Optical module, lamp device and motor vehicle

Abstract

The utility model provides an optical module, a lamp device and a motor vehicle. The optical module comprises a substrate; the plurality of light source assemblies are mounted on one surface of the substrate, and at least part of the plurality of light source assemblies can be independently controlled to be selectively switched on or switched off; the grating component is arranged on the surface of the substrate, the grating component comprises a plurality of grids arranged in an array, each grid defines a cavity, and at least one light source assembly is positioned in the cavity of each grid; and the light projection assembly is arranged on the light emitting sides of the plurality of light source assemblies, and the light projection assembly is provided with an independent three-dimensional optical structure corresponding to each grating in the grating component so as to project light emitted from the plurality of light source assemblies outwards.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to the field of lighting and / or signal indication, and more specifically, to an optical module capable of providing a pixelated lighting effect, as well as a lamp device and a motor vehicle equipped with such an optical module. Background Art

[0002] In multiple fields, various lighting or signal indication devices are known for providing light for lighting or signal indication. For example, vehicle lights are used in motor vehicles to provide lighting or signal indication functions to ensure safe driving, or lamps with functions such as lighting, signal indication, and atmosphere decoration are installed inside or outside spaces such as vehicle cabins, aircraft cabins, buildings, and rooms.

[0003] As a lighting or signal indication device, a pixelated lamp device can form an imaging lighting effect similar to an image, and thus can form various forms of light, and it is convenient to set and adjust the shape of the light. It is especially suitable for the lighting and signal indication fields of motor vehicles to improve driving safety and visibility. In conventional technologies, although digital micromirror devices (DMDs), DLP, or LCD technologies can provide rich pixelated projection patterns, they are quite expensive. In addition, in some traditional pixelated lamp modules using LED arrays, there are usually problems such as light crosstalk, poor uniformity, large pixel pitch, and low resolution. Additionally, it is noted that there is a need for a three-dimensional appearance effect on the light-emitting surface of the pixelated lamp device. Summary of the Invention

[0004] An object of the present disclosure is to solve or overcome at least one of the above and other problems and defects existing in the prior art.

[0005] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an optical module, comprising: a substrate; a plurality of light source components mounted on one surface of the substrate, at least some of the plurality of light source components being capable of being independently controlled to selectively turn on or off; a grille member provided on the surface of the substrate, the grille member including a plurality of grids arranged in an array, each grid defining a cavity, and at least one of the light source components being positioned in the cavity of each grid; and a light projection component disposed on the light-emitting side of the plurality of light source components, the light projection component having an independent three-dimensional optical structure corresponding to each grid in the grille member to project the light emitted from the plurality of light source components outward.

[0006] In some embodiments, the three-dimensional optical structure of the light projection component has a regular array arrangement.

[0007] In some embodiments, the three-dimensional optical structure of the optical projection component includes a three-dimensional structure protruding toward the light-emitting side and having a generally planar light-emitting surface.

[0008] In some embodiments, the three-dimensional optical structure of the optical projection component has a diamond-cut structure on the surface of the light-emitting side.

[0009] In some embodiments, the three-dimensional optical structure of the optical projection component has a protruding structure with an embedded corresponding grille on the side opposite to the light-emitting side.

[0010] In some embodiments, the three-dimensional optical structure of the optical projection component has a protruding structure with an embedded corresponding grille in the grille member on the side facing the grille member.

[0011] In some embodiments, the optical module is further provided with a cover plate, the cover plate has an opening corresponding to each three-dimensional optical structure of the light projection component, and each three-dimensional optical structure in the light projection component is embedded in the opening of the cover plate to cover the grille member, wherein the cover plate has a light-tight structure corresponding to the grille member.

[0012] In some embodiments, the cover plate is made of a flexible material so that there is no gap between the cover plates when covering the grille member.

[0013] In some embodiments, the cover plate and the light projection component are formed as one body.

