JP7105597B2 - Road surface image projection device and vehicle lamp - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a road surface image projection device and a vehicle lamp.

2. Description of the Related Art Image projection apparatuses typified by projectors have already been used in a wide range of fields as apparatuses for enlarging and projecting desired images. In recent years, they are also widely used as display devices for enlarging the screens of personal computers and mobile phones. Further, the image projection device is also mounted on a vehicle and used as a road surface image projection device for projecting an image on the road surface.

The following Patent Documents 1 and 2, for example, are known as such a road surface image projection device. Patent Document 1 discloses a projection display device that projects an image onto a road surface using the headlights of a vehicle as an external light source. According to Patent Document 1, this projection display apparatus consumes low power and is excellent in portability.

The projector described in Patent Literature 2 is built into a vehicle and placed in front of headlights. During the headlight function, the projector is positioned so as not to block the light path from the headlight to the light outlet. When the projector functions, the projector is arranged in the optical path from the headlight to the light outlet, and projects an optical image to the outside using the headlight as a light source. The projector displays, for example, information about the current position of the vehicle, information about the direction of travel, etc., as an optical image on the road.

According to Patent Document 2, the amount of work required to make the image displayable can be extremely reduced, this work is extremely simple, and the setting work can be automated.

Further, for example, the following patent documents 3 and 4 are known as vehicle lamps. Patent Literature 3 discloses an auxiliary signal lamp having an issuing means in which LEDs are arranged in a line along the longitudinal direction. Further, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-200000 discloses a vehicle lamp that can perform sequential display. The vehicle lamp of Patent Document 4 includes a light source unit in which four LED light sources are mounted, and a light guide that forwardly emits light emitted from the LED light sources. This vehicle lamp performs sequential display by sequentially turning on or turning off three or more LED light sources.

JP-A-8-43781 JP-A-2004-136838 JP-A-2005-142060 JP 2017-183287 A

However, it is difficult to operate a projector mounted on a vehicle under temperature conditions of 0° C. or lower or 60° C. or higher, which are assumed usage environments of automobiles, and under vibration environments from the vehicle. Moreover, since the power consumption of the projector is large, a power supply corresponding to this is required. Further, in Patent Document 2, since an image is projected onto a wide area of the road surface with one optical system, the image quality of the image is deteriorated at the periphery due to aberration. In order to prevent such deterioration in image quality, an optical system including a plurality of expensive glass materials is required, which increases the cost of the road surface image projection apparatus. Furthermore, the vehicle lamp has many other structural parts, and miniaturization of the device is required. In addition, since the vehicle lamp is provided with an LED light source having conventional functions and a circuit board for controlling the light source, the cost of the device increases.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems in the prior art, and the road surface image can be operated even in the assumed operating temperature and vibration environment of the automobile, the power consumption and device cost are reduced, and the device size is also reduced. An object of the present invention is to provide a projection device.

A brief outline of typical inventions disclosed in the present application is as follows.

A road surface image projection device according to a representative embodiment of the present invention displays images on a plurality of areas of a road surface. A road surface image projection device includes a shade for shaping image projection light into a predetermined shape corresponding to an image for each area, and a projection optical system corresponding to each area.

A vehicle lamp according to another representative embodiment of the present invention includes a road surface image projection device that displays images on a plurality of areas of a road surface, and a turn lamp display device. The road surface image projection device has a shade for shaping image projection light into a predetermined shape corresponding to an image for each area, and an image projection lens corresponding to each area. The turn lamp display device has a turn lamp display portion corresponding to each area. Each turn lamp display section displays a turn lamp when the image is displayed in the corresponding area.

Among the inventions disclosed in the present application, the effects obtained by representative ones are briefly described below.

That is, according to the representative embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to provide a road surface image projection device and a vehicle lamp that operate at the temperature assumed for use in automobiles and that reduce power consumption and device costs.

It is a figure which shows an example of the installation condition of the road surface image projection apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining usage conditions of the road surface image projection device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention; 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a road surface image projection device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention; FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of an internal configuration of a road surface image projection device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention; FIG. It is a perspective view showing an example of composition of a projection optical system concerning Embodiment 1 of the present invention. 4 is a diagram showing an example of optical paths of image projection light in the projection optical system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention; FIG. FIG. 2 is an enlarged view showing the vicinity of the solid-state light source according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention; FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the correspondence between the shape of the light guide and the emitted image projection light. It is a figure which compares and shows the image|video displayed with a projection optical system. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing another example of an optical path of image projection light in the projection optical system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention; FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a usage situation of a vehicle lamp according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention; FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a vehicle lamp according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention; FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing an example of an internal configuration of a vehicle lamp according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention; FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of a projection optical system and a turn lamp display optical system according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention; FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an optical path of image projection light in a projection optical system and a turn lamp display optical system according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention;

Hereinafter, examples of embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that the embodiment described below is an example for realizing the present invention, and should be appropriately modified or changed according to the configuration of the apparatus to which the present invention is applied and various conditions. It is not limited to the following embodiments. Moreover, it may be configured by appropriately combining a part of each embodiment to be described later.

