Drawing lamps

Abstract

To provide a structure capable of efficiently forming a reversed V-shaped drawing light distribution pattern, in a drawing lighting fixture configured to form a drawing light distribution pattern.SOLUTION: Emission light from a first light-emitting element 20A is radiated toward a lighting fixture front side through a light-shielding plate 40 and a projection lens 30. Then, between a first light-emitting element 20A and the light-shielding plate 40, a first condenser lens 52A is disposed, which condenses the emission light from the first light-emitting element 20A toward a first opening portion 40Aa formed on the light-shielding plate 40. At that time, the first condenser lens 52A is formed so as to extend in a V-shape with a positional relationship overlapped with the first opening portion 40Aa in front view of the lighting fixture. Therefore, without enlarging the first condenser lens 52A, the emission light from the first light-emitting element 20A is caused to be efficiently incident in the first opening portion 40Aa. Thereby, a drawing light distribution pattern can be formed with generally uniform brightness.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a drawing lamp configured to form a light distribution pattern for drawing.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as a drawing lamp for forming a light distribution pattern for drawing (that is, a light distribution pattern for drawing characters, symbols, etc. on the road surface in front of the lamp), there is known one configured to irradiate the emitted light from a light emitting element forward of the lamp through a projection lens.

[0003] In such a drawing lamp, a light shielding plate for shielding a part of the light traveling from the light emitting element toward the projection lens is disposed between the light emitting element and the projection lens, and the drawing light distribution pattern is formed by projecting the opening shape of the opening formed in the light shielding plate by the projection lens.

[0004] In "Patent Document 1", as a configuration of a light shielding plate in an in-vehicle drawing lamp, there is described one in which an opening having a V-shaped opening shape is formed.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] By forming a drawing light distribution pattern with the irradiation light from an in-vehicle drawing lamp, it is possible to display the intention of one's own vehicle to the surroundings during night-time vehicle driving, etc., and thereby it is possible to prompt other vehicles, pedestrians, etc. to pay attention.

[0007] In this case, if the opening formed in the light shielding plate is set to a V-shape, as in the drawing light fixture described in "Patent Document 1" above, an inverted V-shape (i.e., a pointed shape towards the front of the light fixture) drawing light distribution pattern is formed, which enhances the effect of attracting attention to the surroundings. However, when the opening has a V-shape, it is not easy to form a uniform brightness across the entire drawing light distribution pattern.

[0008] In contrast, by placing a condensing lens between the light-emitting element and the light-shielding plate, as in the drawing light fixture described in "Patent Document 1" above, and focusing the light emitted from the light-emitting element toward the opening, it becomes possible to make the brightness of the drawing light distribution pattern uniform.

[0009] However, in the drawing light fixture described in "Patent Document 1" above, in order to concentrate the light emitted from the light-emitting element toward an opening having a V-shaped aperture, the focusing lens must be large.

[0010] The present invention has been made in view of these circumstances, and aims to provide a drawing light fixture configured to form a drawing light distribution pattern that can efficiently form an inverted V-shaped drawing light distribution pattern. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] The present invention aims to achieve the above objective by modifying the configuration of the light-gathering lens.

[0012] In other words, the drawing light fixture according to the present invention is In a drawing light fixture configured to form a drawing light distribution pattern by irradiating light emitted from a light-emitting element towards the front of the light fixture through a projection lens, A light-shielding plate is placed between the light-emitting element and the projection lens to block a portion of the light directed from the light-emitting element to the projection lens. The above light-shielding plate has an opening with a V-shaped opening, A focusing lens is positioned between the light-emitting element and the light-shielding plate to concentrate the light emitted from the light-emitting element toward the opening. The above-mentioned focusing lens is characterized in that it is formed to extend in a V-shape in a position that overlaps with the above-mentioned opening when viewed from the front of the light fixture.

[0013] The "lighting fixtures for drawing" mentioned above may be vehicle-mounted fixtures or fixtures used for purposes other than vehicle mounting.

[0014] The "light-shielding plate" described above is not particularly limited in its specific arrangement, as long as it is configured to block a portion of the light traveling from the light-emitting element to the projection lens, between the light-emitting element and the projection lens.

[0015] The "opening" described above is not limited in its specific shape, as long as it has a V-shaped opening. In this case, the "V-shaped opening" is formed so that its lower inner periphery extends in a V-shape, but its upper inner periphery does not necessarily have to extend in a V-shape.

[0016] The "concentrating lens" described above is formed to extend in a V-shape, overlapping with the opening of the light-shielding plate when viewed from the front of the luminaire. However, its specific arrangement and shape are not particularly limited, and it does not necessarily have to be positioned in a way that completely overlaps with the opening of the light-shielding plate. [Effects of the Invention]

[0017] The drawing light fixture according to the present invention is configured to form a drawing light distribution pattern by irradiating light emitted from a light-emitting element toward the front of the fixture via a projection lens. A light-shielding plate is placed between the light-emitting element and the projection lens to block a portion of the light directed from the light-emitting element to the projection lens. Since this light-shielding plate has an opening with a V-shaped aperture, an inverted V-shaped drawing light distribution pattern can be formed as its inverted projection image, thereby enhancing the effect of attracting attention to the surroundings.

