Lamp for vehicle

Abstract

A lamp for a vehicle includes: a lamp housing portion having an internal space for accommodating a light source; an outer lens portion coupled to one side of the lamp housing portion and configured to cover the inner space; and a vibration portion fixed to the outer lens portion. The vibration portion includes a polarized piezoelectric element, and first and second electrodes disposed to respectively face two opposite sides based on a direction in which the piezoelectric element is polarized. The piezoelectric element outputs sound in response to a change over time of a voltage applied to the first electrode and the second electrode. The piezoelectric element contacts and is fixed to one side of the outer lens portion.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority and benefit to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0107831, filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office on August 12, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates to a lamp for a vehicle, and more specifically, to a lamp for a vehicle capable of outputting sound. Background Technology

[0004] Recently, in addition to the basic transportation functions required by vehicles, the demand for entertainment functions has also been increasing. Therefore, the demand for lights installed in vehicles is also growing, requiring additional functions beyond simple illumination. For example, recently, vehicle lights have incorporated features that enable interaction with the outside world.

[0005] In the prior art, vehicle lights already perform the function of interacting with the outside world through visual information (such as the illumination image or light distribution pattern of the vehicle lights). Meanwhile, in addition to methods using visual information, methods for performing the function of interacting with the outside world also include methods using auditory information such as sound. However, because vehicle lights in the related art employ a watertight structure to prevent moisture accumulation within the lights, it is difficult to install a speaker configured to output sound within the vehicle lights. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This disclosure aims to add the ability to output sound to vehicle lights without affecting their performance.

[0007] In a general aspect of this disclosure, a lamp for a vehicle includes: a lamp housing portion having an internal space configured to receive a light source; an outer lens portion coupled to one side of the lamp housing portion and configured to cover the internal space; and a vibrating portion fixed to the outer lens portion, wherein the vibrating portion includes: a polarized piezoelectric element; and a first electrode and a second electrode, the first electrode and the second electrode being arranged to face two opposite sides based on the direction along which the piezoelectric element is polarized, wherein the piezoelectric element outputs sound in response to a change in voltage applied to the first electrode and the second electrode over time, and wherein the piezoelectric element contacts and is fixed to one side of the outer lens portion.

[0008] The piezoelectric element can be connected to one side of the outer lens portion.

[0009] The lamp may further include: an element through-hole formed on one side of the piezoelectric element; and a lens bolt region extending through the element through-hole, the lens bolt region being formed on one side of the outer lens portion in a region corresponding to the element through-hole.

[0010] The lamp of the claim may further include a nut member that is tightly attached to the piezoelectric element and inserted into the lens bolt region.

[0011] An element through-hole may be formed on one side of the piezoelectric element, wherein a lens through-hole may be formed in a region corresponding to the element through-hole on one side of the outer lens portion, and wherein the lamp may further include a bolt member inserted into the element through-hole and the lens through-hole.

[0012] The region of the piezoelectric element in which the through-hole is formed may contain the same material as another region of the piezoelectric element.

[0013] The vias can be formed in the peripheral region of the piezoelectric element.

[0014] An adhesive member may be disposed between the outer lens portion and the vibrating portion, and is configured to attach the vibrating portion to the outer lens portion.

[0015] The outer lens portion may have a curved surface region, wherein the vibrating portion may be fixed to the curved surface region.

[0016] An outer curved surface segment, including a curved shape, can be formed on the outer surface of the curved surface region, wherein an inner curved surface segment, including a curved shape, can be formed on the inner surface of the curved surface region, wherein the vibrating portion can be fixed to the inner curved surface segment, and wherein the adhesive member can be disposed on the peripheral area of ​​the vibrating portion.

[0017] The vibrating portion may have a flat shape, wherein the adhesive member may be disposed on the area of ​​the vibrating portion other than the central region.

[0018] An empty space may be formed between the inner curved surface section and the central region of the vibrating portion.

[0019] An outer curved surface segment, including a curved shape, may be formed on the outer surface of the curved surface region, wherein an inner flat surface segment, including a flat shape, may be formed on the inner surface of the curved surface region, and wherein the vibrating portion may be fixed to the inner flat surface segment.

[0020] The adhesive component can be disposed on the peripheral area of ​​the vibrating part.

[0021] The adhesive component can be disposed on the peripheral and central areas of the vibrating part.

[0022] The outer lens portion may include: a first outer lens region having a first transmittance for visible light; and a second outer lens region having a second transmittance for visible light, the second transmittance being lower than the first transmittance, and wherein the curved surface region is formed on the second outer lens region.

[0023] In another general aspect of this disclosure, a lamp for a vehicle that generates sound includes: a lamp housing including an internal space for receiving a light source; an outer lens coupled to one side of the lamp housing, the outer lens covering the internal space of the lamp housing; a vibrating portion attached to the outer lens, the vibrating portion including: a polarized piezoelectric element contacting and fixed to one side of the outer lens portion; a first electrode and a second electrode, the first electrode and the second electrode facing two opposite sides based on the direction along which the piezoelectric element is polarized; and a controller configured to control the piezoelectric element to vibrate to generate sound.

