Vehicle projector

The vehicle projector design reduces space requirements by positioning reflecting and optical path-adjusting units to intersect the reference axis, enabling large image projection in confined spaces.

DE102025125699A1Pending Publication Date: 2026-01-29SL CORP
View PDF 1 Cites 0 Cited by

Patent Information

Application Number
DE102025125699
Authority / Receiving Office
DE · DE
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2024-07-26
Filing Date
2025-07-02
Publication Date
2026-01-29

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing vehicle projectors require a significant projection distance to create large images, making it challenging to install them in confined spaces.

Method used

A vehicle projector design with a light-emitting unit, optical unit, reflecting unit, and optical path-adjusting unit, where the reflecting and optical path-adjusting units are positioned to intersect the reference axis, reducing the space required for installation by overlapping and tilting optical components.

Benefits of technology

The design allows for large image projection with reduced space requirements, enabling installation in locations with limited vertical space such as vehicle sills.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

Smart Images

  • Figure 00000000_0000_ABST
    Figure 00000000_0000_ABST
Patent Text Reader

Abstract

A vehicle projector (1) comprises: a light-emitting unit (1000) for emitting light for image generation; an optical unit (2000) comprising at least one optical lens (2100) arranged along a reference axis (Ax) in a path (L1, L2, L3) of the light emitted by the light-emitting unit (1000); a reflecting unit (3000) arranged on a first side with respect to the reference axis (Ax) and configured to reflect the light emitted by the optical unit (2000) in a direction intersecting the reference axis (Ax) to allow the light to be directed onto a projection surface; and an optical path setting unit (4000) which is arranged on a second side with respect to the reference axis (Ax) and is configured to adjust the path (L1, L2, L3) of the light emitted by the optical unit (2000) in the direction of the reflecting unit (3000).
Need to check novelty before this filing date? Find Prior Art

Description

Reference to related registration

[0001] This application claims priority over Korean patent application No. 10-2024-0099170, filed on July 26, 2024, which is hereby incorporated in its entirety by reference. Background 1. Technical field

[0002] The present invention relates to a vehicle projector and in particular a vehicle projector which projects an image for displaying information inside or outside a vehicle. 2. State of the art

[0003] Vehicles are equipped with head-up displays, instrument panels, and similar devices to provide various information to the occupants inside the vehicle. Additionally, projectors are installed to project images onto the road surfaces around the vehicles or onto the vehicle windows to provide information to surrounding vehicles or pedestrians.

[0004] Projectors, however, require a sufficient projection distance to project an image of adequate size onto the projection surfaces. This makes it challenging to create sufficiently large images on the road surfaces around vehicles or on vehicle windows. To solve this problem, research is actively being conducted on ultra-short-throw projectors that can project sufficiently large images while maintaining a relatively short projection distance between the projectors and the projection surfaces. Summary

[0005] One object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle projector that reduces the space required for installing a projector for image projection.

[0006] The objects of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other objects not expressly mentioned will be easily understood by the person skilled in the art from the following description.

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, a vehicle projector may comprise a light-emitting unit for emitting light for image generation; an optical unit comprising at least one optical lens arranged along a reference axis in a path of the light emitted by the light-emitting unit; a reflecting unit arranged on a first side with respect to the reference axis and configured to reflect the light emitted by the optical unit in a direction intersecting the reference axis, such that the light is directed onto a projection surface; and an optical path-adjusting unit arranged on a second side with respect to the reference axis and configured to adjust the path of the light emitted by the optical unit in the direction of the reflecting unit.

[0008] The reflecting unit can be positioned opposite the projection surface with respect to the reference axis, and the optical path adjustment unit can be positioned on a side that is closer to the projection surface with respect to the reference axis.

[0009] The reference axis can be essentially aligned parallel to the projection surface.

[0010] The optical unit may comprise a first lens group configured to correct chromatic aberration of the light emitted by the light-emitting unit, and a second lens group configured to diffuse the light emitted by the light-emitting unit.

[0011] The at least one optical lens can comprise a plurality of optical lenses arranged along the reference axis, and the plurality of optical lenses can comprise at least one truncated lens arranged at a final stage along the path of the light emitted by the light-emitting unit.

