JP7800851B2 - Illumination module, device with illumination module, illumination module unit, illumination system, and illumination method - Google Patents

Description

The present disclosure relates to lighting modules, devices with lighting modules, lighting module units, lighting systems, and lighting methods.

As described in Patent Document 1 (JP2016-90318A), an illumination device that projects a projection pattern onto a projection surface is known. It is useful for an illumination device to project a projection pattern onto a projection surface in connection with the operation of another device, etc.

In this application, it is convenient if the lighting module that projects the projection pattern onto the projection surface can be integrated into or attached to other cooperating devices.

The present disclosure aims to provide a lighting module suitable for being incorporated into or attached to other devices.

A first lighting module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes:
An illumination module that projects a projection pattern onto a projection surface,
a light source that emits light;
an optical system facing the light source in an axial direction of the lighting module;
a case for holding the light source and the optical system;
a circuit board electrically connected to the light source,
In the axial direction, the circuit board is at least partially located between the light source and an exit end of the optical system from which light emitted from the light source exits.

A second lighting module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes:
An illumination module that projects a projection pattern onto a projection surface,
a light source that emits light;
an optical system facing the light source in the axial direction of the lighting module;
a case for holding the light source and the optical system;
a circuit board electrically connected to the light source,
the circuit board includes a socket that contacts a terminal of the light source and electrically connects with the terminal;
The light source is located between the circuit board and the optical system in the axial direction.

The present disclosure provides a lighting module suitable for incorporation or attachment into other devices.

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

One embodiment of the present disclosure relates to the following <1> to <60>.

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

<2>
an FPC electrically connecting the light source and the circuit board;
the light source includes a terminal that penetrates the FPC;
The lighting module according to <1>, wherein the terminal is electrically connected to the FPC.

<3>
an FPC electrically connecting the light source and the circuit board;
The lighting module according to <1> or <2>, wherein the FPC is attached to the case.

＜4＞
the case includes a cylindrical portion and a bottom portion connected to the cylindrical portion,
the cylindrical portion is open to a first side in the axial direction and is connected to the bottom portion from a second side in the axial direction,
the optical system is held inside the cylindrical portion,
The lighting module according to any one of <1> to <3>, wherein the light source is held at the bottom.

<5>
the cylindrical portion includes a first cylindrical portion and a second cylindrical portion,
the first cylindrical portion is located on the first side in the axial direction relative to the second cylindrical portion,
The second cylindrical portion is thinner than the first cylindrical portion,
The lighting module according to <4>, wherein the circuit board is attached to an outer side of the second cylindrical portion.

<6>
the circuit board includes a substrate, and elements and wiring provided on the substrate;
The lighting module according to any one of <1> to <5>, wherein the substrate faces a radial direction perpendicular to the axial direction.

＜７＞
a second circuit board;
The lighting module according to any one of <1> to <6>, wherein the circuit board and the second circuit board are arranged spaced apart from each other in a circumferential direction about an axis parallel to the axial direction.

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

＜９＞
the circuit board includes a substrate, and elements and wiring provided on the substrate;
The lighting module according to <8>, wherein the substrate faces the axial direction.

<10>
An illumination module that projects a projection pattern onto a projection surface,
a light source that emits light;
an optical system facing the light source in the axial direction of the lighting module;
a case for holding the light source and the optical system;
a circuit board electrically connected to the light source,
the circuit board includes a socket that contacts a terminal of the light source and electrically connects with the terminal;
The lighting module, wherein the light source is positioned between the circuit board and the optical system in the axial direction.

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

<12>
The lighting module according to <10> or <11>, further comprising a second circuit board located at least partially between an output end of the optical system and the light source in the axial direction.

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

<14>
The lighting module according to any one of <10> to <13>, further comprising a fall-off prevention mechanism that prevents the socket from coming off the terminal.

＜15＞
the light source includes a laser diode;
The lighting module according to any one of <1> to <14>, wherein the circuit board includes a driver IC that drives a laser diode.

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

＜17＞
The lighting module according to any one of <1> to <16>, wherein the circuit board is in contact with the case.

＜18＞
a cover that partially covers the case;
the circuit board is located between the case and the cover,
The lighting module according to any one of <1> to <17>, wherein the circuit board is in contact with the cover.

＜19＞
a cover that partially covers the case;
the circuit board is located between the case and the cover,
A lighting module that is incorporated into or attached to another device,
The lighting module according to any one of <1> to <18>, wherein at least one of the case and the cover is fixed to the device.

＜20＞
a cover that partially covers the case;
the circuit board is located between the case and the cover,
A lighting module that is incorporated into or attached to another device,
the cover includes a portion that contacts the device;
The lighting module according to any one of <1> to <19>, wherein the contacting portion is located between the circuit board and the device.

＜21＞
a cover that partially covers the case;
the circuit board is located between the case and the cover,
The lighting module according to any one of <1> to <20>, wherein at least one of the case and the cover includes a marking indicating an orientation in which the lighting module should be installed.

<22>
a cover that partially covers the case;
the circuit board is located between the case and the cover,
<21> The lighting module described in any one of <1> to <21>, wherein the cover includes a plate-shaped end portion facing the case in the axial direction, and a cylindrical side portion facing the case in a radial direction perpendicular to the axial direction.

＜23＞
A lighting module that is incorporated into or attached to another device,
The lighting module according to <22>, wherein a connector for electrically connecting to the device is provided at a position offset from the center of the end portion.

＜24＞
a cover that partially covers the case;
the circuit board is located between the case and the cover,
The lighting module according to any one of <1> to <23>, wherein the cover is located at the same position as the case or inside the case when projected onto a plane perpendicular to the axial direction.

＜25＞
a cover that partially covers the case;
the circuit board is located between the case and the cover,
The lighting module according to any one of <1> to <24>, wherein the cover has a circular outline when projected onto a plane perpendicular to the axial direction.

<26>
a cover that partially covers the case;
the circuit board is located between the case and the cover,
The lighting module according to any one of <1> to <25>, wherein the cover has a circular outline when projected onto a plane perpendicular to the axial direction.

＜27＞
The lighting module according to any one of <1> to <26>, wherein the optical system includes a diffractive optical element and a lens optical system.

＜28＞
The illumination module according to any one of <1> to <27>, wherein the optical system includes a light-shielding mask and an imaging optical system.

＜29＞
<1> to <28>, and the lighting module according to any one of <1> to <28>.
and a device having the lighting module built in or attached thereto.

＜30＞
<1> to <28>, comprising a plurality of lighting modules according to any one of <1> to <28>,
a lighting module unit that displays a lighting pattern on a projection surface by a plurality of projection patterns projected onto the projection surface from each of the plurality of lighting modules;

＜31＞
A plurality of lighting modules are provided,
a lighting module unit that displays a lighting pattern on a projection surface by a plurality of projection patterns projected onto the projection surface from each of the plurality of lighting modules;

＜32＞
the plurality of projection patterns are arranged in a fourth direction,
The lighting module unit according to <30> or <31>, wherein each of the plurality of projection patterns extends in a fifth direction non-parallel to the fourth direction.

＜33＞
<1> to <28>, comprising a plurality of lighting modules according to any one of <1> to <28>,
the plurality of projection patterns projected onto the projection surface from each of the plurality of lighting modules are arranged in a fourth direction;
The illumination module unit, wherein each of the plurality of projection patterns extends in a fifth direction non-parallel to the fourth direction.

＜34＞
A plurality of lighting modules are provided,
the plurality of projection patterns projected onto the projection surface from each of the plurality of lighting modules are arranged in a fourth direction;
The illumination module unit, wherein each of the plurality of projection patterns extends in a fifth direction non-parallel to the fourth direction.

＜35＞
The lighting module unit according to any one of <30> to <34>, wherein each of the plurality of projection patterns is a line.

<36>
The lighting module unit according to any one of <32> to <34>, wherein the plurality of projection patterns are spaced apart from each other in the fourth direction on the projection surface.

＜３７＞
the plurality of projection patterns include a first outermost projection pattern, a second outermost projection pattern, and an intermediate projection pattern;
the first outermost projection pattern is located on the first side in the fourth direction,
the second outermost projection pattern is located on the second most side in the fourth direction,
the intermediate projection pattern is located between the first outermost projection pattern and the second outermost projection pattern in the fourth direction,
The lighting module unit described in any one of <32> to <34> and <36>, wherein, at a certain position in the fifth direction, the first outermost projection pattern is brighter than the intermediate projection pattern, and the second outermost projection pattern is brighter than the intermediate projection pattern.

＜38＞
the plurality of projection patterns include a first outermost projection pattern and a second outermost projection pattern,
the first outermost projection pattern is located on the first side in the fourth direction,
the second outermost projection pattern is located on the second most side in the fourth direction,
At a certain position in the fifth direction, the first outermost projection pattern is brighter than other projection patterns other than the second outermost projection pattern,
The lighting module unit described in any one of <32> to <34>, <36>, and <37>, wherein, at a certain position in the fifth direction, the second outermost projection pattern is brighter than other projection patterns other than the first outermost projection pattern.

＜３９＞
Each of the plurality of lighting modules includes a light source and an optical system that adjusts an optical path of light from the light source;
The lighting module unit according to any one of <30> to <38>, wherein the light source includes a laser diode.

＜40＞
Each of the plurality of lighting modules includes a light source and an optical system that adjusts an optical path of light from the light source;
The lighting module unit according to any one of <30> to <39>, wherein the optical system includes one or more of a diffractive optical element, a microlens array, a light diffusing element, a phosphor, and a spatial light modulator.

＜41＞
The lighting module unit according to any one of <32> to <34>, <36>, <37>, and <38>, wherein one or more lighting modules included in the plurality of lighting modules and one or more other lighting modules included in the plurality of lighting modules are positioned opposite each other in the fifth direction.

＜42＞
The lighting module unit according to any one of <30> to <41>, wherein the plurality of lighting modules are located at different positions from each other.

＜43＞
The lighting module unit according to any one of <30> to <42>, wherein the plurality of projection patterns are identical to one another.

＜44＞
The lighting module unit according to any one of <30> to <43>, wherein the plurality of projection patterns are different from each other.

＜45＞
<30> to <44>, and the lighting module unit according to any one of <30> to <44>.
a power source for supplying power to the plurality of lighting modules;
a plurality of controllers positioned between the plurality of lighting modules and the power source;
A lighting system, wherein each of the plurality of controllers regulates power supply from the power source to a corresponding lighting module included in the plurality of lighting modules independently of power supply from the power source to other lighting modules.

＜46＞
The lighting system described in <45>, wherein each of the plurality of controllers adjusts whether or not power is supplied to the corresponding lighting module and/or the amount of power supplied.

＜47＞
A lighting method comprising a step of illuminating a projection surface using the lighting module unit according to any one of <30> to <44>,
In the illuminating step, an illumination pattern is displayed on the projection surface by a plurality of projection patterns projected from the illumination module unit onto the projection surface.

＜48＞
1. A lighting method comprising: illuminating a projection surface using a lighting module unit,
In the illuminating step, an illumination pattern is displayed on the projection surface by a plurality of projection patterns projected from the illumination module unit onto the projection surface.

＜49＞
the plurality of projection patterns are arranged in a fourth direction,
The illumination method according to <47> or <48>, wherein each of the plurality of projection patterns extends in a fifth direction non-parallel to the fourth direction.

＜50＞
A lighting method comprising a step of illuminating a projection surface using the lighting module unit according to any one of <30> to <44>,
In the illuminating step, a plurality of projection patterns are projected onto a projection surface from the lighting module unit;
the plurality of projection patterns are arranged in a fourth direction,
The illumination method, wherein each of the plurality of projection patterns extends in a fifth direction non-parallel to the fourth direction.

＜51＞
1. A lighting method comprising: illuminating a projection surface using a lighting module unit;
In the illuminating step, a plurality of projection patterns are projected onto a projection surface from the lighting module unit;
the plurality of projection patterns are arranged in a fourth direction,
The illumination method, wherein each of the plurality of projection patterns extends in a fifth direction non-parallel to the fourth direction.

