storage cover

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a storage device of a vehicle, including: a cover unit configured to move with respect to a storage space provided in a vehicle interior, and to cover the storage space, the cover unit including one or more cover layers having a transparency level greater than or equal to a predetermined transparency level; and a coating layer covering the cover unit, the coating layer defining one or more light-transmissive openings including a space extending through a surface of the coating layer. The one or more light-transmissive openings are configured to transmit light emitted from an interior of the storage space toward an exterior of the cover unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a storage cover that improves the marketability and quality of a vehicle by illuminating the cover that covers the storage space. Background Technology

[0002] The vehicle may include lids for, for example, trays, cup holders, or glove boxes. The lids can cover storage spaces to conceal items stored within, thus protecting user privacy.

[0003] For example, a lid can be used for a tray to achieve a neat appearance, and in some cases, various surface treatment methods can be applied to achieve a refined surface.

[0004] Recently, in line with industrial and design trends, there has been a growing demand to improve vehicle interiors by adding lighting to interior components to make them more luxurious and to enhance vehicle marketability and quality. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application describes a storage cover that improves the marketability and quality of a vehicle by applying illumination to the cover that covers the storage space.

[0006] According to one aspect of the subject matter described in this application, a storage device for a vehicle includes: a cover unit configured to move relative to and cover a storage space disposed within the vehicle interior, the cover unit including one or more covering layers having a transparency level greater than or equal to a predetermined transparency level; and a coating layer covering the cover unit, the coating layer defining one or more light transmission openings through its surface. The one or more light transmission openings are configured to transmit light emitted from inside the storage space toward the outside of the cover unit.

[0007] An embodiment of this aspect may include one or more of the following features. For example, one or more covering layers of the cover unit may include: a first covering layer configured to move along the longitudinal direction of the storage space, the first covering layer including a plurality of sliding panels connected to each other and arranged at predetermined intervals in the sliding direction; and a second covering layer made of a transparent material, coupled to and covering the first covering layer, wherein a coating layer is attached to the second covering layer.

[0008] In some implementations, the second coating layer may include a light-diffusing agent.

[0009] In some embodiments, one or more light-transmitting openings may extend orthogonally to the longitudinal direction of the cover unit, in which the cover unit moves relative to the storage space. In some examples, one or more light-transmitting openings are arranged at predetermined intervals along the longitudinal direction of the cover unit, in which the cover unit moves relative to the storage space.

[0010] In some embodiments, the storage device may further include an illumination unit configured to emit light into the storage space, wherein the illumination unit is configured to illuminate a pattern such that the shape of the pattern becomes visible on the outside of the cover unit.

[0011] In some embodiments, the storage device may further include: a storage housing defining a storage space; and an internal light guide disposed on an inner surface of the storage housing, the internal light guide being configured to transmit light emitted from an illumination unit and diffuse the light toward a cover unit, wherein a pattern is provided in the internal light guide and the pattern is configured based on the light diffused from the internal light guide such that the shape of the pattern becomes visible on the outside of the cover unit.

[0012] In some examples, the coating layer has cutouts corresponding to the pattern, so that the shape of the pattern becomes visible on the outside of the cover unit based on light emitted from the illumination unit.

[0013] In some embodiments, the storage device may include: an illumination unit configured to emit light into the storage space; and a light guide configured to (i) transmit light emitted from the illumination unit, (ii) propagate light along the longitudinal direction of the cover unit, and (iii) diffuse light toward the cover unit. In some examples, the light guide includes: a first light guide extending in the longitudinal direction and disposed adjacent to the lower portion of the cover unit, the first light guide being configured to propagate light incident from the illumination unit onto an end of the first light guide in the longitudinal direction; and a second light guide surrounding at least a portion of the first light guide and facing the cover unit, the second light guide being configured to transmit light from the first light guide and diffuse light toward the cover unit. In some embodiments, the illumination unit is a single illumination unit disposed at an end of the light guide.

[0014] In some embodiments, the cover unit has (i) an illuminated area adjacent to the light guide and (ii) a remaining non-illuminated area, wherein the storage device may further include a blocking rib disposed between the illuminated area and the non-illuminated area and projecting downward from the cover unit toward the storage space, the blocking rib being configured to block light diffused from the light guide.

[0015] In some embodiments, the light guide may define a notch in the radial direction of the light guide, the notch being configured to provide light propagating in the longitudinal direction of the light guide in the radial direction toward the cover unit. In some embodiments, the notch is one of a plurality of notches arranged in the longitudinal direction of the light guide, wherein the cross-sectional groove size of the plurality of notches increases with the distance between the illumination unit and the plurality of notches.

