Light-emitting device, light source unit, and vehicle

Abstract

To provide a light emitting device capable of suppressing halation in an image generated by an imaging device.SOLUTION: A light emitting device 200 includes: a light source 220; and a lens 230 having (i) a bowl-like part 233 which includes an incident surface 231 in which the light emitted by the light source 220 enters, and which expands as being separated from the light source 220, and (ii) a protrusion part 234 which includes an emission surface 232 from which the light which has entered the incident surface 231 is emitted, and which protrudes in the direction being separated from the light source 220. The protrusion part 234 includes a first total reflection surface 235 for totally reflecting the light which has entered the incident surface 231. The bowl like part 233 includes a second total reflection surface 236 for totally reflecting the light which has entered the incident surface 231. The light emitting device 200 includes a first light reduction part which reduces at least part of the light emitted toward a support body positioned in the direction crossing an optical axis of the light which is emitted by the light source 220 out of the light which enters the lens 230.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a light emitting device, a light source unit, and a vehicle. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there is a light emitting device that is placed in a vehicle and emits light (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Patent Document 1 discloses a device that is placed in the door mirror (side mirror) of the vehicle and projects a pattern onto the ground outside the vehicle using light. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-134313 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] For example, a door mirror may be provided with a light-emitting device that emits light and an imaging device that captures an image of the road surface. This type of imaging device captures an image of the road surface by detecting the light emitted from the light-emitting device reflected by the road surface, obstacles, etc. In this case, if the imaging device detects light reflected by a vehicle or the like, halation may occur in the image generated by the imaging device.

[0005] The present invention provides a light emitting device and the like that can suppress halation in images generated by an imaging device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A light emitting device according to one embodiment of the present invention is a light emitting device supported on a support alongside an imaging device that detects light emitted by the light emitting device, and comprises: a light source; and a lens having (i) an incident surface into which light emitted by the light source is incident and a bowl-shaped portion that widens as it moves away from the light source; and (ii) an exit surface from which light incident on the incident surface is emitted and a convex portion that protrudes in a direction away from the light source, wherein the convex portion has a first total reflection surface that is at least a part of the exit surface and that totally reflects light that is incident on the incident surface; and the bowl-shaped portion has a surface located in a direction intersecting the optical axis of the light emitted from the light source and that has a second total reflection surface that totally reflects light that is incident on the incident surface; and the light emitting device comprises a first dimming section that attenuates at least a portion of the light that is incident on the lens and is emitted toward the support that is located in a direction intersecting the optical axis of the light emitted from the light source.

[0007] A light source unit according to one aspect of the present invention includes the light emitting device described above and the imaging device.

[0008] A vehicle according to one aspect of the present invention includes the light source unit described above and the support body. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the light-emitting device and the like according to one aspect of the present invention, halation in an image generated by an imaging device can be suppressed. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a front view showing a vehicle according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the light source unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the light emitting device according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view for explaining how light travels in a light emitting device according to a comparative example. [Figure 5]FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a light emitting device according to the first modification. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a light emitting device according to the second modification. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiments described below are all comprehensive or specific examples. The numerical values, shapes, materials, components, component placement positions, and connection forms shown in the following embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present invention. Furthermore, among the components in the following embodiments, components that are not described in the independent claims that represent the highest concept will be described as optional components.

[0012] Note that each figure is a schematic diagram and is not necessarily an exact illustration. Therefore, for example, the scales of the figures do not necessarily match. Furthermore, each figure is a schematic diagram in which emphasis, omission, and proportions have been appropriately adjusted to illustrate the present invention, and the actual shapes, positional relationships, and proportions may differ. Furthermore, in each figure, substantially identical components are assigned the same reference numerals, and duplicate explanations may be omitted or simplified.

[0013] In the following embodiments, the Z-axis direction is, for example, the vertical direction, and the positive side of the Z-axis may be referred to as "upward" and the negative side of the Z-axis may be referred to as "downward." The Y-axis direction and the X-axis direction are perpendicular to each other on a plane (horizontal plane) perpendicular to the Z-axis. The Y-axis direction may be referred to as the side of the vehicle. The positive X-axis direction may be referred to as the direction in which the vehicle travels (forward), and the negative X-axis direction may be referred to as the direction opposite to the direction in which the vehicle travels (rearward).

[0014] Furthermore, in this specification, terms indicating relationships between elements such as "same," as well as numerical values ​​and numerical ranges, are not expressions that express only the strict meaning, but also expressions that mean that a substantially equivalent range, for example, a difference of about several percent (for example, about 5%), is included. For example, "horizontal direction" means not only a completely horizontal direction but also an error of about several percent, for example, 5%, that occurs during manufacturing or placement.

[0015] Furthermore, in this specification, unless otherwise specified, ordinal numbers such as "first" and "second" do not refer to the number or order of components, but are used to avoid confusion between similar components and to distinguish between components.

[0016] (Embodiment) [composition] <Vehicle and light source unit> Fig. 1 is a front view showing a vehicle 10 according to an embodiment. In Fig. 1, light emitted by light emitting device 200 (emitted light) is indicated by a dashed line.

