Control method for lighting device of vehicle

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a control method of a lighting device for a vehicle. The control method of a lighting device for a vehicle can include sensing, by a sensing unit, a distance between the vehicle and a pedestrian, determining, by a control unit, whether the distance between the vehicle and the pedestrian falls within a first distance, determining, by the control unit, a walking direction of the pedestrian when the distance between the vehicle and the pedestrian falls within the first distance, and indicating, by the control unit, the walking direction to the pedestrian by operating a plurality of flap units. The control method of a lighting device for a vehicle can indicate a walking direction by operating a flap unit and a light emitting unit based on a distance between a vehicle and a pedestrian and a walking direction of a pedestrian, thereby delivering a clearer signal and preventing safety accidents due to inconsistent communication with a pedestrian.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a lighting apparatus for a vehicle and a control method thereof, and more particularly, to a lighting apparatus for a vehicle that can transmit a signal to surrounding vehicles, drivers, or pedestrians, and a control method thereof. BACKGROUND

[0002] In general, a vehicle includes various types of lighting apparatuses that allow a driver to conveniently check a target around the vehicle during driving and are used to notify a surrounding vehicle or a pedestrian of a vehicle state or to transmit a signal to a surrounding vehicle or a pedestrian.

[0003] However, a conventional lighting apparatus transmits a signal only by turning on / off an LED, and thus has a limitation on the type of signal that the lighting apparatus can transmit. In addition, since the conventional lighting apparatus transmits only a two-dimensional image, the lighting apparatus has difficulty in clearly transmitting a signal. Furthermore, when the lighting apparatus transmits a signal only by turning on / off an LED in a daytime with high illuminance outside the vehicle, visibility is reduced.

[0004] The prior art of the present disclosure is disclosed in Korean Patent No. 10-1789652, registered on October 18, 2017, entitled "LED Lamp of a Vehicle". SUMMARY

[0005] Various embodiments relate to a lighting apparatus for a vehicle and a control method thereof that can transmit a motion signal generated by motion and a light emission signal generated by light.

[0006] In one embodiment, the lighting apparatus for a vehicle can include a housing mounted at a front surface of a vehicle and having an opening formed at one side thereof, a plurality of light emission units mounted in the housing and configured to emit light toward the opening, and a plurality of flap units rotatably mounted in the housing to open or close the opening and disposed to face the light emission units.

[0007] The plurality of light emission units and the plurality of flap units can be arranged in two or more rows in a width direction of the vehicle.

[0008] The plurality of light emission units can each be configured to individually adjust an on state thereof, and the plurality of flap units can each be configured to individually adjust a rotation state thereof.

[0009] The flap unit can each include a flap member that rotates on a rotation shaft extending across the housing in a direction from a top to a bottom, and a driver connected to the rotation shaft and configured to generate a driving force to adjust a rotation angle and a rotation direction of the flap member.

[0010] The opening can be opened as the flap member rotates into the interior of the housing at a preset angle while the front surface of the flap member is disposed parallel to the width direction of the vehicle.

[0011] The preset angle at which the flap member rotates into the interior of the housing can be equal to or less than 90 degrees.

[0012] The front surface of the flap member can have a color different from a color of an interior of the housing or a surface color of the light emitting unit, such that a color inversion occurs as the flap member rotates.

[0013] The light emitting unit can be mounted in the housing to move toward a front or a rear of the vehicle.

[0014] The light emitting unit can include a light source that is turned on or off, a heat sink configured to support the light source and discharge heat generated from the light source, a reflector configured to reflect light emitted from the light source to one side, and a lens configured to form a light distribution pattern by transmitting the light reflected from the reflector toward the opening.

[0015] The illumination device can further include a display unit mounted on the housing and configured to display a preset color to an outside of the vehicle when the flap unit opens the opening.

[0016] The display unit can be formed by coating an inner surface of the housing with paint of the preset color.

[0017] The display unit can include a light emitting or fluorescent material.

[0018] The illumination device can further include a reflection unit mounted on the flap unit and configured to reflect a color displayed on the display unit to an outside of the vehicle when the flap unit opens the opening.

[0019] The illumination device can further include a sensing unit configured to sense a distance between the vehicle and a pedestrian or a driver, and a control unit configured to receive sensing information from the sensing unit and transmit a light emitting unit turning-on signal for turning on the light emitting unit and a flap unit control signal for rotating the flap unit.

[0020] When the distance between the vehicle and the pedestrian falls within a first distance, the control unit can transmit the light unit turn-on signal and the flap unit control signal to the light unit and the flap unit, respectively, so that the light unit and the flap unit indicate a walking direction to the pedestrian.

[0021] When the distance between the vehicle and the driver falls within a second distance, the control unit can transmit the light unit turn-on signal and the flap unit control signal to the light unit and the flap unit, respectively, so that the light unit and the flap unit generate a welcome signal.

[0022] When the distance between the vehicle and the driver exceeds the second distance, the control unit can transmit the light unit turn-on signal and the flap unit control signal to the light unit and the flap unit, respectively, so that the light unit and the flap unit generate a farewell signal.

[0023] In one embodiment, a control method of a lighting apparatus for a vehicle can include the steps of: sensing, by a sensing unit, a distance between the vehicle and a pedestrian; determining, by a control unit, whether the distance between the vehicle and the pedestrian falls within a first distance; when the distance between the vehicle and the pedestrian falls within the first distance, determining, by the control unit, a walking direction of the pedestrian; and indicating, by the control unit, the walking direction to the pedestrian by operating a plurality of flap units.

[0024] In the step of indicating the walking direction, the plurality of flap units can open or close an opening while rotating in sequence in a direction parallel to the walking direction of the pedestrian.

