Vehicle pit lamp

Abstract

This invention relates to a vehicle puddle light, and more specifically, to a vehicle puddle light that illuminates the ground around a vehicle to form an image of a predetermined shape. According to an embodiment of the invention, the vehicle puddle light includes: a light source unit comprising a plurality of light sources disposed on a substrate to form a plurality of images that are different from each other; a light-collecting unit comprising a plurality of light-collecting lenses that collect light generated from each of the plurality of light sources; an imaging unit that transmits light emitted from the light-collecting unit to form at least one of the plurality of images; and a bracket located between the light source unit and the light-collecting unit, such that the positions of the light source unit and the light-collecting unit are fixed, and forming a partition portion to separate light generated from each of the plurality of light sources and allow it to travel toward the imaging unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle puddle light, and more specifically, to a vehicle puddle light that illuminates the ground around a vehicle to form an image of a predetermined shape. Background Technology

[0002] Vehicles are typically equipped with various types of lights that provide illumination for easy identification of objects around the vehicle when driving at night and signals to inform other vehicles or road users of the vehicle's driving status.

[0003] For example, headlights and fog lights are mainly for illumination, while turn signals, taillights, and brake lights are mainly for signaling. The standards and specifications for these lights have been stipulated by relevant regulations to ensure that they can fully perform their respective functions.

[0004] Recently, puddle lights have been installed on the side mirrors of vehicles to ensure the driver's or passengers' visibility when getting in and out of the vehicle in dark environments, or to create an image on the ground around the vehicle that reflects the vehicle's inherent characteristics.

[0005] Since these puddle lights are installed in small spaces such as vehicle side mirrors, a solution is needed that reduces the components of the puddle light while ensuring sufficient installation space and creating a variety of images.

[0006] Existing technical documents

[0007] Patent documents

[0008] (Patent Document 1) Korean Patent Publication No. 10-0862220 (Published on October 9, 2008) Summary of the Invention

[0009] The present invention was proposed to solve the above-mentioned problems. The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a vehicle puddle light that enables the sharing of constituent elements for forming multiple images that are different from each other, thereby reducing the number of parts and simplifying the assembly process.

[0010] The subject matter of this invention is not limited to the subject matter mentioned above, and those skilled in the art will clearly understand other technical problems not mentioned below through the description below.

[0011] To achieve the aforementioned objective, a vehicle puddle light according to an embodiment of the present invention may include: a light source unit comprising a plurality of light sources disposed on a substrate to form a plurality of images that are different from each other; a light collecting unit comprising a plurality of light collecting lenses that collect light generated from each of the plurality of light sources; an imaging unit that transmits light emitted from the light collecting unit to form at least one of the plurality of images; and a bracket located between the light source unit and the light collecting unit, such that the positions of the light source unit and the light collecting unit are fixed, and forming a partition portion to separate the light generated from each of the plurality of light sources from each other and to travel toward the imaging unit.

[0012] The incident surfaces of the multiple light-collecting lenses can be formed integrally.

[0013] The bracket may include a plurality of guide holes for guiding light generated from each of the plurality of light sources to each of the plurality of light-collecting lenses, wherein the plurality of guide holes are divided by the partition portion.

[0014] The partition wall portion can be configured such that one end passes through a through hole formed in the light-collecting portion and abuts against the imaging portion, and the other end abuts against the substrate, so as to be located between the plurality of light sources.

[0015] The through-hole can be located between the plurality of light-collecting lenses.

[0016] The imaging unit may include: a plurality of incident lenses; a plurality of exit lenses corresponding to each of the plurality of incident lenses; and a plurality of shields that block a portion of the light traveling toward each of the plurality of exit lenses.

[0017] Each of the plurality of shielding elements may include: a transmission region that transmits light; and a blocking region that blocks light, and the shape of the image is defined by the shape of the transmission region.

[0018] The imaging unit can be divided into multiple regions corresponding to each of the plurality of light sources, and the transmission region of the shield belonging to each of the plurality of regions can have different shapes from each other.

