JP7507770B2 - Area Marker Lamp - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an area marker lamp that projects markers onto the road surface around a vehicle.

Vehicles that can turn by tilting the body, such as motorcycles, tend to be less visible to other vehicles and pedestrians than automobiles. The following Patent Document 1 discloses that for such vehicles, combination lamps are positioned in an area adjacent to the headlamps on the body so that they are visible from the front of the vehicle.

International Publication No. 2019/082615

The vehicle in Patent Document 1 is said to be able to improve the visibility of the vehicle by turning on the combination lamps. However, in the vehicle in Patent Document 1, the combination lamps are difficult to see from behind the vehicle, and there is a demand to improve the notification function that notifies the surrounding area of the presence of the vehicle.

Therefore, the present invention aims to provide an area marker lamp that can improve the warning function of alerting the surrounding area to the presence of a vehicle.

In order to achieve the above-mentioned objective, the area marker lamp of the present invention is provided on a vehicle that can turn by tilting the body, and projects predetermined markers onto the road surface around the vehicle, the predetermined markers including a right-side marker of a predetermined color, at least a portion of which is located on the right side of the vehicle, and a left-side marker of the predetermined color, at least a portion of which is located on the left side of the vehicle.

This area marker lamp can alert those in the vicinity to the presence of a vehicle by projecting a specified marker onto the road surface. Furthermore, as described above, the specified marker includes a right-side marker, at least a portion of which is located on the right side of the vehicle, and a left-side marker, at least a portion of which is located on the left side of the vehicle. Therefore, at least a portion of the specified marker can be seen from the front and rear of the vehicle. Therefore, this area marker lamp can improve the alerting function of alerting those in the vicinity to the presence of a vehicle compared to lamps that are positioned on the vehicle body so as to be visible from the front of the vehicle.

The right-side marker and the left-side marker may be connected at the front and rear of the vehicle, respectively, so that when the vehicle is viewed in a plan view from above, the specified markers surround the entire circumference of the vehicle.

This configuration can improve the notification function of alerting those in the vicinity to the presence of the vehicle compared to when the specified markers do not surround the entire perimeter of the vehicle.

When the turn signal lamp on the right side of the vehicle flashes, the color of the right side marker may be made different from the specified color, and when the turn signal lamp on the left side of the vehicle flashes, the color of the left side marker may be made different from the specified color.

With this configuration, not only the presence of the vehicle but also the vehicle's actions such as turning right or left can be notified to those around the vehicle.

When the turn signal lamp on the right side of the vehicle flashes, the right marker may be made to flash, and when the turn signal lamp on the left side of the vehicle flashes, the left marker may be made to flash.

With this configuration, not only the presence of the vehicle but also the vehicle's actions such as turning right or left can be notified to those around the vehicle.

In this case, the flashing of the right marker and the flashing of the left marker may be synchronized with the flashing of the turn signal lamp.

With this configuration, for example, it is possible to synchronize the blinking of the right turn signal lamp with the blinking of the right marker, and to synchronize the blinking of the left turn signal lamp with the blinking of the left marker. Therefore, with this area marker lamp, it is possible to prevent pedestrians around the vehicle from feeling uncomfortable with the blinking of the right marker and the left marker.

When the turn signal lamp on the right side of the vehicle flashes, a specific marker different from the specified marker may be further projected onto the road surface to the right of the vehicle, and when the turn signal lamp on the left side of the vehicle flashes, a specific marker different from the specified marker may be further projected onto the road surface to the left of the vehicle.

With this configuration, not only the presence of the vehicle but also the vehicle's actions such as turning right or left can be notified to those around the vehicle.

The left marker may be turned off when the turn signal lamp on the right side of the vehicle flashes, and the right marker may be turned off when the turn signal lamp on the left side of the vehicle flashes. Alternatively, the color of both the right marker and the left marker may be a color different from the predetermined color when the turn signal lamp on the right side or the turn signal lamp on the left side of the vehicle flashes.

With this configuration, not only the presence of the vehicle but also the vehicle's actions such as turning right or left can be notified to those around the vehicle.

If both the right turn signal lamp and the left turn signal lamp of the vehicle are flashing, the color of both the right marker and the left marker may be a color different from the specified color.

With this configuration, it is possible to notify those around the vehicle of its presence as well as, for example, that the vehicle is in an abnormal state.

In this case, both the right marker and the left marker may be made to blink.

By configuring in this way, it is possible to more appropriately alert those around the vehicle, for example, that the vehicle is in an abnormal state.

When the vehicle's brake lights are turned on, the color of both the right marker and the left marker may be a color different from the specified color.

With this configuration, the presence of the vehicle as well as the vehicle's deceleration operation can be notified to those around the vehicle.

In this case, when the vehicle decelerates at an acceleration greater than or equal to a predetermined acceleration, both the right marker and the left marker may be made to flash.

With this configuration, the presence of the vehicle as well as the rapid deceleration of the vehicle can be alerted to those around the vehicle.

As described above, the present invention makes it possible to provide an area marker lamp that can improve the warning function of alerting the surrounding area to the presence of a vehicle.

1 is a perspective view showing a vehicle equipped with an area marker lamp according to a first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 is a plan view of the vehicle shown in FIG. 1 as seen from above. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a predetermined marker in the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram including an area marker lamp in the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a control flowchart of a control unit in the first embodiment. FIG. 11 is a view similar to FIG. 2 showing a vehicle equipped with an area marker lamp according to a fourth embodiment. FIG. 4 is a view showing a predetermined marker according to a modified example in a manner similar to that of FIG. 3 .

Below, embodiments for implementing the area marker lamp according to the present invention are illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings. The embodiments illustrated below are intended to facilitate understanding of the present invention and are not intended to limit the interpretation of the present invention. The present invention can be modified or improved from the following embodiments without departing from the spirit of the invention. In the drawings referred to below, the dimensions of each component may be changed or reference symbols may be omitted in order to facilitate understanding.

First Embodiment
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a vehicle equipped with an area marker lamp according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the vehicle shown in FIG. 1 from above. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a vehicle 100 according to this embodiment is a motorcycle. The vehicle 100 includes a body 10, a handlebar 11, a front wheel 12, a rear wheel 13, a right turn signal lamp 14, a left turn signal lamp 15, a brake lamp 16, and an area marker lamp 1. The vehicle 100, which is a motorcycle, can turn by tilting the body 10. The right turn signal lamp 14 is disposed at the front and rear of the right side of the body 10. The left turn signal lamp 15 is disposed at the front and rear of the left side of the body 10. The right turn signal lamp 14 and the left turn signal lamp 15 are generally symmetrical to each other in the left-right direction. The brake lamp 16 is disposed between a right turn signal lamp 14 disposed at the rear of the vehicle body 10 and a left turn signal lamp 15 disposed at the rear of the vehicle body 10. Note that left and right refer to left and right when looking forward from the vehicle 100.