[0025] Color inversion can occur as the flap units open or close the opening.

[0026] When the flap units open the opening, a display unit can display a preset color to the outside of the vehicle, and a reflection unit can reflect the preset color displayed by the display unit toward the outside of the vehicle.

[0027] The control method can further include determining, by the control unit, whether the vehicle is traveling.

[0028] The control method can further include turning on / off, by the control unit, a light unit based on a preset illuminance value outside the vehicle.

[0029] In one embodiment, a control method of a lighting apparatus for a vehicle can include the steps of: sensing, by a sensing unit, a distance between the vehicle and a driver; determining, by a control unit, whether the distance between the vehicle and the driver falls into a second distance; generating, by the control unit, a welcome signal by operating a plurality of flap units and a plurality of light emitting units when the distance between the vehicle and the driver falls into the second distance; and generating, by the control unit, a farewell signal by operating the flap units and the light emitting units when the distance between the vehicle and the driver exceeds the second distance.

[0030] The control method can further include determining, by the control unit, whether an ignition switch of the vehicle is turned on / off.

[0031] The step of generating the welcome signal can include a first welcome step in which the plurality of flap units open an opening while sequentially rotating from a center of the opening toward both ends of the opening when the ignition switch of the vehicle is turned on, a second welcome step in which the plurality of light emitting units are turned on and off while the opening is opened, a third welcome step in which the plurality of flap units close the opening while sequentially rotating from both ends of the opening toward the center of the opening, and a fourth welcome step in which the plurality of flap units open the opening while rotating at the same time and the plurality of light emitting units are turned on at the same time.

[0032] The second welcome step can include turning on the plurality of light emitting units at a preset light intensity at the same time, sequentially turning on the plurality of light emitting units from the center of the opening toward both ends of the opening at a light intensity higher than the preset light intensity, sequentially turning off the plurality of light emitting units from both ends of the opening toward the center of the opening, and randomly flickering the plurality of light emitting units.

[0033] The step of generating the welcome signal can further include simultaneously turning off, by the control unit, the plurality of light emitting units when an illumination value outside the vehicle exceeds a preset illumination value after the fourth welcome step.

[0034] The step of generating the welcome signal can further include flickering, by the control unit, a turn signal a preset number of times before operating the flap units and the light emitting units.

[0035] The step of generating the farewell signal can include a first farewell step in which the plurality of light emitting units are sequentially turned off from both ends of the opening toward the center of the opening when the ignition switch of the vehicle is turned off, and a second farewell step in which the opening is closed by the plurality of flap units while the plurality of flap units are sequentially rotated from both ends of the opening toward the center of the opening.

[0036] The step of generating the farewell signal can further include, before operating the flap units and the light emitting units, flashing, by the control unit, a turn signal a predetermined number of times.

[0037] Color inversion can occur as the flap units open or close the opening.

[0038] When the flap units open the opening, the display unit can display a predetermined color to the outside of the vehicle, and the reflection unit can reflect the predetermined color displayed by the display unit to the outside of the vehicle.

[0039] According to embodiments of the disclosure, the lighting apparatus for a vehicle can transmit various types of signals to surrounding vehicles, drivers, or pedestrians by combining a light emitting signal generated by a light emitting unit and a motion signal generated by a flap unit, and enhance visibility in daytime situations.

[0040] Further, the lighting apparatus can implement a dynamic image by individually adjusting the on state of the plurality of light emitting units and the rotation state of the plurality of flap units, thereby transmitting more effective and intuitive signals.

[0041] Further, in the lighting apparatus, the flap units can be disposed to interfere with light emitted from the light emitting units. Accordingly, the flap units can apply a shadow effect to the light emitting signal, thereby improving the aesthetic feeling of the light emitting signal.

[0042] Further, when the opening is opened, the display unit can display a predetermined color to the outside of the vehicle, which enables more clear signals to be delivered to surrounding vehicles, drivers, or pedestrians.

[0043] Further, the reflection unit can reflect a predetermined color displayed on the display unit, which enables visibility to be guaranteed while displaying a high-quality image.

[0044] The control method of the lighting apparatus for a vehicle according to embodiments of the disclosure can indicate a walking direction by operating the flap units and the light emitting units based on the distance between the vehicle and the pedestrian and the walking direction of the pedestrian, thereby delivering more clear signals and preventing safety accidents due to inconsistent communication with the pedestrian.

[0045] The control method of the lighting apparatus for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can generate a welcome signal and a farewell signal by operating the flap unit and the light emitting unit based on the distance between the vehicle and the driver, which makes it easier for the driver to recognize the position of the vehicle and to check the state of the vehicle (e.g., start of the vehicle) from a remote location. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0046] Figure 1 and Figure 2 is a view schematically showing a lighting apparatus for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure installed.

