface 100. The first projection pattern 1011 is a rectangular pattern. The second to fourth projection patterns 1012 to 1014 are triangular patterns with different orientations.

[0309] In the example shown in Figure 24A, the first projection pattern 1011 and the second projection pattern 1012 are projected onto the projection surface 100. In the example shown in Figure 24A, the illumination pattern 102 displays an arrow pointing to the right on the page of Figure 24A.

[0310] In the example shown in Figure 24B, the first projection pattern 1011 and the third projection pattern 1013 are projected onto the projection surface 100. In the example shown in Figure 24B, the illumination pattern 102 displays a downward-pointing arrow on the page of Figure 24B.

[0311] In the example shown in Figure 24C, the first projection pattern 1011 and the fourth projection pattern 1014 are projected onto the projection surface 100. In the example shown in Figure 24C, the illumination pattern 102 displays an arrow pointing to the left on the page of Figure 24C.

[0312] In the examples shown in Figures 24A to 24C, different information can be displayed on the projection surface 100 by appropriately selecting the projection pattern 101 to be projected.

[0313] In the specific examples described above, the wavelengths of the projected light emitted from multiple lighting modules 10 may differ among the multiple lighting modules 10. The wavelengths of the projected light emitted from multiple modules 10 may be the same among the multiple lighting modules 10. The colors of the multiple projection patterns 101 may be different from each other. The colors of the multiple projection patterns 101 may be the same from each other.

[0314] In the example shown in Figure 25, the lighting module unit 8 and the lighting system 5 include first to ninth lighting modules 10A to 10I. As shown in Figure 25, the first to ninth lighting modules 10A to 10I each project first to ninth projection patterns 1011 to 1019 onto the projection surface 100. The first to ninth projection patterns 1011 to 1019 are arranged in order in the fifth direction D5. The first to ninth projection patterns 1011 to 1019 have the same arrow pattern as each other. The arrow pattern formed by the first to ninth projection patterns 1011 to 1019 points towards the first side in the fifth direction D5.

[0315] The first, fourth, and seventh lighting modules 10A, 10D, and 10G illuminate the projection surface 100 with red light (for example, light with a wavelength of 650 nm). The first, fourth, and seventh projection patterns 1011, 1014, and 1017 are projected onto the projection surface 100 with red light.

[0316] The second, fifth, and eighth lighting modules 10B, 10E, and 10H illuminate the projection surface 100 with green light (for example, light with a wavelength of 550 nm). The second, fifth, and eighth projection patterns 1012, 1015, and 1018 are projected onto the projection surface 100 with green light.

[0317] The third, sixth, and ninth lighting modules 10C, 10F, and 10I illuminate the projection surface 100 with blue light (for example, light with a wavelength of 450 nm). The third, sixth, and ninth projection patterns 1013, 1016, and 1019 are projected onto the projection surface 100 with blue light.

[0318] As shown in Figure 26, the projection pattern 101 may be projected onto the projection surface 100 with red light, then with green light, and then with blue light, and this cycle may continue. That is, first, the first, fourth, and seventh illumination modules 10A, 10D, and 10G project the first, fourth, and seventh projection patterns 1011, 1014, and 1017 onto the projection surface 100 with red light. Next, the second, fifth, and eighth illumination modules 10B, 10E, and 10H project the second, fifth, and eighth projection patterns 1012, 1015, and 1018 onto the projection surface 100 with green light. After that, the third, sixth, and ninth illumination modules 10C, 10F, and 10I project the third, sixth, and ninth projection patterns 1013, 1016, and 1019 onto the projection surface 100 with blue light. These three cycles may be repeated. This lighting method can encourage movement toward the first side in the fifth direction D5.

[0319] Alternatively, in the example shown in Figure 25, the first to ninth lighting modules 10A to 10I may project light onto the projection surface 100 in this order. The first to ninth projection patterns 1011 to 1019 may be projected onto the projection surface 100 in this order. This lighting method can facilitate movement toward the first side in the fifth direction D5.

[0320] In the examples shown in Figures 24A to 26, by changing the projected projection pattern 101 and the lighting module 10 that projects the projection pattern 101, an animation-like video can be displayed on the projection surface 100.

