Lamp for vehicle

Abstract

Lamp for a vehicle, the lamp comprising: a lamp housing part having an interior adapted to receive a light source; an outer lens part coupled to one side of the lamp housing part and configured to cover the interior space; a vibrating part attached to the outer lens part; a cover member provided on one side of the vibrating part and having at least a portion provided to face the outer lens part with the vibrating part interposed therebetween, and a cover coupling element, one side of which is connected to the outer lens part, so that the cover element is coupled to the cover coupling element, wherein the vibration part comprises: a polarized piezoelectric element and a first electrode and a second electrode provided so as to face two opposite sides, respectively, based on a direction in which the piezoelectric element is polarized, wherein the piezoelectric element emits a sound by being vibrated by a temporal change in a voltage applied to the first electrode and the second electrode, and wherein the cover element further comprises: a cover body provided to face the outer lens part with the vibration part disposed therebetween, the cover body being provided to be spaced apart from the vibration part; and Cover extension portions projecting from two opposite sides of the cover body toward the cover coupling member and having first through holes, and wherein a width of the first through-hole in a first direction D1 is different from a width of the first through-hole in a second direction D2 intersecting the first direction D1.

Description

Cross-reference to related application

[0001] This application claims priority to and the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0107832, filed on August 12, 2024, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. Technical area

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a lamp for a vehicle, and more particularly to a lamp for a vehicle capable of emitting a sound. State of the art

[0003] Recently, due to the increasing demand for entertainment functions in addition to the transportation functions required by vehicles, there has been a growing need for in-vehicle lamps that offer additional functions beyond simple lighting. For example, a vehicle lamp has recently been added with a function that enables communication with the outside world.

[0004] In the prior art, the lamp for a vehicle performs the function of communicating with the outside world by means of visual information such as light images or light distribution patterns of the lamp for a vehicle. However, the methods for performing the function of communicating with the outside world include, in addition to the method using visual information, a method using acoustic information such as sounds. However, since the lamp for a vehicle in the prior art adopts a waterproof structure to prevent moisture from accumulating in the lamp for a vehicle, it is difficult to mount a speaker configured to output sound in the lamp for a vehicle. Summary

[0005] The present disclosure was made in an effort to add a function to a lamp for a vehicle capable of emitting a sound without affecting the performance of the lamp for a vehicle.

[0006] To achieve the above-mentioned object, one aspect of the present disclosure provides a lamp for a vehicle, the lamp comprising: a lamp housing part having an interior space configured to accommodate a light source; an outer lens part coupled to one side of the lamp housing part and configured to cover the interior space; a vibration part fixed to the outer lens part; a cover member provided on one side of the vibration part and having at least a portion provided to face the outer lens part, and a cover coupling member having one side connected to the outer lens part such that the cover member is coupled to the cover coupling member, the vibration part comprising: a polarized piezoelectric element;and a first electrode and a second electrode provided so as to face two opposite sides respectively based on a direction in which the piezoelectric element is polarized, wherein the piezoelectric element outputs a sound by being vibrated by a temporal change in a voltage applied to the first electrode and the second electrode, wherein the cover member may further comprise: a cover body provided so as to face the outer lens part with the vibrating part interposed therebetween, the cover body provided so as to be spaced apart from the vibrating part;and cover extension portions protruding from two opposite sides of the cover body toward the cover coupling member and having first through-holes, and wherein a width of the first through-hole in a first direction D1 is different from a width of the first through-hole in a second direction D2 intersecting the first direction D1.;

[0007] The cover coupling member may include: a coupling body fixed to one side of the outer lens part; and a coupling extension portion projecting from an edge portion of the coupling body toward the cover member and having a second through-hole formed in a portion corresponding to the first through-hole, and wherein a size of the first through-hole and a size of the second through-hole are different from each other.

[0008] The first direction D1 may be a direction parallel to a direction in which the piezoelectric element faces the outer lens part, and the width of the first through-hole in the first direction D1 may be larger than the width of the first through-hole in the second direction D2.

[0009] The second through hole may have a circular shape.

[0010] The second direction D2 may be a direction parallel to a direction perpendicularly intersecting the first direction D1, and the width of the second through-hole in the second direction D2 may be equal to the width of the first through-hole in the second direction D2.

[0011] The cover member may further comprise a cover rib projecting from the cover body toward the vibrating part and provided to be fixedly connected to the vibrating part.

[0012] The lamp may further comprise: a penetrating member configured to penetrate the first through-hole and the second through-hole.

[0013] A direction in which the cover extension portions formed respectively on the two opposite sides of the cover body face each other may be parallel to a direction in which the cover rib extends.

[0014] The cover rib may be provided as a plurality of cover ribs spaced apart from each other in a direction intersecting a direction in which the cover extension portions formed respectively on the two opposite sides of the cover body face each other.

[0015] The coupling body can be inserted into the outer lens.

[0016] The cover body may have one or more vibration reduction holes.

[0017] A size of the vibration reducing hole may be smaller than a size of the first through hole.

[0018] The vibration reducing hole may be provided as a plurality of vibration reducing holes, and at least some of the plurality of vibration reducing holes may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other in a direction parallel to a direction in which the cover extension portions formed respectively on the two opposite sides of the cover body face each other.

