Light module for a vehicle and light for a vehicle comprising the light module

Abstract

A lamp module for a vehicle includes a plurality of light sources forming two or more types of distribution patterns, a light guide disposed at one side of the plurality of light sources, and having a first recessed area having a shape recessed upward from a lower surface, and an optical portion disposed between some of the plurality of light sources and the light guide, and into which light output from the some of the plurality of light sources is input, each of the plurality of light sources including a first light source facing a rear surface of the light guide at a rear side of the light guide, and a second light source facing a lower surface of the light guide at a lower side of the light guide, and the optical portion facing the second light source.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a lamp module for a vehicle and a lamp for a vehicle including the lamp module, and more specifically, to a lamp module for a vehicle having a structure with improved luminous efficiency and a lamp for a vehicle including the lamp module. Background Technology

[0002] Various types of lights for vehicles are installed on vehicles according to their function. For example, low beam headlights, high beam headlights, daytime running lights (DRL lights) are installed on the front of the vehicle.

[0003] According to traditional technology, because various types of lights are installed together on a vehicle, the light emitting surfaces formed by the lights are different, which makes it impossible to meet consumer needs in terms of vehicle design when switching lights.

[0004] In addition, according to traditional technology, because various types of lights are installed on vehicles, the space occupied by the lights in the vehicle is too large. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This disclosure aims to solve the aforementioned problems in the related art, while retaining the advantages achieved by the related art as is.

[0006] One aspect of this disclosure is to achieve differentiation in vehicle design by allowing two or more functions to be performed in a single lamp for a vehicle, such that a single light-emitting surface is shared even when lamps with different functions are turned on.

[0007] The technical problems to be solved by this disclosure are not limited to those described above, and any other technical problems not mentioned herein will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains through the following description.

[0008] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a lamp module for a vehicle includes: a plurality of light sources forming two or more types of light distribution patterns; a light guide disposed on one side of the plurality of light sources and having a first recessed region having a shape recessed upward from a lower surface; and an optical unit disposed between some of the plurality of light sources and the light guide, and light output from some of the light sources is input to the optical unit, each of the plurality of light sources including: a first light source facing the rear surface of the light guide from a rear side surface of the light guide; and a second light source facing the lower surface of the light guide from a lower side surface of the light guide, and the optical unit facing the second light source.

[0009] The light guide may include: a first input surface formed on the rear surface of the light guide and at least a portion of the light output from the first light source is input to the first input surface; and a second input surface formed in a first recessed region of the light guide and at least a portion of the light output from the second light source and input to the optical part is input to the second input surface, and the second input surface may be located below a functional dividing surface, which is an imaginary surface connecting the uppermost end of the rear surface of the light guide and the lowermost end of the front surface of the light guide.

[0010] The optical unit may include: an optical input region formed in a region facing the second light source, wherein at least a portion of the light output from the second light source is input into the optical input region; and an optical output region formed on the opposite side of the portion of the optical unit in which the optical input region is formed, wherein at least a portion of the light input to the optical input region is output from the optical output region, wherein the optical input region can converge the light output from the second light source to the optical input region, and the optical output region can diffuse the converged light in the optical input region.

[0011] The optical input area can have the shape of a convex lens protruding toward the second light source, and the optical output area can have the shape of a concave lens recessed toward the second light source.

[0012] The first input surface can be formed into a curved shape that convexly protrudes toward the rear side of the light guide.

[0013] The first recessed region may include: a first surface disposed on the rear region of the first recessed region and inclined upward as the first surface moves forward; and a second surface disposed on the front region of the first recessed region and inclined downward as the second surface moves forward; and a second light source may be disposed on the forward / backward width of the first surface.

[0014] The first recessed region may further include: a third surface that connects the upper end of the first surface and the upper end of the second surface, and the third surface may include: a forward extension that extends forward from the first surface; and a downward extension that extends downward from the front end of the forward extension and connects to the second surface.

[0015] When the first recessed area is cut in the horizontal direction, the first surface may have a linear shape.

[0016] A reflective layer may be formed on the surface of the first surface.

[0017] The third surface may also include: a truncated portion formed in the forward extension and having a stepped shape, wherein the heights of the opposite side surfaces of the truncated portion are different in the left-right direction.

[0018] The front surface of the light guide may include: a first curved region having a curved shape that convexly protrudes toward the front side of the light guide; and a second curved region disposed on the upper portion of the first curved region and having a curved shape that is recessed toward the rear side.