＜52＞
The illumination method according to any one of <47> to <51>, wherein each of the plurality of projection patterns is a line.

＜53＞
The illumination method according to any one of <49> to <51>, wherein the plurality of projection patterns are spaced apart from each other in the fourth direction on the projection surface.

＜54＞
The illumination method according to any one of <49> to <51> and <53>, wherein in the illuminating step, a thickness and/or brightness of the illumination pattern is controlled by adjusting the number of the plurality of projection patterns.

＜５５＞
The illumination method according to any one of <49> to <51>, <53>, and <54>, wherein in the illuminating step, some of the projection patterns included in the plurality of projection patterns are blinked.

＜56＞
While the part of the projection patterns is flashing, the other part of the projection patterns included in the plurality of projection patterns is turned on,
The illumination method described in <55>, wherein the other part of the projection patterns includes a projection pattern located on a first side in the fourth direction of the other part of the projection patterns, and a projection pattern located on a second side in the fourth direction of the other part of the projection patterns.

＜５７＞
the plurality of projection patterns include a first outermost projection pattern, a second outermost projection pattern, and an intermediate projection pattern;
the first outermost projection pattern is located on the first side in the fourth direction,
the second outermost projection pattern is located on the second most side in the fourth direction,
the intermediate projection pattern is located between the first outermost projection pattern and the second outermost projection pattern in the fourth direction,
The illumination method according to any one of <49> to <51> and <53> to <56>, wherein, at a certain position in the fifth direction, the first outermost projection pattern is brighter than the intermediate projection pattern, and the second outermost projection pattern is brighter than the intermediate projection pattern.

＜58＞
the plurality of projection patterns include a first outermost projection pattern and a second outermost projection pattern,
the first outermost projection pattern is located on the first side in the fourth direction,
the second outermost projection pattern is located on the second most side in the fourth direction,
At a certain position in the fifth direction, the first outermost projection pattern is brighter than other projection patterns other than the second outermost projection pattern,
The illumination method according to any one of <49> to <51> and <53> to <57>, wherein, at a certain position in the fifth direction, the second outermost projection pattern is brighter than other projection patterns other than the first outermost projection pattern.

＜59＞
The illumination method according to any one of <49> to <51> and <53> to <58>, wherein one or more projection patterns included in the plurality of projection patterns and one or more other projection patterns included in the plurality of projection patterns are projected onto the projection surface from positions facing each other in the fifth direction.

＜60＞
The illumination method according to any one of <49> to <51> and <53> to <59>, wherein one or more projection patterns included in the plurality of projection patterns are projected onto the projection surface from two or more positions that are opposite to each other in the fifth direction.

The following describes in detail one embodiment of the present disclosure. In the drawings accompanying this specification, the scale and aspect ratios have been appropriately altered and exaggerated from their actual sizes to facilitate understanding. Configurations shown in some drawings may be omitted in other drawings. The scale and aspect ratios may differ between drawings.

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

In this specification, the normal direction of a plate-shaped (sheet-shaped, film-shaped) member refers to the direction parallel to the normal or perpendicular to the plate surface (sheet surface, film surface) of the target plate-shaped (sheet-shaped, film-shaped) member. "Plate surface (sheet surface, film surface)" refers to the surface that coincides with the target plate-shaped (sheet-shaped, film-shaped) member when the target plate-shaped (sheet-shaped, film-shaped) member is viewed overall and globally.

In this specification, multiple upper limit candidate values and multiple lower limit candidate values for a numerical range may be described in separate sentences. In this description, the numerical range may be constructed by combining any one upper limit candidate value with any one lower limit candidate value. As an example, consider the following statement: "Parameter B may be A1 or greater, A2 or greater, or A3 or greater. Parameter B may be A4 or less, A5 or less, or A6 or less." In this example, the numerical range for parameter B may be A1 or greater and A4 or less, A1 or greater and A5 or less, A1 or greater and A6 or less, A2 or greater and A4 or less, A2 or greater and A5 or less, A2 or greater and A6 or less, A3 or greater and A4 or less, A3 or greater and A5 or less, or A3 or greater and A6 or less.

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

Figures 1A to 6D are diagrams showing several specific examples of a device with an illumination module 105 according to this embodiment. As shown in Figures 1A to 6D, the device with an illumination module 105 includes a device 110 and an illumination module 10. The illumination module 10 may be incorporated into the device 110. The illumination module 10 may be built into the device 110. The illumination module 10 may be attached to the device 110. The illumination module 10 projects a projection pattern 101 onto a projection surface 100. The illumination module 10 emits projection light L that constitutes the projection pattern 101.

According to this embodiment, as described below, the lighting module 10 is provided with a configuration suitable for being incorporated into or attached to the device 110. More specifically, the lighting module 10 can be made smaller. This increases the degree of freedom in how the lighting module 10 is incorporated into or attached to the device 110. Furthermore, the cover 60 can protect the circuit board 70A included in the lighting module 10 from physical contact or collision. Furthermore, the cover 60 can electromagnetically shield the circuit board 70A included in the lighting module 10. This improves the operational reliability of the lighting module 10.

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

The device 110 is not particularly limited. The device 110 may have a function or action related to the projection pattern 101 by the lighting module 10. The device 110 may exert a function or action on the projection surface 100. The device 110 may be a security gate 110A, a lighting device 110B, a display device 110C, a mobile object 110D, or a detection device 110E. The mobile object 110D may be capable of unmanned operation. The mobile object 110D may be capable of manned operation. Examples of the mobile object 110D include a ship, an airplane, a drone, a railroad vehicle, and an automobile.

The projection surface 100 is not particularly limited. The projection surface 100 may be a surface on which the device 110 exerts its function or action. The projection surface 100 may also be a surface surrounding the part on which the device 110 exerts its function or action. Examples of the projection surface 100 include the surface of a building, a road surface, a parking lot for a mobile object, the surface of water, the ground, the surface of a device, etc. The surface of a building may be an exterior wall surface or a rooftop. Examples of the surface of a building include a floor surface, a wall surface, a ceiling, etc. The building is not particularly limited. The building may be a school, company, factory, assembly hall, auditorium, gymnasium, stadium, venue, etc.

The projection pattern 101 is not particularly limited. The projection pattern 101 may be a variety of patterns. The projection pattern 101 may be a pattern related to the function or action of the device 110. The projection pattern 101 may be a pattern that indicates information. The projection pattern 101 may be a single pattern or multiple patterns. The projection pattern 101 may include a pattern that represents one or more of the following: letters, pictures, color patterns, symbols, marks, lines, illustrations, characters, and pictograms. The lines may be straight, curved, or a combination of straight and curved lines. The lines may be dotted.

1A and 1B, the device 110 is a security gate 110A. The security gate 110A includes a state that allows passage, as shown in FIG. 1A, and a state that restricts passage, as shown in FIG. 1B. The security gate 110A may allow passage based on an ID card or the like.

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

In the examples shown in Figures 2A and 2B, the device 110 is a lighting device. The lighting module 10 is incorporated into lighting device 110B. As shown in Figure 2A, the lighting device illuminates a road. In this example, the projection surface 100 is the surface of the road, i.e., the road surface, illuminated by lighting device 110B. In the example shown in Figure 2B, an obstacle that obstructs travel exists on the road. In the illustrated example, road construction is being carried out. As shown in Figure 2B, the lighting module 10 may project an arrow mark encouraging drivers to change lanes onto the projection surface 100 as a projection pattern 101.

In the example shown in FIG. 3, the device 110 is a display device 110C. The use of the display device 110C is not particularly limited. The lighting module 10 is incorporated into the display device 110C. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the display device 110C may display information to a driver of a vehicle traveling on a road. In this example, the projection surface 100 is the road surface. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the lighting module 10 displays information indicating a median dividing line to alert the driver. The lighting module 10 may project a linear pattern as a projection pattern 101 onto the projection surface 100.

In the example shown in Figures 2A to 3 where the traveling surface of the moving object is used as the projection surface 100, the lighting module 10 may project a projection pattern 101 indicating traveling conditions such as a speed limit onto the projection surface 100. The lighting module 10 may also project a linear mark that is useful for measuring the distance between vehicles onto the projection surface 100 as the projection pattern 101.

In the example shown in FIG. 4, the device 110 may be a mobile object 110D. The lighting module 10 is incorporated into the mobile object 110D. The mobile object 110D shown in FIG. 4 is an automobile. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the lighting module 10 may display a message to passersby passing by the road. In this example, the projection surface 100 is the road surface. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the lighting module 10 displays a message informing passersby of an approaching vehicle, alerting passersby to their surroundings. The lighting module 10 may project a linear pattern as a projection pattern 101 onto the projection surface 100.

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

Figures 6A to 6D show block diagrams of a device 105 with a lighting module.

6A and 6B, the lighting module-equipped device 105 includes a lighting module 10 and a device 110. The lighting module 10 may be incorporated into the device 110 as shown in FIG. 6A. The lighting module 10 may be attached to the device 110 as shown in FIG. 6B.

As shown in Figures 6A and 6B, the device 110 may include a housing 111, a device 112, a power supply unit 113, and a control unit 114. The device 112, the power supply unit 113, and the control unit 114 may be housed in the housing 111. The device 112 is supplied with power from the power supply unit 113. The device 112 operates under the control of the control unit 114. The control unit 114 may include an interface for accepting manual operations.

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

Since the lighting module 10 does not have a dedicated power supply unit, the lighting module 10 can be made smaller. Since the lighting module 10 does not have a dedicated power supply unit, the lighting module 10 can be made lighter. Since the lighting module 10 does not have a dedicated control unit, the lighting module 10 can be made smaller. Since the lighting module 10 does not have a dedicated control unit, the lighting module 10 can be made lighter.

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

As shown in FIG. 6A, the lighting module 10 incorporated into the device 110 may be partially or entirely housed in a housing 111. In the example shown in FIG. 6A, the entire lighting module 10 may be placed in the available space within the housing 111. It is preferable that the lighting module 10 is compact. In addition, the equipment 112, power supply unit 113, and control unit 114 are located near the lighting module 10. It is preferable that the circuit board 70A of the lighting module 10, which will be described later, is shielded from electromagnetic noise from these components.

In the example shown in FIG. 6B, the lighting module 10 is not disposed within the housing 111. The lighting module 10 is located outside the housing 111 and attached to the housing 111. Even in the example shown in FIG. 6B, it is preferable that the lighting module 10 be compact. It is preferable that the circuit board 70A of the lighting module 10 be shielded from electromagnetic noise.

The lighting module-equipped device 105 shown in FIG. 6C includes a control device 117 in addition to the lighting module 10 and the device 110. In the example shown in FIG. 6C, the device 110 may not include the control unit 114. The control device 117 may be located remotely from the device 110. The control device 117 may be electrically connected to the device 110 and the lighting module 10 via a wire or wirelessly. The control device 117 may have an interface for accepting manual operation. The operation of the device 110 and the lighting module 10 may be controlled by the control device 117. In the example shown in FIG. 6C as well, it is preferable that the lighting module 10 is compact. It is preferable that the circuit board 70A of the lighting module 10 is shielded from electromagnetic noise.

The lighting module-equipped device 105 shown in FIG. 6D includes a power supply unit 118 in addition to the lighting module 10 and the device 110. In the example shown in FIG. 6D, the device 110 may not include the power supply unit 113. The device 110 and the lighting module 10 may be powered by the power supply unit 118. The power supply unit 118 may be located remotely from the device 110. The power supply unit 118 may be electrically connected to the device 110 and the lighting module 10 via a wire or wirelessly. In this example, too, it is preferable that the lighting module 10 is compact. It is preferable that the circuit board 70A of the lighting module 10 is shielded from electromagnetic noise.