[0321] L1: Central axis, D1: First direction, D2: Second direction, D3: Third direction, AD: Axial direction, RD: Radial direction, CD: Circumferential direction, 5: Lighting system, 8: Lighting module unit, 10: Lighting module, 10A~10I: Lighting module, 20: Light source, 21: Light-emitting part, 22: Terminal, 24A: First cover member, 24B: Second cover member, 25: Optical system, 25a: Outlet end, 26: Pattern optical system, 26A: Diffractive optical element, 26B: Light-shielding mask, 27: Lens system, 27A: Collimator light Section, 27B: Imaging optical system, 28A: First lens, 28B: Second lens, 28C: Third lens, 29a: Light-shielding part, 29b: Light-transmitting part, 30: Case, 31: Cylindrical part, 31a: Inner surface, 31b: Outer surface, 32: Tip cylindrical part, 33: First cylindrical part, 34: Second cylindrical part, 35a: Tip step, 35b: Intermediate step, 36: Annular groove, 38: Bottom part, 38a: Hole, 39: Outward protrusion, 41: First case member, 42: Second case member, 43: Third case member, 47: Fixing device, 49: Fixing device, 50: Cover, 50 c: Contact part, 51: Side part, 52: End part, 53: Fixing device, 54: Inner protrusion, 55: Receiving hole, 56: Inner protrusion, 61: External connection connector, 64: Indication, 65: Fall prevention mechanism, 66: Plate material, 67: Fixing device, 70A: Circuit board, First circuit board, 70B: Second circuit board, 71: Board, 72: Element, 73: Wiring, 75: Driver IC, 75a: Channel, 76: Socket, 77: Connector, 79: Solder, 90: Connecting member, 91: FPC, 91a: Hole, 92: Board connecting member, 93: FP C, 95: Fixture, 98: Fixture, 100: Projection surface, 101: Projection pattern, 1011~1019: Projection pattern, 101X: First outermost projection pattern, 101Y: Second outermost projection pattern, 101C: Intermediate projection pattern, 101: Projection pattern, 102: Illumination pattern, 102X: Non-illuminated area, 103: Illuminated area, 105: Device with illumination module, 110: Device, 111: Housing, 112: Equipment, 113: Power supply unit, 114: Control unit, 117: Control device, 118: Power supply unit

Claims

1. A lighting module that projects a projection pattern onto a projection surface, A light source that emits light, An optical system facing the light source in the axial direction of the lighting module, A case for holding the light source and the optical system, The light source is electrically connected to a circuit board, A lighting module in which, in the axial direction, the circuit board is at least partially located between the light source and the exit end of the optical system from which light emitted from the light source is emitted.

2. The FPC further comprises an FPC that electrically connects the light source and the circuit board. The light source includes terminals that penetrate the FPC, The lighting module according to claim 1, wherein the terminal is electrically connected to the FPC.

3. The FPC further comprises an FPC that electrically connects the light source and the circuit board. The lighting module according to claim 1, wherein the FPC is attached to the case.

4. The case includes a cylindrical portion and a bottom portion connected to the cylindrical portion, The cylindrical portion opens to the first side in the axial direction and is connected to the bottom from the second side in the axial direction. The optical system is held inside the cylindrical portion, The lighting module according to claim 1, wherein the light source is held at the bottom.

5. The cylindrical portion includes a first cylindrical portion and a second cylindrical portion, The first cylindrical portion is located on the first side in the axial direction compared to the second cylindrical portion. The second cylindrical portion is thinner than the first cylindrical portion. The lighting module according to claim 4, wherein the circuit board is attached to the second cylindrical portion.

6. The circuit board includes a substrate, elements and wiring provided on the substrate, The lighting module according to claim 1, wherein the substrate is oriented in a radial direction perpendicular to the axial direction.

7. Equipped with a second circuit board, The lighting module according to claim 1, wherein the circuit board and the second circuit board are arranged apart from each other in the circumferential direction about an axis parallel to the axial direction.

8. The lighting module according to claim 5, wherein the circuit board is annular and penetrated by the second cylindrical portion.

9. The circuit board includes a substrate, elements and wiring provided on the substrate, The lighting module according to claim 8, wherein the substrate is oriented in the axial direction.