(Embodiment 1)
<Installation status of the road surface image projection device>
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of an installation situation of a road surface image projection device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 1(a) is a perspective view showing the appearance of an automobile in which a road surface projection device is installed, and FIG. 1(b) is an enlarged view of the vicinity of the lighting section of the automobile. As shown in FIG. 1, a road surface image projection device 10 according to the present embodiment is installed in an automobile 1, for example.

Specifically, the road surface image projection device 10 is provided in each of the lighting units 5 (5a, 5b) at both ends of the front portion of the automobile 1. As shown in FIG. Although FIG. 1B does not show an enlarged view of the lighting section 5b, the lighting section 5b is symmetrical to the lighting section 5a with respect to the traveling direction of the automobile 1. As shown in FIG. Therefore, the lighting unit 5a will be mainly described below. In this case, the road surface image projection device 10a of the illumination unit 5a may be referred to as the road surface image projection device 10 as long as it does not cause confusion with the road surface image projection device 10b of the illumination unit 5b.

As shown in FIG. 1(b), the lighting unit 5 is provided with headlights 3a and 2a and a road surface image projection device 10a extending from the center of the vehicle body toward the periphery. The headlamp 3a emits a so-called high beam, and the headlamp 2a emits a so-called low beam.

FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining usage of the road surface image projection device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. The road surface image projection device 10 displays images 31 to 34 on a plurality of areas of the road surface as shown in FIG. Specifically, the road surface image projection device 10 displays arrows indicating the traveling direction of the automobile 1 as images 31 to 34 in the right front area in the traveling direction. In FIG. 2, the arrow image 32 is displayed in solid lines, but the road surface image projection device 10 displays the arrow images 31 to 34 on the road surface while sequentially switching between them. Further, after displaying the image 34, the road surface image projection device 10 repeatedly displays the arrows of the images 31 to 34. FIG.

<Configuration of road surface image projection device>
FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the road surface image projection device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing an example of the internal configuration of the road surface image projection device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of the projection optical system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 5(a) shows the correspondence between the solid-state light source, the shade, and the projection lens, and FIG. 5(b) shows the correspondence between the shade and the image projection lens in more detail. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of an optical path of image projection light in the projection optical system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Note that FIG. 6 shows an example of an optical path of a projection optical system including the image projection lens 23 .

As shown in FIG. 3, the road surface image projection device 10 includes a case 11 and a projection lens plate 20. As shown in FIG. A projection lens plate 20 is fixed to the front surface of the case 11 . As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the projection lens plate 20 is provided with image projection lenses 21 to 24, and is integrally formed with these image projection lenses 21 to 24. FIG. For example, the projection lens plate 20 and the image projection lenses 21 to 24 are integrally formed by injection molding. Therefore, each of the image projection lenses 21 to 24 is composed of only one lens. As materials for the projection lens plate 20 and the image projection lenses 21 to 24, for example, resins such as acrylic, polycarbonate, and polyolefin are most suitable. The configuration of the image projection lenses 21-24 will be described later in detail.

The case 11 accommodates each member shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 inside. Specifically, the case 11 accommodates solid-state light sources 41a and 41b, light guides (light guide members) 61a and 61b, a shade 71, etc., corresponding to the image projection lens 21. FIG. Similarly, the case 11 houses solid-state light sources 42a and 42b, light guides 62a and 62b, a shade 72, etc., which correspond to the image projection lens 22. FIG. Similarly, the case 11 accommodates the solid-state light sources 43a, 43b, 43c, the light guides 63a, 63b, 63c, the shade 73, etc. corresponding to the image projection lens 23. FIG. Similarly, the case 11 houses solid-state light sources 44a, 44b, 44c and 44d, light guides 64a, 64b, 64c and 64d, a shade 74, etc., corresponding to the image projection lens 24. FIG.