[0018] Furthermore, a focusing lens is positioned between the light-emitting element and the light-shielding plate to concentrate the light emitted from the light-emitting element towards the opening. This focusing lens is formed to extend in a V-shape, overlapping with the opening when viewed from the front of the luminaire. As a result, the light emitted from the light-emitting element can be efficiently directed into the opening without increasing the size of the focusing lens, thereby creating a nearly uniform brightness across the entire light distribution pattern for drawing.

[0019] Thus, according to the present invention, in a drawing light fixture configured to form a drawing light distribution pattern, an inverted V-shaped drawing light distribution pattern can be efficiently formed.

[0020] In the above configuration, if the light-emitting element is further configured to have a rectangular light-emitting surface, and the light-emitting surface is arranged so that it appears diamond-shaped when viewed from the front of the lamp, the light emitted from the light-emitting element can be incident on the opening even more efficiently.

[0021] In the above configuration, if the light-emitting elements are further arranged in a V-shape at three locations, an inverted V-shaped light distribution pattern for drawing can be formed even brighter and more uniformly.

[0022] Furthermore, if the focusing lens is configured to direct the light emitted from the three light-emitting elements arranged in the above-mentioned locations toward each other, the light emitted from the three light-emitting elements can be efficiently incident on the aperture.

[0023] In the above configuration, if the light shielding plate is further configured such that openings are formed at a plurality of locations with a vertical interval, an inverted V-shaped light distribution pattern for drawing can be formed in a state of being arranged in series toward the front of the lamp.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0024] [Figure 1] Front view showing a drawing lamp according to an embodiment of the present invention [Figure 2] Plan view showing the above drawing lamp [Figure 3] Side view showing the above drawing lamp [Figure 4] Exploded perspective view showing the above drawing lamp disassembled into main components [Figure 5] Cross-sectional view taken along line V-V in FIG. 1 [Figure 6] Cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI in FIG. 1 [Figure 7] Cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII in FIG. 1 [Figure 8] Side view showing the above drawing lamp mounted on a vehicle [Figure 9] Plan view showing the above drawing lamp mounted on a vehicle [Figure 10] Front view showing the first modification of the above embodiment [Figure 11] Front view showing the second modification of the above embodiment [Figure 12] Cross-sectional view taken along line XII-XII in FIG. 11 [Figure 13] Front view showing the third modification of the above embodiment

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

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

[0026] Figure 1 is a front view showing a drawing light fixture 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is a plan view showing the drawing light fixture 10, and Figure 3 is a side view showing the drawing light fixture 10. Furthermore, Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view showing the drawing light fixture 10 broken down into its main components.

[0027] In Figures 1-4, the direction indicated by X is "forward of the lamp," the direction indicated by Y is "leftward" (or "rightward" when viewed from the front of the lamp), which is perpendicular to "forward of the lamp," and the direction indicated by Z is "upward." The same applies to figures other than Figures 1-4.

[0028] Before describing the specific configuration of the drawing light fixture 10 according to this embodiment, an overview will be provided.

[0029] Figures 8 and 9 are a side view and a top view showing the drawing light fixture 10 mounted on the vehicle 100.

[0030] As shown in Figures 8 and 9, the drawing light fixture 10 is mounted on the vehicle width side end of the front end of the vehicle 100 and is configured to emit light diagonally downward toward the outside in the vehicle width direction. At that time, the drawing light fixture 10 lights up in sync with the lighting of the front turn signal lamp (not shown), thereby forming a drawing light distribution pattern PA on the road surface 2 in front of the vehicle. Figure 9 shows the state in which the left drawing light fixture 10 is lit.

[0031] As shown in Figures 8 and 9, when the drawing light fixture 10 is mounted on the vehicle 100, the front of the light fixture is set to be tilted diagonally downward with respect to the vehicle's front-to-back direction. However, as shown in Figures 1 to 4, when the drawing light fixture 10 is a standalone unit, the front of the light fixture is set to face horizontally.

[0032] Next, the specific configuration of the drawing light fixture 10 will be described.

[0033] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view along line VV in Figure 1, Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view along line VI-VI in Figure 1, and Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view along line VII-VII in Figure 1.

[0034] As shown in Figures 5-7, the drawing light fixture 10 is configured to project light emitted from a light-emitting element towards the front of the fixture via a projection lens 30, and is equipped with three first, second, and third light-emitting elements 20A, 20B, and 20C.

[0035] The projection lens 30 is formed integrally with three first, second, and third projection lens sections 32A, 32B, and 32C arranged in the left-right direction. In this configuration, the optical axes Axa, Axb, and Axc of these first, second, and third projection lens sections 32A, 32B, and 32C are all formed so that they extend in the front-rear direction of the lamp at the same height position.

[0036] The first projection lens section 32A, located on the right side (left side when viewed from the front of the light fixture), is a projection lens section for long-distance projection; the second projection lens section 32B, located in the center, is a projection lens section for short-distance projection; and the second projection lens section 32B, located on the left side, is a projection lens section for very close-distance projection.

