Optical module for a motor vehicle

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to an optical module for a motor vehicle that reduces the overall size of the optical system and thus facilitates the packaging construction. The optical module for a motor vehicle also ensures a sufficient amount of light and a higher optical efficiency by effective operation of the light source, and improves the quality of an illumination image projected onto the light irradiation area.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an optical module for a mobility vehicle, the optical module having improved optical efficiency and including an optical system having a reduced size. Background Art

[0002] Generally, a motor vehicle is provided with various types of lights in order to ensure visibility in the traveling direction at night and to notify other motor vehicles and the like of the traveling state of the vehicle.

[0003] These lights include headlamps, fog lamps, turn signal lamps, brake lamps, and reverse lamps that radiate light in different directions depending on their purpose.

[0004] In particular, the headlight is configured to radiate low beam light in normal driving situations and to radiate high beam light in special situations.

[0005] According to recent trends, the overall size of optical systems applied to future motor vehicles has been gradually reduced. However, as the optical system is miniaturized, the optical system may not meet the light quantity requirements stipulated by regulations, and thus may not be able to ensure forward vision.

[0006] The information disclosed in this Background section is only for enhancement of understanding of the general background of the disclosure and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that this information forms the prior art already known to a person skilled in the art. Summary of the invention

[0007] The present disclosure is proposed in view of the above problems, and the purpose of the present disclosure is to provide an optical module for a motor vehicle. The optical module reduces the overall size of the optical system, facilitates the packaging structure, and provides sufficient light and high optical efficiency through the effective operation of the light source. In addition, the optical module improves the quality of the illuminated image projected onto the light irradiation area.

[0008] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the above and other purposes can be achieved by providing an optical module for a motor vehicle. The optical module includes: a plurality of light source units configured to emit light toward a focal point. The optical module also includes: a transmission lens configured to receive light emitted from the plurality of light source units. The transmission lens includes a plurality of transmission parts, and the plurality of transmission parts are formed to match the plurality of light source units, respectively. Each of the plurality of transmission parts includes a light incident surface formed as an aspherical surface, and includes a light emitting surface having a plurality of cells.

[0009] The transmissive lens may be formed to extend in a lateral direction. The plurality of transmissive portions may be arranged in the lateral direction. The plurality of light source units may be spaced apart from each other in the lateral direction to be matched with the plurality of transmissive portions, respectively.

[0010] Each of the plurality of light source units may include: a light source configured to emit light; and a reflector configured to reflect the light emitted from the light source so that the light propagates to a corresponding one of the plurality of transmission parts of the transmission lens.

[0011] The reflector may include a reflective surface formed in an elliptical shape in the longitudinal direction. The light source may be located at a first focus defined by the elliptical shape of the reflective surface. The light emitting surface of the transmissive lens may be located at a second focus defined by the elliptical shape of the reflective surface.

[0012] The reflector may be disposed such that the light propagates below a third focus defined by a light incident surface of a corresponding one of the plurality of transmission portions.

[0013] The light source may be disposed above the reflector such that light emitted from the light source is reflected by the reflector and passes through a light incident surface and a light emitting surface of a corresponding one of the plurality of transmission portions while traveling from bottom to top.

[0014] The reflector may include a reflecting surface formed in a parabolic shape in a lateral direction.

[0015] A plurality of light sources may be arranged in a lateral direction to emit light toward the reflector. A light incident surface of each of the plurality of transmission parts of the transmission lens may be formed to be aspherical in the lateral direction.

[0016] The aspherical surface of each of the plurality of transmission parts of the transmission lens may have a regular curvature. Each of the plurality of light source units and a corresponding one of the plurality of transmission parts may be spaced apart from each other by a regular distance.

[0017] As the multiple transmission parts of the transmission lens have a larger curvature radius, the multiple light source units can be arranged further forward, so that the spacing distance between the multiple transmission parts and the multiple light source units is reduced. As the multiple transmission parts of the transmission lens have a smaller curvature radius, the multiple light source units can be arranged further backward, so that the spacing distance between the multiple transmission parts and the multiple light source units is increased.

[0018] The transmissive lens may be formed such that a light incident surface of at least one of the plurality of transmissive portions is inclined in a lateral direction with respect to light incident surfaces of the other transmissive portions.

[0019] A light source unit among the plurality of light source units that matches the inclined transmission portion may be disposed at a position offset at a certain inclination angle in a lateral direction with respect to the other transmission portions.

[0020] The plurality of light source units may be arranged so as to emit light to the light irradiation area. Some of the plurality of light source units may be arranged so that light emitted from the some of the light source units is offset across a center of the light irradiation area.

[0021] Some of the plurality of light source units may be disposed eccentrically with respect to a center line of a corresponding one of the plurality of transmission parts.