[0024] The controller can also be configured to control the voltage applied to the first electrode and the second electrode to cause the piezoelectric element to vibrate.

[0025] The lamp may also include a cover member that covers the vibrating portion, wherein one or more damping holes may be formed in the cover member to reduce the vibration energy transmitted from the vibrating portion to the cover member. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Figure 1 This is a view showing the state in which the outer lens portion of a lamp for a vehicle, according to an example of this disclosure, is spaced apart from the lamp housing portion and the lamp frame portion.

[0027] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the vibrating portion of a lamp for a vehicle according to the present disclosure, i.e., a view showing the state before power is supplied to the electrodes.

[0028] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the vibrating portion of a lamp for a vehicle according to the present disclosure, showing a state after power is supplied to the electrodes.

[0029] Figure 4This is a cross-sectional view of the vibrating portion of a lamp for a vehicle according to the present disclosure, showing a different state after power is supplied to the electrodes.

[0030] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view showing the state in which a vibrating portion in a lamp for a vehicle according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure is fixed to a curved area of ​​an outer lens portion by an adhesive member.

[0031] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view showing the state in which a vibrating portion in a lamp for a vehicle according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure is fixed to a curved area of ​​an outer lens portion by an adhesive member.

[0032] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view showing the state in which a vibrating portion in a lamp for a vehicle according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure is fixed to a curved area of ​​an outer lens portion by an adhesive member.

[0033] Figure 8 This is a perspective view of a lamp for a vehicle according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] Figure 9 It is shown Figure 8 An enlarged perspective view of the cover component.

[0035] Figure 10 It is shown Figure 8 Enlarged sectional view of the vibrating part and the cover component and its surrounding parts.

[0036] Figure 11 It is shown Figure 8 A perspective view of the state in which the cover component has been removed.

[0037] Figure 12 It is shown Figure 8 An enlarged view of the connection status of the vibrating part, the cover component, and the cover connecting component.

[0038] Figure 13 This is a perspective view of a lamp for a vehicle according to a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] Figure 14 It is shown Figure 13 An enlarged view of the connection structure between the cover component and the vibrating part.

[0040] Figure 15 It is shown Figure 13 Enlarged sectional view of the vibrating part and the cover component and its surrounding parts.

[0041] Figure 16 This is a perspective view of a lamp for a vehicle according to a sixth embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0042] Figure 17yes Figure 16 A perspective view of the cover component.

[0043] Figure 18 It is shown Figure 16 An enlarged view of the connection status of the vibrating part, the cover component, and the cover connecting component.

[0044] Figure 19 This is an enlarged view showing the connection structure between the vibrating part, the cover member, and the cover connecting member in a lamp for a vehicle, according to a seventh embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0045] Figure 20 It is used for explanation Figure 19 A view of the connection structure between the cover component and the cover connecting component.

[0046] Figure 21 It is shown Figure 19 Enlarged view of the cover component.

[0047] Figure 22 This is a view showing a piezoelectric element disposed in a vibrating portion of a lamp for a vehicle according to an eighth embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0048] Figure 23 It shows that it is fixed. Figure 22 A view of the first example of the outer lens portion of the vibrating part shown.

[0049] Figure 24 It is shown Figure 22 The vibrating part in Figure 23 A view showing the connection status of the outer lens portion.

[0050] Figure 25 It shows that it is fixed. Figure 22 A second example view of the outer lens portion of the vibrating section shown.

[0051] Figure 26 It is shown Figure 22 The vibrating part in Figure 25 A view showing the connection status of the outer lens portion. Detailed Implementation

[0052] In the following description, a lamp for a vehicle according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0053] Lights for vehicles

[0054] Figure 1 This is a view showing the state in which the outer lens portion of a lamp for a vehicle, according to an example of this disclosure, is spaced apart from the lamp housing portion and the lamp frame portion, and Figure 2This is a cross-sectional view of the vibrating portion of a lamp for a vehicle according to the present disclosure, i.e., a view showing the state before power is supplied to the electrodes. Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the vibrating portion of a lamp for a vehicle according to this disclosure, that is, a view showing a state after power is supplied to the electrodes, and Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the vibrating portion of a lamp for a vehicle according to the present disclosure, that is, a view showing another state after power is supplied to the electrodes.

[0055] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 According to this disclosure, a lamp 10 for a vehicle (hereinafter referred to as a "lamp") may include a lamp housing portion 100 and an outer lens portion 200. The lamp housing portion 100 has an internal space configured to accommodate a light source, and the outer lens portion 200 is coupled to one side of the lamp housing portion 100 and configured to cover the internal space. More specifically, the outer lens portion 200 may be fixedly coupled to the lamp housing portion 100. Light emitted from the light source can be propagated to the outside through the outer lens portion 200, thereby forming a predetermined light distribution pattern and illumination image.

[0056] Furthermore, according to this disclosure, the lamp 10 can not only form a predetermined light distribution pattern and illumination image like lamps in the prior art, but also generate sound. More specifically, the lamp 10 according to this disclosure can output sound by vibrating the lamp housing portion 100 or the outer lens portion 200.