[0019] The vibration reduction hole may be provided so as to be spaced from the cover rib.

[0020] The cover element may be provided as a plurality of cover elements spaced apart from one another.

[0021] The cover member may be provided as two cover members, and the two cover members may be provided to face each other with a central portion of the coupling body disposed therebetween.

[0022] The plurality of cover elements may be identical in that the plurality of cover elements are interchangeable with one another.

[0023] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to add the function capable of outputting a sound to the lamp for a vehicle without affecting the performance of the lamp for a vehicle. Short description of the drawings Fig. 1 is a view showing a state in which an outer lens part is spaced apart from a lamp housing part and a lamp shade part in a lamp for a vehicle according to an example of the present disclosure. Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a vibration part of the lamp for a vehicle according to the present disclosure, that is, a view illustrating a state before current is supplied to an electrode. Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the vibration part of the lamp for a vehicle according to the present disclosure, that is, a view illustrating a state achieved after current is applied to the electrode. Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the vibration part of the lamp for a vehicle according to the present disclosure, that is, a view illustrating another state after current is supplied to the electrode. Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a vibration member is fixed to a curved surface portion of an outer lens member by means of a connecting member in a lamp for a vehicle according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a vibration member is fixed to a curved surface portion of an outer lens member by means of a connecting member in a lamp for a vehicle according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a vibration member is fixed to a curved surface portion of an outer lens member by means of a connecting member in a lamp for a vehicle according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 8 is a perspective view of a lamp for a vehicle according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 9 is an enlarged perspective view showing a cover member of Fig. 8 shows. Fig. 10 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a vibration part and the cover member of Fig. 8 and its surrounding components. Fig. 11 is a perspective view showing a state in which the cover member of Fig. 8 away. Fig. 12 is an enlarged view showing a state in which the vibration part, the cover member and a cover coupling member are made of Fig. 8 are coupled. Fig. 13 is a perspective view of a lamp for a vehicle according to a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 14 is an enlarged view showing a coupling structure between a cover member and a vibration part of Fig. 13 shows. Fig. 15 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the vibration part and the cover member of Fig. 13 and its surrounding components. Fig. 16 is a perspective view of a lamp for a vehicle according to a sixth embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 17 is a perspective view of a cover element of Fig. 16. Fig. 18 is an enlarged view showing a state in which a vibration part, the cover member and a cover coupling member of Fig. 16 are coupled. Fig. 19 is an enlarged view showing a coupling structure between a vibration part, a cover member, and a cover coupling member provided in a lamp for a vehicle according to a seventh embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 20 is a view for explaining a coupling structure between the cover member and the cover coupling member of Fig. 19. Fig. 21 is an enlarged view showing the cover member of Fig. 19 shows. Fig. 22 is a view showing a piezoelectric element of a vibration part provided in a lamp for a vehicle according to an eighth embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 23 is a view showing a first example of an outer lens part to which the Fig. 22 is attached to the vibration part shown. Fig. 24 is a view showing a state in which the vibration part of Fig. 22 with the outer lens part made of Fig. 23 is coupled. Fig. 25 is a view showing a second example of the outer lens part to which the Fig. 22 is attached to the vibration part shown. Fig. 26 is a view showing a state in which the vibration part of Fig. 22 with the outer lens part made of Fig. 25 is coupled. Detailed description

[0024] Hereinafter, a lamp for a vehicle according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Lamp for vehicle

[0025] Fig. 1 is a view showing a state in which an outer lens part is spaced apart from a lamp housing part and a lamp socket part in a lamp for a vehicle according to an example of the present disclosure, and Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a vibration part of the lamp for a vehicle according to the present disclosure, that is, a view showing a state achieved before current is supplied to an electrode. Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the vibration part of the lamp for a vehicle according to the present disclosure, that is, a view showing a state achieved after current is supplied to the electrode, and Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the vibration part of the lamp for a vehicle according to the present disclosure, that is, a view showing another state after current is supplied to the electrode.

[0026] With reference to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, a lamp 10 for a vehicle (hereinafter referred to as a "lamp") according to the present disclosure may include a lamp housing part 100 having an interior space configured to accommodate a light source, and an outer lens part 200 connected to one side of the lamp housing part 100 and configured to cover the interior space. Specifically, the outer lens part 200 may be fixedly connected to the lamp housing part 100. The light emitted from the light source may propagate outward through the outer lens part 200, so that predetermined light distribution patterns and light images can be formed.

[0027] According to the present disclosure, the lamp 10 can not only form predetermined light distribution patterns and light images like the prior art lamp, but also generate a sound. Specifically, the lamp 10 according to the present disclosure can emit a sound by vibrating the lamp housing part 100 or the outer lens part 200.

[0028] To achieve the above-mentioned objective, the lamp 10 according to the present disclosure may include a vibration part 400 attached to the lamp housing part 100 or the outer lens part 200. The vibration part 400 may be configured to emit a sound by vibrating the lamp housing part 100 or the outer lens part 200. For example, the vibration part 400 may be configured as shown in Fig. 1, be attached to the outer lens part 200. Unlike the Fig. However, in the configuration shown in Figure 1, the vibration part 400 may be attached to the lamp housing part 100. The vibration part 400 may be housed in the interior space formed in the lamp housing part 100.

