Lighting device for vehicle and method of manufacturing the same

Abstract

The invention discloses a lighting device for a vehicle and a method of manufacturing the same. A lighting device for a vehicle, the lighting device including: a rear panel; a printed circuit board (PCB) disposed in front of the rear panel and including a plurality of light sources; a rubber pad disposed on a front surface of the PCB and configured as a plurality of through holes formed based on positions of the plurality of light sources; the front panel is buckled and matched to the rear panel; and a light guide member coupled to the accommodating space formed between a plurality of first buttons and a plurality of second buttons provided on the front panel, in which the light guide member includes a transmission member through which light emitted from the plurality of light sources is transmitted, and a shielding member shielding the light.

Description

[0001] Related Applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of Patent Application No. 10-2023-0117673 filed in Korea on September 5, 2023 under 35 U.S.C. §119(a), the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to a lighting device for a vehicle and a method of manufacturing the same. Background Art

[0004] The content described in this section merely provides background information for the present disclosure and does not constitute prior art.

[0005] In addition, various terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), (b), etc. are used only to distinguish one component from another, and do not imply or suggest the substance, order, or sequence of the components. Throughout this specification, when a component "includes" or "comprises" a component, the component is intended to further include other components, not excluding these components, unless otherwise specifically stated. Terms such as "unit", "module", etc. refer to one or more units for processing at least one function or operation, which can be implemented by hardware, software, or a combination thereof.

[0006] In order to improve the interior appeal quality of a vehicle, electroplating or metal deposition is applied to the decorative parts. For example, in the case of electroplated decorative parts, a glossy surface of metal may be exhibited during the day, while light does not pass through the decorative parts at night. When metal is deposited on the decorative parts, the decorative parts exhibit a glossy surface of metal during the day, and light is allowed to pass through the decorative parts at night.

[0007] However, the decorative parts that need to be illuminated at night have structural limitations in terms of the overall light emission of the decorative parts. Therefore, if a design that requires illumination only in a partial area of ​​the decorative part is required, the design cannot be realized. Summary of the invention

[0008] In view of this, the present disclosure provides a lighting device for a vehicle, which can realize local illumination in a local section of a decorative component that requires nighttime illumination.

[0009] The present disclosure also provides a lighting device for a vehicle, which is capable of expressing a glossy surface of a metal during the day and illuminating only a partial area at night.

[0010] The present disclosure also provides a lighting device for a vehicle, which can reduce the number of parts and manufacturing costs by using double injection molding.

[0011] The present disclosure also provides a lighting device for a vehicle, which can be located in various positions inside the vehicle to improve the appealing quality of the interior.

[0012] Problems to be solved by the present disclosure are not limited to the above-mentioned problems, and other problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description.

[0013] Beneficial Effects

[0014] According to an embodiment, a lighting device for a vehicle may realize partial lighting in a partial section of a decorative component that requires nighttime lighting.

[0015] According to an embodiment, a lighting device for a vehicle may express a glossy surface of a metal during daytime and illuminate only a partial area at night.

[0016] According to an embodiment, a lighting device for a vehicle may reduce the number of parts and manufacturing costs by using double injection molding.

[0017] According to embodiments, a lighting device for a vehicle may be located at various locations within the vehicle interior to increase the appealing quality of the interior. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] Figure 1 is a perspective view schematically showing a configuration of a lighting device for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of a lighting device for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] Figure 3 It is along Figure 1 A cross-sectional view taken along line AA.

[0021] Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating a method of manufacturing a lighting device for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] The following description of the present disclosure, which will be disclosed in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, is intended to illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure, but is not intended to represent the only embodiments in which the present disclosure can be practiced.

[0023] Figure 1 is a perspective view schematically showing a configuration of a lighting device for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of a lighting device for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the lighting device for a vehicle includes some or all of a front panel 140 , a light guide member 150 , a rubber pad 160 , a printed circuit board (PCB) 170 , and a rear panel 180 .

[0026] The front panel 140 includes a plurality of first buttons 120 and a plurality of second buttons 130. The plurality of first buttons 120 may be push buttons. The plurality of first buttons 120 are aligned and arranged in the longitudinal direction of the front panel 140. The plurality of second buttons 130 are aligned and arranged at the bottom of the plurality of first buttons 120. Here, the plurality of second buttons 130 may be dual-state buttons.

