Optical module and vehicle
By using a covering component and a reflective component design in the vehicle lamp structure, combined with a light guide layer and a diffuser, the problem of uneven lighting from multiple LEDs is solved, uniform light illumination is achieved, and costs and maintenance requirements are reduced.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202422971659.3
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2024-05-14
- Filing Date
- 2024-12-03
- Publication Date
- 2025-10-17
- Estimated Expiration
- 2034-12-03
AI Technical Summary
In the prior art, the arrangement of multiple LEDs results in a device with uneven light illumination in some cases, and it is difficult for the prior art to solve the problem of uniform illumination of the light output by multiple LEDs in the vehicle lamp structure.
By arranging multiple LEDs on a printed circuit board, using multiple covering members and reflecting members with varying shapes and distances, and combining a light guide layer and a diffusion plate, uniform light irradiation is achieved.
The light output from multiple LEDs is uniformly illuminated in the vehicle lamp structure, improving the uniformity of the illuminated light and reducing costs and maintenance requirements.
Smart Images
Figure CN223448172U_ABST
Abstract
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates to an optical module capable of uniformly irradiating light output from a plurality of LEDs in a lamp structure of a vehicle and a vehicle having the same. BACKGROUND
[0002] Generally, a vehicle is equipped with various lamps that emit light forward according to a surrounding environment and a time of day to secure a driver's line of sight and to inform other vehicles of a traveling path of the vehicle.
[0003] These lamps are classified according to a purpose of use, such as a headlamp for illuminating a front of a vehicle, a turn signal for securing a driver's line of sight and indicating a position of the vehicle, a fog lamp for securing a driver's line of sight and indicating a position of the vehicle in a fog or rain condition together with the headlamp, a reverse lamp for lighting when the vehicle is reversed, and a brake lamp for lighting when a driver applies a brake.
[0004] A halogen bulb is mainly used for a conventional vehicle lamp. When a halogen lamp is used as a light source, there is a reflector that reflects light radiated by the halogen lamp, and the reflected light is radiated forward. However, although the halogen lamp has an advantage of being inexpensive, they have disadvantages of generating a high amount of heat during use, a low brightness with respect to an amount of electricity used, and a short lifespan.
[0005] In order to solve these problems, a vehicle lamp using a light emitting diode (LED) has emerged. An LED lamp has advantages of high brightness, a long lifespan, and low power consumption.
[0006] As described above, in order to implement various functions of a vehicle lamp, a plurality of LEDs are disposed to irradiate light, and in this case, light output from the plurality of LEDs must be uniformly irradiated. Conventionally, in order to improve uniformity of the irradiated light, a structure including a plurality of components such as a lens for light diffusion is employed.
[0007] However, as the number of components increases, this becomes disadvantageous in terms of cost and maintenance, and a device for solving these problems and capable of uniformly irradiating light output from a plurality of LEDs is required. SUMMARY
[0008] The present disclosure aims to at least solve the above problems and / or disadvantages and to at least provide the advantages described below. Accordingly, an object of the present disclosure is to provide an optical module capable of uniformly irradiating light output from a plurality of LEDs in a lamp structure of a vehicle and a vehicle having the same.
[0009] Another object is to provide an optical module capable of improving uniformity of irradiated light by changing the distance between LEDs or by changing the shape of a reflecting member that reflects light output from each LED in a lateral direction, and a vehicle having the same.
[0010] The objects of the present disclosure are not limited to the aforementioned objects, and other unmentioned objects will be clearly understood based on the following description by those having ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure pertains.
[0011] In one aspect, an optical module includes: a printed circuit board (PCB); a plurality of LEDs arranged on the PCB to be spaced apart from each other in a first direction; a plurality of covering members configured to respectively cover the plurality of LEDs; a reflective member including a plurality of recesses configured to respectively expose the plurality of LEDs, the reflective member configured to reflect light output from each of the LEDs in a lateral direction; a light guide layer configured to be embedded with the plurality of LEDs, the plurality of covering members, and the reflective member; and a diffuser plate arranged on the light guide layer, wherein the plurality of LEDs are arranged at different intervals.