[0047] Figure 3 is a perspective view schematically showing a configuration of a lighting apparatus for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0048] Figure 4A and Figure 4B is a plan view schematically showing a configuration of a lighting apparatus for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0049] Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view schematically showing a configuration of a lighting apparatus for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0050] Figure 6 is a perspective view schematically showing a configuration of a reflecting unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0051] Figure 7 is a view schematically showing a configuration of a sensing unit and a control unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0052] Figure 8 is a flowchart schematically showing a control method of a lighting apparatus for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0053] Figure 9 , Figure 10A and Figure 10B is an operation view schematically showing an operation process of a control method of a lighting apparatus for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0054] Figure 11 is a flowchart schematically showing a control method of a lighting apparatus for a vehicle according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0055] Figure 12 is a flowchart schematically showing a process in which a flap unit and a light emitting unit generate a welcome signal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0056] Figure 13is an operation diagram schematically illustrating an operation procedure of a first welcoming step according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0057] Figure 14 is a flowchart schematically illustrating a second welcoming step according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0058] Figures 15A to 15D is an operation diagram schematically illustrating an operation procedure of a second welcoming step according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0059] Figure 16 is an operation diagram schematically illustrating an operation procedure of a third welcoming step according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0060] Figure 17 is an operation diagram schematically illustrating an operation procedure of a fourth welcoming step according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0061] Figure 18 is a flowchart schematically illustrating a procedure in which a turn plate unit and a light emitting unit generate a farewell signal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0062] Figure 19 is an operation diagram schematically illustrating an operation procedure of a first farewell step according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0063] Figure 20 is an operation diagram schematically illustrating an operation procedure of a second farewell step according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0064] Hereinafter, a lighting apparatus for a vehicle and a control method thereof will be described by various exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0065] It should be noted that the accompanying drawings are not drawn to precise scale, and the line thickness or the size of components can be exaggerated, only for the purpose of description and clarity. In addition, the terms used herein are defined in consideration of the functions in the present disclosure, and can be changed according to the customs or intentions of users or operators. Therefore, the terms should be defined based on the overall disclosure set forth herein.

[0066] Throughout the specification, when one element is referred to as being "connected to" or "coupled to" another element, it can mean that the one element is "directly connected or coupled to" the other element, or that the one element is "indirectly connected or coupled to" the other element with another element interposed therebetween. In the present specification, when an element "includes or has" a component, it can mean that the element does not exclude another component, but can further include or have another component, unless the contrary intention is mentioned.

[0067] Throughout the specification, like reference numerals can denote the same components. Although like or similar reference numerals are not mentioned or described in a specific drawing, they can be described with reference to other drawings. Also, although a component is not denoted by a reference numeral in a specific drawing, it can be described with reference to other drawings. Also, the number, shape, and size of sub-components included in the drawings of the specification, and the relative difference between the sizes are set for the convenience of description, can not limit the embodiments, but can be set to various values.

[0068] Figure 1 and Figure 2 is a view schematically showing a lighting device for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure installed, Figure 3 is a perspective view schematically showing a configuration of a lighting device for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 4A and Figure 4B is a plan view schematically showing a configuration of a lighting device for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view schematically showing a configuration of a lighting device for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0069] Referring to Figures 1 to 5 , a lighting device for a vehicle 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a housing 100, a light emitting unit 200, a flap unit 300, a display unit 400, a reflection unit 500, a sensing unit 600, and a control unit 700.

[0070] The housing 100 is installed in a front surface of a vehicle 2, and is used to support the light emitting unit 200 and the flap unit 300 to be described below. The housing 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is formed as a hollow box shape, and is installed in a bumper installed at the front surface of the vehicle 2. The specific shape of the housing 100 is not limited to the shape shown in Figures 1 to 5 , as long as the housing 100 can be installed in the front surface of the vehicle 2 and support the light emitting unit 200 and the flap unit 300 to be described below, various changes can be made in design.

[0071] The housing 100 has an opening 101 formed at one side thereof. The opening 101 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is formed in the shape of a through-hole provided at a front portion of the housing 100, and communicates the inside of the housing 100 with the outside of the front surface of the vehicle 2. The opening 101 has a cross-section corresponding to the cross-sectional shape of the front surface of the housing 100. The opening 101 extends across the housing 100 in the width direction of the housing 100, that is, the direction from one side to the other side of the vehicle 2.

[0072] The opening 101 can have a blocking portion 102 installed at a front portion thereof, which is used to prevent foreign substances such as dust and water from flowing into the housing 100. The blocking portion 102 according to the embodiment of the disclosure is formed in a plate shape and disposed to face the opening 101. The blocking portion 102 can include a transparent material such as polycarbonate (PC) so that light emitted from the light emitting unit 200 to be described below can be transmitted to the outside of the vehicle.

[0073] A pair of turn indicators 3 is installed at both sides of the top of the housing 100 and is used to inform surrounding vehicles or pedestrians of the turning direction of the vehicle while flickering for a preset period according to the manipulation of the driver.

[0074] A daytime running light 4 is installed between the pair of turn indicators 3 and is turned on separately from the light emitting unit 200 to be described below so that surrounding vehicles or pedestrians can easily recognize the vehicle 2 during daytime operation.

[0075] The light emitting unit 200 is installed inside the rear portion of the housing 100 and emits light toward the opening 101. The light emitting unit 200 can be installed in the housing 100 to be movable toward the front or rear portion of the vehicle 2. Accordingly, the light emitting unit 200 can adjust the light distribution angle of light emitted to the outside of the vehicle 2 through the opening 101. The light emitting unit 200 can be provided as a plurality of light emitting units arranged in two or more rows in the width direction of the vehicle 2 and the housing 100. The plurality of light emitting units 200 can each be configured to individually adjust the turning-on state thereof. Accordingly, the plurality of light emitting units 200 can be sequentially or randomly turned on to deliver a light emitting signal to surrounding vehicles, drivers, or pedestrians.

[0076] The light emitting unit 200 according to the embodiment of the disclosure includes a light source 210, a heat sink 220, a reflector 230, and a lens 240.

[0077] The light source 210 is installed on the heat sink 220 to be described below and can be turned on / off by power received from the outside. The light source 210 according to the embodiment of the disclosure can include one or more LEDs turned on / off by power received from the outside.