In the example shown in Figures 6C and 6D, the lighting module 10 may be located outside the housing 111 and attached to the housing 111.

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

Next, we will explain the lighting module 10.

As shown in Figures 7A and 7B, the lighting module 10 may have an overall cylindrical shape. In the example shown in Figures 7A and 7B, the lighting module 10 includes a central axis L1. The central axis L1 extends from the light source 20 toward the emission end 25a of the optical system 25, which will be described later. The central axis L1 passes through the center of the lighting module 10, which is generally cylindrical. The lighting module 10 may have a shape that is rotationally symmetrical about the central axis L1. As shown in Figures 8A and 8B, when projected onto a plane perpendicular to the axial direction AD, the outer edge of the lighting module 10 may be circular.

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

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

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

The light source 20 emits light. The light source 20 emits light when power is supplied to the light source 20. The light source 20 may be a device, component, apparatus, etc. that can emit light. The light source 20 is not particularly limited. The light source 20 may include a light-emitting diode, also known as an LED. The light source 20 may emit coherent light. Coherent light is light that has a consistent wavelength and phase. The light source 20 may include a laser diode, also known as an LD, as in the example shown.

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

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

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

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

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

The diffractive optical element 26A is an element that diffracts light emitted from the light source 20. The diffractive optical element 26A diffracts the light from the light source 20 to generate projection light L. The projection light L is directed toward the illuminated area 103 on the projection surface 100. When the projection light L enters the illuminated area 103, a projection pattern 101 is displayed on the projection surface 100.

The diffractive optical element 26A may include a hologram element. A hologram element is a holographic optical element (HOE). A hologram element may be used as the diffractive optical element 26A. Using a hologram element as the diffractive optical element makes it easier to design the diffraction characteristics of the diffractive optical element 26A. It is relatively easy to design a hologram element that can irradiate light only over the entire desired area on the projection surface 100, which has a predetermined position, contour shape, size, and orientation. The diffractive optical element 26A may also be a computer-generated hologram (CGH). A computer-generated hologram is created by calculating a structure with desired diffraction characteristics on a computer.

The diffractive optical element 26A may include multiple element diffractive optical elements. Each element diffractive optical element may be, for example, a hologram element and may be configured similarly to the diffractive optical element 26A described above. Coherent light diffracted by the multiple element diffractive optical elements is irradiated onto the same illuminated area 103. In other words, light diffracted by each element diffractive optical element irradiates the entire illuminated area on the projection surface 100. Such a diffractive optical element allows light directed toward each position within the illuminated area to be dispersed and emitted from the multiple element diffractive optical elements included in the diffractive optical element 26A. This prevents each position on the diffractive optical element 26A from becoming overly bright, allowing the diffractive optical element 26A to be observed with uniform brightness. Furthermore, laser safety can be improved when laser light is incident on the diffractive optical element 26A.

Each element diffractive optical element may be configured to have the same diffraction characteristics. However, to achieve more precise illumination, each element diffractive optical element may be given a diffraction characteristic that is individually designed depending on the placement position of that element diffractive optical element within diffractive optical element 26A. In this example, the diffraction characteristics of each element diffractive optical element are adjusted depending on differences in placement relative to other element diffractive optical elements, allowing diffracted light to be directed with high precision only over the entire illuminated area on projection surface 100.

In the examples shown in Figures 9 and 11, the collimator optical system 27A and the diffractive optical element 26A enable the projection light L to be projected accurately onto the illuminated area 103 on the projection surface 100. This allows the projection pattern 101 having the desired shape to be projected accurately onto the projection surface 100.

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

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

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

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

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

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

In the example shown in FIG. 12, the optical system 25 may include a second cover member 24B in addition to the first cover member 24A. The second cover member 24B can be omitted.

The case 30 holds the light source 20. The case 30 houses the optical system 25. The case 30 protects the optical system 25 from physical contact and collisions. The case 30 properly maintains the relative positions between the components included in the optical system 25. The case 30 properly maintains the relative positions of the light source 20 and the optical system 25.

As shown in FIG. 9, the case 30 may include a cylindrical portion 31 and a bottom portion 38 connected to the cylindrical portion 31. The cylindrical portion 31 is cylindrical. The cylindrical portion 31 is open on both sides in the axial direction AD. The bottom portion 38 may be connected to the second side of the cylindrical portion 31 in the axial direction AD. As shown in FIG. 9, the bottom portion 38 may at least partially close the opening that opens to the second side of the cylindrical portion 31 in the axial direction AD.

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

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

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

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

As shown in FIG. 9 , the first tubular portion 33 is narrower than the tip tubular portion 32. The width of the first tubular portion 33 along the radial direction RD may be smaller than the width of the tip tubular portion 32 along the radial direction RD. The outer surface 31b of the first tubular portion 33 may be located at the same position as the outer surface 31b of the tip tubular portion 32 or more inward than the outer surface 31b of the tip tubular portion 32 in any radial direction RD. When projected onto a plane perpendicular to the axial direction AD, the outer contour of the first tubular portion 33 may be located at the same position as the outer contour of the tip tubular portion 32 or more inward than the outer contour of the tip tubular portion 32. When projected onto a plane perpendicular to the axial direction AD, the outer contour of the first tubular portion 33 may be located more inward than the outer contour of the tip tubular portion 32.

The inner side in the radial direction RD means the side closer to the central axis L1 in the radial direction RD. The outer side in the radial direction RD means the side farther from the central axis L1 in the radial direction RD.

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

As shown in FIG. 9 , the case 30 may include a plurality of annular grooves 36 extending in the circumferential direction CD in the tip tube portion 32. In the example shown, two annular grooves 36 are provided on the outer surface 31b located at the tip tube portion 32. The two annular grooves 36 are spaced apart in the axial direction AD. The two annular grooves 36 may function as anti-slip devices when gripping the lighting module 10.

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

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

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

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

As shown in FIG. 9 , the first case member 41, the second case member 42, and the third case member 43 may be connected to each other using fasteners 47 such as screws. The first case member 41, the second case member 42, and the third case member 43 may be connected to each other using adhesive. The first case member 41, the second case member 42, and the third case member 43 may be connected to each other using fasteners 47 such as screws and adhesive. The fasteners 47 such as screws may be special screws that require special tools other than a regular Phillips screwdriver or flathead screwdriver for operation.

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

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

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

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

In the illustrated example, the side portion 51 and the end portion 52 are configured as separate parts. The side portion 51 and the end portion 52 may each be made of resin or metal. The side portion 51 and the end portion 52 may also be made of an anodized aluminum alloy.

As shown in Figures 8B and 9, the side portion 51 and the end portion 52 may be connected to each other using a fastener 53 such as a screw. The side portion 51 and the end portion 52 may be connected to each other using an adhesive. The side portion 51 and the end portion 52 may be connected to each other using a fastener 53 such as a screw and an adhesive. The fastener 53 such as a screw may be a special screw that requires a special tool other than a regular Phillips screwdriver or flathead screwdriver to operate.

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

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

As shown in FIG. 10 , the outer width of the second cylindrical portion 34 along the radial direction RD may be smaller than the inner width of the side portion 51 along the radial direction RD. The outer surface 31b of the second cylindrical portion 34 may be located at the same position as the inner surface of the side portion 51 or more inward than the inner surface of the side portion 51 in any radial direction RD. When projected onto a plane perpendicular to the axial direction AD, the inner contour of the side portion 51 may be located at the same position as the outer contour of the second cylindrical portion 34 or more outward than the outer contour of the second cylindrical portion 34. When projected onto a plane perpendicular to the axial direction AD, the inner contour of the side portion 51 may be located more outward than the outer contour of the second cylindrical portion 34.

9 and 10, the cover 50 is spaced outward in the radial direction RD from the outer surface 31b of the second cylindrical portion 34 of the case 30. In other words, a gap is formed in the radial direction RD between the side portion 51 of the cover 50 and the second cylindrical portion 34 of the case 30. A circuit board 70A may be placed in this gap.

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

As shown in FIG. 9 , the case 30 and the cover 50 may be connected to each other using fasteners 49 such as screws. The case 30 and the cover 50 may also be connected to each other using adhesive. The case 30 and the cover 50 may also be connected to each other using fasteners 49 such as screws and adhesive. The fasteners 49 such as screws may be special screws that require special tools other than a regular Phillips screwdriver or flathead screwdriver to operate.

As shown in Figures 7B and 8B, the lighting module 10 may include an external connection connector 61. The external connection connector 61 is a connector for ensuring electrical connection between the lighting module-equipped device 105 and the outside. The external connection connector 61 is engaged with and fixed to a connector such as external wiring or an FPC (Flexible Printed Circuit), and may also be electrically connected to the external wiring, FPC, etc.

As shown in Figures 7B and 8B, the external connection connector 61 may be positioned offset from the center of the end portion 52. The center of the end portion 52 refers to the center of gravity of the end portion 52 projected onto a plane perpendicular to the axial direction AD and the position of the end portion 52 that overlaps with the axial direction AD. This configuration stabilizes the arrangement of external wiring, external FPCs, etc. connected to the external connection connector 61. This makes it possible to prevent the arrangement of external wiring, external FPCs, etc. from becoming unstable.

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

The circuit board 70A may be a flexible board. As shown in the figure, the circuit board 70A may be a rigid board. As shown in FIG. 13, the circuit board 70A may include a substrate 71, an element 72, and wiring 73. The materials of the substrate 71 and wiring 73 are not particularly limited. Commonly used materials can be used for the materials of the substrate 71 and wiring 73. The substrate 71 may be a plate material in which a paper base material is impregnated with resin, or a plate material containing woven glass fiber and resin. The material of the wiring 73 may be copper, silver, aluminum, or an alloy thereof. The element 72 is an element expected to perform various functions. Examples of the element 72 include a capacitor, a resistor, a diode, a transistor, etc.

The circuit board 70A may include a circuit that receives input signals from the control unit 114 or the control device 117, and a circuit that processes the received input signals. The circuit board 70A may also include a circuit that receives power from the power supply unit 113 or the power supply device 118, and a circuit that performs processing such as voltage transformation on the received power.

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

As shown in FIG. 13, the circuit board 70A may include a driver IC 75 that drives the light source 20. If the light source 20 includes a laser diode, the driver IC 75 drives the laser diode. A relatively large current flows through the circuit board 70A and driver IC 75 that drive the laser diode. Power consumption is proportional to the square of the current value. The power consumption of the circuit board 70A that drives the laser diode increases. As a result, the amount of heat generated by the circuit board 70A that drives the laser diode also increases.

As shown in FIG. 13, the driver IC 75 may include multiple channels 75a connected in parallel. The channels 75a are paths through which current flows. Each of the multiple channels 75a may include a separate element 72. In this example, the current is distributed among the multiple channels 75a, reducing the total amount of heat generated by the entire driver IC 75. This prevents the circuit board 70A from becoming too hot and causing unstable operation. This improves the reliability of control by the circuit board 70A. In addition, the value of the current flowing from the circuit board 70A to the light source 20 can be finely adjusted.

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

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

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

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

Furthermore, the dimensions in the radial direction RD of the lighting module 10 and case 30 increase downstream along the optical path from the optical element that shapes the divergent light beam into a parallel light beam. The dimensions in the radial direction RD of the lighting module 10 and case 30 can be reduced upstream along the optical path from the optical element that shapes the divergent light beam into a parallel light beam. By locating the circuit board 70A upstream along the optical path from the optical element that shapes the divergent light beam into a parallel light beam, the lighting module 10 including the circuit board 70A can be made smaller.

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

By locating the circuit board 70A upstream along the optical path from the optical element 28C that disperses the incident light, the circuit board 70A is positioned in proximity to the light source 20. By locating the circuit board 70A in proximity to the light source 20, the voltage drop during power transmission can be reduced. By reducing the voltage drop, the light emitted from the light source 20 can be increased. Therefore, the power consumption of the lighting module 10 can be reduced.