[0012] The plurality of LEDs may be arranged such that LEDs adjacent to an outer portion of the PCB in the first direction are spaced apart from each other at smaller intervals than LEDs adjacent to a center of the PCB in the first direction.
[0013] The amounts of light output from the plurality of LEDs may be different from each other.
[0014] Each of the plurality of recesses of the reflective member may include an inclined reflective surface having a first end and a second end, the first end having a first height, the second end having a second height different from the first height, the first height of the first end being greater than a height of the plurality of LEDs.
[0015] The plurality of recesses may be formed such that positions at which the plurality of LEDs are exposed are different from each other.
[0016] The plurality of recesses may be formed in different sizes.
[0017] The plurality of recesses may make the inclination angles of the reflective surface different.
[0018] Each covering member may be formed in a shape having a small thickness in the up-down direction and may include a silicone material.
[0019] The optical module may further include a transflective plate disposed in the light guide layer.
[0020] The plurality of LEDs may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.
[0021] The amount of light output from some of the plurality of LEDs arranged in the first direction and the second direction can be greater than the amount of light output from other LEDs.
[0022] The light guide layer can include a resin layer.
[0023] The plurality of LEDs can include top emission LEDs and side emission LEDs.
[0024] In another aspect, a vehicle includes a vehicle body, a light structure located in at least one of a front and a rear of the vehicle body, and an optical module embedded in the light structure, wherein the optical module includes: a PCB; a plurality of LEDs arranged on the PCB to be spaced apart from each other in a first direction; a plurality of cover members configured to cover the plurality of LEDs, respectively; a reflection member including a plurality of recesses configured to expose the plurality of LEDs, respectively, the reflection member being configured to reflect light output from each of the LEDs in a lateral direction; a light guide layer configured to embed the plurality of LEDs, the plurality of cover members, and the reflection member; and a diffusion plate arranged on the light guide layer; and the plurality of LEDs are arranged at different intervals. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0025] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the present disclosure and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this application, illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure. In the drawings:
[0026] Figure 1 is a top view of an optical module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0027] Figure 2 is a view illustrating a shape of a cover member in an optical module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0028] Figure 3 is Figure 1 a B-B sectional view of
[0029] Figure 4 is a view illustrating a shape of a reflection member in an optical module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0030] Figure 5 is a view illustrating Figure 3 another embodiment of
[0031] Figure 6 and Figure 7 is a view illustrating an effect of an optical module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0032] A detailed description will now be given of the same or equivalent components according to the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein, with the same reference numerals being provided to the same components, and a description of the same or equivalent components will not be repeated. As used herein, the suffixes "module" and "part" are added or used interchangeably to facilitate preparation of the present specification, and are not intended to have different meanings or functions. In describing the embodiments disclosed in the present specification, in order not to obscure the subject matter of the embodiments disclosed in the present specification, a detailed description of related known technologies can not be given. Also, it should be noted that the drawings are merely for the ease of understanding of the embodiments disclosed in the present specification, and should not be interpreted as limiting the technical spirit disclosed in the present specification. Therefore, the present disclosure should be interpreted as extending to any changes, equivalents, and substitutes other than those specifically set forth in the drawings.
[0033] Although the terms first, second, etc. can be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are generally used to distinguish one element from another.
[0034] It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being "connected" to another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or intervening elements can also be present. In contrast, it will be understood that when an element is referred to as being "directly connected" to another element, there are no intervening elements present.
[0035] Singular expressions can include plural expressions, unless they are clearly different in meaning from the context.
[0036] The terms such as "include" or "have" used herein are intended to indicate that there are features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, parts, or combinations thereof used in the following description, and thus it should be understood that the possibility of existence or addition of one or more different features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, parts, or combinations thereof is not excluded.
[0037] Figure 1 is a top view of an optical module 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 is a view showing a shape of a cover member 130 in the optical module 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 3 is a B-B sectional view of Figure 1 . Figure 4 is a view showing a shape of a reflection member 140 in the optical module 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 5 is a view showing Figure 3 another embodiment of Figure 6 . Figure 7 is a view showing an effect of the optical module 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0038] Hereinafter, in describing the optical module 100 according to the embodiment of the disclosure, the left-right direction is the x-axis direction, the up-down direction is the y-axis direction, and the front-rear direction is the z-axis direction.