[0037] The first, second, and third projection lens sections 32A, 32B, and 32C are plano-convex lenses whose front surfaces 32Aa, 32Ba, and 32Ca are convex curved surfaces, and have a rectangular outer shape when viewed from the front of the lamp. The first to third projection lens sections 32A to 32C are integrally formed with their effective lens surfaces (i.e., the front surfaces 32Aa to 32Ca that perform the lens function) adjacent to each other.

[0038] Specifically, the first to third projection lens sections 32A to 32C are formed with the same vertical width, but the horizontal width of the first projection lens section 32A is set to be larger than that of the second and third projection lens sections 32B and 32C, respectively. That is, the first projection lens section 32A has a roughly square external shape when viewed from the front of the luminaire, while the second and third projection lens sections 32B and 32C, respectively, have a vertically elongated rectangular external shape when viewed from the front of the luminaire.

[0039] The first to third projection lens sections 32A to 32C are arranged in this order, displaced in a stepped manner toward the rear of the luminaire. In this arrangement, the rear focal points Fa, Fb, and Fc of the first, second, and second projection lens sections 32A, 32B, and 32C are set to the same position with respect to the front-to-back direction of the luminaire.

[0040] The first to third projection lens sections 32A to 32C are surrounded by an outer peripheral flange section 34 that extends in a stepped manner along its rear surface. A pair of mounting flange sections 36 are formed on both the left and right sides of this outer peripheral flange section 34. These left and right pairs of mounting flange sections 36 have an L-shaped horizontal cross-section with different lengths in the front-to-back direction of the luminaire, and their rear end faces are formed to be located on the same plane perpendicular to the front-to-back direction of the luminaire.

[0041] The first to third light-emitting elements 20A to 20C are all white light-emitting diodes and have a rectangular (specifically square) light-emitting surface 20a.

[0042] The first to third light-emitting elements 20A to 20C are mounted on a common substrate 22, positioned on the rear side of the first to third projection lenses 32A to 32C of the luminaire. This substrate 22 is supported by a heat sink 60, and is positioned to extend along a plane perpendicular to the front-to-back direction of the luminaire.

[0043] Between the first to third light-emitting elements 20A to 20C and the first to third projection lenses 32A to 32C, a light-shielding plate 40 is positioned to block a portion of the light that travels from the first to third light-emitting elements 20A to 20C to the first to third projection lenses 32A to 32C. This light-shielding plate 40 is made up of a thin plate that extends along a plane perpendicular to the front-to-back direction of the light fixture.

[0044] The light shield plate 40 is positioned so that it abuts against the left and right pair of mounting flange portions 36 of the projection lens 30 from the rear side of the luminaire at both of its left and right ends, thereby being positioned along the vertical plane including the rear focal points Fa to Fc of the first to third projection lens portions 32A to 32C.

[0045] In the light shielding plate 40, the first, second, and third projection lenses 32A, 32B, and 32C are formed in the rear-facing portions of the luminaire, with first, second, and third openings 40Aa, 40Ba, and 40Ca formed therein.

[0046] These first to third openings 40Aa to 40Ca all have a V-shaped opening when viewed from the front of the luminaire. The V-shaped opening angle is set to a value of approximately 90 to 150° (for example, approximately 120°).

[0047] The first to third openings 40Aa to 40Ca are such that the second opening 40Ba is located higher than the first opening 40Aa, and the third opening 40Ca is located higher than the second opening 40Ba.

[0048] Specifically, the first aperture 40Aa is formed such that the central lower end of its upper inner edge is located below the optical axis Axa of the first projection lens section 32A; the second aperture 40Ba is formed such that the central lower end of its upper inner edge is located on the optical axis Axb of the second projection lens section 32B; and the third aperture 40Ca is formed such that the central lower end of its upper inner edge is located above the optical axis Axc of the third projection lens section 32C. In this case, the upward displacement Dc of the central lower end of the upper inner edge of the third aperture 40Ca from the optical axis Axc is set to a value greater than Da of the downward displacement Da of the central lower end of the upper inner edge of the first aperture 40Aa from the optical axis Axa (for example, about twice as much).

[0049] The first to third openings 40Aa to 40Ca are formed such that the second opening 40Ba has a larger vertical width than the first opening 40Aa, and the third opening 40Ca has a larger vertical width than the second opening 40Ba.

[0050] Furthermore, the first to third openings 40Aa to 40Ca all have inner edges on both the left and right sides that extend slightly upward in the vertical direction, and the second opening 40Ba is set to be slightly wider in the left and right direction than the first opening 40Aa, and the third opening 40Ca is set to be slightly wider in the left and right direction than the second opening 40Ba.

[0051] The first light-emitting element 20A is positioned below the optical axis Axa of the first projection lens section 32A, the second light-emitting element 20B is positioned on the optical axis Axb of the second projection lens section 32B, and the third light-emitting element 20C is positioned above the optical axis Axc of the third projection lens section 32C.

[0052] Specifically, the first, second, and third light-emitting elements 20A, 20B, and 20C are positioned such that their light-emitting centers are located on the first, second, and third reference axes La, Lb, and Lc, which extend in the front-to-back direction of the light fixture and pass through the central lower end position of the upper inner periphery of the first, second, and third openings 40Aa, 40Ba, and 40Ca of the light-shielding plate 40.