[0014] In some embodiments, the light projection component formed as one body with the cover plate forms an independent three-dimensional optical structure in the opening structure of the cover plate so that the cover plate can directly abut against the grille member.

[0015] In some embodiments, the optical module is further provided with a light shaping element, which is arranged between the light projection component and the grille member to shape the light emitted from the light source component into a desired light distribution.

[0016] In some embodiments, the light shaping element includes at least one optical film, a pattern is formed on the optical film, the shape of the grid of the pattern is consistent with the shape of the grid of the grille member, and the grid of the pattern is arranged in one-to-one correspondence with the grid of the grille member, and the pattern is made of a light-tight material to form a desired light distribution.

[0017] In some embodiments, the optical module is flexible; the substrate includes a flexible circuit board, each light source component includes one or more LEDs, the grille member is flexible, and the cover plate is flexible.

[0018] In some embodiments, the grid member includes partition walls defining the plurality of grids, the partition walls being disposed to extend between the substrate and the light projection assembly; and the wall surfaces of the partition walls extend perpendicular to or inclined to the surface of the substrate, and the wall surfaces of the partition walls are planar or arc-shaped.

[0019] In some embodiments, each grid has an opening away from the substrate defined by the partition walls of the grid, and the light shaping element includes at least one optical film positioned on the partition walls and covering at least the openings of the plurality of grids to directly face the light source assembly positioned in the cavity of each grid, and the optical film is configured to diffuse and homogenize the light emitted from the light source assembly or to deflect the light emitted from the light source assembly.

[0020] In some embodiments, a pattern is formed on the optical film, the shape of the grid of the pattern is consistent with the shape of the grid of the grid member, and the grid of the pattern is arranged in one-to-one correspondence with the grid of the grid member, and the pattern is made of an opaque material to form a desired light distribution.

[0021] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, an embodiment further provides a lamp device, including a housing and the optical module described in any one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, and the optical module is at least partially installed in the housing.

[0022] In some embodiments, the lamp device includes at least one of a headlamp, a signal indicator lamp, and an ambient lamp for a motor vehicle.

[0023] According to still another aspect of the present disclosure, an embodiment further provides a motor vehicle, which includes the optical module or the lamp device described in any one of the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0024] Other objects and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description of the present disclosure with reference to the accompanying drawings, and can help to have a comprehensive understanding of the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] These and / or other aspects, features and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent and readily understood from the following description of illustrative embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0026] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of a lamp device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0027] Figure 2 is an exploded view showing the structure of a lamp device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0028] Figure 3is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a part of the structure of a lamp device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0029] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a part of the structure of a lamp device according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0030] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a part of the structure of a lamp device according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0031] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a part of the structure of a lamp device according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0032] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a part of the structure of a lamp device according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Description of the Invention

[0033] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this specification, the same or similar components are denoted by the same or similar reference numerals. The following description of the embodiments of the present disclosure with reference to the accompanying drawings is intended to explain the overall inventive concept of the present disclosure and should not be construed as a limitation of the present disclosure.

[0034] In addition, in the following detailed description, for the sake of explanation, many specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments of the present disclosure. However, it is obvious that one or more embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in diagrammatic form to simplify the drawings.

[0035] Figure 1 A lamp device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is schematically shown. Figure 2 A perspective view schematically showing the structure of a lamp device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. As Figure 2 shown, the lamp device 100 may include a housing 110, and an optical module may be at least partially mounted in the housing 110, such as within the accommodation space of the housing 110.