[0012] Each of the plurality of optical lenses can comprise a first region located on the side where the reflecting unit is positioned with respect to the reference axis, and a second region located on the side where the optical path-adjusting unit is positioned with respect to the reference axis. The at least one truncated lens can be formed by truncating a portion of the first region. Light incident on the optical unit can be emitted through a region located on the side where the optical path-adjusting unit is positioned with respect to a cross-sectional area of ​​the at least one truncated lens.One area of ​​the light-emitting unit, at which light is emitted, can be located on the side where the reflecting unit is located with respect to the reference axis, and light incident on the optical unit from the light-emitting unit can be emitted through the second area of ​​the at least one truncated lens.

[0013] A rear end of the reflecting unit can be arranged to at least partially overlap a cut surface of the at least one truncated lens in a front-to-back direction.

[0014] The optical path setting unit can be arranged such that light reflected towards the reflecting unit passes through an area in front of a cut surface of at least one truncated lens.

[0015] The reflecting unit and the optical path setting unit can be arranged such that light reflected sequentially from the optical path setting unit and the reflecting unit passes through a region in front of a front end of the optical path setting unit.

[0016] The optical path adjustment unit can be inclined so that a rear end of it is radially farther from the reference axis than a front end of it.

[0017] The optical path adjustment unit can be arranged such that both a front end of it and a rear end of it are radially spaced from the reference axis.

[0018] The optical path adjustment unit can be tilted at an angle of approximately 45 degrees relative to the reference axis.

[0019] The vehicle projector according to the present invention can have one or more of the following effects.

[0020] Since the light-emitting unit and the optical unit are arranged along a reference axis parallel to the projection surface, and the reflecting unit and the optical path adjustment unit are arranged in a direction that intersects the reference axis, the installation space in the direction that intersects the reference axis can be reduced.

[0021] Furthermore, since the rear end of the reflecting unit is arranged to overlap at least one truncated lens located at the last stage of the optical unit, the installation space in the direction of the reference axis can also be reduced.

[0022] It should be noted that the effects of the present invention are not limited to those described above and that further effects of the present invention will become apparent from the following description. Brief description of the drawings

[0023] The foregoing and other aspects and features of the present invention will become clearer through the detailed description of exemplary embodiments thereof with reference to the accompanying drawings. Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic view showing an image projected by a projector installed in a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. Figure 2 shows a perspective view representing a vehicle projector according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. Figure 3 shows a top view depicting the vehicle projector according to one embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 4 shows a bottom view representing a vehicle projector according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. Figure 5 shows a cross-sectional view along line AA' of Fig. 3; Fig. Figure 6 shows a front view representing a first cut-off lens according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. Figure 7 shows a front view depicting a second cut-off lens, according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. Figure 8 shows a schematic view representing the optical path of the vehicle projector according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. Figure 9 shows a schematic view representing the path of the light emitted by the vehicle projector according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. Figure 10 shows a schematic view representing the installation space of the vehicle projector according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 11 and Fig. Figure 12 shows schematic views representing a reference axis corresponding to the inclination angle of an optical path adjustment unit according to an embodiment of the present invention; and Fig. Figure 13 shows a schematic view representing the path of the light reflected from the optical path setting unit and a reflecting unit, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed description

[0024] The advantages and features of the present invention and methods for its implementation can be more easily understood with reference to the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments and the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention can be embodied in many different forms and should not be interpreted as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this invention is comprehensive and complete, and the concept of the invention is fully conveyed to the person skilled in the art, and the present invention is defined only by the accompanying claims. Throughout the entire description, the same reference numerals in the drawings denote the same elements.

[0025] In some embodiments, known steps, structures and techniques are not described in detail in order not to obscure the invention.

[0026] The terminology used herein serves only to describe certain embodiments and is not intended to limit the invention. As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly requires otherwise. It is further understood that the terms "includes" and / or "comprising," when used in this description, specify the presence of the indicated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes all combinations of one or more of the listed elements.

[0027] Unless explicitly stated or evident from the context, the term "approximately" here means that the value lies within a tolerance range customary in engineering, for example, within 2 standard deviations from the mean. "Approximately" can be understood as within 10%, 9%, 8%, 7%, 6%, 5%, 4%, 3%, 2%, 1%, 0.5%, 0.1%, 0.05%, or 0.01% of the stated value. Unless otherwise indicated by the context, all numerical values ​​stated herein are modified by the term "approximately".