[0078] The heat sink 220 supports the light source 210 and discharges heat generated from the light source 210 to the outside of the housing 100. The heat sink 220 according to the embodiment of the disclosure is installed at the opposite side of the opening 101 inside the housing 100, i.e., at the rear portion of the housing 100. The light source 210 can be installed on the top surface of the heat sink 220. The heat sink 220 includes a plurality of heat radiation pins (not shown) and receives heat generated by the turned-on light source 210 through heat conduction. The heat sink 220 discharges the heat transferred to the plurality of heat radiation pins to the outside of the housing 100 through a convection process with the outside of the housing 100.

[0079] The reflector 230 is disposed to face the light source 210 and serves to reflect light emitted from the light source 210 to one side. The reflector 230 according to the embodiment of the disclosure is formed in a spherical shape having a predetermined curvature and has an inner surface facing the light source 210. The inner surface of the reflector 230 can include a high reflection material so as to reflect light emitted from the light source 210. The reflector 230 has an open front side and reflects light emitted from the light source 210 to the front portion of the housing 100.

[0080] The lens 240 forms a light distribution pattern by transmitting light reflected from the reflector 230 toward the opening 101. The lens 240 according to the embodiment of the disclosure is disposed on a reflection path of light reflected from the reflector 230. The lens 240 is disposed between the opening 101 and the reflector 230 and is spaced apart from the reflector 230 by a predetermined distance toward the front portion of the housing 100. The lens 240 can include a transparent material such as glass or plastic to transmit light reflected from the reflector 230. The lens 240 forms a light distribution pattern (e.g., a low beam or a high beam to the front portion of the vehicle 2) by transmitting light reflected from the reflector 230 toward the opening 101. The specific shape of the lens 240 can be variously changed in design to the shape of various types of lenses (e.g., an aspheric lens) according to a light emission range, a light distribution pattern, etc.

[0081] The flap unit 300 is rotatably installed in the housing 100 so as to open or close the opening 101. The flap unit 300 transmits a signal formed by its movement to surrounding vehicles, drivers, or pedestrians while opening or closing the opening 101. Accordingly, the flap unit 300 can guarantee visibility even in a daytime situation in which light emitted by the light emitting unit 200 is difficult to be recognized. When opening or closing the opening 101, the flap unit 300 is disposed to face the light emitting unit 200 and thus interferes with light emitted from the light emitting unit 200. Accordingly, the flap unit 300 can transmit more various types of signals together with the light emitting unit 200 and change the amount of light emitted from the light emitting unit 200, thereby further strengthening the visibility of surrounding vehicles, drivers, or pedestrians. The flap unit 300 can be provided as a plurality of flap units arranged in two or more rows in the width direction of the vehicle 2 and the housing 100. The plurality of flap units 300 can each be configured to individually adjust its rotational state. Accordingly, the plurality of flap units 300 can transmit a predetermined direction signal to pedestrians while rotating in sequence. In addition, the flap unit 300 can apply a shadow effect to light emitted from the light emitting unit 200 while being maintained at different rotational angles, thereby improving the visibility and aesthetic feeling of light emitted from the light emitting unit 200.

[0082] The flap unit 300 according to an embodiment of the disclosure includes a rotation shaft 310, a flap member 320, and a driver 330.

[0083] The rotation shaft 310 is rotatably installed in the housing 100 and serves to rotate the flap member 320, which will be described below. The rotation shaft 310 according to an embodiment of the disclosure is formed in the shape of a rotation shaft extending vertically across the housing 100 in the direction from the top to the bottom. The rotation shaft 310 is disposed at the front of the housing 100, or more specifically, between the opening 101 and the lens 240. The rotation shaft 310 is disposed at a position spaced apart from one end (left end in FIG. 2) of the lens 240 by a predetermined distance. The rotation shaft 310 has a lower end connected to the driver 330, which will be described below, through the bottom surface of the housing 100. Figure 5

[0084] When the rotation shaft 310 rotates, the flap member 320 rotates on the rotation shaft 310. The flap member 320 according to an embodiment of the disclosure is formed in a plate shape having a rectangular cross section and has one end connected to the outer circumferential surface of the rotation shaft 310. Figure 5 ​The front surface of the flap member 320 is disposed to be parallel to the width direction of the vehicle 2 when the opening 101 is closed. The flap member 320 has a greater width than the lens 240, and thus can completely block light emitted from the lens 240 when the opening 101 is closed. The flap member 320 rotates at a preset angle toward the inside of the housing 100 to open the opening 101. The preset angle at which the flap member 320 rotates toward the inside of the housing 100 can be equal to or less than 90 degrees. The front surface of the flap member 320 can have a color different from the color of the inside of the housing 100, the color of the surface of the light emitting unit 200, or the color of light emitted from the light emitting unit 200, such that color inversion occurs when the flap member 320 rotates. Thus, the flap member 320 can more effectively notify a surrounding vehicle, driver, or pedestrian that the opening 101 is being opened / closed. When the opening 101 is closed, the plurality of flap members 320 abut the rotation shaft 310 to which the adjacent flap members 320 are connected. Thus, the flap members 320 can block light emitted from the plurality of light emitting units 200 from leaking to the outside when the opening 101 is closed.

[0085] The driver 330 is connected to the rotation shaft 310 and generates a driving force to adjust the rotation angle and rotation direction of the flap member 320. The driver 330 according to an embodiment of the disclosure can be configured as an electric motor that receives power from the outside and generates a rotation force. The driver 330 is fixed to the outer bottom surface of the housing 100 and has an output shaft connected to the bottom of the rotation shaft 310. A reduction gear can be installed between the driver 330 and the rotation shaft 310.