[0022] The optical module may further include: a partition wall disposed between the plurality of light source units to isolate a combination of each of the plurality of light source units and a corresponding one of the plurality of transmission parts from other combinations.

[0023] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, an optical module for a motor vehicle includes: a first light source unit, a second light source unit, and a third light source unit, which are configured to emit light to a light irradiation area. The optical module for a motor vehicle also includes: a transmission lens, which is arranged in front of the first light source unit, the second light source unit, and the third light source unit. The transmission lens includes a first transmission part, a second transmission part, and a third transmission part that match the first light source unit, the second light source unit, and the third light source unit, respectively. Each of the first transmission part, the second transmission part, and the third transmission part includes a light incident surface formed as an aspherical surface, and includes a light emitting surface, and a plurality of monomers are arranged on the light emitting surface.

[0024] The first light source unit may be configured to emit light toward the center of the light irradiation area. The second light source unit may be located on one side of the first light source unit and may be configured to emit light such that the light propagates through the center of the light irradiation area in an oblique direction. The third light source unit may be located on the opposite side of the first light source unit and may be configured to emit light such that the light propagates through the center of the light irradiation area in an oblique direction.

[0025] The second light source unit may be disposed eccentrically to one side with respect to a center line of the second transmissive portion. The third light source unit may be disposed eccentrically to an opposite side with respect to a center line of the third transmissive portion.

[0026] The optical module may further include: a fourth light source unit configured to emit light. The light irradiation area may be divided into a hot zone area and a sub-area. The first light source unit, the second light source unit, and the third light source unit may be configured to emit light to the hot zone area. The fourth light source unit may be configured to emit light to the sub-area. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] The above and other objects, features and other advantages of the present disclosure will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0028] Figure 1is a view showing an optical module for a motor vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0029] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A plan view of an optical module for a motor vehicle shown in ;

[0030] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a transmissive lens according to the present disclosure;

[0031] Figure 4 is a view showing a light emitting surface of a transmissive lens according to the present disclosure;

[0032] Figure 5 is a view showing a light propagation path in an optical module for a motor vehicle according to the present disclosure;

[0033] Figure 6 is a view showing a light source and a reflector of a light source unit according to the present disclosure;

[0034] Figure 7 is a view showing an arrangement of a light source unit according to a shape of a transmissive lens in an optical module for a motor vehicle according to the present disclosure;

[0035] Figure 8 is a view showing an optical module for a motor vehicle according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0036] Fig. 9 is a view for explaining projection of a beam pattern in an optical module for a motor vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0037] Fig.10 is a view showing an optical module for a motor vehicle of the present disclosure;

[0038] Fig.11 It is used to illustrate Fig.10 A view of an optical module for a motor vehicle shown in;

[0039] Fig.12 It is shown from Fig.10 Schematic diagram of beam patterns projected by individual light sources in an optical module for a motor vehicle as shown in ;

[0040] Fig.13 is a diagram showing a beam pattern formed by the prior art; and

[0041] Fig.14 is a diagram illustrating a beam pattern formed by an optical module for a motor vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0042] Hereinafter, embodiments disclosed in the present disclosure are described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Even if the elements are shown in different drawings, the same or similar elements are represented by the same reference numerals. Repeated description of the same or similar elements is omitted.

[0043] In the following description, regarding constituent elements used in the following description, suffixes “module” and “unit” are used merely in consideration of convenience of description and do not have meanings or roles distinguished from each other.

[0044] In the following description of the embodiments disclosed in the present disclosure, when the detailed description of the known functions and structures incorporated herein may make the subject matter of the embodiments disclosed in the present specification quite unclear, the detailed description of the known functions and structures is omitted. In addition, the drawings are provided only for a better understanding of the embodiments disclosed in the present disclosure and are not intended to limit the technical ideas disclosed in the present disclosure. Therefore, it should be understood that the drawings include all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives within the scope and concept of the present disclosure.

[0045] It should be understood that although the terms "first", "second", etc. may be used herein to describe various components, these components should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one component from another component.

[0046] It should be understood that when a component is referred to as being "connected to" or "coupled to" another component, the component may be directly connected to or coupled to the other component, or there may be intervening components. On the other hand, when a component is referred to as being "directly connected to" or "directly coupled to" another component, there are no intervening components.

[0047] As used herein, singular forms are intended to include plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0048] It should be further understood that when terms such as "include", "comprising", "including" and / or "comprising" are used herein, these terms specify the presence of the features, quantities, steps, operations, elements, components or combinations thereof. However, these terms do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, quantities, steps, operations, elements, components or combinations thereof.