[0036] As Figures 1 to 5As shown, an optical module according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure includes a substrate 120, a light source assembly 130, a grating member 140, a light projection assembly 160, etc. Among them, a plurality of light source assemblies 130 are mounted on one surface of the substrate 120, and the grating member 140 is also disposed on this surface of the substrate 120 to surround the light source assembly 130. The grating member 140 includes a plurality of grids arranged in a matrix or array, and each grid defines a cavity 141, and at least one light source assembly 130 is positioned in the cavity 141 of each grid. At least some of the plurality of light source assemblies 130 can be independently controlled. Preferably, each light source assembly 130 can be independently controlled to selectively turn on (i.e., light up) or turn off (i.e., extinguish) according to the needs of specific pattern display. Thus, the light emitted from the turned-on or lit light source assembly 130 can have a pixelated light distribution or lighting effect after passing through the corresponding grid or being defined or constrained by the grating member 140. The substrate 120 has bending ability, and its material preferably includes FR4, and its thickness can be less than 1 mm. The substrate 120 can also be a single piece. Since the substrate 120 can be bent at a certain angle, various shapes can be formed.

[0037] Figure 3 A cross-sectional view schematically showing a part of the structure of a lamp device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. As Figure 3 shown, the grating member 140 includes partition walls 142, and the partition walls 142 cross each other to define a plurality of grids. Each grid has an opening away from the substrate 120 defined by the partition walls 142, that is, each grid is closed at one end by the substrate 120 and open at the opposite end, so as to facilitate the light emitted by the light source assembly 120 positioned in the grid to exit. Illustratively, the wall surface 1421 of the partition wall 142 can extend perpendicular to or inclined to the surface of the substrate 120, so that the light from the light source assembly 130 positioned in the cavity 141 of the grid is guided to exit along the spatial profile defined by the wall surface 1421 of the partition wall 142 of the grid without interfering or crosstalking with the light emitted by the light source assembly 130 in adjacent grids. Thus, each grid and the light source assembly 130 positioned in the grid jointly define a "pixel" for the exiting light, so that the optical module as a whole can emit a pixelated light beam. The cross-section of each grid, such as the cross-section in a plane parallel to the surface of the substrate 120 or perpendicular to the thickness direction of the grating member, has a desired "pixel" shape, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 the triangular cross-section shown, it should be understood that the technical solution of the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and it can also be a circular shape, or other polygonal shapes, such as a rectangle, a square, a rhombus, a pentagon, a hexagon, etc., or can be customized or freely designed to meet different pixelated pattern requirements.

[0038] As Figure 2 andFigure 3 As shown, the light projection component 160 in the optical module is arranged on the light-emitting side of the plurality of light source components 130. Preferably, in the direction of the light-emitting side of the light source component 130, they are arranged in the order of the light source component 130, the grille member 140, and the light projection component 160 and are arranged closely. Among them, the light projection component 160 has an independent three-dimensional optical structure 161 corresponding to each grille in the grille member 140 to project the light emitted from the plurality of light source components 130 outward.

[0039] In some embodiments, the three-dimensional optical structure 161 of the light projection component 160 has a regular array arrangement. Preferably, the array arrangement of the three-dimensional optical structure 161 corresponds one-to-one with the grille array arrangement of the grille structure, so that the light emitted from the light source in each grille can be emitted through the three-dimensional optical structure 161 of the light projection component 160 without interference or crosstalk with the light emitted from the light sources in other adjacent grilles. In some embodiments, as Figure 3 shown, the three-dimensional optical structure 161 has a three-dimensional structure protruding toward the light-emitting side and has a generally planar light-emitting surface. Since the light from the light source component 130 will be further reflected in the three-dimensional structure and emitted through the light-emitting surface, when observed from the light-emitting side, the light emission of the optical module has a relatively clear shining effect. In some preferred embodiments, the three-dimensional optical structure 161 of the optical projection component 160 has a diamond-cut structure on the surface of the light-emitting side. Therefore, when observing the lamp device and / or the optical module from the light-emitting side, a shining effect with a diamond texture can be observed.

[0040] In some embodiments, the distance between adjacent three-dimensional optical structures 161 of the light projection component 160 is less than 3 mm, preferably less than or equal to 2 mm, so as to achieve the effect of a smaller interval between the light-emitting surfaces.