[0016] In some embodiments, the storage device may include: an illumination unit configured to emit light into the storage space; and one or more light guides configured to transmit light emitted from the illumination unit, propagate light in the lateral direction of the cover unit, and diffuse light toward the cover unit.

[0017] In some implementations, one or more light guides may extend in the lateral direction of the cover unit, each of the one or more light guides being configured to guide light incident from the illumination unit to the end of the light guide.

[0018] In some embodiments, one or more light guides may include a plurality of light guides arranged at predetermined intervals along the longitudinal direction of the cover unit, wherein the illumination unit is one of a plurality of illumination units respectively provided for the plurality of light guides, and each of the plurality of illumination units is configured to provide light to one of the plurality of light guides.

[0019] In some embodiments, the storage device may further include tracks disposed on the left and right sides of the cover unit and configured to guide the sliding of the cover unit, each track having one or more projection holes facing one or more light guides and configured to transmit light from the one or more light guides, wherein the inner diameter of each of the one or more projection holes increases toward the corresponding one of the one or more light guides.

[0020] In some implementations, each of one or more light guides is configured to be positioned at a location corresponding to one of the lighting units or a plurality of lighting units, based on the cover unit closing the storage space.

[0021] In some implementations, the storage device may further include: a sensor configured to detect whether the storage space is opened or closed by the cover unit; and a controller configured to control the operation of the lighting unit based on whether the storage space is opened or closed.

[0022] In some implementations, by applying illumination to the surface of the cover, lighting can be arranged across various interior cover assemblies of the vehicle, ensuring uniform light distribution and enhancing the vehicle's premium feel. This, in turn, improves the marketability of the design, increases its sales appeal, and enhances customer satisfaction.

[0023] In some implementations, the coating is divided into strip-shaped sections because the light-transmitting openings are formed continuously in a linear pattern along the direction of sliding of the cover unit. This mitigates quality issues by preventing potential cracking in the coating. Furthermore, the lines of the light-transmitting openings become clearly visible, resulting in a clean appearance for the cover. Attached Figure Description

[0024] The above and other aspects, features and advantages of this disclosure will become more apparent from the accompanying drawings and from the following detailed description.

[0025] Figure 1 This is a view showing an example of a lid that provides a tray.

[0026] Figure 2 This is a view showing the tray lid open.

[0027] Figure 3 This is a view showing an example of a cover.

[0028] Figure 4 This is an example view showing the cross-section of the cover and the light-transmitting part.

[0029] Figure 5 This is a view showing an example of a lighting unit.

[0030] Figure 6 This is a view showing an example configuration where the lighting unit is installed on the side of the storage housing.

[0031] Figure 7 This shows the application to Figure 5 and Figure 6 An example view of the lighting module.

[0032] Figure 8 This is a view showing an example of an illumination unit set on each light guide.

[0033] Figure 9 It shows that the assembly has Figure 8 A view of the example structure of the component.

[0034] Figure 10 It is shown Figure 9 A view of an example of light diffused from the lighting unit to the cover.

[0035] Figure 11 It is shown in Figure 9 A view of an example of a blocking rib set at the lower part of the middle cover.

[0036] Figure 12 It is shown in Figure 8 A view of an example of a notch defined in a light guide.

[0037] Figure 13This is a view showing an example of an independent illumination unit applied to each light guide.

[0038] Figure 14 It is shown Figure 13 A view of the example structure of the component.

[0039] Figure 15 It is shown Figure 14 A view of an example of light diffused from the lighting unit to the cover.

[0040] Figure 16 It shows that Figure 13 A view of an example method for fixing the light guide to the cover unit.

[0041] Figure 17 It is shown Figure 14 The image shows an example structure that provides a view of light from the illumination unit through an enlarged transmission aperture. Detailed Implementation

[0042] One or more embodiments disclosed herein are exemplary and descriptive and should not be construed as limiting the scope of this disclosure.

[0043] In addition, the term "unit" or "control unit" in the name is merely a widely used term for naming controllers configured to control specific functions of a vehicle, and does not refer to a general-purpose functional unit.

[0044] In order to control the functions it is responsible for, the controller may include a communication device, a memory, and at least one processor. The communication device is configured to communicate with a sensor or another controller, the memory is configured to store operating system or logic instructions and input / output information, and the at least one processor is configured to perform determination, calculation, decision-making, etc., for controlling the functions it is responsible for.