[0029] With further reference to Fig. 1, the lamp 10 according to the present disclosure may further comprise a lamp shade portion 300 that is fixedly coupled to the lamp housing portion 100 on one side, wherein the lamp shade portion 300 is provided to at least partially face the outer lens portion 200. More specifically, based on Fig. 1, a portion of the outer lens part 200 may face the lamp shade part 300 if the outer lens part 200 is assembled with the lamp housing part 100.

[0030] Meanwhile, according to the present disclosure, the vibrating part 400 of the lamp 10 may include a polarized piezoelectric element 410. That is, according to the present disclosure, the vibrating part 400 may include the piezoelectric element 410 in a polarized state in which one side thereof is positively charged and the other side thereof is negatively charged, unless a temperature reaches a Curie temperature or more or exceeds a predetermined range and a reverse bias voltage is applied in a direction opposite to the direction of an electric field in the piezoelectric element. Any material can be used for the piezoelectric element 410 without limitation as long as the material can be polarized. For example, the piezoelectric element 410 may be made of a ceramic material. However, in the present description, as in Fig. 2 to 4, a direction in which a positively charged region and a negatively charged region in the piezoelectric element 410 face each other is defined as a direction in which the piezoelectric element is polarized.

[0031] With further reference to Fig. 2 to 4, the lamp 10 according to the present disclosure may include a first electrode 421 and a second electrode 422, each provided facing two opposite sides depending on the polarized direction of the piezoelectric element 410. That is, the first electrode 421 and the second electrode 422 may be provided facing or in contact with the negatively charged region and the positively charged region in the piezoelectric element 410, respectively.

[0032] An operation in which the lamp 10 according to the present disclosure emits a sound will be described below. When power is supplied to the first electrode 421 and the second electrode 422 via a power supply part to be described below, the first electrode 421 and the second electrode 422 are charged. In particular, when AC power is supplied to the first electrode 421 and the second electrode 422, the voltages of the first electrode 421 and the second electrode 422 vary over time. Therefore, according to the present disclosure, an electric force applied to the piezoelectric element 410 by the first electrode 421 and the second electrode 422 also varies over time because the voltages applied to the first electrode 421 and the second electrode 422 vary over time, so that the piezoelectric element 410 performs movements in its longitudinal direction and width direction.The movements are converted into a vibration of the piezoelectric element 410, and the lamp housing part 100 or the outer lens part 200 is vibrated by the vibration of the piezoelectric element 410, thereby emitting a sound to the outside. For example, as shown in FIG. Fig. 2, the first electrode 421 and the second electrode 422 are not electrified before current is applied to the first electrode 421 and the second electrode 422, so that no external force is exerted on the piezoelectric element 410. Then, as shown in Fig. 3, when a first time elapses after current is applied to the first electrode 421 and the second electrode 422, the first electrode 421 and the second electrode 422 are positively and negatively charged, respectively, so that the piezoelectric element 410 expands in a thickness direction while receiving forces toward the first electrode 421 and the second electrode 422. Then, as shown in Fig. 4, when a second time elapses after current is applied to the first electrode 421 and the second electrode 422, the first electrode 421 and the second electrode 422 are negatively and positively charged, respectively, so that the piezoelectric element 410 expands in a thickness direction while receiving forces toward the first electrode 421 and the second electrode 422. The piezoelectric element 410 contracts in its thickness direction while receiving forces in directions away from the first electrode 421 and the second electrode 422. Thereafter, the Fig. 2 to 4, so that the piezoelectric element 410 vibrates.

[0033] However, with reference to Fig. 1, according to the present disclosure, the vibration part 400 may further be provided at a location in the lamp 10 where the vibration part 400 is protected from direct sunlight. More specifically, the vibration part 400 may be attached to a region of the outer lens part 200 or the lamp housing part 100 where the transmission of visible rays is low. For example, as shown in Fig. 1, the vibrating part 400 is attached to the outer lens part 200, the outer lens part 200 may include a first outer lens region 210 having a transmittance for visible rays, i.e., a first transmittance, and a second outer lens region 220 having a transmittance for visible rays, i.e., a second transmittance lower than the first transmittance, and the vibrating part 400 may be attached to the second outer lens region 220. In this case, the effect of external light / radiation on the positive and / or negative charges within the vibrating part 400 can be minimized, resulting in higher acoustic quality when sound is output using the lamp. In contrast, when the vibrating part 400 is attached to the lamp housing part 100, the vibrating part 400 may be attached to a lower portion of an inner surface of the lamp housing part 100.In this case, the sound generated by the vibration of the vibrating part 400 can propagate in a forward / backward direction through a bottom surface of the lamp, ie, a bottom surface of the vehicle. Meanwhile, the piezoelectric element 410 constituting the vibrating part 400 can have a plate shape.

[0034] Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a vibration member is fixed to a curved surface portion of an outer lens member by means of a connecting member in a lamp for a vehicle according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] With reference to Fig. 1 and Fig. 5, a curved surface region 202 may be formed on at least a portion of the outer lens part 200 to enhance the aesthetic appearance of the lamp 10. For example, virtually an entire portion of the outer lens part 200 may have a curved shape.