The area marker lamp 1 is a lamp that projects a predetermined marker onto the road surface around the vehicle 100. The area marker lamp 1 of this embodiment can change the predetermined marker that is projected, and is composed of four lighting units 1a, 1b, 1c, and 1d. Light unit 1a is located on the right side of the front of the vehicle body 10, lighting unit 1b is located on the right side of the rear of the vehicle body 10, lighting unit 1c is located on the left side of the front of the vehicle body 10, and lighting unit 1d is located on the left side of the rear of the vehicle body 10. The light emitted from these lighting units 1a, 1b, 1c, and 1d is irradiated onto the road surface, projecting the predetermined marker onto the road surface.

Figure 3 is a diagram for explaining the specified markers in this embodiment, and is a diagram viewing the road surface from above. Figure 3 shows a vehicle 100 along with an example of the specified marker. The specified markers MK shown in Figure 3 include a right marker 20, at least a portion of which is located on the right side of the vehicle 100, and a left marker 30, at least a portion of which is located on the left side of the vehicle 100. The right marker 20 in this embodiment is green, is located to the right of a straight line SL1 passing through the left-right center of the vehicle 100, and is separated from the vehicle body 10 when the vehicle 100 is viewed in plan from above. The right marker 20 consists of a first marker 21 and a second marker 22.

The first marker 21 is composed of a first portion 21a extending generally linearly in the front-rear direction and a second portion 21b extending generally linearly forward and to the left from the front end of the first portion 21a. When the vehicle 100 is viewed in a plan view from above, the first portion 21a and the vehicle body 10 overlap each other in the left-right direction, and the second portion 21b and the vehicle body 10 overlap each other in the front-rear direction. The shape of the second marker 22 is generally symmetrical to that of the first marker 21 in the front-rear direction. The second marker 22 is composed of a first portion 22a extending generally linearly in the front-rear direction and a second portion 22b extending generally linearly from the rear end of the first portion 22a to the rear and to the left. When the vehicle 100 is viewed in a plan view from above, the first portion 22a and the vehicle body 10 overlap each other in the left-right direction, and the second portion 22b and the vehicle body 10 overlap each other in the front-rear direction. In addition, the second marker 22 is spaced apart from the first marker 21 .

In this embodiment, the left marker 30 is green, is located to the left of a straight line SL1 passing through the center of the vehicle 100 in the left-right direction, and is separated from the vehicle body 10 when the vehicle 100 is viewed in a plan view from above. The shape of the left marker 30 is generally symmetrical to the right marker 20 in the left-right direction, and the left marker 30 consists of a first marker 31 and a second marker 32.

The shape of the first marker 31 is generally symmetrical in the left-right direction to the first marker 21 in the right marker 20. The first marker 31 consists of a first part 31a extending generally linearly in the front-rear direction and a second part 31b extending generally linearly forward and to the right from the front end of the first part 31a. When the vehicle 100 is viewed in a plan view from above, the first part 31a and the vehicle body 10 overlap each other in the left-right direction, and the second part 31b and the vehicle body 10 overlap each other in the front-rear direction. The shape of the second marker 32 is generally symmetrical in the left-right direction to the second marker 22 in the right marker 20. The second marker 32 consists of a first part 32a extending generally linearly in the front-rear direction and a second part 32b extending generally linearly rearward and to the left from the rear end of the first part 32a. When the vehicle 100 is viewed from above in a plan view, the first portion 32a and the vehicle body 10 overlap each other in the left-right direction, and the second portion 32b and the vehicle body 10 overlap each other in the front-rear direction. In addition, the second marker 32 is separated from the first marker 31.

The first marker 21 in the right marker 20 is projected by light emitted from the lighting unit 1a, and the second marker 22 in the right marker 20 is projected by light emitted from the lighting unit 1b. The first marker 31 in the left marker 30 is projected by light emitted from the lighting unit 1c, and the second marker 32 in the left marker 30 is projected by light emitted from the lighting unit 1d. In other words, these lighting units 1a, 1b, 1c, and 1d are configured to be able to project such markers 21, 22, 31, and 32. In this embodiment, the lighting units 1a, 1b, 1c, and 1d can change the color of the markers 21, 22, 31, and 32 to orange. The lighting units 1a, 1b, 1c, and 1d can also blink or turn off the markers 21, 22, 31, and 32. Therefore, the area marker lamp 1 can change a predetermined marker MK projected on the road surface. The configuration of these lighting units 1a, 1b, 1c, and 1d is not particularly limited. Examples of these lighting units 1a, 1b, 1c, and 1d include a lighting unit having a projector, a light source, and a light emitting unit having a shade and a lens that blocks a part of the light emitted from the light source.

Figure 4 is a block diagram including the area marker lamp 1 in this embodiment. As shown in Figure 4, in this embodiment, the four lighting units 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d of the area marker lamp 1, the marker switch 41, the turn switch 42, the hazard switch 43, the brake sensor 44, the acceleration sensor 45, etc. are electrically connected to the control unit CO. This control unit CO may be provided in the area marker lamp 1 or may be part of the electronic control device of the vehicle 100. In addition, the marker switch 41, the turn switch 42, the hazard switch 43, the brake sensor 44, and the acceleration sensor 45 may be electrically connected to the control unit CO via the electronic control device of the vehicle 100.

The control unit CO may be, for example, a microcontroller, an integrated circuit such as an IC (Integrated Circuit), an LSI (Large-scale Integrated Circuit), or an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), or an NC (Numerical Control) device. When an NC device is used, the control unit CO may or may not use a machine learning device. As described below, the four lighting units 1a, 1b, 1c, and 1d of the area marker lamp 1 are controlled by the control unit CO.

The marker switch 41 is a switch that allows the driver to indicate whether or not to project a marker using the area marker lamp 1. For example, when the marker switch 41 is turned on, the marker switch 41 outputs a signal instructing projection of a marker.

The turn switch 42 is a switch that allows the driver to select the state of the left and right turn signal lamps 14, 15 of the vehicle 100. For example, when a state in which the right turn signal lamp 14 flashes is selected, the turn switch 42 outputs a signal indicating this state, when a state in which the left turn signal lamp 15 flashes is selected, the turn switch 42 outputs a signal indicating this state, and when a state in which the left and right turn signal lamps 14, 15 are not lit is selected, the turn switch 42 does not output a signal.

The hazard switch 43 is a switch that indicates whether the driver should blink both the right turn signal lamp 14 and the left turn signal lamp 15. For example, when the hazard switch 43 is turned on, the hazard switch 43 outputs a signal that indicates the blinking of both the right turn signal lamp 14 and the left turn signal lamp 15.

