Vehicle lighting device

Abstract

A vehicle lighting device can include a housing mounted on a vehicle body, one or more light sources mounted in the housing and configured to emit light, and a light distribution screen having a 3D surface corresponding to the number of light sources and configured to achieve 3D illumination by transmitting light emitted from the light sources. Light emitted from the light sources reaches the light distribution screen forming a 3D surface and achieves 3D illumination, which makes it possible to improve the degree of freedom in vehicle body design.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Exemplary embodiments of this disclosure relate to a vehicle lighting device, and more specifically to a vehicle lighting device capable of illuminating a 3D surface, thereby increasing the freedom of vehicle body design. Background Technology

[0002] A vehicle includes: a plurality of lights that perform an illumination function to illuminate a target, making the target visible during nighttime driving; and a signaling and information providing function that notifies the driver of the vehicle, a pedestrian, or the driver of another vehicle of the vehicle's status, the vehicle's status including driving status, operating status, driving direction, and other various vehicle conditions.

[0003] Recently, LED (light-emitting diode) lights have been increasingly used as vehicle lights instead of incandescent bulbs. LED lights use LEDs as the light source because LEDs can reduce eye fatigue compared to incandescent bulbs and allow for smaller lamp sizes, increasing design freedom.

[0004] LED lights exhibit excellent visibility and stability because they have a longer lifespan, lower power consumption, and faster illumination speed than existing incandescent bulbs. An LED light essentially comprises: an LED module that serves as the light source; a reflector configured to direct the light emitted from the LED module; and a lens positioned in front of the LED module and configured to transmit light.

[0005] Traditional car lights are manufactured solely for illumination and are still insufficient to possess the aesthetic function of beautifully displaying or emitting light in a specific shape. Therefore, traditional car lights do not significantly contribute to improving vehicle design or marketability.

[0006] Recently, considering vehicle design, vehicle lights have been designed to occupy a large area within the vehicle, and regulations stipulate that vehicle lights have a light emission area. However, in LED lights, each LED used as the light source has a narrow emission angle. Therefore, a large number of LEDs are needed to fill the light's emission area.

[0007] High-performance LEDs have recently been developed. However, when the design requires a lamp capable of emitting light over a wide area, the lamp needs to be primarily designed with multiple LEDs mounted within it. In this case, the manufacturing cost of the lamp inevitably increases.

[0008] Furthermore, conventional LED lights used in vehicles have a structure in which a simple, flat, thin lens is simply placed on the front surface of the LED device, resulting in a light that is not particularly eye-catching. Therefore, a device is needed to solve this problem.

[0009] The prior art disclosed herein is Korean Patent Application Publication No. 2013-0081352, published on July 17, 2013, and entitled "Vehicle Lamp". Summary of the Invention

[0010] Various embodiments relate to a vehicle lighting device that can illuminate a 3D surface, thereby increasing the freedom of vehicle body design.

[0011] In one embodiment, a vehicle lighting device may include: a housing mounted on a vehicle body; one or more light sources mounted in the housing and configured to emit light; and a light distribution screen having a 3D surface corresponding to the number of light sources and configured to achieve 3D illumination by transmitting light emitted from the light sources.

[0012] The housing can be installed on the front surface of the vehicle body.

[0013] The housing can be embedded in the vehicle body, and the light distribution screen can be exposed to the outside while covering the open front area of ​​the housing.

[0014] The light source may include: a light source box mounted in the housing; a light source lamp mounted in the light source box and configured to emit light onto the 3D surface when powered; one or more light source lenses mounted on the light source box and configured to induce light emitted from the light source lamp; and a light source sheet mounted on the light source box and configured to modulate the pattern of light emitted from the light source lamp.

[0015] The light source sheet can be replaced.

[0016] The light source sheet may include: a sheet base inserted into the light source box; and a sheet transmission portion formed in the sheet base and configured to form a pattern through transmitted light.

[0017] When two light source lenses are installed, the base portion can be positioned between the light source lenses.

[0018] The light distribution screen may include: a first transmission section configured to achieve first illumination by transmitting light emitted from any one of the light sources; and a second transmission section connected to the first transmission section and configured to achieve second illumination by transmitting light emitted from another of the light sources.

[0019] The first and second transmissive portions can be integrated with each other.

[0020] The first lighting and the second lighting can be connected to each other.

[0021] In the vehicle lighting device according to the present disclosure, light emitted from the light source reaches the light distribution screen that forms a 3D surface and achieves 3D lighting, which increases the freedom of vehicle body design. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a vehicle lighting device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a vehicle lighting device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a light source according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a light source sheet according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a light distribution screen according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0027] In the following description, a vehicle lighting device will be illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings through various exemplary embodiments. It should be noted that the drawings are not drawn to exact scale, and the thickness of lines or the dimensions of components may be exaggerated for ease of description and clarity only. Furthermore, the terminology used herein is defined in consideration of the functionality of the invention and may be varied according to the user's or operator's habits or intentions. Therefore, the definitions of terminology should be based on the full disclosure described herein.