[0019] In the region where the first and second curved regions come into contact with each other, the radius of curvature of the second curved region can be smaller than that of the first curved region.

[0020] At least a portion of the light emitted from the first light source can be emitted to the outside after passing through the rear surface of the light guide to form a first light distribution pattern, and at least a portion of the light emitted from the second light source can be emitted to the outside after passing through the first recessed area of ​​the light guide to form a second light distribution pattern. The first light distribution pattern can be formed by the portion of the light emitted from the first light source that passes through the first curved area, and the second light distribution pattern can be formed by the portion of the light emitted from the second light source that passes through the second curved area.

[0021] The optical section can be disposed between the second light source and the second surface, and at least a portion of the light output from the second light source can reach the second curved region via the optical section and the second surface.

[0022] The lower surface of the light guide may include a slope disposed on the front side of the first recessed region, extending from the lower end of the first recessed region and tilting upward as the slope moves forward, and a reflective layer may be formed on the surface of the slope.

[0023] The inclined plane can be located below the functional dividing surface, which is an imaginary surface connecting the uppermost end of the rear surface of the light guide and the lowermost end of the front surface of the light guide.

[0024] The angle formed by the direction from the second light source toward the upper or lower end of the convex lens and the direction from the second light source toward the middle region of the convex lens can be between 25 and 35 degrees.

[0025] The lowermost end of the second curved region can be located on the imaginary surface connecting the second light source and the uppermost end of the inclined plane, or it can be located on the lower side of the imaginary surface.

[0026] The lamp module may also include a first board to which the first light source is attached, a second board to which the second light source is attached, and a heat sink attached to the first board and the second board.

[0027] The area to which the first plate in the radiator is joined and the area to which the second plate in the radiator is joined can be integrally formed.

[0028] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a lamp for a vehicle includes a plurality of lamp modules, each of the plurality of lamp modules including: a plurality of light sources forming two or more types of light distribution patterns; a light guide disposed on one side of the plurality of light sources and having a first recessed region having a shape recessed from a lower surface upwards in the light guide; and an optical unit disposed between some of the plurality of light sources and the light guide, and light output from some of the plurality of light sources is input to the optical unit, each of the plurality of light sources including: a first light source facing the rear surface of the light guide on a rear side of the light guide; and a second light source facing the lower surface of the light guide on a lower side of the light guide, and the optical unit facing the second light source.

[0029] The multiple lamp modules may include: multiple upper lamp modules disposed on the upper side and arranged in the horizontal direction; and multiple lower lamp modules disposed on the lower side of the upper lamp modules and arranged in the horizontal direction, wherein the shape of the front surface of the light guide disposed in the upper lamp module is different from the shape of the front surface of the light guide disposed in the lower lamp module.

[0030] Each of the front surfaces of the light guide may include: a first curved region having a curved shape that convexly protrudes toward the front side of the light guide; a second curved region disposed on the upper portion of the first curved region and having a curved shape that convexly protrudes toward the front side; and a second recessed region disposed on the lower side of the first curved region and having an upwardly recessed shape, and the second recessed region may be disposed only in a plurality of lower light modules. Attached Figure Description

[0031] The above and other objects, features and advantages of this disclosure will become clearer from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings: Figure 1 This is a perspective view illustrating a lamp module for a vehicle according to an example of the present disclosure; Figure 2 This is a side view illustrating a lamp module for a vehicle according to an example of this disclosure; Figure 3 This is an enlarged side view illustrating a second light source and optics of a lamp module for a vehicle according to an example of this disclosure; Figure 4 A side view illustrating a lamp module for a vehicle according to another example of this disclosure; and Figure 5 This is a perspective view illustrating a vehicle lamp according to the present disclosure, in which multiple lamp modules are provided. Detailed Implementation

[0032] In the following description, a lamp module for a vehicle and a lamp for a vehicle according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0033] Lighting modules for vehicles

[0034] Figure 1 This is a perspective view illustrating a lamp module for a vehicle according to an example of the present disclosure. Figure 2 This is a side view illustrating a lamp module for a vehicle according to an example of this disclosure. Figure 3 This is an enlarged side view illustrating the second light source and optics of a lamp module for a vehicle according to an example of this disclosure.