[0041] In some embodiments, as Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 shown, the optical module of the lamp device 100 can be further provided with a cover plate 170 having at least one opening. The light projection component 160 is embedded in the opening of the cover plate 170 to cover the grille member 140. Preferably, the cover plate 170 can have a plurality of opening arrays corresponding to each three-dimensional optical structure 161 of the light projection component, so that each three-dimensional optical structure in the light projection component can be embedded in the opening of the cover plate to cover the grille member 140, wherein the cover plate 160 preferably has a light-tight structure corresponding to the grille member one-to-one. The cover plate 170 can be fixed to the housing 110 to hold the optical module in the housing 110.

[0042] Preferably, the cover plate 170 can be made of a flexible material. In some embodiments, the cover plate 170 is installed without a gap with the light projection assembly 160, for example, adhered to the outside of the light projection assembly 160, which further simplifies the installation and effectively prevents light leakage.

[0043] The grille member 140 or at least its partition wall 142 and the cover plate 170 can be made of a flexible material or deformable material such as silicone, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), thermoplastic vulcanizate (TPV), ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM), etc., so that it is bendable and can adapt to different installation positions, especially in some non-planar or bent installation positions.

[0044] In some embodiments, the cover plate 170 can be integrally formed with the light projection assembly 160 by including but not limited to two-color or multi-color molding, insert molding, etc., thereby simplifying the assembly process and reducing assembly errors.

[0045] As Figure 2 and Figure 3 shown, in some embodiments, the optical module can optionally be further provided with a light shaping element 150, which is disposed between the light projection assembly 160 and the grille member 140 to shape the light emitted from the light source assembly into a light distribution with a desired shape. As an example, such "shaping" includes but is not limited to light diffusion, homogenization, steering, patterning, etc. Thus, the light emitted from the optical module can generally have a pixelated or patterned distribution to provide functions such as desired illumination or signal indication. In as Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 5 and Figure 6In the illustrated example, the light shaping element 150 includes an optical film 151 that covers the grille member 140. Specifically, the optical film 151 can be positioned on the partition wall 142, such as in contact with the open end of the partition wall 142, and at least cover the openings of a plurality of grids of the grille member 140 to (such as directly) face the light source assembly 130 positioned in the cavity 141 of each grid. The optical film 151 can be a light diffusing film or a homogenizing film for diffusing and homogenizing the light emitted from the light source assembly 120. Or, if needed, the optical film 151 can also be a light deflecting film for deflecting the light emitted from the light source assembly 120. Due to the presence of the optical film 151, when viewed from the side of the optical film facing away from the partition wall 142, the partition wall 142 is blocked by the optical film 151 and is invisible regardless of whether the light source assembly 130 is lit or extinguished. The light projection assembly 160 can be disposed on the side of the optical film 151 facing away from the grille member 140 and cover the optical film 151 to project outward the pixelated light beam shaped by the grille member 140 and the optical film 151.

[0046] In some embodiments, a pattern can be provided on the optical film 151. The shape of the grid of the pattern is consistent with the shape of the grid of the grille member 140, and the grid of the pattern is arranged in one-to-one correspondence with the grid of the grille member 140, and the pattern is light-impermeable. Specifically, the pattern can be formed by black ink, thereby avoiding mutual crosstalk of light on the optical film 151 to form a desired light distribution. In some applications, the pattern can also meet specific styling requirements. The pattern can be formed on the upper surface or the lower surface of the optical film 151.

[0047] In the present disclosure, the specific forms of the substrate 120 and the light source assembly 130 are not limited. For example, the substrate 120 can be a flexible substrate, such as a flexible circuit board. The grille member 140 and the light shaping element 150 can be flexible, and the entire optical module can also be flexible to adapt to different installation spaces and form optical modules of various shapes.