[0019] The plurality of shielding elements may not be formed in the area facing the partition portion.

[0020] The imaging unit may further include: an optical component, wherein the plurality of incident lenses are arranged on the incident surface and the plurality of exit lenses are arranged on the exit surface, and the plurality of shielding members may be formed on either the incident surface or the exit surface of the optical component.

[0021] It may also include: a housing that houses the light source, the light collecting part, the imaging part, and the support, and at least a portion of the inner surface of the housing may be surface treated to diffuse light.

[0022] The housing may include an opening for light to be transmitted through the imaging unit, and a stepped portion may be formed at the end of the opening near the imaging unit to accommodate the edge of the imaging unit.

[0023] At least one of the plurality of light sources can be arranged such that, relative to the optical axis of the corresponding light-collecting lens among the plurality of light-collecting lenses, they are spaced apart along the optical axis direction of the plurality of light-collecting lenses in at least one direction at intervals corresponding to a set offset.

[0024] The details of other embodiments are included in the detailed description and accompanying drawings.

[0025] The vehicle puddle light of the present invention, as described above, can have one or more of the following effects.

[0026] Because multiple images, each distinct from the others, can be formed using light generated from each of multiple light sources, it has the effect of creating a wider variety of images.

[0027] Furthermore, the constituent elements of an image formed by light generated from multiple light sources can be shared, thereby simplifying the structure and improving assembly.

[0028] Furthermore, since the light generated from multiple light sources travels separately from each other through the partition, it also has the effect of preventing interference between the light generated from each of the multiple light sources.

[0029] The effects of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above. Those skilled in the art can clearly understand other effects not mentioned through the description of the claims. Attached Figure Description

[0030] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram showing a side mirror equipped with a puddle light for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 2 This is a perspective view showing the appearance of a vehicle puddle light according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 3 This is a side view showing the appearance of a vehicle puddle light according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 4 and Figure 5 This is an exploded perspective view showing a vehicle puddle light according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view showing a vehicle puddle light according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 7 and Figure 8 This is a perspective view showing the imaging section according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 9 and Figure 10 This is an exploded perspective view showing the imaging section according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 11 This is a plan view showing the imaging section according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram showing an image formed by a vehicle using a puddle light according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 13 and 14 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the light illumination range of a vehicle puddle light according to the installation angle, based on an embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram showing the installation angle of a vehicle puddle light according to an embodiment of the present invention, with the light source spaced apart from the optical axis of the light-collecting lens.

[0041] Symbol Explanation

[0042] 100: Light source unit 110: Substrate

[0043] 120, 130: Light source 200: Light collecting part

[0044] 210, 220: Converging lens; 230: Through hole

[0045] 300: Imaging unit; 310: Incident lens

[0046] 320: Ejector lens; 330: Shielding component

[0047] 331: Transmission area; 332: Blocking area

[0048] 400: Bracket; 410, 420: Guide hole

[0049] 430: Divider section; 500: Shell

[0050] 500a: Opening section; 500b: Stepped section

[0051] 510: Cover; 511: Connecting hole Detailed Implementation

[0052] The advantages, features, and methods for achieving the objectives of the present invention will become clear from the detailed embodiments described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, which can be implemented in various different forms. These embodiments are provided merely to complete the disclosure of the invention and to fully inform those skilled in the art of the scope of the invention, which is defined only by the claims. Throughout this specification, the same reference numerals refer to the same constituent elements.

[0053] Therefore, in several embodiments, in order to avoid the invention being misinterpreted, well-known process steps, well-known structures and well-known technologies are not specifically described.

[0054] The terminology used in this specification is for illustrative purposes and not intended to limit the invention. In this specification, unless otherwise stated, singular forms include plural forms as well. The terms "comprises" and / or "comprising" as used in this specification mean that the presence or addition of more than one other constituent element, step, operation, and / or element besides those mentioned are not excluded. Furthermore, "and / or" includes each of the mentioned items and combinations thereof.

