LIGHTING DEVICE FOR A VEHICLE

Abstract

Lighting device (1) for a vehicle (2), comprising: a housing (100) which is installed inside a front of the vehicle (2) and which has an opening (101) on one side thereof; several light-emitting units (200) installed inside the housing (100) and configured to emit light towards the opening; and several flap units (300) which are rotatably mounted inside the housing (100), are arranged facing the several light-emitting units (200) and are configured to open or close the opening (101), each of the several flap units (300) having: a flap element (320) configured to rotate about a rotating shaft part (310) that intersects the housing (100) in a vertical direction; and a drive part (330) which is connected to the rotary shaft part (310) and is configured to set a rotation angle and direction of rotation of the flap element (320) by generating a drive force, characterized by the fact that a front surface of the flap element (320) has a color that differs from an internal color of the housing (100) or a surface color of the multiple light-emitting units (200), so that color inversion is performed when the flap element (320) rotates.

Description

AREA

[0001] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a lighting device for a vehicle and, in particular, to a lighting device for a vehicle that is capable of transmitting signals to surrounding vehicles, drivers, or pedestrians. TECHNICAL BACKGROUND

[0002] In general, various types of lighting devices are installed in a vehicle to easily check an object located around the vehicle while driving, and to notify surrounding vehicles, pedestrians, and the like about the condition of the vehicle or to transmit signals to the surrounding vehicles, pedestrians, and the like.

[0003] However, prior art lighting devices are limited with regard to the types of signals they can transmit, as they can only transmit signals by switching a light-emitting diode (LED) on and off, and they have difficulty transmitting signals clearly because they can only transmit a two-dimensional image. Furthermore, in daylight driving situations where the ambient light level outside a vehicle is high, signal transmission by simply switching an LED on and off is problematic because visibility is poor.

[0004] The technical background of the present disclosure is disclosed in Korean patent no. KR 10 1 789 652 B1 (registered on October 18, 2017, entitled “LED Lamp of a Vehicle”). DE 10 2017 102 484 A1 discloses a lighting device for a vehicle with the features of the preamble of claim 1. Further lighting devices are known from DE 10 2008 025 463 A1, US 2009 / 0 086 500 A1 and US 2018 / 0 180 243 A1. SUMMARY

[0005] The present disclosure was made to solve the above problems, and one objective of the present disclosure is to provide a lighting device for a vehicle that is capable of transmitting a motion signal based on motion as well as a light-emitting signal by means of light.

[0006] The invention is defined by a lighting device according to claim 1 and claim 16. To solve the above problems, a lighting device for a vehicle according to the present disclosure comprises: a housing installed inside a front of the vehicle and having an opening on one side thereof; several light-emitting units installed inside the housing and configured to emit light towards the opening; and several flap units rotatably installed inside the housing, facing the several light-emitting units, and configured to open or close the opening.

[0007] The multiple light-emitting units and the multiple flap units are each arranged in at least two rows along a width direction of the vehicle.

[0008] The multiple light-emitting units are provided in such a way that their illumination states can be individually adjusted, and the multiple flap units are provided in such a way that their rotation states can be individually adjusted.

[0009] According to a first embodiment of the invention, each of the multiple flap units comprises: a flap element configured to rotate about a rotating shaft part that crosses the housing in a vertical direction; and a drive part connected to the rotating shaft part and configured to set an angle and direction of rotation of the flap element by generating a drive force.

[0010] A flap element rotates at a defined angle to an inside of the housing to open the opening in a state where a front surface of the flap element is aligned parallel to a width direction of the vehicle.

[0011] The specified angle at which the flap element rotates towards the inside of the housing is less than or equal to 90°.

[0012] According to the first variant of the invention, a front surface of the flap element has a color that differs from an interior color of the housing or a surface color of the multiple light-emitting units, so that color inversion is carried out when the flap element rotates.

[0013] The multiple light-emitting units can be installed in the housing to be movable in a front or rear direction of the vehicle.

[0014] Each of the multiple light-emitting units may include: a light source part that is provided to be switched on and off; a heat sink part that is configured to support the light source part and dissipate heat generated by the light source part; a reflector part that is configured to reflect light emitted by the light source part to one side; and a lens part that is configured to form a light distribution pattern by transferring light reflected from the reflector part toward the aperture.

[0015] According to a second embodiment of the invention, the lighting device for a vehicle further comprises a display unit which is installed inside the housing and is configured to display a defined color on an exterior surface of the vehicle when the multiple flap units open. The display unit can also be implemented in the first embodiment of the invention.

[0016] The display unit can be positioned on a base surface of the housing and coated with the specified color.

[0017] The display unit may contain a luminous or fluorescent material.

[0018] The lighting device for a vehicle may further include a reflective unit mounted on the multiple flap units and configured to reflect the specified color displayed by the display unit to the outside of the vehicle when the multiple flap units open.

[0019] The lighting device for a vehicle may further comprise: a sensing unit configured to sensing a distance between the vehicle and a pedestrian or a driver; and a control unit configured to receive sensed information from the sensing unit and to transmit a switch-on signal to the light-emitting unit to switch on the multiple light-emitting units and a control signal to the flap unit to rotate the multiple flap units.