Of these, the image projection lens 21, the solid-state light sources 41a and 41b, the light guides 61a and 61b, and the shade 71 constitute a projection optical system corresponding to the area where the image 31 is displayed. Similarly, the image projection lens 22, the solid-state light sources 42a and 42b, the light guides 62a and 62b, and the shade 72 constitute a projection optical system corresponding to the area where the image 32 is displayed. Similarly, the image projection lens 23, the solid-state light sources 43a, 43b, 43c, the light guides 63a, 63b, 63c, and the shade 73 constitute a projection optical system corresponding to the area where the image 33 is displayed. Similarly, the image projection lens 24, the solid-state light sources 44a, 44b, 44c, 44d, the light guides 64a, 64b, 64c, 64d, and the shade 74 constitute a projection optical system corresponding to the area where the image 34 is displayed.

In each projection optical system, as shown in FIG. 6, image projection light emitted from a solid-state light source is guided to a shade by a light guide. The image projection light shaped by the shade is refracted toward the corresponding area by the image projection lens.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged view showing the vicinity of the solid-state light source according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. 7(a) is a perspective view of the vicinity of the solid-state light source, and FIGS. 7(b) and 7(c) are cross-sectional views taken along the line A-A' of FIG. 7(a). Although FIG. 7 shows the solid-state light source 43b as an example, other solid-state light sources and their surroundings have the same configuration.

The solid-state light source is, for example, an LED or the like, and emits image projection light for displaying images. In the examples shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, solid-state light sources corresponding to the respective optical systems are provided. However, the configuration is not limited to this, and the solid-state light source may correspond to a plurality of optical systems. Also, only one solid-state light source may be provided for each optical system, or a plurality of solid-state light sources may be provided as shown in FIGS. In the examples shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, two solid-state light sources are provided in the optical systems corresponding to the regions for displaying the images 31 and 32 near the automobile 1, respectively. On the other hand, three to four solid-state light sources are provided in the optical system corresponding to the regions for displaying the images 33 to 34 far from the automobile 1, respectively.

The solid-state light source is mounted on the substrate 12 via a solder layer 12g, as shown in FIGS. 7(b) and 7(c). Thereby, heat generated from the solid-state light source is dissipated through the substrate 12 .

The light guide is a member that is provided corresponding to each solid-state light source and guides the image projection light emitted from the solid-state light source to the corresponding shade. The light guides are installed such that the input ends are located near the corresponding solid state light sources and the output ends are located near the corresponding shades. The image projection light incident on the incident end is emitted from the emitting end toward the shade.

Since the light guide is placed in close proximity to the solid-state light source (LED), it is made of a material that is transparent and heat-resistant above 120°C. Therefore, resins such as polycarbonate, polyolefin, and silicone are suitable for the light guide. The light guide is formed, for example, by injection molding using a mold.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the correspondence between the shape of the light guide and the emitted image projection light. FIG. 8(a) shows the case of this embodiment, and FIG. 8(b) shows the case of a comparative example. Although FIG. 8 shows a projection optical system including the image projection lens 23 as an example, the other image projection lenses 21, 22, and 24 are the same.

As shown in FIG. 8(a), in this embodiment, the output ends of the light guides 63a to 63c are convex. This reduces the divergence angle of the image projection light emitted from the light guides 63a to 63c. Therefore, most of the image projection light emitted from the solid-state light sources 43 a to 43 c and passed through the shade 73 reaches the image projection lens 23 . In this way, the projection end of the light guide is convex, so that the image projection light can be used efficiently.

On the other hand, in the comparative example shown in FIG. 8B, the emission ends of the light guides 630a to 630c are flat. As a result, the divergence angle of the image projection light emitted from the light guides 630a to 630c becomes large and the projection image light spreads, so that the image projection light cannot be used efficiently. As a result, the projected image becomes dark due to the lack of light.

Also, in this embodiment, a plurality of light guides are connected. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 5A, light guides provided in the same projection optical system are connected. Specifically, light guides 51a and 51b corresponding to the solid-state light sources 41a and 41b are connected. Also, light guides 52a and 52b corresponding to the solid-state light sources 42a and 42b are connected. Further, light guides 53a, 53b, 53c corresponding to the solid-state light sources 43a, 43b, 43c are connected. Light guides 54a, 54b, 54c and 54d corresponding to the solid-state light sources 44a, 44b, 44c and 44d are connected.

In addition to these, adjacent light guides of projection optics may be connected. A plurality of connected light guides are also integrally formed by injection molding using a mold.

The light guide is provided with light guide fixing portions such as a light guide fixing portion 64f shown in FIG. 5 and a light guide fixing portion 63f shown in FIG. A light guide support member 13 that supports the light guide is arranged below the light guide. Each light guide fixing portion fits into a groove provided in the light guide support member 13 , and the light guide is fixed to the light guide support member 13 . The light guide fixing part is also integrally formed with the corresponding light guide by injection molding.