In addition, the dimensions of the lighting module 10 and case 30 in the radial direction RD can be further reduced upstream along the optical path from the optical element 28C that diverges the incident light. By locating the circuit board 70A upstream along the optical path from the optical element that shapes the divergent light beam into a parallel light beam, the lighting module 10 including the circuit board 70A can be more efficiently miniaturized.

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

As shown in FIG. 10, the substrate 71 of the circuit board 70A may face in a radial direction RD perpendicular to the axial direction AD. Having the substrate 71 face in the radial direction RD perpendicular to the axial direction AD means that the angle θa (see FIG. 9) between the direction perpendicular to the substrate 71 (the normal direction to the substrate 71) and the axial direction AD is between 80° and 90°. In other words, the plate surface of the substrate 71 faces in the radial direction RD. This angle θa may be between 85° and 90°, or may be 90°. According to this example, the dimension of the lighting module 10 in the axial direction AD can be reduced without increasing the maximum dimension of the lighting module 10 in the radial direction RD. In other words, the lighting module 10 can be efficiently miniaturized.

The angle between the direction perpendicular to the substrate 71 (the normal direction to the substrate 71) and the axial direction AD is the smaller of the two angles between the normal direction to the substrate and the axial direction AD. This angle is greater than or equal to 0° and less than or equal to 90°.

As shown in FIG. 9 , the circuit board 70A may be positioned so as to overlap the optical system 25 when the lighting module 10 is observed from a first side in the axial direction AD, for example, when the lighting module 10 is observed from the light output side. The circuit board 70A may partially overlap the optical system 25. Alternatively, the entire circuit board 70A may overlap the optical system 25. In other words, when projected onto a plane perpendicular to the axial direction AD, the circuit board 70A may be located entirely or partially within the outer contour of the optical system 25. When projected onto a plane perpendicular to the axial direction AD, the circuit board 70A may be located within the outer contour of the optical system 25.

By positioning the circuit board 70A relative to the optical system 25 in this manner, the maximum dimension of the lighting module 10 in the radial direction RD can be reduced. Furthermore, the circuit board 70A can be positioned near the light source 20. Positioning the circuit board 70A near the light source 20 reduces the voltage drop during power transmission. By reducing the voltage drop, the light emitted from the light source 20 can be increased. Therefore, the power consumption of the lighting module 10 can be reduced.

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

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

The FPC 91 may be arranged in the space between the case 30 and the cover 50. This arrangement of the FPC 91 allows the lighting module 10 to be made smaller.

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

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

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

Unlike the examples shown in Figures 9 to 11, as shown in Figures 14 and 15, the circuit board 70A may be annular and penetrated by the second cylindrical portion 34 of the case 30. In this example, the circuit board 70A is also located at least partially between the light source 20 and the output end 25a of the optical system 25 in the axial direction AD. This allows the length of the lighting module 10 along the axial direction AD to be shortened. This allows the lighting module 10 to be made more compact.

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

The lighting module 10 may further include a second circuit board 70B in addition to the circuit board 70A described above as the first circuit board 70A. Providing the second circuit board 70B prevents each circuit board from becoming too large. This allows each circuit board 70A, 70B to be placed in the space between the case 30 and the cover 50. This effectively reduces the size of the lighting module 10. Furthermore, the circuit boards 70A, 70B, which are heat sources, can be dispersed within the space between the case 30 and the cover 50. This prevents the lighting module 10 from becoming too hot during use and causing unstable operation. Furthermore, a large number of circuits can be installed in the lighting module 10.

In the examples shown in Figures 9 to 11, the second circuit board 70B is arranged in the same manner as the first circuit board 70A. That is, the second circuit board 70B is located at least partially between the output end 25a of the optical system 25 and the light source 20 in the axial direction AD. The second circuit board 70B may face the second cylindrical portion 34 in the radial direction RD. The substrate 71 of the second circuit board 70B may face in the radial direction RD perpendicular to the axial direction AD. This arrangement of the second circuit board 70B enables the lighting module 10 to be miniaturized.

In the lighting module 10 shown in Figure 14, the second circuit board 70B is also located at least partially between the output end 25a of the optical system 25 and the light source 20 in the axial direction AD, as shown by the two-dot chain line in Figure 14. The second circuit board 70B may be annular and penetrated by the second cylindrical portion 34 of the case 30. The board 71 of the second circuit board 70B may face in the axial direction AD. This arrangement of the second circuit board 70B allows the lighting module 10 to be made smaller.

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

The FPC 93 may be arranged in the space between the case 30 and the cover 50. This arrangement of the FPC 93 allows the lighting module 10 to be made smaller.

The circuit boards 70A, 70B may be in contact with the case 30. While the lighting module 10 is projecting the projection pattern 101 onto the projection surface 100, the circuit boards 70A, 70B can become a heat source. By having the circuit boards 70A, 70B in contact with the case 30, heat can be dissipated from the circuit boards 70A, 70B to the case 30 by thermal conduction. In other words, the case 30 ensures a heat dissipation path for heat generated by the circuit boards 70A, 70B. This prevents overheating of the circuit boards 70A, 70B, improving the operational reliability of the lighting module 10.

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

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

In addition, although not shown, a heat dissipation member may be arranged so as to contact the elements 72 of the circuit boards 70A and 70B. The heat dissipation member may be made of a material with a higher thermal conductivity than the substrates 71 of the circuit boards 70A and 70B. The heat dissipation member may be connected directly or indirectly to the circuit board fastener to facilitate heat conduction. The heat dissipation member ensures a heat conduction path, reducing the thermal resistance between the elements 72 and the case 30 and/or the thermal resistance between the elements 72 and the cover 50.

The circuit boards 70A, 70B may be in contact with the cover 50. By having the circuit boards 70A, 70B in contact with the cover 50, heat can be dissipated from the circuit boards 70A, 70B to the cover 50 by thermal conduction. In other words, the cover 50 ensures a heat dissipation path for heat generated on the circuit boards 70A, 70B. This prevents overheating of the circuit boards 70A, 70B, improving the operational reliability of the lighting module 10.

As shown in FIG. 11, the cover 50 may include an inner protrusion 54 that protrudes inward in the radial direction RD. The inner protrusion 54 may allow the circuit boards 70A, 70B to make surface contact with the cover 50. In the example shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, the circuit boards 70A, 70B can contact the cover 50 at their outer peripheries.

The circuit boards 70A and 70B may be in contact with both the case 30 and the cover 50. Heat generated by the circuit boards 70A and 70B can be efficiently dissipated from the lighting module.

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

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

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

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

The cover 50 may have a circular outline when projected onto a plane perpendicular to the axial direction AD. In this example, the rotational position of the lighting module 10 about the axial direction AD can be appropriately adjusted to fix the cover 50 to the device 110. Therefore, the projection pattern 101 can be projected accurately at the appropriate position on the projection surface 100.

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

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

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

7A and 7B, at least one of the case 30 and the cover 50 may include an indicator 64 indicating the orientation in which it should be installed. The indicator 64 may be an index indicating the rotational position of the lighting module 10 about the axial direction AD. The indicator 64 may also indicate the orientation of the pattern optical system 26. By using the indicator 64, the rotational position of the lighting module 10 about the axial direction AD can be appropriately adjusted.

7A and 7B, the display 64 is provided on the cover 50. The display 64 may also be provided on the case 30. The display 64 may also be provided on both the case 30 and the cover 50.

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

According to this first aspect, the circuit board 70A is at least partially located between the light source 20 and the output end 25a of the optical system 25 in the axial direction AD. This effectively prevents the lighting module 10 from becoming too large in the axial direction AD.

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

In this specific example, the first circuit board 70A is disposed in the space between the case 30 and the cover 50. This allows the lighting module 10 to be miniaturized while physically protecting the first circuit board 70A between the case 30 and the cover 50. Furthermore, the cover 50 can shield the lighting module 10 from electromagnetic noise emitted by the device 112, power supply unit 113, control unit 114, and other components that may be located near the lighting module 10. Therefore, malfunctions of the lighting module 10 caused by electromagnetic noise can be reduced. Furthermore, the first circuit board 70A is disposed in the space between the case 30 and the cover 50. Therefore, a heat dissipation path for heat generated from the circuit board 70A can be secured using the case 30 and the cover 50. This reduces malfunctions of the lighting module 10 caused by overheating.

In one specific example of the first aspect of this embodiment, the case 30 includes a cylindrical portion 31 and a bottom portion 38 connected to the cylindrical portion 31. The cylindrical portion 31 is open to a first side in the axial direction AD and is at least partially closed by the bottom portion 38 from a second side. The optical system 25 is held inside the cylindrical portion 31. The light source 20 is held by the bottom portion 38. According to this example, the optical path from the light source 20 to the output end 25a can be effectively shielded by the case 30. Therefore, foreign matter such as dust can be prevented from entering the case 30. The optical function expected of the optical system 25 inside the case 30 can be prevented from being impaired by foreign matter. This allows the projection pattern 101 to be projected accurately onto the projection surface 100.

The cover 50 includes a plate-shaped end portion 52 that faces the case 30 in the axial direction AD, and a cylindrical side portion 51 that faces the case 30 in the radial direction RD that is perpendicular to the axial direction AD. This cover 50 more reliably protects the circuit board 70A physically and also protects the first circuit board 70A from electromagnetic noise.

When projected onto a plane perpendicular to the axial direction AD, the cover 50 is located at the same position as the case 30 or inside the case 30. Such a cover 50 allows the dimensions of the lighting module 10 in the radial direction RD to be more effectively reduced.

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

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

The second aspect differs from the first aspect described above in the arrangement of the circuit board 70A. The second aspect may be configured identically to the first aspect described above, except for the arrangement of the circuit board 70A.

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

The circuit board 70A faces the light source 20 in the axial direction AD. The light source 20 may be located inside the outer contour of the circuit board 70A when projected onto a plane perpendicular to the axial direction AD.

In the examples shown in Figures 16 and 18, the substrate 71 may face in the axial direction AD. "The substrate 71 facing in the axial direction AD" means that the angle between the direction perpendicular to the substrate 71 (the normal direction to the substrate 71) and the axial direction AD is between 0° and 10°. In other words, the plate surface of the substrate 71 faces in the axial direction AD. This angle may be between 0° and 5°, or may be 0°. According to this example, the dimension of the lighting module 10 in the axial direction AD can be shortened without increasing the maximum dimension of the lighting module 10 in the radial direction RD. In other words, the lighting module 10 can be efficiently miniaturized.

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

The anti-detachment mechanism 65 may be configured by a cover 50 that contacts the circuit board 70A from the second side in the axial direction AD. In other words, the cover 50 may restrict relative movement of the circuit board 70A with respect to the light source 20 from the first side to the second side in the axial direction AD.

As shown in FIG. 18 , the cover 50 may include an inner protrusion 56 that protrudes inward in the radial direction RD. The inner protrusion 56 may allow the circuit board 70A to come into surface contact with the cover 50. The inner protrusion 56 functions as a fall-off prevention mechanism 65. By contacting the circuit board 70A, the inner protrusion 56 can form a heat dissipation path for heat generated by the circuit board 70A.

As shown in FIG. 18 , the anti-detachment mechanism 65 may include a plate member 66 that contacts the circuit board 70A from the second side in the axial direction AD. That is, the plate member 66 may restrict relative movement of the circuit board 70A with respect to the light source 20 from the first side to the second side in the axial direction AD. The plate member 66 may be fixed to the case 30 using a fastener 67. The plate member 66 may also be fixed to the bottom 38 of the case 30 using a fastener 67. Unlike the example shown, the plate member 66 may also be fixed to the cover 50. The plate member 66 functions as the anti-detachment mechanism 65. By contacting the circuit board 70A, the plate member 66 can form a heat dissipation path for heat generated by the circuit board 70A.