[0053] The first to third light-emitting elements 20A to 20C are connected to an electronic control unit (not shown), and the electronic control unit controls the lights to turn on and off according to the vehicle's driving conditions, etc.

[0054] A light-gathering lens assembly 50 is positioned between the substrate 22 and the light-shielding plate 40.

[0055] The condensing lens assembly 50 has a configuration in which three first, second, and third condensing lenses 52A, 52B, and 52C are arranged in the left-right direction and integrally formed via a plate-like portion. In this configuration, the first, second, and third condensing lenses 52A, 52B, and 52C are positioned on the first, second, and third reference axes La, Lb, and Lc, respectively.

[0056] The first, second, and second condensing lenses 52A, 52B, and 52C are formed to extend in a V-shape, overlapping with the first, second, and third openings 40Aa, 40Ba, and 40Ca of the light shield plate 40 when viewed from the front of the luminaire.

[0057] Specifically, the first condensing lens 52A is formed to surround the first aperture 40Aa all around with a vertical width larger than that of the first aperture 40Aa, and has a roughly heart-shaped external form. The second condensing lens 52B is formed to surround the second aperture 40Ba all around with a vertical width larger than that of the second aperture 40Ba, and has a roughly heart-shaped external form that is slightly larger than that of the first condensing lens 52A. Furthermore, the third condensing lens 52C is formed to surround the third aperture 40Ca all around with a vertical width larger than that of the third aperture 40Ca, and has a roughly heart-shaped external form that is slightly larger than that of the second aperture 40Ba.

[0058] The first, second, and third condensing lenses 52A, 52B, and 52C have their rear surfaces 52Ab, 52Bb, and 52Cb formed in a convex curved shape, while their front surfaces 52Aa, 52Ba, and 52Ca are formed in a convex curved shape with a smaller curvature than the rear surfaces 52Ab, 52Bb, and 52Cb.

[0059] As a result, the first to third condensing lenses 52A to 52C receive the light emitted from the first to third light-emitting elements 20A to 20C, and then emit the light towards the light-shielding plate 40 as light that converges in the direction of the first to third apertures 40Aa to 40Bc.

[0060] The condensing lens assembly 50 has a configuration in which a pair of mounting flange portions 54 are formed on both the left and right sides of a plate-like portion located around the first to third condensing lenses 52A to 52C. These left and right pairs of mounting flange portions 54 have an L-shaped horizontal cross-section, and their front end surfaces abut against both left and right ends of the light shielding plate 40 from the rear side of the luminaire, thereby positioning the first to third condensing lenses 52A on the first to third reference axes La to Lc.

[0061] The heat sink 60 comprises a main body portion 62 extending along a plane perpendicular to the front-to-back direction of the light fixture, a plurality of heat dissipation fins 64 extending vertically from the main body portion 62 toward the rear of the light fixture, and a pair of mounting flange portions 66 formed on both the left and right sides of the main body portion 62.

[0062] The circuit board 22 is positioned and supported by tightening screws 72 at two diagonally opposite points on the main body 62 of the heat sink 60 while in surface contact with it.

[0063] Furthermore, the projection lens 30, the light shield 40, and the condensing lens assembly 50 are positioned and supported by tightening screws 74 at two diagonally opposite locations on the left and right mounting flange portions 66 of the heat sink 60. This tightening is performed by fastening the left and right mounting flange portions 36 of the projection lens 30, the left and right ends of the light shield 40, and the left and right pair of mounting flange portions 54 of the condensing lens assembly 50 together with the left and right pair of mounting flange portions 66 of the heat sink 60. Positioning pins 36a are formed on each of the left and right mounting flange portions 36 of the projection lens 30, while pin insertion holes 40a, 54a, and 66a are formed on the left and right ends of the light shield 40, the left and right pair of mounting flange portions 54 of the condensing lens assembly 50, and the left and right pair of mounting flange portions 66 of the heat sink 60, respectively, through which the positioning pins 36a are inserted.

[0064] Next, we will explain the drawing light distribution pattern PA shown in Figures 8 and 9.

[0065] As described above, the drawing light distribution pattern PA is formed by the light emitted from the drawing light fixture 10, and this drawing light distribution pattern PA is composed of three drawing light distribution patterns PAa, PAb, and PAc, as shown in Figures 8 and 9.

[0066] The three drawing light distribution patterns PAa, PAb, and PAc are all inverted V-shaped (i.e., pointed towards the front of the luminaire) and are formed at approximately the same size, arranged in series, and spaced approximately equally apart.

[0067] The light distribution pattern PAa for drawing, which is formed in the long-distance region of the road surface 2 in front of the vehicle, is a light distribution pattern formed when light emitted from the first light-emitting element 20A is irradiated toward the front of the lamp through the first projection lens 32A.

[0068] This drawing light distribution pattern PAa is formed as an inverted projection image of the first aperture 40Aa, which has a V-shaped aperture formed in the light shielding plate 40.

[0069] In this case, the lower central end of the upper inner edge of the first aperture 40Aa is located below the optical axis Axa of the first projection lens portion 32A. Therefore, the light is directed upward from the optical axis Axa towards the front of the lamp, and the drawing light distribution pattern PAa is formed in the long-distance region.