[0036] In this case, according to the present disclosure, the vibration part 400 may be fixed to the curved surface region 202. More specifically, the vibration part 400 may be bonded to the outer lens part 200 by means of an adhesive material. More specifically, the lamp 10 according to the present disclosure may further include a connecting member 500 provided between the outer lens part 200 and the vibration part 400 and configured to fix the vibration part 400 to the outer lens part 200. A nonwoven tape or the like may be used for the connecting member 500 to ensure rigidity against external impacts. The nonwoven tape may have a thicker adhesive layer than a general double-sided adhesive tape, and the adhesive layer may serve as a kind of cushion, thereby exhibiting excellent shock resistance.

[0037] The outer lens part 200 can be divided into an outer and an inner portion. More specifically, the outer lens part 200 can be divided into an outer surface exposed to the outside of the lamp 10 and an inner surface facing an interior of the lamp 10. Therefore, an outer portion can be formed on an outer surface of the curved surface region 202 formed on the outer lens part 200, and an inner portion can be formed on an inner surface of the curved surface region 202. For example, as shown in Fig. 5, an outer curved surface portion 202a having a curved shape may be formed on the outer surface of the curved surface region 202, and an inner curved surface portion 202b having a curved shape may be formed on the inner surface of the curved surface region 202. In this case, according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure, the vibrating part 400 may be fixed to the inner curved surface portion 202b, and the connecting member 500 may be provided in a peripheral region of the vibrating part 400. More specifically, according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure, the vibrating part 400 may have a flat shape, and the connecting member 500 may be provided in a region excluding a central region of the vibrating part 400.Therefore, according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure, an empty space can be formed between the central region of the vibrating part 400 and the inner curved surface portion 202b (see the arrow in FIG. Fig. 5). As in the first embodiment of the present disclosure, the connecting member 500 may be provided only at the edge or side regions excluding the central region of the vibrating part 400, so that the performance of the vibrating part 400 in a low frequency range can be improved if the empty space is formed between the central region of the vibrating part 400 and the inner curved surface portion 202b.

[0038] Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a vibration member is fixed to a curved surface portion of an outer lens part in a vehicle lamp according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure by means of a connecting member. A difference from the first embodiment of the present disclosure described above with reference to Fig. 5 is described mainly with reference to Fig. 6. The above with reference to Fig. 1 to 5 may equally apply to the contents, except for the contents described below with reference to Fig. 6 are described.

[0039] With reference to Fig. 6, the outer curved surface portion 202a having a curved shape may be formed on the outer surface of the curved surface portion 202 of the outer lens part 200, while an inner flat surface portion 202c having a flat shape may be formed on the inner surface of the curved surface portion 202. For example, the inner flat surface portion 202c may be formed by additionally machining a part of the curved surface portion formed on the inner surface of the outer lens part 200. Once the inner flat surface portion 202c is formed, the connecting member 500 can fix the vibrating part 400 to the inner flat surface portion 202c with the entire surface of the connecting member, which can lead to an improvement in the rigidity of the structure of the outer lens part 200 with the vibrating part 400.

[0040] In this case, according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure, the vibrating part 400 may be fixed to the inner flat surface portion 202c. In this case, the connecting member 500 may be provided only at the edge or side regions of the vibrating part 400 without being provided at the central region of the vibrating part 400. In this case, similar to the first embodiment of the present disclosure, the performance of the vibrating part 400 in a low frequency range can be improved. However, according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure, the vibrating part 400 may be fixed to the outer lens part 200 via the inner flat surface portion 202c, so that the performance of fixing the vibrating part 400 to the outer lens part 200 can be further improved.

[0041] Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a vibration member is fixed to a curved surface portion of an outer lens member by means of a connecting member in a lamp for a vehicle according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0042] As in the second embodiment of the present disclosure, the outer curved surface portion 202a and the inner flat surface portion 202c may also be formed on the curved surface region 202 according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure. However, according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure, the connecting member 500 may be provided at both the edge or side regions and the central region of the vibrating part 400.

[0043] The second embodiment may be applied to one portion of the inner flat surface portion 202c, and the third embodiment may be applied to another portion of the inner flat surface portion 202c. In this case, the low-frequency range performance of the vibrating part 400 can be improved by the range applied in the second embodiment, and at the same time, the vibration transmission performance of the vibrating part 400 can be improved by the range applied in the third embodiment, and accordingly, a more stable sound can be generated by the lamp for the vehicle.

[0044] Meanwhile, as described above, the outer lens part 200 may include the first outer lens portion 210 and the second outer lens portion 220 depending on the transmittance of visible rays, and the curved surface portion 202 may be formed on the second outer lens portion 220.

[0045] Fig. 8 is a perspective view of a lamp for a vehicle according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure, and Fig. 9 is an enlarged perspective view showing a cover member of Fig. 8 shows. Fig. 10 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a vibration part and the cover member of Fig. 8 and the surrounding components thereof, and Fig. 11 is a perspective view showing a state in which the cover member of Fig. 8 away. Fig. 12 is an enlarged view showing a state in which the vibration part, the cover member and a cover coupling member are made of Fig. 8 are coupled.

[0046] The lamp 10 according to the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure may also include the lamp housing part, the outer lens part, and the vibration part. However, in addition to the above-mentioned components, the lamp 10 according to the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure may include a component configured to cover the vibration part.