The incident end of the light guide, as shown in FIGS. 7B and 7C, is in contact with a fixture (light guide member fixture) 53b. Each light guide is positioned by a corresponding fixture.

The fixture is a member that is provided corresponding to each solid-state light source and positions the light guide. As shown in FIG. 7, fixtures (eg 53b) mate with corresponding solid state light sources 43b. Further, the fixture 53b has a tapered portion 53j. The tapered portion 53j is fitted in line contact with the incident end of the corresponding light guide 63b. As a result, the light guide 63b and the solid-state light source 43b are positioned relative to each other.

7(b) and 7(c), the fixture 53b is provided with a convex portion 53f, and the convex portion 53f is fitted into the positioning hole 12h provided in the substrate 12. As shown in FIGS. As a result, the fixture 53b is fixed at a predetermined position on the substrate 12. As shown in FIG.

Each fixture also has an air inlet hole (for example, 53h) as shown in FIG. Although there are a plurality of air inflow holes 53h in the fixture 53b shown in FIG. The air inflow hole 53h communicates with the space on the side of the corresponding light guide 63b, and radiates the heat of the corresponding solid-state light source 43b to the space on the side of the light guide 63b by convection. Therefore, the heat generated by the solid-state light source 43b is radiated to the space on the side of the substrate 12 and the light guide 63b.

Since each fixture is in direct contact with the corresponding solid-state light source, it is made of a heat-resistant resin having a heat resistance of 150° C. or higher. Silicone resin, for example, is preferable as the material of the fixture. The silicone resin has heat resistance and moldability suitable for mass production.

Further, in the vicinity of each fixture, as shown in FIGS. 7B and 7C, for example, a gap is formed between the solid-state light source 43b and the corresponding light guide 63b. This gap is, for example, about 0.1 to 0.2 mm, but can be adjusted to any value depending on the shape of the fixture 53b. In addition, as shown in FIG. 7C, this gap may be filled with a heat-resistant transparent member 53i made of, for example, silicone resin. This makes it possible to efficiently guide the image projection light emitted from the solid-state light source to the light guide.

The shades 71 to 74 are members for shaping the image projection light emitted from the solid-state light source into predetermined shapes corresponding to the images 31 to 34 for each area. As shown in FIG. 5B, openings 71m to 74m are formed in the shades 71 to 74, respectively. The shape of the openings 71m to 74m corresponds to the arrow indicating the traveling direction of the automobile already described. Specifically, the shapes of the openings 71m-74m are defined in consideration of the characteristics of the corresponding image projection lenses 21-24. The image projection light emitted from the light guide is shielded in the shape of arrows by the openings 71m-74m of the corresponding shades 71-74, and reaches the image projection lenses 21-24.

Each of the shades 71-74 is curved toward the corresponding image projection lenses 21-24 from the central portion toward the peripheral portion. Taking FIG. 8A as an example, the shade 73 is curved toward the image projection lens 23 at its periphery near the light guides 63a and 63c compared to the center near the light guide 63b.

As will be described later, each of the image projection lenses 21 to 24 is composed of one lens made of resin. Therefore, if the field curvature of the image projection lens is large and the shade is configured as a flat surface, the image may be defocused in the peripheral portion, making it impossible to display a clear image. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 8A, the shade is given a curvature corresponding to the curvature of field by curving the peripheral portion of the shade toward the image projection lens. This makes it possible to display a clear image.

The shades 71 to 74 shown in FIGS. 4 to 5 are provided corresponding to respective areas where the images 31 to 34 are displayed, and are independent of each other. However, as long as the openings 71m to 74m are formed, the configuration is not limited to such a configuration, and the shades 71 to 74 may be integrally configured.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a comparison between the projection optical system and the displayed image. FIG. 9(a) shows a projection optical system with a curved shade and a displayed image, and FIG. 9(b) shows a projection optical system with a flat shade and a displayed image. showing.

As shown in FIG. 9(a), when the shade is curved, a sharp image is displayed. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 9(b), when the shade is flat, an image with a slightly blurred periphery is displayed compared to FIG. 9(a). However, even in the case of FIG. 9B, the effect on the visibility of the image is slight.

The image projection lenses 21 to 24 correspond to respective areas where images are displayed, and project the images onto the corresponding areas. For example, the image projection lens 21 corresponds to an area for displaying the image 31 and projects the image 31 thereon. Similarly, the image projection lenses 22 to 24 correspond to areas for displaying the images 32 to 34, respectively, and project the images 32 to 34, respectively. In other words, the image projection lens 21 corresponds to the area closest to the vehicle 1, and the image projection lenses 22 to 24 correspond to areas further away from the vehicle 1, respectively.