[0070] Furthermore, the light emitted from the first light-emitting element 20A is efficiently incident on the first aperture 40Aa by the first condensing lens 52A, which is formed to surround the first aperture 40Aa in a V-shape around its entire circumference. As a result, the drawing light distribution pattern PAa is formed with sufficient brightness and a substantially uniform brightness. Moreover, since the first light-emitting element 20A and the first condensing lens 52A are arranged on the first reference axis La passing through the central lower end position, sufficient brightness of the drawing light distribution pattern PAa is also ensured in this respect.

[0071] The drawing light distribution pattern PAb formed in the short-range area of ​​the road surface 2 in front of the vehicle is a light distribution pattern formed when light emitted from the second light-emitting element 20B is irradiated toward the front of the lamp through the second projection lens 32B.

[0072] This drawing light distribution pattern PAb is formed as an inverted projection image of the second aperture 40Ba, which has a V-shaped aperture formed in the light shielding plate 40.

[0073] In this case, the lower central end of the upper inner edge of the second aperture 40Ba is located on the optical axis Axb of the second projection lens portion 32B, so the light is projected toward the front of the lamp as light approximately parallel to this optical axis Axb, thereby forming the drawing light distribution pattern PAb in the short-range region.

[0074] Furthermore, the light emitted from the second light-emitting element 20B is efficiently incident on the second aperture 40Ba by the second condensing lens 52B, which is formed to surround the second aperture 40Ba in a V-shape around its entire circumference. As a result, the drawing light distribution pattern PAb is formed with sufficient brightness and a substantially uniform brightness. Moreover, since the second light-emitting element 20B and the second condensing lens 52B are arranged on the second reference axis Lb passing through the central lower end position, sufficient brightness of the drawing light distribution pattern PAb is also ensured in this respect.

[0075] The drawing light distribution pattern PAc formed in the immediate vicinity area of ​​the road surface 2 in front of the vehicle is a light distribution pattern formed by the emission light from the third light-emitting element 20C being irradiated toward the front of the lamp through the third projection lens 32C.

[0076] This drawing light distribution pattern PAc is formed as an inverted projection image of the third aperture 40Ca, which has a V-shaped aperture formed in the light shielding plate 40.

[0077] In this case, the lower central end of the upper inner edge of the third aperture 40Ca is located above the optical axis Axc of the third projection lens 32C, so the light is projected towards the front of the lamp as light directed downward from the optical axis Axc of the third projection lens 32C. Therefore, the drawing light distribution pattern PAc is formed in the near-field region.

[0078] Furthermore, the light emitted from the third light-emitting element 20C is efficiently incident on the third aperture 40Ca by the second condensing lens 52B, which is formed to surround the third aperture 40Ca in a V-shape around its entire circumference. As a result, the drawing light distribution pattern PAc is formed with sufficient brightness and a substantially uniform brightness. Moreover, since the third light-emitting element 20C and the second condensing lens 52B are arranged on the third reference axis Lc passing through the central lower end position, sufficient brightness of the drawing light distribution pattern PAc is also ensured in this respect.

[0079] Furthermore, since the upward displacement Dc of the third aperture 40Ca from the optical axis Axc is set to a value greater than the downward displacement Da of the first aperture 40Aa from the optical axis Axa, even though the illumination angles of the light emitted from the first to third projection lenses 32A to 32C to the road surface 2 in front of the vehicle are different, the distance between the drawing light distribution pattern PAb and the drawing light distribution pattern PAc is approximately the same as the distance between the drawing light distribution pattern PAa and the drawing light distribution pattern PAb.

[0080] The three drawing light distribution patterns PAa to PAc are formed with approximately the same size. This is because the vertical width of the first to third apertures 40Aa to 40Ca increases in that order, and the inner edges on both the left and right sides extend slightly upward in the vertical direction, and the horizontal width also increases slightly in the order of the first to third apertures 40Aa to 40Ca.

[0081] Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described.

[0082] The drawing light fixture 10 according to this embodiment is configured to form drawing light distribution patterns PAa to PAc by irradiating the light emitted from the first to third light-emitting elements 20A to 20C toward the front of the light fixture via the projection lens 30. The projection lens 30 is configured such that a first projection lens section 32A for long-distance drawing, a second projection lens section 32B for short-distance drawing, and a third projection lens section 32C for very close-distance drawing are arranged in a left-right direction (a required direction intersecting the front-rear direction of the light fixture). Furthermore, the light shielding plate 40 positioned between the first to third light-emitting elements 20A to 20C and the projection lens 30 has first to third openings 40Aa to 40Ca with a V-shaped opening formed on the rear side of the first to third projection lens sections 32A to 32C. As a result, an inverted V-shaped drawing light distribution pattern PAa to PAc can be formed at three locations near and far as an inverted projection image, thereby enhancing the effect of attracting attention to the surroundings.