[0055] Furthermore, the embodiments described in this specification will be explained with reference to perspective views, sectional views, and / or schematic diagrams, which are idealized example drawings. Therefore, the form of the example drawings may vary depending on manufacturing techniques and / or allowable tolerances. Thus, the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the specific forms illustrated, and variations in form resulting from manufacturing processes are also included. Moreover, in the various figures illustrated in this invention, the constituent elements may be shown in slightly enlarged or reduced form for ease of explanation.

[0056] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings illustrating a vehicle puddle light, based on embodiments thereof.

[0057] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram showing a side mirror equipped with a puddle light for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0058] Reference Figure 1 According to an embodiment of the present invention, a vehicle puddle light 1 is installed on or near the side mirror 10 on the driver's seat and passenger seat side of the vehicle, and illuminates the ground or vehicle body around the vehicle, thereby ensuring visibility for the driver and passengers when getting on and off the vehicle in a dark environment.

[0059] At this time, in Figure 1The example described is a side mirror 10 in which a mirror 11 is installed in the direction in which the field of view needs to be ensured. However, it is not limited to this. Instead of the mirror 11, a camera capable of acquiring images in the direction in which the field of view needs to be ensured may be installed.

[0060] This type of vehicle puddle light 1 not only serves to illuminate the ground or vehicle body around the vehicle to ensure visibility when getting in and out of the vehicle, but also displays the vehicle's unique logo and other images while illuminating the ground and vehicle body around the vehicle to achieve a high-end image and enhance its marketability.

[0061] Figure 2 This is a perspective view showing the appearance of a vehicle puddle light according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 This is a side view showing the appearance of a vehicle puddle light according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 and Figure 5 This is an exploded perspective view showing a vehicle puddle light according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view showing a vehicle puddle light according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0062] Reference Figures 2 to 6 According to an embodiment of the present invention, the vehicle puddle light 1 may include a light source 100, a light collecting part 200, an imaging part 300, and a bracket 400. At least a portion of these components 100, 200, 300, and 400 may be housed in a housing 500.

[0063] The light source unit 100 can produce light of the amount or color required by the vehicle puddle light 1 of the present invention.

[0064] The light source unit 100 may include a substrate 110 and a plurality of light sources 120, 130 disposed on the substrate 110. In an embodiment of the present invention, the light source unit 100 includes a plurality of light sources 120, 130 in order to form a plurality of images by means of the vehicle puddle light 1 of the present invention.

[0065] In an embodiment of the present invention, the case in which the light source unit 100 includes two light sources 120 and 130, so that two images are formed by the vehicle using the puddle lights 1, will be described as an example, and the two light sources 120 and 130 will be referred to as the first light source 120 and the second light source 130, respectively.

[0066] The number of light sources included in the light source unit 100 is not limited to the example described above. Depending on the number of images formed by the vehicle puddle lights 1 of the present invention, the number of light sources included in the light source unit 100 may vary.

[0067] The substrate 110 can not only be provided with multiple light sources 120 and 130, but also with components such as connectors 140 for supplying power or controlling operation to the multiple light sources 120 and 130.

[0068] At this time, a cover 510 may be attached to the housing 500 to prevent the constituent elements 100, 200, 300, and 400 housed inside the housing 500 from falling out of the housing 500. A connection hole 511 may be formed on the cover 510 through which the cable (not shown) connected to the connector 140 passes, so as to control the vehicle puddle light 1 of the present invention.

[0069] The light-collecting section 200 can concentrate the light generated from the light source section 100.

[0070] The light-collecting part 200 can be fixed to the bracket 400, and the bracket 400 can be formed with a plurality of guide holes 410 and 420 corresponding to each of the plurality of light sources 120 and 130, so that the light generated from each of the plurality of light sources 120 and 130 can be guided to the light-collecting part 200, thereby the light generated from each of the plurality of light sources 120 and 130 can travel to the light-collecting part 200 along the corresponding guide holes in the plurality of guide holes 410 and 420.