[0086] The display unit 400 is installed in the housing 100 to display a preset color to the outside of the vehicle 2 when the flap unit 300 opens the opening 101. The display unit 400 according to an embodiment of the disclosure is disposed on the inner bottom surface of the housing 100, facing the rotation path of the lower end portion of the flap member 320. The display unit 400 is formed by coating the bottom surface of the housing 100 with a preset color. More specifically, the display unit 400 can be formed by applying paint of a preset color to a groove recessed in the bottom surface of the housing 100 or attaching a film of a preset color to the groove. The display unit 400 can be formed by applying paint of a preset color to the bottom surface of the housing 100 by means of a high light method, such that the paint of the preset color appears glossy. The display unit 400 can include a luminescent or fluorescent material that absorbs light from the outside and emits light of a longer wavelength than the wavelength of the absorbed light, such that the preset color can be displayed even at night. The preset color can be changed in design to various colors as long as the color can be recognized by a surrounding vehicle or pedestrian from the outside of the vehicle 2. The shape of the display unit 400 is not limited to Figure 5The shape shown in the middle is not necessarily the only shape, but various changes can be made in the design as long as the display unit 400 is capable of displaying a preset color.

[0087] The reflection unit 500 is installed on the flap unit 300 so as to reflect the color displayed on the display unit 400 to the outside of the vehicle 2 when the flap unit 300 opens the opening 101.

[0088] Figure 6 FIG. 4 is a perspective view schematically showing a configuration of a reflection unit according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0089] Referring to Figure 6 The reflection unit 500 according to the embodiment of the disclosure is disposed on the front surface of the flap member 320 that vertically faces the display unit 400 when the opening 101 is opened. The reflection unit 500 can be made of a high-reflective material and formed in one body with the front surface of the flap member 320, or formed by coating the front surface of the flap member 320 with a high-reflective material.

[0090] Figure 7 FIG. 5 is a diagram schematically showing a configuration of a sensing unit and a control unit according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0091] The sensing unit 600 is configured to sense a state around the vehicle and sense a distance between the vehicle and a pedestrian or a driver. The sensing unit 600 according to the embodiment of the disclosure can include a camera module 610, a distance sensor 620, and an illuminance sensor 630.

[0092] The camera module 610 is installed on the front surface of the vehicle 2 or either side of the housing 100 and is used to acquire image data about a pedestrian or a driver in front of the vehicle 2 by capturing an image of a front region of the vehicle 2.

[0093] The distance sensor 620 senses a distance between the vehicle 2 and a pedestrian or a driver. The distance sensor 620 can include one or more of various types of sensors (e.g., a laser radar sensor, a laser sensor, and an ultrasonic sensor) that can measure a distance and sense a distance between the vehicle 2 and a pedestrian or a driver.

[0094] The distance sensor 620 can sense a distance between the vehicle 2 and the driver through a portable terminal carried by the driver. The portable terminal can be exemplified as a smart key of the vehicle. More specifically, the distance sensor 620 can include a GPS (Global Positioning System), and sense a relative position and a relative distance of the portable terminal of the driver with respect to the vehicle 2. Further, when an RKE (Remote Keyless Entry) or PKE (Passive Keyless Entry) signal for wirelessly opening or closing a door of the vehicle from a remote location is received from the portable terminal of the driver, the distance sensor 620 can sense that the driver has approached the vehicle 2 within a predetermined distance.

[0095] The illuminance sensor 630 is installed in the vehicle 2, and is used to sense a brightness (illuminance) value around the vehicle 2.

[0096] The control unit 700 receives the sensing information from the sensing unit 600, and transmits a light emitting unit ON signal for turning on the light emitting unit 200 and a flap unit control signal for rotating the flap unit 300. More specifically, when the distance between the vehicle 2 and the pedestrian falls within a first distance, the control unit 700 transmits the light emitting unit ON signal and the flap unit control signal to the light emitting unit 200 and the flap unit 300, respectively, so that the light emitting unit 200 and the flap unit 300 indicate a walking direction to the pedestrian. When the distance between the vehicle 2 and the driver falls within a second distance, the control unit 700 transmits the light emitting unit ON signal and the flap unit control signal to the light emitting unit 200 and the flap unit 300, respectively, so that the light emitting unit 200 and the flap unit 300 generate a welcome signal. When the distance between the vehicle 2 and the driver exceeds the second distance, the control unit 700 transmits the light emitting unit ON signal and the flap unit control signal to the light emitting unit 200 and the flap unit 300, respectively, so that the light emitting unit 200 and the flap unit 300 generate a farewell signal. The first distance and the second distance can be changed in design to various values within a range of a separation distance from the vehicle 2. The control unit 700 according to the embodiment of the disclosure can be exemplified as a microprocessor or an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) which is connected to the light emitting unit 200 and the flap unit 300, and receives the sensing information from the sensing unit 600, and transmits the light emitting unit ON signal and the flap unit control signal to the light emitting unit 200 and the flap unit 300, respectively.

[0097] Hereinafter, a control method of a lighting apparatus for a vehicle according to one embodiment of the disclosure will be described.

[0098] Figure 8 It is shown that the control method is divided into a plurality of steps. However, the order of at least some of the steps can be changed, at least some of the steps can be combined with another step, or omitted or divided into sub-steps, or one or more steps (not shown) can be added.

[0099] Figure 8 FIG. 1 is a flowchart schematically illustrating a control method of a lighting apparatus for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 9 、 Figure 10A and Figure 10B FIG. 2 is an operation diagram schematically illustrating an operation procedure of the control method of the lighting apparatus for the vehicle according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0100] Referring to Figure 8 , the sensing unit 600 senses a distance between the vehicle 2 and a pedestrian in step S110. More specifically, the sensing unit 600 recognizes a pedestrian in front of the vehicle 2 through the camera module 610 and measures a distance from the vehicle 2 to the pedestrian through the distance sensor 620.

