Projection device

Abstract

Provided is a projection device that prevents glare with respect to radiation light of an auxiliary lamp of a vehicle, and meanwhile suppresses a decrease in brightness of an optical pattern projected on a road surface. The present invention is a projection device (1) that is mounted on a vehicle and projects an optical pattern on a surrounding road surface, the projection device comprising: long-distance-side projection units (2, 3) that each project a predetermined long-distance-side light pattern to a relatively long-distance position; and a short-distance-side projection unit (4) that projects a predetermined short-distance-side light pattern to a relatively short-distance position. The long-distance side projection units (2, 3) project, using projection lenses (22, 23), the planar shapes of the light emitting surfaces of the LEDs (12, 13) as light patterns (FOP, COP). The short-distance-side projection unit (4) projects, as an optical pattern (NOP) and using a projection lens (24), the opening shape of a shade opening (34) opened in a shade (30) that blocks light emitted from an LED (14).

Description

projection device

[0001] The present invention relates to a projection device that is mounted on a vehicle and is suitable for projecting and drawing a desired light pattern onto the surface of a road.

[0002] In recent years, in order to ensure traffic safety during vehicle travel, technologies have been proposed that project light patterns onto the road surface around the vehicle to increase the ability to attract the attention of other vehicles and pedestrians. As a projection device for projecting such light patterns, for example, Patent Document 1 proposes a technology in which a shade opening of a required shape is arranged in front of a light-emitting element serving as a light source, and the light pattern formed by this shade opening is projected by a projection lens. Patent Document 1 also proposes a technology in which multiple light sources and multiple shade openings are arranged to project multiple light patterns using a single projection device.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2023-028932

[0004] This type of projection device is often disposed below the front lamps FL of an automobile CAR, as exemplified by projection device 1 in FIG. 1 . In this example, projection device 1 is disposed near the front bumper of the automobile CAR and is configured to project a light pattern OP onto the road surface in front of the automobile CAR. By projecting the light pattern OP indicating the driving direction onto the road surface in front of the automobile CAR, other vehicles and pedestrians in front of or in front of the automobile CAR are notified of the direction of travel of the automobile, contributing to traffic safety. For example, by projecting the light pattern OP in synchronization with the lighting (flashing) of the turn signal lamps (auxiliary lamps SL), which constitute part of the front lamps FL, the light illumination of the turn signal lamps and the light pattern OP produced by projection device 1 can indicate the driving direction of the automobile, thereby improving traffic safety.

[0005] When a light pattern is projected in synchronization with the lamp in this way, some of the light emitted from the projection device may enter the light irradiation area of ​​the lamp, and this entering light may adversely affect the normal light irradiation of the lamp as glare light. As will be described in detail later, in the example of Figure 1, some of the light projected from the projection device 1 that is directed upward enters the light irradiation area of ​​the turn signal lamp SL located above as glare light LG.

[0006] To prevent this glare, it is conceivable to provide a shading means such as a hood or shade in the projection device to block light projected from the projection lens that does not contribute to the projection of the light pattern (non-pattern light), particularly light directed upward where the front lamps FL are located. Alternatively, it is conceivable to suppress the light projected upward by, for example, making the projection lens into a unique shape or reducing the area of ​​the lens surface of the projection lens. However, in either case, since a portion of the projected light is blocked, the amount of light of the projected light pattern is reduced, which causes a decrease in the brightness of the light pattern.

[0007] An object of the present invention is to provide a projection device that prevents glare from the light emitted by a lamp while suppressing a decrease in the brightness of the projected light pattern.

[0008] The projection device of the present invention is mounted on a vehicle and projects a light pattern onto a surrounding road surface, and includes a long-distance projection unit that projects a predetermined long-distance light pattern onto a relatively long-distance position, and a short-distance projection unit that projects a predetermined short-distance light pattern onto a relatively short-distance position. The long-distance projection unit projects the surface shape of a light-emitting surface of a light source unit as a light pattern, and the short-distance projection unit projects the opening shape of a shade opening formed in a shade that blocks light emitted from the light source unit as a light pattern.