[0017] The vehicle 10 is a moving body such as an automobile or a motorcycle that is equipped with the light source unit 100. In this embodiment, the vehicle 10 is an automobile. The vehicle 10 is an example of a support body.

[0018] The vehicle 10 includes a vehicle body 20, a door mirror 30, and a light source unit 100.

[0019] The vehicle body 20 is a vehicle main body in which a driver gets in and drives, and door mirrors 30 are attached to the side portions of the vehicle body 20. The vehicle body 20 supports the door mirrors 30 at both side portions of the vehicle body 20.

[0020] The door mirror 30 is a side mirror attached to a side portion of the vehicle body 20. In this embodiment, a light source unit 100 is disposed in the door mirror 30. Specifically, a light emitting device 200 and an imaging device 300 are attached to the door mirror 30. In this embodiment, the light emitting device 200 and the imaging device 300 are attached to the door mirror 30 in this order from the closest to the vehicle body 20.

[0021] In this embodiment, the vehicle 10 is provided with a light-emitting device 200 and an imaging device 300 on each of the door mirrors 30 located on both sides of the vehicle body 20 (both sides in the Y-axis direction), but the light-emitting device 200 and the imaging device 300 may be provided on only one of the door mirrors 30.

[0022] Further, the door mirror 30 has an imaging device 300 and a light emitting device 300 attached thereto in this order from the side closest to the vehicle body 20 .

[0023] The light source unit 100 is an optical unit that emits light toward a road surface located around the vehicle 10 and detects the light reflected by the road surface. In other words, the light source unit 100 emits light toward the road surface to capture an image of the road surface.

[0024] The light source unit 100 includes a light emitting device 200 and an imaging device 300 .

[0025] The light emitting device 200 and the imaging device 300 included in the light source unit 100 are arranged, for example, on the outer surface of the vehicle 10. Specifically, the light emitting device 200 is attached to the vehicle 10 at a position where, when emitting light downward, the light can be irradiated onto the road surface around the vehicle 10. In this embodiment, the light source unit 100 is arranged in the door mirror 30.

[0026] The term "exterior surface" refers not only to the exterior surface of the vehicle body 20 but also to the exterior surfaces of components attached to the vehicle body 20, such as the exterior surfaces of the side or bottom surfaces of the door mirrors 30, or the exterior surfaces of the doors of the vehicle 10. Furthermore, "vehicle 10 having light emitting device 200 and imaging device 300 on its exterior surface" refers not only to the case where light emitting device 200 and imaging device 300 are arranged on the exterior surface, but also to the case where they are arranged near the exterior surface and inside the vehicle 10.

[0027] The light emitting device 200 is a light source unit supported on the vehicle 10 (more specifically, on a door mirror 30 of the vehicle 10) alongside an imaging device 300 that detects light emitted by the light emitting device 200.

[0028] The light emitting device 200 is attached to the vehicle 10 together with the imaging device 300, and emits light onto the road surface. In this embodiment, the light emitting device 200 emits near-infrared light.

[0029] The near-infrared light emitted by the light emitting device 200 is, for example, light with a wavelength band of 800 nm or more. The near-infrared light emitted by the light emitting device 200 may have a wavelength band of 910 nm to 970 nm. The intensity of sunlight with a wavelength of about 940 nm is weaker than that of other wavelength bands. Therefore, if the wavelength band of the near-infrared light emitted by the light emitting device 200 is 940±30 nm, the road surface can be accurately imaged by the imaging device 300 even if the light detection wavelength of the imaging device 300 is about 940 nm.

[0030] In this embodiment, the light emitting device 200 is attached to the door mirror 30. Specifically, the light emitting device 200 is attached below the door mirror 30.

[0031] In this embodiment, the light emitting device 200 is attached to the door mirror 30 so that the optical axis of the emitted light (the dashed line in FIG. 2) is in the vertical direction as shown in FIG. 2, which will be described later, but the light emitting device 200 may also be attached to the vehicle 10 (e.g., the vehicle body 20 and / or the door mirror 30) so that the optical axis of the emitted light is inclined with respect to the vertical direction (more specifically, the normal direction of the road surface on which the vehicle 10 is located). For example, the light emitting device 200 may be attached to the door mirror 30 so that the optical axis is inclined by about 10° to 20° with respect to the vertical direction and emits light in the direction opposite to the vehicle body 20.

[0032] In addition, in this embodiment, light emitting device 200 emits light toward the road surface located to the side of vehicle 10, but light may also be emitted toward the road surface in the area in front of and / or behind vehicle 10.

[0033] The light emitting device 200 is arranged on the door mirror 30 so as not to emit light at least above the horizontal direction, for example.

[0034] The light emitting device 200 may be disposed vertically below the imaging device 300. By disposing the light emitting device 200 on the vehicle 10 so that it emits light downward, it is possible to prevent the light from the light emitting device 200 from being directly incident on the imaging device 300.

[0035] The imaging device 300 is a camera that captures an image of the road surface. Specifically, the imaging device 300 detects light emitted from the light-emitting device 200 and reflected by the road surface. That is, specifically, the imaging device 300 is attached to the door mirror 30 so as to be able to detect the light emitted from the light-emitting device 200 and reflected by the road surface. The imaging device 300 generates an image of the road surface by detecting the light reflected by the road surface around the vehicle 10. As described above, the light-emitting device 200 is, for example, a near-infrared light source that emits near-infrared light, and the imaging device 300 detects the near-infrared light emitted from the light-emitting device 200, specifically, the near-infrared light emitted from the light-emitting device 200 and reflected by the road surface.

