LED driver module and vehicle including the same

Abstract

An LED driver module and a vehicle including the module are disclosed. The LED driver module is coupled to a vehicle lamp housing and includes: a connector component connected to the interior of the vehicle lamp housing; a plate component whose distal end in a first direction, which is a direction from the exterior of the lamp housing toward the interior of the lamp housing, contacts the connector component; a seat component, the plate component being positioned on the seat component and whose distal end in the first direction contacts the connector component; and a cover component connected to one side of the seat component in a second direction opposite to the first direction and covering the plate component and the seat component from the exterior of the lamp housing.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority from Korean Patent Application No. 10-2021-0105416 filed on August 10, 2021, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to an LED driver module and a vehicle including the LED driver module. Background Art

[0004] In recent years, LEDs have been widely used in parts that require lighting, such as vehicle lamps. In order to operate the LEDs, an LED driver module that operates the LEDs must be essentially installed on the vehicle.

[0005] However, the conventional LED driver module has been mounted on the lamp cover of the vehicle.The conventional LED driver module requires an upper case and a lower case respectively for water tightness, and a case sealing process is required to connect the upper case and the lower case.

[0006] Furthermore, since an inspection process for identifying watertightness of the LED driver module must be separately added to the conventional LED driver module, the process becomes complicated and process costs increase. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The present disclosure aims to solve the above-mentioned problems arising in the prior art while keeping the advantages achieved by the prior art intact.

[0008] One aspect of the present disclosure provides an LED driver module that does not require a separate case for water tightness; and a vehicle including the module.

[0009] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides an LED driver module that can simplify a process and reduce a manufacturing cost, and a vehicle including the same.

[0010] The technical problems to be solved by the present disclosure are not limited to the above problems, and those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure belongs will clearly understand any other technical problems not mentioned herein through the following description.

[0011] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, an LED driver module coupled to a vehicle lamp cover includes: a connector component coupled to the inside of the vehicle lamp cover; a plate component whose distal end in a first direction contacts the connector component, the first direction being a direction from the outside of the lamp cover to the inside of the lamp cover; a seat component, the plate component being located on the seat component, and the seat component's distal end in the first direction contacts the connector component; and a cover component coupled to one side of the seat component in a second direction opposite to the first direction, and covering the plate component and the seat component from the outside of the lamp cover.

[0012] In another example, the connector component may include a connector body connected to the vehicle; a plurality of connector grooves that are recessed along the first direction from a distal end of the connector body in the second direction, and a portion of the plate component is inserted into the plurality of connector grooves; and a partition member that is disposed between the plurality of connector grooves and configured to separate the plurality of connector grooves; the plate component may include a plate member electrically connected to the vehicle, and an insertion groove that is recessed along the second direction at a position corresponding to the partition member at a distal end of the plate member in the first direction, and the partition member is inserted into the insertion groove.

[0013] In another example, the partition member may be offset in the left / right width direction of the connector groove relative to a center point of the connector groove in the left / right width direction thereof.

[0014] In another example, the connector component may include a connector body coupled to the vehicle, and an upper guide member disposed on the plate component and coupled to the connector body.

[0015] In another example, the upper guide member may include an upper guide surface that is inclined downward in the first direction and toward the lower guide plate part.

[0016] In another example, the connector component may further include a lower guide member disposed below the plate component and coupled to the connector body.

[0017] In another example, the lower guide member may include a lower guide surface that is inclined upward in the first direction and toward the upper guide plate part.

[0018] In another example, the upper guide member and the lower guide member may be arranged in parallel in the upward / downward direction.

[0019] In another example, the connector component may include a connector body coupled to the vehicle, and an outer guide member disposed in an outward direction with respect to the plate component, the outward direction being a direction facing outside the plate component, and coupled to the connector body.

[0020] In another example, the outer guide member may include an outer guide surface that is inclined in an inward direction opposite to the outward direction and guides the plate part toward the inward direction when it moves in the first direction.