[0009] In the present invention, the long-distance projection unit includes, for example, a light source unit having a light-emitting surface of a required shape and a projection lens that projects the light emitted from the light-emitting surface, the light-emitting surface being positioned on the focal plane of the projection lens, and the projection lens being configured to project the surface shape of the light-emitting surface as a light pattern. Furthermore, the long-distance projection unit preferably includes a shade that blocks non-pattern light that does not contribute to the projected light pattern.

[0010] In the present invention, the close-distance projection unit includes, for example, a light source unit that emits light, a primary lens that collects the light from the light source unit, a shade having a shade opening that transmits the light collected by the primary lens, and a projection lens that projects the light that has passed through the shade opening, and the projection lens is configured to project the opening shape of the shade opening as a light pattern.

[0011] According to the present invention, the long-distance projection unit is a projection unit that projects the surface shape of the light-emitting surface of the light source unit as a light pattern, so that even if non-pattern light is blocked by a shade or the like to prevent glare, a decrease in the brightness of the projected light pattern can be prevented. Also, the short-distance projection unit, which has less glare light, is a projection unit that projects the opening shape of a shade opening in a shade that blocks light emitted from the light source unit as a light pattern, so that a bright and sharp light pattern can be projected.

[0012] 1 is a schematic partial perspective view of an automobile equipped with a projection device of an embodiment. (a) is a schematic plan view explaining the operation of the projection device, and (b) is a schematic side view thereof. (b) is a schematic perspective view of the projection device of an embodiment. (c) is a schematic side view explaining the operation of a projection device of an embodiment. (a) is a schematic side view explaining the operation of a projection device of an embodiment with a far projection lens, (b) is a schematic side view explaining the operation of a projection device of an embodiment with a central projection lens, and (c) is a schematic side view explaining the operation of a projection device of an embodiment with a near projection lens. (a) is a schematic perspective view explaining the operation of a projection device of an embodiment with a far projection lens or a central projection lens, and (b) is a schematic perspective view explaining the operation of a projection device of an embodiment with a near projection lens.

[0013] Next, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 1, a projection device 1 is disposed below front lamps FL disposed at the front of an automobile CAR. While Fig. 1 shows only the front of the automobile CAR, the front lamps FL are disposed on the left and right sides of the automobile CAR, and the projection devices 1 are also disposed correspondingly on the left and right sides of the automobile CAR. The front lamps FL are configured as composite lamps that integrate head lamps HL and auxiliary lamps SL that serve as both clearance lamps and turn signal lamps.

[0014] The left and right projection devices 1 are configured to project the required light pattern in synchronization with the lighting of the front lamps FL on the same left and right sides of the automobile CAR, and here, when either the left or right auxiliary lamp SL is lit in a flashing state as a turn signal lamp, the projection device 1 on the corresponding side is configured to synchronously project an elongated rectangular light pattern OP along the longitudinal direction of the automobile onto the road surface in front of the automobile CAR.

[0015] That is, as shown in the schematic plan view of Figure 2(a) and the schematic side view of Figure 2(b), each of the left and right projection devices 1 is configured to project a rectangular or strip-shaped light pattern OP along an imaginary straight line (dashed line) extending slightly outward and diagonally forward in the vehicle width direction relative to the straight-ahead direction of the automobile CAR. In this example, each of the left and right projection devices 1 projects a near light pattern NOP, a central light pattern COP, and a far light pattern FOP as light patterns along the imaginary line to a nearby position just in front of the automobile CAR, a central position slightly further away than that, and a far position furthest from the automobile CAR. The distances from the automobile CAR to the near light pattern NOP, the central light pattern COP, and the far light pattern FOP are set as appropriate, but for example, the distance to the far light pattern FOP is set to about 4 m.

[0016] Fig. 3 is a perspective view showing the schematic configuration of a projection device 1 according to an embodiment, illustrating the left projection device 1 disposed at the front left portion of the vehicle body of the automobile CAR shown in Fig. 1. The right projection device 1, not shown, has a symmetrical configuration. The projection device 1 shown in Fig. 3 has a heat dissipation fin 101 on the rear side to double as a heat sink, and is equipped with a horizontally elongated housing 100 that is open on the front side. Three projection units 2, 3, and 4, which will be described later, are integrally incorporated within this housing 100 and aligned in the vehicle width direction.