[0048] Figure 4 Schematically shown is a lamp device according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. As Figure 4 shown, in some embodiments, the three-dimensional optical structure 161 of the optical projection assembly 160 can have a protruding structure 162 embedded in the corresponding grille on the side facing the grille structure. The protruding structure 162 embedded in each grille can further reduce the occurrence of light interference or crosstalk and have a clearer and more dazzling effect.

[0049] Figure 5 Schematically shown is a lamp device according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. As Figure 5As shown, in some embodiments, the cover plate 170 has an opening for snap - fitting with the optical projection component 160, such that the optical projection component 160 is integrally embedded in the opening of the cover plate 170 to cover the optical film 151 of the light - shaping element 150. A pattern may be provided on the optical film 151. The shape of the grid of the pattern is consistent with the shape of the grid of the grille member 140, and the grid of the pattern is arranged in one - to - one correspondence with the grid of the grille member 140. The pattern is light - impermeable. Specifically, the pattern may be formed by black ink, thereby avoiding mutual crosstalk of light on the optical film 151.

[0050] Figure 6 and Figure 7 are lamp devices schematically showing two other exemplary embodiments according to the present disclosure. As Figure 6 shown, in some embodiments, the cover plate 170 and the light - projection component 260 are formed as one body. Preferably, the light - projection component 260 formed as one body with the cover plate is to form an independent three - dimensional optical structure 261 in the opening structure of the cover plate 170, so that the cover plate can directly abut against the grille member 140 or the optical film 150 of the light - shaping element 150 without passing through the light - projection component 260, thereby further preventing light leakage.

[0051] In some embodiments, first, a dark - colored cover plate 170 is formed, and then in the opening of the cover plate 70 corresponding to each grille, a light - projection component 260 composed of transparent independent three - dimensional optical structures 261 is formed to form an integral part. Preferably, the above - mentioned light - projection component 260 may be formed of a resin material.

[0052] As Figure 7 shown, in some embodiments, the cover plate 170 and the light - projection component 260 are formed as one body. The light - projection component 260 formed as one body with the cover plate is to form an independent three - dimensional optical structure 261 in the opening structure of the cover plate 170, so that the cover plate can directly abut against the grille member 140 without passing through the light - projection component 260, and the three - dimensional optical mechanism 261 of the light - projection component 260 has a protruding structure 262 embedded in the corresponding grille of the grille member on the side facing the grille member 140, thereby achieving a better optical effect.

[0053] Embodiments of the present disclosure also provide a lamp device 100, which includes the optical module described in any one of the embodiments of the present disclosure and is capable of providing a pixelated light distribution with or without patterns or symbols. The lamp device can be used as an illumination or signal indication device. For example, it can be used as a headlamp, signal indicator lamp, ambient light, etc. of a motor vehicle or other transportation means, and is used to project a desired pattern at a target position, such as on a road surface, a wall surface, inside a vehicle or other desired positions (such as inside or outside a space such as a building or a room). For example, personalized patterns or dynamic effect patterns such as smiley faces, hearts, flowers, animals / plants, vehicle logos, etc., vehicle driving-related information such as vehicle speed, steering arrows, travel arrows, lanes, etc., and information such as road construction, warning / indicator signs, text symbols, etc., so as to achieve functions such as illumination and signal indication.

[0054] Embodiments of the present disclosure also provide a motor vehicle including the optical module or the lamp device described in any one of the above embodiments.

[0055] Although the present disclosure is described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, the embodiments disclosed in the drawings are intended to exemplarily illustrate the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure and should not be construed as a limitation on the present disclosure. The dimensional ratios in the drawings are merely illustrative and should not be construed as a limitation on the present disclosure.