[0045] In the following text, one or more embodiments described herein will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, and the same or similar elements will be given the same or similar reference numerals regardless of the drawing numbers, so repeated descriptions will be omitted.

[0046] In some embodiments, the storage cover 10 includes: a cover unit 100 having a predetermined level or higher of transparency and configured to slide and cover a storage space 310 inside the vehicle; and a coating layer 200 applied to cover the cover unit 100, the coating layer having a surface partially removed to form one or more light-transmitting openings 210. Light emitted from inside the storage space 310 is transmitted through the light-transmitting openings 210 and becomes visible from the outside of the cover unit 100.

[0047] Figure 1 and Figure 2The cover 10 shown is an example of a cover for a vehicle pallet.

[0048] In the following description, embodiments of the present disclosure will be illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings. A box-shaped storage housing 300 with a top opening is provided inside the vehicle.

[0049] Inside the storage housing 300, a storage space 310 is defined for storing items, and a cover unit 100 is provided to cover the storage space 310.

[0050] Tracks 320 are provided on the left and right sides of the storage housing 300. The cover unit 100 can slide along the tracks 320, with its left and right sides respectively inserted into grooves formed in the tracks. Therefore, the storage space 310 can be opened or closed by sliding the cover unit 100.

[0051] The upper surface of the horizontally formed track 320 is formed. However, the rear end of the track 320 is formed to extend in an arc shape at the rear end of the storage housing 300.

[0052] Therefore, when the cover unit 100 slides, the rear end of the cover unit 100 moves along the arc of the track 320.

[0053] The cover unit 100 is formed to have a predetermined level or higher of transparency.

[0054] The coating layer 200 is applied to the surface of the cover unit 100, and the coating layer 200 can be double-coated using an upper coating layer 200a and a lower coating layer 200b.

[0055] The top coating 200a can be applied using, for example, soft paint, metallic paint or bio-paint, and the bottom coating 200b can be applied using black primer, so as to mask the transparent cover unit 100 while implementing various colors.

[0056] Specifically, a portion of the coating layer 200 is partially removed, and the removed portion becomes a light-transmitting opening 210.

[0057] With the removal of the coating layer 200, light can pass through the light-transmitting opening 210.

[0058] Therefore, when light is emitted from inside the storage space 310, the light does not pass through the part where the coating layer 200 is retained, but is emitted outward through the light-transmitting opening 210 where the coating layer 200 has been removed, making the light visible from the outside of the cover unit 100.

[0059] Therefore, by applying illumination to the surface of cover 10, various cover components inside the vehicle can be illuminated, ensuring uniform light distribution and enhancing the vehicle's premium feel. This improves design marketability, increases sales appeal, and enhances customer satisfaction.

[0060] In some embodiments, the cover unit 100 includes: a first cover layer 110 configured to slide along the longitudinal direction of the storage space 310 and including a plurality of sliding panels 111 continuously connected and joined at predetermined intervals in the sliding direction; and a second cover layer 120 formed of a transparent material and joined to cover the first cover layer 110. A coating layer 200 is applied to the second cover layer 120.

[0061] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 4 The cover unit 100 is constructed by attaching the second cover layer 120 to the upper surface of the first cover layer 110.

[0062] The first cover layer 110 includes a plurality of rectangular sliding panels 111 having a relatively short lateral length. The rectangular sliding panels 111 are arranged to extend in the left-right lateral direction of the cover unit 100 and are continuously connected at predetermined intervals along the front-back longitudinal direction of the cover unit 100.

[0063] In addition, sliding or rolling rollers are provided on the left and right sides of the sliding panel 111, and the rollers are inserted into the track 320, so that the sliding panel 111 slides along the track 320.

[0064] Specifically, the continuously connected sliding panels 111 are foldably connected to each other, allowing the first cover layer 110 to move along the arcuate rear end of the track 320.

[0065] Therefore, the sliding panel 111 can be made of a material with excellent stability and high material reliability, such as PP-based material or PC-based material.

[0066] In some cases, the second cover layer 120 is configured as a plate that can completely cover the first cover layer 110 and is fixed to the upper surface of the first cover layer 110.

[0067] The coating layer 200 is applied to the upper surface of the second cover layer 120.

[0068] Specifically, since a light-transmitting opening 210 is formed in the coating layer 200, the second cover layer 120 can be made of a transparent TPE-based (thermoplastic elastomer) material that exhibits excellent transparency and diffusion, and allows light to pass through easily.