[0057] To achieve the above objectives, the lamp 10 according to this disclosure may include a vibrating portion 400 fixed to the lamp housing portion 100 or the outer lens portion 200. The vibrating portion 400 may be configured to output sound by vibrating the lamp housing portion 100 or the outer lens portion 200. For example, as... Figure 1 As shown, the vibrating part 400 can be fixed to the outer lens part 200. However, with Figure 1 In different configurations, the vibrating part 400 can be fixed to the lamp housing part 100. At the same time, the vibrating part 400 can be accommodated in the internal space formed in the lamp housing part 100.

[0058] Continue to refer to Figure 1 According to this disclosure, the lamp 10 may further include a lamp frame portion 300, one side of which is fixedly connected to the lamp housing portion 100, and the lamp frame portion 300 is configured to at least partially expose the ground to the external lens portion 200. More specifically, based on Figure 1 When the outer lens portion 200 is assembled to the lamp housing portion 100, a region of the outer lens portion 100 may face the lamp frame portion 300.

[0059] Furthermore, the vibrating portion 400 of the lamp 10 according to this disclosure may include a polarized piezoelectric element 410. That is, according to this disclosure, the vibrating portion 400 may include a piezoelectric element 410 in a polarized state, in which, unless the temperature becomes the Curie temperature or higher or exceeds a predetermined range, and a reverse voltage is applied in the direction opposite to the electric field direction in the piezoelectric element, one side is positively charged and the other side is negatively charged. Any material can be used for the piezoelectric element 410 without limitation, as long as the material can be polarized. For example, the piezoelectric element 410 may be made of ceramic material. Also, in this specification, as... Figures 2 to 4 As shown, the direction in which the positively charged region and the negatively charged region in the piezoelectric element 410 face each other is defined as the direction in which the piezoelectric element is polarized.

[0060] Continue to refer to Figures 2 to 4 The lamp 10 according to this disclosure may include a first electrode 421 and a second electrode 422, which are respectively arranged to face two opposite sides along the direction in which the piezoelectric element 410 is polarized. That is, the first electrode 421 and the second electrode 422 may be arranged to face or contact the negatively charged region and the positively charged region in the piezoelectric element 410, respectively.

[0061] The process by which the lamp 10 outputs sound according to this disclosure will now be described. When power is supplied to the first electrode 421 and the second electrode 422 via the power supply section described below, the first electrode 421 and the second electrode 422 are charged. In particular, when alternating current is supplied to the first electrode 421 and the second electrode 422, the voltage of the first electrode 421 and the voltage of the second electrode 422 change over time. Therefore, according to this disclosure, as the voltage applied to the first electrode 421 and the second electrode 422 changes over time, the power applied to the piezoelectric element 410 by the first electrode 421 and the second electrode 422 also changes over time, causing the piezoelectric element 410 to perform movement in its longitudinal direction and its width direction. This movement is converted into vibration of the piezoelectric element 410, and the lamp housing portion 100 or the outer lens portion 200 vibrates due to the vibration of the piezoelectric element 410, thereby outputting sound to the outside. For example, as Figure 2 As shown, before power is supplied to the first electrode 421 and the second electrode 422, the first electrode 421 and the second electrode 422 are not energized, thus no external force is applied to the piezoelectric element 410. Then, as... Figure 3 As shown, after a first time elapses following the supply of power to the first electrode 421 and the second electrode 422, the first electrode 421 and the second electrode 422 become positively charged and negatively charged, respectively, causing the piezoelectric element 410 to expand in its thickness direction while simultaneously receiving a force in the direction toward the first electrode 421 and the second electrode 422. Then, as... Figure 4As shown, after a second time interval following the supply of power to the first electrode 421 and the second electrode 422, the first electrode 421 and the second electrode 422 become negatively charged and positively charged, respectively, causing the piezoelectric element 410 to contract in its thickness direction while simultaneously receiving force in a direction away from the first electrode 421 and the second electrode 422. This process is repeated thereafter. Figures 2 to 4 The state shown causes the piezoelectric element 410 to vibrate. A controller (e.g., a processor) can be configured to control the voltage applied to the first electrode 421 and the second electrode 422 to cause the piezoelectric element to vibrate and produce sound.

[0062] At the same time, return to reference Figure 1 Furthermore, according to this disclosure, the vibrating part 400 can be disposed in the lamp 10 at a location that protects the vibrating part 400 from direct sunlight. More specifically, the vibrating part 400 can be fixed to an area of ​​the outer lens part 200 or the lamp housing part 100 where the visible light transmittance is low. For example, as Figure 1 As shown, when the vibrating portion 400 is fixed to the outer lens portion 200, the outer lens portion 200 may include a first outer lens region 210 having visible light transmittance (i.e., a first transmittance) and a second outer lens region 220 having visible light transmittance (i.e., a second transmittance lower than the first transmittance), and the vibrating portion 400 may be fixed to the second outer lens region 220. Conversely, when the vibrating portion 400 is fixed to the lamp housing portion 100, the vibrating portion 400 may be fixed to the lower region of the inner surface of the lamp housing portion 100. In this case, the sound generated by the vibration of the vibrating portion 400 can propagate in the front-rear direction through the lower side of the lamp (i.e., the lower side of the vehicle). Meanwhile, the piezoelectric element 410 constituting the vibrating portion 400 may have a plate shape.