[0036] The imaging device 300 includes an imaging element such as a charge coupled device (CCD) image sensor or a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor.

[0037] In the present embodiment, the vehicle body 20, the light emitting device 200, and the imaging device 300 are arranged side by side in this order. The vehicle body 20, the imaging device 300, and the light emitting device 200 may also be arranged side by side in this order.

[0038] Furthermore, the imaging device 300 may be located on the opposite side of the light emitting device 200 from the direction in which the light emitting device 200 emits light (downward, in the negative Z-axis direction, in this embodiment). That is, the imaging device 300 may be located above the light emitting device 200. In this embodiment, the imaging device 300 is located above the light emitting device 200.

[0039] This prevents light emitted from the light emitting device 200 from being directly incident on the imaging device 300 without being reflected by the road surface.

[0040] Furthermore, the light source unit 100 may include a light-shielding portion that is located between the imaging device 300 and the light-emitting device 200 and that blocks the light emitted by the light-emitting device 200. The light-shielding portion only needs to have a function of blocking the light, and may be reflective to the light or absorptive to the light.

[0041] The vehicle 10 may also be provided with a control device that controls the light emitting device 200 and the imaging device 300. The control device, for example, controls the timing of light emission by the light emitting device 200 to coincide with the timing of image capture by the imaging device 300. In other words, the control device controls the light emitting device 200 and the imaging device 300 in synchronization with each other so that the imaging device 300 can appropriately detect light that is emitted by the light emitting device 200 and reflected by the road surface. The control device, for example, controls the light emitting device 200 with pulse with modulation (PWM) (PWM lighting) in synchronization with the imaging device 300.

[0042] The control device is realized, for example, by an interface to which control lines for controlling the light emitting device 200 and the imaging device 300 are connected, a non-volatile memory in which a program is stored, a volatile memory which is a temporary storage area for executing the program, and a processor which executes the program.

[0043] <Light-emitting device> Next, a specific configuration of the light emitting device 200 will be described.

[0044] Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a light emitting device 200 according to an embodiment. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing a cross section of the light emitting device 200 and the imaging device 300 arranged on the door mirror 30 located on the right side when the vehicle 10 is viewed from the front.

[0045] The light emitting device 200 includes a lid portion 210 , a terminal portion 213 , a packing 214 , a heat sink 215 , a heat dissipation sheet 216 , a cushioning material 217 , a light source 220 , a lens 230 , a substrate 240 , and a light-transmitting cover 250 .

[0046] The lid portion 210 is a lid body for attaching the light emitting device 200 to the door mirror 30. The lid portion 210 is formed with an attachment portion 211, and the attachment portion 211 is formed with a screw hole for attaching, for example, a screw 212. The light emitting device 200 is attached to the door mirror 30 by threading the screw 212 into the attachment portion 211. The material of the lid portion 210 is not particularly limited, but for example, a resin material such as PBT (Polybutyleneterephtalate) or polycarbonate, or a metal material, etc., is used.

[0047] The terminal section 213 is a terminal for supplying power supplied from an external power supply (not shown) to the light source 220. The terminal section 213 and the light source 220 are electrically connected by metal wiring (not shown) or the like.

[0048] The packing 214 is a buffer material located between the lens 230 and the heat sink 215. The packing 214 is made of, for example, a resin material having elasticity, such as rubber.

[0049] The heat sink 215 is disposed on a back surface 242 of the substrate 240, which is the surface opposite to a main surface 241 on which the light source 220 is disposed, and is a heat dissipation member for dissipating heat generated by the light source 220. In this embodiment, the heat sink 215 is supported by the lid 210. For example, aluminum metal or stainless steel, which has high thermal conductivity, is used for the heat sink 215. The substrate 240 is placed on the heat sink 215 with a heat dissipation sheet 216 interposed therebetween.

[0050] Heat dissipation sheet 216 is a sheet-like member that facilitates the dissipation of heat generated by light source 220 from substrate 240 to heat sink 215. There are no particular limitations on the material used for heat dissipation sheet 216, and for example, a resin material may be used. Furthermore, heat dissipation sheet 216 may have electrical insulation properties.

[0051] The buffer material 217 is a member disposed between the door mirror 30 and the lens 230. The buffer material 217 is, for example, a member having elasticity such as sponge.

[0052] Light source 220 is a light source that emits light. Light source 220 emits, for example, near-infrared light. Light source 220 has, for example, a solid-state semiconductor light source such as an LED (Light Emitting Diode) and a lens that covers the solid-state semiconductor light source.

[0053] Lens 230 is an optical member that receives light emitted by light source 220 and emits the received light. Specifically, lens 230 is a projection lens that is disposed so as to cover the area below light source 220, receives light emitted by light source 220, controls the light distribution of the received light, and emits the light toward the road surface. Lens 230 (more specifically, the base material of lens 230) is formed, for example, from a translucent glass material or a transparent resin material such as acrylic or polycarbonate. In this embodiment, the lens 230 is mounted (placed) on substrate 240 so that the optical axis of the light emitted by light source 220 and the optical axis of lens 230 are aligned. Lens 230 is attached, for example, to a main surface 241 of substrate 240 with an adhesive or the like.