[0035] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the lamp module 20 for a vehicle according to this disclosure (hereinafter referred to as the "lamp module") can be a lamp module capable of forming two or more types of beam distribution patterns. That is, the lamp module 20 according to this disclosure can separately form a first beam distribution pattern and a second beam distribution pattern different from the first beam distribution pattern. As an example, the first beam distribution pattern can be a low beam pattern, while the second beam distribution pattern can be a DRL pattern. However, the types of the first beam distribution pattern and the second beam distribution pattern are not limited to the types described above, and can be applied to various types of beam patterns.

[0036] The lamp module 20 according to this disclosure may include a plurality of light sources 100 forming two or more types of light distribution patterns and a light guide 200 disposed on one side of the plurality of light sources 100 and facing the plurality of light sources 100. The light guide 200 may be a lens integrally formed therein with a configuration described below. Therefore, according to this disclosure, since the first light distribution pattern and the second light distribution pattern can be formed by a single lens (i.e., the light guide 200), they can share a single light-emitting surface through a single light guide, and even if light distribution patterns with different functions are formed, various design aspects of the vehicle can be distinguished.

[0037] The surface of the light guide 200 can be divided into multiple regions according to its position. More specifically, the light guide 200 may include a front surface 210 defining a front region of the light guide, a rear surface defining a rear region of the light guide, an upper surface 230 defining an upper region of the light guide, and a lower surface 240 defining a lower region of the light guide. Specifically, as Figure 2 As shown, a first recessed region 242 with an upwardly concave shape can be formed on the lower surface 240 of the light guide 200.

[0038] Furthermore, the light source 100 may include a first light source 101 on the rear side of the light guide 200 facing the rear surface of the light guide 200, and a second light source 102 on the lower side of the light guide 200 facing the lower surface 240 of the light guide 200. As an example, the first light source 101 and the second light source 102 may be LEDs, but the type of light source is not limited to LEDs.

[0039] According to this disclosure, at least a portion of the light emitted from the first light source 101 can be emitted to the outside after passing through the rear surface of the light guide 200 to form a first light distribution pattern, and at least a portion of the light emitted from the second light source 102 can be emitted to the outside after passing through the first recessed region 242 of the light guide 200 to form a second light distribution pattern. More preferably, the second light distribution pattern can be formed on the upper side of the first light distribution pattern.

[0040] Now refer to Figures 1 to 3 The lamp module 20 according to this disclosure may further include an optical section 300 disposed between some of the plurality of light sources 100 and the light guide 200, and light output from said light sources is input into the optical section 300. The optical section 300 is configured for transmitting light and can utilize the light output from the light sources more effectively by converging the light output from the light sources before outputting it. More specifically, the optical section 300 may be configured to face the second light source 102. Therefore, according to this disclosure, since the light output from the second light source 102 can be converged in the optical section 300 before being output to the outside, the second light source 102 can be used more effectively, and a light distribution formed by the second light distribution pattern can be easily formed to meet the rules.

[0041] Furthermore, the area in the light guide 200 where the first light source 101 is input and the area in the light guide 200 where the second light source 102 is input can be spaced apart from each other. For more details, see [link to documentation]. Figure 2 The light guide 200 may include: a first input surface 220 formed on the rear surface of the light guide 200, to which at least a portion of the light emitted from the first light source 101 is input; and a second input surface 242b formed in a first recessed region 242 of the light guide 200, to which at least a portion of the light emitted from the second light source 102 and input to the optical unit is input. As an example, the first input surface 220 may correspond to the entire rear surface of the light guide 200.

[0042] In addition, such as Figure 2 As shown, according to this disclosure, the second input surface 242b can be configured to be located below the functional separation surface "A", which is an imaginary surface connecting the uppermost end of the rear surface of the light guide 200 and the lowermost end of the front surface 210 of the light guide 200. Then, the uppermost end of the rear surface of the light guide 200 can be understood as the area on the rear surface of the light guide 200 that intersects with the upper surface 230 of the light guide 200, while the lowermost end of the front surface 210 of the light guide 200 can be understood as the area on the front surface 210 of the light guide 200 that intersects with the lower surface 240 of the light guide 200.

[0043] The functional dividing surface "A" can be a surface that imaginarily divides the light guide 200 into two regions by connecting the uppermost end of the rear surface of the light guide 200 and the lowermost end of the front surface 210 of the light guide 200, and can be a reference surface for classifying the region in which the first light distribution pattern is formed and the region in which the second light distribution pattern is formed.

