Lamp for a vehicle

Abstract

Lamp for a vehicle, comprehensive: a light source designed to produce and emit light; and a microlens array (MLA) module positioned in front of the light source, onto which the light falls, the MLA module includes: an entrance lens array onto which the light falls and which comprises a plurality of entrance lenses; and an exit lens array arranged in front of the entrance lens array, comprising a plurality of exit lenses and designed to receive the light incident on the entrance lens array and to emit the light outwards, wherein each of the plurality of exit lenses corresponds to at least one part of one of the plurality of entry lenses, where, with respect to a left / right direction of the MLA module, a distance between an optical axis of one of the plurality of entrance lenses and an optical axis of a corresponding plurality of exit lenses is defined as the optical axis distance, and wherein the MLA module is subdivided along a direction from a center to an outside in the left / right direction of the MLA module into a first central area, a second central area and a peripheral area, and the optical axis distance in the first central area, the optical axis distance in the second central area and the optical axis distance in the peripheral area are different from each other.

Description

Cross-reference to related registrations

[0001] This application claims priority over Korean patent application No. 10-2025-0130829, which was filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office on September 12, 2025, and whose entire contents are hereby incorporated by reference. Technical field

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a lamp for a vehicle. background

[0003] A microlens array (MLA) projects an image by arranging a plurality of microlenses. Because a microlens array can produce a high-quality image in a compact size, it has been widely used in various fields. In particular, in recent years, microlens arrays have been used in vehicles as configurations to perform signal lighting functions (e.g., a welcome light function and a turn signal function) because an optical system with a size of approximately 10 mm or less can draw a specific pattern onto a road surface.

[0004] However, according to the state of the art, a microlens array has a relatively small diffusion angle of light, for example of about 15 degrees, and therefore cannot perform lighting functions other than the welcome light function in a vehicle (e.g. a low beam function), so the use of the microlens array in a vehicle is limited. Depiction

[0005] The present disclosure was made to solve the above-mentioned problems that arise in the prior art, while retaining the advantages gained through the prior art.

[0006] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a lamp for a vehicle that can implement various functions, such as a low beam headlight, by increasing the luminance and diffusion angle of light emitted by a microlens array (MLA) module.

[0007] The technical problems to be solved by the present disclosure are not limited to the problems mentioned above, and all other technical problems not mentioned here will be clearly understandable to those skilled in the field to which the present disclosure belongs from the following description.

[0008] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a lamp for a vehicle comprises a light source that generates and emits light, and an MLA module arranged in front of (or provided on a front face of) the light source onto which the light is incident, wherein the MLA module comprises an inlet lens array onto which the light is incident and which comprises a plurality of inlet lenses, and an outlet lens array provided on a front face of the inlet lens array, which receives the light incident on the inlet lens array and emits the light outwards and comprises a plurality of outlet lenses, wherein each of the plurality of outlet lenses corresponds to at least a portion of each of the plurality of inlet lenses, wherein, with respect to a left / right direction of the MLA module, a distance exists between an optical axis of any of the plurality of inlet lenses and an optical axis of any of the plurality of outlet lenses.which corresponds to any entrance lens, is defined as the optical axis distance, the MLA module is divided along a direction from a center to an outside in the left / right direction of the module into a first central area, a second central area and a peripheral area, and the optical axis distance in the first central area, the optical axis distance in the second central area and the optical axis distance in the peripheral area are different from each other.

[0009] The MLA module can be designed such that the optical axis distance gradually increases from the peripheral area to the first central area.

[0010] The MLA module can be designed such that the optical axis distance gradually increases from the first central area to the second central area and gradually increases from the peripheral area to the second central area.

[0011] The MLA module can be designed such that the optical axis distance gradually increases from the first central area to the peripheral area.

[0012] The entry lenses can have different shapes from each other.

[0013] Each of the entry lenses can have a vertical radius of curvature and a horizontal radius of curvature that are different from each other.

[0014] With respect to a horizontal direction, the radius of curvature of an entrance lens located on an outermost side can be smaller among the majority of entrance lenses than the radius of curvature of an adjacent entrance lens.

[0015] When the entrance lens array is viewed from a front perspective, an entrance lens located on one outermost side may be arranged in a semicircular shape among the majority of entrance lenses.

[0016] The entrance lens array can be divided into a first region and a second region arranged at an upper end section of the first region with respect to a vertical direction, and a vertical size of the plurality of entrance lenses arranged in the second region can be larger than a vertical size of the plurality of entrance lenses arranged in the first region.

[0017] The number of entry lenses arranged in the first area can be greater than the number of entry lenses arranged in the second area.

[0018] The entrance lenses arranged in the second area can be provided in a plurality of rows, and the entrance lenses in the rows can be designed to have different vertical sizes.

[0019] The entrance lenses arranged in the second area can be provided in a plurality of rows, and the entrance lenses in the rows can be designed to have different radii of curvature in the vertical direction.

[0020] With respect to a vertical direction, an optical axis of any of the plurality of entrance lenses can be formed at the same height as an optical axis of any exit lens among the exit lenses that corresponds to any entrance lens.