As shown in Figure 15, etc., the outer width of the circuit board 70A along the radial direction RD may be smaller than the outer width of the case 30 along the radial direction RD. The outer edge of the circuit board 70A may be located at the same position as the outer surface of the case 30 or more inward than the outer surface of the case 30 in any radial direction RD. When projected onto a plane perpendicular to the axial direction AD, the outer contour of the circuit board 70A may be located at the same position as the outer contour of the case 30 or more inward than the outer contour of the case 30. When projected onto a plane perpendicular to the axial direction AD, the outer contour of the circuit board 70A may be located more inward than the outer contour of the case 30.

This circuit board 70A can be positioned while preventing the lighting module 10 from becoming larger in the radial direction RD. This allows the lighting module 10 to be efficiently downsized.

The outer width of the circuit board 70A in the radial direction RD may be smaller than the outer width of the first cylindrical portion 33 of the case 30 in the radial direction RD. The outer edge of the circuit board 70A may be located at the same position as the outer edge of the first cylindrical portion 33 or more inward than the outer edge of the first cylindrical portion 33 in any radial direction RD. When projected onto a plane perpendicular to the axial direction AD, the outer contour of the circuit board 70A may be located at the same position as the outer contour of the first cylindrical portion 33 or more inward than the outer contour of the first cylindrical portion 33. When projected onto a plane perpendicular to the axial direction AD, the outer contour of the circuit board 70A may be located more inward than the outer contour of the first cylindrical portion 33.

In the example shown in Figure 16, the inner surface of the side portion 51 of the cover 50 is in contact with the outer surface of the cylindrical portion 31. Therefore, the circuit board 70A is placed in the space within the cover 50 without increasing the dimension of the lighting module 10 in the radial direction RD. This allows the lighting module 10 to be efficiently miniaturized.

The outer width of the circuit board 70A along the radial direction RD may be smaller than the outer width of the second cylindrical portion 34 of the case 30 along the radial direction RD. The outer edge of the circuit board 70A may be located at the same position as the outer edge of the second cylindrical portion 34 or more inward than the outer edge of the second cylindrical portion 34 in any radial direction RD. When projected onto a plane perpendicular to the axial direction AD, the outer contour of the circuit board 70A may be located at the same position as the outer contour of the second cylindrical portion 34 or more inward than the outer contour of the second cylindrical portion 34. When projected onto a plane perpendicular to the axial direction AD, the outer contour of the circuit board 70A may be located more inward than the outer contour of the second cylindrical portion 34.

The outer width of the circuit board 70A along the radial direction RD may be smaller than the outer width of the bottom 38 of the case 30 along the radial direction RD. The outer edge of the circuit board 70A may be located at the same position as the outer edge of the bottom 38 or more inward than the outer edge of the bottom 38 in any radial direction RD. When projected onto a plane perpendicular to the axial direction AD, the outer contour of the circuit board 70A may be located at the same position as the outer contour of the bottom 38 or more inward than the outer contour of the bottom 38. When projected onto a plane perpendicular to the axial direction AD, the outer contour of the circuit board 70A may be located more inward than the outer contour of the bottom 38.

The outer width of the circuit board 70A along the radial direction RD may be smaller than the inner width of the side portion 51 of the cover 50 along the radial direction RD. The outer edge of the circuit board 70A may be located at the same position as the inner edge of the side portion 51 or more inward than the inner edge of the side portion 51 in any radial direction RD. When projected onto a plane perpendicular to the axial direction AD, the outer contour of the circuit board 70A may be located at the same position as the inner contour of the side portion 51 or more inward than the inner contour of the side portion 51. When projected onto a plane perpendicular to the axial direction AD, the outer contour of the circuit board 70A may be located more inward than the inner contour of the side portion 51.

In the second aspect, the lighting module 10 may also include a second circuit board 70B separate from the circuit board 70A, in addition to the circuit board 70A as the first circuit board 70A. By providing the second circuit board 70B, it is possible to prevent each circuit board from becoming too large. This allows each circuit board 70A, 70B to be arranged in the space between the case 30 and the cover 50. This effectively reduces the size of the lighting module 10. Furthermore, the circuit boards 70A, 70B, which are heat sources, can be dispersed within the space between the case 30 and the cover 50. This prevents the lighting module 10 from becoming too hot during use and causing unstable operation. Furthermore, a large number of circuits can be mounted on the lighting module 10.

The second circuit board 70B may be configured similarly to the first circuit board 70A and the second circuit board 70B described in the first aspect. For example, as shown in FIG. 16, the second circuit board 70B may be positioned at least partially between the output end 25a of the optical system 25 and the light source 20 in the axial direction AD. This arrangement of the second circuit board 70B allows the lighting module 10 to be miniaturized in the axial direction AD and the radial direction RD.

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

The circuit board 70A and the second circuit board 70B may be electrically connected by a board connecting member 92, such as an FPC 93. By using the FPC 93, the lighting module 10 can be made smaller.

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

According to this second aspect, the case 30 and the first circuit board 70A can be directly connected using the socket 76. This effectively prevents the lighting module 10 from becoming larger in the axial direction AD and radial direction RD. The first circuit board 70A is disposed in the space between the case 30 and the cover 50. This allows the lighting module 10 to be miniaturized while still physically protecting the first circuit board 70A between the case 30 and the cover 50.

Furthermore, according to the second aspect, the cover 50 can shield the lighting module 10 from electromagnetic noise emitted by the device 112, power supply unit 113, control unit 114, etc. that may be located near the lighting module 10. Therefore, malfunction of the lighting module 10 caused by electromagnetic noise can be suppressed.

Furthermore, according to the second aspect, the first circuit board 70A is disposed in the space between the case 30 and the cover 50. Therefore, a heat dissipation path for heat generated from the circuit board 70A can be secured using the case 30 and the cover 50. This makes it possible to prevent malfunction of the lighting module 10 due to overheating.

This embodiment has been described with reference to several specific examples, but the above-mentioned specific examples do not limit this embodiment. The above-mentioned embodiment can be implemented with various other specific examples, and various omissions, substitutions, modifications, additions, etc. can be made within the scope of the spirit of the present invention.

An example of a modification will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description and the drawings used in the following description, parts that can be configured in the same way as the specific example described above will be designated by the same reference numerals as those used for the corresponding parts in the specific example described above, and duplicate descriptions will be omitted.

In the specific examples described above, a single lighting module 10 is used to project a pattern onto the projection surface 100. However, this example is not limiting.

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

As shown in Figures 19 and 20, the lighting method may include an illumination process of illuminating a projection surface 100 using an illumination module unit 8. In the illumination process, a plurality of projection patterns 101 are projected from the illumination module unit 8 onto the projection surface 100. The plurality of projection patterns 101 projected onto the projection surface 100 form an illumination pattern 102 as a composite pattern. In other words, the illumination pattern 102 is displayed on the projection surface 100 by the plurality of projection patterns 101 projected onto the projection surface 100.

According to the example shown in Figures 19 and 20, the illumination pattern 102 projected onto the projection surface 100 is composed of a combination of multiple projection patterns 101. Therefore, a large illumination pattern 102 can be displayed on the projection surface 100. By adjusting the brightness of the multiple projection patterns 101, the illumination pattern 102 can be displayed brightly. According to the example shown in Figures 19 and 20, an illumination pattern 102 that can be observed from a distance can be displayed on the projection surface 100.

In the examples shown in Figures 19 and 20, the projection surface 100 onto which the illumination pattern 102 and the projection pattern 101 are projected is not particularly limited. The projection surface 100 onto which the illumination pattern 102 and the projection pattern 101 are projected may be the same as in the examples described above. The illumination pattern 102 and the projection pattern 101 are not particularly limited. The illumination pattern 102 and the projection pattern 101 may be the same as in the examples described above.

Figures 19 and 20 show example configurations of a lighting system 5. The lighting system 5 shown in Figure 20 can project multiple projection patterns 101 onto a projection surface 100. The lighting system 5 shown in Figure 20 can display a lighting pattern 102 on the projection surface 100.

As shown in Figures 19 and 20, the lighting system 5 includes a lighting module unit 8. The lighting module unit 8 includes a plurality of lighting modules 10. The lighting modules 10 project a projection pattern 101 onto a projection surface 100. The lighting modules 10 irradiate light onto an illuminated area 103 of the projection surface 100. The illuminated area 103 is the area on the projection surface 100 onto which the projection pattern 101 is to be projected. The illuminated area 103 has the same shape as the shape of the projection pattern 101 to be projected.

As shown in FIG. 19, multiple lighting modules 10 may be positioned at different positions. Multiple lighting modules 10 may be held at a fixed relative position with respect to the projection surface 100. The lighting modules 10 may be held by a holder such as a tripod (not shown).

The multiple projection patterns 101 may be identical to each other, as shown in FIG. 19. Some of the projection patterns 101 may be identical to each other. The multiple projection patterns 101 may be different from each other. Some of the projection patterns 101 may be different from each other.

The shapes of the multiple projection patterns 101 may be identical to each other, as shown in FIG. 19. The shapes of some of the projection patterns 101 may be identical to each other. The shapes of the multiple projection patterns 101 may be different from each other. The shapes of some of the projection patterns 101 may be different from each other.

The brightness of multiple projection patterns 101 may be the same as each other. The brightness of some of the projection patterns 101 may be the same as each other. The brightness of multiple projection patterns 101 may be different from each other. The brightness of some of the projection patterns 101 may be different from each other.

The projection positions of multiple projection patterns 101 on the projection surface 100 may be the same as each other, as shown in FIG. 19. The projection positions of some projection patterns 101 on the projection surface 100 may be the same as each other. The projection positions of multiple projection patterns 101 on the projection surface 100 may be different from each other. The projection positions of some projection patterns 101 on the projection surface 100 may be different from each other.

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

The power supply 96 supplies power to the lighting module unit 8. As shown in Figures 19 and 20, the power supply 96 may include one or more of the power supply section 113 and power supply device 118 described above. A separate power supply 96 may be provided for each lighting module 10. The power supply 96 may be electrically connected to multiple lighting modules via a wired or wireless connection. The power supply 96 may be a storage battery. The power supply 96 as a storage battery may be located near the lighting module 10. By locating the power supply 96 near the lighting module 10, power loss can be reduced.

The power supply 96 may be electrically connected to the circuit board 70A of the lighting module 10 via a wire or wirelessly. The circuit board 70A of each lighting module 10 may adjust the power supply from the power supply 96 to that lighting module 10 independently of the power supply from the power supply 96 to other lighting modules 10. In other words, each circuit board 70A may adjust the power supply from the power supply 96 to that lighting module 10 without being affected by the state of the power supply from the power supply 96 to other lighting modules 10.

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

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

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

Next, we will explain how to illuminate the projection surface 100 using the lighting system 5 and lighting module unit 8 configured as described above.

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

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

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

In addition, by adjusting the shape and/or brightness of each projection pattern 101, the design of the illumination pattern 102 can be improved. By improving the design of the illumination pattern 102, the illumination pattern 102 can be made more noticeable. As a result, the illumination pattern 102 displayed on the projection surface 100 can be more easily observed from a distance.

The lighting system 5 and the lighting module unit 8 may include multiple lighting modules 10. The multiple lighting modules 10 may project different projection patterns 101 onto the projection surface 100. A configuration in which each lighting module 10 projects a portion or one projection pattern 101 of the lighting pattern 102 rather than the entire lighting pattern 102 can reduce the overall power consumption of the lighting module unit 8. Furthermore, this configuration can maintain the laser safety of the separate projection patterns and suppress a decrease in the laser safety of the entire lighting pattern.

Furthermore, in a configuration in which each lighting module 10 projects only a portion or one projection pattern 101 rather than the entire lighting pattern 102, the power consumption of each individual lighting module 10 is low. Low-power lighting modules 10 offer greater installation flexibility. Low-power lighting modules 10, together with a power source 96, can be installed in locations where there are constraints on the size and capacity of the power source 96. Therefore, lighting module units 8 and lighting systems 5 including low-power lighting modules 10 are suitable for installation in security devices, underground spaces, ships, railway vehicles, aircraft, railway facilities, airport facilities, etc.