10. A lighting module that projects a projection pattern onto a projection surface, A light source that emits light, An optical system facing the light source in the axial direction of the lighting module, A case for holding the light source and the optical system, The light source is electrically connected to a circuit board, The circuit board includes a socket that contacts the terminals of the light source and electrically connects to the terminals. The light source is a lighting module located between the circuit board and the optical system in the axial direction.

11. The lighting module according to claim 10, wherein the circuit board is located at the same position as the case or inside the case when projected onto a plane perpendicular to the axial direction.

12. The lighting module according to claim 10, further comprising a second circuit board at least partially located between the output end of the optical system and the light source in the axial direction.

13. The lighting module according to claim 7 or 12, wherein the circuit board and the second circuit board are electrically connected using an FPC.

14. The lighting module according to claim 10, further comprising a detachment prevention mechanism that prevents the socket from coming loose from the terminal.

15. The light source includes a laser diode, The lighting module according to claim 1 or 10, wherein the circuit board includes a driver IC for driving a laser diode.

16. The driver IC includes multiple channels connected in parallel, The lighting module according to claim 15, wherein each of the multiple channels includes a separate element.

17. The lighting module according to claim 1 or 10, wherein the circuit board is in contact with the case.

18. The case is equipped with a cover that partially covers the aforementioned case, The circuit board is located between the case and the cover. The lighting module according to claim 1 or 10, wherein the circuit board is in contact with the cover.

19. The case is equipped with a cover that partially covers the aforementioned case, The circuit board is located between the case and the cover. A lighting module used by being incorporated into or attached to another device, The lighting module according to claim 1 or 10, wherein at least one of the case and the cover is fixed to the device.

20. The case is equipped with a cover that partially covers the aforementioned case, The circuit board is located between the case and the cover. A lighting module used by being incorporated into or attached to another device, The cover includes a portion that contacts the device. The lighting module according to claim 1 or 10, wherein the contact portion is located between the circuit board and the device.

21. The case is equipped with a cover that partially covers the aforementioned case, The circuit board is located between the case and the cover. The lighting module according to claim 1 or 10, wherein at least one of the case and the cover includes an indicator showing the orientation in which it should be installed.

22. The case is equipped with a cover that partially covers the aforementioned case, The circuit board is located between the case and the cover. The lighting module according to claim 1 or 10, wherein the cover includes a plate-shaped end facing the case in the axial direction and a cylindrical side facing the case in a radial direction perpendicular to the axial direction.

23. A lighting module used by being incorporated into or attached to another device, The lighting module according to claim 22, wherein a connection connector for electrically connecting to the device is provided at a position offset from the center of the end.

24. The case is equipped with a cover that partially covers the aforementioned case, The circuit board is located between the case and the cover. The lighting module according to claim 1 or 10, wherein the cover is located at the same position as the case or inside the case in a projection onto a plane perpendicular to the axial direction.

25. The case is equipped with a cover that partially covers the aforementioned case, The circuit board is located between the case and the cover. The lighting module according to claim 1 or 10, wherein the cover has a circular contour when projected onto a plane perpendicular to the axial direction.

26. The case is equipped with a cover that partially covers the aforementioned case, The circuit board is located between the case and the cover. The lighting module according to claim 1 or 10, wherein the cover has a circular contour when projected onto a plane perpendicular to the axial direction.

27. The illumination module according to claim 1 or 10, wherein the optical system includes a diffractive optical element and a lens optical system.

28. The illumination module according to claim 1 or 10, wherein the optical system includes a light-shielding mask and an imaging optical system.

29. A lighting module according to claim 1 or 10, A device with a lighting module, comprising: a device into which the aforementioned lighting module is incorporated or attached.

30. A plurality of lighting modules as described in claim 1 or claim 10, A lighting module unit that displays a lighting pattern on a projection surface by a plurality of projection patterns projected onto the projection surface from each of the plurality of lighting modules.

31. The aforementioned plurality of projection patterns are arranged in a fourth direction, The lighting module unit according to claim 30, wherein each of the plurality of projection patterns extends in a fifth direction that is not parallel to the fourth direction.

32. Equipped with multiple lighting modules, The multiple projection patterns projected onto the projection surface from each of the multiple lighting modules are arranged in a fourth direction. Each of the aforementioned multiple projection patterns is a lighting module unit that extends in a fifth direction non-parallel to the fourth direction.