[0028] Embodiments of the invention are described here with reference to plan and cross-sectional drawings, which are schematic representations of exemplary embodiments of the invention. Therefore, deviations from the shapes shown in the drawings, for example due to manufacturing techniques and / or tolerances, are to be expected. Thus, embodiments of the invention should not be interpreted as being limited to the specific shapes of areas shown here, but should also include deviations in shapes that result, for example, from the manufacturing process. In the drawings, the respective components may be enlarged or reduced for illustrative purposes.

[0029] A vehicle projector according to an embodiment of the present invention is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0030] Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic view representing an image projected by a projector installed in a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] With reference to Fig. 1 A vehicle projector 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention can be installed on the sill of a vehicle and project an image I onto the road surface on the side of the vehicle to provide information for drivers of surrounding vehicles or for pedestrians.

[0032] In Fig. Figure 1 shows the road surface around the vehicle as an example of a projection surface onto which the image I is projected by the vehicle projector 1, but the present invention is not limited to this. The projection surface of the image I can be any surface located inside or outside the vehicle where the image I can be projected by the vehicle projector 1, such as the glass (e.g., windshield and window panes) of the vehicle, as well as the road surface around the vehicle.

[0033] Furthermore, the vehicle projector 1 is shown by way of example, installed on the sill, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The installation position and direction of the vehicle projector 1 can vary according to the position of the projection surface shown in Figure I.

[0034] Fig. Figure 2 shows a perspective view representing a vehicle projector according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. Figure 3 shows a top view depicting the vehicle projector according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. Figure 4 shows a bottom view representing the vehicle projector according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. Figure 5 shows a sectional view along line AA' of Fig. 3.

[0035] With reference to the Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4 to Fig. 5. The vehicle projector 1 can comprise a light-emitting unit 1000, an optical unit 2000, a reflective unit 3000 and an optical path adjustment unit 4000.

[0036] The light-emitting unit 1000 can emit light to form an image that represents information provided to surrounding vehicles or pedestrians. A device, such as a digital micromirror device (DMD) or liquid crystal on silicon (LCos), that emits light to form text, patterns, or images can be used as the light-emitting unit 1000.

[0037] The optical unit 2000 can be positioned in front of the light-emitting unit 1000 and serves to guide the light emitted by the light-emitting unit 1000 along a predetermined path. Positioning the optical unit 2000 in front of the light-emitting unit 1000 is based on the assumption that the direction in which the light is emitted by the light-emitting unit 1000 is forward. However, depending on the installation position or orientation of the vehicle projector 1, the actual meaning of "front" and "forward" may vary.

[0038] The optical unit 2000 can comprise at least one optical lens 2100 arranged along a reference axis (e.g., an optical axis) Ax in the path of the light emitted by the light-emitting unit 1000. The optical unit 2000 is described below as comprising a plurality of optical lenses 2100 arranged along the reference axis Ax, which serves as its central axis.

[0039] Here, each of the plurality of optical lenses 2100 can comprise at least one incident or emitting surface formed in a planar shape, a curved shape, or a combination thereof, depending on the path of the light emitted by the light-emitting unit 1000. Additionally, the plurality of optical lenses 2100 can comprise a convex shape, a concave shape, or a combination thereof, depending on the convergence or divergence of the light.

[0040] The optical unit 2000 can comprise a first lens group G1 for correcting chromatic aberrations and a second lens group G2 for diffusion, the second lens group G2 being arranged along the reference axis Ax in front of the first lens group G1. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The number, positions, and functions of the lens groups of the optical unit 2000 can vary according to the characteristics of the image to be formed by the vehicle projector 1, such as position, size, or clarity.

[0041] The plurality of optical lenses 2100 can include one or more truncated lenses 2110 and 2120, which are arranged at the last stage along the path of the light emitted by the light-emitting unit 1000. The positioning of the truncated lenses 2110 and 2120 at the last stage means that the light from the optical unit 2000 is emitted through the truncated lenses 2110 and 2120.

