Vehicle light

Abstract

Light for a vehicle, wherein the light comprises: a light source; and a light guide component that is positioned on one side of the light source and configured to receive light emitted by the light source, including the light guide section: a front surface section configured to define a front area of ​​the light guide part; a rear surface section configured to define a rear area of ​​the light guide section; an upper surface section configured to connect the front surface section with the rear surface section and define an upper area of ​​the light guide part; and a lower surface section configured to connect the front surface section with the rear surface section and define a lower area of ​​the light guide part, the lower surface area comprises: a lower total internal reflection region, in which the light emitted by the light source is totally reflected; and a refraction region that is spaced forward from the lower total internal reflection region and is configured such that the light emitted by the light source is refracted as it passes through the refraction region, and wherein the upper surface section comprises an upper total internal reflection region which is spaced forward from the lower total internal reflection region, spaced backward from the refraction region and is configured such that the light emitted by the light source and totally reflected in the lower total internal reflection region is totally reflected.

Description

REFERENCE TO RELATED REGISTRATION

[0001] This application claims the priority and benefits of Korean patent application No. 10-2024-0184910, which was filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office on December 12, 2024, and the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. TECHNICAL AREA

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a light for a vehicle. BACKGROUND

[0003] A vehicle is equipped with various types of lights, which are classified according to their function. For example, low beam headlights, high beam headlights, daytime running lights (DRL lights), and the like are mounted at the front of the vehicle. The low beam headlights create a low beam distribution pattern, the high beam headlights create a high beam distribution pattern, and the DRL lights create a DRL distribution pattern.

[0004] At the same time, regulations require that vehicles, in addition to the types of light distribution patterns described above, also emit signal light distribution patterns. A signal light distribution pattern refers to a light distribution pattern that is generated above the low beam distribution pattern. This signal light distribution pattern is a minimum brightness pattern used to identify objects, such as signs, located in the upper area in front of the vehicle. SUMMARY

[0005] The present disclosure was made in an effort to provide a luminaire for a vehicle, wherein the luminaire is capable of forming a signal light distribution pattern without the need to add a separate optical system for forming a signal light distribution pattern.

[0006] To solve the aforementioned problem, one aspect of the present disclosure provides a lamp for a vehicle, the lamp comprising: a light source; and a light guide part arranged on one side of the light source and configured to receive light emitted from the light source, the light guide part comprising: a front surface section configured to define a front region of the light guide part; a rear surface section configured to define a rear region of the light guide part; and an upper surface section configured to connect the front surface section to the rear surface section and to define an upper region of the light guide part.and a lower surface section configured to connect the front surface section with the rear surface section and to define a lower region of the light-guiding part, wherein the lower surface section comprises: a lower total internal reflection region in which the light emitted by the light source is totally reflected; and a refraction region spaced forward from the lower total internal reflection region and configured such that the light emitted by the light source is refracted as it passes through the refraction region, and wherein the upper surface section comprises an upper total internal reflection region spaced forward from the lower total internal reflection region, which is spaced rearward from the refraction region and configured such that the light emitted by the light source and totally reflected in the lower total internal reflection region is totally reflected.

[0007] The light guide component can be integrally designed.

[0008] The lower total internal reflection region may comprise: a first lower total internal reflection surface with a forward-sloping inclined surface shape; and a second lower total internal reflection surface connected to a front end of the first lower total internal reflection surface and having a forward-rising inclined surface shape.

[0009] The upper total reflection area can have a downwardly concave shape.

[0010] The upper total reflection region can include an upper total reflection surface with a forward-sloping inclined surface shape configured such that the light totally reflected in the lower total reflection region reaches the upper total reflection surface.

[0011] The upper total internal reflection region may include an upper connecting surface that is connected to a rear end of the upper total internal reflection surface and is spaced rearward from the totally reflected light in the lower total internal reflection region.

[0012] An angle between the upper total reflection surface and a top-bottom direction H can be greater than an angle between the upper connecting surface and the top-bottom direction H.

[0013] The refraction zone can have a shape that is recessed upwards.