[0027] The button knobs 110 are disposed at both ends of the front panel 140. The button knobs 110 can be clicked by the user to turn on / off. The button knobs 110 can be rotated by the user to adjust the volume of the media, etc.

[0028] The light guide member 150 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is disposed between the plurality of first buttons 120 and the plurality of second buttons 130. The light guide member 150 has a predetermined size and thickness to be disposed in a partial area.

[0029] The light guide member 150 includes a transmissive member 151 and a shielding member 152 .

[0030] The light guide member 150 is manufactured based on double injection molding. For example, the transmissive member 151 is injection-molded based on primary injection molding to be manufactured. The shielding member 152 is injection-molded in front of the transmissive member 151 based on secondary injection molding to be manufactured.

[0031] The light guide member 150 is manufactured based on double injection molding, and then a metal formed of chromium is deposited based on a thin film processing process. Here, the thin film processing process includes a physical vapor deposition (PVD) process.

[0032] The PCB 170 includes a plurality of light sources 171. Here, the plurality of light sources 171 may be light emitting diodes (LEDs). Here, the plurality of light sources 171 are arranged on an upper surface of the PCB 170. The plurality of light sources 171 may be arranged on an upper surface of the PCB 170 based on a predetermined pattern.

[0033] The transmissive member 151 may be injection molded based on the shape of the injection mold. The transmissive member 151 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may have a shape with a predetermined thickness so that the transmissive member 151 may be arranged between the plurality of first buttons 120 and the plurality of second buttons 130. The transmissive member 151 may transmit light emitted from the plurality of light sources 171 to the front.

[0034] The shielding member 152 shields light transmitted from the transmissive member 151 to form an illuminated area and a non-illuminated area of ​​the light guide member 150. Therefore, the shielding member 152 has a shape corresponding to a front area of ​​the transmissive member 151. The shielding member 152 is manufactured in a shape in which a partial area is open so that a portion of light passing through the transmissive member 151 can be irradiated forward.

[0035] When the light guide member 150 is arranged between the plurality of first buttons 120 and the plurality of second buttons 130, the shielding member 152 is coupled in a state of being exposed to the front. Thus, during the day, a thin film formed of metal may be deposited on the shielding member 152 to have a glossy surface. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a thin film formed of, for example, chrome is formed on the shielding member 152. However, the material deposited on the shielding member 152 is not limited thereto.

[0036] The rubber pad 160 is disposed in front of the PCB 170. The rubber pad 160 includes a through hole (not shown). The through hole of the rubber pad 160 is formed based on the position of each of the plurality of light sources 171 arranged on the PCB 170.

[0037] The rubber pad 160 may dissipate heat generated by the plurality of light sources 171 .

[0038] Figure 3 It is along Figure 1 A cross-sectional view taken along line AA.

[0039] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 , the light guide member 150 has an illuminated area (A area) and a non-illuminated area (B area). The light guide member 150 may be coupled between the button knobs 110 disposed at both ends.

[0040] The transmissive member 151 includes a coupling portion 300 so that the light guide member 150 can be fixed to the front panel 140. The coupling portion 300 is formed at the rear of the transmissive member 151. There may be a plurality of coupling portions 300 having a hook shape. The light guide member 150 may be coupled to the accommodation space of the front panel 140 based on the coupling portion 300 of the transmissive member 151.

[0041] The light emitted from the plurality of light sources 171 is emitted to the front of the front panel 140 via the transmissive member 151. Here, the non-illuminated area (B area) formed with the shielding member 152 shields the light emitted from the illuminated area (A area). That is, the non-illuminated area (B area) can prevent the light generated in the illuminated area (A area) from leaking.

[0042] The shape and area of ​​the transmissive member 151 and the shielding member 152 of the light guide member 150 are not limited thereto. This is merely an embodiment, and the light guide member 150 may be disposed in any area where the illuminated area and the non-illuminated area of ​​the vehicle should be separated. For example, the light guide member 150 may be disposed in one or more places inside the vehicle, such as a center console, a cockpit, or a door.

[0043] In order to emit light forward from the plurality of light sources 171 arranged in front of the PCB 170, the transmissive member 151 is injection-molded based on a high-transmittance polycarbonate material to be manufactured. However, the material of the transmissive member 151 is not limited thereto. For example, the transmissive member may be injection-molded using any one of acrylic (PMMA), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP), polyurethane (PU), and silicone.