[0021] In another example, the seat component may include a seat component body on which the plate component is located; a first protruding member that protrudes upward from a distal end of the seat component body in the second direction; and a second protruding member that protrudes upward from a distal end of the seat component body in a third direction perpendicular to the upward / downward direction and the first direction.

[0022] In another example, the cover component may include a first cover member that is inserted into an opening formed in a vehicle lamp cover and to which the seat component is connected; and a second cover member that is coupled to one side of the first cover member in the second direction and is large enough to cover the first cover member when viewed from the second direction.

[0023] In another example, the LED driver module may further include a sealing part surrounding an outer surface of the first cover member and disposed between the opening and the first cover member.

[0024] In another example, the cover component may further include at least one boss member protruding outward from the second cover member.

[0025] In another example, the LED driver module may further include an electrical component coupled to one side of the second cover member in the second direction and electrically connected to the board part.

[0026] In another example, the LED driver module may further include a shielding member disposed on the board member and shielding the board member.

[0027] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicle may include: a lamp cover having an opening and an LED driver module inserted into an interior space of the lamp cover through the opening; and the LED driver module may include a connector component connected to the interior of the lamp cover; a plate component, whose distal end in a first direction contacts the connector component, the first direction being a direction from the exterior of the lamp cover to the interior of the lamp cover; a seat component, the plate component is located on the seat component, and the seat component contacts the connector component at a distal end in the first direction; and a cover component, which is connected to one side of the seat component in a second direction opposite to the first direction and covers the opening from the exterior of the lamp cover. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings:

[0029] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing an LED driver module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0030] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Exploded perspective drawing;

[0031] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing a state in which the plate member and the seat member are separated from the connector member;

[0032] Figure 4 is a view showing a situation where a plate part, a seat part, and a cover part of the LED driver module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure are located outside a lamp housing;

[0033] Figure 5 is a view showing a state in which a portion of a plate member and a portion of a seat member of an LED driver module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure are located inside a lampshade;

[0034] Figure 6 Viewed from another direction Figure 4 The view when

[0035] Figure 7 is a view showing a state in which the plate member and the seat member contact the connector member; and

[0036] Figure 8 is a perspective view showing an LED driver module further including electrical components. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] Hereinafter, some embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the exemplary drawings. When reference numerals are provided to the constituent elements of the drawings, the same elements may be provided with the same reference numerals even if they are shown on different drawings. In addition, in the following description of the present disclosure, detailed descriptions of some known functions and configurations included herein will be omitted when this may make the subject matter of the present disclosure substantially unclear.

[0038] <Basic components of the LED driver module>

[0039] The LED driver module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure relates to an LED driver module connected to a lamp cover 'H' of a vehicle. Figure 1 is a perspective view showing an LED driver module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Exploded perspective view.

[0040] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the LED driver module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a connector part 10 , a board part 20 , a seat part 30 and a cover part 40 .

[0041] For ease of explanation, the direction from the outside of the lamp housing "H" to the inside of the lamp housing "H" is referred to as a first direction D1, and the direction opposite to the first direction D1 is referred to as a second direction D2. The connector component 10 can be connected to the inside of the vehicle lamp housing "H". Figure 2 The connector component 10 is shown being fixed to the lamp cover "H" of the vehicle with bolts, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and various modifications may be made, such as using an adhesive or attaching using magnets.

[0042] As the plate member 20 and the seat member 30 , which will be described later, move in the first direction D1 , the connector member 10 may contact the plate member 20 and the seat member 30 .

[0043] The distal end of the plate member 20 in the first direction D1 may contact the connector member 10. The plate member 20 may be electrically connected to the vehicle. The plate member 20 may be disposed inside a lamp housing "H" of the vehicle.

[0044] The seat component 30 can be configured so that the plate component 20 is positioned thereon, and the distal end of the seat component 30 in the first direction D1 can contact the connector component 10. The seat component 30 can be disposed within the vehicle lamp housing "H." The seat component 30 can be formed of an aluminum material. More specifically, the seat component 30 can be an aluminum plate. However, the material of the seat component 30 is not limited thereto and can be selected from a variety of heat-dissipating metals.