[0083] Furthermore, between the first to third light-emitting elements 20A to 20C and the light-shielding plate 40, first to third condensing lenses 52A to 52C are arranged to concentrate the light emitted from the first to third light-emitting elements 20A to 20C toward the first to third apertures 40Aa to 40Bc. In addition, the first to third condensing lenses 52A to 52C are all formed to extend in a V-shape in a position that overlaps with the first to third apertures 40Aa to 40Ca when viewed from the front of the luminaire. As a result, without increasing the size of each of the first to third condensing lenses 52A to 52C, the light emitted from the first to third light-emitting elements 20A to 20C can be efficiently incident upon the first to third apertures 40Aa to 40Bc, thereby forming drawing light distribution patterns PAa to PAc with a nearly uniform brightness.

[0084] Thus, according to this embodiment, in a drawing light fixture 10 configured to form a drawing light distribution pattern PA, the three inverted V-shaped drawing light distribution patterns PAa to PAc that constitute the drawing light distribution pattern PA can be efficiently formed.

[0085] Furthermore, as in this embodiment, by forming the first to third projection lens sections 32A to 32C integrally with their effective lens surfaces adjacent to each other, the projection lens 30 can be made to appear as a single, unified lens, thereby enhancing its aesthetic appeal.

[0086] Furthermore, in this embodiment, since the first projection lens portion 32A of the projection lens 30 is formed to be larger in size than the second and third projection lens portions 32B and 32C, it is possible to form the drawing light distribution pattern PAa formed in the long-distance region with approximately the same clarity and brightness as the drawing light distribution patterns PAb and PAc formed in the short-distance and very-close-distance regions, thereby enhancing the function of attracting attention to the surroundings through the formation of the drawing light distribution pattern PA.

[0087] In the above embodiment, the first to third openings 40Aa to 40Ca, each having a V-shaped opening, were described as being formed with a constant vertical width. However, other opening shapes can be used as long as their lower inner edges extend in a V-shape. For example, opening shapes can be used in which the vertical width of the first to third openings 40Aa to 40Ca gradually narrows from the center position to both ends in the left-right direction, asymmetrical opening shapes, or opening shapes formed in the shape of a downward-pointing arrow. Even when these opening shapes are used, it is possible to form the drawing light distribution patterns PAa to PAc as an inverted V-shape (i.e., a shape pointed towards the front of the luminaire) light distribution pattern.

[0088] In the above embodiment, the first to third projection lens sections 32A to 32C were described as being formed such that their optical axes Axa to Axc all extend in the front-rear direction of the lamp at the same height position. However, other configurations are also possible (for example, a configuration in which the optical axis Axa of the first projection lens section 32A extends upward more than the optical axis Axb of the second projection lens section 32B, and the optical axis Axc of the third projection lens section 32C extends downward more than the optical axis Axb of the second projection lens section 32B).

[0089] In the above embodiment, it was explained that the first to third light-emitting elements 20A to 20C emit white light, but it is also possible to use other light-emitting colors (for example, amber or red).

[0090] In the above embodiment, the drawing light fixture 10 was described as being mounted on the vehicle width side end of the front end of the vehicle 100, but it is also possible to mount it on the rear end or side of the vehicle 100.

[0091] In the above embodiment, it was explained that a drawing light distribution pattern PA is formed on the road surface 2 in front of the vehicle by the light emitted from the drawing lamp 10. However, it is also possible to configure the system to form the drawing light distribution pattern on a wall surface located in front of the lamp or on a wall surface extending toward the front of the lamp.

[0092] Next, a modified example of the above embodiment will be described.

[0093] First, a first modified example of the above embodiment will be described.

[0094] Figure 10 is a front view showing the main parts of the drawing light fixture according to this modified example.

[0095] The basic configuration of this modified example is the same as that of the above embodiment, but the arrangement of the first light-emitting element 120A is different from that of the above embodiment.

[0096] Specifically, the first light-emitting element 120A of this modified example is arranged in a state in which the first light-emitting element 20A of the above embodiment is rotated by 45° around the first reference axis La. That is, this first light-emitting element 120A has a rectangular (specifically square) light-emitting surface 120a, similar to the first light-emitting element 20A of the above embodiment, but is arranged so that its light-emitting surface 120a appears diamond-shaped when viewed from the front of the lamp.

[0097] In this modified example, the configuration of the first projection lens portion 32A, the first aperture 40Aa of the light shielding plate 40, and the first condensing lens 52A, as well as the positional relationship between the optical axis Axa of the first projection lens portion 32A and the first reference axis La, are the same as in the above embodiment.

[0098] By adopting the configuration of this modified example, the following effects can be obtained.

[0099] In other words, by arranging the first light-emitting element 120A so that its light-emitting surface 120a appears diamond-shaped when viewed from the front of the lamp, the light emitted from the first light-emitting element 120A that enters the first condensing lens 52A can be directed more efficiently into the first opening 40Aa which has a V-shaped aperture.

[0100] Furthermore, a configuration similar to this modified example can also be applied to the second and third light-emitting elements 20B and 20C of the above embodiment.

[0101] Furthermore, if the first opening 40Aa is configured such that the angle of the V-shape constituting the opening is close to 90°, then adopting the modified configuration described here is particularly effective.

[0102] Next, a second modified example of the above embodiment will be described.

[0103] Figure 11 is a front view showing the main parts of the drawing light fixture according to this modified example.

[0104] The basic configuration of this modified example is the same as that of the above embodiment, but the number and arrangement of the first light-emitting elements 220A are different from those of the above embodiment.