[0101] In step S120, the control unit 700 determines whether the vehicle 2 is traveling. More specifically, the control unit 700 determines whether the vehicle 2 is traveling based on whether an ignition switch of the vehicle 2 is turned on / off, a gear operation state of the vehicle 2, and whether an autonomous driving mode is turned on / off.

[0102] In step S130, the control unit 700 turns on or off the light emitting unit 200 based on a preset illuminance value outside the vehicle 2. More specifically, in step S131, when an illuminance value outside the vehicle measured by the illuminance sensor 630 is equal to or less than the preset illuminance value, the control unit 700 transmits a light emitting unit on signal to the light emitting unit 200 so as to turn on the light emitting unit 200. At the same time, the control unit 700 opens the opening 101 by rotating the flap unit 300. In step S132, when the illuminance value outside the vehicle measured by the illuminance sensor 630 exceeds the preset illuminance value, the control unit 700 stops transmitting the light emitting unit on signal to the light emitting unit 200, thereby turning off the light emitting unit 200. In this case, the operation of turning off the light emitting unit 200 can mean not only turning off the turned-on light emitting unit 200 but also maintaining the operation of the turned-off light emitting unit 200. The preset illuminance value can be variously changed in design in consideration of visibility of a driver.

[0103] As shown in Figure 8 , steps S120 and S130 can be sequentially performed after step S110. On the other hand, steps S120 and S130 can be simultaneously performed with step S110, or performed in a different order from step S110.

[0104] When it is determined in step S120 that the vehicle 2 is traveling, in step S140, the control unit 700 determines whether the distance between the vehicle 2 and the pedestrian sensed in step S110 falls into a first distance.

[0105] When it is determined in step S140 that the distance between the vehicle 2 and the pedestrian falls within the first distance, the control unit 700 determines the walking direction of the pedestrian in step S150.

[0106] After determining the walking direction of the pedestrian in step S150, the control unit 700 operates the flap unit 300 to indicate the walking direction to the pedestrian in step S160. More specifically, the control unit 700 transmits a flap unit control signal to the flap unit 300 to cause the flap unit 300 to rotate in sequence in a direction parallel to the walking direction of the pedestrian. The plurality of flap units 300 indicate the walking direction to the pedestrian while opening or closing the openings 101 in a direction parallel to the walking direction of the pedestrian.

[0107] For example, when it is determined that the pedestrian walks from left to right, the control unit 700 operates the plurality of drivers 330 in sequence from the driver 330 disposed at the leftmost position to the driver 330 disposed at the rightmost position (as shown in FIGS. 1B and 1C). In connection with this operation, the plurality of flap members 320 rotate in sequence from the flap member 320 disposed at the leftmost position to the flap member 320 disposed at the rightmost position. When the plurality of flap members 320 rotate while the openings 101 are opened, the flap members 320 transmit a walking signal for indicating that the pedestrian walks from left to right while sequentially closing the openings 101 from left to right. Figure 10A and Figure 10B For example, when it is determined that the pedestrian walks from left to right, the control unit 700 operates the plurality of drivers 330 in sequence from the driver 330 disposed at the leftmost position to the driver 330 disposed at the rightmost position (as shown in FIGS. 1B and 1C). In connection with this operation, the plurality of flap members 320 rotate in sequence from the flap member 320 disposed at the leftmost position to the flap member 320 disposed at the rightmost position. When the plurality of flap members 320 rotate while the openings 101 are opened, the flap members 320 transmit a walking signal for indicating that the pedestrian walks from left to right while sequentially closing the openings 101 from left to right.

[0108] When the flap unit 300 opens or closes the openings 101, color inversion occurs because the front surface of the flap member 320 has a color different from the color of the inside of the housing 100, the color of the surface of the light emitting unit 200, or the color of the light emitted from the light emitting unit 200.

[0109] In addition, when the flap unit 300 opens the openings 101, the display unit 400 displays a preset color to the outside of the vehicle 2, and the reflection unit 500 reflects the preset color displayed by the display unit 400 toward the outside of the vehicle 2.

[0110] Hereinafter, a control method of a lighting apparatus for a vehicle according to another embodiment of the disclosure will be described.

[0111] Figure 11 is a flowchart schematically showing a control method of a lighting apparatus for a vehicle according to another embodiment of the disclosure.

[0112] Referring to Figure 11The sensing unit 600 senses the distance between the vehicle 2 and the driver in step S210. More specifically, the sensing unit 600 senses the distance between the vehicle 2 and the portable terminal carried by the driver through the distance sensor 620. The distance sensor 620 can include a GPS to sense the relative position and relative distance of the portable terminal of the driver with respect to the vehicle 2. When an RKE (Remote Keyless Entry) or PKE (Passive Keyless Entry) signal for wirelessly opening or closing the door of the vehicle from a remote location is received from the portable terminal of the driver, the distance sensor 620 can sense that the driver has approached the vehicle 2 within a predetermined distance.

[0113] In step S220, the control unit 700 determines whether the distance between the vehicle 2 and the driver sensed in step S210 falls within the second distance.

[0114] When it is determined in step S220 that the distance between the vehicle 2 and the driver falls within the second distance, the control unit 700 determines whether the ignition switch of the vehicle 2 is turned on / off in step S230.

[0115] When it is determined in step S230 that the ignition switch of the vehicle 2 is turned on, the control unit 700 operates the flap unit 300 and the light emitting unit 200 to generate a welcome signal in step S240. The control unit 700 can flash the turn signal 3 a predetermined number of times before operating the flap unit 300 and the light emitting unit 200. The predetermined number of times can be exemplified as two times.