Each of the image projection lenses 21 to 24 differs in at least one of focal length and axial tilt. For example, the image projection lens 21 has the shortest focal length because it projects the image 31 in an area close to the automobile 1 . Further, the focal length of the corresponding image projection lens increases as the distance from the automobile 1 increases. Since the positions where the images are projected are different in this way, the focal lengths of the image projection lenses 21 to 24 are different.

At the same time, since the incident angle of the image with respect to the road surface is different, the axial inclinations of the image projection lenses 21 to 24 are different accordingly.

FIGS. 4 and 5 show the case where the image projection light is emitted in substantially the same direction in any of the projection optical systems. good too. In this case, the axial tilts of the plurality of image projection lenses are made to correspond thereto. However, if the image quality projected onto the road surface is acceptable, the lens inclination may be the same. Also, in FIGS. 4 and 5, the image projection lenses 21 to 24 are arranged in a horizontal line, but the arrangement is not limited to this. Therefore, depending on the arrangement of the image projection lenses, the focal lengths of the plurality of image projection lenses may be the same.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of the optical path of image projection light in the projection optical system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 10 shows an example of an optical path of a projection optical system including the image projection lens 21, for example.

A projection optical system including image projection lenses 22 to 24 has a configuration as shown in FIG. 6, for example. On the other hand, since the projection optical system including the image projection lens 21 displays the image in the area closest to the automobile 1 , it is necessary to bend the emitted image projection light directly below the right front of the automobile 1 . Therefore, in the image projection lens 21, as shown in FIG. 10, the incident range of the image projection light is offset upward with respect to the central axis 21c of the lens. Further, the image projection lens 21 is inclined downward with respect to the reference axis of the case 11 (for example, the central axis of the image projection lenses 22 to 24). This configuration increases the bending angle of the image projection lens 21 .

However, in this configuration, the image projection lens 21 is larger than the other image projection lenses 22 to 24, and the image projection lens 21 is inclined downward. 11 cannot be accommodated. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the image projection lens 21 is provided with cutouts 21a and 21b, and the portion that does not fit in the case 11 is removed.

Specifically, the upper front surface of the image projection lens 21 is removed to form a notch 21a. Also, the lower side of the image projection lens 21 is removed to form a notch portion 21b. Note that the notch portions 21a and 21b are portions through which the image projection light does not pass, as shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 5B, the opening 71m of the shade corresponding to the arrow shape projected by the image projection lens 21 is larger in vertical size than the other openings 72m, 73m, and 74m. It's becoming The reason for this is that the incident angle of the image light projected onto the road surface using the image projection lens 21 is smaller than the incident angle of the image light projected onto the road surface using the other projection lenses, and the vertical enlargement ratio of the image light projected onto the road surface is small. It is for the sake of becoming.

Since the vertical size is increased, the angle of view with respect to the image projection lens is increased, making it difficult to maintain uniform brightness over the entire projected image. As a countermeasure, only this optical system is provided with a diffusion plate 71d between the light guide 61a and the shade 71 in order to improve the uniformity of the projected image.

Here, an example in which cutout portions are formed only in the image projection lens 21 is taken up, but cutout portions may also be formed in the image projection lenses 22 to 24 other than this as necessary. Thus, in this embodiment, at least one image projection lens has a notch.

<Main effects of the present embodiment>
According to this embodiment, the road surface image projection device 10 includes shades and image projection lenses corresponding to respective regions. According to this configuration, since the image is formed by the shade, no projector is required. As a result, it becomes possible to operate even at the temperature assumed for use in automobiles, and it becomes possible to reduce power consumption and device cost.

Further, since each image for each area is projected by the corresponding dedicated image projection lens, the aberration design of each of the image projection lenses 21 to 24 can be optimized. As a result, each of the image projection lenses 21 to 24 can be composed of a single lens, so that the device cost can be reduced.

Further, according to the present embodiment, each of the image projection lenses 21 to 24 differs in at least one of the focal length and axial tilt. According to this configuration, since the direction in which the image projection light is bent can be varied for each projection optical system, it is possible to freely set the area in which the image is displayed.

Further, according to the present embodiment, the exit end of the light guide is convex. According to this configuration, since the divergence angle of the image projection light emitted from the light guide is small, it is possible to efficiently use the image projection light. This makes it possible to display an image with the same brightness while suppressing the amount of image projection light.

Further, according to this embodiment, a plurality of light guides are connected. According to this configuration, handling of the light guide is facilitated, and a plurality of light guides can be formed at once, thereby improving the productivity of the light guides.

Further, according to this embodiment, the gap between the solid-state light source and the corresponding light guide is filled with the heat-resistant transparent member. With this configuration, it is possible to efficiently guide the image projection light emitted from the solid-state light source to the light guide.