[0044] In other words, according to this disclosure, since the second input surface 242b is located below the functional separation surface "A", it can prevent the light output from the first light source 101 and input to the first input surface 220 and the light output from the second light source 102 and input to the second input surface 242b from crossing or interfering with each other, thereby preventing the crossing and interference of different light distribution patterns.

[0045] Furthermore, the lamp module 20 according to this disclosure may also include a collimator 150 disposed between the first light source 101 and the light guide 200. The collimator 150 may be configured to convert light output from the first light source 101 into parallel light and then provide the parallel light to the light guide 200.

[0046] As described above, the optical unit 300 can be configured to converge light emitted from the second light source 102 and then output light. The optical unit 300 can then include: an optical input region 310 formed in the region facing the second light source 102, into which at least a portion of the light emitted from the second light source 102 is input; and an optical output region 320 formed on the opposite side of the portion of the optical unit where the optical input region 310 is formed, into which at least a portion of the light input to the optical input region 310 is output. More specifically, as... Figure 2 As shown, the optical output region 320 can be configured to face the second input surface 242b. More preferably, most of the light output from the second light source 102 can be input into the optical input region 310.

[0047] Then, the optical input region 310 can be configured to converge light output from the second light source 102 and input into the optical input region 310, and the optical output region 320 can be configured to diffuse the converged light within the optical input region 310. To achieve the above objectives, the optical input region 310 may include a convex lens shape protruding toward the second light source 102, and the optical output region 320 may include a concave lens shape recessed toward the second light source 102. That is, according to this disclosure, light output from the second light source 102 can converge in the region with the convex lens shape within the optical input region 310, and then diffuse in the region with the concave lens shape when output from the optical output region 320.

[0048] Furthermore, the convex lens formed in the optical input region 310 can have a size within a specific range. For example, refer to... Figure 3 The angle θ defined by the direction from the second light source 102 toward the upper or lower end of the convex lens facing the optical input region 310 and the direction from the second light source 102 toward the middle region of the convex lens can be 25 degrees to 35 degrees. This is to satisfy the rules required for a DRL pattern when the second light distribution pattern formed by the light output from the second light source 102 is a DRL pattern. More preferably, as Figure 3 As shown, i) the angle defined by the direction from the second light source 102 toward the upper end of the convex lens of the optical input region 310 and the direction from the second light source 102 toward the middle region of the convex lens, and ii) the angle defined by the direction from the second light source 102 toward the lower end of the convex lens of the optical input region 310 and the direction from the second light source 102 toward the middle region of the convex lens can be the same.

[0049] Furthermore, the first input surface 220 of the light guide 200 can be formed into a curved shape that convexly protrudes toward the rear side of the light guide 200 (i.e., toward the first light source 101). Therefore, light output from the first light source 101 and converted into parallel light by the collimator 150 can be converged while passing through the first input surface 220.

[0050] Furthermore, the first recessed region 242 of the light guide 200 can be divided into multiple regions. For more details, refer to... Figure 1 and Figure 2 The first recessed region 242 may include a first surface 242a disposed in the rear region of the first recessed region 242 and inclined upward as it moves towards the front, and a second surface 242b disposed in the front region of the first recessed region 242 and inclined downward as it moves towards the front. Specifically, the second surface 242b may be the aforementioned second input surface. As an example, such as Figure 2 As shown, the second light source 102 can be positioned on the forward / backward width of the first surface 242a.

[0051] Now refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The first recessed region 242 may further include a third surface 242c connecting the upper end of the first surface 242a and the upper end of the second surface 242b. The third surface 242c may then include a forward extension segment 242c-1 extending forward from the first surface 242a, and a downward extension segment 242c-2 extending downward from the front end of the forward extension segment 242c-1 and connecting to the upper end of the second surface 242b. That is, it can be understood that when the light guide 200 is viewed from the side, the third surface 242c has a generally L-shaped appearance.

[0052] Furthermore, when the first recessed region 242 disposed in the lamp module 20 according to the present disclosure is cut in the horizontal direction, the first surface 242a may have a linear shape. This can be understood as the first surface 242a having a flat surface shape. However, unlike this, when the first recessed region 242 is cut in the horizontal direction, the first surface 242a may have a parabolic shape.