The brake sensor 44 is a sensor that detects the operation of the front wheel brake and the operation of the rear wheel brake, and outputs a signal indicating that the brake has been operated when at least one of the front wheel brake operation and the rear wheel brake operation is detected. An example of the brake sensor 44 is a switch that includes a switch that switches on and off depending on the operation of the front wheel brake and a switch that switches on and off depending on the operation of the rear wheel brake.

The acceleration sensor 45 is a sensor that detects the acceleration of the vehicle 100 and outputs a signal of the detected acceleration. In this embodiment, the acceleration sensor 45 detects the acceleration when the vehicle 100 decelerates as a negative value, and detects the acceleration when the vehicle 100 accelerates as a positive value. Examples of the acceleration sensor 45 include an optical acceleration sensor and a semiconductor acceleration sensor.

Next, the operation of the area marker lamp 1 of this embodiment will be described. Specifically, the operation of changing the marker to be projected depending on the state of the left and right turn signal lamps 14, 15 will be described. Figure 5 is a diagram showing an example of a control flowchart of the control unit CO of this embodiment.

(Step SP1)
In this embodiment, first, when the marker switch 41 is turned on and a signal instructing to project a marker is input from the marker switch 41 to the control unit CO, the control flow of the control unit CO proceeds to step SP2. On the other hand, in this step, if this signal is not input to the control unit CO, the control flow of the control unit CO proceeds to step SP4.

(Step SP2)
In this step, the control unit CO detects the state of the vehicle. Specifically, the control unit CO detects the state of the left and right turn signal lamps 14, 15 based on a signal from the turn switch 42. In this embodiment, when no signal is input from the turn switch 42 to the control unit CO, the control unit CO detects that the state of the left and right turn signal lamps 14, 15 is not lit. In addition, when a signal instructing the right turn signal lamp 14 to be in a blinking state is input from the turn switch 42 to the control unit CO, the control unit CO detects that the state of the left and right turn signal lamps 14, 15 is that the right turn signal lamp 14 is in a blinking state. In addition, when a signal instructing the left turn signal lamp 15 to be in a blinking state is input from the turn switch 42 to the control unit CO, the control unit CO detects that the state of the left and right turn signal lamps 14, 15 is that the left turn signal lamp 15 is in a blinking state. Then, the control flow of the control unit CO proceeds to step SP3.

(Step SP3)
In this step, the control unit CO controls the area marker lamp 1 so as to project a marker according to the state of the vehicle detected in step SP2. Specifically, when the state of the left and right turn signal lamps 14, 15 detected in step SP2 is a non-illuminated state, the control unit CO controls the four lighting units 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d so that both the right marker 20 and the left marker 30 are green. Therefore, the area marker lamp 1 projects a predetermined marker MK including the green right marker 20 and the green left marker 30 on the road surface.

Furthermore, when the state of the left and right turn signal lamps 14, 15 detected in step SP2 is a state in which the left turn signal lamp 15 is flashing, the control unit CO controls the four lamp units 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d so that the right marker 20 turns green and the left marker 30 turns orange. Therefore, the area marker lamp 1 projects onto the road surface a marker that includes a green right marker 20 and an orange left marker 30. In other words, the area marker lamp 1 projects onto the road surface a marker in which the left marker 30 at a specified marker MK is orange.

Furthermore, when the state of the left and right turn signal lamps 14, 15 detected in step SP2 is a state in which the right turn signal lamp 14 is flashing, the control unit CO controls the four lighting units 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d so that the right marker 20 turns orange and the left marker 30 turns green. Therefore, the area marker lamp 1 projects onto the road surface a marker that includes an orange right marker 20 and a green left marker 30. In other words, the area marker lamp 1 projects onto the road surface a marker in which the color of the right marker 20 at a specified marker MK is orange. The control flow of the control unit CO then proceeds to step SP1.

Therefore, when the marker switch 41 is on and the state of the left and right turn signal lamps 14, 15 changes, the area marker lamp 1 changes the marker projected to a marker that corresponds to the state of the left and right turn signal lamps 14, 15.

(Step SP4)
In this step, the control unit CO controls the area marker lamp 1 so that the marker is not projected. Specifically, if a signal instructing to project the marker is not input from the marker switch 41 to the control unit CO in step SP1 as described above and the control flow of the control unit CO proceeds to step SP4, the control unit CO controls the four lighting units 1a, 1b, 1c, and 1d to not emit light from the four lighting units 1a, 1b, 1c, and 1d. In other words, the area marker lamp 1 does not project the marker. Then, the control flow of the control unit CO proceeds to step SP1.

In this way, the area marker lamp 1 of this embodiment projects predetermined markers MK including a green right marker 20 and a green left marker 30 when the marker switch 41 is on and the left and right turn signal lamps 14, 15 are not lit. Also, when the marker switch 41 is on and the right turn signal lamp 14 flashes, the area marker lamp 1 projects a marker in which the right marker 20 is orange, which is different from green. Also, when the marker switch 41 is on and the left turn signal lamp 15 flashes, the area marker lamp 1 projects a marker in which the left marker 30 is orange, which is different from green. The control flow of the control unit CO is not particularly limited.

As described above, the area marker lamp 1 of this embodiment is provided on a vehicle 100 that can turn by tilting the vehicle body 10, and projects a predetermined marker MK on the road surface around the vehicle 100. Therefore, the area marker lamp 1 of this embodiment can notify the surroundings of the presence of the vehicle 100 by the predetermined marker MK projected on the road surface. The predetermined marker MK also includes a right marker 20, at least a portion of which is located on the right side of the vehicle 100, and a left marker 30, at least a portion of which is located on the left side of the vehicle 100. Therefore, at least a portion of this predetermined marker MK can be seen from the front and rear of the vehicle 100. Therefore, the area marker lamp 1 of this embodiment can improve the notification function of notifying the surroundings of the presence of the vehicle 100 compared to a lamp arranged on the vehicle body so as to be visible from the front of the vehicle.

In addition, the area marker lamp 1 of this embodiment changes the color of the right marker 20 to orange, which is different from green, when the right turn signal lamp 14 flashes, and changes the color of the left marker 30 to orange, which is different from green, when the left turn signal lamp 15 flashes. Therefore, the area marker lamp 1 of this embodiment can notify the surroundings of the vehicle 100 of the presence of the vehicle 100 as well as the vehicle's actions such as turning right or left.

The colors of both the right marker 20 and the left marker 30 in a given marker MK are not particularly limited and may be white, for example. Furthermore, the color of the right marker 20 when the right turn signal lamp 14 is flashing, and the color of the left marker 30 when the left turn signal lamp 15 is flashing, may be different from the colors when the left and right turn signal lamps 14, 15 are not lit. For example, these colors may be red.

In addition, from the viewpoint of informing the surroundings of the vehicle 100 of the presence of the vehicle 100 and of the vehicle's actions such as turning right or left, when the right turn signal lamp 14 or the left turn signal lamp 15 is flashing, the area marker lamp 1 may have a color different from that when the right marker 20 and the left marker 30 are not lit. In this case, the control of the four lighting units 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d by the control unit CO in step SP3 above is different.