[0045] The cover member 40 may be coupled to one side of the seat member 30 in the second direction D2 and may cover the plate member 20 and the seat member 30 from the outside of the vehicle lamp cover 'H'.

[0046] For example, it is possible to consider coupling an LED driver module to the outside of a vehicle lamp housing "H." In this case, an upper shell and a lower shell for watertightness are required for the LED driver module, respectively, and a shell sealing process for coupling them and a process for determining the watertightness state are required, thereby possibly complicating the process and increasing the process cost.

[0047] According to the LED driver module of the embodiment of the present disclosure, the LED driver module is arranged inside the vehicle lamp cover "H", so a separate shell for water tightness may not be required.

[0048] Furthermore, according to the LED driver module of the embodiment of the present disclosure, a process of sealing the case and a process of checking water tightness are not required, whereby the process becomes simple and the process cost can be reduced.

[0049] <Anti-misassembly structure>

[0050] Figure 3 1 is a perspective view showing a state where the plate member 20 and the seat member 30 are separated from the connector member 10. Figure 3A misassembly prevention structure for preventing the plate member 20 and the seat member 30 from being incorrectly assembled in the connector member 10 will be described.

[0051] The connector component 10 may include a connector body 11, a connector groove 15, and a partition member 16. The connector body 11 may be coupled to a vehicle.

[0052] The connector groove 15 may be recessed in the first direction D1 at a distal end in the second direction D2 of the connector body 11. The connector groove 15 may be configured such that a portion of the plate member 20 is inserted therein.

[0053] The partition member 16 may be disposed between the connector grooves 15 to partition the connector grooves 15. Since the partition member 16 partitions the connector grooves 15, a plurality of connector grooves 15 may be provided. The partition member 16 may be offset in the left / right width direction relative to the center point of the connector groove 15 in the left / right width direction.

[0054] Meanwhile, the board part 20 may include a board member 21 and an insertion groove 22. The board member 21 may be electrically connected to the vehicle. The board part 20 may be a printed circuit board (PCB).

[0055] The insertion groove 22 may be recessed in the second direction D2 at a distal end position in the first direction D1 of the plate member 21. The insertion groove 22 may be configured such that the partition member 16 is inserted therein.

[0056] The partition member 16 can be biased to one side, and the insertion groove 22 is formed in a corresponding position. Therefore, the partition member 16 and the insertion groove 22 can serve as a structure to prevent incorrect assembly. For example, when the partition member 16 is biased to the right, the partition member 16 and the insertion groove 22 can only engage with each other when the insertion groove 22 is also biased to the right. When the plate member 21 is turned over and the insertion groove 22 is biased to the left, the partition member 16 and the insertion groove 22 do not engage with each other, thereby preventing incorrect assembly.

[0057] <Motion guiding structure>

[0058] Hereinafter, a guide structure for guiding the movement of the plate member 20 and the seat member 30 when they are moved toward the connector member 10 to be assembled in the connector member 10 will be described. For ease of description, the positions of the components will be described with reference to a state in which the components are fully assembled.

[0059] In addition, the function of the guide structure will be understood with reference to 4 to 7. Figure 4 1 is a view showing a state in which the board part 20 , the seat part 30 , and the cover part 40 of the LED driver module according to the embodiment of the present disclosure are located outside the lamp housing 'H'. Figure 51 is a view showing a state in which a portion of the board part 20 and a portion of the seat part 30 of the LED driver module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure are located inside the lamp housing 'H'. Figure 6 Viewed from the other direction Figure 4 The view when Figure 7 1 is a perspective view showing a state in which the plate member 20 and the seat member 30 contact the connector member 10 .

[0060] I understand. Figures 4 to 7 The process of sequentially assembling the board part 20 , the seat part 30 , and the cover part 40 of the LED driver module according to the embodiment of the present disclosure into the lamp housing “H” is shown.