[0020] If the distance between the vehicle and the pedestrian lies within a first defined distance, the control unit transmits the activation signal for the light-emitting unit and the control signal for the flap unit to the multiple light-emitting units and the multiple flap units, respectively, so that the multiple light-emitting units and the multiple flap units notify the pedestrian of a walking direction.

[0021] If the distance between the vehicle and the driver lies within a second defined distance, the control unit transmits the activation signal for the light-emitting unit and the control signal for the flap unit to the multiple light-emitting units and the multiple flap units, respectively, so that the multiple light-emitting units and the multiple flap units generate a welcome signal.

[0022] If the distance between the vehicle and the driver lies outside a second defined distance, the control unit transmits the switch-on signal for the light-emitting unit and the control signal for the flap unit to the multiple light-emitting units and the multiple flap units, respectively, so that the multiple light-emitting units and the multiple flap units generate a farewell signal.

[0023] A lighting device for a vehicle according to the present disclosure can transmit various types of signals to surrounding vehicles, drivers or pedestrians by means of a combination of light-emitting signals from several light-emitting units and motion signals from several flap units, and further improve visibility in a daytime situation.

[0024] According to the lighting device for a vehicle as disclosed herein, the switching states of the multiple light-emitting units and the rotation states of the multiple flap units can be individually adjusted to implement a dynamic image, enabling more efficient and intuitive signal transmission.

[0025] According to the lighting device for a vehicle as disclosed herein, since the flap units are arranged to interfere with light emitted by the light-emitting units, a shadow effect can furthermore be given to the light-emitting signals, which makes it possible to improve the aesthetics.

[0026] Furthermore, the lighting device for a vehicle according to the present disclosure can transmit optically clearer signals to surrounding vehicles, drivers or pedestrians, since a display unit shows a defined color to the outside of a vehicle when an opening is opened.

[0027] According to the lighting device for a vehicle as disclosed herein, a reflective unit further reflects a defined color which is displayed by the display unit, making it possible to ensure visibility and to create a more luxurious image.

[0028] According to a method for controlling a lighting device for a vehicle as disclosed herein, light-emitting units and flap units are operated on the basis of a distance between a vehicle and a pedestrian to indicate the direction of travel, which makes it possible to transmit signals more clearly and to prevent safety accidents due to inconsistency in communication with pedestrians. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. 1 and Fig. Figure 2 are representations that schematically illustrate an installation state of a lighting device for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 3 and Fig. Figure 4 are top views that schematically illustrate the configuration of the lighting device for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 5 is a perspective view that schematically illustrates a configuration of the lighting device for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 6 is an enlarged perspective view that schematically illustrates the configuration of the lighting device for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 7 is a perspective view that schematically illustrates a configuration of a reflection unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 8 is a diagram that schematically illustrates a configuration of a sensing unit and a control unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 9 is a flowchart that schematically illustrates a sequence of a method for controlling the lighting device for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 10 to Fig. Figure 12 are operating diagrams that schematically illustrate an operating process of the method for controlling the lighting device for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 13 is a flowchart that schematically illustrates a sequence of a method for controlling the lighting device for a vehicle according to a further embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 14 is a flowchart that schematically illustrates a sequence in which flap units and light-emitting units generate a welcome signal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 15 is an operating diagram that schematically illustrates an operating process of a first welcome step according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 16 is a flowchart that schematically illustrates a sequence of a second welcome step according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 17 to Fig. Figure 20 are operating diagrams that schematically illustrate an operating process of the second welcome step according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 21 is an operating diagram that schematically illustrates an operating process of a third welcome step according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 22 is an operating diagram that schematically illustrates an operating process of a fourth welcome step according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 23 is a flowchart that schematically illustrates a sequence in which the flap units and the light-emitting units generate a farewell signal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 24 is an operating diagram that schematically illustrates an operating process of a first adoption step according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 25 is an operating diagram that schematically illustrates an operating process of a second adoption step according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATION FORMS

[0029] The following describes embodiments of a lighting device for a vehicle according to the present disclosure with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0030] In this process, the thicknesses of lines or the sizes of elements illustrated in the drawings may be exaggerated for the sake of clarity and ease of explanation. Furthermore, terms described later are defined in the present disclosure taking into account their functions and may be modified according to the intention of a user or operator, or according to practice. Accordingly, such terms should be defined based on the disclosure in this patent specification.

[0031] Furthermore, in the present patent specification, when a particular part is described as being "connected (or coupled)" to another part, this may indicate that the former part is directly connected (or coupled) to the latter part or indirectly connected (or coupled) to the latter part via another intervening part. In the present patent specification, when a particular part "has (or includes)" a particular component, this means that the element does not exclude the possibility of a further component, but may also "have (or include)" a further component, unless otherwise specified.

[0032] Furthermore, substantially the same reference numerals may refer to substantially the same components throughout the patent specification. Even if substantially the same or similar reference numerals are not mentioned or described in a particular drawing, the reference numerals may be described based on other drawings. Furthermore, even if there is a section not identified by reference numerals in a particular drawing, the section may be described based on other drawings. Moreover, the number, shapes, and sizes of detailed components included in the drawings of the present application, and the relative differences in sizes, serve for better understanding, do not restrict embodiments, and may be implemented in various forms.