For example, when the state of the left and right turn signal lamps 14, 15 detected in step SP2 is not lit, the control unit CO controls the four lighting units 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d so that both the right marker 20 and the left marker 30 are green. Therefore, the area marker lamp 1 projects a predetermined marker MK including the green right marker 20 and the green left marker 30 onto the road surface. Also, when the state of the left and right turn signal lamps 14, 15 detected in step SP2 is a state in which the right turn signal lamp 14 or the left turn signal lamp 15 is flashing, the control unit CO controls the four lighting units 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d so that both the right marker 20 and the left marker 30 are orange. Therefore, the area marker lamp 1 projects a marker on the road surface in which the right marker 20 and the left marker 30 at the predetermined marker MK are orange. In this way, when the left and right turn signal lamps 14, 15 are not lit, the area marker lamp 1 changes the color of both the right marker 20 and the left marker 30 to green. Also, when the right turn signal lamp 14 or the left turn signal lamp 15 is flashing, the area marker lamp 1 changes the color of both the right marker 20 and the left marker 30 to orange, which is different from green.

In addition, from the viewpoint of informing the surroundings of the vehicle 100 of the presence of the vehicle 100 and the vehicle's actions such as turning right or left, the area marker lamp 1 may be configured to turn off the left marker 30 when the right turn signal lamp 14 flashes, and to turn off the right marker 20 when the left turn signal lamp 15 flashes. In this case, the control of the four lighting units 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d by the control unit CO in step SP3 above is different.

For example, when the state of the left and right turn signal lamps 14, 15 detected in step SP2 is a non-illuminated state, the control unit CO controls the four lighting units 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d so that both the right marker 20 and the left marker 30 are green. Therefore, the area marker lamp 1 projects a predetermined marker MK including a green right marker 20 and a green left marker 30 onto the road surface. Also, when the state of the left and right turn signal lamps 14, 15 detected in step SP2 is a state in which the left turn signal lamp 15 is flashing, the control unit CO controls the four lighting units 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d so that the right marker 20 is turned off and the left marker 30 is turned green. Therefore, the area marker lamp 1 projects a marker with the right marker 20 turned off at the predetermined marker MK onto the road surface. On the other hand, when the state of the left and right turn signal lamps 14, 15 detected in step SP2 is a state in which the right turn signal lamp 14 is flashing, the control unit CO controls the four lamp units 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d so that the right marker 20 turns green and the left marker 30 turns off. For this reason, the area marker lamp 1 projects a marker on the road surface in which the left marker 30 at a specific marker MK has been turned off. In this way, when the left and right turn signal lamps 14, 15 are not lit, the area marker lamp 1 turns the color of both the right marker 20 and the left marker 30 green. Also, when the right turn signal lamp 14 is flashing, the area marker lamp 1 turns off the left marker 30, and when the left turn signal lamp 15 is flashing, the area marker lamp 1 turns off the right marker 20.

In addition, from the viewpoint of informing the surroundings of the vehicle 100 of the presence of the vehicle 100 and of the vehicle's actions such as turning right or left, the area marker lamp 1 may blink the right marker 20 when the right turn signal lamp 14 blinks, and blink the left marker 30 when the left turn signal lamp 15 blinks. In this case, the control of the four lighting units 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d by the control unit CO in the above step SP3 is different.

For example, when the left and right turn signal lamps 14, 15 detected in step SP2 are not lit, the control unit CO controls the four lamp units 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d so that both the right marker 20 and the left marker 30 are green. Therefore, the area marker lamp 1 projects a predetermined marker MK including a green right marker 20 and a green left marker 30 onto the road surface.

Furthermore, when the state of the left and right turn signal lamps 14, 15 detected in step SP2 is a state in which the left turn signal lamp 15 is flashing, the control unit CO controls the four lighting units 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d so that the right marker 20 turns green and the left marker 30 turns green and flashes at a predetermined time interval. For this reason, the area marker lamp 1 projects a marker on the road surface in which the left marker 30 at a predetermined marker MK flashes. Note that in this case, the control unit CO may control the lighting units 1c, 1d so that the left marker 30 turns orange and flashes at a predetermined time interval. Also, the control unit CO may control the lighting units 1a, 1b so that the right marker 20 turns off in this case.

On the other hand, when the state of the left and right turn signal lamps 14, 15 detected in step SP2 is a state in which the right turn signal lamp 14 is flashing, the control unit CO controls the four lighting units 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d so that the right marker 20 turns green and flashes at a predetermined time interval, and the left marker 30 turns green. For this reason, the area marker lamp 1 projects a marker on the road surface in which the right marker 20 at a predetermined marker MK flashes. In this case, the control unit CO may control the lighting units 1a, 1b so that the color of the right marker 20 turns orange and flashes at a predetermined time interval. In this case, the control unit CO may also control the lighting units 1c, 1d so that the left marker 30 turns off. In this way, when the left and right turn signal lamps 14, 15 are not lit, the area marker lamp 1 makes the colors of both the right marker 20 and the left marker 30 green. In addition, the area marker lamp 1 blinks the right marker 20 when the right turn signal lamp 14 blinks, and blinks the left marker 30 when the left turn signal lamp 15 blinks.

Furthermore, when the area marker lamp 1 blinks one of the right marker 20 and the left marker 30 in this manner, the area marker lamp 1 may blink the right marker 20 and the left marker 30 in synchronization with the blinking of the turn signal lamps 14, 15. With this configuration, the area marker lamp 1 can, for example, synchronize the blinking of the right turn signal lamp 14 with the blinking of the right marker 20, and synchronize the blinking of the left turn signal lamp 15 with the blinking of the left marker 30. Therefore, this area marker lamp 1 can suppress pedestrians around the vehicle 100 from feeling uncomfortable with the blinking of the right marker 20 and the left marker 30.

In this embodiment, the hazard switch 43, the brake sensor 44, and the acceleration sensor 45 do not have to be electrically connected to the control unit CO.

Second Embodiment
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail. Note that components that are the same as or equivalent to those in the first embodiment will be given the same reference numerals and will not be described again unless otherwise specified.

The configuration of the area marker lamp 1 of this embodiment is the same as the configuration of the area marker lamp 1 of the first embodiment. However, the operation of the area marker lamp 1 of this embodiment differs from the operation of the area marker lamp 1 of the first embodiment. Specifically, the area marker lamp 1 of this embodiment changes the specified marker that is projected in response to the flashing of the hazard lights of the left and right turn signal lamps 14, 15.