[0014] The refraction region may have: a first refraction surface with a forward-rising inclined surface shape; and a second refraction surface connected to a front end of the first refraction surface and having a forward-sloping inclined surface shape.

[0015] An angle between the first refractive surface and an up-down direction H can be smaller than an angle between the second refractive surface and the up-down direction H.

[0016] The lower surface section may have: a rear section of the lower surface, which includes the lower total reflection region; a front section of the lower surface, which is spaced forward from the rear section of the lower surface, has a shape that projects further downward than the rear section of the lower surface, and includes the refraction region; and a connecting section of the lower surface, which is configured to connect the rear section of the lower surface to the front section of the lower surfaces, and has an upwardly indented shape.

[0017] The connecting section of the lower surface may include a stepped section located at a boundary between a first side surface based on a left-right direction W and a second side surface based on the left-right direction W.

[0018] The light guide part can have a light collecting area located between the upper surface section and the lower surface section, and arranged such that it faces the light source, and the first lower total internal reflection surface can be located in the light collecting area.

[0019] The luminaire may have: a reflective part located below the light guide part and an upper surface on which a light-reflecting surface is arranged.

[0020] A section of the light-reflecting surface that receives light emitted by the light source and successively passes through the lower total internal reflection region, the upper total internal reflection region and the refraction region can be located behind the front surface section.

[0021] The rear surface of the lower surface section can have a convex shape.

[0022] At least part of the back surface of the front section of the lower surface can be positioned on a straight line connecting the upper total reflection region and the refraction region.

[0023] The upper total reflection region and the refraction region can each be spaced inwards in a left-right direction W from two opposite surfaces of the light guide part.

[0024] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a light for a vehicle wherein the light is able to form the signal light distribution pattern without the need to add a separate optical system for forming the signal light distribution pattern. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. Figure 1 is a side view of a light for a vehicle according to the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 2 is a top view of a light guide component provided in the luminaire for a vehicle according to the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 3 is a bottom view of the light guide part provided in the luminaire for a vehicle according to the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 4 is a view showing a cross-sectional structure of a connecting section of the lower surface of the light guide part provided in the luminaire for a vehicle according to the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] The following describes a light for a vehicle according to the present disclosure with reference to the drawings. LIGHT FOR A VEHICLE

[0026] Fig. 1 is a side view of a light for a vehicle according to the present disclosure, and Fig. Figure 2 is a top view of a light guide component provided in the luminaire for a vehicle according to the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 3 is a top view of the light guide part provided in the lamp for a vehicle according to the present disclosure, and Fig. Figure 4 is a view showing a cross-section of the structure of a connecting section of the lower surface of the light guide part provided in the luminaire for a vehicle according to the present disclosure.

[0027] With reference to the Fig. 1 to 4, a light 10 for a vehicle (hereinafter referred to as "light") according to the present disclosure can comprise a light source 100 and a light guide part 200, which is provided on one side of the light source 100 and is configured to receive light emitted from the light source 100.In particular, the light guide part 200 can have a front surface section 210, which is configured to define a front area of ​​the light guide part 200, a rear surface section 220, which is configured to define a rear area of ​​the light guide part 200, an upper surface section 230, which is configured to connect the front surface section 210 and the rear surface section 220 and define an upper area of ​​the light guide part 200, and a lower surface section 240, which is configured to connect the front surface section 210 and the rear surface section 220 and define a lower area of ​​the light guide part 200.

[0028] Furthermore, according to the present disclosure, the entire light guide section 200 can be integrally formed. In particular, the entire section of the light guide section 200 can be manufactured as an integrated lens, as described below.

[0029] The luminaire 10 according to the present disclosure can form a low beam distribution pattern or a high beam distribution pattern, and additionally a signal light distribution pattern. The features of the light guide section 200 for forming the signal light distribution pattern are described in detail.