[0063] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view showing the state in which a vibrating portion in a lamp for a vehicle according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure is fixed to a curved area of ​​an outer lens portion by an adhesive member.

[0064] At the same time, refer to Figure 1 and Figure 5 A curved area 202 can be formed on at least a portion of the outer lens portion 200 to improve the aesthetic appearance of the lamp 10. For example, the entire area of ​​the outer lens portion 200 can actually have a curved shape.

[0065] In this configuration, according to this disclosure, the vibrating portion 400 can be fixed to the curved surface region 202. More specifically, the vibrating portion 400 can be bonded to the outer lens portion 200 using an adhesive material. More specifically, the lamp 10 according to this disclosure may also include an adhesive member 500 disposed between the outer lens portion 200 and the vibrating portion 400, the adhesive member 500 being configured to attach the vibrating portion 400 to the outer lens portion 400. Non-woven tape or similar materials can be used for the adhesive member 500 to ensure rigidity against external impacts. The non-woven tape can have a thicker adhesive layer than typical double-sided tape, and the adhesive layer can act as a padding, thus exhibiting excellent impact resistance.

[0066] Simultaneously, the outer lens portion 200 can be divided into an outer portion and an inner portion. More specifically, the outer lens portion 200 can be divided into an outer surface exposed to the outside of the lamp 10 and an inner surface facing the internal space of the lamp 10. Therefore, an outer segment can be formed on the outer surface of the curved region 202 formed on the outer lens portion 200, and an inner segment can be formed on the inner surface of the curved region 202. For example, as... Figure 5 As shown, an outer curved surface segment 202a with a curved shape can be formed on the outer surface of the curved surface region 202, and an inner curved surface segment 202b with a curved shape can be formed on the inner surface of the curved surface region 202. In this case, according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure, the vibrating portion 400 can be fixed to the inner curved surface segment 202b, and the adhesive member 500 can be disposed in the peripheral region of the vibrating portion 400. More specifically, according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure, the vibrating portion 400 can have a flat shape, and the adhesive member 500 can be disposed in a region other than the central region of the vibrating portion 400. Therefore, according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure, a gap can be formed between the central region of the vibrating portion 400 and the inner curved surface segment 202b (see...). Figure 5 (The arrow in the image). As in the first embodiment of this disclosure, the adhesive member 500 may be provided only on the peripheral region other than the central region of the vibrating portion 400, so that when a gap is formed between the central region of the vibrating portion 400 and the inner curved surface segment 202b, the performance of the vibrating portion 400 can be improved in the low-frequency region.

[0067] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view showing the state in which a vibrating portion in a vehicle lamp according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure is fixed to a curved area of ​​an outer lens portion by an adhesive member. Reference will be made primarily to... Figure 6 Description and references above Figure 5 The differences in the first embodiment of this disclosure are described above. References above... Figures 1 to 5 The above description can be applied in the same way to all references except the following. Figure 6Content beyond what is described.

[0068] Reference Figure 6 The curved outer surface segment 202a can be formed on the outer surface of the curved surface region 202 of the outer lens portion 200, while the flat inner surface segment 202c can be formed on the inner surface of the curved surface region 202. For example, the flat inner surface segment 202c can be formed by additionally processing a portion of the curved surface segment formed on the inner surface of the outer lens portion 200.

[0069] In this case, according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure, the vibrating portion 400 can be fixed to the inner flat surface section 202c. In this case, the adhesive member 500 can be disposed only on the peripheral region of the vibrating portion 400, and not on the central region of the vibrating portion 400. In this case, similar to the first embodiment of the present disclosure, the performance of the vibrating portion 400 can be improved in the low-frequency region. However, according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure, the vibrating portion 400 can be fixed to the outer lens portion 200 through the inner flat surface section 202c, thereby further improving the performance of fixing the vibrating portion 400 to the outer lens portion 200.

[0070] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view showing the state in which a vibrating portion in a lamp for a vehicle according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure is fixed to a curved area of ​​an outer lens portion by an adhesive member.

[0071] Similar to the second embodiment of this disclosure, according to the third embodiment of this disclosure, the outer curved surface segment 202a and the inner flat surface segment 202c may also be formed on the curved surface region 202. However, according to the third embodiment of this disclosure, the adhesive member 500 may be disposed on the peripheral region and the central region of the vibrating portion 400.

[0072] Meanwhile, as described above, depending on the transmittance of visible light, the outer lens portion 200 may include a first outer lens region 210 and a second outer lens region 220, and the curved surface region 202 may be formed on the second outer lens region 220.