[0053] Furthermore, according to this disclosure, a reflective layer can be formed on the surface of the first surface 242a. Therefore, according to this disclosure, light emitted from the first light source 101 that reaches the first surface 242a can be reflected without passing through the first surface 242a. As described above, the first light distribution pattern formed by the light emitted from the first light source 101 can be a low-beam pattern, and the aforementioned reflective layer helps to satisfy the rules required for the low-beam pattern by preventing light emitted from the first light source 101 and reaching the first surface 242a from being emitted to the front.

[0054] Furthermore, to meet the requirements of the low beam pattern, a stepped section can be formed in the first recessed region. More specifically, the third surface 242c may also include a stepped section formed in the forward extension 242c-1, wherein in the left-right direction (refer to...) Figure 2 The opposing side surfaces spaced apart from each other in the direction of entering or leaving the paper have different heights. As described above, the first light distribution pattern formed by the first light source 101 can be a near-light pattern, and the cut-off portion can be a structure for forming a cut-off line that is required to be formed in the upper boundary region of the near-light pattern according to a rule. That is, according to this disclosure, as a portion of the light output from the first light source 101 is cut off by the cut-off portion, a near-light pattern with a cut-off line can be formed.

[0055] Furthermore, according to this disclosure, unlike the rear surface (i.e., the first input surface 220) of the light guide 200 which has a single curved shape, the front surface 210 of the light guide 200 may have multiple curved regions. More specifically, see [reference needed]. Figure 1 The front surface 210 of the light guide 200 may include a first curved region 212 having a curved shape that protrudes convexly toward the front side of the light guide 200, and a second curved region 214 disposed above the first curved region 212 and having a curved shape that is recessed toward the rear side.

[0056] The first curved region 212 can be the region reached by light output from the first light source 101 and input to the first input surface 220, while the second curved region 214 can be the region reached by light output from the second light source 102 and input to the second input surface 242b. That is, the first light distribution pattern can be formed by light output from the first light source 101 passing through the first curved region 212, and the second light distribution pattern can be formed by light output from the second light source 102 passing through the second curved region 214. However, the light output from the first light source 101 does not reach the second curved region 214, and the light output from the second light source 102 cannot reach the first curved region 212. Furthermore, the optical unit 300 can be disposed between the second light source 102 and the second input surface 242b, and at least a portion (more preferably, a majority of the light output from the second light source 102) of the light output from the second light source 102 can reach the second curved region 214 via the optical unit 300 and the second input surface 242b.

[0057] As an example, such as Figure 1 As shown, a portion of the second curved region 214 may be located below the upper boundary of the first curved region 212, while another portion of the second curved region 214 may be located above the upper boundary of the first curved region 212. This can be understood as a localized area of ​​the upper boundary of the first curved region 212 having a downwardly concave shape, and the second curved region 214 contacting the first curved region 212 in the downwardly concave area of ​​the upper boundary of the first curved region 212. However, when viewed as a whole, the second curved region 214 may be located above the first curved region 212. Furthermore, the size of the convex lens region of the optical input region 310 may correspond to the size of the second curved region 214, such that light output from the second light source 102 and input to the convex lens region of the optical input region 310 reaches the second curved region 214.

[0058] Furthermore, according to this disclosure, the first curved region 212 and the second curved region 214 may have different radii of curvature.

[0059] More in detail, such as Figure 1 As shown, the average radius of curvature of the second curved region 214 can be smaller than the average radius of curvature of the first curved region 212, and the size of the second curved region 214 can be smaller than the size of the first curved region 212. More preferably, around the area where the first curved region 212 and the second curved region 214 are in contact with each other, the radius of curvature of the second curved region 214 can be smaller than the radius of curvature of the first curved region 212.

[0060] In addition, refer to Figure 1The front surface 210 of the light guide 200 may further include an additional region 218 formed above the first curved region 212 and configured to surround the second curved region 214. The additional region 218 may have a radius of curvature different from that of the first curved region 212 and the second curved region 214, and thus can be distinguished from the first curved region 212 and the second curved region 214. Figure 1 As shown, a local region at the lower boundary of the additional region 218 may have an upwardly concave shape, and the second curved region 214 may contact the additional region 218 in the upwardly concave region at the lower boundary of the additional region 218. That is, the entire perimeter of the second curved region 214 may be surrounded by the first curved region 212 and the additional region 218. The additional region 218 may have a curved shape but may also have a flat surface shape. When the additional region 218 has a curved shape, the radius of curvature of the additional region 218 may be greater than the radii of curvature of the first curved region 212 and the second curved region 214.