Further, according to this embodiment, at least one of the image projection lenses has a notch. According to this configuration, even if a large lens is used, it is possible to remove the portion through which the image projection light does not pass, so it is possible to further expand the area in which the image can be displayed. In addition, since the portion that does not fit into the case 11 is removed, an increase in the size of the case 11 can be suppressed. As a result, an increase in the number of road surface image projection devices 10 can be suppressed, and it is possible to expand options for installation locations.

Further, according to the present embodiment, shades corresponding to the respective regions are provided. With this configuration, the shade can be miniaturized, so that the degree of freedom in designing the projection optical system can be improved.

Further, according to this embodiment, the shade is curved toward the corresponding image projection lens side from the central portion toward the peripheral portion. According to this configuration, it is possible to give the shade a curvature corresponding to the curvature of field of the image projection lens and display a clear image.

Also according to this embodiment, each fixture is provided with an air inlet hole. According to this configuration, since the air inlet and the light guide are communicated with each other, the heat of the solid-state light source can be dissipated by convection. As a result, the heat dissipation capability is improved, so deterioration of the solid-state light source can be suppressed, and the life of the device can be extended.

(Embodiment 2)
Next, Embodiment 2 will be described. In this embodiment, a vehicle lamp equipped with the road surface image projection device according to the first embodiment will be described. In the vehicle lamp according to the present embodiment, the image displayed on the road surface is associated with the displayed turn lamp. In addition, below, detailed description is abbreviate|omitted in principle about the part which overlaps with the above-mentioned embodiment.

<Installation status of vehicle lighting>
FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining usage conditions of the vehicle lamp according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. FIG. 11(a) shows how an image corresponding to each region of the road surface is displayed, and FIG. 11(b) shows the image projection and the turn lamp display in correspondence.

The vehicle lamp 100 is installed, for example, in an automobile 1 as shown in FIG. 11(a), as in the first embodiment. The vehicle lamp 100 includes a road surface image projection device 10 and a turn lamp display device 80, as shown in FIG. 11(b). Then, the road surface image projection device 10 of the vehicle lamp 100 displays, for example, images 31 to 34 of arrows on a plurality of areas of the road surface as shown in FIG. 11(a), similarly to FIG.

FIG. 11(a) shows the case where the image 33 of the arrow is displayed. The display unit 83 displays turn lamps.

The road surface image projection device 10 displays the arrow images 31 to 34 on the road surface while sequentially switching them. Also in the turn lamp display device 80, the turn lamp display units 81 to 84 corresponding to the images 31 to 34 sequentially switch the corresponding turn lamps for display. Therefore, the turn lamp display device 80 can display the turn lamps in sequence in synchronization with the images 31-34.

<Configuration of vehicle lamp>
FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a vehicle lamp according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing an example of the internal configuration of a vehicle lamp according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of a projection optical system and a turn lamp display optical system according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. FIG. 14(a) shows the correspondence between the solid-state light source, the shade, the projection lens, and the turn lamp light guide, and FIG. 14(b) shows the correspondence between the shade and the turn lamp light guide in more detail. showing. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of optical paths of image projection light in the projection optical system and the turn lamp display optical system according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. Note that FIG. 15 shows an example of the optical paths of the projection optical system including the image projection lens 23 and the turn lamp display optical system including the turn lamp display section 83 . Since the road surface image projection device 10 has been described in detail in the first embodiment, the description thereof will be omitted.

The turn lamp display device 80 is a device that displays turn lamps to inform following cars, pedestrians, etc. of the traveling direction of the automobile 1 when turning right or left. As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the turn lamp display device 80 includes turn lamp display units 81-84. The turn lamp display device 80 also includes turn lamp display light guides (turn lamp display light guide members) 91 to 94, as shown in FIGS.

The turn lamp display portions 81 to 84 are members for displaying turn lamps. The turn lamp display units 81 to 84 are arranged near the upper end of the projection lens plate 20, for example. Specifically, the turn lamp display units 81 to 84 are arranged near the corresponding image projection lenses 21 to 24, respectively. Each of the turn lamp display portions 81 to 84 has, for example, a rectangular shape extending in the arrangement direction of the image projection lenses 21 to 24 and has an elongated shape along the projection lens plate 20 .

Also, the turn lamp display portions 81 to 84 correspond to respective areas in which images are displayed. Specifically, the turn lamp display portion 81 corresponds to the area where the image 31 is displayed. The turn lamp display portion 82 corresponds to the area where the image 32 is displayed. The turn lamp display portion 83 corresponds to the area where the image 33 is displayed. The turn lamp display portion 84 corresponds to the area where the image 34 is displayed.