[0049] In order to control the functions unique to the controller, the controller may include a communication device that communicates with other controllers or sensors. The controller may also include a memory that stores an operating system, logic commands, and input / output information. The controller may also include one or more processors that perform the judgments, calculations, and decisions required to control the functions unique to the controller. When the components, devices, elements, etc. of the present disclosure are described as having a purpose or performing an operation, function, etc., the components, devices, elements, etc. should be considered as "constructed to" meet the purpose or perform the operation or function in this article. Each of the components, devices, elements, etc. can be implemented individually with a processor and a memory or include a processor and a memory as part of the device, such as a non-temporary computer-readable medium.

[0050] Hereinafter, an optical module for a motor vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0051] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the optical module for a motor vehicle according to the present disclosure includes a plurality of light source units 100 configured to emit light toward a focal point. The optical module also includes a transmissive lens 200 configured to receive light emitted from the light source unit 100 and includes a plurality of transmissive portions 210 formed to match the light source units 100, respectively. Each of the transmissive portions 210 includes a light incident surface A formed in an aspherical shape and a light emitting surface B on which a plurality of monomers 220 are arranged.

[0052] In the embodiment implemented with the light source unit 100 and the transmissive lens 200 , the lamp design can be upgraded by making the transmissive lens 200 smaller.

[0053] In other words, the light source unit 100 is configured to emit light toward a focal point, and the transmissive lens 200 is disposed at or around the focal point of the light emitted from the light source unit 100 .

[0054] Each of the light source units 100 may include a light source 110 configured to emit light, and a reflector 120 configured to reflect the light emitted from the light source 110 so that the light travels to a corresponding transmissive portion 210 of the transmissive lens 200 .

[0055] The light source 110 may be implemented as a light emitting diode (LED). The reflector 120 may have a reflective surface to reflect the light emitted from the light source 110 so that the light propagates to the transmissive portion 210 of the transmissive lens 200. The light source 110 and the reflector 120 may be provided in various forms. Various beam patterns may be generated by turning on the operation of the plurality of light sources 110 respectively. The light source unit 100 operates under the control of a controller. The controller may receive an external signal and may transmit a control signal to the light source unit 100.

[0056] The plurality of transmissive portions 210 of the transmissive lens 200 are formed to match the light source units 100, respectively. Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the light incident surface A of each of the transmission parts 210 is formed in an aspherical shape, and the light emitting surface B of each of the transmission parts 210 is formed so that a plurality of monomers 220 are arranged. Therefore, light incident on the transmission lens 200 is aligned while passing through the aspherical lens, and then emitted as parallel light through the plurality of monomers 220. The plurality of monomers 220 of the transmission lens 200 may be arranged on the light emitting surface B in a longitudinal direction or a transverse direction, and light may be radiated forward through each of the monomers 220.

[0057] The curvature radius of the aspherical light incident surface A of each of the transmission parts 210 of the transmission lens 200 may be adjusted so that light is emitted as parallel light or emitted while being focused. The light incident surface A may be designed based on lamp requirements.

[0058] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the transmissive lens 200 may be formed to extend in the lateral direction. Therefore, the transmissive portion 210 may be arranged in the lateral direction, and a plurality of light source units 100 may be spaced apart from each other in the lateral direction to be matched with the transmissive portion 210, respectively.

[0059] In this way, the transmissive lens 200 can be formed to extend in the lateral direction and can be made smaller by the structure of the light source unit 100 and the transmissive portion 210. Therefore, the lamp design can be upgraded. Therefore, the transmissive portion 210 of the transmissive lens 200 can be arranged in a lateral manner, and a plurality of light source units 100 can be spaced apart from each other in the lateral direction to match the transmissive portions 210, respectively.

[0060] In particular, the reflector 120 may be formed such that a reflective surface of the reflector 120 has an elliptical shape in the longitudinal direction. The light source 110 may be located at a first focus F1 defined by the elliptical shape, and the light emitting surface B of the transmissive lens 200 may be located at a second focus F2 defined by the elliptical shape.

[0061] The reflector 120 of the light source unit 100 is disposed behind the transmissive lens 200 and matches with a corresponding one of the transmissive portions 210 of the transmissive lens 200 so that light emitted from the light source 110 is incident on the corresponding one of the transmissive portions 210 .

[0062] Since the light incident surface A of each of the transmission parts 210 of the transmission lens 200 is formed in an aspherical shape, the reflector 120 can be set at or around the focus defined by the aspherical shape of the transmission part 210. That is, the position of the part to which the light is finally projected can be determined according to whether the reflector 120 is set at or around the focus defined by the aspherical shape of the transmission part 210. For example, when the position of the reflector 120 is close to the focus defined by the aspherical shape of the transmission part 210, the part to which the light is projected can be set to be close to the center of the light irradiation area, and when the position of the reflector 120 is far from the focus defined by the aspherical shape of the transmission part 210, the part to which the light is projected can be set to be far from the center of the light irradiation area. In this way, the position of the light projection part relative to the light irradiation area can be adjusted by adjusting the position of each of the light source units 100.