[0116] Figure 12 FIG. 4 is a flowchart schematically illustrating a process in which the flap unit and the light emitting unit according to an embodiment of the disclosure generate a welcome signal.

[0117] Referring to Figure 12 The step S240 of generating a welcome signal includes a first welcome step S241, a second welcome step S242, a third welcome step S243, and a fourth welcome step S244.

[0118] Figure 13 FIG. 5 is an operation diagram schematically illustrating an operation process of the first welcome step according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0119] In the first welcome step S241, the control unit 700 opens the opening 101 by sequentially rotating the plurality of flap units 300 from the center of the opening 101 toward both ends of the opening 101. More specifically, the control unit 700 first rotates the flap unit 300 disposed at the center of the opening 101. Then, the control unit 700 sequentially rotates the flap units 300 disposed at the left and right sides of the flap unit 300 disposed at the center of the opening 101 with a predetermined time difference therebetween. Accordingly, the opening 101 is opened in such a shape that it is unfolded from the center thereof toward both ends thereof.

[0120] Figure 14 is a flowchart schematically illustrating a second welcoming step according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figures 15A to 15D is an operation diagram schematically illustrating an operation process of the second welcoming step according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0121] In the second welcoming step S242, the control unit 700 turns on and off the plurality of light emitting units 200 with the opening 101 being opened by the flap unit 300.

[0122] More specifically, in step S242a, the control unit 700 turns on the plurality of light emitting units 200 simultaneously at a preset light intensity. The preset light intensity can be exemplified as 70% of the maximum light intensity of the light emitting units 200.

[0123] In step S242b, the control unit 700 turns on the plurality of light emitting units 200 sequentially from the center of the opening 101 toward both ends of the opening at a light intensity higher than the preset light intensity. That is, the control unit 700 turns on the light emitting units 200 disposed on the left and right sides of the light emitting unit 200 disposed at the center of the opening 101 sequentially at a light intensity higher than the preset light intensity, with a predetermined time difference therebetween. Thus, the light emitting units 200 are turned on in such a shape that expands from the center of the opening 101 toward both ends. In this case, the light intensity higher than the preset light intensity can be exemplified as the maximum light intensity of the light emitting units 200.

[0124] In step S242c, the control unit 700 turns off the plurality of light emitting units 200 sequentially from both ends of the opening 101 toward the center of the opening 101. That is, the control unit 700 turns off the plurality of light emitting units 200 sequentially from the light emitting units 200 disposed at both ends of the opening 101 toward the light emitting unit 200 disposed at the center of the opening 101, with a predetermined time difference therebetween. Thus, the light emitting units 200 are turned off in such a shape that converges from both ends of the opening 101 toward the center of the opening 101.

[0125] The control unit 700 makes the plurality of light emitting units 200 flash randomly. That is, the control unit 700 turns on some of the light emitting units 200 randomly selected while the plurality of light emitting units 200 are all turned off, and then turns off the light emitting units 200.

[0126] Figure 16 is an operation diagram schematically illustrating an operation process of the third welcoming step according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0127] In the third welcoming step S243, the control unit 700 closes the opening 101 by sequentially rotating the plurality of flap units 300 from both ends of the opening 101 toward the center of the opening 101. More specifically, when the opening 101 is opened, the control unit 700 rotates the plurality of flap units 300 from the flap units 300 disposed at both ends of the opening 101 toward the flap units 300 disposed at the center of the opening 101, with a predetermined time difference therebetween. Accordingly, the opening 101 is closed in such a shape that converges from both ends thereof toward the center thereof.

[0128] Figure 17 FIG. 4 is an operation diagram schematically illustrating an operation process of a fourth welcoming step according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0129] In the fourth welcoming step S244, the control unit 700 opens the opening 101 by simultaneously rotating the plurality of flap units 300, and simultaneously turns on the plurality of light emitting units 200. That is, the control unit 700 rotates the plurality of flap units 300 so that the opening 101 closed by the plurality of flap units 300 is simultaneously opened in the width direction of the housing 100, and turns on the plurality of light emitting units 200 so that light is simultaneously emitted to the outside of the vehicle through the opening 101. In this case, the light intensity of the light emitting units 200 can gradually rise to a maximum light intensity with a predetermined time difference.

[0130] After the fourth welcoming step S244, when the control unit 700 determines that the illuminance value of the outside of the vehicle sensed by the illuminance sensor 630 of the sensing unit 600 exceeds a preset illuminance value, the control unit 700 can additionally perform a step of closing the opening 101 by simultaneously rotating the plurality of flap units 300 and simultaneously turning off the plurality of light emitting units 200.

[0131] When it is determined in step S220 that the distance between the vehicle 2 and the driver exceeds the second distance, in step S250, the control unit 700 determines whether the ignition switch of the vehicle 2 is turned on / off.

[0132] When it is determined in step S250 that the ignition switch of the vehicle 2 is turned off, in step S260, the control unit 700 operates the flap units 300 and the light emitting units 200 to generate a farewell signal. The control unit 700 can flash the turn signal 3 a predetermined number of times before operating the flap units 300 and the light emitting units 200. The predetermined number of times can be exemplified as twice.

[0133] Figure 18 FIG. 5 is a flowchart schematically illustrating a process in which the flap units and the light emitting units generate a farewell signal according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0134] The step S260 of generating a farewell signal includes a first farewell step S261 and a second farewell step S262.