[0047] More specifically, the lamp 10 according to the present disclosure may further include the lamp housing part 100 having the interior space for accommodating the light source, the outer lens part 200 connected to one side of the lamp housing part 100 and configured to cover the interior space, the vibration part 400 fixed to the outer lens part 200, and a cover member 600 provided on one side of the vibration part 400 and having at least a portion disposed to face the outer lens part 200 with the vibration part 400 interposed therebetween. The cover member 600 may be configured to fix the vibration part 400 to the outer lens part 200 alone or together with the connecting member 500.For this purpose, at least a part of a region of the cover member 600 facing the outer lens part 200 with the vibration part 400 interposed therebetween may be provided so as to be fixedly attached to the vibration part 400.

[0048] Meanwhile, according to the present disclosure, a means for minimizing an area of ​​the cover member 600 that presses the vibrating part 400 may be additionally provided, thereby preventing the cover member 600 from absorbing the vibration of the vibrating part 400 when the vibrating part 400 vibrates to output a sound.

[0049] More specifically, the cover element 600, as shown in Fig. 9 and Fig. 10, a cover body 610 provided to face the outer lens part 200 with the vibrating part 400 interposed therebetween, the cover body 610 being provided to be spaced apart from the vibrating part 400, and cover ribs 620 protruding from the cover body 610 toward the vibrating part 400 and provided to be fixedly attached to the vibrating part 400. The cover body 610 may have a plate shape, and the cover rib 620 may have a shape protruding from a portion of the plate-shaped structure toward the vibrating part 400. That is, the vibrating part 400 may be fixed to the outer lens part 200 by being supported by the cover rib 620. The cover ribs 620 can be used to control the vibration of the vibrating part 400.For example, the amount of pressure the cover ribs 620 exert to support the vibrating part 400 and / or the position and / or placement of the cover ribs 620 can control the intensity and / or waveform of the vibrations of the vibrating part 400. Accordingly, the cover ribs 620 can precisely control the vibration of the vibrating part 400, allowing the outer lens part 200 to produce a more precise sound. For example, the cover rib 620 can have a rod structure with a straight shape.

[0050] Meanwhile, the lamp 10 according to the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a component having one side attached to the outer lens part 200 such that the cover member 600 is coupled to the component. More specifically, the lamp 10 according to the present disclosure may be as shown in FIGS. Fig. 8 to 12, further comprise a cover coupling member 700, one side of which is fixed to the outer lens part 200, so that the cover member 600 is coupled to the cover coupling member 700. In this case, the cover member 600 may additionally comprise cover extension portions 630 that protrude from two opposite sides of the cover body 610 toward the cover coupling member 700 and have first through-holes 630a. Furthermore, the cover coupling member 700 may comprise a coupling body 710 fixed to one side of the outer lens part 200, and coupling extension portions 720 that protrude from an edge portion of the coupling body 710 toward the cover member and have second through-holes formed in portions corresponding to the first through-holes.

[0051] The cover member 600 and the cover coupling member 700 may be firmly coupled to each other at the cover extension portions 630 and the coupling extension portions 720. More specifically, the lamp 10 according to the present disclosure may further include penetrating members 800 configured to penetrate the first through-holes 630a of the cover extension portions 630 and the second through-holes 720a of the coupling extension portions 720. For example, the penetrating member 800 may be coupled to the first through-hole 630a and the second through-hole 720a by a bolt nut.

[0052] Meanwhile, according to the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure, the cover ribs 620 may be provided as a plurality of cover ribs 620. More specifically, a direction in which the cover extension portions 630 provided on the two opposite sides of the cover body 610 face each other may be parallel to a direction in which the cover rib 620 extends. The plurality of cover ribs 620 may be provided so as to be spaced apart from each other in a direction that intersects the direction in which the cover extension portions 630 formed on the two opposite sides of the cover body 610 face each other. For example, Fig. 9 shows a state in which the cover member 600 has two cover ribs 620.

[0053] Meanwhile, according to the present disclosure, a part of the cover coupling member 700 may be inserted into the outer lens part 200. More specifically, as shown in Fig. 11, the coupling body 710 may be inserted into the outer lens part 200. The configuration of the cover member 600 and the cover coupling member 700 may enable easier replacement of the vibration element 400, which may reduce the cost of managing / maintaining the vibration element in the vehicle lamp.

[0054] Fig. 13 is a perspective view of a lamp for a vehicle according to a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure, and Fig. 14 is an enlarged view showing a coupling structure between a cover member and a vibration part of Fig. 13 shows. Fig. 15 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the vibrating part and the cover member of Fig. 13 and its surrounding components.

[0055] The contents of the lamps according to the first to fourth embodiments of the present disclosure can be equally applied to the lamp 10 according to the fifth embodiment of the present disclosure. However, the fifth embodiment of the present disclosure differs from the above-mentioned embodiments in that the cover member 600 may additionally include a component for reducing the vibration of the cover member 600.

[0056] As in the Fig. As shown in FIGS. 13 to 15, one or more vibration-reducing holes 610a may be formed in the cover member 600. More specifically, the vibration-reducing holes 610a may be provided as a plurality of vibration-reducing holes 610a. The vibration-reducing holes 610a may be configured to minimize the vibration energy transmitted from the vibrating part 400 to the cover member 600. Furthermore, the vibration-reducing holes 610a may also serve to eliminate the vibration energy transmitted to the cover member 600 without dissipating it. For example, the vibration-reducing holes 610a may be formed in the cover body 610 of the cover member 600.