The turn lamp display units 81 to 84 display turn lamps when the images 31 to 34 are displayed in the corresponding areas. That is, the vehicle lamp 100 can simultaneously display the image display on the road surface and the turn lamp.

A predetermined diffusion pattern is formed on each of the turn lamp display portions 81 to 84 . The turn lamp display units 81 to 84 display the turn lamp in a predetermined light distribution pattern by diffusing the light for the turn lamp display based on this diffusion pattern.

The turn lamp display light guides 91-94 are provided for each of the turn lamp display portions 81-84. The turn lamp display light guides 91-94 guide the image projection light to the corresponding turn lamp display portions 81-84. That is, the image projection light emitted from the solid-state light source is used not only for image projection but also as light for turn lamp display. In other words, solid-state light sources have become a common light source for video projection and turn lamp displays.

As shown in FIG. 15, the input end of the turn lamp display light guide (eg 93) is arranged near the output end of the corresponding light guide (eg 63). That is, the turn lamp display light guides are arranged in front of the corresponding light guides. Specifically, the turn lamp display light guide has an incident end arranged above the corresponding light guide. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 15, the image projection light emitted from the upper portion of the light guide is used for turn lamp display, and the other image projection light is used for image projection.

The turn lamp display light guides 91-94 are isolated from the solid-state light source. Also, the light for turn lamp display is less intense than the light used for image projection. Therefore, the material of the turn lamp display light guides 91 to 94 may be the same material as the light guides, or may be a resin such as acrylic having lower heat resistance than the light guides.

As shown in FIGS. 14(b) and 15, each shade has an opening corresponding to the incident end of the turn lamp display light guide. The openings are formed so that the light guide display light emitted from the output end of the light guide enters the corresponding turn lamp display light guide.

Specifically, the opening 91m corresponds to the turn lamp display light guide 91 . The opening 92m corresponds to the turn lamp display light guide 92 . The opening 93m corresponds to the turn lamp display light guide 93 . The opening 94m corresponds to the turn lamp display light guide 94 .

<Main effects of the present embodiment>
According to the present embodiment, in addition to the effects of the first embodiment, the following effects are obtained. According to the present embodiment, the vehicle lamp 1 includes the road surface image projection device and the turn lamp, and the turn lamp display unit displays the turn lamp when the image is displayed in the corresponding area. According to this configuration, since the image projection on the road surface and the turn lamps are displayed at the same time, the traveling direction of the automobile 1 can be easily conveyed.

Further, according to the present embodiment, the turn lamp display light guide for guiding the image projection light to the corresponding turn lamp display portion is provided. In addition, the input end of the turn lamp display light guide is arranged near the output end of the corresponding light guide. The shade has an opening corresponding to the incident end of the turn lamp display light guide. According to this configuration, it is possible to use the image projection light as the turn lamp display light. In addition, this makes it possible to use a common solid-state light source, thereby reducing power consumption and device cost.

In addition, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and includes various modifications. For example, the road surface image projection device 10 described here includes four projection optical systems, and displays images using different projection optical systems for four regions. system, or two or three projection optical systems.

Further, although the image projection lenses 21 to 24 described here are composed of one lens, they may be composed of a plurality of lenses as long as the increase in cost can be suppressed. Further, although the road surface image projection device 10 described here is provided with a corresponding solid-state light source for each projection optical system, it is not limited to such a configuration. It is also possible to take in the light that is projected and use it as image projection light.

Moreover, the road surface image projection device 10 can be installed not only in the automobile 1 but also in various places. For example, it may be installed in a movable object such as the automobile 1, or may be fixed in a predetermined place that does not move. Also, here, the case of displaying an image of an arrow is taken as an example, but other characters, symbols, patterns, etc. may be displayed as an image.

Also, the turn lamp display light guide may directly guide the image projection light from the corresponding solid-state light source. In this case, the incident end of the light guide and the incident end of the turn lamp display light guide are arranged near the solid-state light source. In this case, from the viewpoint of heat resistance, the turn lamp display light guide is preferably made of the same material as the light guide.

Also, part of the configuration of one embodiment can be replaced with the configuration of another embodiment, and the configuration of another embodiment can be added to the configuration of one embodiment. . Moreover, it is possible to add, delete, or replace a part of the configuration of each embodiment with another configuration. It should be noted that each member and relative size described in the drawings are simplified and idealized in order to explain the present invention in an easy-to-understand manner, and may have a more complicated shape in mounting.

Preferred embodiments of the present invention are described below.