[0073] Figure 8 This is a perspective view of a lamp for a vehicle according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 9 It is shown Figure 8 An enlarged perspective view of the cover component. Figure 10 It is shown Figure 8 Enlarged sectional view of the vibrating part and the cover component and its surrounding parts. Figure 11 It shows the removal Figure 8 A perspective view of the state of the cover component. Figure 12 It is shown Figure 8An enlarged view of the connection status of the vibrating part, the cover component, and the cover connecting component.

[0074] The lamp 10 according to the fourth embodiment of this disclosure may further include a lamp housing portion, an outer lens portion, and a vibrating portion. However, in addition to the above-described components, the lamp 10 according to the fourth embodiment of this disclosure may also include a component configured to cover the vibrating portion.

[0075] More specifically, the lamp 10 according to this disclosure may further include a lamp housing portion 100 having an internal space for accommodating a light source, an outer lens portion 200 coupled to one side of the lamp housing portion 100 and configured to cover the internal space, a vibrating portion 400 fixed to the outer lens portion 200, and a cover member 600 disposed on one side of the vibrating portion 400 and having at least one portion region facing the outer lens portion 200, wherein the vibrating portion 400 is located between the cover member 600 and the outer lens portion 200. The cover member 600 may be configured to fix the vibrating portion 400 together with an adhesive member 500 to the outer lens portion 200. For this purpose, at least a portion of the region of the cover member 600 facing the outer lens portion 200 may be configured to be tightly attached to the vibrating portion 400, wherein the vibrating portion 400 is located between the cover member 600 and the outer lens portion 200.

[0076] Additionally, according to this disclosure, a means for minimizing the area of ​​the compression vibration portion 400 of the cover member 600 can be provided, thereby preventing the cover member 600 from absorbing the vibration of the vibration portion 400 when the vibration portion 400 vibrates to output sound.

[0077] More specifically, such as Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, the cover member 600 may include a cover body 610 and a cover rib 620. The cover body 610 is configured to face the outer lens portion 200, wherein the vibrating portion 400 is located between the cover body 610 and the outer lens portion 200. The cover body 610 is spaced apart from the vibrating portion 400. The cover rib 620 protrudes from the cover body 610 toward the vibrating portion 400 and is configured to be tightly attached to the vibrating portion 400. The cover body 610 may be plate-shaped, and the cover rib 620 may have a shape that protrudes from a portion of the plate-shaped structure toward the vibrating portion 400. That is, the vibrating portion 400 can be fixed to the outer lens portion 200 by being supported by the cover rib 620. For example, the cover rib 620 may have a straight rod structure.

[0078] Furthermore, the lamp 10 according to the fourth embodiment of this disclosure may also include a component fixed to one side of the outer lens portion 200, such that the cover member 600 is connected to this component. More specifically, as Figures 8 to 12As shown, the lamp 10 according to this disclosure may further include a cover connecting member 700, one side of which is fixed to the outer lens portion 200, such that the cover member 600 is connected to the cover connecting member 700. In this case, the cover member 600 may further include a cover extension region 630 protruding from two opposite sides of the cover body 610 toward the cover connecting member 700 and having a first through hole 630a. Furthermore, the cover connecting member 700 may include a connecting body 710 fixed to one side of the outer lens portion 200, and a connecting extension region 720 protruding from the peripheral region of the connecting body 710 toward the cover member and having a second through hole formed in the region corresponding to the first through hole.

[0079] The cover member 600 and the cover connecting member 700 can be fixedly connected to each other on the cover extension region 630 and the connecting extension region 720. More specifically, the lamp 10 according to this disclosure may also include a penetrating member 800, which is configured to penetrate a first through hole 630a in the cover extension region 630 and a second through hole 720a in the connecting extension region 720. For example, the penetrating member 800 may be bolted to the first through hole 630a and the second through hole 720a.

[0080] Furthermore, according to the fourth embodiment of this disclosure, the cover ribs 620 can be configured as a plurality of cover ribs 620. More specifically, the directions in which the cover extension regions 630 respectively disposed on two opposite sides of the cover body 610 face each other can be parallel to the direction of extension of the cover ribs 620. The plurality of cover ribs 620 can be configured to be spaced apart from each other in a direction intersecting the directions in which the cover extension regions 630 respectively formed on two opposite sides of the cover body 610 face each other. For example, Figure 9 The diagram shows the state in which the cover member 600 has two cover ribs 620.

[0081] Furthermore, according to this disclosure, a portion of the cover connecting member 700 can be inserted into the outer lens portion 200. More specifically, as... Figure 11 As shown, the connector 710 can be inserted into the outer lens portion 200.

[0082] Figure 13 This is a perspective view of a lamp for a vehicle according to a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 14 It is shown Figure 13 An enlarged view of the connection structure between the cover component and the vibrating part. Figure 15 It is shown Figure 13 Enlarged sectional view of the vibrating part and the cover component and its surrounding parts.

[0083] The lamps according to the first to fourth embodiments of this disclosure can be similarly applied to the lamp 10 according to the fifth embodiment of this disclosure. However, the fifth embodiment of this disclosure differs from the above embodiments in that the cover member 600 may additionally have components for reducing the vibration of the cover member 600.