33. The lighting module unit according to claim 30, wherein each of the plurality of projection patterns is linear.

34. The lighting module unit according to claim 32, wherein the plurality of projection patterns are separated from each other in the fourth direction on the projection surface.

35. The plurality of projection patterns include a first outermost projection pattern, a second outermost projection pattern, and an intermediate projection pattern. The first outermost projection pattern is located on the first side in the fourth direction, The second outermost projection pattern is located on the second side in the fourth direction, The intermediate projection pattern is located between the first outermost projection pattern and the second outermost projection pattern in the fourth direction. The lighting module unit according to claim 32, wherein at a certain position in the fifth direction, the first outermost projection pattern is brighter than the intermediate projection pattern, and the second outermost projection pattern is brighter than the intermediate projection pattern.

36. The lighting module unit according to claim 32, wherein one or more lighting modules included in the plurality of lighting modules and one or more other lighting modules included in the plurality of lighting modules are positioned facing each other in the fifth direction.

37. The lighting module unit according to claim 30, wherein the plurality of lighting modules are located at different positions from each other.

38. A lighting module unit according to claim 30, A power supply that provides power to the aforementioned multiple lighting modules, The system comprises a plurality of controllers located between the plurality of lighting modules and the power supply, A lighting system in which each of the plurality of controllers regulates the power supply from the power source to a corresponding lighting module included in the plurality of lighting modules, independently of the power supply from the power source to other lighting modules.

39. The lighting system according to claim 38, wherein each of the plurality of controllers adjusts whether or not power is supplied to the corresponding lighting module and / or the amount of power supplied.

40. A lighting method comprising the step of illuminating a projection surface using a lighting module unit described in claim 30, A lighting method comprising the process of lighting, wherein a lighting pattern is displayed on the projection surface by a plurality of projection patterns projected from the lighting module unit onto the projection surface.

41. The aforementioned plurality of projection patterns are arranged in a fourth direction, The illumination method according to claim 40, wherein each of the plurality of projection patterns extends in a fifth direction that is not parallel to the fourth direction.

42. A lighting method comprising the step of illuminating a projection surface using a lighting module unit described in claim 32, In the illumination process described above, multiple projection patterns are projected from the illumination module unit onto the projection surface. The aforementioned plurality of projection patterns are arranged in a fourth direction, An illumination method wherein each of the plurality of projection patterns extends in a fifth direction that is not parallel to the fourth direction.

43. The illumination method according to claim 40, wherein each of the plurality of projection patterns is linear.

44. The illumination method according to claim 42, wherein the plurality of projection patterns are separated from each other in the fourth direction on the projection surface.

45. The illumination method according to claim 42, wherein in the illumination step, the thickness and / or brightness of the illumination pattern is controlled by adjusting the number of the plurality of projection patterns.

46. The illumination method according to claim 42, wherein in the illumination step, some of the projection patterns included in the plurality of projection patterns are blinked.

47. While some of the aforementioned projection patterns are flashing, some of the other projection patterns included in the plurality of projection patterns are illuminated. The illumination method according to claim 46, wherein the other partial projection pattern includes a projection pattern located on the first side in the fourth direction of the partial projection pattern and a projection pattern located on the second side in the fourth direction of the partial projection pattern.

48. The plurality of projection patterns include a first outermost projection pattern, a second outermost projection pattern, and an intermediate projection pattern. The first outermost projection pattern is located on the first side in the fourth direction, The second outermost projection pattern is located on the second side in the fourth direction, The intermediate projection pattern is located between the first outermost projection pattern and the second outermost projection pattern in the fourth direction. The illumination method according to claim 42, wherein at a certain position in the fifth direction, the first outermost projection pattern is brighter than the intermediate projection pattern, and the second outermost projection pattern is brighter than the intermediate projection pattern.

49. The illumination method according to claim 42, wherein one or more projection patterns included in the plurality of projection patterns and one or more other projection patterns included in the plurality of projection patterns are projected onto the projection surface from positions facing each other in the fifth direction.

50. The illumination method according to claim 42, wherein one or more projection patterns included in the plurality of projection patterns are projected onto the projection surface from two or more positions that are opposite to each other in the fifth direction.

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