[0061] Unlike the first curved region 212 and the second curved region 214, the additional region 218 may be a configuration that contributes substantially nothing to the formation of the first and second light distribution patterns. That is, according to this disclosure, light emitted from the first light source 101 and the second light source 102 may not reach the additional region 218, or a small amount of light that contributes substantially nothing to the formation of the light distribution patterns may reach the additional region 218. However, the additional region 218 helps ensure the aesthetics of the lamp module 20 when it is off by preventing structures such as the first light source 101, the second light source 102, and the collimator 150 disposed in the lamp module 20 according to this disclosure from being externally visible.

[0062] In addition, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the lower surface 240 of the light guide 200 may further include a slope 244 extending from the lower end of the first recessed region 242 and sloping upwards as it moves forward. More specifically, the slope 244 may be located on the front side of the first recessed region 242 and may extend from the lower end of the second surface 242b.

[0063] Then, a reflective layer can be formed on the surface of the inclined plane 244. The reflective layer formed on the surface of the inclined plane 244 can prevent light emitted from the second light source 102 from reaching the first curved region 212 by intercepting a portion of the light emitted from the second light source 102. Furthermore, as... Figure 2 As shown, inclined plane 244 can be located below the functional partition plane "A".

[0064] In addition, refer to Figure 2The lowermost end of the second curved region 214 can be located on the imaginary surface connecting the second light source 102 and the uppermost end of the inclined surface 244, or on the lower side of that imaginary surface. Then, the lowermost end of the second curved region 214 can refer to the boundary where the second curved region 214 and the first curved region 212 intersect. This is to prevent light emitted from the second light source 102 from reaching the first curved region 212.

[0065] Now refer to Figure 1 According to an example of this disclosure, the lamp module 20 may include a first plate 410 to which the first light source 101 is attached, a second plate 420 to which the second light source 102 is attached, and a heat sink 500 to which the first plate 410 is attached. The heat sink 500 may be a configuration for absorbing heat generated by the first light source 101 and dissipating the heat to the outside. As an example, Figure 1 The illustration shows a configuration where the second light source 102 and the second plate 420 are spaced apart from the heat sink 500. This is because when the first light source 101 forms a low beam pattern and the second light source 102 forms a DRL pattern, the heat generated by the second light source 102 is lower than that generated by the first light source 101, therefore the second light source 102 does not need to be cooled by the heat sink.

[0066] Figure 4 This is a side view illustrating a lamp module for a vehicle according to another example of this disclosure.

[0067] All the foregoing descriptions of the lamp module 20 according to this disclosure can be applied in the same manner to another example of the lamp module 20 according to this disclosure. However, the other example of this disclosure differs from the previous example in that the heat sink 500 dissipates the heat generated by the second light source 102.

[0068] More specifically, according to another example of the present disclosure, the lamp module 20 according to the example of the present disclosure may include a first plate 410 to which a first light source 101 is attached, a second plate 420 to which a second light source 102 is attached, and a heat sink 500 attached to the first plate 410 and the second plate 420.

[0069] Then, the area to which the first plate 410 in the heat sink 500 is joined and the area to which the second plate 420 in the heat sink 500 is joined can be integrally formed. Furthermore, because the first light source 101 is configured to face the rear surface of the light guide 200 and the second light source 102 is configured to face the lower surface of the light guide 200, the heat sink 500 needs to have, as Figure 4 The shape shown is bent in a roughly L-shape to absorb all the heat generated by the first light source 101 and the second light source 102.

[0070] Lights for vehicles

[0071] Figure 5 This is a perspective view illustrating a vehicle lamp according to the present disclosure, in which multiple lamp modules are provided.

[0072] Reference Figures 1 to 5 The lamp 10 for a vehicle according to this disclosure (hereinafter referred to as "lamp") may include a plurality of lamp modules 20.

[0073] Each of the plurality of lamp modules 20 may include: a plurality of light sources 100 forming two or more types of light distribution patterns; a light guide 200 disposed on one side of the plurality of light sources 100, and having a first recessed region 242 having a shape that is recessed upward from the lower surface 240; and an optical unit 300 disposed between some of the plurality of light sources 100 and the light guide 200, and light output from some of the plurality of light sources is input to the optical unit 300.