[0063] In particular, the reflective surface of the reflector 120 may be formed in an elliptical shape in the longitudinal direction so that light reflected from the reflective surface is focused. Figure 5 As shown, the light source 110 is located at a first focus F1 defined by the elliptical shape of the reflective surface of the reflector 120. The light emission surface B of the transmissive lens 200 is located at a second focus F2 defined by the elliptical shape of the reflective surface of the reflector 120. Therefore, light emitted from the light source 110 may be reflected by the reflector 120, may be focused on the light emission surface B of the transmissive portion 210, and may then be emitted through the plurality of cells 220.

[0064] In addition, the reflector 120 may be disposed such that light propagates below a third focus F3 defined by the light incident surface A of the transmission portion 210 .

[0065] In other words, since the light source 110 is disposed above the reflector 120, light emitted from the light source 110 is reflected by the reflector 120 and passes through the light incident surface A and the light emitting surface B of the transmission portion 210 while traveling from bottom to top.

[0066] Since the reflector 120 is formed in an elliptical shape in the longitudinal direction, light emitted from the light source 110 is focused and travels toward the transmission portion 210. The light source 110 disposed above the reflector 120 emits light downward, and light reflected by the reflector 120 travels forward and upward toward the second focus F2.

[0067] In particular, since the reflector 120 is arranged so that the light emitted from the light source 110 and reflected by the reflector 120 propagates below the third focus F3 defined by the light incident surface A of the transmission part 210, the light emitted by the transmission part 210 can be distributed upward. Therefore, the reflector 120 can be located below the transmission lens 200, and the light emitted from the light source 110 can propagate below the third focus F3 defined by the light incident surface A of the transmission part 210. Therefore, when designing the lamp, it is easy to meet the requirements of the vertical viewing angle of the light emitted by the transmission part 210. Generally speaking, the beam pattern of the lamp has a vertical viewing angle of -2° to +5°. Since the light emitted by the transmission lens 200 propagates upward, such a vertical viewing angle can be met.

[0068] In addition, if Figure 6 As shown, since the reflector 120 is formed such that the reflective surface of the reflector 120 forms a parabola in the lateral direction, the light reflected by the reflector 120 propagates in the form of parallel light toward the transmissive lens 200. Therefore, when the light emitted from the light source 110 has a horizontal direction characteristic, the light may be incident on the transmissive portion 210 of the transmissive lens 200 in the form of parallel light.

[0069] Therefore, when light emitted from the light source 110 is reflected by the reflector 120, the light may be aligned in the form of parallel light and may be radiated through the transmissive lens 200 while satisfying a vertical viewing angle in an upward direction.

[0070] On the other hand, in the light source unit 100 according to the present disclosure, the light source 110 is provided in various forms, and a plurality of the light sources 110 are arranged in a lateral direction to emit light toward the reflector 120 .

[0071] For example, Figure 1 As shown, the light source unit 100 may be provided in various forms, and a plurality of light sources 110 and reflectors 120 respectively matched with the light sources 110 may be provided in each of the light source units 100. Therefore, various beam patterns may be formed by selectively turning on the light sources 110.

[0072] In addition, the transmissive lens 200 may be formed to extend in the lateral direction, and the light incident surface A of the transmissive part 210 may be formed aspherical in the lateral direction. Therefore, a plurality of light source units 100 may also be arranged in the lateral direction to match the transmissive parts 210, respectively.

[0073] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the arrangement of the light source unit may be adjusted according to the shape of the transmission portion 210 of the transmission lens 200 .

[0074] like Figure 2As shown, the aspherical surfaces of the transmission parts 210 of the transmission lens 200 are formed to have the same curvature as each other. The interval distances between the light source units 100 and the transmission parts 210 respectively corresponding to the light source units 100 are the same as each other.

[0075] In other words, since the curvatures of the aspherical surfaces of the transmission parts 210 are the same, the light source units 100 can be disposed at the same distance from the transmission parts 210 respectively corresponding to the light source units 100 based on the focus defined by the shapes of the light incident surfaces of the respective transmission parts 210 .