[0057] As described above, the vibration reducing holes 610a may be provided as a plurality of vibration reducing holes 610a. In this case, as shown in Fig. 13 and Fig. 14, at least some of the plurality of vibration reducing holes 610a may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other in a direction parallel to the direction in which the cover extension portions 630 formed respectively on the two opposite sides of the cover body 610 face each other. Fig. 13 and Fig. 14 show that six groups are provided, each including four vibration reducing holes 610a arranged to be spaced apart from each other in a direction parallel to the direction in which the cover extension portions 630 face each other.

[0058] With further reference to Fig. 13, the cover body 610 provided in the cover member 600 of the lamp 10 according to the fifth embodiment of the present disclosure may be provided so as to face all two opposite edge regions of the piezoelectric element 410 based on an extension direction of the piezoelectric element 410 and the central region of the piezoelectric element 410 based on the extension direction. More specifically, the cover body 610 may be provided so as to surround an entire region of the piezoelectric element 410. In this case, the vibration reducing holes 610a may be formed in regions of the cover body 610 facing the two opposite edge regions of the piezoelectric element 410 based on the extension direction and the central region of the piezoelectric element 410 based on the extension direction. Fig. 13 and Fig. 14 illustrate that in each of the regions of the cover body 610 facing the two opposite edge regions and the central region of the piezoelectric element 410, two vibration reducing hole groups each having four vibration reducing holes 610a are formed.

[0059] Fig. 16 is a perspective view of a lamp for a vehicle according to a sixth embodiment of the present disclosure, and Fig. 17 is a perspective view of a cover element of Fig. 16. Fig. 18 is an enlarged view showing a state in which a vibration part, the cover member and a cover coupling member of Fig. 16 are coupled.

[0060] The contents of the lamps according to the first to fourth embodiments of the present disclosure can be equally applied to the lamp 10 according to the sixth embodiment of the present disclosure. As in the fifth embodiment of the present disclosure, the vibration reducing holes 610a may be formed in the cover member 600. However, according to the sixth embodiment of the present disclosure, the lamp 10 may have a plurality of cover members 600.

[0061] That is, according to the sixth embodiment of the present disclosure, the plurality of cover members 600 may be provided so as to be spaced apart from each other. For example, as shown in Fig. 16 and Fig. 17, two cover members 600 may be provided, wherein the two cover members 600 may be provided so as to face each other with a central portion of the coupling body 710 of the cover coupling member 700 disposed therebetween.

[0062] More specifically, the two cover elements 600 may be identical in that the two cover elements 600 are interchangeable. This configuration can be interpreted as a configuration in which the two cover elements 600, although not physically identical in shape, are identical in that the two cover elements 600 perform their functions when the two cover elements 600 are assembled after exchanging their positions.

[0063] Meanwhile, according to the fifth and sixth embodiments of the present disclosure, a size of each of the vibration reducing holes 610a may be smaller than a size of the first through-hole 630a and a size of the second through-hole 720a. In this case, since the second through-hole 720a is larger than the first through-hole 630a, the height can be easily adjusted when assembling the cover members 600. This has the technical effect that the cover ribs 620 can be pressed with a constant pressure even when the thickness of the piezoelectric element 410 varies.

[0064] In addition, as in Fig. 15, the vibration-reducing holes 610a may be provided so as to be spaced apart from the cover ribs 620. It should be understood that the vibration-reducing hole 610a is not formed in a region of the cover body 610 into which the cover ribs 620 extend.

[0065] Meanwhile, according to the fourth to sixth embodiments of the present disclosure, a size of the first through-hole 630a formed in the cover extension region 630 and a size of the second through-hole 720a formed in the coupling extension region 720 may correspond to each other. Specifically, the first and second through-holes 630a and 720a may have circular shapes with diameters corresponding to each other.

[0066] Fig. 19 is an enlarged view showing a coupling structure between a vibration part, a cover member, and a cover coupling member provided in a lamp for a vehicle according to a seventh embodiment of the present disclosure, and Fig. 20 is a view for explaining a coupling structure between the cover member and the cover coupling member of Fig. 19. Fig. 21 is an enlarged view showing the cover member of Fig. 19 shows.

[0067] The contents of the lamps according to the first to sixth embodiments of the present disclosure can be equally applied to the lamp 10 according to the seventh embodiment of the present disclosure. However, according to the seventh embodiment of the present disclosure, a size of the first through-hole 630a and a size of the second through-hole 720a may be different from each other.

[0068] More specifically, according to the seventh embodiment of the present disclosure, a width of the first through-hole 630a in a first direction D1 may differ from a width of the first through-hole 630a in a second direction D2 that intersects the first direction D1. Furthermore, a size and shape of the first through-hole 630a may differ from a size and shape of the second through-hole 720a. For example, the second through-hole 720a may have a circular shape. In the present description, the first direction D1 may be defined as a direction parallel to a direction in which the piezoelectric element 410 faces the outer lens part 200, and the second direction D2 may be defined as a direction parallel to a direction that perpendicularly intersects the first direction D1, that is,defined as a direction perpendicularly intersecting a direction in which the first through-hole 630a penetrates the cover extension portion 630. Specifically, the width of the first through-hole 630a in the first direction D1 may be greater than the width of the first through-hole 630a in the second direction D2. Furthermore, the width of the second through-hole 720a in the second direction D2 may be equal to the width of the first through-hole 630a in the second direction D2.