The control flowchart of the control unit CO in this embodiment is the same as the control flowchart of the control unit CO in the first embodiment. However, the detection of the vehicle state by the control unit CO in step SP2 in this embodiment is different from the detection of the vehicle state by the control unit CO in the first embodiment. Also, the control of the area marker lamp 1 by the control unit CO in step SP3 in this embodiment is different from the control of the area marker lamp 1 by the control unit CO in the first embodiment. For this reason, the operation of the area marker lamp 1 in this embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 5.

(Step SP2)
In step SP2 of this embodiment, the control unit CO detects whether the state of the left and right turn signal lamps 14, 15 is in a hazard flashing state in which both the right turn signal lamp 14 and the left turn signal lamp 15 are flashing, or not in a hazard flashing state, based on a signal from the hazard switch 43. The control unit CO detects that the state of the left and right turn signal lamps 14, 15 is in a hazard flashing state when a signal instructing the flashing of both the right turn signal lamp 14 and the left turn signal lamp 15 is input from the hazard switch 43 to the control unit CO. On the other hand, the control unit CO detects that the state of the left and right turn signal lamps 14, 15 is not in a hazard flashing state when no signal is input from the hazard switch 43 to the control unit CO. Then, the control flow of the control unit CO proceeds to step SP3.

(Step SP3)
In step SP3 of this embodiment, if the state of the left and right turn signal lamps 14, 15 detected in step SP2 is not a hazard flashing state, the control unit CO controls the four lamp units 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d so that both the right marker 20 and the left marker 30 are green. Therefore, the area marker lamp 1 projects a predetermined marker MK including the green right marker 20 and the green left marker 30 onto the road surface.

Furthermore, when the state of the left and right turn signal lamps 14, 15 detected in step SP2 is a hazard flashing state, the control unit CO controls the four lighting units 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d so that both the right marker 20 and the left marker 30 are orange. Therefore, the area marker lamp 1 projects onto the road surface a marker that includes an orange right marker 20 and an orange left marker 30. In other words, the area marker lamp 1 projects onto the road surface a marker in which the right marker 20 and the left marker at a specified marker MK are orange. The control flow of the control unit CO then proceeds to step SP1.

Therefore, the area marker lamp 1 of this embodiment projects a predetermined marker MK including a green right marker 20 and a green left marker 30 when the marker switch 41 is on and the left and right turn signal lamps 14, 15 are not in a hazard flashing state. Also, when the marker switch 41 is on and both the right turn signal lamp 14 and the left turn signal lamp 15 are flashing, the area marker lamp 1 changes the color of both the right marker 20 and the left marker 30 to orange, which is different from green. In other words, the area marker lamp 1 projects a marker on the road surface in which the right marker 20 and the left marker 30 in the predetermined marker MK are orange.

The area marker lamp 1 of this embodiment can improve the notification function of notifying the surroundings of the presence of the vehicle 100, in the same manner as the first embodiment. In addition, the area marker lamp 1 of this embodiment can notify the surroundings of the vehicle 100 that, for example, the vehicle 100 is in an abnormal state.

In addition, the colors of both the right marker 20 and the left marker 30 when the left and right turn signal lamps 14, 15 are in a hazard flashing state may be different from the colors when the left and right turn signal lamps 14, 15 are not in a hazard flashing state, and may be, for example, red.

In addition, from the viewpoint of informing the surroundings of the vehicle 100 of the presence of the vehicle 100 and that the vehicle 100 is in an abnormal state, the area marker lamp 1 may flash both the right marker 20 and the left marker 30 when the left and right turn signal lamps 14, 15 are flashing in hazard lights, while changing the colors of both the right marker 20 and the left marker 30 to colors different from the colors when the left and right turn signal lamps 14, 15 are not flashing in hazard lights. With this configuration, it is possible to more appropriately inform the surroundings of the vehicle 100 that the vehicle 100 is in an abnormal state.

Furthermore, when the area marker lamp 1 flashes both the right marker 20 and the left marker 30 in this manner, the area marker lamp 1 may flash the right marker 20 and the left marker 30 in synchronization with the flashing of the turn signal lamps 14, 15. With this configuration, the area marker lamp 1 can, for example, synchronize the hazard flashing of the left and right turn signal lamps 14, 15 with the flashing of the right marker 20 and the left marker 30. Therefore, this area marker lamp 1 can suppress pedestrians and the like around the vehicle 100 from feeling uncomfortable with the flashing of both the right marker 20 and the left marker 30.

In addition, in this embodiment, the turn switch 42, the brake sensor 44, and the acceleration sensor 45 do not have to be electrically connected to the control unit CO.

Third Embodiment
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail. Note that components that are the same as or equivalent to those in the first embodiment will be given the same reference numerals and will not be described again unless otherwise specified.

The configuration of the area marker lamp 1 of this embodiment is generally the same as the configuration of the area marker lamp 1 of the first embodiment. However, in this embodiment, the lighting units 1a, 1b, 1c, and 1d can change the color of the markers 21, 22, 31, and 32 to green or red. Also, the operation of the area marker lamp 1 of this embodiment differs from the operation of the area marker lamp 1 of the first embodiment. Specifically, the area marker lamp 1 of this embodiment changes the specified marker that is projected depending on the state of the brake lamps 16.

The control flowchart of the control unit CO in this embodiment is the same as the control flowchart of the control unit CO in the first embodiment. However, the detection of the vehicle state by the control unit CO in step SP2 in this embodiment is different from the detection of the vehicle state by the control unit CO in the first embodiment. Also, the control of the area marker lamp 1 by the control unit CO in step SP3 in this embodiment is different from the control of the area marker lamp 1 by the control unit CO in the first embodiment. For this reason, the operation of the area marker lamp 1 in this embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 5.

(Step SP2)
In step SP2 of this embodiment, the control unit CO detects whether the brake lamps 16 are in a lit state or a non-lit state based on a signal from the brake sensor 44. The control unit CO detects that the brake lamps 16 are in a lit state when a signal indicating that the brakes have been operated is input from the brake sensor 44 to the control unit CO. On the other hand, the control unit CO detects that the brake lamps 16 are in a non-lit state when a signal indicating that the brakes have been operated is not input from the brake sensor 44 to the control unit CO. The control unit CO also detects whether the vehicle 100 is decelerating at an acceleration equal to or greater than a predetermined acceleration based on a signal from the acceleration sensor 45. The control unit CO detects that the vehicle 100 is decelerating at an acceleration equal to or greater than the predetermined acceleration when a signal indicating an acceleration equal to or less than a predetermined threshold, which is a negative value, is input from the acceleration sensor 45 to the control unit CO. On the other hand, the control unit CO detects that the vehicle 100 is not decelerating at an acceleration equal to or greater than the predetermined acceleration when a signal indicating an acceleration greater than the threshold is input from the acceleration sensor 45 to the control unit CO. Then, the control flow of the control unit CO proceeds to step SP3.