[0030] With reference to the Fig. 1 to 3, the lower surface section 240 can comprise a lower total internal reflection region 242, in which light emitted by the light source 100 is totally reflected, and a refraction region 244, which is arranged such that it is spaced forward from the lower total internal reflection region 242 and is configured such that the light emitted by the light source 100 is refracted as it passes through the refraction region 244. Additionally, the upper surface section 230 can have an upper total internal reflection region 232, which is arranged such that it is spaced forward from the lower total internal reflection region 242 and which is arranged such that it is spaced rearward from the refraction region 244, and which is configured such that the light emitted by the light source 100 and totally reflected in the lower total internal reflection region 242 is totally reflected.

[0031] A method is described below in which the light emitted by the light source 100 of the luminaire 10 according to the present disclosure passes through the light guide section 200 and exits, forming the signal light distribution pattern. First, a portion of the light emitted by the light source 100 travels forward and upward while undergoing total internal reflection in the lower total internal reflection region 242. When the light subsequently reaches the upper total internal reflection region 232, it undergoes total internal reflection again and then travels forward and downward. The light is then refracted as it passes through the refraction region 244 and exits the light guide section 200. Finally, the light exiting the light guide section 200 is reflected by a reflection element described below and then exits forward and upward, forming the signal light distribution pattern.

[0032] As in the Fig. 1 and Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the lower total internal reflection region 242 can comprise a plurality of surfaces. In particular, the lower total internal reflection region 242 can comprise a first lower total internal reflection surface 242a with a forward-sloping inclined surface shape and a second lower total internal reflection surface 242b, which is connected to a front end of the first lower total internal reflection surface 242a and has a forward-rising inclined surface shape. It is understood that the lower total internal reflection region 242 has a cross-sectional structure that is approximately a "V" shape. According to the present disclosure, the light emitted by the light source 100 and reaching the lower total internal reflection region 242 can be totally reflected primarily by the first lower total internal reflection surface 242a, totally reflected secondarily by the second lower total internal reflection surface 242b, and then directed towards the upper total internal reflection region 232.

[0033] Furthermore, according to the present disclosure, the upper total internal reflection region 232 can have a downwardly concave shape. In this case, the upper total internal reflection region 232, like the lower total internal reflection region 242, can also comprise a plurality of surfaces. In particular, the upper total internal reflection region 232, as shown in the Fig. 1 and Fig. Figure 2 shows an upper total reflection surface 232a with a forward-sloping inclined surface shape, configured such that the light totally reflected in the lower total reflection region 242 reaches the upper total reflection surface 232a. Therefore, the light reaching the upper total reflection region 232 from the lower total reflection region 242 can be totally reflected again by the upper total reflection surface 232a and then move towards the refraction region 244.

[0034] The upper total internal reflection area 232 can further comprise an upper connecting surface 232b, which is connected to a rear end of the upper total internal reflection area 232a and extends upwards from the upper total internal reflection area 232a. In this case, the upper connecting surface 232b can be positioned such that it is spaced rearward from the light totally reflected in the lower total internal reflection area 242. That is to say, according to the present disclosure, the upper connecting surface 232b can be physically spaced from a path of light that contributes to the formation of the signal light distribution pattern formed by the luminaire according to the present disclosure. For example, the drawings show that an angle defined between the upper total internal reflection area 232a and an up-down direction H is greater than an angle defined between the upper connecting surface 232b and the up-down direction H.

[0035] Here, the refractive region 244 can have an upwardly concave shape. In this case, the refractive region 244, similar to the lower total internal reflection region 242 and the upper total internal reflection region 232, can also comprise a multitude of surfaces. In particular, the refractive region 244, as in the Fig. 1 and Fig. Figure 3 shows a first refractive surface 244a with a forward-rising inclined surface shape and a second refractive surface 244b connected to a front end of the first refractive surface 244a and having a forward-sloping inclined surface shape. It is noted that the refractive region 244 has an approximately inverted "V" shape in the top-bottom direction H. According to the present disclosure, the light, which is totally reflected in the upper total internal reflection region 232 and then reaches the refractive region 244a, can be refracted to curve forward as it passes through the first refractive surface 244a and then exits the light-guiding portion 200. For example, Figure 3 shows Fig. 1 and Fig. 3, that an angle defined between the first refractive surface 244a and the up-down direction H is smaller than an angle defined between the second refractive surface 244b and the up-down direction H.