[0076] When the transmissive lens 200 is formed to extend in an oblique direction, the transmissive portions 210 may be arranged in the oblique direction, and the light source units 100 may be arranged in the oblique direction to be disposed at the same distance from the transmissive portions 210 respectively corresponding to the light source units 100 based on the focal points defined by the shapes of the light incident surfaces of the respective transmissive portions 210. Therefore, when light emitted from each of the light source units 100 passes through the transmissive lens 200, a beam pattern may be formed in a specific light irradiation region. Even when the transmissive lens 200 is formed in any other shape without extending in the oblique direction, a uniform beam pattern may be formed in the light irradiation region by arranging the light source unit 100 at the focal points defined by the shapes of the aspherical surfaces of the respective transmissive portions 210.

[0077] On the other hand, as the radius of curvature of the transmissive portion 210 of the transmissive lens 200 increases, the light source unit 100 is arranged further forward, so that the spacing distance between the light source unit 100 and the transmissive portion 210 decreases. Conversely, as the radius of curvature of the transmissive portion 210 of the transmissive lens 200 decreases, the light source unit 100 is arranged further backward, so that the spacing distance between the light source unit 100 and the transmissive portion 210 increases.

[0078] like Figure 7 As shown, the position of the light source unit 100 may be adjusted according to the curvature radius of the aspherical surface of the transmission portion 210 of the transmission lens 200 .

[0079] For example, refer to Figure 7, since the radius of curvature of the aspherical surface of the transmission part 210 disposed at the upper position is greater than the radius of curvature of the aspherical surface of the transmission part 210 disposed at the middle position, the distance of the focus defined by the aspherical shape of the transmission part 210 disposed at the upper position is reduced. Therefore, when the light source unit 100 matched with the transmission part 210 disposed at the upper position is disposed at the focus defined by the corresponding transmission part 21, the spacing distance between the transmission part 210 and the light source unit 100 can be reduced. Therefore, even if the radius of curvature of the aspherical surface is large, the light emitted from the light source unit 100 can be radiated in the form of parallel light through the transmission part 210.

[0080] In addition, refer to Figure 7 , since the curvature radius of the aspherical surface of the transmission part 210 disposed at the lower position is smaller than the curvature radius of the aspherical surface of the transmission part 210 disposed at the middle position, the distance of the focus defined by the aspherical shape of the transmission part 210 disposed at the lower position increases. Therefore, when the light source unit 100 matched with the transmission part 210 disposed at the lower position is disposed at the focus defined by the corresponding transmission part 21, the spacing distance between the transmission part 210 and the light source unit 100 can be increased. Therefore, even if the curvature radius of the aspherical surface is small, the light emitted from the light source unit 100 can be radiated in the form of parallel light through the transmission part 210.

[0081] In this manner, in the present disclosure, the position of the light source unit 100 can be adjusted according to the curvature radius of the aspherical surface of each of the transmission parts 210. Therefore, even when the transmission lens 200 is formed to extend in an inclined direction or is formed in any other shape, the light source unit 100 can be regularly arranged on a straight line by adjusting the curvature radius of the transmission part 210. Therefore, since the position of the light source unit 100 is adjusted by adjusting the curvature radius of the aspherical surface of the transmission part 210, the installation space and installation freedom of the light source unit 100 can be ensured.

[0082] In an embodiment, Figure 8 As shown, the transmissive lens 200 may be formed such that a light incident surface A of at least one of the plurality of transmissive portions 210 is inclined in a lateral direction with respect to light incident surfaces of the other transmissive portions 210 .

[0083] Furthermore, the light source unit 100 matched with the inclined transmission portion 210 may be disposed at a position shifted at a certain tilt angle in the lateral direction with respect to the other transmission portions 210 .

[0084] In other words, light emitted from each of the light source units passes through a corresponding one of the transmission parts 210 of the transmission lens 200 to form a beam pattern at the target point. Here, since the transmission lens 200 is formed to extend in the lateral direction and the transmission parts 210 are arranged at regular intervals, the light incident surface A of at least one of the plurality of transmission parts 210 may be tilted in the lateral direction relative to the light incident surfaces of the other transmission parts 210 to distribute the beam pattern within the viewing angle of the target point.

[0085] In other words, when a beam pattern is formed at a target point, there may be a transmission portion 210 that projects the beam pattern onto the target point and a transmission portion 210 that projects the beam pattern onto a point outside the viewing angle of the target point. In this case, the transmission portion 210 that projects the beam pattern onto a point outside the viewing angle of the target point is formed to be tilted in a lateral direction relative to the other transmission portions 210. The position of the light source unit 100 matched with the tilted transmission portion 210 is adjusted according to the tilt direction, and thus, light passing through the tilted transmission portion 210 can form a beam pattern within the viewing angle of the target point.