[0054] The structure of the lens 230 will be described in detail later.

[0055] The substrate 240 is a substrate on which the light source 220 is mounted. The substrate 240 is disposed so that a main surface 241 on which the light source 220 is mounted is in contact with the lens 230. The material of the substrate 240 is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, a metal substrate, a ceramic substrate, or a resin substrate. The substrate 240 may be a flexible substrate or a rigid substrate.

[0056] The light-emitting device 200 may be attached to the door mirror 30 so that the optical axis of the light emitted by the light source 220 is parallel to the vertical direction, or may be disposed so that the optical axis of the light emitted by the light source 220 intersects with the vertical direction. The light-emitting device 200 may be disposed, for example, so that the light emitted by the light source 220 is emitted in a direction away from the vehicle body 20.

[0057] The light-transmitting cover 250 is a cover member that covers the lens 230. The light-transmitting cover 250 is translucent to the light emitted by the light source 220 (for example, the property of transmitting 90% or more of the light). In other words, the light emitted from the lens 230 is transmitted through the light-transmitting cover 250.

[0058] In this embodiment, the light-transmitting cover 250 is bowl-shaped and protrudes downward and is open at the top. The light source 220, the lens 230, and the substrate 240 are housed in the light-transmitting cover 250. The top of the light-transmitting cover 250 is closed by the lid 210. The light-transmitting cover 250 (more specifically, the base material of the light-transmitting cover 250) is formed of, for example, a light-transmitting glass material or a transparent resin material such as acrylic or polycarbonate.

[0059] In this embodiment, the shape of the light-transmitting cover 250 is a convex shape that protrudes downward, but this is not particularly limited, and it may be, for example, a flat shape.

[0060] The light-transmitting cover 250 may have a so-called lens function that refracts incident light. The radius of curvature of the light-transmitting cover 250 (for example, the radius of curvature of the inner surface of the light-transmitting cover 250 and the radius of curvature of the outer surface of the light-transmitting cover 250) may be set arbitrarily. For example, the radius of curvature of the inner surface and the outer surface of the light-transmitting cover 250 may each be 10 m or less.

[0061] <Lens> Next, the specific structure of the lens 230 will be described.

[0062] Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of light emitting device 200 according to the embodiment. Of the multiple components included in light emitting device 200, Fig. 3 shows an enlarged view of light source 220, lens 230, substrate 240, and light-transmitting cover 250. In Fig. 3, light emitted from light source 220 is indicated by dashed arrows.

[0063] The lens 230 includes a bowl-shaped portion 233 and a convex portion 234 that is formed integrally with the bowl-shaped portion 233 and that protrudes from the bowl-shaped portion 233 on the side opposite to the light source 220 .

[0064] Bowl-shaped portion 233 has incident surface 231 onto which light emitted from light source 220 is incident, and has a shape that widens as it moves away from light source 220. Bowl-shaped portion 233 also has second total reflection surface 236, which is a surface (i.e., a side surface) located in a direction intersecting the optical axis of the light emitted from light source 220, and which totally reflects the light incident on incident surface 231. In other words, of the light emitted from light source 220 and incident on incident surface 231, the light heading toward second total reflection surface 236 is totally reflected by the second total reflection surface.

[0065] In this embodiment, the incident surface 231 has a recessed shape on the side opposite to the light source 220 .

[0066] Convex portion 234 has exit surface 232 from which light incident on incident surface 231 is emitted, and has a shape that protrudes in a direction away from light source 220. Convex portion 234 also has first total reflection surface 235, which is at least a part of exit surface 232 and which totally reflects light incident on incident surface 231. For example, light source 220 and lens 230 are arranged so that the apex of convex portion 234 overlaps with the optical axis of light emitted by light source 220.

[0067] Emission surface 232 is made up of, for example, a surface of bowl-shaped portion 233 located on the opposite side to light source 220 and first total reflection surface 235 .

[0068] Here, the light emitting device 200 is provided with a dimming section (first dimming section) that reduces at least a portion of the light incident on the lens 230 that is emitted toward the vehicle body 20 located in a direction that intersects with the optical axis of the light emitted by the light source 220 (in this embodiment, the negative Y-axis direction as viewed from the light source 220).

[0069] In this embodiment, light emitting device 200 includes recess 237 as a first attenuation section. Recess 237 attenuates at least a portion of the light emitted from lens 230 toward vehicle body 20.

[0070] The recess 237 is a recess provided in the incident surface 231. For example, the recess 237 is provided on the side of the incident surface 231 opposite to the vehicle body 20 when viewed from the light source 220 (in other words, when viewed from the optical axis). By providing the recess 237, the lens 230 becomes a non-rotating body.

[0071] Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating how light travels in light emitting device 200A according to a comparative example. The cross section of light emitting device 200A shown in Fig. 4 is taken at a position corresponding to the cross section of light emitting device 200 shown in Fig. 3. In Fig. 4, the light emitted from light source 220 is indicated by dashed arrows. The direction of emission of light from light source 220 shown in Fig. 3 is the same as the direction of emission of light from light source 220 shown in Fig. 4.