[0069] According to the seventh embodiment of the present disclosure, when the cover member 600 and the cover coupling member 700 are coupled to each other, a relative positional relationship between the cover member 600 and the cover coupling member 700 can be variable. That is, according to the seventh embodiment of the present disclosure, the relative positional relationship between the first through-hole 630a and the second through-hole 720a in the first direction D1 can vary depending on a thickness of the vibrating part 400. In this case, since the first through-hole 630a has a relatively long shape in the first direction D1, a range in which the penetrating member 800 is inserted into the first through-hole 630a can vary depending on the thickness of the vibrating part 400.Therefore, according to the seventh embodiment of the present disclosure, the assemblability between the cover member 600 and the cover coupling member 700 can be improved.

[0070] Fig. 22 is a view showing a piezoelectric element of a vibration member provided in a lamp for a vehicle according to an eighth embodiment of the present disclosure, and Fig. 23 is a view showing a first example of an outer lens part to which the Fig. 22 is attached to the vibration part shown. Fig. 24 is a view showing a state in which the vibration part of Fig. 22 with the outer lens part made of Fig. 23 is coupled, and Fig. 25 is a view showing a second example of the outer lens part to which the Fig. 22 is attached to the vibration part shown. Fig. 26 is a view showing a state in which the vibration part of Fig. 22 with the outer lens part made of Fig. 25 is coupled.

[0071] Like the lamps according to the first to third embodiments of the present disclosure, the lamp 10 according to the eighth embodiment of the present disclosure can be attached to a curved surface area. However, the eighth embodiment of the present disclosure differs from the above-mentioned embodiments in that the vibration part 400 can be directly coupled to one side of the outer lens part 200.

[0072] Specifically, according to the eighth embodiment of the present disclosure, the piezoelectric element 410 of the vibration part 400 may be in contact with and fixed to one side of the outer lens part 200. Specifically, the piezoelectric element 410 may be connected to one side of the outer lens part 200 by means of a bolt nut.

[0073] For example, as in the Fig. As shown in FIGS. 22 to 24, according to the first example of the eighth embodiment of the present disclosure, element through-holes 410a may be formed on one side of the piezoelectric element 410, and lens bolt portions 250 penetrating the element through-holes 410a may be formed on portions of one side of the outer lens part 200 corresponding to the element through-holes 410a. Furthermore, the lamp 10 according to the first example of the eighth embodiment of the present disclosure may further include nut members 820 fixedly attached to the piezoelectric element 410 and inserted into the lens bolt portion 250.

[0074] In contrast, as in Fig. 22, Fig. 25 and Fig. 26, according to the second example of the eighth embodiment of the present disclosure, the element through-holes 410a may be formed on one side of the piezoelectric element 410, and lens through-holes 260 may be formed on portions of one side of the outer lens part 200 that correspond to the element through-holes 410a. In this case, the lamp 10 according to the present disclosure may further include bolt members 840 inserted into the element through-holes 410a and the lens through-holes 260.

[0075] Meanwhile, according to the eighth embodiment of the present disclosure, the region of the piezoelectric element 410 in which the element through-hole 410a is formed may be made of the same material as another region of the piezoelectric element 410. Moreover, the element through-hole 410a may be formed particularly in an edge region of the piezoelectric element 410. For example, as shown in Fig. 22, the piezoelectric element 410 may have a square plate shape, and the element through-holes 410a may be formed in apex portions of the square plate shape, respectively.

[0076] Various control methods using the lamp according to the present disclosure are described below.

[0077] A sound output from the vibration part in the lamp according to the present disclosure can be used as a horn sound of the vehicle. For example, the lamp according to the present disclosure can be controlled by step i) of identifying input information about a horn sound input to the vehicle and step ii) of outputting a sound by the vibration part in response to the input information. The input information can be the time for which a driver in the vehicle presses a horn button mounted on a steering wheel in the vehicle. In this case, the lamp according to the present disclosure can be controlled such that a volume of the sound output from the vibration part increases with the time for which the horn button is pressed. For example, a volume of the sound output from the vibration part can be a first volume when the time for which the horn button is pressed is in a first section.If the time for which the horn button is pressed is in a second section longer than the first section, a volume of the sound emitted by the vibration part may be a second volume greater than the first volume.

[0078] Meanwhile, in the lamp according to the present disclosure, the output of the sound generated by the vibration part can be controlled by operating an external device. For example, the lamp according to the present disclosure can be controlled by step i) of measuring a distance between the external device and the vehicle or the lamp by operating the external device (e.g., a smart key) and step ii) of outputting a volume of the sound output by the vibration part of the lamp in response to the distance between the external device and the vehicle or the lamp. For example, the volume of the sound output by the vibration part of the lamp can be controlled to increase as the distance between the external device and the vehicle or the lamp increases.