[0084] like Figures 13 to 15 As shown, one or more damping holes 610a can be formed in the cover member 600. More specifically, the damping holes 610a can be configured as a plurality of damping holes 610b. The damping holes 610a can be configured to minimize the vibrational energy transmitted from the vibrating portion 400 to the cover member 600. Furthermore, the damping holes 610a can also be used to allow the vibrational energy transmitted to the cover member 600 to be eliminated without its diffusion. For example, the damping holes 610a can be formed in the cover body 610 of the cover member 600.

[0085] As described above, multiple damping holes 610a can be provided. In this case, such as Figure 13 and 14 As shown, at least some of the plurality of vibration damping holes 610a may be configured to be spaced apart from each other in a direction parallel to the direction in which the cover extension regions 630 formed on two opposite sides of the cover body 610 face each other. Figure 13 and Figure 14 The illustration shows six groups, each group including four damping holes 610a, which are spaced apart from each other in a direction parallel to the direction in which the cover extension regions 630 face each other.

[0086] Continue to refer to Figure 13 According to the fifth embodiment of this disclosure, the cover 610 provided in the cover member 600 of the lamp 10 can be configured to face all two opposing peripheral regions of the piezoelectric element 410 based on its extension direction, and also to face the central region of the piezoelectric element 410 based on its extension direction. More specifically, the cover 610 can be configured to surround the entire area of ​​the piezoelectric element 410. In this case, damping holes 610a can be formed in the regions of the cover 610 facing the two opposing peripheral regions of the piezoelectric element 410 based on its extension direction and in the region facing the central region of the piezoelectric element 420 based on its extension direction. Figure 13 and Figure 14 Two damping hole groups are shown in each of the two opposing peripheral and central regions of the cover 610 facing the piezoelectric element 410, each damping hole group including four damping holes 610a.

[0087] Figure 16 This is a perspective view of a lamp for a vehicle according to a sixth embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 17 yes Figure 16 A perspective view of the cover component. Figure 18 It is shown Figure 16 An enlarged view of the connection status of the vibrating part, the cover component, and the cover connecting component.

[0088] The lamps according to the first to fourth embodiments of this disclosure can be similarly applied to the lamp 10 according to the sixth embodiment of this disclosure. As in the fifth embodiment of this disclosure, the damping hole 610a can be formed in the cover member 600. However, according to the sixth embodiment of this disclosure, the lamp 10 can have multiple cover members 600.

[0089] In other words, according to the sixth embodiment of this disclosure, the plurality of cover members 600 can be configured to be spaced apart from each other. For example, as Figure 16 and 17 As shown, two cover members 600 can be provided, which can be arranged to face each other, wherein the central region of the connector 710 of the cover connecting member 700 is located between the two cover members 600.

[0090] More specifically, the two cover members 600 may be identical to each other to the extent that the two cover elements 600 can be interchanged. This configuration can be interpreted as such that even if the two cover members 600 do not have exactly the same shape physically, the two cover members 600 are identical to each other to the extent that when the two cover members 600 are assembled after their positions are interchanged, the two cover members 600 exhibit their functions.

[0091] Meanwhile, according to the fifth and sixth embodiments of this disclosure, the size of each vibration damping hole 610a can be smaller than the size of the first through hole 630a and the size of the second through hole 720a.

[0092] In addition, such as Figure 15 As shown, the vibration damping hole 610a can be configured to be spaced apart from the cover rib 620. It can be understood that the vibration damping hole 610a is not formed in the area where the cover rib 620 of the cover body 610 extends.

[0093] Furthermore, according to the fourth to sixth embodiments of this disclosure, the dimensions of the first through hole 630a formed in the cover extension region 630 and the dimensions of the second through hole 720a formed in the connecting extension region 720 can correspond to each other. More specifically, the first through hole 630a and the second through hole 720a can have circular shapes with corresponding diameters.

[0094] Figure 19 This is an enlarged view showing the connection structure between the vibrating part, the cover member, and the cover connecting member in a lamp for a vehicle according to the seventh embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 20 It is used for explanation Figure 19 A view of the connection structure between the cover component and the cover connecting component. Figure 21 It is shown Figure 19 Enlarged view of the cover component.

[0095] The lamps according to the first to sixth embodiments of this disclosure can be similarly applied to the lamp 10 according to the seventh embodiment of this disclosure. However, according to the seventh embodiment of this disclosure, the dimensions of the first through hole 630a and the second through hole 720a can be different from each other.

[0096] More specifically, according to the seventh embodiment of this disclosure, the width of the first through-hole 630a in the first direction D1 may be different from the width of the first through-hole 630a in the second direction D2 intersecting the first direction D1. Furthermore, the size and shape of the first through-hole 630a may differ from the size or shape of the second through-hole 720a. For example, the second through-hole 720a may have a circular shape. Meanwhile, in this specification, the first direction D1 may be defined as the direction parallel to the direction of the piezoelectric element 410 facing the outer lens portion 200, and the second direction D2 may be defined as the direction parallel to the direction perpendicularly intersecting the first direction D1, that is, the direction perpendicularly intersecting the direction in which the first through-hole 630a penetrates the cover extension region 630. More specifically, the width of the first through-hole 630a in the first direction D1 may be greater than the width of the first through-hole 630a in the second direction D2. Furthermore, the width of the second through-hole 720a in the second direction D2 may correspond to the width of the first through-hole 630a in the second direction D2.