By configuring each lighting module 10 to project only a portion or one projection pattern 101 rather than the entire lighting pattern 102, it is possible to switch between projecting and stopping projection for each lighting module 10 independently of the other lighting modules 10. In other words, it is possible to select whether to display or hide each projection pattern 101 independently of the other projection patterns 101.

By configuring each lighting module 10 to project only a portion or one projection pattern 101 rather than the entire lighting pattern 102, the amount of power supplied to each lighting module 10 can be adjusted independently of the other lighting modules 10. In other words, the brightness of each projection pattern 101 can be adjusted independently of the brightness of the other projection patterns 101.

In other words, by configuring each lighting module 10 to project a portion or a single projection pattern 101 rather than the entire lighting pattern 102, the shape and brightness distribution of the lighting pattern 102 can be changed continuously or partially. This configuration allows for the display of moving images. This configuration improves the design of the lighting pattern 102. By improving the design of the lighting pattern 102, the lighting pattern 102 can be made more noticeable. In particular, compared to when the entire lighting pattern 102 is turned on and off and flashes, the lighting pattern 102 can be made more noticeable without even a momentary period of time when it is all off, making it suitable for applications requiring information display such as warnings and guidance on traffic routes, etc. As a result, the lighting pattern 102 displayed on the projection surface 100 can be easily observed from a distance.

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

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

In the illustrated example, the longitudinal direction of the lines comprising the illumination pattern 102 is the fifth direction D5. As described above, this example allows a large illumination pattern 102 to be displayed. The length of the illumination pattern 102 along the longitudinal direction may be 5 m or more, 20 m or more, or 50 m or more. The length of the illumination pattern 102 along the longitudinal direction may be 200 m or less, 100 m or less, or 50 m or less.

In the illustrated example, the width direction of the lines constituting the illumination pattern 102 is the fourth direction D4. The length (width) along the width direction of the illumination pattern 102 may be 50 cm or less, 20 cm or less, or 10 cm or less. The length (width) along the width direction of the illumination pattern 102 may be 2 cm or more, 10 cm or more, or 20 cm or more.

When attempting to irradiate a linear illuminated area 103 with light, the incident angle α of the light from the lighting module 10 to the projection surface 100 can be very large. The maximum value of the incident angle α may be less than 90°. The incident angle α is the angle that the direction of travel of the projection light makes with the normal direction ND of the projection surface 100, as shown in Figure 19.

Figure 21A is a plan view showing an overall illumination pattern 102 displayed on the projection surface 100 as shown in Figure 20, together with multiple projection patterns 101. As shown in Figure 21A, the multiple projection patterns 101 may be arranged in a fourth direction D4. The multiple projection patterns 101 may also extend in a fifth direction D5 that is non-parallel to the fourth direction D4. In the example shown in Figure 21A, the illumination pattern 102 is linear.

As shown in FIG. 20 , the width W101 of each projection pattern 101 in the fourth direction D4 is narrower than the width W102 of the illumination pattern 102 in the fourth direction D4. In the illustrated example, a wide illumination pattern 102 with a width W102 can be displayed by combining multiple projection patterns 101 with narrow widths W101. The inventors confirmed that displaying a single wide illumination pattern 102 with a width W102 using multiple projection patterns 101 projected with a shift in the fourth direction D4 reduces total power consumption while making the illumination pattern 102 more conspicuous and easier to observe from a distance. Furthermore, projecting multiple projection patterns 101 with a shift in the fourth direction D4 more reliably improves laser safety. Furthermore, power consumption of individual illumination modules 10 can be more reliably reduced. Lighting modules 10 with reduced power consumption offer greater installation flexibility.

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

As shown in FIG. 20 , the width W101 of each linear projection pattern 101 is narrower than the width W102 of the illumination pattern 102 observed as a line. According to the illustrated example, a wide illumination pattern 102 with width W102 can be displayed by combining multiple projection patterns 101 with narrow widths W101. The inventors have confirmed that by displaying a single wide illumination pattern 102 with width W102 using multiple projection patterns 101 projected with a shift in the fourth direction D4, the total power consumption can be reduced while making the linear illumination pattern 102 more noticeable and making the illumination pattern 102 easier to observe from a distance. Furthermore, projecting multiple projection patterns 101 with a shift in the fourth direction D4 can more stably improve laser safety. Furthermore, the power consumption of each individual illumination module 10 can be more stably reduced. Lighting modules 10 with reduced power consumption can be installed with greater flexibility.

As shown in Figures 20 and 21A, on the projection surface 100, the multiple projection patterns 101 are spaced apart from one another in the fourth direction D4. That is, between two adjacent projection patterns 101 in the fourth direction D4, there is a non-illuminated area where no projection light is irradiated. If the width of the non-illuminated area 102X along the fourth direction D4 is short, the non-illuminated area 102X can be made less noticeable when observed from a distance. That is, when observed from a distance, the illumination pattern 102 with the increased width W102 can be observed more clearly, while the non-illuminated area 102X becomes difficult to observe.

When determining whether two adjacent projection patterns 101 are separated from each other in the fourth direction D4, the area onto which each projection pattern 101 is projected is first identified. If the two areas onto which two adjacent projection patterns 101 are respectively projected are separated from each other in the fourth direction D4, the two adjacent projection patterns 101 are evaluated as being separated from each other in the fourth direction D4. The area onto which each projection pattern 101 is projected is determined in a state where only that projection pattern 101 is projected onto the projection surface 100. The area onto which each projection pattern 101 is projected is identified as an area where an illuminance of 5% or more of the maximum illuminance at that position on the projection surface 100 due to the projection light forming that projection pattern 101 is obtained.

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

For example, environmental conditions such as rain or fog can make the illumination pattern 102 difficult to observe. As another example, a moving observer may find it more difficult to observe the illumination pattern 102 than a stationary observer. An example of a moving observer is a person riding on a fast-moving vehicle. More specifically, examples of moving observers include crew members and passengers of cars, trains, ships, airplanes, etc. The thickness and/or brightness of the illumination pattern 102 may be controlled depending on the environment, the observer's state, etc., to make the illumination pattern 102 easier to observe.

In the example shown in FIG. 21B, some of the multiple projection patterns 101 shown in FIG. 21A are turned off. The illumination pattern 102 shown in FIG. 21B has a shorter width W102 along the fourth direction D4 than the illumination pattern 102 shown in FIG. 21A. Under conditions in which the illumination pattern 102 is easy to observe, a smaller number of projection patterns 101 may be projected onto the projection surface 100, as shown in FIG. 21B. The illumination pattern 102 shown in FIG. 21B can be displayed with low power consumption. Under conditions in which the illumination pattern 102 is difficult to observe, a larger number of projection patterns 101 may be projected onto the projection surface 100, as shown in FIG. 21A. By increasing the width W102 of the illumination pattern 102, the illumination pattern 102 can be made easier to observe, as shown in FIG. 21A.

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

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

In the example shown in FIG. 21D, some of the multiple projection patterns 101 shown in FIG. 21A are turned off. The width W102 of the illumination pattern 102 shown in FIG. 21B is the same as the width W102 of the illumination pattern 102 shown in FIG. 21A. The number of lit projection patterns 101 is greater in the example shown in FIG. 21A than in the example shown in FIG. 21D. Therefore, the illumination pattern 102 shown in FIG. 21D may be observed to be somewhat darker than the illumination pattern 102 shown in FIG. 21A.

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

The first outermost projection pattern 101X is the projection pattern 101 located on the first side in the fourth direction D4. The second outermost projection pattern 101Y is the projection pattern 101 located on the second side in the fourth direction D4. The intermediate projection pattern 101C is the projection pattern 101 located between the first outermost projection pattern 101X and the second outermost projection pattern 101Y in the fourth direction D4.

In the example shown in FIG. 21D, the outer portions of the illumination pattern 102 in the fourth direction D4 are observed to be brighter than the middle portion in the fourth direction D4. The outer contour of the illumination pattern 102 shown in FIG. 21D can be observed more clearly. Meanwhile, because the brightness in the middle portion in the fourth direction D4 is reduced, power consumption can be reduced. Therefore, according to the example shown in FIG. 21D, the illumination pattern 102 can be clearly observed even from a distance while reducing power consumption. The illumination pattern 102 shown in FIG. 21D can be observed at substantially the same brightness as the illumination pattern 102 shown in FIG. 21A.

In the example shown in FIG. 21D , at any position on the projection surface 100 that is the same in the fifth direction D5, the arrangement pitch P102X of the first outermost projection pattern 101X may be shorter than the arrangement pitch P102C of the intermediate projection pattern 101C. At any position on the projection surface 100 that is the same in the fifth direction D5, the arrangement pitch P102Y of the second outermost projection pattern 101Y may be shorter than the arrangement pitch P102C of the intermediate projection pattern 101C. According to this example, at any position on the projection surface 100 that is the same in the fifth direction D5, the outer portions of the illumination pattern 102 in the fourth direction D4 can be observed brighter than the intermediate portion in the fourth direction D4. The outer contour of the illumination pattern 102 shown in FIG. 21D can be observed more clearly. Meanwhile, because the brightness in the intermediate portion in the fourth direction D4 is reduced, power consumption can be reduced. Therefore, the illumination pattern 102 can be observed more clearly even from a distance while reducing power consumption.

In the example shown in FIG. 21D , at a certain position on the projection surface 100 that is the same in the fifth direction D5, the arrangement pitch P102X of the first outermost projection pattern 101X may be shorter than the arrangement pitch of the projection patterns 101 other than the second outermost projection pattern 101Y. In the example shown in FIG. 21D , at a certain position on the projection surface 100 that is the same in the fifth direction D5, the arrangement pitch P102Y of the second outermost projection pattern 101Y may be shorter than the arrangement pitch of the projection patterns other than the first outermost projection pattern 101X. According to this example, at a certain position on the projection surface 100 that is the same in the fifth direction D5, the outer portions of the illumination pattern 102 in the fourth direction D4 can be observed brighter than the intermediate portion in the fourth direction D4. The outer contour of the illumination pattern 102 shown in FIG. 21D can be observed more clearly. Meanwhile, because the brightness in the intermediate portion in the fourth direction D4 is reduced, power consumption can be reduced. Therefore, the illumination pattern 102 can be clearly observed even from a distance while reducing power consumption.

In the example shown in FIG. 21D , at any position on the projection surface 100 that is the same in the fifth direction D5, the arrangement pitch P102X of the first outermost projection pattern 101X may be shorter than the arrangement pitch of the projection patterns 101 other than the second outermost projection pattern 101Y. In the example shown in FIG. 21D , at any position on the projection surface 100 that is the same in the fifth direction D5, the arrangement pitch P102Y of the second outermost projection pattern 101Y may be shorter than the arrangement pitch of the projection patterns other than the first outermost projection pattern 101X. According to this example, at any position on the projection surface 100 that is the same in the fifth direction D5, the outer portions of the illumination pattern 102 in the fourth direction D4 can be observed brighter than the intermediate portion in the fourth direction D4. The outer contour of the illumination pattern 102 shown in FIG. 21D can be observed more clearly. Meanwhile, because the brightness in the intermediate portion in the fourth direction D4 is reduced, power consumption can be reduced. Therefore, the illumination pattern 102 can be observed more clearly even from a distance while reducing power consumption.

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

For example, environmental conditions such as rain or fog can make it difficult to observe the illumination pattern 102. A moving observer will find it more difficult to observe the illumination pattern 102 than a stationary observer. An example of a moving observer is a person riding on a vehicle moving at high speed. More specifically, examples of moving observers include drivers and passengers of cars, trains, ships, airplanes, etc. The brightness of the projection pattern 101 may be controlled depending on the environment, the observer's state, etc., to make it easier to observe the illumination pattern 102.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

As shown in Figure 21H, while some projection patterns 101 are flashing, some other projection patterns 101 included in the multiple projection patterns 101 may continue to be lit. According to this example, the illumination pattern 102 can be continuously displayed on the projection surface 100. Therefore, the illumination pattern 102 displayed on the projection surface 100 can be easily observed from a distance.