[0079] Furthermore, the sound emitted by the lamp according to the present disclosure may vary depending on the distance between the surrounding pedestrians and the vehicle with the lamp. For example, the lamp according to the present disclosure may be controlled by step i) of identifying a distance between a pedestrian around the vehicle and the vehicle equipped with the lamp or the lamp, and step ii) of outputting a volume of the sound emitted by the vibrating part of the lamp in response to the distance between the vehicle or the lamp and the pedestrian. For example, the volume of the sound emitted by the vibrating part of the lamp may be controlled to increase as the distance between the vehicle or the lamp and the pedestrian decreases.

[0080] The present disclosure has been described with reference to the limited embodiments and the drawings, but the present disclosure is not limited thereby. The present disclosure may be embodied in various forms by those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure relates, within the technical spirit of the present disclosure and the scope consistent with the appended claims. Representative drawing: Fig. 19 10 lamp for vehicle 100 lamp housing part 200 Outer lens part 202 Curved surface area 202a Outer curved surface section 202b Inner curved surface section 202c Inner flat surface section 210 First outer lens area 220 Second outer lens area 250 lens bolt range 260 lens through hole 300 lamp cover part 400 vibration part 410 Piezoelectric element 410a Element through hole 421 First electrode 422 Second electrode 500 connecting elements 600 cover element 610 cover body 610a Vibration reduction hole 620 cover rib 630 coverage extension area 630a First through hole 700 cover coupling element 710 coupling body 720 coupling extension area 720a Second through hole 800 Penetrating element 820 nut element 840 bolt element D1 First Direction D2 Second Direction QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

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

[0000] KR 10-2024-0107832

[0001]

Claims

[1] Lamp for a vehicle, the lamp comprising: a lamp housing part having an interior adapted to receive a light source; an outer lens part coupled to one side of the lamp housing part and configured to cover the interior space; a vibrating part attached to the outer lens part; a cover member provided on one side of the vibrating part and having at least a portion provided to face the outer lens part with the vibrating part interposed therebetween, and a cover coupling element, one side of which is connected to the outer lens part, so that the cover element is coupled to the cover coupling element, wherein the vibration part comprises: a polarized piezoelectric element and a first electrode and a second electrode provided so as to face two opposite sides, respectively, based on a direction in which the piezoelectric element is polarized, wherein the piezoelectric element emits a sound by being vibrated by a temporal change in a voltage applied to the first electrode and the second electrode, and wherein the cover element further comprises: a cover body provided to face the outer lens part with the vibration part disposed therebetween, the cover body being provided to be spaced apart from the vibration part; and Cover extension portions projecting from two opposite sides of the cover body toward the cover coupling member and having first through holes, and wherein a width of the first through-hole in a first direction D1 is different from a width of the first through-hole in a second direction D2 intersecting the first direction D1. [2] The lamp of claim 1, wherein the cover coupling member comprises: a coupling body attached to one side of the outer lens part and a coupling extension portion projecting from an edge portion of the coupling body toward the cover member and having a second through-hole formed in a portion corresponding to the first through-hole, and wherein a size of the first through-hole and a size of the second through-hole are different from each other. [3] The lamp according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first direction D1 is a direction parallel to a direction in which the piezoelectric element faces the outer lens part, and the width of the first through-hole in the first direction D1 is larger than the width of the first through-hole in the second direction D2. [4] The lamp according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the second through-hole has a circular shape. [5] The lamp according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the second direction D2 is a direction parallel to a direction perpendicularly intersecting the first direction D1, and the width of the second through-hole in the second direction D2 corresponds to the width of the first through-hole in the second direction D2. [6] The lamp according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the cover member further comprises a cover rib projecting from the cover body toward the vibrating part and provided to be fixedly connected to the vibrating part. [7] Lamp according to one of claims 2 to 6, further comprising: a penetrating element configured to penetrate the first through-hole and the second through-hole. [8] The lamp according to claim 6 or 7, wherein a direction in which the cover extension portions formed respectively on the two opposite sides of the cover body face each other is parallel to a direction in which the cover rib extends. [9] The lamp according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the cover rib is provided as a plurality of cover ribs spaced apart from each other in a direction intersecting a direction in which the cover extension portions respectively formed on the two opposite sides of the cover body face each other. [10] Lamp according to one of claims 2 to 9, wherein the coupling body is inserted into the outer lens. [11] A lamp according to any one of claims 2 to 10, wherein the cover body has one or more vibration reducing holes. [12] The lamp according to claim 11, wherein a size of the vibration reducing hole is smaller than a size of the first through hole. [13] The lamp according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the vibration reducing hole is provided as a plurality of vibration reducing holes, and at least some of the plurality of vibration reducing holes are arranged to be spaced apart from each other in a direction parallel to a direction in which the cover extension portions formed respectively on the two opposite sides of the cover body face each other. [14] A lamp according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the vibration reducing hole is provided so as to be spaced from the cover rib. [15] A lamp according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the cover member is provided as a plurality of cover members spaced apart from each other. [16] The lamp according to claim 15, wherein the cover member is provided as two cover members, and the two cover members are provided to face each other with a central portion of the coupling body disposed therebetween. [17] A lamp according to claim 15 or 16, wherein the plurality of cover elements are identical in that the plurality of cover elements are interchangeable with one another.

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