[0069] Additionally, the second cover layer 120 may include a light diffusing agent 121.

[0070] Therefore, light passing through the second cover layer 120 can be diffused evenly to provide a natural lighting effect.

[0071] For example, during the injection molding of the second cover layer 120, the light diffusing agent 121 can be included as an additive in the second cover layer 120.

[0072] In another example, the light diffusing agent 121 can be fixed to the surface of the second coating layer 120 in the form of a film.

[0073] In addition, a light-transmitting opening 210 can be formed in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction in which the cover unit 100 slides.

[0074] Specifically, light-transmitting openings 210 can be continuously arranged at predetermined intervals in the longitudinal direction of the sliding of the cover unit 100.

[0075] In other words, such as Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, a light-transmitting opening 210 is formed in the shape of a linear groove extending in the lateral direction of the cover unit 100, and the linear light-transmitting openings 210 are arranged at predetermined intervals in the longitudinal direction of the cover unit 100.

[0076] In detail, unless a light-transmitting opening 210 is formed, cracks will appear on the surface of the coating layer 200 as the cover unit 100 moves along the arc, due to the decrease in the elongation of the coating layer 200.

[0077] In some implementations, the coating layer 200 is divided into strip-shaped sections by continuously forming linear light-transmitting openings 210 along the sliding direction of the cover unit 100.

[0078] Therefore, quality problems can be mitigated by preventing cracks from appearing in the coating layer 200. In addition, the lines of the light-transmitting opening 210 become clearly visible, making the cover 10 look neat.

[0079] In addition, such as Figure 4 As shown, the light-transmitting opening 210 can be formed by laser cutting the coating layer 200.

[0080] In other words, the upper coating 200a and the lower coating 200b can be laser-cut to form a light-transmitting opening 210.

[0081] Of course, in addition to laser cutting, other methods such as scraping techniques or masking processes can be used to remove the coating layer 200.

[0082] In addition, light-transmitting openings 210 can be formed at intervals not greater than a predetermined value.

[0083] In other words, the longitudinal spacing between adjacent light-transmitting openings 210 can be approximately 0.3 mm.

[0084] If the longitudinal spacing between adjacent light-transmitting openings 210 is too large, the first cover layer 110 may be overexposed through the light-transmitting openings 210, resulting in a deterioration of the appearance of the cover 10. In some examples, if the longitudinal spacing between adjacent light-transmitting openings 210 is too small, the lines of the light-transmitting openings 210 may become blurred, thereby degrading the illumination function through the light-transmitting openings 210.

[0085] In some embodiments, when the lighting unit 400 is applied, the storage lid includes the lighting unit 400, which is configured to emit light within the storage space 310, and the light emitted from the lighting unit 400 illuminates a specific pattern P, making the shape of the pattern P visible on the outside of the lid unit 100.

[0086] Reference Figure 3 , Figure 5 and Figure 7 The lighting unit 400 may be an LED embedded in the lighting module M, and the lighting module M may be installed in the lower part of the storage housing 300.

[0087] In another example, such as Figure 6 As shown, the lighting module M can be installed on the side of the storage housing 300.

[0088] Therefore, the light emitted from the lighting unit 400 is directed into the upper cover unit 100 within the storage space 310.

[0089] In particular, light directed toward the cover unit 100 can illuminate a specific pattern P.

[0090] The pattern P can include characters or graphics, such as vehicle brand, name, or logo.

[0091] Therefore, when the shape of pattern P is projected toward the cover unit 100 within the storage space 310, the shape of pattern P becomes visible from the outside of the cover 10, thereby enhancing the interior effect of the vehicle.

[0092] In some embodiments, when the pattern P is implemented on the cover unit 100, an internal light guide 500 is provided on the inner surface of the storage housing 300 defining the storage space 310, and the internal light guide 500 is configured such that light emitted from the illumination unit 400 is transmitted through the internal light guide 500 and diffused toward the cover unit 100. The pattern P can be formed in the internal light guide 500 such that the shape of the pattern P becomes visible on the outside of the cover unit 100 by light diffused from the internal light guide 500.

[0093] Reference Figure 5 and Figure 7The lighting module M includes an arc-shaped internal light guide 500, which is disposed on the upper surface of the lighting module M and exposed to the inner surface of the storage housing 300.

[0094] Therefore, the light emitted from the lighting unit 400 propagates to the internal light guide 500 and diffuses through the internal light guide 500. Then, the diffused light moves from inside the storage space 310 toward the upper cover unit 100.