[0039] Referring to Figures 1 to 3 , the optical module 100 according to the embodiment of the disclosure can include a printed circuit board (PCB) 110, a plurality of LEDs 120, a plurality of cover members 130, a reflection member 140, a light guide layer 150, and a diffusion plate 160. The plurality of LEDs 120 can be arranged on the PCB 110 to be spaced apart from each other in a first direction (x-axis direction). Also, the plurality of LEDs 120 can be arranged to be spaced apart from each other in a second direction (y-axis direction) perpendicular to the first direction (x-axis direction). When a current is supplied to the plurality of LEDs via the PCB 110, the plurality of LEDs 120 can be driven to output light.
[0040] Also, in the optical module 100 according to the embodiment of the disclosure, as shown in Figure 3 , the plurality of LEDs 120 can include top emission LEDs and side emission LEDs. Thus, the amount of light output and irradiated from the plurality of LEDs can be greater than the amount of light output and irradiated from the top emission LEDs or the side emission LEDs.
[0041] The plurality of cover members 130 can cover the plurality of LEDs 120, respectively. Here, Figure 2 (a) is a view showing the structure of a conventional LED module 10, and Figure 2 (b) is a view showing the shape of the cover member 130 covering the LED 120 in the optical module 100 according to the embodiment of the disclosure.
[0042] As shown in Figure 2 (b), the cover member 130 can be formed as a plate or a disc having a small thickness in the up-down direction. Also, the cover member 130 can include a silicone material. This can allow light output from the plurality of LEDs 120 to be irradiated over a wider area. Also, the cover member 130 can serve to improve the uniformity of the irradiated light by reducing the difference in light intensity depending on the orientation angle of the light output by the cover member, which will be described later.
[0043] Referring to Figure 1 and Figure 3 , in the optical module 100 according to the embodiment of the disclosure, the reflection member 140 can include a plurality of recesses 141 respectively exposing the plurality of LEDs 120. The reflection member 140 can serve to reflect light output from each of the LEDs 120 in a lateral direction.
[0044] Here, each of the plurality of recesses (or holes) 141 of the reflection member 140 can include a reflection surface 142 that is formed with a height greater than the height of the LED 120 at one end and is inclined to the other end. Thus, as Figure 3 indicated, the slope of the reflection surface 142 can reflect light output from each of the plurality of LEDs 120 in the lateral direction to face the forward direction (z-axis direction).
[0045] Referring to Figure 6 , Figure 6 (a) of FIG. 1 is a view illustrating an image of light output from the plurality of LEDs 120 being irradiated in the absence of the reflection member 140, and Figure 6 (b) of FIG. 1 is a view illustrating an image of light output from the plurality of LEDs 120 being irradiated in the presence of the reflection member 140. Comparing Figure 6 (a) of FIG. 1 with Figure 6 (b) of FIG. 1, it can be seen that there is a difference in uniformity of light depending on whether the reflection member 140 is provided.
[0046] Further, in the optical module 100 according to the embodiment of the disclosure, the plurality of LEDs 120, the plurality of cover members 130, and the reflection member 140 can be embedded in the light guide layer 150. Here, the light guide layer 150 can include a resin layer. That is, if the light guide layer 150 is made of a light guide resin, an effect of increasing light emission efficiency can be achieved. Also, the thickness t of the light guide layer 150 can be less than that when a conventional light guide plate is used, and the structure can also be simplified.
[0047] Due to the difference in refractive index between the silicon resin material cover member 130 covering the LED 120 and the light guide layer 150, by increasing the amount of light output from the LED 120, improvement in light efficiency through the light guide layer 150 can be achieved. For example, if the refractive index of the silicon resin material cover member 130 is 1.5 and the refractive index of the light guide layer 150 including the resin layer is 1.47, the smaller the difference in refractive index of the medium through which light passes, the greater the critical angle, resulting in less light lost in the LED 120. Thus, the amount of light output from the LED 120 can be increased. Further, improvement in light efficiency can be achieved by reducing the amount of light leakage due to the structure of the light guide layer 150 as an optical member into which light is irradiated.