[0097] According to the seventh embodiment of this disclosure, when the cover member 600 and the cover connecting member 700 are connected to each other, the relative positional relationship between the cover member 600 and the cover connecting member 700 can be variable. That is, according to the seventh embodiment of this disclosure, the relative positional relationship between the first through hole 630a and the second through hole 720a in the first direction D1 can vary depending on the thickness of the vibrating portion 400. In this case, since the first through hole 630a has a relatively long shape in the first direction D1, the area where the penetrating member 800 is inserted into the first through hole 630a can vary depending on the thickness of the vibrating portion 400. Therefore, according to the seventh embodiment of this disclosure, the assemblability between the cover member 600 and the cover connecting member 700 can be improved.

[0098] Figure 22 This is a view showing a piezoelectric element disposed in a vibrating portion of a lamp for a vehicle according to an eighth embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 23 It shows that it is fixed. Figure 22 A view of a first example of the outer lens portion of the vibrating section shown. Figure 24 It is shown Figure 22 The vibrating part in the middle is connected to Figure 23 A view showing the state of the outer lens portion. Figure 25It shows that it is fixed. Figure 22 A second example view of the outer lens component of the vibrating part shown. Figure 26 It is shown Figure 22 The vibrating part in the middle is connected to Figure 25 A view showing the state of the outer lens portion.

[0099] Similar to the lamps according to the first to third embodiments of this disclosure, the lamp 10 according to the eighth embodiment of this disclosure can be fixed to a curved surface region. However, the eighth embodiment of this disclosure differs from the above embodiments in that the vibrating portion 400 can be directly connected to one side of the outer lens portion 200.

[0100] More specifically, according to the eighth embodiment of this disclosure, the piezoelectric element 410 of the vibrating portion 400 can contact and be fixed to one side of the outer lens portion 200. More specifically, the piezoelectric element 410 can be connected to one side of the outer lens portion 200 by means of a bolt and nut.

[0101] For example, such as Figures 22 to 24 As shown, in the first example of the eighth embodiment of this disclosure, a component through-hole 410a may be formed on one side of the piezoelectric element 410, and a lens bolt region 250 passing through the component through-hole 410a may be formed on one side of the outer lens portion 200 in a region corresponding to the component through-hole 410. Furthermore, the lamp 10 of the first example of the eighth embodiment of this disclosure may also include a nut member 820 that is tightly attached to the piezoelectric element 410 and inserted into the lens bolt region 250.

[0102] On the contrary, such as Figure 22 , 25 As shown in Figure 26, in a second example of the eighth embodiment of the present disclosure, the element through-hole 410a may be formed on one side of the piezoelectric element 410, and the lens through-hole 260 may be formed on one side of the outer lens portion 200 in the region corresponding to the element through-hole 410a. In this case, the lamp 10 according to the present disclosure may also include a bolt member 840 inserted into the element through-hole 410a and the lens through-hole 260.

[0103] Furthermore, according to the eighth embodiment of this disclosure, the region in the piezoelectric element 410 where the element through-hole 410a is formed can be made of the same material as another region of the piezoelectric element 420. More specifically, the element through-hole 410a can be formed in the peripheral region of the piezoelectric element 410. For example, as... Figure 22 As shown, the piezoelectric element 410 may have a quadrilateral shape, and the element through holes 410a may be formed in the vertex regions of the quadrilateral shape.

[0104] Various control methods for using lamps according to this disclosure will be described below.

[0105] The sound output by the vibrating part of the lamp according to this disclosure can be used as a vehicle horn sound. For example, the lamp according to this disclosure can be controlled by step i) identifying input information about the horn sound input to the vehicle and step ii) outputting sound by the vibrating part in response to the input information. The input information may be the duration for which the driver in the vehicle presses the horn button provided on the steering wheel of the vehicle. In this case, according to this disclosure, the lamp can be controlled such that the amplitude of the sound output by the vibrating part increases with the duration of pressing the horn button. For example, if the duration of pressing the horn button is in a first segment, the amplitude of the sound output by the vibrating part may be a first amplitude. If the duration of pressing the horn button is in a second segment longer than the first segment, the amplitude of the sound output by the vibrating part may be a second amplitude greater than the first amplitude.

[0106] Furthermore, in the lamp according to this disclosure, the sound output generated by the vibrating part can be controlled by manipulating an external device. For example, the lamp according to this disclosure can be controlled by steps i) and ii), where step i) measures the distance between the external device (e.g., a smart key) and the vehicle or lamp, and step ii) outputs the amplitude of the sound output by the vibrating part of the lamp in response to the distance between the external device and the vehicle or lamp. For example, the amplitude of the sound output by the vibrating part of the lamp can be controlled to increase as the distance between the external device and the vehicle or lamp increases.