[0042] The truncated lenses 2110 and 2120 can comprise a first truncated lens 2110 arranged at the last stage below the plurality of optical lenses 2100 along the reference axis Ax, and a second truncated lens 2120 arranged upstream of the first truncated lens 2110. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. Alternatively, the optical unit 2000 can comprise a single truncated lens at the last stage below the plurality of optical lenses 2100 or more than two truncated lenses arranged adjacent to each other at the last stage below the plurality of optical lenses 2100.

[0043] Fig. Figure 6 shows a front view representing a first cut-off lens according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. Figure 7 shows a front view depicting a second cut-off lens, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] With reference to Fig. 6. The first truncated lens 2110, which is an optical lens located at the last stage below the plurality of optical lenses 2100 along the path of the light emitted by the light-emitting unit 1000, can be subdivided into a first region A1 and a second region A2. The first region A1 can be arranged in the direction in which the reflecting unit 3000 is arranged, and the second region A2 can be arranged in the direction in which the optical path-adjusting unit 4000 is arranged with respect to the reference axis Ax. A section of the first region A1 can be truncated, forming a cut surface 2111 on the side where the reflecting unit 3000 is arranged with respect to the reference axis Ax.

[0045] With reference to Fig. 7, similar to the first truncated lens 2110, the second truncated lens 2120, which is an optical lens arranged in front of the first truncated lens 2110 along the path of the light emitted by the light-emitting unit 1000, can be subdivided into a first region A1 and a second region A2 with respect to the reference axis Ax. A section of the first region A1 can be truncated so that a cut surface 2121 is formed on the side where the reflecting unit 3000 is arranged with respect to the reference axis Ax.

[0046] The optical unit 2000 has been described as comprising two truncated lenses 2110 and 2120 arranged sequentially at the last stage below the plurality of optical lenses 2100, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The number of truncated lenses can vary according to the path of the light passing through each of the plurality of optical lenses 2100.

[0047] In the meantime, as in Fig. 6 and Fig. As shown in Figure 7, each of the truncated lenses 2110 and 2120 is formed by truncating a section of the first region A1, which is closer to the reflecting unit 3000 with respect to the reference axis Ax. Due to the truncation, the rear end of the reflecting unit 3000 can be positioned such that it at least partially overlaps the cut surfaces 2111 and 2121 of the truncated lenses 2110 and 2120 in a front-to-back direction (e.g., longitudinally or axially), as shown in the Fig. 3, Fig. 4 to Fig. Figure 5 shows that the space occupied by the vehicle projector 1 in the direction of the reference axis Ax can be reduced.

[0048] In the Fig. 6 and Fig. Figure 7 shows each of the truncated lenses 2110 and 2120 as divided into the first and second regions A1 and A2, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The other optical lenses 2100 can also be divided into the first and second regions A1 and A2 with respect to the reference axis Ax, regardless of whether they are truncated or not.

[0049] Fig. Figure 8 shows a schematic view representing the optical path of the vehicle projector, according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. Figure 9 shows a schematic view representing the path of the light emitted by the vehicle projector according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] With reference to Fig. 8 and Fig. 9. Light L1, L2, and L3, emitted by the light-emitting unit 1000, can pass through the optical unit 2000, be emitted by the truncated lenses 2110 and 2120 provided at the last stage of the optical unit 2000, and then proceed to the optical path-adjusting unit 4000. Subsequently, when reflected by the optical path-adjusting unit 4000 towards the reflecting unit 3000, the light L1, L2, and L3 can be directed by the reflecting unit 3000 to different positions on a projection surface S.

[0051] Since the light L1, L2 and L3 passing through the truncated lenses 2110 and 2120 passes through the side where the optical path adjustment unit 4000 is located with respect to the reference axis Ax, the truncated sections of the first areas A1 of the truncated lenses 2110 and 2120, which are formed on the side where the reflecting unit 3000 is located, cannot affect the path of the light L1, L2 and L3.

[0052] Furthermore, an emission region VA, in which the light is actually emitted by the light-emitting unit 1000, can be formed on the side where the reflecting unit 3000 is located with respect to the reference axis Ax. As previously described, this configuration ensures that the light emitted by the light-emitting unit 1000 is projected through the truncated lenses 2110 and 2120 onto the side where the optical path-adjusting unit 4000 is located with respect to the reference axis Ax.