[0033] Fig. 1 and Fig. Figure 2 are diagrams that schematically illustrate an installation state of a lighting device 1 for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 3 and Fig. Figure 4 are plan views that schematically illustrate the configuration of the lighting device for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 5 is a perspective view that schematically illustrates a configuration of the lighting device for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and Fig. Figure 6 is an enlarged perspective view that schematically illustrates the configuration of the lighting device 1 for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] With reference to Fig. 1 to Fig. 6 The lighting device 1 for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a housing 100, a light-emitting unit 200, a flap unit 300, a display unit 400, a reflection unit 500, a sensing unit 600 and a control unit 700.

[0035] The housing 100 is installed in the front of a vehicle 2 and contains the light-emitting unit 200 and the flap unit 300, which are described below. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the housing 100 is in the form of a box with an empty interior and is installed in a bumper provided at the front of the vehicle 2. A detailed form of the housing 100 is not shown in the Fig. 1 to Fig. The illustrated form is limited and the design of the housing 100 can be modified in various ways within the technical concept of a form in which it can be installed in the front of the vehicle 2 and can house the light-emitting unit 200 and the flap unit 300, which are described below.

[0036] An opening 101 is formed on one side of the housing 100. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the opening 101 is in the form of a through-hole arranged in front of the housing 100 and connects the inside of the housing 100 with the outside of the front of the vehicle 2. The cross-section of the opening 101 is designed such that it has a shape corresponding to the cross-sectional shape of the front of the housing 100. The opening 101 extends across the width direction of the housing 100, that is, across the left-right direction of the vehicle 2.

[0037] A blocking unit 102 can be installed in front of the opening 101 to essentially prevent foreign matter, such as dust and moisture, from entering the housing 100. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the blocking unit 102 is designed to have a plate shape and is arranged to face the opening 101. The blocking unit 102 can be made of a transparent material, such as polycarbonate (PC), so that light emitted by the light-emitting unit 200, which is described below, can be emitted to the outside of the vehicle.

[0038] A pair of direction indicators 3 is installed on both sides of an upper end of the housing 100 to be switched on / off at a fixed cycle according to an operation by the driver and to inform surrounding vehicles or pedestrians of the turning direction of the vehicle.

[0039] A daytime running light 4, which is switched on separately from the light-emitting unit 200 described below, is installed between the pair of direction indicators 3 so that surrounding vehicles or pedestrians can easily see the vehicle 2 while driving during the day.

[0040] The light-emitting unit 200 is installed in the rear of the housing 100 and emits light towards the opening 101. The light-emitting unit 200 can be positioned so that it is movable inside the housing 100 in either the front or rear direction of the vehicle 2. Accordingly, the light-emitting unit 200 can adjust the light distribution angle of the light emitted to the outside of the vehicle 2 through the opening 101. Multiple light-emitting units 200 can be provided, and several light-emitting units 200 can be arranged in at least two rows along the width of the vehicle 2 and the housing 100. The multiple light-emitting units 200 are configured so that their activation states can be individually set.Accordingly, the multiple light-emitting units 200 can be switched on sequentially or randomly and can transmit light-emitting signals to surrounding vehicles, drivers or pedestrians.

[0041] The light-emitting unit 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a light source part 210, a heat sink part 220, a reflector part 230 and a lens part 240.

[0042] The light source part 210 is mounted on the heat sink part 220, which is described below, and is designed to be switched on and off by drawing current from the outside. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the light source part 210 can have at least one light-emitting diode (LED) that is switched on and off by drawing current from the outside.

[0043] The heat sink 220 supports the light source 210 and dissipates heat generated by the light source 210 to the outside of the housing 100. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the heat sink 220 is installed on the opposite side of the opening 101 in the inside of the housing 100, i.e., behind the housing 100. The heat sink 220 is designed such that the light source 210 can be mounted on an upper surface of the heat sink 220. Several heat dissipation pins (not illustrated) are provided in the heat sink 220 to absorb heat generated by switching on the light source 210 by conduction. The heat sink 220 dissipates heat transferred to the several heat dissipation pins to the outside of the housing 100 by convection.

[0044] The reflector part 230 is arranged such that it faces the light source part 210 and reflects light emitted by the light source part 210 to one side. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the reflector part 230 is spherical with a predetermined curvature and is arranged such that an inner surface of it faces the light source part 210. The inner surface of the reflector part 230 can be made of a material with a high reflectivity to reflect light emitted by the light source part 210. The reflector part 230 is designed to have an open front surface and reflects light emitted by the light source part 210 towards the front of the housing 100.

[0045] The lens part 240 forms a light distribution pattern by transmitting light reflected from the reflector part 230 towards the opening 101. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the lens part 240 is arranged along a reflection path of light reflected from the reflector part 230. The lens part 240 is positioned between the opening 101 and the reflector part 230 and is spaced a predetermined distance from the front of the housing 100. The lens part 240 can be made of a transparent material, such as glass or plastic, so that light reflected from the reflector part 230 can be transmitted. The lens part 240 transmits light reflected from the reflector part 230 through the opening 101 and forms a light distribution pattern, such as a low beam pattern or a high beam pattern, in front of the vehicle 2.The design of a detailed shape of the lens part 240 can be modified to form shapes of different types of lenses, such as an aspherical lens, according to the light incidence area, a light distribution pattern and the like.