[0017] 3, the projection device 1 has a projection lens 20 attached to the front of a housing 100 with screws or the like, and this projection lens 20 is fixed to the front of the automobile CAR with bolts or the like at both sides of a front flange 102 of the housing 100. When fixed, the projection lens 20 is exposed to the front side of the automobile CAR through an opening window PW opened in the front panel P of the automobile body, and light emitted from this projection lens 20 can project a light pattern OP.

[0018] Fig. 4 is a partially exploded perspective view of the main parts of the projection device 1, and Fig. 5 is a schematic plan view of the projection units 2, 3, and 4 housed within the housing 100. Note that these figures omit illustration and description of the detailed configuration of the housing 100 and the specific support structure for the projection units 2, 3, and 4 disposed within the housing 100.

[0019] The three projection units 2, 3, and 4 are arranged side by side in the vehicle width direction within the housing 100, and are configured as the far projection unit 2, which is located on the inner side in the vehicle width direction (the left side in FIG. 4 and the upper side in FIG. 5 in this example) and projects a far light pattern FOP, the central projection unit 3, which is located further outward in the vehicle width direction and projects a central light pattern COP, and the near projection unit 4, which is located furthest outward in the vehicle width direction and projects a near light pattern NOP. Of these projection units 2, 3, and 4, the far projection unit 2 and the central projection unit 3 are configured as far-distance projection units in the present invention, and the near projection unit 4 is configured as a near-distance projection unit in the present invention. Each of the projection units 2, 3, and 4 includes a light source unit 10, a projection lens 20, and a shade 30, as will be described in detail below, and the near projection unit 4 further includes a primary lens 40.

[0020] The far projection unit 2 includes a far light source section 12 that emits light to a light source section 10. The far projection unit 2 also includes a far projection lens 22 that projects the light emitted from the light source section 12 onto the road surface as a light pattern to a projection lens 20. Furthermore, a shade 30 is disposed between the light source section 12 and the projection lens 22, and the shade 30 is provided with a far shade opening 32 that transmits light that contributes to forming the light pattern out of the light emitted from the light source section 12.

[0021] The central projection unit 3 has substantially the same configuration as the far-field projection unit 2, and includes a central light source unit 13 that emits light to the light source unit 10. It also includes a central projection lens 23 that projects the light emitted from the light source unit 13 onto the road surface as a light pattern in the projection lens 20. Furthermore, a shade 30 is disposed between the light source unit 13 and the projection lens 23, and this shade 30 is provided with a central shade opening 33 that transmits light that contributes to forming the light pattern out of the light emitted from the light source unit 13.

[0022] The near projection unit 4 includes a near light source section 14 that emits light to the light source section 10, and a near projection lens 24 that projects the light emitted from the near light source section 13 onto the road surface as a light pattern in the projection lens 20. A primary lens 40 that focuses the light emitted from the near light source section 14 is provided between the near light source section 14 and the near projection lens 24, and a shade 30 is further disposed between the primary lens 40 and the near projection lens 24, and the shade 30 is provided with a near shade opening 34 that forms a pseudo light source of a light pattern with the light focused by the primary lens 40.

[0023] In the far projection unit 2 and the central projection unit 3, the far light source unit 12 and the central light source unit 13 each consist of a single light-emitting element, and here, each light-emitting element is composed of an LED (light-emitting diode) that emits a required color light, for example, amber light. Hereinafter, the light source units 12 and 13 will be referred to as the LEDs 12 and 13, or the far LED 12 and the central LED 13, respectively. Each LED 12 and 13 has a rectangular light-emitting surface and is mounted on a common light source board 15, on which a required electrical circuit is configured, with this light-emitting surface facing forward. Although not shown, each LED 12 and 13 is electrically connected to a lighting control unit via an electrical circuit configured on the light source board 15, and emits light when the auxiliary lamp SL is turned on as a turn signal lamp.

[0024] In the proximity projection unit 4, the light source section 14 is composed of an LED that emits amber light. Hereinafter, this light source section 14 will be referred to as the LED 14 or the proximity LED 14. The proximity LED 14 has a rectangular light-emitting surface, and is mounted on a light source board 16 that is separate from the light source board 15, with this light-emitting surface facing forward. The proximity LED 14 is electrically connected to a lighting control section via an electrical circuit configured on the light source board 16, and emits light when the auxiliary lamp SL is turned on as a turn signal lamp.