[0044] The shielding member 152 may shield a partial area of ​​the light guide member 150. During the secondary injection molding process, the shielding member 152 may be injection molded in a partially open shape. The open shape of the shielding member 152 forms a light path so that light emitted from the plurality of light sources 171 may pass through the transmissive member 151 and then project forward.

[0045] The size of the illuminated area according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be, for example, 1 mm in vertical length and 40 mm in horizontal length. However, this is merely an embodiment, and the size of the illuminated area is not limited thereto. The size of the illuminated area may be determined based on, for example, vehicle specifications and the installation position of the light guide member 150.

[0046] The shielding member 152 may be injection-molded based on, for example, any one of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and polyurethane (PU).

[0047] The shielding member 152 may be manufactured using a black material to shield the light emitted from the plurality of light sources 171 .

[0048] Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating a method of manufacturing a lighting device for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0049] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 4 , the transmissive member 151 is manufactured based on primary injection molding (S400). The transmissive member 151 may be injection molded using a transparent material.

[0050] The shielding member 152 is manufactured in front of the transmissive member 151 based on double injection molding (S410). Based on double injection molding, the shielding member 152 may be injection molded in front of the transmissive member 151. The shielding member 152 may be injection molded using a black material to prevent light transmission.

[0051] A thin film deposition process is performed (S420). After the transmissive member 151 and the shielding member 152 are manufactured based on the double injection molding, the thin film deposition process may be performed on the shielding member 152. The shielding member 152 is arranged in a manner exposed to the front between the plurality of first buttons 120 and the plurality of second buttons 130. Thus, chrome metal may be deposited on the shielding member 152 so that a glossy surface formed of a metal material appears during the day, and an illuminated area and a non-illuminated area may be distinguished from each other at night. The thin film deposition process according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a physical vapor deposition (PVD) process.

[0052] Although exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure have been described for illustrative purposes, those skilled in the art will recognize that various modifications, additions, and substitutions are possible without departing from the concept and scope of the claimed invention. Therefore, for the sake of brevity and clarity, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure have been described. The scope of the technical concept of the present embodiment is not limited by the diagram. Therefore, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill that the scope of the claimed invention is not limited by the embodiments explicitly described above, but by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A lighting device for a vehicle, the lighting device comprising: Rear panel; A printed circuit board is arranged in front of the rear panel, and the printed circuit board includes a plurality of light sources; a rubber pad disposed in front of the printed circuit board and having a plurality of through holes arranged based on positions of the plurality of light sources; a front panel snap-fitted to the rear panel; as well as a light guide member coupled to a receiving space between a plurality of first buttons and a plurality of second buttons arranged on the front panel, The light guide member includes a transmission member and a shielding member, the light emitted from the plurality of light sources is transmitted through the transmission member, and the shielding member shields the light.

2. The lighting device according to claim 1, wherein: The light guide member is manufactured using double injection molding.

3. The lighting device according to claim 1, wherein: The shielding member is configured to have an open area to expose a partial area of ​​the transmissive member to the front.

4. The lighting device according to claim 1, wherein: The transmissive member includes a material that transmits light emitted from the plurality of light sources.

5. The lighting device according to claim 4, wherein: The material of the transmission member includes one of the following: polycarbonate (PC), acrylic (PMMA), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP), polyurethane (PU), and silicone.

6. The lighting device according to claim 1, wherein: The shielding member includes a material that blocks light emitted from the plurality of light sources.

7. The lighting device according to claim 6, wherein: The material of the shielding member includes one of the following: acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and polyurethane (PU).

8. The lighting device according to claim 1, wherein: The transmissive member includes a plurality of coupling portions protruding rearward to be coupled to the accommodating space.

9. The lighting device according to claim 8, wherein: The plurality of engaging portions have a hook shape to be snap-fitted into the accommodation space.

10. The lighting device according to claim 1, further comprising: The film is arranged on the light guiding member.

11. The lighting device according to claim 10, wherein: The thin film includes chromium.

12. A method for manufacturing a lighting device for a vehicle, the method comprising: manufacturing the transmissive component based on primary injection molding; manufacturing a shielding member in front of the transmission member based on secondary injection molding; as well as performing a thin film deposition process to form a thin film on the shielding member, Wherein, manufacturing the shielding member in front of the transmissive member includes injection molding the shielding member to have a partial open area, so that an illuminated area and a non-illuminated area are formed on the transmissive member.

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