[0061] <Upper guiding member 12>

[0062] The connector part 10 may include an upper guide member 12. The upper guide member 12 may be provided on the plate part 20. In addition, the upper guide member 12 may be coupled to the connector body 11.

[0063] The upper guide member 12 may include an upper guide surface. The upper guide surface may be inclined downward along the first direction D1 and may guide the plate member 20 toward the lower side. For example, when the plate member 20 advances to a position higher than the connector groove 15, the plate member 20 may contact the upper guide surface. Since the upper guide surface guides the plate member 20 toward the lower side, the plate member 20 may be inserted into the connector groove 15.

[0064] <Lower guiding member 13>

[0065] In addition, the connector part 10 may include a lower guide member 13. The lower guide member 13 may be provided below the plate part 20. The lower guide member 13 may be coupled to the connector body 11. The lower guide member 13 may be arranged in parallel in the upward / downward direction of the upper guide member 12.

[0066] The lower guide member 13 may include a lower guide surface. The lower guide surface may be inclined upward along the first direction D1 and may guide the plate member 20 toward the upper side. For example, when the plate member 20 advances to a position lower than the connector groove 15, the plate member 20 may contact the lower guide surface. Since the lower guide surface guides the plate member 20 toward the upper side, the plate member 20 may be inserted into the connector groove 15.

[0067] <External guiding member 14>

[0068] Furthermore, the connector component 10 may include an external guide member 14. The external guide member 14 may be provided on one side of the plate component 20 in an outward direction. Here, the outward direction may be a direction toward the outside of the plate component 20 relative to the plate component 20. For example, the outward direction may be a leftward / rightward direction and an upward / downward direction perpendicular to the first direction D1. That is, the outward direction may correspond to the third direction D3.

[0069] The outer guide member 14 may be coupled to the connector body 11. The outer guide member 14 may be provided at outer sides of the upper guide member 12 and the lower guide member 13.

[0070] The outer guide member 14 may include an outer guide surface that may be inclined in an inward direction opposite to the outward direction when moving in the first direction D1 and may guide the plate part 20 in the inward direction.

[0071] For example, when the plate member 20 advances toward the outward direction of the connector groove 15 , the plate member 20 may contact the outer guide surface, and because the outer guide surface guides the plate member 20 in the inward direction, the plate member 20 may be inserted into the connector groove 15 .

[0072] <Detailed shape of the seat member 30>

[0073] The seat member 30 may include a seat member body 31, a first protruding member 32, and a second protruding member 33. The plate member 20 may be positioned on the seat member body 31. The first protruding member 32 may protrude upward from a distal end of the seat member body 31 in a second direction D2. The second protruding member 33 may protrude upward from a distal end of the seat member body 31 in a third direction D3 perpendicular to the upward / downward directions and the first direction D1. Due to the structure of the seat member 30, the plate member 20 may be stably positioned on the seat member body 31.

[0074] <Detailed shape of the cover member 40>

[0075] The cover assembly 40 may include a first cover member 41 and a second cover member 42. The first cover member 41 may be configured to be inserted into an opening OP formed in the vehicle lamp housing "H" and couple the seat assembly 30 therewith. The dimensions of the first cover member 41 may correspond to the opening OP. The first cover member 41, having dimensions corresponding to the opening OP, can prevent water from entering through the opening OP. Therefore, since the LED driver module according to the present embodiment does not require a separate watertight housing, manufacturing costs can be reduced and the production process can be simplified.

[0076] The second cover member 42 may be connected to one side of the first cover member 41 along the second direction D2. When viewed from the second direction D2, the size of the second cover member 42 may be large enough to cover the first cover member 41. This may mean that the second cover member 42 can cover the opening OP. The second cover member 42 may be coupled to the lampshade "H". Figure 3 It is shown that the second cover member 42 is fixed to the lamp housing "H" with bolts, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and various modifications may be made, such as using an adhesive or attaching using magnets.