[0025] The projection lenses 22, 23, and 24 of the far, center, and near projection units 2, 3, and 4 are configured as a single projection lens 20. For example, the projection lenses 22, 23, and 24 are configured as a single, integrally molded light-transmitting member such as transparent resin. The far projection lens 22, center projection lens 23, and near projection lens 24 are aligned horizontally in this order from the inside to the outside in the vehicle width direction, and are recessed in a stepped manner toward the rear along the optical axis Lx. Each projection lens 22, 23, and 24 is configured as a spherical or aspherical single-convex lens, but may also be configured as a biconvex lens or a meniscus convex lens. Furthermore, the projection lenses 22, 23, and 24 are formed as a substantially rectangular lens with the four peripheral edges of a circular lens cut away in an arc shape.

[0026] In each of the far, central, and near projection units 2, 3, and 4, the shade openings 32, 33, and 34 are formed in one shade 30. For example, the shade 30 is made of a single, non-transparent, horizontally elongated plate-like member, and a far shade opening 32, a central shade opening 33, and a near shade opening 34 are provided corresponding to each of the projection units 2, 3, and 4. The far shade opening 32 and the central shade opening 33 are formed as a single horizontally elongated rectangular opening, but they may each be separate openings. The near shade opening 34 is formed as a single square or rectangular opening, i.e., as an opening with a shape corresponding to the light pattern to be projected.

[0027] The far shade opening 32 and the central shade opening 33 are provided to transmit only the light that contributes to the projection of the light pattern out of the light emitted from the far LED 12 and the central LED 13, respectively, and to block non-pattern light that does not contribute. In other words, they are configured to block light that is emitted from the light-emitting surfaces of the LEDs 12 and 13, respectively, but does not enter the projection lenses 22 and 23, or light that enters the peripheral parts of the projection lenses 22 and 23, especially light that deviates above the projection lenses 22 and 23 or light that enters the upper edges.

[0028] Furthermore, the near projection unit 4 is provided with a primary lens 40 that temporarily focuses light emitted by the near LED 14 at a position near the near shade opening 34, and this primary lens 40 is supported on the front end of the light source substrate 16. This primary lens 40 forms an image of the light emitting surface of the near LED 14 at the position of the near shade opening 34, thereby forming a pseudo light source that emits light with a rectangular luminous flux shape (beam shape) based on the opening shape of the near shade opening 34.

[0029] Furthermore, the light source section 10 and primary lens 40 of each of the projection units 2, 3, and 4 are housed within the housing 100. The projection lens 20 and shade 30, which are integrally provided in common to each of the projection units 2, 3, and 4, are fastened together to an opening flange 102 on the front surface of the housing 100 by fastening means such as screws, thereby forming the projection device 1 having the external configuration shown in FIG.

[0030] In the projection device 1 configured as above, as shown in the schematic side view of Figure 6(a), the far-field projection lens 22 is configured so that the far-field LED 12 is positioned on the focal plane on the light source side. That is, the far-field LED 12 is disposed at a position displaced upward by a required first dimension L1 from the optical axis Lx on the focal plane of the far-field projection lens 12.

[0031] On the other hand, the central projection lens 23 is configured as a lens with a shorter focal length than the far projection lens 22, and as shown schematically in Figure 6 (b), the central LED 13 is positioned on the focal plane of the central projection lens 23 and at a position displaced upward from the optical axis Lx by a second dimension L2 that is slightly longer than the first dimension L1.

[0032] The near projection lens 24 is configured as a lens with a shorter focal length than the central projection lens 23, and the near shade opening 34 is located on its focal plane and above the optical axis Lx, as shown in Fig. 6(c). The primary lens 40 is configured as a lens with a focal length that focuses the amber light emitted from the near LED 14 onto the near shade opening 34.