[0105] In other words, in this modified example, the first light-emitting element 220A is arranged in a V-shape at three locations.

[0106] Specifically, three first light-emitting elements 220A, having the same configuration as the first light-emitting element 20A in the above embodiment, are arranged so as to be located at the center and both ends in the left-right direction of the first opening 40Aa of the light-shielding plate 40. In this case, the first light-emitting element 220A located at the center in the left-right direction is located directly below the first reference axis La and approximately at the center in the vertical direction of the first opening 40Aa, and the first light-emitting elements 220A located at both ends in the left-right direction are also located approximately at the center in the vertical direction of the first opening 40Aa.

[0107] In this modified example, the configuration of the first projection lens portion 32A, the first aperture 40Aa of the light shielding plate 40, and the first condensing lens 52A, as well as the positional relationship between the optical axis Axa of the first projection lens portion 32A and the first reference axis La, are the same as in the above embodiment.

[0108] Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XII-XII in Figure 11, showing the cross-sectional shape along one of the inclined straight sections in the V-shaped first opening 40Aa.

[0109] As shown in Figure 12, at the cross-sectional position along the inclined straight section, the rear surface 52Ab of the first condensing lens 52A has a central portion 52Ab1 that extends linearly in a vertical plane perpendicular to the front-to-back direction of the luminaire, while both ends 52Ab2 and 52Ab3 extend in a convex curve that curves towards the front of the luminaire, and the same applies to the front surface 52Aa of the first condensing lens 52A.

[0110] Therefore, light emitted from each first light-emitting element 220A and incident on the central portion 52Ab1 of the rear surface 52Ab of the first condensing lens 52A is emitted from its front surface 52Aa at the same emission angle as the incidence angle, and most of it reaches the first opening 40Aa of the light-shielding plate 40.

[0111] Furthermore, light emitted from each first light-emitting element 220A and incident on both ends 52Ab2 and 52Ab3 of the rear surface 52Ab of the first condensing lens 52A is refracted in a direction toward each other, and then emitted from the front surface 52Aa in a direction toward each other, with most of it reaching the first aperture 40Aa of the light-shielding plate 40.

[0112] By adopting the configuration of this modified example, the following effects can be obtained.

[0113] In other words, by arranging the first light-emitting element 220A in a V-shape at three locations, the inverted V-shaped light distribution pattern PAa (see Figures 8 and 9) can be formed more brightly and uniformly.

[0114] Furthermore, since the first condensing lens 52A is configured to direct the light emitted from the three first light-emitting elements 220A towards each other, the light emitted from the three first light-emitting elements 220A can be efficiently incident on the first aperture 40Aa.

[0115] In particular, it is not easy to ensure sufficient brightness for the drawing light distribution pattern PAa formed in the long-distance region. However, by configuring the drawing light distribution pattern PAa to be formed by light emitted from three first light-emitting elements 220A, as in this modified example, sufficient brightness can be ensured.

[0116] Furthermore, a configuration similar to this modified example can also be applied to the second and third light-emitting elements 20B and 20C of the above embodiment.

[0117] Next, a third modified example of the above embodiment will be described.

[0118] Figure 13 is a front view showing the main parts of the drawing light fixture according to this modified example.

[0119] The basic configuration of this modified example is the same as that of the above embodiment, but it differs from the above embodiment in that the light shielding plate 340, which is located on the rear side of the first projection lens portion 332A, has first, second, and third first openings 340Aa, 340Ba, and 340Ca formed on it at vertical intervals, and first, second, and third condensing lenses 352A, 352B, and 352C are arranged vertically in a row on the rear side of the light shielding plate 340, which is located at vertical intervals, and first, second, and third light-emitting elements 320A, 320B, and 320C are arranged vertically at intervals on the rear side of the light shielding plate 340.

[0120] Specifically, the first aperture 340Aa is formed such that the central lower end of its upper inner edge is located below the optical axis Axa of the first projection lens portion 332A; the second aperture 340Ba is formed such that the central lower end of its upper inner edge is located on the optical axis Axa; and the third aperture 340Ca is formed such that the central lower end of its upper inner edge is located above the optical axis Axa. In this case, the amount of upward displacement of the central lower end of the upper inner edge of the third aperture 340Ca from the optical axis Axa is set to be greater than the amount of downward displacement of the central lower end of the upper inner edge of the first aperture 340Aa from the optical axis Axa.

[0121] The first to third openings 340Aa to 340Ca are formed with a greater vertical width for the second opening 340Ba than for the first opening 340Aa, and a greater vertical width for the third opening 340Ca than for the second opening 340Ba.

[0122] Furthermore, the first to third openings 340Aa to 340Ca all have inner edges on both the left and right sides that extend slightly upward in the vertical direction, and the second opening 340Ba is slightly wider than the first opening 340Aa, and the third opening 340Ca is slightly wider than the second opening 340Ba.

[0123] The first, second, and third light-emitting elements 320A, 320B, and 320C are positioned such that their light-emitting centers are located on the first, second, and third reference axes La, Lb, and Lc, which extend in the front-to-back direction of the luminaire, passing through the central lower end position of the upper inner periphery of the first, second, and third openings 340Aa, 340Ba, and 340Ca.