[0048] In the optical module 100 according to the embodiment of the disclosure, the diffusion plate 160 can be disposed on the light guide layer 150, and light output from the LED 120 can pass through the light guide layer 150 and be diffused by the diffusion plate 160.
[0049] Specifically, as Figure 1As shown in FIG. 1 , in the optical module 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the plurality of LEDs 120 may be arranged at different intervals L1, L2, L3, and L4. The plurality of LEDs 120 may be arranged such that a first group of LEDs arranged adjacent to the outside of the PCB 110 in a first direction (x-axis direction) are spaced apart from each other at smaller intervals than a second group of LEDs arranged adjacent to the center AA of the PCB 110 in the first direction (x-axis direction).
[0050] Return Reference Figure 6 (b) shows that the reflective member 140 improves light uniformity compared to the absence of the reflective member 140, but results in a greater light distribution at the center. Therefore, when arranging the plurality of LEDs 120 to be spaced apart from each other, the optical module 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can solve this problem by arranging the plurality of LEDs 120 at small intervals outside the center, thereby forming a lower light distribution.
[0051] That is, in Figure 1 In the embodiment, interval L2 may be smaller than interval L1, interval L3 may be smaller than interval L2, and interval L4 may be smaller than interval L3. By reducing the distance between the LEDs 120 and the center AA away from the PCB 110, the phenomenon of a large light distribution in the center can be reduced. Therefore, the uniformity of light output and irradiation from the plurality of LEDs 120 can be improved.
[0052] In addition, in the optical module 100 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the amount of light output from the plurality of LEDs 120 can be different from each other. For example, the amount of light output from the LEDs 120 away from the center AA of the PCB 110 can be increased, which can reduce uneven light distribution and improve the uniformity of the irradiated light.
[0053] Furthermore, in the optical module 100 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the plurality of recesses 141 of the reflective member 140 may be formed such that positions at which the plurality of LEDs 120 are exposed are different from one another. Figure 1 As shown, the vertical distances a, b, c, and d from the LED 120 to the recess 141 can be different. Here, a and b can be the same, c and d can be the same, and a and b can be smaller than c and d. In addition, the multiple recesses 141 can be formed to different sizes. Therefore, it is possible to reduce unevenness in light distribution, thereby improving the uniformity of the irradiated light.
[0054] refer to Figure 4 In the optical module 100 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the plurality of recesses 141 may have reflective surfaces 142 with different inclination angles. For example, Figure 4θ1 and θ2 shown in the middle can be different from each other. By forming the reflection surfaces 142 at different inclination angles, light output from the plurality of LEDs 120 can be reflected differently to improve uniformity of light.
[0055] Figure 7 is a view showing an effect of the present disclosure, wherein, Figure 7 (a) of FIG. 1 is a view showing a light distribution when the plurality of LEDs 120 are spaced apart at equal distances from each other, and Figure 7 (b) of FIG. 1 is a view showing a light distribution through the optical module 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. That is, as shown in Figure 7 by changing the distance between the LEDs 120, an unbalanced phenomenon of the light distribution can be reduced, thereby improving uniformity of the irradiated light.
[0056] Referring back to Figure 4 , in the optical module 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the height h of the reflection member 140, the inclination angles θ1 and θ2 of the reflection surfaces 142, and the distance w between the recesses 141 can be numerically limited to optimize optical efficiency and improve uniformity of the irradiated light. For example, the height h of the reflection member 140 can be 1 mm to 2 mm, the inclination angles θ1 and θ2 of the reflection surfaces 142 can be 30 degrees to 40 degrees, and the distance w between the recesses 141 can be 3 mm to 5 mm. By forming the reflection member 140 within these numerical ranges, the optical efficiency can be optimized and the uniformity of the irradiated light can be improved.
[0057] Referring to Figure 5 , the optical module 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can include a transreflective plate 170 disposed in the light guide layer 150. The transreflective plate 170 is configured to prevent an internal configuration including the plurality of LEDs 120 from being seen from the outside of the vehicle when the plurality of LEDs 120 are not lit.
[0058] Further, as described above with reference to Figure 1 , in the optical module 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the plurality of LEDs 120 can be disposed in a first direction (x-axis direction) and a second direction (y-axis direction). Here, an amount of light output from some of the plurality of LEDs 120 can be greater than an amount of light output from other LEDs 120.