[0074] Multiple light sources 100 may include a first light source 101 located on the rear side of the light guide 200 opposite to the rear surface of the light guide 200, and a second light source 102 located on the lower side of the light guide 200 opposite to the lower surface 240 of the light guide 200. The optical unit 300 can then be configured to face the second light source 102. As described above, the optical unit 300 can be configured to more effectively converge the light emitted from the second light source 102. Furthermore, the above references... Figures 1 to 4 The description replaces the content regarding the lamp module 20 set in the lamp 10 according to this disclosure.

[0075] Reference Figure 5 The multiple lamp modules may include multiple upper lamp modules 20a disposed on the upper side and arranged horizontally, and multiple lower lamp modules 20b disposed on the lower side of the upper lamp modules 20a and arranged horizontally. (Refer to...) Figures 1 to 4 The description relating to the lamp module according to this disclosure replaces the description of the upper lamp module 20a and the lower lamp module 20b.

[0076] However, according to this disclosure, the shape of the front surface of the upper light guide 200a disposed in the upper lamp module 20a and the shape of the front surface of the lower light guide 200b disposed in the lower lamp module 20b may be different. The shapes of the light guides 200 disposed in the upper lamp module 20a and the lower lamp module 20b will be described below.

[0077] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 5In addition to the first curved region 212 and the second curved region 214 already described above, the front surface of the lower light guide 200b may also include a second recessed region 216 disposed below the first curved region 212 and having an upwardly concave shape. However, the aforementioned second recessed region may not be disposed on the front surface of the upper light guide 200a. That is, in the lamp 10 according to this disclosure, the second recessed region 216 may only be disposed in the plurality of lower lamp modules 20b.

[0078] According to this disclosure, vehicle design differentiation can be achieved by allowing two or more functions to be performed in a single lamp used in a vehicle, so that a single light-emitting surface is shared even when lamps with different functions are turned on.

[0079] Although this disclosure has been described with reference to limited embodiments and accompanying drawings, it is not limited thereto, and this disclosure may be practiced in various ways by those skilled in the art within the technical spirit and equivalent scope of the claims.

[0080] Cross-reference to related applications

[0081] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2022-0071709, filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office on June 13, 2022, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Claims

1. A lamp module for a vehicle, the lamp module comprising: Multiple light sources, wherein the multiple light sources are configured to form two or more types of light distribution patterns; A light guide is disposed on one side of the plurality of light sources, and a first recessed area with a shape that is recessed from the lower surface to the upper side is formed in the light guide; as well as An optical section is provided, which is disposed between some of the plurality of light sources and the light guide, and light output from some of the plurality of light sources is input to the optical section. Each of the plurality of light sources includes: A first light source, configured to face the rear surface of the light guide from its rear side; and A second light source is configured such that its lower side faces the lower surface of the light guide. The optical component is configured to face the second light source. The front surface of the light guide includes: A first curved region, the first curved region having a curved shape that convexly protrudes towards the front side of the light guide; and A second curved region is disposed above the first curved region and has a curved shape that is recessed towards the rear. Specifically, the light emitted from the first light source will not reach the second curved region, and the light emitted from the second light source will not reach the first curved region.

2. The lamp module according to claim 1, wherein, The light guide component includes: A first input surface, formed on the rear surface of the light guide, and at least a portion of the light emitted from the first light source is input to the first input surface; and A second input surface is formed in the first recessed region of the light guide and at least a portion of the light emitted from the second light source and input to the optical unit is input to the second input surface. The second input surface is located below the functional separation surface, which is an imaginary surface connecting the uppermost end of the rear surface of the light guide and the lowermost end of the front surface of the light guide.

3. The lamp module according to claim 1, wherein, The optical component includes: An optical input region, formed in a region facing the second light source, wherein at least a portion of the light emitted from the second light source is input to the optical input region; and An optical output region is formed on the opposite side of the portion of the optical unit where the optical input region is formed, and at least a portion of the light input to the optical input region is output from the optical output region. The optical input region is configured to converge light output from the second light source to the optical input region, and the optical output region is configured to diffuse the converged light in the optical input region.

4. The lamp module according to claim 3, wherein, The optical input region has the shape of a convex lens protruding toward the second light source, and the optical output region has the shape of a concave lens recessed toward the second light source.

5. The lamp module according to claim 1, wherein, The first input surface is formed into a curved shape that convexly protrudes toward the rear side of the light guide.