[0028] Figure 1 The diagram schematically illustrates a vehicle lighting device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the arrangement of a vehicle lighting device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. (See reference...) Figure 1 and Figure 2 According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a vehicle lighting device 1 includes a housing 10, a light source 20, and a light distribution screen 30.

[0029] The housing 10 is mounted on the vehicle body 100. For example, the housing 10 may be formed to have an open front surface and be fixed to the vehicle body 100.

[0030] One or more light sources 20 are installed in the housing 10 and used to emit light. For example, two light sources 20 may be installed in one housing 10.

[0031] The light distribution screen 30 has a three-dimensional (3D) surface corresponding to the number of light sources 20, and achieves 3D illumination by transmitting light emitted from the light sources 20. For example, the light distribution screen 30 may cover the opening area of ​​the housing 10.

[0032] The housing 10, light source 20, and light distribution screen 30 can be assembled into a single module. The housing 10 is positioned on the front surface of the vehicle body 100. For example, the housing 10 can be applied to electric vehicles and internal combustion engine vehicles, and is positioned in the fog light areas corresponding to the left and right sides of the radiator grille area of ​​the vehicle body 100. In this case, the housing 10 can be installed and embedded in the vehicle body 100, while the light distribution screen 30 can be exposed to the outside. The light source 20 can be mounted onto the housing 10 and can be replaced if necessary.

[0033] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a light source according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. (Refer to...) Figure 3 According to the embodiments of the present disclosure, the light source 20 includes a light source box 21, a light source lamp 22, a light source lens 23, and a light source sheet 24.

[0034] The light source box 21 is mounted in the housing 10. For example, the light source box 21 is attached to / removed from the housing 10. The light source box 21 may have an open front surface. In this case, the inner surface of the light source box 21 may be coated with a material for reflecting light and guiding light to the open area.

[0035] The light source 22 is mounted in the housing 10. For example, the light source 22 may include a lamp and a board for controlling the luminous intensity and on / off state of the light source 20, and an LED may be used as the lamp. When powered, the light source 22 can emit light onto the front surface of the light source housing 21.

[0036] One or more light source lenses 23 may be mounted on the light source housing 21 and induce light emitted from the light source lamp 22. For example, the light source lenses 23 may diffuse or align the light, thereby improving the straightness of the light.

[0037] The light source plate 24 is mounted on the light source box 21 and adjusts the pattern of light emitted from the light source lamp 22. For example, the light source plate 24 can have a unique light pattern formed thereon. If needed, the light source plate 24 can be replaced to mount another light source plate in the light source box 21 to achieve various light patterns.

[0038] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a light source sheet according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. (Refer to...) Figure 4 According to the embodiments of the present disclosure, the light source sheet 24 includes a sheet base 241 and a sheet transmission portion 242.

[0039] The base portion 241 is inserted into the light source housing 21. For example, the base portion 241 can be disposed between the light source lens 23 and the light source 22, and can be replaced to mount another base portion in the light source housing 21 if needed. The base portion 241 can be made of a material for blocking light, and its edges can be assembled to the light source housing 21. When two light source lenses 23 are mounted, the two light source lenses 23 can be spaced apart from each other, and the base portion 241 can be disposed between the spaced-apart light source lenses 23. Furthermore, when three or more light source lenses 23 are mounted, the base portion 241 can be disposed in any one or each space between the individual light source lenses 23.

[0040] The substrate 241 has a transmissive portion 242 formed therein and is configured to form a pattern by transmitting light. For example, the transmissive portion 242 may have a hole shape formed in the substrate 241. The illuminance of the illumination can be adjusted according to the size or transmittance of the transmissive portion 242.

[0041] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a light distribution screen according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. (Refer to...) Figure 5 According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the light distribution screen 30 includes a first transmissive portion 31 and a second transmissive portion 32. The first transmissive portion 31 and the second transmissive portion 32 can be connected to each other to form a 3D surface.

[0042] The first transmissive portion 31 achieves the first illumination 311 by transmitting light emitted from any of the light sources 20. For example, a pattern implemented by the light source sheet 24 can reach the first transmissive portion 31 and form the first illumination 311.

[0043] The second transmissive portion 32 is connected to the first transmissive portion 31 and achieves the second illumination 321 by transmitting light emitted from another light source 20. For example, the pattern implemented by the light source sheet 24 can reach the second transmissive portion 32 and form the second illumination 321.

[0044] When the light distribution screen 30 includes a first transmissive portion 31 and a second transmissive portion 32 to form a 3D surface, the first transmissive portion 31 and the second transmissive portion 32 can be assembled or integrated with each other to maintain their connection. The connection between the first transmissive portion 31 and the second transmissive portion 32 can be angular or form a curved surface.