[0095] In particular, a pattern P can be formed on the surface of each of the internal light guides 500.

[0096] For example, the surface of each of the internal light guides 500 can be coated with a paint, and the coated surface can be partially removed in the shape of pattern P to form pattern P.

[0097] In another example, a pattern P can be formed on the surface of each of the internal light guides 500 during injection molding.

[0098] Therefore, the shape of the pattern P is illuminated by light diffused from the internal light guide 500, passes through the light-transmitting opening 210, and becomes visible on the outside of the cover unit 100.

[0099] In some embodiments, when pattern P is implemented in cover unit 100, the shape of pattern P is formed by partially removing coating layer 200, such that the shape of pattern P becomes visible on the outside of cover unit 100 by light emitted from illumination unit 400.

[0100] In other words, pattern P is formed by partially removing a portion of coating layer 200 in the shape of pattern P.

[0101] Additionally, light can be transmitted through a portion of the coating layer 200 that has been removed to form pattern P.

[0102] When light is emitted from inside the storage space 310, the light does not pass through the remaining portion of the coating layer 200, but rather through the portion where the coating layer 200 has been removed to form the pattern, making the shape of the pattern P visible on the outside of the cover unit 100.

[0103] For reference, the pattern P formed in the coating layer 200 can be formed in the same way as the light-transmitting opening 210.

[0104] In some examples, when the lighting unit 400 is applied, the storage cover includes: the lighting unit 400, configured to emit light into the storage space 310; and the light guide 600, configured to allow light emitted from the lighting unit 400 to be transmitted through the light guide 600, propagate along the longitudinal direction of the cover unit 100, and diffuse towards the cover unit 100.

[0105] Reference Figures 8 to 10 The light guide 600 is arranged on each of the left and right sides of the cover unit 100, extending along the longitudinal direction of the cover unit 100.

[0106] In addition, the light emitted from the lighting unit 400 propagates along the longitudinal direction of the light guide 600 and diffuses toward the cover unit 100.

[0107] Therefore, the light from the lighting unit 400 can illuminate each of the left and right sides of the cover 10.

[0108] Additionally, the light guide 600 includes: a first light guide 610 disposed adjacent to the lower part of the cover unit 100 in a longitudinal direction, and configured such that light from the illumination unit 400 is incident on the end of the first light guide and propagates in the longitudinal direction of the first light guide; and a second light guide 620 disposed around the first light guide 610 and facing the cover unit 100, and configured such that light passing through the first light guide 610 is incident on the second light guide and diffuses toward the cover unit 100.

[0109] Reference Figures 8 to 10 The first light guide 610 has an elongated cylindrical rod shape and is disposed on each of the upper left and upper right sides of the storage housing 300 in the longitudinal direction, adjacent to the lower side of the cover 10.

[0110] Light from the lighting unit 400, which includes LEDs, is incident on the end of the first light guide 610 and propagates along the longitudinal direction of the first light guide 610.

[0111] The second light guide 620 has a U-shaped cross-section and is fixed to cover the left, right and top sides of the first light guide 610.

[0112] The outer surface and a portion of the upper side of the second light guide 620 are blocked by the track 320, and the inner surface and a portion of the lower side of the second light guide 620 are blocked by the storage housing 300.

[0113] Therefore, the light propagating from the illumination unit 400 to the first light guide 610 diffuses in the radial direction and is incident on the second light guide 620. The light incident on the second light guide 620 is further diffused while being concentrated in the upward and inward direction.

[0114] Therefore, the light diffused from the lighting unit 400 is guided onto the cover 10, and the light guided onto the cover 10 is transmitted through the light-transmitting opening 210, thereby illuminating the outside of the cover 10.

[0115] In some implementations, a single illumination unit 400 may be provided at the end of each of the light guides 600.

[0116] In other words, in some examples, such as Figure 8 As shown, by connecting the lighting unit 400 to only one side of each of the first light guides 610 arranged on the left and right sides, the light from the lighting unit 400 propagates along the longitudinal direction of the first light guide 610 and illuminates the left and right sides of the cover.

[0117] Therefore, indirect lighting can be softly implemented on the left and right sides of the cover 10.

[0118] Additionally, the cover unit 100 can be divided into an illuminated area adjacent to the light guide 600 and the remaining non-illuminated area, and the blocking rib 130 can protrude downward toward the storage space 310 between the illuminated area and the non-illuminated area to block light diffused from the light guide 600.