[0086] like Figure 8 As shown, if the transmission part 210 disposed at the rightmost position is formed not to be inclined, the light passing through the corresponding transmission part 210 may be projected onto a point outside the light irradiation area. However, if the corresponding transmission part 210 is inclined, and the position of the light source unit 100 matched with the corresponding transmission part 210 is adjusted according to the inclination, the light emitted from the light source unit 100 may propagate to the target point through the inclined transmission part 210 in the form of parallel light, and a beam pattern may be formed.

[0087] On the other hand, a plurality of light source units 100 are disposed to emit light to the light irradiation area. Some of the light source units 100 may be disposed so that light emitted therefrom is offset through the center of the light irradiation area.

[0088] like Fig. 9 As shown, the light source unit 100 is arranged in a variety of forms, and each of the light source units 10 emits light to form a beam pattern in the light irradiation area. Here, the light source units 100 other than the light source unit 100 arranged to be aligned with the light irradiation area may be arranged so that the propagation directions of the light emitted therefrom intersect each other. Therefore, the range of the beam pattern formed by the light source unit 100 can be ensured, and thus the beam pattern can be clearly formed in the light irradiation area.

[0089] Furthermore, some of the light source units 100 may be disposed eccentrically with respect to the center lines of the transmission parts 210 respectively corresponding to the light source units.

[0090] For example, among the light source units 100 that emit light to the light irradiation area to form a beam pattern, the light source unit located on the left side of the central light source unit 100 can be arranged eccentrically to the left relative to the center line of the corresponding transmissive portion 210. Therefore, the beam pattern can be projected to be biased to the right side of the light irradiation area. In addition, the light source unit 100 located on the right side of the central light source unit 100 can be arranged eccentrically to the right relative to the center line of the corresponding transmissive portion 210. Therefore, the beam pattern can be projected to be biased to the left side of the light irradiation area.

[0091] Accordingly, the central light source unit 100 emits light forward toward the light irradiation area, and the left light source unit 100 and the right light source unit 100 emit light toward the light irradiation area so that the propagation directions of the light emitted therefrom intersect each other. Therefore, even when the range of the light irradiation area is increased, a beam pattern can be formed in the light irradiation area.

[0092] Furthermore, since the left and right light source units 100 and 100 are spaced apart from the center light source unit 100 in directions away from each other, the influence of heat generated from each light source unit may be reduced, and heat dissipation performance may be ensured.

[0093] On the other hand, Fig. 9 As shown, the partition wall 300 may be disposed between the plurality of light source units 100 so that a combination of the light source unit 100 and the transmission portion 210 that matches each other is isolated from other combinations.

[0094] Since the partition wall 300 is disposed between the plurality of light source units 100 and is formed to extend to the transmissive lens 200, the combination of the light source unit 100 and the transmissive portion 210 that matches each other is isolated from other combinations. The partition wall 300 is configured not to transmit light. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the light emitted from each of the light source units 100 from being incident on the transmissive portion 210 other than the transmissive portion 210 corresponding thereto. Therefore, when the light source unit 100 is selectively turned on, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of a light flickering phenomenon or a light diffusion phenomenon caused by light being incident on the transmissive portion 210 that matches the light source unit 100 other than the turned-on light source unit 100. Therefore, it is possible to improve the quality of the beam pattern.

[0095] In another embodiment, if Fig.10 and Fig.11As shown, an optical module for a motor vehicle includes a first light source unit 100a, a second light source unit 100b, and a third light source unit 100c configured to emit light to a light irradiation area. The optical module further includes a transmissive lens 200, which is disposed in front of the first to third light source units 100a, 100b, and 100c. The optical module further includes a first transmissive portion 210a, a second transmissive portion 210b, and a third transmissive portion 210c that are matched with the first to third light source units 100a, 100b, and 100c, respectively. Each of the first to third transmissive portions 210a, 210b, and 210c includes a light incident surface A formed in an aspherical shape and a light emitting surface B on which a plurality of monomers 220 are arranged.

[0096] Each of the first to third light source units 100a, 100b, and 100c may include a light source 110 and a reflector 120. The light source 110 may be implemented as an LED. The reflector 120 may be configured to reflect light emitted from the light source 110 so that the light propagates to a corresponding transmissive portion of the transmissive lens 200. Each of the light source units and the light source 110 included in each of the light source units may be configured to be turned on individually to form a variety of beam patterns.

[0097] Here, the first light source unit 100a may be configured to emit light toward the center of the light irradiation area. The second light source unit 100b may be located at one side of the first light source unit 100a. The second light source unit 100b may be configured to emit light so that the light propagates through the center of the light irradiation area in an oblique direction. The third light source unit 100c may be located at the opposite side of the first light source unit 100a. The third light source unit 100c may be configured to emit light so that the light propagates through the center of the light irradiation area in an oblique direction.