[0072] The light emitting device 200A includes a lens 230A having a different shape from the lens 230 included in the light emitting device 200.

[0073] Unlike lens 230, lens 230A does not have recess 237. Lens 230A is a body of revolution about the optical axis of lens 230A (in this embodiment, the optical axis of light emitted by light source 220).

[0074] In the light emitting device 200A using such a lens 230A and light source 220, for example, as shown in FIG. 4, light that is incident on the incident surface 231 and further reflected by the first total reflection surface 235 may be directed toward the vehicle body 20.

[0075] 3, lens 230 is provided with recess 237, and therefore, unlike the light traveling direction shown in FIG. 4, light incident on incident surface 231 (more specifically, recess 237) travels toward second total reflection surface 236. Furthermore, the light reflected by second total reflection surface 236 is emitted from lens 230 in the direction opposite to vehicle body 20.

[0076] In this way, for example, first attenuation section (recess 237 in this embodiment) is provided in the optical path of light that is emitted from light source 220 and passes through first total reflection surface 235 when light emitting device 200 does not have a first attenuation section. In this embodiment, recess 237 is provided in the optical path of light that is emitted from light source 220 and passes through first total reflection surface 235 when light emitting device 200 does not have a first attenuation section.

[0077] As a result, even if a lens such as a collimator lens has a total reflection surface such as first total reflection surface 235, the light emitted from the lens is prevented from traveling toward vehicle 10.

[0078] The size, groove depth, shape, etc. of the recess 237 may be set arbitrarily so that the light from the light source 220 is not directed toward the vehicle body 20, and are not particularly limited.

[0079] Here, light reduction means that, for example, compared to when no light reduction section is provided, the light quantity per unit area (for example, light energy or luminous flux) of light emitted from lens 230 and directed toward vehicle body 20 is reduced due to diffusion (scattering), refraction, reflection, and / or absorption. In the present embodiment, recess 237 refracts light in a direction different from when recess 237 is not provided, thereby reducing the light quantity per unit area of ​​light emitted from lens 230 and directed toward vehicle body 20.

[0080] [Variations] Next, modified examples of the light emitting device will be described with reference to Figures 5 and 6. Note that the modified examples of the light emitting device described below will be described mainly focusing on the differences from the above-described light emitting device, and descriptions of the same configurations as the above-described light emitting device may be omitted or simplified. Furthermore, the cross section of the light emitting device shown in Figures 5 and 6 is a cross section at a position corresponding to the cross section of the light emitting device 200 shown in Figure 3. Furthermore, in Figures 5 and 6, the light emitted from the light source is indicated by dashed arrows. Furthermore, the emission direction of light from the light source 220 shown in Figure 3 is the same as the emission direction of light from the light source shown in Figures 5 and 6.

[0081] <Variation 1> FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a light emitting device 200B according to the first modification.

[0082] The light emitting device 200B includes a lens 230B having a different shape from the lens 230 included in the light emitting device 200.

[0083] Lens 230B includes a recess 238. In this modification, light emitting device 200B includes recess 238 as a first attenuation section. Recess 238 attenuates at least a portion of the light emitted from lens 230B toward vehicle body 20.

[0084] Recess 238 is a recess provided in first total reflection surface 235. For example, recess 238 is provided on the opposite side of first total reflection surface 235 from vehicle body 20 when viewed from light source 220 (in other words, when viewed from the optical axis). By providing recess 238, lens 230B becomes a non-rotating body.

[0085] The size, groove depth, shape, etc. of the recess 238 may be set arbitrarily so that the light from the light source 220 is not directed toward the vehicle body 20, and are not particularly limited.

[0086] <Variation 2> FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a light emitting device according to the second modification.

[0087] The light emitting device 200C includes a lens that is the same as the lens 230A included in the light emitting device 200A. The light emitting device 200C also includes a light-transmitting cover 250A that has a different shape from the light-transmitting cover 250 included in the light emitting device 200.

[0088] The light-transmitting cover 250A includes an uneven portion 251. In this modification, the light emitting device 200C includes the uneven portion 251 as a first light attenuation portion. The uneven portion 251 attenuates at least a portion of the light that is emitted toward the vehicle body 20 from the light that is emitted from the lens 230A.

[0089] In this way, the light-reducing portion may be provided on the light-transmitting cover.

[0090] The light-reducing portion, i.e., the uneven portion 251, may be provided at any position on the light-transmitting cover 250A. For example, the uneven portion 251 is provided on the vehicle body 20 side of the light-transmitting cover 250A when viewed from the light source 220 (in other words, when viewed from the optical axis). Furthermore, for example, the uneven portion 251 is provided on the first surface 252 of the light-transmitting cover 250A, which has a first surface 252 onto which light emitted from the lens 230A is incident, and a second surface 253 from which the light is emitted from the light-transmitting cover 250A.

[0091] In this modification, the uneven portion 251 is realized by two protrusions and a recess located between the two protrusions. The number of protrusions and recesses included in the uneven portion 251 may be arbitrary. For example, the uneven portion may be realized by only one protrusion or only one recess.