[0077] Cover member 40 may also include at least one boss member 43. Boss member 43 may protrude outward from second cover member 42. Boss member 43 can serve as a mechanism to prevent misassembly when later attached to another LED. For example, if the LED is A-shaped, a hole may be formed on the left side. This allows cover member 40 to be assembled only when boss member 43 is provided on the left side. In this case, if the LED lacks a hole on the left side, it cannot be attached to cover member 40, thereby preventing misassembly.

[0078] <Sealing member 50>

[0079] The LED driver module according to the embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a sealing member 50. The sealing member 50 may surround the outer surface of the first cover member 41 and may be arranged in the opening OP ( Figure 3 ) and the first cover member 41. The sealing member 50 may be formed of a rubber material, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Since the sealing member 50 is provided between the opening OP and the first cover member 41, the watertightness between the opening OP and the first cover member 41 can be further ensured.

[0080] <Shielding member 60>

[0081] The LED driver module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a shielding member 60. The shielding member 60 may be disposed on the board member 20 and may shield the board member 20 from external electromagnetic waves. In other words, the shielding member 60 may be configured to protect the board member 20 from external electromagnetic waves.

[0082] <Electrical component 70>

[0083] Figure 8 7 is a perspective view of an LED driver module further including electrical components 70. Figure 8As shown, the LED driver module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may further include an electrical component 70. The electrical component 70 may be connected to one side of the second cover member 42 in the second direction D2 and may be electrically connected to the board member 20. When the electrical component 70 is further included, compared to a case where the electrical component is arranged in the lampshade, there is no need to separately add a main wire required for electrically connecting the electrical component and the board member, thereby reducing manufacturing costs and achieving efficient space utilization.

[0084] <Vehicle including the LED driver module>

[0085] Hereinafter, a vehicle including an LED driver module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. The above detailed description of the LED driver module can be applied to the vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure in the same manner.

[0086] The vehicle may include a lamp housing "H" ( Figure 3 ) and LED driver module. Opening OP( Figure 3 ) may be formed in the lamp housing 'H.' The LED driver module may be inserted into the opening OP.

[0087] like Figures 4 to 7 As shown, the LED driver module can be inserted into the interior space of the lamp housing "H" through the opening OP. The LED driver module may include a connector component 10, a plate component 20, a seat component 30, and a cover component 40. The connector component 10 may be connected to the interior of the lamp housing "H." The distal end of the plate component 20 in the first direction D1 may contact the connector component 10. The seat component 30 may be configured so that the plate component 20 is positioned thereon, and the distal end of the seat component 30 in the first direction D1 may contact the connector component 10. The cover component 40 may be coupled to one side of the seat component 30 in the second direction D2 and may cover the opening OP from the outside of the vehicle lamp housing "H."

[0088] According to the present disclosure, since the LED driver module is disposed inside the lamp housing, a separate case for water tightness may not be required.

[0089] Furthermore, according to the embodiments of the present disclosure, a process of sealing the case and a process of checking watertightness are not required, whereby the process becomes simple and the process cost can be reduced.

[0090] The above description is a simple example of the technical spirit of the present disclosure. Those skilled in the art can make various corrections and modifications to the present disclosure without departing from the basic features of the present disclosure. Therefore, the embodiments disclosed in the present disclosure are not intended to limit the technical spirit of the present disclosure, but to describe the present disclosure, and the scope of the technical spirit of the present disclosure is not limited by the embodiments. Therefore, the technical scope of the present disclosure should be interpreted by the appended claims, and all technical spirits within the equivalent scope belong to the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. An LED driver module coupled to a vehicle lamp housing, the LED driver module comprising: a connector component coupled to an interior of the vehicle lamp housing; a plate member, a distal end of which contacts the connector member in a first direction, the first direction being a direction from the outside of the lamp cover toward the inside of the lamp cover; a seat member on which the plate member is located and a distal end of the seat member in the first direction contacts the connector member; as well as a cover member coupled to one side of the seat member in a second direction opposite to the first direction and covering the plate member and the seat member from the outside of the lamp housing; The connector components include: a connector body coupled to the vehicle; a plurality of connector grooves that are recessed along the first direction from a distal end of the connector body in the second direction, and into which a portion of the plate member is inserted; and A partition member is disposed between the plurality of connector grooves and configured to partition the plurality of connector grooves.