[0098] To this end, the second light source unit 100b may be disposed eccentrically to one side with respect to the center line of the second transmission portion 210b. The third light source unit 100c may be disposed eccentrically to the opposite side with respect to the center line of the third transmission portion 210c.

[0099] Among the light source units configured to emit light to the light irradiation area to form a beam pattern, the first light source unit 100a may form a beam pattern at the center of the light irradiation area. The second light source unit 100b disposed eccentrically to one side with respect to the center line of the second transmission part 210b corresponding thereto may form a beam pattern at a point eccentric to the opposite side of the light irradiation area. The third light source unit 100c disposed eccentrically to the opposite side with respect to the center line of the third transmission part 210c corresponding thereto may form a beam pattern at a point eccentric to one side of the light irradiation area.

[0100] Therefore, the first light source unit 100a emits light forward toward the light irradiation area, and the second light source unit 100b and the third light source unit 100c emit light toward the light irradiation area so that the propagation directions of the light emitted therefrom intersect each other. Therefore, even when the range of the light irradiation area is increased, a beam pattern can be formed in the light irradiation area.

[0101] Furthermore, since the second and third light source units 100b and 100c are spaced apart from the first light source unit 100a in directions away from each other, the influence of heat generated from each light source unit may be reduced, and heat dissipation performance may be ensured.

[0102] In addition, a fourth light source unit 100d configured to emit light may be further included, and the light irradiation area may be divided into a hot zone area R1 and a sub-area R2. The first light source unit 100a, the second light source unit 100b, and the third light source unit 100c may be configured to emit light to the hot zone area R1. The fourth light source unit 100d may be configured to emit light to the sub-area R2. Therefore, the transmissive lens 200 may further include a fourth transmissive portion 210d matched with the fourth light source unit 100d.

[0103] The fourth light source unit 100d may include a light source 110 and a reflector 120, and is disposed to emit light to a light irradiation area. A sufficient amount of light may be obtained by additionally providing the fourth light source unit 100d.

[0104] In other words, the light irradiation area may be divided into a hot zone area R1 and a sub-area R2. By projecting light from the first light source unit 100a, the second light source unit 100b, and the third light source unit 100c to the hot zone area R1, a beam pattern may be formed in the hot zone area R1. By projecting light from the fourth light source unit 100d to the sub-area R2, a beam pattern may be formed in the sub-area R2. Therefore, a sufficient amount of light may be obtained. In this way, since the beam pattern formed by the light source units is distributed to the hot zone area R1 and the sub-area R2 of the light irradiation area, the visibility of the beam pattern is improved, and thus the marketability of the lamp is increased.

[0105] According to the above-described embodiment of the present disclosure, each of the first to third light source units 100a, 100b, and 100c includes three light sources, and the fourth light source unit 100d includes four light sources. Light emitted from each of the light sources is projected onto the light irradiation area, and thus a beam pattern is formed. Specifically, as Fig.12As shown, the light sources of each of the light source units 100 can be arranged so that the beam pattern is distributed to a plurality of regions relative to the center of the light irradiation region. Therefore, a sufficient amount of light can be obtained by adjusting the overlapping area between the lights emitted from the respective light sources to the light irradiation region. The visibility of the light irradiation region can be improved by adjusting the distribution of the beam pattern formed by the lights emitted from the respective light sources.

[0106] In the prior art, the beam pattern is as follows Fig.13 However, in this case, the overlapping area between the lights emitted from the multiple light sources is too large. Therefore, when a dark area is formed in the light irradiation area, a large number of light sources need to be turned off. Fig.14 As shown, the overlapping area between the lights emitted from the various light sources is minimized. Therefore, the number of light sources that are turned off when a dark area is formed in the light irradiation area is reduced, thereby improving the visibility of the light irradiation area. In addition, the total number of light sources can be reduced, so the cost of manufacturing the lamp can be reduced.

[0107] As is apparent from the above description, according to the optical module for a motor vehicle constructed as described above, the overall size of the optical system is reduced, so that the packaging structure can be facilitated. In addition, sufficient light quantity and high optical efficiency are ensured by the effective operation of the light source, and the quality of the illuminated image projected onto the light irradiation area is improved.

[0108] Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been disclosed for illustrative purposes, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications, additions and substitutions are possible, without departing from the scope and spirit of the present disclosure as disclosed in the accompanying claims.

Claims

1. An optical module for a motor vehicle, the optical module comprising: A plurality of light source units emitting light toward a focal point; as well as a transmissive lens receiving light emitted from the plurality of light source units, the transmissive lens comprising a plurality of transmissive portions formed to match the plurality of light source units, respectively; Each of the plurality of transmission parts includes a light incident surface formed as an aspherical surface and a light emitting surface having a plurality of cells.