[0059] In an embodiment, an amount of light output from the LEDs 120 disposed in the region C of Figure 1 may be greater than an amount of light output from other LEDs 120 other than the region C. This is used, for example, to more accurately convey a warning signal to the outside by contrasting the illumination distribution of an image radiated under a special situation such as emergency braking.
[0060] In view of the above, the optical module according to the present disclosure and the vehicle having the same can ensure that light output from a plurality of LEDs is uniformly irradiated in a lamp structure of the vehicle. Further, by changing a distance between the LEDs or by changing a shape of a reflection member that reflects light output from each of the LEDs in a lateral direction, uniformity of the irradiated light can be improved.
[0061] As is apparent from the above description, the optical module according to the present disclosure and the vehicle having the same can ensure that light output from a plurality of LEDs is uniformly irradiated in a lamp structure of the vehicle.
[0062] Further, by changing a distance between the LEDs or by changing a shape of a reflection member that reflects light output from each of the LEDs in a lateral direction, uniformity of the irradiated light can be improved.
[0063] Effects of the present disclosure are not limited to those mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned above will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the above description.
[0064] The above detailed description is to be construed in all aspects as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the present disclosure should be determined by reasonable interpretation of the appended claims and all changes coming within the equivalent scope of the present disclosure are intended to be included in the scope of the present disclosure.
Claims
1. An optical module, characterized in that: The optical module includes: printed circuit boards; a plurality of LEDs arranged on the printed circuit board and spaced apart from each other in a first direction; a plurality of covering members, respectively covering the plurality of LEDs; a reflective member including a plurality of recesses respectively exposing the plurality of LEDs, the reflective member being configured to reflect light output from the plurality of LEDs in a lateral direction; a light guide layer in which the plurality of LEDs, the plurality of cover members, and the reflective member are embedded; and a diffuser plate disposed on the light guide layer, The plurality of LEDs are arranged at different intervals.
2. The optical module according to claim 1, wherein The plurality of LEDs are arranged such that a first group of LEDs arranged adjacent to an outer portion of the printed circuit board in the first direction are spaced apart from each other at smaller intervals than a second group of LEDs arranged adjacent to a center of the printed circuit board in the first direction.
3. The optical module according to claim 2, wherein: A plurality of light output amounts respectively from the plurality of LEDs are different from each other.
4. The optical module according to claim 1, wherein Each of the plurality of recesses of the reflective member includes an inclined reflective surface having a first end and a second end, the first end having a first height, the second end having a second height different from the first height, the first height of the first end being greater than a height of the plurality of LEDs.
5. The optical module according to claim 4, wherein: The plurality of recesses are formed such that a plurality of positions at which the plurality of LEDs are respectively exposed are different from one another.
6. The optical module according to claim 4, wherein: The plurality of recesses have different sizes and make the inclination angles of the reflective surface different.
7. The optical module according to claim 1, wherein: Also includes: a transflective plate disposed in the light-guiding layer; and Herein, the plurality of covering members have a plate-like shape and include a silicone material.
8. The optical module according to claim 1, wherein The plurality of LEDs are spaced apart from each other in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and The light output from some of the plurality of LEDs arranged in the first direction and the second direction is greater than the light output from other LEDs.
9. The optical module according to claim 1, wherein: The light guide layer includes a resin layer, and The plurality of LEDs include top-emitting LEDs and side-emitting LEDs.
10. A vehicle, characterized in that: The vehicle comprises: body; a light structure located in at least one of the front and rear portions of the vehicle body; and an optical module embedded in the lamp structure, wherein the optical module comprises: printed circuit boards; a plurality of LEDs arranged on the printed circuit board and spaced apart from each other in a first direction; a plurality of covering members, respectively covering the plurality of LEDs; a reflective member including a plurality of recesses configured to respectively expose the plurality of LEDs, the reflective member configured to reflect light output from each of the plurality of LEDs in a lateral direction; a light guide layer in which the plurality of LEDs, the plurality of cover members, and the reflective member are embedded; and a diffuser plate disposed on the light guide layer, The plurality of LEDs are arranged at different intervals.