[0135] Figure 19 FIG. 10 is an operation diagram schematically illustrating an operation process of a first farewell step according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0136] In the first farewell step S261, the control unit 700 sequentially turns off the plurality of light emitting units 200 from both ends of the opening 101 toward the center of the opening 101. That is, the control unit 700 sequentially turns off the plurality of light emitting units 200 from the light emitting units 200 disposed at both ends of the opening 101 toward the light emitting unit 200 disposed at the center of the opening 101, with a predetermined time difference therebetween. Accordingly, the light emitting units 200 are turned off in such a shape that converges from both ends of the opening 101 toward the center of the opening 101.

[0137] Figure 20 FIG. 11 is an operation diagram schematically illustrating an operation process of a second farewell step according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0138] In the second farewell step S262, the control unit 700 closes the opening 101 by sequentially rotating the plurality of flap units 300 from both ends of the opening 101 toward the center of the opening 101. More specifically, while the opening 101 is opened, the control unit 700 rotates the plurality of flap units 300 from the flap units 300 disposed at both ends of the opening 101 toward the flap unit 300 disposed at the center of the opening 101, with a predetermined time difference therebetween. Accordingly, the opening 101 is closed in such a shape that converges from both ends thereof toward the center thereof.

[0139] After the second farewell step S262, the control unit 700 can additionally perform a step of turning off the daytime running light 4.

[0140] While exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure have been disclosed for illustrative purposes, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications, additions and substitutions are possible, without departing from the scope and spirit of the present disclosure as defined in the following claims.

Claims

1. A control method of a lighting apparatus for a vehicle, the control method comprising the steps of: sensing a distance between the vehicle and a pedestrian by a sensing unit; determining whether the distance between the vehicle and the pedestrian falls within a first distance by a control unit; when the distance between the vehicle and the pedestrian falls within the first distance, determining a walking direction of the pedestrian by the control unit; and indicating the walking direction to the pedestrian by the control unit by operating a plurality of flap units, wherein, in the step of indicating the walking direction, the plurality of flap units open or close an opening while sequentially rotating in a direction parallel to the walking direction of the pedestrian, and wherein, when the flap units open the opening, a display unit displays a preset color to an outside of the vehicle, and a reflection unit reflects the preset color displayed by the display unit toward the outside of the vehicle. Color inversion occurs as the flap units open or close the opening.

2. The control method of the illumination device for a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein 3.The control method of a lighting apparatus for a vehicle according to claim 1, further comprising determining whether the vehicle is driving by the control unit. 4.The control method of a lighting apparatus for a vehicle according to claim 1, further comprising turning on / off a light emitting unit by the control unit based on a preset illuminance value outside of the vehicle. 5.A control method of a lighting apparatus for a vehicle, the control method comprising the steps of: sensing a distance between the vehicle and a driver by a sensing unit; determining whether the distance between the vehicle and the driver falls within a second distance by a control unit; when the distance between the vehicle and the driver falls within the second distance, generating a welcome signal by the control unit by operating a plurality of flap units and a plurality of light emitting units; and when the distance between the vehicle and the driver exceeds the second distance, generating a farewell signal by the control unit by operating the flap units and the light emitting units, wherein the step of generating the farewell signal comprises: a first farewell step in which, when an ignition switch of the vehicle is turned off, the plurality of light emitting units are sequentially turned off from both ends of an opening toward a center of the opening; and a second farewell step in which, while the plurality of flap units sequentially rotate from both ends of the opening toward the center of the opening, the opening is closed by the plurality of flap units. 6.The control method of a lighting apparatus for a vehicle according to claim 5, further comprising determining whether the ignition switch of the vehicle is turned on / off by the control unit. Generating the welcome signal comprises: a first welcome step in which, when the ignition switch of the vehicle is turned on, the plurality of flap units open the opening while sequentially rotating from the center of the opening toward both ends of the opening; 7. The control method of the illumination device for a vehicle according to claim 6, wherein a second welcome step in which, while the opening is opened, the plurality of light emitting units are turned on and off; ​ ​ a third welcoming step in which the plurality of flap units sequentially close the opening while sequentially rotating from both ends of the opening toward the center of the opening; and a fourth welcoming step in which the plurality of flap units open the opening while simultaneously rotating, and the plurality of light emitting units are simultaneously turned on.

8. The control method of the illumination device for a vehicle according to claim 7, wherein The second welcoming step includes: simultaneously turning on the plurality of light emitting units at a preset light intensity; sequentially turning on the plurality of light emitting units from the center of the opening toward both ends of the opening at a light intensity higher than the preset light intensity; sequentially turning off the plurality of light emitting units from both ends of the opening toward the center of the opening; and randomly flickering the plurality of light emitting units.

9. The control method of the illumination device for a vehicle according to claim 7, wherein The step of generating the welcoming signal further includes simultaneously turning off the plurality of light emitting units by the control unit when an illuminance value outside the vehicle exceeds a preset illuminance value after the fourth welcoming step.

10. The control method of the illumination device for a vehicle according to claim 7, wherein The step of generating the welcoming signal further includes flickering a turn signal indicator a preset number of times by the control unit before operating the flap units and the light emitting units.

11. The control method of the illumination device for a vehicle according to claim 5, wherein The step of generating the farewell signal further includes flickering a turn signal indicator a preset number of times by the control unit before operating the flap units and the light emitting units.

12. The control method of the illumination device for a vehicle according to claim 5, wherein, Color inversion occurs as the flap units open or close the opening.

13. The control method of the illumination device for a vehicle according to claim 5, wherein, When the flap units open the opening, a display unit displays a preset color to the outside of the vehicle, and a reflection unit reflects the preset color displayed by the display unit to the outside of the vehicle.

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