[0036] Furthermore, according to the present disclosure, the lower surface section 240 can be subdivided into a plurality of sections. However, it is noted that, since the entire section of the light-conducting part 200 is integrated as described above, the plurality of sections are only conceptually distinguished and are not considered to be physically separate components.

[0037] The lower surface section 240 can include a rear section of the lower surface 240-1 with the aforementioned lower total reflection region 242, a front section of the lower surface 240-2, which is arranged such that it is spaced forward from the rear section of the lower surface 240-1 and has a shape that projects further downward than the rear section of the lower surface 240-1 and which has the aforementioned refraction region 244, and a connecting section of the lower surface 240-3, which is configured such that it connects the rear section of the lower surface 240-1 and the front section of the lower surface 240-2 and which has a completely upwardly recessed shape.In particular, the connecting section of the lower surface 240-3 can have a shape that is further recessed upwards compared to the rear section of the lower surface 240-1 and the front section of the lower surface 240-2.

[0038] As described above, the luminaire 10 can also form a low beam distribution pattern separately from the light distribution pattern according to the present disclosure. In this case, the connecting section 240-3 of the lower surface, as shown in the Fig. 1, Fig. 3 and Fig. Figure 4 further comprises a stepped section 240-3a formed at a boundary between one side surface based on a left-right direction W and the other side surface based on the same left-right direction W. The stepped section 240-3a may have a shape corresponding to a dividing line defined at an upper boundary of the low-beam distribution pattern.

[0039] The light guide section 200 can further comprise a light-collecting area 250, which is formed between the upper surface section 230 and the lower surface section 240 and is arranged such that it faces the light source 100. As can be seen from the designation, the light-collecting area 250 can serve to collect the light emitted by the light source 100 and thereby improve the overall luminous efficacy of the luminaire. At least part of the light-collecting area 250 can have a collimator shape. In an exemplary case, the first lower total internal reflection surface 242a can be formed in the light-collecting area 250. That is, the first lower total internal reflection surface 242a can be formed on an underside of the light-collecting area 250.

[0040] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the luminaire 10 according to the present disclosure can further comprise a reflective part 300, which is provided below the light-guiding part 200 and has a top surface on which a light-reflecting surface 310 is formed. According to the present disclosure, the light that is refracted in the refractive region 244 and then exits the light-guiding part 200 can reach the light-reflecting surface 310 of the reflective part 300, be reflected by the light-reflecting surface 310 of the reflective part 300, and then move forward and upward so that the signal light distribution pattern can finally be formed. In particular, a portion of the light-reflecting surface 310, which receives the light emitted by the light source 100 and successively passed through the lower total internal reflection region 242, the upper total internal reflection region 232, and the refractive region 244, can be formed behind the front surface section 210.

[0041] Furthermore, in one example of the present disclosure, a rear surface of the front section of the lower surface 240-2 can have a rearwardly convex shape. In this case, at least part of the rear surface of the front section of the lower surface 240-2 can be positioned on a straight line connecting the upper total internal reflection region 232 and the refractive region 244. Considering the straightness of the light, the light emerging from the upper total internal reflection region 232 can therefore reach the rear surface of the front section of the lower surface 240-2 before reaching the refractive region 244, and the light reaching the rear surface of the front section of the lower surface 240-2 can be collected in a horizontal direction and then reach the refractive region 244.

[0042] Furthermore, with reference to Fig. 2 and Fig.3. The upper total internal reflection region 232 and the refraction region 244 are each spaced inwards from two opposite surfaces of the light guide section 200 in the left-right direction W. It is understood that the width of the upper total internal reflection region 232 and the width of the refraction region 244 in the left-right direction W are each smaller than the width of the light guide section 200 in the left-right direction W.