[0071] At this time, the bracket 400 is located between the light source section 100 and the light collecting section 200, thereby fixing the positions of the light source section 100 and the light collecting section 200. The light source section 100 can be fixed on the opposite side of the light collecting section 200 with the bracket 400 as a reference. In the light source section 100, the alignment protrusion 400a formed on the bracket 400 is inserted into the alignment groove 111 formed on the substrate 110, thereby aligning the fixed position of the light source section 100.

[0072] The light-collecting unit 200 may include a plurality of light-collecting lenses 210 and 220 corresponding to the plurality of light sources 120 and 130. In the embodiments of the present invention, the case in which the plurality of light sources 120 and 130 are configured as two is described as an example. Therefore, the plurality of light-collecting lenses 210 and 220 may also be configured as two. Hereinafter, in the embodiments of the present invention, the plurality of light-collecting lenses 210 and 220 are respectively referred to as the first light-collecting lens 210 corresponding to the first light source 120 and the second light-collecting lens 220 corresponding to the second light source 130.

[0073] The incident surfaces 211 and 221 of the multiple light-collecting lenses 210 and 220 can be integrally formed with each other, and the exit surfaces 212 and 222 can be separately formed with each other. Thus, multiple light-collecting lenses 210 and 220 can be assembled together without separate assembly, thereby simplifying the assembly process and improving assemblability.

[0074] In addition, a through hole 230 may be formed in the light-collecting part 200. The through hole 230 is provided for one end of the partition wall part 430 of the bracket 400 to pass through in a manner that divides a plurality of guide holes 410, 420. When the light-collecting part 200 is assembled to the bracket 400, one end of the partition wall part 430 is configured to pass through the through hole 230 located between the plurality of light-collecting lenses 210, 220 and abut against the imaging part 300 described later. Therefore, light interference between the plurality of light-collecting lenses 210, 220 can be prevented.

[0075] In addition, the other end of the partition 430 can be configured to abut against the substrate 110 in a manner between the first light source 120 and the second light source 130, thereby preventing light interference between the first light source 120 and the second light source 130.

[0076] In other words, the light generated from the first light source 120 and the second light source 130 is separated by the partition 430 so that they do not interfere with each other and can be guided to the first light-collecting lens 210 and the second light-collecting lens 220 respectively.

[0077] The imaging unit 300 can transmit light gathered by the light collecting unit 200 to form an image of a predetermined shape on the ground around the vehicle. An opening 500a can be formed in the housing 500 so that the light transmitted by the imaging unit 300 can illuminate the ground around the vehicle. The light transmitted by the imaging unit 300 can illuminate the ground around the vehicle through an optical component 520 such as a lens provided in the opening 500a.

[0078] That is, the imaging unit 300 transmits light generated from the first light source 120 and focused by the first light-collecting lens 210 to form an image (hereinafter referred to as "first image") on the ground around the vehicle, and transmits light generated from the second light source 130 and focused by the second light-collecting lens 220 to form an image (hereinafter referred to as "second image") on the ground around the vehicle. Since the light generated from the first light source 120 and the second light source 130 is separated from each other by the partition 430 before it is incident on the imaging unit 300, interference between the light generated from the first light source 120 and the second light source 130 can be prevented.

[0079] A stepped portion 500b may be formed at the end of the opening 500a adjacent to the imaging portion 300. This is to stably place the imaging portion 300, and the edge of the imaging portion 300 can be placed on the stepped portion 500b to prevent the imaging portion 300 from moving.

[0080] Since the imaging unit 300 described above can be used for both the first light source 120 and the second light source 130, the number of components can be reduced and the structure simplified. Accordingly, when the vehicle puddle light 1 of the present invention is installed in a small space such as a side mirror 10, sufficient installation space can be ensured.

[0081] Figure 7 and Figure 8 This is a perspective view showing the imaging unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 9 and Figure 10 This is an exploded perspective view showing the imaging section according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0082] Reference Figures 7 to 10 The imaging unit 300 may include a plurality of incident lenses 310, a plurality of exit lenses 320 and a plurality of shielding members 330. It can be understood that the incident surfaces of the plurality of incident lenses 310 are gathered to form the incident surface of the imaging unit 300, and the exit surfaces of the plurality of exit lenses 320 are gathered to form the exit surface of the imaging unit 300.