[0124] The first, second, and third condensing lenses 352A, 352B, and 352C are formed to extend in a V-shape, overlapping with the first, second, and third openings 340Aa, 340Ba, and 340Ca when viewed from the front of the luminaire.

[0125] Specifically, the first condensing lens 352A is formed to surround the first aperture 340Aa all around with a vertical width larger than that of the first aperture 340Aa, and has a roughly heart-shaped external form. The second condensing lens 352B is formed to surround the second aperture 340Ba all around with a vertical width larger than that of the second aperture 340Ba, and has a roughly heart-shaped external form that is slightly larger than that of the first condensing lens 352A. Furthermore, the third condensing lens 352C is formed to surround the third aperture 340Ca all around with a vertical width larger than that of the third aperture 340Ca, and has a roughly heart-shaped external form that is slightly larger than that of the second condensing lens 352B.

[0126] The front and rear shapes of the first to third condensing lenses 352A to 352C are the same as in the above embodiment, except that the first condensing lens 352A is connected at its upper edge to the lower edge of the second condensing lens 352B, and the second condensing lens 352B is connected at its upper edge to the lower edge of the third condensing lens 352C.

[0127] The first to third condensing lenses 352A to 352C receive light emitted from the first to third light-emitting elements 320A to 320C, and then emit the light as light that converges toward the first to third apertures 340Aa to 340Ca towards the light-shielding plate 340.

[0128] In this modified example, the light emitted from the first to third light-emitting elements 320A to 320Ca, which is incident on the first projection lens section 332A through the first to third apertures 340Aa to 340Ca, forms three inverted V-shaped light distribution patterns PAa, PAb, and PAc as the drawing light distribution pattern PA, which are approximately the same size, arranged in series, and spaced approximately equally apart, similar to the embodiment described above (see Figures 8 and 9).

[0129] By adopting the configuration of this modified example, a drawing light distribution pattern similar to that of the above embodiment can be formed by light emitted from a single first projection lens unit 332A.

[0130] Furthermore, in this modified example, the first to third condensing lenses 352A to 352C, which extend in a V-shape, are arranged adjacent to each other in the vertical direction, so that the light emitted from the first to third light-emitting elements 320A to 320C can be efficiently incident onto the first to third apertures 340Aa to 340Ca.

[0131] It should be noted that the numerical values ​​shown as specifications in the above embodiments and their modified examples are merely examples, and these may be set to different values ​​as appropriate.

[0132] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the configurations described in the above embodiments and their modifications, and various other modified configurations can be adopted. [Explanation of symbols]

[0133] 2. Road surface in front of the vehicle 10 Drawing lamp 20A, 120A, 220A, 320A First light-emitting element (light-emitting element) 20a, 120a light-emitting surface 20B, 320B Second light-emitting element (light-emitting element) 20C, 320C Third light-emitting element (light-emitting element) 22 circuit boards 30 Projection Lens 32A, 332A First projection lens section 32Aa, 32Ba, 32Ca front 32B Second projection lens section 32C Third projection lens section 34 Outer flange portion 36, 54, 66 Mounting flange section 36a Positioning pin 40, 340 light-blocking plate 40Aa, 340Aa 1st opening 40a, 54a, 66a Pin insertion holes 40Ba, 340Ba 2nd opening 40Ca, 340Ca 3rd opening 50 Focusing Lens Assembly 52A, 352A First condensing lens 52Aa, 52Ba, 52Ca front 52Ab, 52Bb, 52Cb rear 52Ab1 central part 52Ab2, 52Ab3 (both ends) 52B, 352B Second condensing lens 52C, 352C Third condensing lens 60 Heatsink 62 Main body 64 heat sinks 72, 74 screws 100 vehicles Axa, Axb, Axc optical axis Da downward displacement Dc Upward displacement Fa, Fb, Fc posterior focus La 1st reference axis Lb 2nd reference axis Lc 3rd reference axis PA, PAa, PAb, PAc Light distribution patterns for drawing

Claims

1. In a drawing light fixture configured to form a drawing light distribution pattern by irradiating light emitted from a light-emitting element towards the front of the light fixture through a projection lens, A light-shielding plate is placed between the light-emitting element and the projection lens to block a portion of the light directed from the light-emitting element to the projection lens. The above light-shielding plate has an opening with a V-shaped opening, A focusing lens is positioned between the light-emitting element and the light-shielding plate to concentrate the light emitted from the light-emitting element toward the opening. The drawing light fixture is characterized in that the light-gathering lens is formed to extend in a V-shape in a positional relationship that overlaps with the opening when viewed from the front of the light fixture.

2. The drawing lamp according to claim 1, characterized in that the light-emitting element has a rectangular light-emitting surface, and the light-emitting surface is arranged to appear diamond-shaped when viewed from the front of the lamp.

3. The drawing light fixture according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the above-mentioned light-emitting elements are arranged in a V-shape at three locations.

4. The drawing light fixture according to claim 3, characterized in that the light-gathering lens is configured to direct the light emitted from the three light-emitting elements arranged in the above three locations toward a direction toward each other.

5. The drawing light fixture according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the above-mentioned openings are formed at multiple locations spaced apart in the vertical direction.

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