[0043] The present disclosure has been described with reference to the limited embodiments and the drawings, but is not limited thereto. The present disclosure can be implemented by a person skilled in the art in this field in various forms within the basic technical concept of the present disclosure and the scope of protection corresponding to the appended claims. 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 10-2024-0184910

[0001]

Claims

[1] Lamp for a vehicle, the lamp comprising: a light source; and a light guide component that is positioned on one side of the light source and configured to receive light emitted by the light source, including the light guide section: a front surface section configured to define a front area of ​​the light guide part; a rear surface section configured to define a rear area of ​​the light guide section; an upper surface section configured to connect the front surface section with the rear surface section and define an upper area of ​​the light guide part; and a lower surface section configured to connect the front surface section with the rear surface section and define a lower area of ​​the light guide part, the lower surface area comprises: a lower total internal reflection region, in which the light emitted by the light source is totally reflected; and a refraction region that is spaced forward from the lower total internal reflection region and is configured such that the light emitted by the light source is refracted as it passes through the refraction region, and wherein the upper surface section comprises an upper total internal reflection region which is spaced forward from the lower total internal reflection region, spaced backward from the refraction region and is configured such that the light emitted by the light source and totally reflected in the lower total internal reflection region is totally reflected. [2] Luminaire according to claim 1, wherein the light guide part is integrally formed. [3] Luminaire according to claim 1, wherein the lower total reflection area comprises: a first lower total reflection surface with a forward-sloping inclined surface shape; and a second lower total reflection surface connected to a front end of the first lower total reflection surface and having a forward-sloping inclined surface shape. [4] Luminaire according to claim 1, wherein the upper total reflection area has a downwardly recessed shape. [5] Luminaire according to claim 1, wherein the upper total reflection area comprises an upper total reflection surface having a forward-rising inclined surface shape and is configured such that the light totally reflected in the lower total reflection area reaches the upper total reflection surface. [6] Luminaire according to claim 5, wherein the upper total reflection area comprises an upper connecting surface which is connected to a rear end of the upper total reflection area and is spaced rearward from the totally reflected light in the lower total reflection area. [7] Luminaire according to claim 6, wherein an angle between the upper total reflection surface and an up-down direction H is greater than an angle between the upper connecting surface and the up-down direction H. [8] Luminaire according to claim 1, wherein the refraction area has an upwardly recessed shape. [9] Luminaire according to claim 1, wherein the refractive range comprises: a first refractive surface with a forward-rising inclined surface shape, oriented forwards; and a second refractive surface connected to a front end of the first refractive surface and having a forward-sloping inclined surface shape. [10] Luminaire according to claim 9, wherein an angle between the first refractive surface and an up-down direction H is smaller than an angle between the second refractive surface and the up-down direction H. [11] Luminaire according to claim 1, wherein the lower surface section comprises: a rear section of the lower surface, which includes the lower total internal reflection area; a front section of the lower surface, which is spaced forward from the rear section of the lower surface, has a shape that projects further downward than the rear section of the lower surface, and includes the refraction region; and a connecting section of the lower surface, which is configured to connect the rear section of the lower surface with the front section of the lower surface, and has a shape that is recessed upwards. [12] Luminaire according to claim 11, wherein the connecting section of the lower surface comprises a stepped section which is arranged at a boundary between a first side surface based on a left-right direction W and a second side surface based on the left-right direction W. [13] Luminaire according to claim 3, wherein the light guide part comprises a light collecting area which is arranged between the upper surface section and the lower surface section and is arranged such that it faces the light source, and wherein the first lower total internal reflection surface is arranged in the light collecting area. [14] Luminaire according to claim 1, further comprising: a reflective part that is located below the light guide part and has a top surface on which a light reflection surface is arranged. [15] Luminaire according to claim 14, wherein a section of the light-reflecting surface, which receives light emitted by the light source and passes successively through the lower total reflection area, the upper total reflection area and the refraction area, is arranged behind the front surface section. [16] Luminaire according to claim 11, wherein a rear surface of the front section of the lower surface has a rearwardly convex shape. [17] Luminaire according to claim 16, wherein at least a part of the rear surface of the front section of the lower surface is positioned on a straight line connecting the upper total reflection area with the refraction area. [18] Luminaire according to claim 1, wherein the upper total reflection area and the refraction area are each spaced inwards from two opposing surfaces of the light guide part in the left-right direction W.

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