(Step SP3)
In step SP3 of this embodiment, when the state of the brake lamps 16 detected in step SP2 is a non-illuminated state, the control unit CO controls the four lighting units 1a, 1b, 1c, and 1d so that both the right marker 20 and the left marker 30 are green. Therefore, the area marker lamp 1 projects a predetermined marker MK including the green right marker 20 and the green left marker 30 onto the road surface.

Furthermore, when the state of the brake lamps 16 detected in step SP2 is on and the vehicle 100 is not decelerating at an acceleration equal to or greater than a predetermined acceleration, the control unit CO controls the four lighting units 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d so that both the right marker 20 and the left marker 30 are red. Therefore, the area marker lamp 1 projects onto the road surface a marker that includes a red right marker 20 and a red left marker 30. In other words, the area marker lamp 1 projects onto the road surface a marker in which the right marker 20 and the left marker 30 at a predetermined marker MK are red in color.

Furthermore, when the state of the brake lamps 16 detected in step SP2 is in a lit state and the vehicle 100 is decelerating at an acceleration equal to or greater than a predetermined acceleration, the control unit CO controls the four lighting units 1a, 1b, 1c, and 1d so that both the right marker 20 and the left marker 30 turn red and both the right marker 20 and the left marker 30 flash. For this reason, the area marker lamp 1 projects a marker onto the road surface that includes a red right marker 20 and a red left marker 30, and flashes both the right marker 20 and the left marker 30. In other words, the area marker lamp 1 projects a marker onto the road surface in which the right marker 20 and the left marker 30 at a predetermined marker MK are red and the right marker 20 and the left marker 30 flash. Then, the control flow of the control unit CO proceeds to step SP1.

Therefore, when the marker switch 41 is on and the brake lamps 16 are not lit, the area marker lamp 1 of this embodiment projects a predetermined marker MK including a green right marker 20 and a green left marker 30. When the brake lamps 16 are lit and the vehicle 100 does not decelerate at an acceleration equal to or greater than a predetermined acceleration, the area marker lamp 1 projects a marker in which the color of both the right marker 20 and the left marker 30 in the predetermined marker MK has been changed. When the brake lamps 16 are lit and the vehicle 100 decelerates at an acceleration equal to or greater than a predetermined acceleration, the area marker lamp 1 projects a marker in which the color of both the right marker 20 and the left marker 30 in the predetermined marker MK has been changed and the right marker 20 and the left marker 30 flash.

The area marker lamp 1 of this embodiment can improve the notification function of notifying the surroundings of the presence of the vehicle 100, similar to the first embodiment. Furthermore, the area marker lamp 1 of this embodiment can notify the surroundings of the vehicle 100 of the deceleration operation of the vehicle 100. Furthermore, the area marker lamp 1 of this embodiment can notify the surroundings of the vehicle 100 of the rapid deceleration operation of the vehicle 100.

In this embodiment, the turn switch 42 and the hazard switch 43 do not have to be electrically connected to the control unit CO.

In addition, from the viewpoint of informing the surroundings of the vehicle 100 of the presence of the vehicle 100 and the deceleration operation of the vehicle 100, when the brake lamp 16 is turned on, the area marker lamp 1 may make the colors of both the right marker 20 and the left marker 30 different from the colors when the brake lamp 16 is not turned on. For this reason, for example, when the brake lamp 16 is turned on, the area marker lamp 1 may make the colors of both the right marker 20 and the left marker 30 white, which is different from green. In addition, the area marker lamp 1 may not blink both the right marker 20 and the left marker 30 according to the acceleration when the vehicle 100 is decelerating. In this case, the acceleration sensor 45 may not be electrically connected to the control unit CO. In addition, from the viewpoint of informing the surroundings of the vehicle 100 of the deceleration operation of the vehicle 100, the area marker lamp 1 may blink both the right marker 20 and the left marker 30 when the brake lamp 16 is turned on, regardless of the acceleration when the vehicle 100 is decelerating.

Fourth Embodiment
Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail. Note that components that are the same as or equivalent to those in the first embodiment will be given the same reference numerals and will not be described again unless otherwise specified.

Figure 6 is a diagram showing a vehicle equipped with an area marker lamp according to this embodiment in a manner similar to that of Figure 2. Note that Figure 6 shows the markers projected by the area marker lamp 1 of this embodiment. As shown in Figure 6, the area marker lamp 1 of this embodiment differs from the area marker lamp 1 of the first embodiment in that it further includes two lamp units 1e and 1f. The lamp unit 1e is disposed on the right side of the vehicle body 10, and the lamp unit 1f is disposed on the left side of the vehicle body 10. The lamp unit 1e projects a specific marker 50, which is different from the specific marker MK projected on the road surface by the four lamp units 1a, 1b, 1c, and 1d, onto the road surface to the right of the vehicle 100. The lamp unit 1f projects a specific marker 60, which is different from the specific marker MK projected on the road surface by the four lamp units 1a, 1b, 1c, and 1d, onto the road surface to the left of the vehicle 100.

In this embodiment, the specific marker 50 is projected in an area opposite to the vehicle 100 side from the right marker 20, and the color of the specific marker 50 is orange. The specific marker 50 consists of a first marker 51, a second marker 52, and a third marker 53, and these markers 51, 52, and 53 are located to the right of the right marker 20. These markers 51, 52, and 53 are arranged in a row in a direction away from the vehicle 100. Specifically, these markers 51, 52, and 53 are arranged in a row toward the right front from the vehicle 100. The first marker 51 is located closest to the vehicle 100, the third marker 53 is located farthest from the vehicle 100, and the second marker 52 is located between the first marker 51 and the third marker 53. In addition, the shape of each of these markers 51, 52, and 53 is approximately rectangular and elongated in the parallel direction, and these markers 51, 52, and 53 are spaced apart from each other. On the other hand, the specific marker 60 in this embodiment is projected in an area on the opposite side of the vehicle 100 from the left marker 30, and the color of the specific marker 60 is orange. Also, the specific marker 60 has a shape symmetrical to the specific marker 50 in the left-right direction.

That is, the lighting units 1e and 1f are configured to project such specific markers 50 and 60. The configuration of these lighting units 1e and 1f is not particularly limited. As examples of these lighting units 1e and 1f, similar to the lighting units 1a, 1b, 1c, and 1d, there are lighting units that include a projector, a light source, and a light emission unit that includes a shade and a lens that blocks a portion of the light emitted from the light source.

Next, we will explain the operation of the area marker lamp 1 of this embodiment. Specifically, we will explain the operation of changing the projected marker in response to the blinking of the left and right turn signal lamps 14, 15.

The control flowchart of the control unit CO in this embodiment is the same as the control flowchart of the control unit CO in the first embodiment. However, the control of the area marker lamp 1 by the control unit CO in step SP3 in this embodiment differs from the control of the area marker lamp 1 by the control unit CO in the first embodiment. For this reason, the operation of the area marker lamp 1 in this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 5.