[0033] According to the projection device 1 of the embodiment configured as described above, when the auxiliary lamps SL are turned on (flashed) as turn signal lamps, for example, when the driving direction of the automobile CAR is changed, a light pattern is simultaneously projected by the projection device 1. That is, the LEDs 12, 13, and 14 of the projection units 2, 3, and 4 emit light, and the light emitted from the LEDs 12, 13, and 14 is projected by the projection lenses 22, 23, and 24 into the light patterns FOP, COP, and NOP shown in Fig. 2. Note that the illustrated light paths when the projection device 1 performs projection are simply shown for the purpose of explanation and do not accurately represent the actual light paths.

[0034] 5 and 6(a), in the far projection unit 2, the far LED 12 emits light, and the emitted amber light passes through the far shade opening 32 and is projected onto the road surface far ahead of the automobile by the far projection lens 22. Fig. 7(a) is a schematic perspective view. That is, when the far LED 12 emits light, the light emitted from the rectangular light-emitting surface passes through the far shade opening 32 and is then projected onto the road surface far ahead of the automobile by the far projection lens 22, where it is projected onto the road surface as a rectangular far light pattern FOP that is equivalent to the shape of the light-emitting surface of the far LED 12.

[0035] Since the projected light is projected obliquely onto the road surface, the projected distant light pattern FOP is a narrow light pattern elongated in the longitudinal direction of the automobile CAR, as shown in Fig. 2(a) . Furthermore, of the light emitted from the distant LED 12, non-pattern light that does not contribute to the projection of the distant light pattern FOP is blocked by the shade 30.

[0036] Similarly, as shown in Figures 5 and 6(b), when the central LED 13 emits light, the light emitted from its rectangular light-emitting surface passes through the central shade opening 33 and is projected onto the road surface in front of the vehicle by the central projection lens 23 as a rectangular central light pattern COP equivalent to the shape of the light-emitting surface of the central LED 13. As shown in Figure 2(a), this central light pattern COP is located closer to the vehicle CAR than the far light pattern FOP and is a light pattern that is elongated in the front-to-rear direction. Furthermore, of the light emitted from the central LED 13, non-pattern light that does not contribute to the projection of the central light pattern COP is blocked by the shade 30. This projection form is similar to the projection form of the far projection unit 2 shown in Figure 7(a).

[0037] 5 and 6C, in the proximity projection unit 4, the proximity LED 14 emits light, and the emitted amber light is focused by the primary lens 40 at a position near the proximity shade opening 34. The light then passes through the proximity shade opening 34 to become a rectangular light beam, which is then projected by the proximity projection lens 24 onto the road surface in front of the vehicle as a proximity light pattern NOP. As shown in FIG. 2A, this proximity light pattern NOP is located closer to the vehicle CAR than the central light pattern COP, and is a light pattern that is elongated in the longitudinal direction. Furthermore, of the light emitted from the proximity LED, non-pattern light that does not contribute to the projection of the proximity light pattern NOP is blocked by the shade 30.

[0038] In this way, by projecting the light pattern OP in synchronization with the lighting (flashing) of the turn signal lamps SL, the traveling direction of the vehicle can be indicated by the light irradiation of the turn signal lamps SL and the light pattern OP by the projection device 1, thereby improving traffic safety. In particular, by projecting the far light pattern FOP far ahead of the vehicle CAR, it is possible to alert other vehicles and pedestrians present far ahead, thereby improving safety.

[0039] When projecting this light pattern, non-pattern light that does not contribute to the projection of the light pattern is emitted from each projection lens 22, 23, 24 of each projection unit 2, 3, 4, and when this non-pattern light is emitted from the projection lenses 22, 23, 24 to an upper area at an angle equal to or greater than the required angle, as shown in dotted lines in Figure 2(b), this non-pattern light enters the illumination light area of ​​the auxiliary lamp SL, i.e., the turn signal lamp, which is arranged above the projection device 1, and becomes glare light LG.

[0040] In particular, in this projection device 1, glare light is likely to occur in the far projection unit 2 and the central projection unit 3, where the projected light is directed relatively upward. Therefore, in the far projection unit 2 and the central projection unit 3, the shapes and dimensions of the shade openings 32 and 33 are appropriately set so that the light emitted from the respective LEDs 12 and 13 that is directed upward is blocked by the shade 30. In FIG. 6( a), the non-pattern light (bold dashed line) LG directed upward in the far projection unit 2 is blocked by the shade 30. This prevents the non-pattern light from becoming glare light LG. On the other hand, in the near projection unit 4, only the light that projects the near light pattern NOP passes through the shade opening 34, and the non-pattern light is blocked by the shade 30, so glare light is hardly generated.