6. The lamp module according to claim 1, wherein, The first recessed region includes: A first surface, the first surface being disposed on the rear region of the first recessed region and inclined upward toward the front; and A second surface is disposed on the front region of the first recessed region and slopes downward toward the front. The second light source is positioned on the forward / backward width of the first surface.

7. The lamp module according to claim 6, wherein, The first recessed area also includes: A third surface, which connects the upper end of the first surface and the upper end of the second surface. The third surface includes: A forward extension segment, which extends forward from the first surface; and A downward extension segment extends downward from the front end of the forward extension segment and connects to the second surface.

8. The lamp module according to claim 6, wherein, The first surface has a linear shape in the horizontal direction.

9. The lamp module according to claim 6, wherein, A reflective layer is formed on the surface of the first surface.

10. The lamp module according to claim 7, wherein, The third surface also includes: The truncated portion is formed in the forward extension and has a stepped shape, and the heights of the opposite side surfaces of the truncated portion are different in the left-right direction.

11. The lamp module according to claim 6, wherein, In the region where the first curved region and the second curved region are in contact with each other, the radius of curvature of the second curved region is smaller than the radius of curvature of the first curved region.

12. The lamp module according to claim 6, wherein, At least a portion of the light emitted from the first light source is emitted to the outside after passing through the rear surface of the light guide to form a first light distribution pattern. At least a portion of the light emitted from the second light source is emitted to the outside after passing through the first recessed area of ​​the light guide to form a second light distribution pattern. The first light distribution pattern is formed by the portion of the light emitted from the first light source that passes through the first curved region, and The second light distribution pattern is formed by the portion of the light emitted from the second light source that passes through the second curved region.

13. The lamp module according to claim 6, wherein, The optical element is disposed between the second light source and the second surface, and at least a portion of the light emitted from the second light source reaches the second curved region via the optical element and the second surface.

14. The lamp module according to claim 6, wherein, The lower surface of the light guide includes: A ramp is provided on the front side of the first recessed region, extending from the lower end of the first recessed region, and sloping upwards as it moves towards the front side. A reflective layer is formed on the surface of the inclined plane.

15. The lamp module according to claim 14, wherein, The inclined surface is located below the functional dividing surface, which is an imaginary surface connecting the uppermost end of the rear surface of the light guide and the lowermost end of the front surface of the light guide.

16. The lamp module according to claim 4, wherein, The angle formed by the direction from the second light source toward the upper or lower end of the convex lens and the direction from the second light source toward the middle region of the convex lens is approximately 25 to 35 degrees.

17. The lamp module according to claim 14, wherein, The lowermost end of the second curved region is located on the imaginary surface connecting the second light source and the uppermost end of the inclined surface, or on the lower side of the imaginary surface.

18. A lamp for a vehicle, the lamp comprising a plurality of lamp modules, wherein each of the plurality of lamp modules comprises: Multiple light sources, wherein the multiple light sources are configured to form two or more types of light distribution patterns; A light guide is disposed on one side of the plurality of light sources, and a first recessed area with a shape that is recessed from the lower surface to the upper side is formed in the light guide; as well as An optical section is provided, which is disposed between some of the plurality of light sources and the light guide, and light output from some of the plurality of light sources is input to the optical section. Each of the plurality of light sources includes: A first light source, configured to face the rear surface of the light guide from its rear side; and A second light source is configured such that its lower side faces the lower surface of the light guide. The optical component is configured to face the second light source. Each of the front surfaces of the light guide includes: A first curved region, the first curved region having a curved shape that convexly protrudes towards the front side of the light guide; and A second curved region is disposed above the first curved region and has a curved shape that is recessed towards the rear. Specifically, the light emitted from the first light source will not reach the second curved region, and the light emitted from the second light source will not reach the first curved region.

19. The lamp for a vehicle according to claim 18, wherein, The plurality of lamp modules include: Multiple upper light modules, wherein the multiple upper light modules are disposed on the upper side and arranged in a horizontal direction; and Multiple lower light modules are disposed below the upper light module and arranged horizontally. The shape of the front surface of the light guide in the upper lamp module is different from the shape of the front surface of the light guide in the lower lamp module, and each of the front surfaces of the light guides in the plurality of lower lamp modules further includes: A second recessed region is disposed below the first curved region and has an upwardly concave shape.

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