(Step SP3)
In step SP3 of this embodiment, when the left and right turn signal lamps 14, 15 detected in step SP2 are not lit, the control unit CO controls the four lamp units 1a, 1b, 1c, and 1d so that both the right marker 20 and the left marker 30 are green. The control unit CO also controls the two lamp units 1e and 1f to stop emitting light from the lamp units 1e and 1f. Therefore, the area marker lamp 1 projects a predetermined marker MK including the green right marker 20 and the green left marker 30 on the road surface.

Furthermore, when the state of the left and right turn signal lamps 14, 15 detected in step SP2 is a state in which the left turn signal lamp 15 is flashing, the control unit CO controls the four lighting units 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d so that both the right marker 20 and the left marker 30 are green. The control unit CO also controls the lighting unit 1f so that a specific orange marker 60 is projected onto the road surface. The control unit CO also controls the lighting unit 1e to stop emitting light from the lighting unit 1e. Therefore, the area marker lamp 1 projects a specific marker MK including the green right marker 20 and the green left marker 30, and the specific orange marker 60 onto the road surface.

Furthermore, when the state of the left and right turn signal lamps 14, 15 detected in step SP2 is a state in which the right turn signal lamp 14 is flashing, the control unit CO controls the four lighting units 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d so that both the right marker 20 and the left marker 30 are green. The control unit CO also controls the lighting unit 1e so that a specific orange marker 50 is projected onto the road surface. The control unit CO also controls the lighting unit 1f to stop emitting light from the lighting unit 1f. Therefore, the area marker lamp 1 projects a specific marker MK including the green right marker 20 and the green left marker 30, and the specific orange marker 50 onto the road surface. The control flow of the control unit CO then proceeds to step SP1.

For this reason, the area marker lamp 1 of this embodiment projects only predetermined markers MK including a green right marker 20 and a green left marker 30 when the left and right turn signal lamps 14, 15 are not lit. Furthermore, when the right turn signal lamp 14 is flashing, the area marker lamp 1 further projects a specific marker 50, which is different from the predetermined marker MK, onto the road surface to the right of the vehicle 100. Furthermore, when the left turn signal lamp 15 is flashing, the area marker lamp 1 further projects a specific marker 60, which is different from the predetermined marker MK, onto the road surface to the left of the vehicle 100.

The area marker lamp 1 of this embodiment can improve the notification function of notifying the surroundings of the presence of the vehicle 100, in the same manner as the first embodiment. In addition, the area marker lamp 1 of this embodiment can notify the surroundings of the vehicle 100 of the actions of the vehicle 100, such as turning right or left, by using specific markers 50, 60.

The specific marker 50 projected by the lighting unit 1e may be located to the right of the vehicle 100, and the specific marker 60 projected by the lighting unit 1f may be located to the left of the vehicle 100. For example, the markers 51, 52, and 53 in the specific markers 50 and 60 may overlap each other, and the shapes and sizes of these markers 51, 52, and 53 may be different from each other. The sizes of these markers 51, 52, and 53 may be smaller as the marker moves further away from the vehicle 100. The number of these markers 51, 52, and 53 that constitute the specific markers 50 and 60 is not particularly limited. The specific markers 50 and 60 may overlap with a predetermined marker MK including the right marker 20 and the left marker 30. Furthermore, the area marker lamp 1 may project a specific marker 50 located on the right side while turning off the right marker 20 when the right turn signal lamp 14 flashes, and may project a specific marker 60 located on the left side while turning off the left marker 30 when the left turn signal lamp 15 flashes. This configuration can make the specific markers 50, 60 stand out. In this case, from the viewpoint of making the specific markers 50, 60 stand out, it is preferable that the area where the specific markers 50, 60 are projected does not overlap with the marker MK.

In addition, in terms of informing the surroundings of the vehicle 100 of the presence of the vehicle 100 and the operation of the vehicle 100, such as turning right or left, the area marker lamp 1 may flash the specific markers 50 and 60 projected as described above. With this configuration, the area marker lamp 1 can more appropriately inform the surroundings of the vehicle 100 of the operation of the vehicle 100, such as turning right or left. In addition, when flashing the specific markers 50 and 60, the area marker lamp 1 may flash the specific markers 50 and 60 in synchronization with the flashing of the turn signal lamps 14 and 15. With this configuration, the area marker lamp 1 can, for example, synchronize the flashing of the turn signal lamp 14 on the right side with the flashing of the specific marker 50, and synchronize the flashing of the turn signal lamp 15 on the left side with the flashing of the specific marker 60. For this reason, the area marker lamp 1 can suppress pedestrians around the vehicle 100 from feeling uncomfortable with the flashing of the specific markers 50 and 60. Furthermore, when the area marker lamp 1 blinks the specific markers 50, 60 in this manner, it may turn off the markers 20, 30 on the side of the blinking marker 50, 60. Specifically, when the area marker lamp 1 blinks the specific marker 50, it may turn off the right marker 20, and when the area marker lamp 1 blinks the specific marker 60, it may turn off the left marker 30. With this configuration, it is possible to make the specific markers 50, 60 stand out. In this case, from the viewpoint of making the specific markers 50, 60 stand out easily, it is preferable that the area where the specific markers 50, 60 are projected does not overlap with the marker MK.

In addition, from the viewpoint of informing the surroundings of the vehicle 100 of the presence of the vehicle 100 and of the vehicle's actions such as turning right or left, the area marker lamp 1 may project the specific markers 50, 60 as described above so that the light appears to flow in a direction away from the vehicle 100. Specifically, the area marker lamp 1 projects the markers 51, 52, 53 of the specific markers 50, 60 in the order of these markers 51, 52, 53. In other words, the area marker lamp 1 projects the first marker 51, the second marker 52, and the third marker 53 in that order. With this configuration, the area marker lamp 1 can more appropriately inform the surroundings of the vehicle 100 of the vehicle's actions such as turning right or left.

In addition, the area marker lamp 1 may change a predetermined marker MK in response to a change in the state of the left and right turn signal lamps 14, 15, as in the first embodiment. For example, when the right turn signal lamp 14 flashes, the area marker lamp 1 may change the color of the right marker 20 to a color different from the color when the left and right turn signal lamps 14, 15 are not lit. In addition, when the left turn signal lamp 15 flashes, the area marker lamp 1 may change the color of the left marker 30 to a color different from the color when the left and right turn signal lamps 14, 15 are not lit. In addition, when the right turn signal lamp 14 or the left turn signal lamp 15 flashes, the area marker lamp 1 may change the colors of both the right marker 20 and the left marker 30 to a color different from the color when the left and right turn signal lamps 14, 15 are not lit. In addition, the area marker lamp 1 may flash the right marker 20 when the right turn signal lamp 14 flashes, and flash the left marker 30 when the left turn signal lamp 15 flashes.