[0092] Furthermore, the size, groove depth, shape, etc. of the uneven portion 251 may be set arbitrarily so that the light from the light source 220 is not directed toward the vehicle body 20, and are not particularly limited.

[0093] Furthermore, the light-emitting device according to the present invention may include any combination of the above-described lenses and translucent covers. For example, the light-emitting device may include lens 230 or lens 230B and translucent cover 250A. The lens may also include recesses 237 and 238. Thus, for example, the lens may include a first light-reducing portion such as recesses 237 and / or 238, and the translucent cover may include a second light-reducing portion such as concave-convex portion 251 that reduces at least a portion of the light emitted from the lens toward vehicle body 20. In other words, concave-convex portion 251 may be an example of the first light-reducing portion or the second light-reducing portion. The second light-reducing portion, i.e., concave-convex portion 251, is provided on, for example, first surface 252 of translucent cover 250A, where light emitted from lens 230 or 230B is incident, and second surface 253 where the light is emitted from translucent cover 250A.

[0094] For example, second attenuation section (uneven section 251 in this modification) is provided on the optical path of light that is emitted from light source 220 and passes through first total reflection surface 235 when light emitting device 200 does not have a second attenuation section. In this modification, uneven section 251 is provided on the optical path of light that is emitted from light source 220 and passes through first total reflection surface 235 when light emitting device 200 does not have a second attenuation section.

[0095] [Effects, etc.] Hereinafter, examples of inventions that can be obtained from the disclosure of this specification will be given, and the effects and the like that can be obtained from the exemplified inventions will be explained.

[0096] Invention 1 is a light emitting device supported on a support alongside an imaging device 300 that detects light emitted by the light emitting device, the light emitting device comprising: a light source 220; (i) a lens having an incident surface 231 into which light emitted by the light source 220 is incident and a bowl-shaped portion 233 that widens as it moves away from the light source 220; and (ii) an exit surface 232 from which light incident on the incident surface 231 is emitted and a convex portion 234 that protrudes in a direction away from the light source 220, wherein the convex portion 234 is formed on at least one side of the exit surface 232. the bowl-shaped portion 233 is a surface located in a direction intersecting the optical axis of the light emitted from the light source 220 and has a first total reflection surface 235 that totally reflects the light that has been incident on the incident surface 231, and the bowl-shaped portion 233 is a surface located in a direction intersecting the optical axis of the light emitted from the light source 220 and has a second total reflection surface 236 that totally reflects the light that has been incident on the incident surface 231; and the light-emitting device is a light-emitting device comprising a first light-attenuating portion that attenuates at least a part of the light that is emitted towards the support that is located in a direction intersecting the optical axis of the light emitted by the light source 220, out of the light that is incident on the lens.

[0097] The light emitting device is, for example, light emitting device 200, 200B, or 200C. The lens is, for example, 230, 230B, or 230C. The support is, for example, vehicle 10. More specifically, light emitting device 200 is supported (placed) alongside imaging device 300 on the side of the first support by door mirror 30, which is an example of a second support supported by vehicle body 20 provided on vehicle 10, which is an example of a first support. Specifically, the first light attenuation section attenuates at least a portion of light directed toward the first support (for example, vehicle body 20). The first light attenuation section is, for example, recessed portion 237, 238, or uneven portion 251.

[0098] As a result of extensive research, the inventors of the present application have found that halation occurs due to the influence of light when light emitted from a light emitting device is reflected once by a support and then enters imaging device 300. Therefore, according to the light emitting device of invention 1, even if a light emitting device uses a lens having first total reflection surface 235 and second total reflection surface 236, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of halation in images generated by imaging device 300.

[0099] The support may be a telegraph pole, etc. For example, the first support may be a columnar member such as a telegraph pole that supports the second support laterally of the first support, and the second support may be a support that supports the light source unit and may be a street light (lighting fixture) attached to the telegraph pole.

[0100] Invention 2 is the light emitting device according to Invention 1, in which the first dimming section is provided in the optical path of light emitted from the light source 220 that passes through the first total reflection surface 235 when the light emitting device does not have the first dimming section.

[0101] This effectively suppresses the occurrence of halation in an imaging device 300 that detects light emitted from a light-emitting device that uses a lens having a first total reflection surface 235 that reflects a portion of the light from the light source 220 and directs it toward the vehicle 10.

[0102] A third aspect of the present invention is the light emitting device according to the first or second aspect of the present invention, wherein the first attenuation section is provided on the incident surface 231.

[0103] The light emitting device according to the third aspect of the present invention is, for example, the light emitting device 200.

[0104] According to this, the light is attenuated when it enters the lens, and therefore, compared to, for example, a case where the light emitted from the lens is attenuated, it is possible to more reliably control the light using the first attenuation section.

[0105] Invention 4 is the light emitting device according to Invention 3, wherein the first light attenuation portion is a recess 237 provided on the incident surface 231.

[0106] This allows the first attenuation portion to be formed easily.

[0107] The first light attenuation section may have a structure formed by embossing, vapor deposition, two-color molding, insert molding, or laser irradiation. These structures may attenuate the light directed toward the support.

[0108] A fifth aspect of the present invention is the light emitting device according to the first or second aspect of the present invention, wherein the first attenuation section is provided on first total reflection surface 235.