[0053] The emission region VA can be formed in a section of the light-emitting unit 1000 and arranged on the side where the reflecting unit 3000 is located with respect to the reference axis Ax (i.e., in the upper half in the orientation shown in this embodiment), but the present invention is not limited thereto. The emission region VA can be formed in at least one section of the light-emitting unit 1000, or the entire light-emitting unit 1000 can be arranged on the side where the reflecting unit 3000 is located with respect to the reference axis Ax.

[0054] In general, images formed by light passing through a lens are inverted due to refraction. Accordingly, when the emission region VA is located on the side where the reflecting unit 3000 is positioned with respect to the reference axis Ax, the light passes through the truncated lenses 2110 and 2120 through the region on the side where the optical path-adjusting unit 4000 is positioned with respect to the reference axis Ax. This configuration allows the rear end of the reflecting unit 3000 to at least partially overlap the cut surfaces 2111 and 2121 of the truncated lenses 2110 and 2120 in the front-to-back direction.

[0055] Meanwhile, even if the area through which the light passes by the truncated lenses 2110 and 2120 is located on the side relative to the reference axis Ax where the optical path adjustment unit 4000 is located, the cut surfaces 2111 and 2121 can also be spaced from the reference axis Ax towards the side where the reflecting unit 3000 is located. This configuration allows the majority of optical lenses 2100 to be more easily aligned with each other based on their central axes. Aligning the majority of optical lenses 2100 based on their respective central axes means that, when arranged along the reference axis Ax, the majority of optical lenses 2100 can be aligned with each other based on their respective central axes.

[0056] Additionally, the cut surfaces 2111 and 2121 can be positioned opposite the reference axis Ax in the direction opposite to the area where the light passes through the truncated lenses 2110 and 2120, to ensure that the truncated lenses 2110 and 2120 are not excessively truncated. If the truncated lenses 2110 and 2120 are excessively truncated, the central sections of the truncated lenses 2110 and 2120, where the light intensity is relatively high, can be removed, resulting in a reduction of the light intensity.

[0057] In other words, the positions of the cutting surfaces 2111 and 2121 cannot be arranged so that they overlap with the rear end of the reflecting unit 3000, resulting in an increase in the front-to-back direction, or they cannot provide sufficient light intensity. Therefore, the positions of the cutting surfaces 2111 and 2121 can be determined taking into account both size limitations and a reduction in light intensity.

[0058] The optical unit 2000 has been described as comprising a plurality of optical lenses 2100 that adjust the path of the light by refraction, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The optical unit 2000 may also include other optical elements that adjust the path of the light by reflection, such as mirrors, prisms, and reflectors, in addition to the plurality of optical lenses 2100.

[0059] The reflective unit 3000 can be arranged on one side with respect to the reference axis Ax and serve to reflect the light emitted by the optical unit 2000 onto the projection surface S, as shown in Fig. 8 and Fig. Figure 9 shows the reflecting unit 3000 can comprise an aspherical surface or a freeform surface, so that the light reflected from different points on the reflecting unit 3000 can be directed at different distances from the vehicle projector 1.

[0060] The reflecting unit 3000 can be positioned on the side opposite the projection surface S with respect to the reference axis Ax, so that the light emitted by the optical unit 2000 can be reflected in the direction of the projection surface S.

[0061] The optical path adjustment unit 4000 can be positioned laterally opposite the optical unit 2000 with respect to the reference axis Ax and reflect the light emitted by the optical unit 2000 towards the reflecting unit 3000. To achieve this, the optical path adjustment unit 4000 can be inclined so that one rear end of it is radially farther from the reference axis Ax than one front end of it.

[0062] The light emitted by the optical unit 2000 can be configured to pass through the optical path setting unit 4000 in the direction of the reflecting unit 3000 to ensure that the vehicle projector 1 occupies less space in the direction perpendicular to the projection surface S.

[0063] That is, as in Fig. As shown in Figure 10, if the optical path adjustment unit 4000 is omitted (as shown in the top view), the majority of optical lenses 2100 of the optical unit 2000 can be arranged along the reference axis Ax, which is perpendicular to the projection surface S. In this case, the reflecting unit 3000 can also be arranged at the rear end of the optical unit 2000 along the direction in which the light is emitted by the light-emitting unit 1000. This configuration increases the space requirement in the direction perpendicular to the projection surface S. However, if the light emitted by the optical unit 2000 is reflected by the optical path adjustment unit 4000 in the direction of the reflecting unit 3000 (as shown in the bottom view), the space requirement in the direction perpendicular to the projection surface S can be reduced.As a result, the vehicle projector 1 can also be installed in a location with limited vertical installation space, such as a sill.