As shown in FIG. 21H, the remaining portion of projection patterns 101 that remain lit may include projection patterns 101 located on a first side of the remaining portion of projection patterns 101 in the fourth direction D4 and projection patterns 101 located on a second side of the remaining portion of projection patterns 101 in the fourth direction D4. The remaining portion of projection patterns 101 that remain lit may include a first outermost projection pattern 101X and a second outermost projection pattern 101Y. The lit projection patterns 101 form the outer edge of the illumination pattern 102 in the fourth direction D4. In other words, the width W102 in the fourth direction D4 of the illumination pattern 102 that partially flashes is constant. This makes it easier to observe the illumination pattern 102 displayed on the projection surface 100 from a distance.

22A, 22B, and 23, one or more lighting modules 10X included in a lighting module unit 8 and one or more other lighting modules 10Y included in the lighting module unit 8 may be positioned opposite each other in the fifth direction D5. One or more lighting modules 10X included in a lighting module unit 8 and one or more other lighting modules 10Y included in the lighting module unit 8 may be arranged apart in the fifth direction D5. One or more lighting modules 10X included in a lighting module unit 8 and one or more other lighting modules 10Y included in the lighting module unit 8 may emit light in opposite directions in the fifth direction D5. The central optical path D10X (see FIG. 23) of the projection light from one or more lighting modules 10X included in the lighting module unit 8 and the central optical path D10Y (see FIG. 23) of the projection light from one or more other lighting modules 10Y included in the lighting module unit 8 may be opposite in the fifth direction D5. The central optical path of the projection light means the direction and orientation that provides maximum brightness on the output end 25a of the illumination module that emits the projection light.

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

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

According to the examples shown in Figures 22A, 22B, and 23, an illumination pattern 102 that is easily observable even from a distance can be displayed on the projection surface 100 even if the projection surface 100 has undulations, irregularities, ripples, etc. In the example shown in Figure 23, the projection surface 100 is curved and is raised in the center of the illuminated area 103 of the projection surface 100 onto which the projection pattern 101 is projected. Even on such a projection surface 100, an illumination pattern 102 that is easily observable even from a distance can be displayed on the projection surface 100.

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

According to the first lighting module unit 8 and the first lighting method, the lighting pattern 102 projected onto the projection surface 100 is composed of a combination of multiple projection patterns 101. Therefore, a large lighting pattern 102 can be displayed on the projection surface 100. By adjusting the shape of the multiple projection patterns 101, a complex lighting pattern 102 can be displayed. By adjusting the brightness of the multiple projection patterns 101, the lighting pattern 102 can be displayed brightly. As a result, an lighting pattern 102 that can be observed from a distance can be displayed on the projection surface 100. Furthermore, by configuring each lighting module 10 to display a portion or one projection pattern 101 rather than the entire lighting pattern 102, the overall power consumption of the lighting module unit 8 can be reduced, and a decrease in laser safety can be suppressed.

In the example described above, the second lighting module unit 8 includes a plurality of lighting modules 10. The plurality of projection patterns 101 projected onto the projection surface 100 from each of the plurality of lighting modules 10 are arranged in the fourth direction D4. The plurality of projection patterns 101 extend in a fifth direction D5 non-parallel to the fourth direction D4. In the example described above, the second lighting method includes a step of illuminating the projection surface 100 using the lighting module unit 8. In the illumination step, the plurality of projection patterns 101 are projected onto the projection surface 100 from the lighting module unit 8. The plurality of projection patterns 101 are arranged in the fourth direction D4. Each of the plurality of projection patterns 101 extends in a fifth direction D5 non-parallel to the fourth direction D4.

The second lighting module unit 8 and the second lighting method achieve the above-mentioned effects achieved by the first lighting module unit 8 and the first lighting method. That is, the second lighting module unit 8 and the second lighting method make it possible to display an illumination pattern 102 on the projection surface 100 that can be observed from a distance.

In addition, with the second lighting module unit 8 and the second lighting method, the width W102 of the illumination pattern 102 in the fourth direction D4 can be made wider than the width W101 of each projection pattern 101 in the fourth direction D4. By combining multiple projection patterns 101 with narrow widths W101, an illumination pattern 102 with a wide width W102 can be displayed. The inventors have confirmed that by displaying a single illumination pattern 102 with a wide width W102 using multiple projection patterns 101 projected with a shift in the fourth direction D4, total power consumption can be reduced while making the illumination pattern 102 more noticeable and easier to observe from a distance. Furthermore, by projecting multiple projection patterns 101 with a shift in the fourth direction D4, a reduction in laser safety can be reliably suppressed.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In the example shown in FIG. 25, the lighting module unit 8 and the lighting system 5 include first to ninth lighting modules 10A to 10I. As shown in FIG. 25, the first to ninth lighting modules 10A to 10I project first to ninth projection patterns 1011 to 1019, respectively, onto the projection surface 100. The first to ninth projection patterns 1011 to 1019 are arranged in order in the fifth direction D5. The first to ninth projection patterns 1011 to 1019 have the same arrow patterns. The arrow patterns of the first to ninth projection patterns 1011 to 1019 point toward the first side in the fifth direction D5.

The first, fourth, and seventh lighting modules 10A, 10D, and 10G emit red light (e.g., light with a wavelength of 650 nm) onto the projection surface 100. The first, fourth, and seventh projection patterns 1011, 1014, and 1017 are projected onto the projection surface 100 using red light.

The second, fifth, and eighth lighting modules 10B, 10E, and 10H emit green light (e.g., light with a wavelength of 550 nm) onto the projection surface 100. The second, fifth, and eighth projection patterns 1012, 1015, and 1018 are projected onto the projection surface 100 using green light.

The third, sixth, and ninth lighting modules 10C, 10F, and 10I emit blue light (e.g., light with a wavelength of 450 nm) onto the projection surface 100. The third, sixth, and ninth projection patterns 1013, 1016, and 1019 are projected onto the projection surface 100 using blue light.

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

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

In the examples shown in Figures 24A to 26, by changing the projection pattern 101 and the lighting module 10 that projects the projection pattern 101, moving images such as animations can be displayed on the projection surface 100.

L1: central axis, D1: first direction, D2: second direction, D3: third direction, AD: axial direction, RD: radial direction, CD: circumferential direction, 5: lighting system, 8: lighting module unit, 10: lighting module, 10A-10I: lighting module, 20: light source, 21: light-emitting unit, 22: terminal, 24A: first cover member, 24B: second cover member, 25: optical system, 25a: emission end, 26: pattern optical system, 26A: diffractive optical element, 26B: light-shielding mask, 27: lens system, 27A: collimator light optical system, 27B: imaging optical system, 28A: first lens, 28B: second lens, 28C: third lens, 29a: light-shielding portion, 29b: light-transmitting portion, 30: case, 31: cylindrical portion, 31a: inner surface, 31b: outer surface, 32: tip cylindrical portion, 33: first cylindrical portion, 34: second cylindrical portion, 35a: tip step, 35b: intermediate step, 36: annular groove, 38: bottom portion, 38a: hole, 39: outer convex portion, 41: first case member, 42: second case member, 43: third case member, 47: fixture, 49: fixture, 50: cover, 50 c: contact portion, 51: side portion, 52: end portion, 53: fixture, 54: inner convex portion, 55: receiving hole, 56: inner convex portion, 61: external connection connector, 64: indication, 65: fall-off prevention mechanism, 66: plate material, 67: fixture, 70A: circuit board, first circuit board, 70B: second circuit board, 71: board, 72: element, 73: wiring, 75: driver IC, 75a: channel, 76: socket, 77: connector, 79: solder, 90: connecting member, 91: FPC, 91a: hole, 92: board connecting member, 93: FP C, 95: Fixing device, 98: Fixing device, 100: Projection surface, 101: Projection pattern, 1011 to 1019: Projection patterns, 101X: First outermost projection pattern, 101Y: Second outermost projection pattern, 101C: Intermediate projection pattern, 101: Projection pattern, 102: Illumination pattern, 102X: Non-illuminated area, 103: Illuminated area, 105: Device with illumination module, 110: Device, 111: Housing, 112: Equipment, 113: Power supply unit, 114: Control unit, 117: Control device, 118: Power supply device

Claims (49)