[0109] The light emitting device according to the fifth aspect of the invention is, for example, the light emitting device 200B.

[0110] According to this, compared to when the first attenuation section is formed at a location other than the first total reflection surface 235, since the first attenuation section is provided directly on the first total reflection surface 235, it is possible to more reliably control the light incident on the first attenuation section.

[0111] A sixth aspect of the present invention is the light emitting device according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, wherein the first attenuation portion is a recess 238 provided in the first total reflection surface 235 .

[0112] This makes it possible to form the first light-reducing portion on the lens more easily than by texturing or the like.

[0113] Invention 7 is the light emitting device according to Invention 1 or 2, further comprising a light-transmitting cover through which the light emitted from the lens passes.

[0114] The light emitting device according to the seventh aspect of the invention is, for example, the light emitting device 200C, and the light-transmitting cover according to the seventh aspect of the invention is, for example, the light-transmitting cover 250 or 250A.

[0115] This allows the lens to be protected from external debris by the light-transmitting cover.

[0116] Invention 8 is the light-emitting device according to Invention 7, wherein the translucent cover has a first light-reducing section, and the first light-reducing section reduces at least a portion of the light emitted from the lens toward the support.

[0117] The light-transmitting cover according to the eighth aspect of the invention is light-transmitting cover 250A, and the first light-attenuating portion according to the eighth aspect of the invention is uneven portion 251. In this case, the lens provided in the light-emitting device may be lens 230A.

[0118] With this, even if the lens is made as a rotating body with the optical axis of the lens as an axis, the light directed toward the support can be attenuated by the light-transmitting cover. Therefore, the lens can be easily made and the light directed toward the support can be attenuated.

[0119] Invention 9 is the light-emitting device according to Invention 8, in which the first dimming section is provided on the first surface 252 of the translucent cover, where the light emitted from the lens is incident, and the second surface 253 where the light is emitted from the translucent cover.

[0120] This can prevent the first light attenuation section from being damaged by debris flying from the outside.

[0121] Invention 10 is the light-emitting device according to Invention 7, in which the lens has a first light-reducing section, and the translucent cover has a second light-reducing section that reduces at least a portion of the light emitted from the lens toward the support.

[0122] The lens according to the tenth invention is lens 230 or lens 230B, the first attenuation portion according to the tenth invention is recessed portion 237 or 238, and the second attenuation portion according to the tenth invention is uneven portion 251. In this way, the components of the light emitting device according to the present invention may be realized in any combination.

[0123] According to this, since the light-reducing portions are provided at a plurality of locations, the light directed toward the support can be more reliably reduced.

[0124] Invention 11 is a light-emitting device according to Invention 10, in which the second light-reducing section is provided on the first surface 252 of the translucent cover, where the light emitted from the lens is incident, and the second surface 253 where the light is emitted from the translucent cover.

[0125] This can prevent the first attenuation section from being damaged by external force or the like.

[0126] A twelfth aspect of the present invention is a light source unit including the light emitting device according to any one of the first to eleventh aspects of the present invention and an imaging device 300.

[0127] The light source unit is, for example, light source unit 100 having a light emitting device 200 and an imaging device 300, but it may also be, for example, a light source unit having a light emitting device 200B and an imaging device 300, or a light source unit having a light emitting device 200C and an imaging device 300, as long as it is realized using the light emitting device of the present invention.

[0128] This provides the same effects as the above-described light emitting device.

[0129] A thirteenth aspect of the present invention is a vehicle including the light source unit according to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, the light source unit being a support.

[0130] The vehicle is, for example, a vehicle 10 equipped with a light source unit 100.

[0131] The vehicle may be a vehicle equipped with a light source unit having light-emitting device 200B and imaging device 300, or a vehicle equipped with a light source unit having light-emitting device 200C and imaging device 300, as long as it is a vehicle equipped with a light source unit having a light-emitting device and imaging device 300 according to the present invention.

[0132] This provides the same effects as the above-described light emitting device.

[0133] In the fourteenth aspect, the light emitting device and the imaging device 300 can be easily arranged in the vehicle so as to achieve the same effect as the light emitting device described above.

[0134] (Other embodiments) Although the light emitting devices according to the embodiments and modifications have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and modifications.

[0135] For example, although an LED is exemplified as a solid-state light-emitting element included in the light source, a semiconductor light-emitting element such as a semiconductor laser, or a solid-state light-emitting element such as an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) element or an inorganic EL element may also be used.

[0136] Furthermore, for example, the light source may be realized as an LED module with an SMD (Surface Mount Device) structure, or may be an LED module with a so-called COB (Chip On Board) structure in which an LED chip is directly mounted on a substrate.

[0137] The thickness of the lens is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, 0.5 mm or more at the thinnest part, which improves the moldability of the lens.

[0138] Furthermore, the light-reducing portion (first light-reducing portion and / or second light-reducing portion) may not be a concave portion and / or a concave-convex portion, but may be a structure formed by, for example, embossing, vapor deposition, two-color molding, insert molding, or laser irradiation.