[0046] The flap unit 300 is rotatably mounted in the housing 100 to open or close the opening 101. The flap unit 300 opens or closes the opening 101 and transmits movement-based signals to surrounding vehicles, drivers, or pedestrians. Accordingly, the flap unit 300 can ensure visibility, even in daylight conditions where it is difficult to detect light emitted by the light-emitting unit 200. The flap unit 300 is positioned facing the light-emitting unit 200 so that it can interfere with the light emitted by the light-emitting unit 200 when opening or closing the opening 101.Accordingly, the flap unit 300 can transmit different types of signals together with the light-emitting unit 200 and can further improve the visibility of surrounding vehicles, drivers, or pedestrians by varying the amount of light emitted by the light-emitting unit 200. Multiple flap units 300 can be provided, and several flap units 300 can be arranged in at least two rows along the width of the vehicle 2 and the housing 100. The multiple flap units 300 are provided such that their rotation states can be individually adjusted. Accordingly, the multiple flap units 300 can rotate sequentially to transmit predetermined directional signals to pedestrians.Furthermore, the flap units 300 can essentially be held in states that have different rotation angles and can improve the visibility and aesthetics of light emitted by the light-emitting unit 200 by giving a shadow effect to the light emitted by the light-emitting unit 200.

[0047] The flap unit 300 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a rotary shaft part 310, a flap element 320 and a drive part 330.

[0048] The rotating shaft part 310 is rotatably mounted in the housing 100 to rotate the flap element 320, which is described below. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the rotating shaft part 310 is designed in the form of a rotating shaft that vertically intersects the housing 100 in the vertical direction. The rotating shaft part 310 is arranged at the front section of the housing 100, more precisely between the opening 101 and the lens part 240. The rotating shaft part 310 is positioned at a location defined by one end on one side of the lens part 240 (left side in the Fig. 6) is spaced apart by a predetermined distance. A lower end of the rotating shaft part 310 is connected to the drive part 330, which is described below, by penetrating a bottom surface of the housing 100.

[0049] The flap element 320 is rotated about the rotating shaft part 310 when the rotating shaft part 310 rotates. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the flap element 320 is in the form of a plate with a rectangular cross-section and has one end on one side thereof (left side in Fig. 6), which is connected to an outer circumferential surface of the rotating shaft part 310. When the opening 101 is closed, the front surface of the flap element 320 is arranged parallel to the width direction of the vehicle 2. The flap element 320 is designed to have a width greater than that of the lens part 240 in order to completely block light emitted by the lens part 240 when the opening 101 is closed. The flap element 320 rotates toward the inside of the housing 100 at a defined angle to open the opening 101. The defined angle at which the flap element 320 rotates toward the inside of the housing 100 can be less than or equal to 90°.The front surface of the flap element 320 can have a color that differs from an interior color of the housing 100, a surface color of the light-emitting unit 200, or a color of light emitted by the light-emitting unit 200, so that color reversal occurs when the flap element 320 rotates. Accordingly, the flap element 320 can more effectively notify surrounding vehicles, drivers, or pedestrians that the opening 101 is being opened or closed. The multiple flap elements 320 are arranged to adjoin the rotating shaft part 310, to which adjacent flap elements 320 are connected, when the opening 101 is closed. Therefore, the flap elements 320 can essentially prevent light emitted by the multiple light-emitting units 200 from penetrating to the outside when the opening 101 is closed.

[0050] The drive element 330 is connected to the rotary shaft element 310 and generates a drive force to adjust the angle and direction of rotation of the flap element 320. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the drive element 330 can be in the form of an electric motor that draws current from an external source and generates a rotational force. The drive element 330 is fixed to the outer bottom surface of the housing 100 and has a drive shaft connected to the lower end of the rotary shaft element 310. A reduction gear can be installed between the drive element 330 and the rotary shaft element 310.

[0051] The display unit 400 is installed inside the housing 100 to display a defined color on the outside of the vehicle 2 when the flap unit 300 opens the opening 101. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the display unit 400 is arranged on the inner bottom surface of the housing 100, which faces the path of rotation of the lower end of the flap element 320. The display unit 400 is arranged on the bottom surface of the housing 100 and coated with the defined color. In particular, the display unit 400 can be formed by applying a paint of a defined color to a bezel that is concavely recessed into the bottom surface of the housing 100, or by applying a film of a defined color to this bezel. The display unit 400 can be arranged on the bottom surface of the housing 100 and coated by a high-gloss process so that the defined color is glossy.The display unit 400 may have a luminescent or fluorescent material that absorbs light from the outside and emits light with a wavelength longer than that of the absorbed light to display the specified color even at night. The design of the specified color may be modified in various ways in the area where the colors of surrounding vehicles or pedestrians can be detected from the outside of the vehicle 2. The shape of the display unit 400 is not limited to the one shown in [reference missing]. Fig. The illustrated form is limited and its design can be modified in various ways within the technical concept of a form that is able to display the specified color.

[0052] The reflection unit 500 is mounted on the flap unit 300 and reflects the color displayed by the display unit 400 to the outside of the vehicle 2 when the flap unit 300 opens the opening 101.