[0083] In this embodiment of the invention, a plurality of incident lenses 310 may be arranged on the incident surface 341 of the optical component 340 made of a light-transmitting material, and a plurality of exit lenses 320 may be arranged on the exit surface 342 of the optical component 340.

[0084] Furthermore, multiple shielding elements 330 are formed on any one of the incident surface 341 and the emission surface 342 of the optical component 340, thereby blocking a portion of the light traveling toward the corresponding emission lens among the multiple emission lenses 320, so that an image of the required shape is formed on the vehicle puddle light 1 of the present invention.

[0085] Each of the multiple shielding elements 330 may include a transmission region 331 that allows light to pass through and a blocking region 332 that blocks light. The shape of the image formed by the vehicle puddle light 1 of the present invention can be defined according to the shape of the transmission region 331.

[0086] In this embodiment of the invention, the example of a one-to-one correspondence between multiple incident lenses 310 and multiple exit lenses 320 is given. However, this is only an example to help understand the invention and is not limited thereto. Multiple incident lenses 310 and multiple exit lenses 320 can correspond to each other in a one-to-one, many-to-one, one-to-many, or many-to-many manner.

[0087] The imaging unit 300 can be divided into multiple regions A1 and A2 corresponding to each of the multiple light sources 120 and 130. In the embodiment of the present invention, the case in which the light source unit 100 includes two light sources 120 and 130 so as to form two images is described as an example. Therefore, the imaging unit 300 can also be divided into two regions A1 and A2. Hereinafter, in the embodiment of the present invention, the two regions A1 and A2 will be referred to as the first region A1 corresponding to the first light source 120 and the second region A2 corresponding to the second light source 130, respectively.

[0088] In this embodiment of the invention, an example will be given where a first image formed by light generated from a first light source 120 and a second image formed by light generated from a second light source 130 have different shapes. In this case, the transmission regions 331 of the shielding member belonging to the first region A1 and the shielding member belonging to the second region A2 among the plurality of shielding members 330 may have different shapes.

[0089] Furthermore, multiple shielding members 330 may not be formed in the region A3 corresponding to one end of the partition 430 that contacts the imaging unit 300 (i.e., the region in the imaging unit 300 that faces the partition 340), in order to prevent the images formed by transmitting through the first region A1 and the second region A2 respectively from interfering with each other.

[0090] In addition, the partition 430 can be configured such that one end of the partition 430 contacts the incident surface of the imaging section 300, thereby applying pressure to the imaging section 300, thereby fixing the position of the imaging section 300 to prevent flow.

[0091] The vehicle puddle light 1 of the present invention described above may undergo surface treatment such as etching on at least a portion of the inner side surface of the housing 500. The purpose of this treatment is to prevent light from the light from the light-collecting part 200 or the light from the light from the light-imaging part 300 from being reflected on the inner side surface of the housing 500 and causing light interference, thereby causing diffuse reflection of the reflected light.

[0092] Furthermore, in the above embodiments, such as Figure 11 As shown, the plurality of incident lenses 310 and the plurality of exit lenses 320 can each have a generally rectangular shape, which can reduce the space between adjacent incident lenses or adjacent exit lenses, thereby improving the light efficiency.

[0093] at this time, Figure 11 As an example of a case where multiple exit lenses 320 have a rectangular shape, multiple incident lenses 310 can also have a similar shape. Figure 11 A rectangular shape.

[0094] Figure 12This is a schematic diagram showing an image formed by a vehicle using a puddle light according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0095] Reference Figure 12 According to an embodiment of the present invention, the vehicle puddle light 1 can form a first image I1 by means of light generated from the first light source 110, and can form a second image I2 by means of light generated from the second light source 120. It can also form either the first image I1 or the second image I2 by means of the on / off state of the first light source 110 and the second light source 120, and the first image I1 and the second image I2 can be formed simultaneously, thereby enabling the formation of more types of images.