[0041] Each projection lens 22, 23, 24 of each projection unit 2, 3, 4 has a circular lens shape with the four peripheral portions removed, thereby reducing the area of ​​the lens surface, i.e., the light exit surface for projecting the light pattern. This reduces the amount of light that passes through the lens surface of each projection lens 22, 23, 24 and is directed left and right and up and down. In particular, by removing the upper edge of the lens surface and reducing the vertical dimension of the projection lens, the amount of light that passes through the upper edge region of the lens surface and is directed upward is reduced, thereby suppressing glare light. Furthermore, by removing the lower edge and left and right edges, non-pattern light that is directed upward from these edge regions can be suppressed, thereby suppressing glare light. Note that glare light is less generated downward and left and right horizontally, so the shade does not block light in these directions.

[0042] When the areas of the lens surfaces of the projection lenses 22, 23, and 24 are reduced by cutting off the sides, including the top sides, of the projection lenses 22, 23, and 24, the amount of light projected from each projection lens 22, 23, and 24 decreases, and the brightness of the projected light patterns may decrease. This decrease in brightness of each light pattern becomes particularly noticeable in the far projection unit 2 and the central projection unit 3, where the projection distance of the light patterns is relatively long.

[0043] In the embodiment, the far projection unit 2 and the central projection unit 3 use a projection method in which light emitted from the LEDs 12 and 13 is incident directly onto the projection lenses 22 and 23, respectively, and a light pattern is projected based on the surface shape of the light-emitting surface of each LED 12 and 13. That is, a direct projection method is used in which the rectangular shape of the light-emitting surface of each LED 12 and 13 is projected as a light pattern. Therefore, compared to an indirect projection method such as the near projection unit 4 in which a light pattern corresponding to the shape of the shade opening 34 is projected using a pseudo LED light source formed by focusing light from the LED 14 through the primary lens 40, a decrease in brightness of the light pattern due to light absorption, diffuse reflection, etc. when passing through the primary lens 40 is suppressed, and a decrease in brightness due to a reduction in the area of ​​the lens surface can be prevented.

[0044] The direct projection method used in the far projection unit 2 and the central projection unit 3 tends to result in lower sharpness at the edges of the projected light pattern compared to the indirect projection method of the near projection unit 4. However, because the projection distance of the far light pattern FOP and the central light pattern COP is long, the sharpness of the light pattern is originally lower compared to the near light pattern NOP (see FIG. 7B), and even when the direct projection method is used, the reduction in sharpness of the light pattern is not noticeable. In the near projection unit 4, the projection distance of the light pattern is short and the sharpness is easily noticeable, so by adopting the indirect projection method using the primary lens 40 and the shade opening 34, it is possible to project a light pattern with high sharpness.

[0045] As described above, in the projection device 1 of the embodiment, in the far projection unit 2 and the central projection unit 3, non-pattern light is blocked by the shade 30 built into the housing 100, and the emission of non-pattern light from the projection lenses 22 and 23 is suppressed, so glare light can be effectively prevented. Meanwhile, by adopting the direct projection method, a decrease in the brightness of the light pattern can be prevented. On the other hand, in the near projection unit 4, glare light and a decrease in the brightness of the light pattern are not so much of a problem, so by adopting the indirect projection method, the pattern quality of the light pattern can be improved.

[0046] In the present invention, the light source section 10, the shade 30, and the projection lens 20 of each of the projection units 2, 3, and 4 may be configured as separate components. When the projection lens 20 is configured as a separate component, glare light can be suppressed by reducing the area of ​​the lens surface of the projection lens, particularly in a projection unit that employs a direct projection method.

[0047] The projection device 1 may be disposed to the side of the front lamp FL. In this case, the area of ​​the lens surface of the projection lens can be reduced by reducing the size, particularly in the left-right direction. For example, one side of the projection lens on the side where the front lamp is located can be removed. The shade can also be configured to block non-patterned light in the left-right direction.