[0119] Reference Figure 11 On each of the left and right sides of the cover unit 100, an illumination area is formed adjacent to a corresponding light guide in the light guide 600, and a non-illumination area is formed between the left illumination area and the right illumination area.

[0120] Specifically, a blocking rib 130 is formed between each of the non-illuminated and illuminated areas, and the blocking rib 130 protrudes downward in a direction perpendicular to the lower surface of the first cover layer 110.

[0121] Therefore, light diffused from the light guide 600 toward the cover 10 is incident on the illumination area, thereby illuminating the illumination area.

[0122] However, the light diffused toward the blocking rib 130 is blocked by the blocking rib 130, thereby preventing light from entering the non-illuminated area and no illumination is provided in the center of the cover 10.

[0123] However, the light diffused to the blocking rib 130 can be reflected toward the illuminated area, which increases the amount of light incident on the illuminated area.

[0124] Therefore, uniform brightness illumination can be implemented in the illumination areas formed on the left and right sides of the cover 10.

[0125] In addition, the light guide 600 may have a groove-shaped notch 611 extending in the radial direction, so that light propagating in the longitudinal direction of the light guide 600 is radially guided toward the cover unit 100.

[0126] Reference Figure 12 A notch 611 is formed in the radial direction on the outer surface of the first light guide 610.

[0127] Therefore, when light propagating along the first light guide 610 irradiates the notch 611, the light is refracted in the vertical direction.

[0128] Specifically, the notch 611 is formed such that when light is irradiated by the notch 611, it is refracted toward the cover 10.

[0129] Therefore, when light propagating through the first light guide 610 is directed toward the cover 10, uniform brightness illumination can be implemented in the illumination areas formed on the left and right sides of the cover 10.

[0130] Furthermore, as the distance from the lighting unit 400 increases, the cross-sectional size of the recess 611 increases.

[0131] Reference Figure 12 The notches 611 are repeatedly formed at predetermined intervals along the longitudinal direction of the first light guide 610, and the illumination unit 400 is connected to one end of the first light guide 610.

[0132] Therefore, the notch 611 closest to the first light guide 610 has the smallest groove cross-section, and the groove cross-section of the notch 611 gradually increases towards the other end of the first light guide 610. Therefore, the notch 611 closest to the other end of the first light guide 610 has the largest groove cross-section.

[0133] Therefore, even when the first light guide 610 is located away from the lighting unit 400, light can be smoothly reflected from the first light guide 610 toward the cover 10, thereby providing uniform brightness illumination to the front and rear of the cover 10.

[0134] In some examples, when the lighting unit 400 is applied, the storage cover includes: one or more lighting units 400 configured to emit light into the storage space 310; and one or more light guides configured to allow light emitted from the lighting unit 400 to be transmitted through the one or more light guides, propagate in the lateral direction of the cover unit 100, and diffuse toward the cover unit 100.

[0135] Reference Figures 13 to 15 The light guide is arranged to extend in the lateral direction through the left and right sides of the cover unit 100.

[0136] The light emitted from the lighting unit 400 propagates along the longitudinal direction of the light guide and diffuses toward the cover unit 100.

[0137] Therefore, the light from the lighting unit 400 can illuminate the entire width of the cover 10.

[0138] In addition, the light guide is fixed in the lateral direction of the cover unit 100, and light from each of the illumination units 400 is incident on the end of the corresponding one of the light guides.

[0139] Reference Figures 13 to 15 The light guide is arranged to extend laterally through the upper left and right sides of the storage housing 300.

[0140] The light guide is fixedly welded to the cover unit 100 and slides together with the cover 10.

[0141] Light from each of the lighting units 400, including LEDs, is incident on the left and right ends of the corresponding one of the light guides and propagates along the longitudinal direction to the left and right sides of the light guide.

[0142] Therefore, the light propagating from the lighting unit 400 to the light guide diffuses in the radial direction toward the cover 10.

[0143] Therefore, the light diffused from the lighting unit 400 is guided to the cover 10, and the light guided to the cover 10 is transmitted through the light-transmitting opening 210, thereby illuminating the outside of the cover 10.

[0144] In addition, light guides can be continuously arranged at predetermined intervals along the longitudinal direction of the cover unit 100, and an illumination unit 400 can be set separately for each light guide 700 so that light is incident on each light guide 700.

[0145] Reference Figure 13 Light guides are continuously arranged at predetermined intervals along the longitudinal direction of the cover unit 100.

[0146] The light guides are respectively disposed between the sliding panels 111 of the first cover layer 110.