[0096] Furthermore, in the above embodiments, the case where multiple light sources 120 and 130 are located on the optical axes Ax1 and Ax2 of the corresponding light-collecting lenses of the multiple light-collecting lenses 210 and 220 is described as an example, but it is not limited to this. At least one of the multiple light sources 120 and 130 can be arranged to be spaced apart along the respective optical axes Ax1 and Ax2 of the multiple light-collecting lenses 210 and 220 in such a way that there is a predetermined offset relative to the optical axis of the corresponding light-collecting lens of the multiple light-collecting lenses 210 and 220.

[0097] The reason why at least one of the plurality of light sources 120, 130 is arranged to be spaced apart in at least one direction with an interval corresponding to a set offset relative to the optical axis of the corresponding light-collecting lens among the plurality of light-collecting lenses 210, 220 is that the vehicle puddle light 1 of the present invention can not only illuminate light in a direction parallel to the vertical direction, but may also illuminate light at a predetermined angle. In this case, with the intersection of the optical axis of the light-collecting lens and the ground as a reference, the two sides are formed to have different sizes from each other, which may reduce the clarity of at least a portion of the image.

[0098] Figure 13 and 14 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the light illumination range of a vehicle puddle light according to the installation angle, based on an embodiment of the present invention.

[0099] Reference Figure 13 The optical axes Ax1 and Ax2 of the first light-collecting lens 210 and the second light-collecting lens 220 can be set to be formed perpendicular to the ground. In this case, the areas irradiated to both sides with the optical axes Ax1 and Ax2 of the first light-collecting lens 210 and the second light-collecting lens 220 as references are roughly similar. Therefore, the first light source 110 and the second light source 120 can be located on the optical axes Ax1 and Ax2 of the first light-collecting lens 210 and the second light-collecting lens 220, respectively.

[0100] Reference Figure 14The optical axes Ax1 and Ax2 of the first light-collecting lens 210 and the second light-collecting lens 220 can be set to be tilted at a predetermined angle θ relative to the vertical direction. In this case, the areas that illuminate the light to both sides based on the optical axes Ax1 and Ax2 of the first light-collecting lens 210 and the second light-collecting lens 220 are different from each other, so the image sharpness may decrease.

[0101] For example, in the vehicle puddle light 1 of the present invention, the optical axes Ax1 and Ax2 of the first light-collecting lens 210 and the second light-collecting lens 220 are respectively inclined at a predetermined angle towards the rear side of the vehicle to prevent interference with the vehicle body and improve visibility, similar to the above. Figure 14 With the optical axes Ax1 and Ax2 of the first light-collecting lens 210 and the second light-collecting lens 220 as references, the area illuminating light to the rear is relatively larger than that in front, and the area illuminating light to the outside is relatively larger than that inside the vehicle. As a result, the image clarity may be reduced. Therefore, at least one of the plurality of light sources 120 and 130 is set to be spaced apart by an interval corresponding to an offset amount set in at least one direction relative to the optical axis of the corresponding light-collecting lens among the plurality of light-collecting lenses 210 and 220.

[0102] As mentioned above, such as Figure 15 As shown, at least one of the first light source 110 and the second light source 120 is configured to be separated by an offset amount set in at least one direction, with the optical axis of the corresponding light-collecting lens in the first light-collecting lens 210 and the second light-collecting lens 220 as a reference, so as to prevent the image clarity from being reduced due to the installation angle of the vehicle puddle light 1 according to the present invention.

[0103] at this time, Figure 15 This is an example of a situation where the second light source 120 is spaced apart from the optical axis Ax2 of the second light-collecting lens 220 and the first light source 110 is located on the optical axis Ax1 of the first light-collecting lens 210, but it is not limited to this. According to the installation angle of the vehicle puddle light 1 of the present invention or the clarity of the image formed by the vehicle puddle light 1 of the present invention, at least one of the first light source 110 and the second light source 120 can be set to be spaced apart with an interval corresponding to an offset amount set in at least one direction, based on the optical axis of the corresponding light-collecting lens in the first light-collecting lens 210 and the second light-collecting lens 220.