2. The optical module according to claim 1, wherein: The transmissive lens is formed to extend in a lateral direction, The plurality of transmission parts are arranged in the lateral direction, and The plurality of light source units are spaced apart from each other in the transverse direction to be matched with the plurality of transmission portions, respectively.

3. The optical module according to claim 1, wherein: Each of the plurality of light source units includes a light source that emits light, and includes a reflector that reflects the light emitted from the light source so that the light propagates to a corresponding one of the plurality of transmission parts of the transmission lens.

4. The optical module according to claim 3, wherein: The reflector includes a reflecting surface formed in an elliptical shape in a longitudinal direction, The light source is located at a first focus defined by the elliptical shape of the reflective surface, and The light emitting surface of the transmissive lens is located at a second focus defined by the elliptical shape of the reflective surface.

5. The optical module according to claim 4, wherein: The reflector is disposed so that light propagates below a third focus defined by a light incident surface of a corresponding one of the plurality of transmission parts.

6. The optical module according to claim 3, wherein: The light source is disposed above the reflector so that light emitted from the light source is reflected by the reflector and passes through a light incident surface and a light emitting surface of a corresponding one of the plurality of transmission parts while traveling from bottom to top.

7. The optical module according to claim 3, wherein: The reflector includes a reflecting surface formed in a parabolic shape in a lateral direction.

8. The optical module according to claim 3, wherein: A plurality of light sources are arranged in a lateral direction to emit light toward the reflector, and A light incident surface of each of the plurality of transmission parts of the transmission lens is formed to be aspherical in the lateral direction.

9. The optical module according to claim 3, wherein: The aspherical surface of each of the plurality of transmission parts of the transmission lens has a regular curvature, and Each of the plurality of light source units and a corresponding one of the plurality of transmission parts are spaced apart from each other by a regular distance.

10. The optical module according to claim 3, wherein: As the plurality of transmission parts of the transmission lens have a larger radius of curvature, the plurality of light source units are disposed further forward so that the spacing distance between the plurality of transmission parts and the plurality of light source units is reduced, and As the plurality of transmissive portions of the transmissive lens have a smaller radius of curvature, the plurality of light source units are disposed further back, so that a spacing distance between the plurality of transmissive portions and the plurality of light source units increases.

11. The optical module according to claim 1, wherein: The transmissive lens is formed such that a light incident surface of at least one of the plurality of transmissive portions is inclined in a lateral direction with respect to light incident surfaces of the other transmissive portions.

12. The optical module according to claim 11, wherein: A light source unit among the plurality of light source units that matches the inclined transmission portion is disposed at a position offset at a certain inclination angle in the lateral direction with respect to the other transmission portions.

13. The optical module according to claim 1, wherein: The plurality of light source units are arranged to emit light to a light irradiation area, and Some of the plurality of light source units are disposed such that light emitted from the some of the light source units is offset through a center of the light irradiation area.

14. The optical module according to claim 1, wherein: Some of the plurality of light source units are disposed eccentrically with respect to a center line of a corresponding one of the plurality of transmission parts.

15. The optical module according to claim 1, further comprising: A partition wall is provided between the plurality of light source units to isolate a combination of each of the plurality of light source units and a corresponding one of the plurality of transmission parts from other combinations.

16. An optical module for a motor vehicle, the optical module comprising: The first light source unit, the second light source unit and the third light source unit emit light to the light irradiation area; as well as a transmissive lens, disposed in front of the first light source unit, the second light source unit and the third light source unit, the transmissive lens comprising a first transmissive portion, a second transmissive portion and a third transmissive portion respectively matching the first light source unit, the second light source unit and the third light source unit, wherein each of the first transmission part, the second transmission part and the third transmission part comprises: a light incident surface formed as an aspherical surface; and a light emitting surface on which a plurality of cells are arranged.

17. The optical module according to claim 16, wherein: The first light source unit emits light toward the center of the light irradiation area, The second light source unit is located at one side of the first light source unit and emits light such that the light propagates through the center of the light irradiation area in an oblique direction, and The third light source unit is located at an opposite side of the first light source unit, and emits light such that the light propagates through a center of the light irradiation area in an oblique direction.

18. The optical module according to claim 17, wherein: The second light source unit is disposed eccentrically to one side relative to a center line of the second transmission portion, and The third light source unit is disposed eccentrically to an opposite side with respect to a center line of the third transmission portion.

19. The optical module according to claim 16, further comprising: a fourth light source unit, emitting light, wherein the light irradiation area is divided into a hot zone area and sub-areas, and The first light source unit, the second light source unit, and the third light source unit are configured to emit light to the hot zone area, and the fourth light source unit is configured to emit light to the sub-area.

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