[Appendix 1]
a road surface image projection device that displays images on a plurality of areas of the road surface;
a turn lamp display device;
with
The road surface image projection device has a shade for shaping image projection light into a predetermined shape corresponding to the image for each of the areas, and an image projection lens corresponding to each of the areas,
The turn lamp display device has a turn lamp display portion corresponding to each of the regions,
each of the turn lamp display units displays a turn lamp when the image is displayed in the corresponding area;
each of the image projection lenses has a different focal length and/or axial tilt;
The road surface image projection device is provided corresponding to each of the image projection lenses, and is provided corresponding to each of the solid-state light sources for irradiating the image projection light, and each of the solid-state light sources to project the image projection light to the shade. and a light guide member that guides light to
The turn lamp display device includes a turn lamp display light guide member provided corresponding to each of the light guide members and guiding the image projection light to the corresponding turn lamp display section.
Vehicle lighting.

[Appendix 2]
In the vehicle lamp according to Appendix 1,
The output end of the light guide member is convex,
Vehicle lighting.

[Appendix 3]
In the vehicle lamp according to Appendix 1,
wherein the plurality of light guide members are connected to each other;
Vehicle lighting.

[Appendix 4]
In the vehicle lamp according to Appendix 1,
A gap between the solid-state light source and the corresponding light guide member is filled with a heat-resistant transparent member.
Vehicle lighting.

[Appendix 5]
In the vehicle lamp according to Appendix 4,
The heat-resistant transparent member is made of a silicone resin,
Vehicle lighting.

[Appendix 6]
In the vehicle lamp according to Appendix 1,
at least one of the image projection lenses has a notch;
Vehicle lighting.

[Appendix 7]
In the vehicle lamp according to Appendix 1,
The shade corresponding to each of the regions is provided,
Vehicle lighting.

[Appendix 8]
In the vehicle lamp according to appendix 7,
the shade is curved toward the corresponding image projection lens from the central portion toward the peripheral portion;
Vehicle lighting.

[Appendix 9]
In the vehicle lamp according to Appendix 1,
A light guide member fixture is provided corresponding to each of the solid-state light sources and positions the light guide member,
Vehicle lighting.

[Appendix 10]
In the vehicle lamp according to Appendix 9,
The light guide member fixture is fitted with the corresponding solid-state light source,
Vehicle lighting.

[Appendix 11]
In the vehicle lamp according to Appendix 9,
The light guide member fixture is made of a heat-resistant resin,
Vehicle lighting.

[Appendix 12]
In the vehicle lamp according to Appendix 9,
The light guide member fixture includes an air inlet hole,
Vehicle lighting.

10 Road surface image projection device 21-24 Image projection lens 21a, 21b Notch 31-34 Image 41a-41b, 42a-42b, 43a-43c, 44a-44d Solid-state light source 51a- 51b, 52a-52b, 53a-53c, 54a-54d... fixture, 53h... air inlet, 61a-61b, 62a-62b, 63a-63c, 64a-64d... light guide, 71-74... shade, 80... Turn lamp display device 81 to 84 Turn lamp display portion 91 to 94 Light guide for turn lamp display 91m to 94m Opening 100 Vehicle lamp

Claims (5)

a road surface image projection device that displays images on a plurality of areas of the road surface;
a turn lamp display device;
with
The road surface image projection device
a shade for shaping image projection light into a predetermined shape corresponding to the image for each of the regions;
a plurality of image projection lenses corresponding to each of said regions;
a solid-state light source provided corresponding to the plurality of image projection lenses and emitting the image projection light;
a light guide member provided corresponding to each of the solid-state light sources and guiding the image projection light to the shade;
with
The turn lamp display device
a turn lamp indicator corresponding to each of said areas; When,
a solid-state light source provided corresponding to the turn lamp display portion corresponding to the region and illuminating the turn lamp display portion;
a turn lamp display light guide member for guiding light from the solid-state light source to the turn lamp display portion;
with
The image projection lens and the turn lamp display are illuminated by a plurality of solid state light sources. ,
Vehicle lighting. The vehicle lamp according to claim 1 ,
each of the image projection lenses differs in at least one of focal length and axial tilt;
Vehicle lighting. The vehicle lamp according to claim 1 ,
The incident end of the turn lamp display light guide member is arranged near the corresponding output end of the light guide member, and the solid-state light source for emitting the image projection light also serves as the solid-state light source for displaying the turn lamp.
Vehicle lighting. The vehicle lamp according to claim 3 ,
The shade has an opening corresponding to the incident end of the turn lamp display light guide member,
Vehicle lighting. The vehicle lamp according to claim 4 ,
The light guide member and the turn lamp display light guide member are light guides,
Vehicle lighting.

Images