[0064] Meanwhile, the optical path adjustment unit 4000 can, for example, be arranged at an angle of inclination of approximately 45 degrees with respect to the reference axis Ax. This is because, when the optical path adjustment unit 4000 is inclined at approximately 45 degrees, the reference axis Ax can be arranged substantially parallel to the projection surface S, thus reducing the space occupied by the vehicle projector 1 in the direction perpendicular to the reference axis Ax. In other words, with respect to the orientation shown in the present invention, the vertical height of the vehicle projector 1 can be reduced.

[0065] For example, if the optical path adjustment unit 4000 includes a tilt angle of more or less than 45 degrees, the reference axis Ax cannot be parallel to the projection surface S. In this case, as shown in Fig. 11 and Fig. As shown in Figure 12, the majority of optical lenses 2100 of the optical unit 2000 are arranged along a reference axis Ax', which is inclined upwards or downwards at a certain angle with respect to the projection surface S. Consequently, the space occupied by the vehicle projector 1 in the direction perpendicular to the projection surface S can increase.

[0066] However, the tilt angle of the optical path adjustment unit 4000 is not limited to 45 degrees. The tilt angle of the optical path adjustment unit 4000 can be greater or less than 45 degrees, depending on the installation space available for the vehicle projector 1.

[0067] Meanwhile, not only the rear end but also the front end of the optical path adjustment unit 4000 can be spaced at a predetermined distance from the reference axis Ax. This serves to prevent interference with the light reflected by the reflecting unit 3000.

[0068] That is, as in Fig.As shown in Figure 13, the light emitted by the truncated lenses 2110 and 2120 of the optical unit 2000 can be reflected by the optical path-adjusting unit 4000 towards the reflecting unit 3000 and then directed towards the projection surface S. In this case, the optical path-adjusting unit 4000 may be positioned such that the light reflected by the reflecting unit 3000 passes through the area in front of the cut surfaces 2111 and 2121 of the truncated lenses 2110 and 2120. This ensures that no optical interference occurs between the optical path-adjusting unit 4000 and the truncated lenses 2110 and 2120.

[0069] Furthermore, the reflecting unit 3000 and the optical path adjustment unit 4000 can be arranged such that the light reflected by the reflecting unit 3000 towards the projection surface S can pass through the area in front of the front end of the optical path adjustment unit 4000.

[0070] The optical path adjustment unit 4000 has been described as comprising a mirror configured to reflect light, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The optical path adjustment unit 4000 may include various types of optical elements, such as a lens or a light guide, which adjust the path of the light by reflection and / or refraction, in addition to a mirror.

[0071] As described above, in the vehicle projector 1, the reflecting unit 3000 and the optical path adjustment unit 4000 can be arranged on opposite sides with respect to the reference axis Ax, and the light emitted by the optical unit 2000 can be reflected by the optical path adjustment unit 4000 towards the reflecting unit 3000 before being directed to the projection surface S. As a result, the space occupied by the vehicle projector 1 in the direction perpendicular to the projection surface S can be reduced.

[0072] Additionally, since the truncated lenses 2110 and 2120 are provided at the last stage below the majority of optical lenses 2100 of the optical unit 2000, the rear end of the reflecting unit 3000 can at least partially overlap the cut surfaces 2111 and 2121 of the truncated lenses 2110 and 2120 in the front-to-back direction. Consequently, the space occupied by the vehicle projector 1 in the front-to-back direction can be reduced.

[0073] In conclusion to this detailed description, it will be clear to those skilled in the art that many variations and modifications can be made to the exemplary embodiments without substantially departing from the principles of the present invention. Therefore, the disclosed exemplary embodiments are to be used only in a generic and descriptive sense and not for the purpose of limitation. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] KR 10-2024-0099170

[0001]

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • KOREANISCHENPATENTANMELDUNGNR.10-2024-0099170