[0147] Each of the light guides is located below the corresponding one of the light-transmitting openings 210, so that light diffused from the light guide can be smoothly transmitted through the light-transmitting opening 210.

[0148] In this way, since light guides are arranged individually for each light-transmitting opening 210, and light from the lighting unit 400 is guided to the light guides, lighting can be directly implemented over the entire area of ​​the cover 10.

[0149] In addition, the rigidity of the cover 10 is increased because the light guide is fixed to the cover 10. Therefore, when the cover 10 is closed, it can be used as the base of an open tray, which improves space utilization and reduces the operational play with the track 320.

[0150] However, since the illumination unit 400 is connected to both the left and right ends of the light guide, the left and right ends of the light guide may be over-illuminated compared to the middle.

[0151] Therefore, the left and right regions of the cover unit 100 corresponding to the left and right ends of the light guide can be configured such that the coating layer 200 is not cut, so that the light-transmitting opening 210 is not formed.

[0152] For reference, refer to Figure 16 A method for fixing multiple light guides to a cover 10 is described, wherein a bridge B is injection molded together on the left and right sides of the light guides to integrally manufacture the light guides.

[0153] Then, the integrally manufactured light guide is fixedly welded to the cover unit 100, and the left bridge and right bridge B are removed, so that multiple light guides can be easily fixed to the cover unit 100.

[0154] Furthermore, the storage cover may include tracks 320 configured to guide the cover unit 100 to slide on its left and right sides. Each of the tracks 320 may have a projection aperture 321 at a portion facing the light guide, through which light emitted from the illumination unit 400 may be incident onto the light guide, and each of the projection apertures 321 may have an enlarged inner diameter facing a corresponding portion of the light guide.

[0155] Reference Figure 15 Track 320 is positioned on the left and right sides of the light guide, and illumination unit 400 is positioned on the outside of track 320.

[0156] A projection aperture 321 is formed on the portion of the light guide facing the illumination unit 400 at the opposite end of the track 320, so that light emitted from the illumination unit 400 is incident on the light guide through the projection aperture 321.

[0157] Specifically, a chamfer 322 is formed on the inner surface of the projection aperture 321 near the light guide, so that the inner diameter of the projection aperture 321 expands from the illumination unit 400 toward the light guide.

[0158] Therefore, when the light provided from the lighting unit 400 is amplified through the projection hole 321 and incident on the light guide, soft lighting can be provided through the cover 10.

[0159] In some examples, in response to the storage space 310 being closed by the cover unit 100, the light guide is positioned at a location corresponding to the lighting unit 400.

[0160] In other words, the light guide slides together with the cover 10, while the lighting unit 400 is fixed to the side surface of the corresponding track 320 and does not slide.

[0161] Therefore, by configuring the light guide and the illumination unit 400 to align with each other when the cover 10 is closed, illumination can be provided to the outside of the cover 10 when the cover 10 is closed.

[0162] In some examples, the storage cover further includes: a sensor 800 configured to detect whether the storage space 310 is opened or closed by the cover unit 100; and a controller 900 configured to control the on / off operation of the lighting unit 400 in response to the opening or closing of the storage space 310.

[0163] Reference Figure 1 The sensor 800 may be a switch fixed to the front end of the cover 10 or to the inner surface of the storage housing 300 facing the front end, and is configured to be turned on or off in response to the opening or closing of the cover 10.

[0164] Therefore, when the cover 10 is closed, the switch is turned on to detect that the storage space 310 is in the closed state, and when the cover 10 is opened, the switch is turned off to detect that the storage space 310 is in the open state.

[0165] Specifically, when the cover 10 is closed and the switch is on, the controller 900 can turn on the lighting unit 400 to illuminate the cover 10. When the cover 10 is open and the switch is off, the controller 900 can turn off the lighting unit 400, thereby not illuminating the cover 10.

[0166] The controller 900 can be combined with the ambient lighting controller 910 to implement lighting of various colors, and can be combined with interactive lighting scenes (including sequential lighting) to implement dynamic designs.

[0167] Although this disclosure has been described and illustrated in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various improvements and modifications may be made to this disclosure without departing from the technical spirit of this disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A storage device for a vehicle, comprising: A cover unit that moves relative to and covers a storage space located inside a vehicle, the cover unit comprising one or more covering layers having a transparency level greater than or equal to a predetermined transparency level; as well as A coating layer covers the cover unit, the coating layer defining one or more light-transmitting openings through the surface of the coating layer. The one or more light-transmitting openings transmit light emitted from inside the storage space toward the outside of the cover unit.