The present invention has been described above using the above embodiments as examples, but the present invention is not limited to these.

For example, in the above embodiment, the area marker lamp 1 provided on a motorcycle has been described as an example. However, the area marker lamp may be provided on any vehicle that can turn by tilting the body, and may be provided on, for example, a three-wheeled motor vehicle. Furthermore, the arrangement and number of the lighting units 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e, and 1f provided on the area marker lamp 1 are not particularly limited.

In the above embodiment, the predetermined marker MK is described as being composed of a right marker 20 and a left marker 30. However, the predetermined marker MK may include a right marker 20 of a predetermined color, at least a portion of which is located on the right side of the vehicle 100, and a left marker 30 of a predetermined color, at least a portion of which is located on the left side of the vehicle 100. For example, the predetermined marker MK may include a front marker located in front of the vehicle 100 and a rear marker located behind the vehicle 100, in addition to the right marker 20 and the left marker 30. In addition, when the vehicle 100 is viewed in a plan view from above, the predetermined marker MK and the vehicle 100 may overlap, or may not overlap.

The predetermined marker MK may be a marker as shown in FIG. 7. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a predetermined marker according to a modified example in a manner similar to that of FIG. 3. The predetermined marker MK shown in FIG. 7 is different from the predetermined marker MK shown in FIG. 3 in that it surrounds the entire circumference of the vehicle body 10 in the vehicle 100 when the vehicle 100 is viewed in a plan view from above. Specifically, in the predetermined marker MK in this modified example, the first marker 21 and the second marker 22 of the right marker 20 are connected, and the first marker 31 and the second marker 32 of the left marker 30 are connected. Also, the first marker 21 of the right marker 20 and the first marker 31 of the left marker 30 are connected in the front of the vehicle 100, and the second marker 22 of the right marker 20 and the second marker 32 of the left marker 30 are connected in the rear of the vehicle 100. In other words, it can be understood that the right marker 20 and the left marker 30 are connected in the front and rear of the vehicle 100, respectively. The predetermined markers MK in this modification surround the entire periphery of the vehicle 100 when the vehicle 100 is viewed in a plan view from above. Therefore, the notification function of notifying the surroundings of the presence of the vehicle 100 can be improved compared to a case in which the predetermined markers MK do not surround the entire periphery of the vehicle 100. Note that these markers 21, 22, 31, and 32 may overlap each other.

According to the present invention, an area marker lamp is provided that can improve the warning function of notifying those around of the presence of a vehicle, and can be used in fields such as vehicles that can turn by tilting the body, such as motorcycles.

Claims (14)

The vehicle is equipped with a vehicle that can turn by tilting the body, and projects a predetermined marker on the road surface around the vehicle,
the predetermined markers include a right marker of a predetermined color, at least a portion of which is located on the right side of the vehicle, and a left marker of the predetermined color, at least a portion of which is located on the left side of the vehicle,
If the turn signal lamp on the right side of the vehicle is flashing, turn off the left marker, and if the turn signal lamp on the left side of the vehicle is flashing, turn off the right marker.
An area marker lamp characterized by: The vehicle is equipped with a vehicle that can turn by tilting the body, and projects a predetermined marker on the road surface around the vehicle,
the predetermined markers include a right marker of a predetermined color, at least a portion of which is located on the right side of the vehicle, and a left marker of the predetermined color, at least a portion of which is located on the left side of the vehicle,
When a right turn signal lamp or a left turn signal lamp of the vehicle flashes, the color of both the right marker and the left marker is changed to a color different from the predetermined color.
An area marker lamp characterized by: the right marker and the left marker are connected at the front and rear of the vehicle, respectively;
3. The area marker lamp according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined marker surrounds the entire periphery of the vehicle when the vehicle is viewed in plan from above. 4. The area marker lamp according to claim 1, wherein when a turn signal lamp on the right side of the vehicle flashes, the color of the right side marker is made different from the predetermined color, and when a turn signal lamp on the left side of the vehicle flashes, the color of the left side marker is made different from the predetermined color. 5. The area marker lamp according to claim 1, wherein the right marker is caused to flash when a turn signal lamp on the right side of the vehicle is flashing, and the left marker is caused to flash when a turn signal lamp on the left side of the vehicle is flashing. 6. The area marker lamp according to claim 5 , wherein the blinking of the right marker and the blinking of the left marker are synchronized with the blinking of the turn signal lamp. An area marker lamp as described in any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that when a turn signal lamp on the right side of the vehicle flashes, a specific marker different from the predetermined marker is further projected onto the road surface to the right of the vehicle, and when a turn signal lamp on the left side of the vehicle flashes, a specific marker different from the predetermined marker is further projected onto the road surface to the left of the vehicle. The vehicle is equipped with a vehicle that can turn by tilting the body, and projects a predetermined marker on the road surface around the vehicle,
the predetermined markers include a right marker of a predetermined color, at least a portion of which is located on the right side of the vehicle, and a left marker of the predetermined color, at least a portion of which is located on the left side of the vehicle,
When both the right turn signal lamp and the left turn signal lamp of the vehicle are flashing, the color of both the right marker and the left marker is changed to a color different from the predetermined color.
An area marker lamp characterized by: 9. The area marker lamp according to claim 8 , wherein both the right marker and the left marker are made to flash. The vehicle is equipped with a vehicle that can turn by tilting the body, and projects a predetermined marker on the road surface around the vehicle,
the predetermined markers include a right marker of a predetermined color, at least a portion of which is located on the right side of the vehicle, and a left marker of the predetermined color, at least a portion of which is located on the left side of the vehicle,
When the brake lights of the vehicle are turned on, the color of both the right marker and the left marker is changed to a color different from the predetermined color.
An area marker lamp characterized by: 11. The area marker lamp according to claim 10 , wherein when the vehicle decelerates at an acceleration equal to or greater than a predetermined acceleration, both of the right marker and the left marker are caused to flash. The vehicle is equipped with a vehicle that can turn by tilting the body, and projects a predetermined marker on the road surface around the vehicle,
the predetermined markers include a right marker of a predetermined color, at least a portion of which is located on the right side of the vehicle, and a left marker of the predetermined color, at least a portion of which is located on the left side of the vehicle,
When a turn signal lamp on the right side of the vehicle flashes, a specific marker different from the predetermined marker is further projected onto the road surface on the right side of the vehicle, and when a turn signal lamp on the left side of the vehicle flashes, a specific marker different from the predetermined marker is further projected onto the road surface on the left side of the vehicle.
An area marker lamp characterized by: The specific marker is projected on the opposite side to the vehicle side from the predetermined marker.
13. The area marker lamp according to claim 12. The color of the specific marker is different from the predetermined color.
14. The area marker lamp according to claim 12 or 13.

Images