[0107] Furthermore, the sound output by the lamp according to this disclosure can vary depending on the distance between pedestrians and vehicles equipped with lights. For example, the lamp according to this disclosure can be controlled by step i) identifying the distance between pedestrians around the vehicle and the vehicle or lamp equipped with lights, and step ii) outputting the amplitude of the sound output by the vibrating part of the lamp in response to the distance between the vehicle or lamp and the pedestrian. For example, the amplitude of the sound output by the vibrating part of the lamp can be controlled to increase as the distance between the vehicle or lamp and the pedestrian decreases.

[0108] This disclosure has been described with reference to limited embodiments and accompanying drawings, but is not limited thereto. Those skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains can implement this disclosure in various forms within the spirit of the disclosure and the scope of its equivalents, including the appended claims.

Claims

1. A lamp for a vehicle, the lamp comprising: The lamp housing portion has an internal space configured to accommodate a light source; An outer lens portion is attached to one side of the lamp housing portion and is configured to cover the internal space; and The vibrating part is fixed to the outer lens part. The vibrating component includes: - Polarized piezoelectric elements; and - A first electrode and a second electrode, the first electrode and the second electrode being configured to face two opposite sides respectively, based on the direction along which the piezoelectric element is polarized. The piezoelectric element outputs sound in response to changes in the voltage applied to the first and second electrodes over time. The piezoelectric element is contacted and fixed to one side of the outer lens portion.

2. The lamp according to claim 1, wherein, The piezoelectric element is connected to one side of the outer lens portion.

3. The lamp according to claim 1, further comprising: A component through-hole is formed on one side of the piezoelectric element; and The lens bolt area extends through the element through hole and is formed on one side of the outer lens portion in a region corresponding to the element through hole.

4. The lamp according to claim 3, further comprising: A nut component that is tightly attached to the piezoelectric element and inserted into the lens bolt area.

5. The lamp according to claim 1, wherein, A through-hole is formed on one side of the piezoelectric element. The lens through-hole is formed in the region corresponding to the element through-hole on one side of the outer lens portion, and The lamp also includes a bolt component inserted into the through hole of the element and the through hole of the lens.

6. The lamp according to claim 3, wherein, The region of the piezoelectric element in which the through-hole is formed contains the same material as another region of the piezoelectric element.

7. The lamp according to claim 3, wherein, The through-hole is formed in the peripheral region of the piezoelectric element.

8. The lamp according to claim 1, further comprising: An adhesive member is disposed between the outer lens portion and the vibrating portion and is configured to attach the vibrating portion to the outer lens portion.

9. The lamp according to claim 8, wherein, The outer lens portion has a curved surface area, and The vibrating part is fixed to the curved surface area.

10. The lamp according to claim 9, wherein, The curved surface segment, including the curved shape, is formed on the outer surface of the curved surface region. The curved surface segment, including a curved shape, is formed on the inner surface of the curved surface region. The vibrating portion is fixed to the inner curved surface section, and The adhesive component is disposed on the peripheral area of ​​the vibrating part.

11. The lamp according to claim 10, wherein, The vibrating part has a flat shape, and The adhesive component is disposed on the area of ​​the vibrating part other than the central region.

12. The lamp according to claim 11, wherein, An empty space is formed between the inner curved surface section and the central region of the vibrating portion.

13. The lamp according to claim 9, wherein, The curved surface segment, including the curved shape, is formed on the outer surface of the curved surface region. Among them, an inner flat surface segment with a flat shape is formed on the inner surface of the curved surface region, and The vibrating portion is fixed to the inner flat surface section.

14. The lamp according to claim 13, wherein, The adhesive component is disposed on the peripheral area of ​​the vibrating part.

15. The lamp according to claim 13, wherein, The adhesive component is disposed on the peripheral and central areas of the vibrating part.

16. The lamp according to claim 9, wherein, The outer lens portion includes: A first outer lens region, wherein the first outer lens region has a transmittance of visible light of a first transmittance; and The second outer lens region has a transmittance of visible light of a second transmittance, which is lower than the first transmittance. The curved surface region is formed on the second outer lens region.

17. A light for a vehicle that generates sound, the light comprising: A lamp housing, the lamp housing including an internal space for accommodating a light source; An outer lens is attached to one side of the lamp housing and covers the internal space of the lamp housing; A vibrating portion, attached to the outer lens, and comprising: - A polarized piezoelectric element, which contacts and is fixed to one side of the outer lens portion; and - A first electrode and a second electrode, the first electrode and the second electrode respectively facing two opposite sides according to the direction along which the piezoelectric element is polarized; and A controller configured to control the piezoelectric element to vibrate in order to produce sound.

18. The lamp according to claim 17, wherein, The controller is also configured to control the voltage applied to the first electrode and the second electrode to cause the piezoelectric element to vibrate.

19. The lamp according to claim 17, further comprising: A cover member that covers the vibrating part. One or more vibration damping holes are formed in the cover member to reduce the vibration energy transmitted from the vibrating part to the cover member.

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