[0053] Fig. Figure 7 is a perspective view that schematically illustrates a configuration of the reflection unit 500 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0054] With reference to Fig. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the reflection unit 500 is arranged on the front surface of the flap element 320, which faces the display unit 400 perpendicularly when the opening 101 is open. The reflection unit 500 can be formed integrally with the front surface of the flap element 320 by manufacturing the front surface of the flap element 320 with a material having a high reflectivity, or it can also be formed by coating the front surface of the flap element 320 with a material having a high reflectivity.

[0055] Fig. Figure 8 is a diagram that schematically illustrates a configuration of the sensing unit 600 and the control unit 700 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0056] The sensing unit 600 is designed to detect the environment around the vehicle and to measure the distance between the vehicle and a pedestrian or between the vehicle and a driver. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the sensing unit 600 may comprise a camera module 610, a distance sensor 620, and an illuminance sensor 630.

[0057] The camera module 610 is installed at the front of the vehicle 2 or on both sides of the housing 100 and captures an image of an area in front of the vehicle 2 in order to obtain image data for a pedestrian or a driver in front of the vehicle.

[0058] The distance sensor 620 detects a distance between the vehicle 2 and a pedestrian or a distance between the vehicle 2 and a driver. The distance sensor 620 can have at least one of several types of sensors capable of measuring a distance, such as a lidar sensor, a laser sensor, and an ultrasonic wave sensor, and detect a distance between the vehicle 2 and a pedestrian or a distance between the vehicle 2 and a driver.

[0059] The 620 distance sensor can detect the distance between the vehicle 2 and a driver using a portable device worn by the driver. A smart car key can serve as an example of such a portable device. Specifically, the 620 distance sensor can incorporate a global positioning system (GPS) and detect the relative orientation and distance of the driver's portable device to the vehicle 2. Furthermore, if a remote keyless entry (RKE) or passive keyless entry (PKE) signal to remotely open or lock a vehicle 2 door is wirelessly received from the driver's portable device, the 620 distance sensor can detect that the driver has approached the vehicle 2 within a predefined distance.

[0060] The illuminance sensor 630 is installed on vehicle 2 to detect a value of the brightness (illuminance) around vehicle 2.

[0061] The control unit 700 receives the acquired information from the sensor unit 600 and transmits a switch-on signal for the light-emitting unit to switch on the light-emitting unit 200 and a control signal for the flap unit to rotate the flap unit 300. In particular, if the distance between the vehicle 2 and the pedestrian lies within a first defined distance, the control unit 700 transmits the switch-on signal for the light-emitting unit and the control signal for the flap unit to the light-emitting unit 200 and the flap unit 300 respectively, so that the light-emitting unit 200 and the flap unit 300 notify the pedestrian of a walking direction.If the distance between vehicle 2 and the driver lies within a second defined distance, the control unit 700 transmits the activation signal for the light-emitting unit and the control signal for the valve unit to the light-emitting unit 200 and the valve unit 300, respectively, so that the light-emitting unit 200 and the valve unit 300 generate a welcome signal. If the distance between vehicle 2 and the driver lies outside the second defined distance, the control unit 700 transmits the activation signal for the light-emitting unit and the control signal for the valve unit to the light-emitting unit 200 and the valve unit 300, respectively, so that the light-emitting unit 200 and the valve unit 300 generate a farewell signal.The design of the first defined section and the second defined section can be modified differently within the area of ​​a section spaced away from the vehicle 2. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the control unit 700, comprising a microprocessor, an electronic control unit (ECU), and the like, which may be illustrated by way of example and which may be connected to the light-emitting unit 200 and the drive unit 330, receives the acquired information from the sensing unit 600 and transmits the switch-on signal for the light-emitting unit and the control signal for the flap unit to the light-emitting unit 200 and the flap unit 300, respectively.

[0062] The following describes a method for controlling the lighting device for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0063] In this process, the drawing illustrates the procedure, which is divided into several steps; however, at least some steps can be changed in their order, can be carried out in combination with other steps, can be omitted, can be carried out as split steps, or can be carried out by adding at least one step (not illustrated) to these.

[0064] Fig. Figure 9 is a flowchart that schematically illustrates a sequence of the procedure for controlling the lighting device for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and Fig. 9 to Fig. Figure 12 are operating diagrams that schematically illustrate an operating process of the method for controlling the lighting device for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0065] With reference to Fig. 9. The sensing unit 600 detects the distance between vehicle 2 and a pedestrian (S110). In particular, the sensing unit 600 detects the pedestrian in front of vehicle 2 using the camera module 610 and measures the distance between vehicle 2 and the pedestrian using the distance sensor 620.

[0066] The control unit 700 determines whether vehicle 2 is running (S120). In particular, the control unit 700 determines whether vehicle 2 is currently running by checking the following: whether vehicle 2 has been started, the operating state of a gear of vehicle 2, whether an autonomous mode is on / off, and the like.