2. The LED driver module according to claim 1, wherein: The plate component comprises: a plate member electrically connected to the vehicle; and An insertion groove is recessed in the second direction at a position corresponding to the partition member at a distal end of the plate member in the first direction, and the partition member is inserted into the insertion groove.

3. The LED driver module according to claim 2 , wherein the partition member is offset in the left / right width direction of at least one of the plurality of connector grooves relative to a center point of at least one of the plurality of connector grooves in the left / right width direction thereof.

4. The LED driver module according to claim 1, wherein the connector component comprises: a connector body connected to the vehicle; and An upper guide member is provided on the plate component and coupled to the connector body.

5. The LED driver module according to claim 4, wherein the upper guide member comprises: An upper guide surface is inclined downward along the first direction and is configured to guide the plate member toward a lower side.

6. The LED driver module according to claim 4, wherein the connector component further comprises: A lower guide member is provided below the plate component and coupled to the connector body.

7. The LED driver module according to claim 6, wherein the lower guide member comprises: A lower guide surface is inclined upward along the first direction and is configured to guide the plate member toward an upper side. 8 . The LED driver module according to claim 6 , wherein the upper guide member and the lower guide member are arranged in parallel in an upward / downward direction.

9. The LED driver module according to claim 1, wherein the connector component comprises: a connector body coupled to the vehicle; and An outer guide member is provided in an outward direction relative to the plate member and is coupled to the connector body, the outward direction being a direction facing outside the plate member.

10. The LED driver module according to claim 9, wherein the outer guide member comprises: An outer guide surface is inclined in an inward direction opposite to the outward direction when the outer guide surface moves along the first direction, and is configured to guide the plate member toward the inward direction.

11. The LED driver module according to claim 1 , further comprising: A shielding member is provided on the plate member and configured to shield the plate member.

12. The LED driver module according to claim 1, wherein: The seat component comprises: a seat component body, the plate component being located on the seat component body; a first protruding member that protrudes upward from a distal end of the seat body in the second direction; and A second protruding member protrudes upward from a distal end of the seat body in a third direction perpendicular to the upward / downward direction and the first direction.

13. The LED driver module according to claim 1, wherein: The cover member comprises: a first cover member that is inserted into an opening formed in a lamp cover of the vehicle, with the seat part connected to the first cover member; and A second cover member is coupled to one side of the first cover member in the second direction and has a size large enough to cover the first cover member when viewed from the second direction.

14. The LED driver module according to claim 13, further comprising: A sealing member surrounds an outer surface of the first cover member and is provided between the opening and the first cover member.

15. The LED driver module according to claim 13, wherein the cover member further comprises: At least one boss member protrudes outwardly from the second cover member.

16. The LED driver module according to claim 13, further comprising: An electrical component is coupled to one side of the second cover member in the second direction and is electrically connected to the plate member.

17. A vehicle comprising: a lampshade having an opening; and The LED driver module is inserted into the inner space of the lampshade through the opening, Wherein, the LED driver module includes: a connector component coupled to an interior of the lampshade; a plate member, a distal end of which contacts the connector member in a first direction, the first direction being a direction from the outside of the lamp cover toward the inside of the lamp cover; a seat member on which the plate member is located and whose distal end in the first direction contacts the connector member; and a cover member coupled to one side of the seat member in a second direction opposite to the first direction and covering the opening from an outside of the lamp housing; The connector components include: a connector body coupled to the vehicle; a plurality of connector grooves that are recessed along the first direction from a distal end of the connector body in the second direction, and into which a portion of the plate member is inserted; and A partition member is disposed between the plurality of connector grooves and configured to partition the plurality of connector grooves.

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