[0139] For example, the light-reducing portion may be formed by embossing the lens and / or the light-transmitting cover to form irregularities on the surface of the lens and / or the light-transmitting cover, which causes the light-reducing portion to reduce light by diffusing (scattering) the light.

[0140] Alternatively, the light-reducing portion may be formed by, for example, forming a thin film such as a metal film on the surface of the lens and / or the light-transmitting cover by vapor deposition, which causes the light-reducing portion to absorb or reflect light.

[0141] Furthermore, for example, the light-attenuating section may be formed by forming a portion that absorbs, reflects, or diffuses light on the surface and / or inside of the lens and / or the light-transmitting cover through two-color molding, thereby causing the light-attenuating section to attenuate light by absorbing, reflecting, or diffusing light.

[0142] Furthermore, for example, the light-attenuating portion may be formed by irradiating the lens and / or translucent cover with a laser, thereby coloring the surface and / or interior of the lens and / or translucent cover and forming a light-absorbing portion. As a result, the light-attenuating portion attenuates light by absorbing it. Alternatively, for example, the light-attenuating portion may be formed by irradiating the lens and / or translucent cover with a laser, thereby roughening the surface of the lens and / or translucent cover. As a result, the light-attenuating portion attenuates light by scattering it.

[0143] Furthermore, the light-reducing section may be realized by any combination of these configurations.

[0144] Furthermore, for example, the light-emitting device may be disposed on a door mirror or on an outer surface of the vehicle body such as an overhanging surface, as long as it can irradiate light onto the road surface around the vehicle. The overhanging surface is, for example, a lower portion of the vehicle body that is inclined with respect to the vertical direction. The imaging device may be disposed in the same manner as the light-emitting device.

[0145] Furthermore, the light source unit may include one imaging device or multiple imaging devices.

[0146] Furthermore, for example, each component of a processing unit included in a control device that controls a light emitting device and an imaging device may be configured with hardware such as a dedicated circuit, or may be realized by executing a software program suitable for each component. Each component may be realized by a program execution unit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a processor reading and executing a software program recorded on a non-transitory recording medium such as a hard disk or semiconductor memory.

[0147] In addition, the present invention also includes forms obtained by applying various modifications to each embodiment and modification that a person skilled in the art would think of, or forms realized by arbitrarily combining the components and functions of each embodiment and modification within the scope that does not deviate from the spirit of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0148] 10 vehicles 20 Body 30 Door mirror 100 Light Source Unit 200, 200A, 200B, 200C Light-emitting device 220 light source 230, 230A, 230B lenses 231 Incidence plane 232 Exit surface 233 Bowl-shaped part 234 Convex 235 1st total reflection surface 236 2nd total reflection surface 237, 238 recess 250, 250A light-transmitting cover 251 Uneven part 252 Page 1 253 2nd page 300 Imaging device

Claims

1. A light emitting device supported on a support alongside an imaging device that detects light emitted by the light emitting device, A light source and (i) a bowl-shaped portion having an incident surface onto which light emitted from the light source is incident, the bowl-shaped portion widening as it moves away from the light source; and (ii) a lens having an exit surface from which light incident on the incident surface is emitted, the lens having a convex portion protruding in a direction away from the light source, the convex portion has a first total reflection surface that is at least a part of the light exit surface and that totally reflects the light that has entered the light entrance surface, the bowl-shaped portion has a second total reflection surface that is located in a direction intersecting an optical axis of the light emitted from the light source and that totally reflects the light that is incident on the incident surface, the light emitting device includes a first attenuation unit that attenuates at least a portion of light that is emitted toward the support body located in a direction intersecting an optical axis of the light emitted from the light source, from the light that is incident on the lens; the first attenuation portion is a recess, the recess is provided on at least one of the entrance surface and the first total reflection surface so as to be asymmetric with respect to the optical axis; Light-emitting device.

2. the first attenuation unit is provided in an optical path of light that is emitted from the light source and passes through the first total reflection surface when the light emitting device does not include the first attenuation unit; The light emitting device according to claim 1 .

3. The first attenuation unit is provided on the incident surface. The light emitting device according to claim 1 .

4. the first attenuation portion is provided on the first total reflection surface, The light emitting device according to claim 1 .

5. Further, a light-transmitting cover is provided through which the light emitted from the lens is transmitted. The light emitting device according to claim 1 .

6. the light-transmitting cover includes the first light-reducing portion, the first attenuation unit attenuates at least a portion of light emitted from the lens toward the support body; The light emitting device according to claim 5 .

7. The first light attenuating unit is provided on a first surface of the light-transmitting cover, the first surface being incident on the light emitted from the lens and the second surface being the light-transmitting cover. The light emitting device according to claim 6 .

8. the lens includes the first attenuation section, The light-transmitting cover includes a second light-attenuating section that attenuates at least a portion of the light emitted from the lens toward the support body. The light emitting device according to claim 5 .

9. The second light attenuating unit is provided on a first surface of the light-transmitting cover, the first surface being incident on the light emitted from the lens, and a second surface from which the light is emitted from the light-transmitting cover. The light emitting device according to claim 8 .

10. The light emitting device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, The imaging device, Light source unit.

11. The light source unit according to claim 10 is provided as the support. vehicle.

12. A door mirror in which the light source unit is disposed, 12. The vehicle of claim 11.

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