[0067] The control unit 700 switches the light-emitting unit 200 on or off based on a defined illuminance value around the vehicle 2 (S130). In particular, if the illuminance value measured by the illuminance sensor 630 around the vehicle is at most equal to the defined illuminance value, the control unit 700 transmits the switch-on signal for the light-emitting unit to the light-emitting units 200 and switches the light-emitting units 200 on (S131). At the same time, the control unit 700 rotates the flap units 300 and opens the opening 101. If the illuminance value measured by the illuminance sensor 630 around the vehicle exceeds the set illuminance value, the control unit 700 stops transmitting the switch-on signal for the light-emitting unit to the light-emitting units 200 and switches off the light-emitting units 200 (S132).In such a case, switching off the light-emitting units 200 can mean not only switching off the switched-on light-emitting units 200, but also essentially keeping the switched-off light-emitting units 200 in a switched-off state. The design of the specified illuminance value can be modified in various ways, taking into account the driver's visibility and the like.

[0068] Steps S120 and S130 can be performed after step S110, as shown in Fig. 9 illustrates that they can be carried out sequentially, and can alternatively be carried out simultaneously with step S110 or can also be carried out in a different order.

[0069] If in step S120 it is determined that the vehicle 2 is in an operating state, the control unit 700 determines whether the distance detected in step S110 between the vehicle 2 and the pedestrian lies within the first defined distance (S140).

[0070] If, in step S140, the control unit 700 determines that the distance between the vehicle 2 and the pedestrian lies within the first defined distance, the control unit 700 determines the pedestrian's walking direction (S150).

[0071] After determining the pedestrian's direction of travel in step S150, the control unit 700 operates the flap units 300 to inform the pedestrian of their direction of travel (S160). Specifically, the control unit 700 transmits the control signal for the flap unit to the flap units 300 to rotate them sequentially in a direction parallel to the pedestrian's direction of travel. The multiple flap units 300 then open or close the opening 101 in a direction parallel to the pedestrian's direction of travel, thus informing the pedestrian of their direction of travel.

[0072] For example, if the control unit 700 determines that the pedestrian walks in one direction from left to right, as in Fig. As illustrated in Figure 10, the control unit 700 operates the multiple drive components 330 sequentially, from those on the left to those on the right. In conjunction with this operation, the multiple flap elements 320 are rotated sequentially, from those on the left to those on the right. When the multiple flap elements 320 are rotated while the opening 101 is open, they close the opening 101 sequentially from left to right and transmit a walking signal to instruct the pedestrian to walk from left to right.

[0073] When the flap unit 300 opens or closes the opening 101, color reversal is performed because the front surface of the flap element 320 has a color that differs from the interior color of the housing 100, the surface color of the light-emitting unit 200, or the color of light emitted by the light-emitting unit 200.

[0074] Furthermore, when the flap unit 300 opens the opening 101, the display unit 400 shows a defined color to the outside of the vehicle 2 and the reflection unit 500 reflects the defined color displayed by the display unit 400 to the outside of the vehicle 2.

[0075] The following describes a method for controlling the lighting device for a vehicle according to a further embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0076] Fig. Figure 13 is a flowchart that schematically illustrates a sequence of the procedure for controlling the lighting device for a vehicle according to a further embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0077] With reference to Fig. 13. The sensing unit 600 detects the distance between the vehicle 2 and a driver (S210). In particular, the sensing unit 600 detects the distance between a portable device worn by the driver and the vehicle 2 using the distance sensing sensor 620. The distance sensing sensor 620 can have a global positioning system (GPS) and detect the relative orientation and distance of the driver's portable device to the vehicle 2. Furthermore, if a signal for remote keyless entry (RCE) or a signal for passive keyless entry (PKE) to remotely open or lock the vehicle 2 door is wirelessly received from the driver's portable device, the distance sensing sensor 620 can detect that the driver has approached the vehicle 2 within a predetermined distance.

[0078] The control unit 700 determines whether the distance recorded in step S210 between vehicle 2 and the driver lies within the second defined distance (S220).

[0079] If, in step S220, the control unit 700 determines that the distance between vehicle 2 and the driver lies within the second specified distance, the control unit 700 determines whether vehicle 2 is started or the vehicle's ignition is switched off (S230).

[0080] When step S230 determines that vehicle 2 has started, control unit 700 operates the flap units 300 and the light-emitting units 200 to generate a welcome signal (S240). Control unit 700 may switch the direction indicators 3 on / off a specified number of times before actuating the flap units 300 and the light-emitting units 200. The specified number of times could, for example, be two.

[0081] Fig. Figure 14 is a flowchart that schematically illustrates a sequence in which the flap units 300 and the light-emitting units 200 generate the welcome signal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0082] With reference to Fig. 14 The step S240 for generating the welcome signal has a first welcome step S241, a second welcome step S242, a third welcome step S243 and a fourth welcome step S244.

[0083] Fig. Figure 15 is an operating diagram that schematically illustrates an operating process of the first welcome step according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0084] In the first welcome step S241, the control unit 700 opens the opening 101 by rotating the several flap units 300 sequentially in one direction from the center to both ends of the opening 101. Specifically, the control unit 700 first rotates the flap unit 300 located in the center. Then, with a predetermined time interval, the control unit 700 sequentially rotates the flap units 300 located on the left and right sides of the centrally located flap unit 300. Accordingly, the opening 101 is opened in a shape that expands from the center to both ends.