[0048] Here, for example, in the case where a reduction in the area of ​​the lens surface in the central projection unit 3 does not pose a problem of a decrease in the brightness of the light pattern, the central projection unit 3 may be configured as an indirect projection type projection unit, similar to the near projection unit 4. That is, the unit is configured by providing a shade opening in a shape corresponding to the light pattern in the shade and using a primary lens that focuses light from the light source onto the shade opening. Furthermore, in the near projection unit 4, the primary lens may be configured as a reflector as long as it has the function of focusing light to form a pseudo light source.

[0049] In the above-described embodiment, an example has been shown in which light patterns are projected at three different positions: a distant light pattern, a central light pattern, and a nearby light pattern. However, the present invention can also be applied to a projection device that projects light patterns at at least two positions relatively on the near and far side. That is, the far-distance-side projection unit that projects a light pattern on the far-distance side is configured as a projection unit of the direct projection type, and the near-distance-side projection unit that projects a light pattern on the near-distance side is configured as a projection unit of the indirect projection type.

[0050] The present invention is not limited to a projection device for projecting a light pattern onto the road surface in front of a vehicle as described in the embodiment, but can also be applied to a projection device that projects a light pattern toward the rear or side of a vehicle, and can also be applied to a projection device disposed to the side of a lamp.

[0051] This international application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-110375, filed on July 5, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0052] The above descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms described. Numerous modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the above description.

[0053] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Projection device 2 Distant projection unit (distant distance side projection unit) 3 Central projection unit (distant distance side projection unit) 4 Near projection unit (near distance side projection unit) 10 (12, 13, 14) Light source unit (light emitting element: LED) 15, 16 Light source board 20 (22, 23, 24) Projection lens 30 Shade 32, 33, 34 Shade opening 40 Primary lens 100 Housing CAR Automobile (vehicle) OP Light pattern FOP Distant light pattern (distant distance side light pattern) COP Central light pattern (distant distance side light pattern) NOP Near light pattern (near distance side light pattern) SL Auxiliary lamp (turn signal lamp) LG Glare light

Claims

1. A projection device mounted on a vehicle and projecting a light pattern onto the surrounding road surface, the projection device comprising a long-distance projection unit that projects a predetermined long-distance light pattern to a relatively long-distance position, and a short-distance projection unit that projects a predetermined short-distance light pattern to a relatively short-distance position, the long-distance projection unit being a projection unit that projects the surface shape of the light-emitting surface of a light source unit as a light pattern, and the short-distance projection unit being a projection unit that projects the opening shape of a shade opening opened in a shade that blocks light emitted from the light source unit as a light pattern.

2. The projection device according to claim 1, wherein the long-distance projection unit comprises a light source section having a light-emitting surface of a required shape, and a projection lens which projects the light emitted from the light-emitting surface, the light-emitting surface being positioned on the focal plane of the projection lens, and the projection lens projects the surface shape of the light-emitting surface as a light pattern.

3. The projection device according to claim 2, wherein the long-distance projection unit is provided with a shade for blocking non-pattern light that does not contribute to the projected light pattern.

4. The projection device according to claim 1, wherein the near-distance projection unit comprises a light source section that emits light, a primary lens that collects the light from the light source section, a shade having a shade opening that transmits the light collected by the primary lens, and a projection lens that projects the light that has passed through the shade opening, and the projection lens projects the opening shape of the shade opening as a light pattern.

5. A projection device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the projection device is disposed below a lamp mounted on the vehicle and irradiating a predetermined light, and projects a light pattern in synchronization with the light irradiation of the lamp.

6. The projection device according to claim 5, wherein the lamp is an auxiliary lamp including a turn signal lamp of a vehicle.

7. The projection device according to claim 5, wherein the projection lens has a circular lens surface with an upper edge portion cut away.

8. The projection device of claim 1, wherein the long-distance projection unit is composed of a long-distance projection unit which projects a long-distance light pattern at the farthest point from the vehicle, and a central projection unit which projects a central light pattern closer to the vehicle than the long-distance light pattern, and the short-distance projection unit is composed of a short-distance projection unit which projects a short-distance light pattern closer to the vehicle than the central light pattern.

9. The projection device according to claim 8, wherein the long-distance projection unit and the short-distance projection unit each have a projection lens and a shade formed integrally therewith.

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