[0056] Although some embodiments of the general concept of the present disclosure have been shown and described, those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that changes can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the general concept of the present disclosure, and the scope of the present disclosure is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An optical module, characterized in that, The optical module includes: a substrate (120); a plurality of light source components (130) mounted on one surface of the substrate, at least some of the plurality of light source components being independently controllable to selectively turn on or off; a grille member (140) disposed on the surface of the substrate, the grille member including a plurality of grids arranged in an array, each grid defining a cavity (141), and at least one of the light source components being positioned in the cavity of each grid; and a light projection component (160) disposed on the light-emitting side of the plurality of light source components, the light projection component having an independent three-dimensional optical structure (161) corresponding to each grid in the grille member to project the light emitted from the plurality of light source components outward.

2. The optical module according to claim 1, wherein, The three-dimensional optical structures (161) of the light projection component (160) have a regular array arrangement.

3. The optical module according to claim 1, wherein, The three-dimensional optical structure (161) of the light projection component includes a three-dimensional structure protruding toward the light-emitting side and having a generally planar light-emitting surface.

4. The optical module according to claim 1, wherein, The gap between adjacent three-dimensional optical structures (161) of the light projection component (160) is less than 3 mm.

5. The optical module according to claim 1, wherein, The surface of the three-dimensional optical structure (161) of the light projection component (160) on the light-emitting side has a diamond-cut structure.

6. The optical module according to claim 1, wherein, The three-dimensional optical structure of the light projection component (160) has a protruding structure on the side facing the grille member (140) that is embedded in the corresponding grid of the grille member.

7. The optical module according to claim 1, further provided with a cover plate (170), the cover plate having an opening corresponding to each three-dimensional optical structure of the light projection component (160), and each three-dimensional optical structure in the light projection component (160) being embedded in the opening of the cover plate to cover the grille member, wherein the cover plate (170) has a light-tight structure corresponding to the grille member.

8. The optical module according to claim 7, wherein the cover plate (170) is made of a flexible material such that there is no gap between the cover plates when covering the grille member.

9. The optical module according to claim 7, wherein the cover plate and the light projection component are formed integrally.

10. The optical module according to claim 9, wherein the light projection component formed integrally with the cover plate (170) forms an independent three-dimensional optical structure in the opening structure of the cover plate such that the cover plate (170) can directly abut against the grille member (140).

11. The optical module according to claim 1, further comprising a light shaping element (150) disposed between the light projection component and the grille member to shape the light emitted from the light source component into a desired light distribution.

12. The optical module according to claim 11, wherein, The light shaping element (150) includes at least one optical film (151), a pattern (1511) being formed on the optical film (151), the shape of the grid of the pattern being the same as the shape of the grid of the grille member (140), and the grid of the pattern being arranged in one-to-one correspondence with the grid of the grille member (140), the pattern being made of a light-tight material to form a desired light distribution.

13. The optical module according to claim 7, wherein, The optical module is flexible; The substrate includes a circuit board having bending ability, each of the light source components includes one or more LEDs, the grid member is flexible, and The cover plate is flexible.

14. The optical module according to claim 1, wherein, The grid member (140) includes partition walls (142) defining the plurality of grids, and the partition walls (142) are disposed to extend between the substrate (120) and the light projection assembly (160); and The wall surface (1421) of the partition wall (142) extends perpendicular to or obliquely to the surface of the substrate, and the wall surface (1421) of the partition wall is planar or arc-shaped.

15. The optical module according to claim 14, wherein, Each grid has an opening away from the substrate (120) defined by the partition walls (142) of the grid, and The optical module further includes a light shaping element (150) disposed between the light projection assembly and the grid member to shape the light emitted from the light source component into a desired light distribution. The light shaping element (150) includes at least one optical film (151) positioned on the partition walls and covering at least the openings of the plurality of grids to directly face the light source components positioned in the cavities of each of the grids. The optical film is configured to diffuse and homogenize the light emitted from the light source components or deflect the light emitted from the light source components.

16. A lamp device (100), comprising: A housing (110); And The optical module according to any one of claims 1-15, wherein the optical module is at least partially installed in the housing.

17. A motor vehicle, wherein, The motor vehicle includes the optical module according to any one of claims 1-15, or the lamp device according to claim 16.

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