[0085] Fig. Figure 16 is a flowchart that schematically illustrates a sequence of the second welcome step according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and Fig. 17 to Fig. Figure 20 are operating diagrams that schematically illustrate an operating process of the second welcome step according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0086] In the second welcome step S242, the control unit 700 switches the multiple light-emitting units 200 on and off in the state in which the opening 101 has been opened by the flap units 300.

[0087] In particular, the control unit 700 switches on the several light-emitting units 200 simultaneously with a defined amount of light (S242a). The defined amount of light can be illustrated, by way of example, as 70% of the maximum light output of the light-emitting unit 200.

[0088] The control unit 700 switches on the multiple light-emitting units 200 in a direction from the center to both ends of the opening 101 with a light output greater than the specified amount (S242b). That is, the control unit 700 switches on the light-emitting units 200 located to the left and right of the centrally positioned light-emitting unit 200 sequentially, with a predetermined time interval and a light output greater than the specified amount. Accordingly, the light-emitting units 200 are switched on in a manner that spreads from the center to both ends. In such a case, the maximum light output of the light-emitting unit 200 can be illustrated by way of example as the light output greater than the specified amount.

[0089] The control unit 700 switches off the multiple light-emitting units 200 sequentially in one direction, from both ends towards the center of the opening 101 (S242c). That is, the control unit 700 switches off the multiple light-emitting units 200 sequentially with a predetermined time difference in one direction, from the light-emitting units 200 located at both ends of the opening 101 to the light-emitting unit 200 located in the center. Accordingly, the light-emitting units 200 are switched off in a sequence that converges from both ends towards the center.

[0090] The control unit 700 switches the multiple light-emitting units 200 on and then off at random (S242d). That is, in a state where all the multiple light-emitting units 200 have been switched off, the control unit 700 switches some of the light-emitting units 200, which are selected at random, on and then off.

[0091] Fig. Figure 21 is an operating diagram that schematically illustrates an operating process of the third welcome step according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0092] In the third welcome step S243, the control unit 700 closes the opening 101 by rotating the multiple flap units 300 sequentially in one direction from both ends towards the center of the opening 101. Specifically, once the opening 101 has been opened, the control unit 700 rotates the multiple flap units 300 with a predetermined time interval in one direction from the flap units 300 located at both ends of the opening 101 to the flap unit 300 located in the center. Accordingly, the opening 101 is closed in a manner that converges from both ends towards the center.

[0093] Fig. Figure 22 is an operating diagram that schematically illustrates an operating process of the fourth welcome step according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0094] In the fourth welcome step S244, the control unit 700 rotates the multiple flap units 300 simultaneously to open the opening 101 and simultaneously switches on the multiple light-emitting units 200. That is, the control unit 700 rotates the multiple flap units 300 so that the closed opening 101 is immediately opened across the entire width of the housing 100, and switches on the multiple light-emitting units 200 so that light is immediately emitted through the opening 101 to the outside of the vehicle. In such a case, the light-emitting units 200 can be gradually switched on with a predetermined time difference until the maximum amount of light is reached.

[0095] After the fourth welcome step S244, an additional step can be performed in which, if the control unit 700 determines that the illuminance value measured by the illuminance sensor 630 of the sensing unit 600 around the vehicle exceeds the set illuminance value, the control unit 700 rotates the multiple flap units 300 simultaneously to close the opening 101 and switches off the multiple light-emitting units 200 simultaneously.

[0096] Meanwhile, if the control unit 700 determines in step S220 that the distance between the vehicle 2 and the driver lies outside the second specified distance, the control unit 700 determines whether the vehicle 2 is started or the ignition of the vehicle 2 is switched off (S250).

[0097] If, in step S250, it is determined that the ignition of vehicle 2 is switched off, the control unit 700 operates the flap units 300 and the light-emitting units 200 to generate a farewell signal (S260). The control unit 700 may switch the direction indicators 3 on / off a specified number of times before actuating the flap units 300 and the light-emitting units 200. Twice can serve as an example of the specified number of times.

[0098] Fig. Figure 23 is a flowchart that schematically illustrates a sequence in which the flap units 300 and the light-emitting units 200 generate the farewell signal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0099] The step to generate the farewell signal includes a first farewell step S261 and a second farewell step S262.

[0100] Fig. Figure 24 is an operating diagram that schematically illustrates an operating process of the first adoption step according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0101] In the first switching-off step S261, the control unit 700 switches off the multiple light-emitting units 200 sequentially in one direction, from both ends towards the center of the opening 101. That is, the control unit 700 switches off the multiple light-emitting units 200 sequentially with a predetermined time difference in one direction, from the light-emitting unit 200 located at both ends of the opening 101 to the light-emitting unit 200 located in the center. Accordingly, the light-emitting units 200 are switched off in a sequence that converges from both ends towards the center.

[0102] Fig.Figure 25 is an operating diagram that schematically illustrates an operating process of the second adoption step according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0103] In the second closing step S262, the control unit 700 closes the opening 101 by rotating the multiple flap units 300 sequentially in one direction from both ends towards the center of the opening 101. Specifically, once the opening 101 has been opened, the control unit 700 rotates the multiple flap units 300 with a predetermined time interval in one direction from the flap units 300 located at both ends of the opening 101 to the flap unit 300 located in the center. Accordingly, the opening 101 is closed in a manner that converges from both ends towards the center.