An illumination module that projects a projection pattern onto a projection surface,
a light source that emits light;
an optical system facing the light source in the axial direction of the lighting module;
a case for holding the light source and the optical system;
a circuit board electrically connected to the light source;
an FPC that electrically connects the light source and the circuit board,
the circuit board is at least partially located between the light source and an exit end of the optical system from which light emitted from the light source exits in the axial direction;
the light source includes a terminal penetrating the FPC,
The terminal is electrically connected to the FPC. The lighting module of claim 1, wherein the FPC is attached to the case. the case includes a cylindrical portion and a bottom portion connected to the cylindrical portion,
the cylindrical portion is open to a first side in the axial direction and is connected to the bottom portion from a second side in the axial direction,
the optical system is held inside the cylindrical portion,
The lighting module of claim 1 , wherein the light source is held by the base. An illumination module that projects a projection pattern onto a projection surface,
a light source that emits light;
an optical system facing the light source in the axial direction of the lighting module;
a case for holding the light source and the optical system;
a circuit board electrically connected to the light source,
the circuit board is at least partially located between the light source and an exit end of the optical system from which light emitted from the light source exits in the axial direction;
the case includes a cylindrical portion and a bottom portion connected to the cylindrical portion,
the cylindrical portion is open to a first side in the axial direction and is connected to the bottom portion from a second side in the axial direction,
the optical system is held inside the cylindrical portion,
the light source is held in the bottom;
the cylindrical portion includes a first cylindrical portion and a second cylindrical portion,
the first cylindrical portion is located on the first side in the axial direction relative to the second cylindrical portion,
The second cylindrical portion is thinner than the first cylindrical portion,
The circuit board is attached to the second cylindrical portion. The lighting module described in claim 4, wherein the circuit board is annular and penetrated by the second cylindrical portion. the circuit board includes a substrate, and elements and wiring provided on the substrate;
The lighting module of claim 5 , wherein the substrate faces in the axial direction. the circuit board includes a substrate, and elements and wiring provided on the substrate;
The lighting module according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the substrate is oriented in a radial direction perpendicular to the axial direction. a second circuit board;
The lighting module according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the circuit board and the second circuit board are arranged spaced apart from each other in a circumferential direction about an axis parallel to the axial direction. An illumination module that projects a projection pattern onto a projection surface,
a light source that emits light;
an optical system facing the light source in the axial direction of the lighting module;
a case for holding the light source and the optical system;
a circuit board electrically connected to the light source;
a cover that partially covers the case,
the circuit board is at least partially located between the light source and an exit end of the optical system from which light emitted from the light source exits in the axial direction;
the circuit board is located between the case and the cover,
The circuit board is in contact with the cover. An illumination module that projects a projection pattern onto a projection surface,
a light source that emits light;
an optical system facing the light source in the axial direction of the lighting module;
a case for holding the light source and the optical system;
a circuit board electrically connected to the light source;
a cover that partially covers the case,
the circuit board includes a socket that contacts a terminal of the light source and electrically connects with the terminal;
the light source is located between the circuit board and the optical system in the axial direction;
the circuit board is located between the case and the cover,
The circuit board is in contact with the cover. An illumination module that projects a projection pattern onto a projection surface,
a light source that emits light;
an optical system facing the light source in an axial direction of the lighting module;
a case for holding the light source and the optical system;
a circuit board electrically connected to the light source;
a cover that partially covers the case,
the circuit board is at least partially located between the light source and an exit end of the optical system from which light emitted from the light source exits in the axial direction;
the circuit board is located between the case and the cover,
A lighting module that is incorporated into or attached to another device,
At least one of the case and the cover is fixed to the device. An illumination module that projects a projection pattern onto a projection surface,
a light source that emits light;
an optical system facing the light source in the axial direction of the lighting module;
a case for holding the light source and the optical system;
a circuit board electrically connected to the light source;
a cover that partially covers the case,
the circuit board includes a socket that contacts a terminal of the light source and electrically connects with the terminal;
the light source is located between the circuit board and the optical system in the axial direction;
the circuit board is located between the case and the cover,
A lighting module that is incorporated into or attached to another device,
At least one of the case and the cover is fixed to the device. An illumination module that projects a projection pattern onto a projection surface,
a light source that emits light;
an optical system facing the light source in the axial direction of the lighting module;
a case for holding the light source and the optical system;
a circuit board electrically connected to the light source;
a cover that partially covers the case,
the circuit board is at least partially located between the light source and an exit end of the optical system from which light emitted from the light source exits in the axial direction;
the circuit board is located between the case and the cover,
A lighting module that is incorporated into or attached to another device,
the cover includes a portion that contacts the device;
The contacting portion is located between the circuit board and the device. An illumination module that projects a projection pattern onto a projection surface,
a light source that emits light;
an optical system facing the light source in an axial direction of the lighting module;
a case for holding the light source and the optical system;
a circuit board electrically connected to the light source;
a cover that partially covers the case,
the circuit board includes a socket that contacts a terminal of the light source and electrically connects with the terminal;
the light source is located between the circuit board and the optical system in the axial direction;
the circuit board is located between the case and the cover,
A lighting module that is incorporated into or attached to another device,
the cover includes a portion that contacts the device;
The contacting portion is located between the circuit board and the device. An illumination module that projects a projection pattern onto a projection surface,
a light source that emits light;
an optical system facing the light source in the axial direction of the lighting module;
a case for holding the light source and the optical system;
a circuit board electrically connected to the light source;
a cover that partially covers the case,
the circuit board is at least partially located between the light source and an exit end of the optical system from which light emitted from the light source exits, in the axial direction;
the circuit board is located between the case and the cover,
At least one of the case and the cover includes markings indicating the orientation in which the lighting module should be installed. An illumination module that projects a projection pattern onto a projection surface,
a light source that emits light;
an optical system facing the light source in the axial direction of the lighting module;
a case for holding the light source and the optical system;
a circuit board electrically connected to the light source;
a cover that partially covers the case,
the circuit board includes a socket that contacts a terminal of the light source and electrically connects with the terminal;
the light source is located between the circuit board and the optical system in the axial direction;
the circuit board is located between the case and the cover,
At least one of the case and the cover includes markings indicating the orientation in which the lighting module should be installed. An illumination module that projects a projection pattern onto a projection surface,
a light source that emits light;
an optical system facing the light source in an axial direction of the lighting module;
a case for holding the light source and the optical system;
a circuit board electrically connected to the light source;
a cover that partially covers the case,
the circuit board is at least partially located between the light source and an exit end of the optical system from which light emitted from the light source exits in the axial direction;
the circuit board is located between the case and the cover,
The cover includes a plate-shaped end portion facing the case in the axial direction and a cylindrical side portion facing the case in a radial direction perpendicular to the axial direction. An illumination module that projects a projection pattern onto a projection surface,
a light source that emits light;
an optical system facing the light source in an axial direction of the lighting module;
a case for holding the light source and the optical system;
a circuit board electrically connected to the light source;
a cover that partially covers the case,
the circuit board includes a socket that contacts a terminal of the light source and electrically connects with the terminal;
the light source is located between the circuit board and the optical system in the axial direction;
the circuit board is located between the case and the cover,
The cover includes a plate-shaped end portion facing the case in the axial direction and a cylindrical side portion facing the case in a radial direction perpendicular to the axial direction. A lighting module that is incorporated into or attached to another device,
19. The lighting module according to claim 17 or 18, wherein a connector for electrically connecting with the device is provided at a position offset from the center of the end portion. An illumination module that projects a projection pattern onto a projection surface,
a light source that emits light;
an optical system facing the light source in an axial direction of the lighting module;
a case for holding the light source and the optical system;
a circuit board electrically connected to the light source;
a cover that partially covers the case,
the circuit board is at least partially located between the light source and an exit end of the optical system from which light emitted from the light source exits in the axial direction;
the circuit board is located between the case and the cover,
A lighting module, wherein the cover is located at the same position as the case or inside the case when projected onto a plane perpendicular to the axial direction. An illumination module that projects a projection pattern onto a projection surface,
a light source that emits light;
an optical system facing the light source in the axial direction of the lighting module;
a case for holding the light source and the optical system;
a circuit board electrically connected to the light source;
a cover that partially covers the case,
the circuit board includes a socket that contacts a terminal of the light source and electrically connects with the terminal;
the light source is located between the circuit board and the optical system in the axial direction;
the circuit board is located between the case and the cover,
A lighting module, wherein the cover is located at the same position as the case or inside the case when projected onto a plane perpendicular to the axial direction. An illumination module that projects a projection pattern onto a projection surface,
a light source that emits light;
an optical system facing the light source in the axial direction of the lighting module;
a case for holding the light source and the optical system;
a circuit board electrically connected to the light source;
a cover that partially covers the case,
the circuit board is at least partially located between the light source and an exit end of the optical system from which light emitted from the light source exits in the axial direction;
the circuit board is located between the case and the cover,
A lighting module, wherein the cover has a circular outline when projected onto a plane perpendicular to the axial direction. An illumination module that projects a projection pattern onto a projection surface,
a light source that emits light;
an optical system facing the light source in an axial direction of the lighting module;
a case for holding the light source and the optical system;
a circuit board electrically connected to the light source;
a cover that partially covers the case,
the circuit board includes a socket that contacts a terminal of the light source and electrically connects with the terminal;
the light source is located between the circuit board and the optical system in the axial direction;
the circuit board is located between the case and the cover,
A lighting module, wherein the cover has a circular outline when projected onto a plane perpendicular to the axial direction. A lighting module as described in claim 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 21, or 23, wherein the circuit board is located at the same position as the case or inside the case when projected onto a plane perpendicular to the axial direction. The lighting module described in claim 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 21, or 23, further comprising a second circuit board located at least partially between the output end of the optical system and the light source in the axial direction. The lighting module described in claim 25, wherein the circuit board and the second circuit board are electrically connected using an FPC. A lighting module as described in claim 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 21, or 23, which is provided with a fall-off prevention mechanism that prevents the socket from coming off the terminal. the light source includes a laser diode;
The lighting module according to any one of claims 1, 4, 9 to 18, and 20 to 23, wherein the circuit board includes a driver IC that drives a laser diode. The driver IC includes a plurality of channels connected in parallel,
30. The lighting module of claim 28, wherein each of the plurality of channels comprises a separate element. A lighting module as described in any one of claims 1, 4, 9-18, and 20-23, wherein the circuit board is in contact with the case. The lighting module described in any one of claims 1, 4, 9-18, and 20-23, wherein the optical system includes a diffractive optical element and a lens optical system. The lighting module described in any one of claims 1, 4, 9-18, and 20-23, wherein the optical system includes a light-shielding mask and an imaging optical system. A lighting module according to any one of claims 1, 4, 9 to 18, and 20 to 23;
and a device having the lighting module built in or attached thereto. a plurality of lighting modules according to any one of claims 1, 4, 9 to 18, and 20 to 23;
a lighting module unit that displays a lighting pattern on a projection surface by a plurality of projection patterns projected onto the projection surface from each of the plurality of lighting modules; the plurality of projection patterns are arranged in a fourth direction,
35. The lighting module unit of claim 34, wherein each of the plurality of projection patterns extends in a fifth direction non-parallel to the fourth direction. The lighting module unit of claim 34, wherein each of the multiple projection patterns is a line. A plurality of lighting modules are provided,
the plurality of projection patterns projected onto the projection surface from each of the plurality of lighting modules are arranged in a fourth direction;
each of the plurality of projection patterns extends in a fifth direction non-parallel to the fourth direction;
A lighting module unit, wherein one or more lighting modules included in the plurality of lighting modules and one or more other lighting modules included in the plurality of lighting modules are positioned opposite each other in the fifth direction. The lighting module unit of claim 37, wherein the multiple projection patterns are spaced apart from one another in the fourth direction on the projection surface. the plurality of projection patterns include a first outermost projection pattern, a second outermost projection pattern, and an intermediate projection pattern;
the first outermost projection pattern is located on the first side in the fourth direction,
the second outermost projection pattern is located on the second most side in the fourth direction,
the intermediate projection pattern is located between the first outermost projection pattern and the second outermost projection pattern in the fourth direction,
38. The lighting module unit of claim 37, wherein at a position in the fifth direction, the first outermost projection pattern is brighter than the intermediate projection pattern and the second outermost projection pattern is brighter than the intermediate projection pattern. a lighting module unit according to claim 34;
a power source for supplying power to the plurality of lighting modules;
a plurality of controllers positioned between the plurality of lighting modules and the power source;
A lighting system, wherein each of the plurality of controllers regulates power supply from the power source to a corresponding lighting module included in the plurality of lighting modules independently of power supply from the power source to other lighting modules. The lighting system of claim 40, wherein each of the plurality of controllers adjusts whether or not and/or how much power is supplied to the corresponding lighting module. 35. A lighting method comprising the step of illuminating a projection surface using the lighting module unit according to claim 34,
In the illuminating step, an illumination pattern is displayed on the projection surface by a plurality of projection patterns projected from the illumination module unit onto the projection surface. the plurality of projection patterns are arranged in a fourth direction,
43. The illumination method of claim 42, wherein each of the plurality of projection patterns extends in a fifth direction non-parallel to the fourth direction. The illumination method described in claim 42, wherein each of the multiple projection patterns is a line. 1. A lighting method comprising: illuminating a projection surface using a lighting module unit including a plurality of lighting modules,
In the illuminating step, a plurality of projection patterns are projected onto a projection surface from the lighting module unit;
the plurality of projection patterns are arranged in a fourth direction,
each of the plurality of projection patterns extends in a fifth direction non-parallel to the fourth direction;
In the illuminating step, some of the projection patterns included in the plurality of projection patterns are flashed,
While the part of the projection patterns is flashing, the other part of the projection patterns included in the plurality of projection patterns is turned on,
an illumination method, wherein the other part of the projection patterns includes a projection pattern located on a first side in the fourth direction of the other part of the projection patterns, and a projection pattern located on a second side in the fourth direction of the other part of the projection patterns. 1. A lighting method comprising: illuminating a projection surface using a lighting module unit including a plurality of lighting modules,
In the illuminating step, a plurality of projection patterns are projected onto a projection surface from the lighting module unit;
the plurality of projection patterns are arranged in a fourth direction,
each of the plurality of projection patterns extends in a fifth direction non-parallel to the fourth direction;
an illumination method in which one or more projection patterns included in the plurality of projection patterns and one or more other projection patterns included in the plurality of projection patterns are projected onto the projection surface from positions opposing each other in the fifth direction. 1. A lighting method comprising: illuminating a projection surface using a lighting module unit including a plurality of lighting modules,
In the illuminating step, a plurality of projection patterns are projected onto a projection surface from the lighting module unit;
the plurality of projection patterns are arranged in a fourth direction,
each of the plurality of projection patterns extends in a fifth direction non-parallel to the fourth direction;
An illumination method, wherein one or more projection patterns included in the plurality of projection patterns are projected onto the projection surface from two or more positions that are opposite to each other in the fifth direction. The illumination method described in any one of claims 45 to 47, wherein the multiple projection patterns are spaced apart from one another in the fourth direction on the projection surface. The illumination method described in any one of claims 45 to 47, wherein each of the multiple projection patterns is linear.