2. The storage device according to claim 1, wherein, The one or more covering layers of the cover unit include: A first covering layer, movable along the longitudinal direction of the storage space, the first covering layer comprising a plurality of sliding panels connected to each other and arranged at predetermined intervals in the sliding direction; and A second cover layer, made of a transparent material, is attached to and covers the first cover layer. The coating layer is attached to the second cover layer.

3. The storage device according to claim 2, wherein, The second coating layer includes a light-scattering agent.

4. The storage device according to claim 1, wherein, The one or more light-transmitting openings extend in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the cover unit, in which the cover unit moves relative to the storage space.

5. The storage device according to claim 1, wherein, The one or more light-transmitting openings are arranged at predetermined intervals in the longitudinal direction of the cover unit, and the cover unit moves relative to the storage space in the longitudinal direction of the cover unit.

6. The storage device according to claim 1, further comprising: The lighting unit emits light into the storage space. The lighting unit illuminates the pattern, making the shape of the pattern visible on the outside of the cover unit.

7. The storage device according to claim 6, further comprising: Storage housing, defining the storage space; as well as An internal light guide is disposed on the inner surface of the storage housing. The internal light guide transmits light emitted from the illumination unit and scatters the light toward the cover unit. The pattern is disposed in the internal light guide, and the shape of the pattern becomes visible on the outside of the cover unit based on the light scattered from the internal light guide.

8. The storage device according to claim 6, wherein, The coating layer has cutouts corresponding to the pattern, so that the shape of the pattern becomes visible on the outside of the cover unit based on light emitted from the illumination unit.

9. The storage device according to claim 1, further comprising: The lighting unit emits light into the storage space; as well as Light guide: (i) transmits light emitted from the illumination unit, (ii) propagates the light along the longitudinal direction of the cover unit, and (iii) scatters the light toward the cover unit.

10. The storage device according to claim 9, wherein, The optical guide includes: A first light guide, extending along the longitudinal direction and disposed adjacent to the lower portion of the cover unit, allows light incident from the illumination unit onto its end to propagate along the longitudinal direction; and A second light guide surrounds at least a portion of the first light guide and faces the cover unit. The second light guide transmits light from the first light guide and causes the light to scatter toward the cover unit.

11. The storage device according to claim 9, wherein, The lighting unit is disposed at the end of the light guide.

12. The storage device according to claim 9, wherein, The cover unit has (i) an illuminated area adjacent to the light guide and (ii) a remaining non-illuminated area, and The storage device further includes a blocking rib disposed between the illuminated area and the non-illuminated area, and protruding downward from the cover unit toward the storage space, the blocking rib blocking light scattered from the light guide.

13. The storage device according to claim 9, wherein, The light guide defines a notch in the radial direction, the notch providing light propagating in the longitudinal direction of the light guide toward the cover unit in the radial direction.

14. The storage device according to claim 13, wherein, The notch is one of a plurality of notches arranged in the longitudinal direction of the light guide, and The cross-sectional groove size of the plurality of notches increases as the distance between the lighting unit and the plurality of notches increases.

15. The storage device according to claim 1, further comprising: The lighting unit emits light into the storage space; as well as One or more light guides transmit light emitted from the illumination unit, causing the light to propagate in the lateral direction of the cover unit and to scatter the light toward the cover unit.

16. The storage device according to claim 15, wherein, The one or more light guides extend in the lateral direction of the cover unit, and each of the one or more light guides guides light incident from the illumination unit to the end of the light guide.

17. The storage device according to claim 15, wherein, The one or more light guides include a plurality of light guides arranged at predetermined intervals along the longitudinal direction of the cover unit, and The lighting unit is one of a plurality of lighting units respectively provided for the plurality of light guides, and each of the plurality of lighting units provides light to one of the plurality of light guides.

18. The storage device according to claim 15, further comprising: Tracks, disposed on the left and right sides of the cover unit, guide the sliding of the cover unit. Each track has one or more projection holes, each facing one or more light guides and transmitting light from the light guides. The inner diameter of each of the one or more projection holes increases toward the corresponding one of the one or more light guides.

19. The storage device according to claim 15, wherein, Each of the one or more light guides is positioned at a location corresponding to one of the lighting units or a plurality of lighting units, based on the cover unit closing the storage space.

20. The storage device according to claim 1, further comprising: The lighting unit emits light into the storage space; The sensor detects whether the storage space is opened or closed by the cover unit; as well as The controller controls the operation of the lighting unit based on whether the storage space is opened or closed.

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