[0104] After the second acceptance step S262, the control unit 700 can additionally perform a step to switch off the daytime running lights 4.

[0105] Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings, these embodiments serve only for illustrative purposes, and the person skilled in the art will recognize that various modifications and equivalent other embodiments are possible. Therefore, the actual scope of protection of the present disclosure should be defined by the following claims.

Claims

[1] Lighting device (1) for a vehicle (2), comprising: a housing (100) which is installed inside a front of the vehicle (2) and which has an opening (101) on one side thereof; several light-emitting units (200) installed inside the housing (100) and configured to emit light towards the opening; and several flap units (300) which are rotatably mounted inside the housing (100), are arranged facing the several light-emitting units (200) and are configured to open or close the opening (101), each of the several flap units (300) having: a flap element (320) configured to rotate about a rotating shaft part (310) that intersects the housing (100) in a vertical direction; and a drive part (330) which is connected to the rotary shaft part (310) and is configured to set a rotation angle and direction of rotation of the flap element (320) by generating a drive force, characterized by , that a front surface of the flap element (320) has a color that differs from an internal color of the housing (100) or a surface color of the multiple light-emitting units (200), so that color inversion is performed when the flap element (320) rotates. [2] Lighting device according to claim 1, wherein the multiple light-emitting units (200) and the multiple flap units (300) are each arranged in at least two rows along a width direction of the vehicle (2). [3] Lighting device according to claim 2, wherein the multiple light-emitting units (200) are provided such that their lighting states can be individually adjusted, and the multiple flap units (300) are provided such that their rotation states can be individually adjusted. [4] Lighting device according to claim 1, wherein the flap element (320) rotates at a defined angle to an inside of the housing (100) in order to open the opening in a state in which a front surface of the flap element (320) is arranged parallel to a width direction of the vehicle (2). [5] Lighting device according to claim 4, wherein the specified angle at which the flap element (320) rotates to the inside of the housing (100) is less than or equal to 90°. [6] Lighting device according to claim 1, wherein the multiple light-emitting units (200) are installed in the housing (100) in order to be movable in a front or rear direction of the vehicle (2). [7] Lighting device according to claim 1, wherein each of the several light-emitting units (200) comprises: a light source component (210) that is provided to be switched on and off; a heat sink part (220) configured to support the light source part and to dissipate heat generated by the light source part (210); a reflector part (230) configured to reflect light emitted by the light source part (210) to one side; and a lens part (240) configured to form a light distribution pattern by transmitting light reflected from the reflector part (230) towards the aperture (101). [8] Lighting device according to claim 1, further comprising: a display unit (400) which is installed inside the housing (100) and is configured to display a specified color on an outside of the vehicle (2) when the multiple flap units (300) open the opening (101). [9] Lighting device according to claim 8, wherein the display unit (400) is arranged on a base surface of the housing (100) and is coated with the specified color. [10] Lighting device according to claim 9, wherein the display unit (400) comprises a luminous or fluorescent material. [11] Lighting device according to claim 8, further comprising: a reflection unit (500) mounted on the multiple flap units (300) and configured to reflect the specified color displayed by the display unit (400) to the outside of the vehicle (2) when the multiple flap units (300) open the opening (101). [12] Lighting device according to claim 1, further comprising: a sensing unit (600) configured to sensing a distance between the vehicle (2) and a pedestrian or a driver; and a control unit (700) configured to receive sensed information from the sensing unit (600) and to transmit a switch-on signal to the light-emitting unit (200) to switch on the multiple light-emitting units (200) and a control signal to the flap unit (300) to rotate the multiple flap units (300). [13] Lighting device according to claim 12, wherein, if the distance between the vehicle and the pedestrian lies within a first defined distance, the control unit (700) transmits the switch-on signal for the light-emitting unit and the control signal for the flap unit (300) to the multiple light-emitting units (200) and the multiple flap units (300), respectively, so that the multiple light-emitting units (200) and the multiple flap units (300) notify the pedestrian of a direction of travel. [14] Lighting device according to claim 12, wherein, when the distance between the vehicle and the driver lies within a second defined distance, the control unit (700) transmits the switch-on signal for the light-emitting unit (200) and the control signal for the flap unit (300) to the multiple light-emitting units (200) and the multiple flap units (300), respectively, so that the multiple light-emitting units (200) and the multiple flap units (300) generate a welcome signal. [15] Lighting device according to claim 12, wherein, when the distance between the vehicle and the driver lies outside a second defined distance, the control unit (700) transmits the switch-on signal for the light-emitting unit (200) and the control signal for the flap unit (300) to the multiple light-emitting units (200) and the multiple flap units (300), respectively, so that the multiple light-emitting units (200) and the multiple flap units (300) generate a switch-off signal. [16] Lighting device (1) for a vehicle (2), comprising: a housing (100) which is installed inside a front of the vehicle (2) and which has an opening (101) on one side thereof; several light-emitting units (200) installed inside the housing (100) and configured to emit light towards the opening; and several flap units (300) which are rotatably installed inside the housing (100), are arranged facing the several light-emitting units (200) and are configured to open or close the opening (101), characterized by a display unit (400) which is installed inside the housing (100) and is configured to display a specified color on an outside of the vehicle (2) when the multiple flap units (300) open the opening (101).

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