[0045] The first illumination 311 and the second illumination 321 can be connected to each other. More specifically, light emitted from either light source 20 can form the first illumination 311 at the first transmission section 31, and light emitted from the other light source 20 can form the second illumination 321 at the second transmission section 32. In this case, the first illumination 311 can be implemented up to the end of the first transmission section 31, and the second illumination 321 can be implemented up to the end of the second transmission section 32. Therefore, when the first transmission section 31 and the second transmission section 32 are connected to each other, the first illumination 311 and the second illumination 312 can be connected to each other. Thus, although the light distribution screen 30 forms a 3D surface, 3D illumination corresponding to the 3D surface can be achieved.

[0046] The assembly process and operation of a vehicle lighting device having the above-described structure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below.

[0047] Light source 20 is installed in housing 10, and light distribution screen 30 with a 3D surface corresponding to the number of light source 20 is installed in housing 10. Light distribution screen 30 covers the opening area of ​​housing 10.

[0048] The vehicle lighting device 1, assembled as described above, is mounted as a module on the front surface of the vehicle body 100. That is, the vehicle lighting device 1 is mounted in the fog light area, which is mounted on each of the left and right sides of the radiator grille.

[0049] When the light source 20 is turned on in the above state, the light generated by the light source 20 reaches the light distribution screen 30 to achieve 3D lighting.

[0050] That is, the 3D surface of the light distribution screen 30 includes a first transmissive portion 31 and a second transmissive portion 32 connected to each other. A first illumination 311 is formed on the first transmissive portion 31, and a second illumination 321 is formed on the second transmissive portion 32. The first illumination 311 and the second illumination 321 are connected to each other.

[0051] The light source 20 includes: a light source box 12; a light source lamp 22 installed in the light source box 21 and configured to generate light; a light source lens 23 configured to induce light; and a light source sheet 24 configured to realize a light pattern. At this time, since the light source sheet 24 can be replaced, various light source sheets 24 with different light patterns can be applied according to the consumer's preferences.

[0052] In the vehicle lighting device 1 according to the embodiments of the present disclosure, light emitted from the light source 20 reaches the light distribution screen 30 forming a 3D surface and achieves 3D lighting, which makes it possible to increase the freedom of vehicle body design.

[0053] While exemplary embodiments of this disclosure have been disclosed for illustrative purposes, those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications, additions, and substitutions are possible without departing from the scope and spirit of this disclosure as defined in the appended claims.

[0054] Cross-references to related applications

[0055] This application claims priority and benefit to Korean Patent Application 10-2021-0109190, filed on August 19, 2021, which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes, as set forth herein.

Claims

1. A vehicle lighting device, the vehicle lighting device comprising: A housing mounted on the vehicle body; Multiple light sources are mounted in the housing and configured to emit light, including a first light source configured to emit a first light source and a second light source configured to emit a second light source; as well as A light distribution screen having a 3D surface configured to achieve 3D illumination by transmitting light emitted from the plurality of light sources, wherein the light distribution screen includes: A first transmissive portion, configured to achieve first illumination by transmitting the first light emitted from the first light source; and A second transmissive portion, connected to the first transmissive portion, is configured to achieve second illumination by transmitting the second light emitted from the second light source. The 3D illumination includes both the first illumination and the second illumination. The connection between the first transmissive portion and the second transmissive portion has an angle or forms a curved surface.

2. The vehicle lighting device according to claim 1, wherein, The housing is disposed on the front surface of the vehicle body.

3. The vehicle lighting device according to claim 1, wherein, The housing is embedded in the vehicle body, and the light distribution screen is exposed to the outside while covering the open front area of ​​the housing.

4. The vehicle lighting device according to claim 1, wherein, The light source includes: The light source box is installed in the housing; A light source is mounted in the light source box and configured to emit light onto the 3D surface when powered. One or more light source lenses, the one or more light source lenses being mounted on the light source housing and configured to induce light emitted from the light source lamp; and A light source sheet is mounted on the light source box and configured to adjust the pattern of light emitted from the light source lamp.

5. The vehicle lighting device according to claim 4, wherein, The light source is replaceable.

6. The vehicle lighting device according to claim 4, wherein, The light source sheet includes: The base portion inserted into the light source box; and A transmissive portion is formed in the substrate and configured to form a pattern by transmitting light.

7. The vehicle lighting device according to claim 6, wherein, When two light source lenses are installed, the base portion is positioned between the light source lenses.

8. The vehicle lighting device according to claim 1, wherein, The first and second transmissive portions are integrated with each other.

9. The vehicle lighting device according to claim 8, wherein, The first lighting and the second lighting are connected to each other.

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