[0104] Those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention can be implemented in other specific forms without altering its technical concept or essential features. Therefore, the embodiments described above are exemplary in all respects and should not be construed as limiting. The scope of the invention is shown by the scope of the claims, not by the detailed description provided, and all changes or modifications derived from the meaning and scope of the claims and their equivalents should be interpreted as included within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A vehicle puddle light, comprising: The light source unit includes multiple light sources disposed on the substrate, which are capable of forming multiple images that are different from each other; The light-collecting section includes a plurality of light-collecting lenses that gather light generated from each of the plurality of light sources; An imaging unit that transmits light emitted from the light-collecting unit to form at least one of the plurality of images; as well as A support, located between the light source and the light collecting section, fixes the positions of the light source and the light collecting section and forms a partition to separate the light generated from each of the plurality of light sources so that it travels toward the imaging section. The imaging unit includes: Multiple incident lenses; Multiple exit lenses, corresponding to each of the multiple incident lenses; and Multiple shielding elements block a portion of the light traveling toward each of the multiple exiting lenses to define the shape of the image. The first light source among the plurality of light sources is arranged such that, The plurality of light-collecting lenses are arranged at intervals corresponding to a predetermined offset along the optical axis of the corresponding light-collecting lens in at least one direction. The second light source among the plurality of light sources is arranged such that, It is located on the optical axis of another corresponding light-collecting lens along the optical axis direction of the plurality of light-collecting lenses.

2. The vehicle puddle light as described in claim 1, wherein, The incident surfaces of the plurality of light-collecting lenses are integrally formed.

3. The vehicle puddle light as described in claim 1, wherein, The support includes: Multiple guide holes guide light generated from each of the multiple light sources to each of the multiple light-collecting lenses. The plurality of guide holes are divided by the partition wall portion.

4. The vehicle puddle light as described in claim 1, wherein, The partition wall is configured such that one end passes through a through hole formed in the light-collecting portion and abuts against the imaging portion, and the other end abuts against the substrate, so as to be located between the plurality of light sources.

5. The vehicle puddle light as described in claim 4, wherein, The through-hole is located between the plurality of light-collecting lenses.

6. The vehicle puddle light as described in claim 1, wherein, The plurality of shielding components include: A shielding member belonging to a first region and a shielding member belonging to a second region, the first region being the region through which a first image formed by light generated from the first light source is transmitted, and the second region being the region through which a second image formed by light generated from the second light source is transmitted.

7. The vehicle puddle light as described in claim 6, wherein, Each of the plurality of shielding elements includes: Transmission area, transmitted light; and Blocking area, blocking light. Furthermore, the shape of the image is defined by the shape of the transmission region. The transmission regions of the shielding element belonging to the first region and the transmission regions of the shielding element belonging to the second region have different shapes from each other.

8. The vehicle puddle light as described in claim 6, wherein, The imaging unit is divided into multiple regions corresponding to each of the plurality of light sources. Furthermore, among the plurality of shielding elements, the transmission area of ​​the transmitted light of each shielding element belonging to each of the plurality of regions has a different shape from the others.

9. The vehicle puddle light as described in claim 6, wherein, The plurality of shielding elements are not formed in the area facing the partition portion.

10. The vehicle puddle light as described in claim 6, wherein, The imaging unit further includes: The optical component has a plurality of incident lenses arranged on the incident surface and a plurality of exit lenses arranged on the exit surface. Furthermore, the plurality of shielding elements are formed on either the incident surface or the exit surface of the optical component.

11. The vehicle puddle light as described in claim 1, further comprising: The housing houses the light source, the light collecting unit, the imaging unit, and the support. Furthermore, at least a portion of the inner surface of the housing is surface-treated to diffuse light.

12. The vehicle puddle light as described in claim 11, wherein, The housing includes: An opening allows light transmitted through the imaging unit to illuminate the image. Furthermore, a stepped portion is formed at the end of the opening near the imaging portion to accommodate the edge of the imaging portion.

Images