[0021] The radii of curvature of the majority of exit lenses can be the same.

[0022] Each of the plurality of exit lenses can have a radius of curvature in a horizontal direction and a radius of curvature in a vertical direction that are the same.

[0023] The number of entry lenses can be greater than the number of exit lenses.

[0024] The entrance lens array can be divided into a central region and outer regions, which are arranged at the left and right ends of the central region with respect to a horizontal direction, and entrance lenses arranged in the central region can each correspond to exit lenses.

[0025] The MLA module may further include a shield provided between the entrance lens array and the exit lens array, and the shield may be provided at a position corresponding to the focal points of the majority of exit lenses provided in the exit lens array.

[0026] The MLA module can create a low beam pattern. Brief description of the drawings

[0027] The foregoing and other objectives, features and advantages of the present disclosure will become clearer from the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings: Fig. Figure 1 is a perspective view that schematically illustrates a lamp for a vehicle according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig. 2 is a side cross-sectional view illustrating a structure of a lamp for a vehicle according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig. Figure 3 is a front view of an entrance lens array according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure, viewed from a front view; Fig. Figure 4 is a front view of an exit lens array according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure, viewed from a front view; Fig. 5 is a top view of a lamp for a vehicle, viewed from an upper section, according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig. Figure 6 is a top view of an MLA module according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure, viewed from above; Fig. Figure 7 is a top view of an MLA module according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure, viewed from above; Fig. Figure 8 is a top view of an MLA module according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure, viewed from above. Fig. Figure 9 is a side view of an MLA module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, viewed from a lateral side; Fig. Figure 10 illustrates an optical path of an MLA module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure and is an enlarged side view of section A1 of Fig. 9; Fig. Figure 11 illustrates an MLA module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure and is an enlarged side view of section A2 of Fig. 10; Fig. Figure 12 illustrates an MLA module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure and is an enlarged side view of section B1 of Fig. 9; Fig. Figure 13 illustrates an MLA module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure and is an enlarged side view of section B2 of Fig. 12; Fig. 14 is an image illustrating an example of a dipped beam pattern implemented by a lamp for a vehicle according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig. 15 is an image illustrating an example of a dipped beam pattern implemented by a lamp for a vehicle according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure; and Fig. Figure 16 is an image illustrating an example of a dipped beam pattern implemented by a lamp for a vehicle according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed description

[0028] One embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0029] First of all, the embodiments described below are suitable for understanding the technical features of a lamp for a vehicle according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. However, the present disclosure is only applied to the embodiments described below, or the technical features of the present disclosure are not limited by the described embodiments. Various modified implementations are possible within the scope of protection of the present disclosure.

[0030] Fig. Figure 1 is a perspective view that schematically illustrates a lamp for a vehicle according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure, Fig. Figure 2 is a side cross-sectional view illustrating a structure of the lamp for a vehicle according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure, Fig. Figure 3 is a front view of an entrance lens array according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure, viewed from a front view. Fig. Figure 4 is a front view of an exit lens array according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure, viewed from a front side, and Fig. Figure 5 is a top view of the lamp for a vehicle according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure, viewed from above.

[0031] Fig. Figure 6 is a top view of a microlens array (MLA) module according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure, viewed from above. Fig. Figure 7 is a top view of an MLA module according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure, viewed from above, and Fig. Figure 8 is a top view of an MLA module according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure, viewed from above.

[0032] Fig. Figure 9 is a side view of an MLA module according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure, viewed from a lateral side. Fig. Figure 10 illustrates an optical path of the MLA module according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure and is an enlarged side view showing section A1 of Fig. 9 illustrates, Fig. Figure 11 illustrates the MLA module according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure and is an enlarged side view, which corresponds to section A2 of Fig. 10 illustrates, Fig. Figure 12 illustrates the MLA module according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure and is an enlarged side view, which corresponds to section B1 of Fig. 9 illustrates, and Fig. Figure 13 illustrates the MLA module according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure and is an enlarged side view, which corresponds to section B2 of Fig. 12 illustrated.

[0033] Fig. 14 is an image illustrating an example of a dipped beam pattern implemented by a lamp for a vehicle according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure, Fig. 15 is an image illustrating an example of a dipped beam pattern implemented by a lamp for a vehicle according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure, and Fig. Figure 16 is an image illustrating an example of a dipped beam pattern implemented by a lamp for a vehicle according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] With reference to Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 5, Fig. 6, Fig. 7, Fig. 8, Fig. 9, Fig. 10 to Fig. 11 comprises a lamp for a vehicle 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a light source 100 and a microlens array (MLA) module 200.

[0035] The light source 100 is designed to generate and emit light.

[0036] For example, the light source 100 can be configured to emit light in a direction facing the MLA module 200. For example, the light source 100 can be a light-emitting diode (LED), but the present disclosure is not limited to this.

[0037] Furthermore, the present disclosure may, for example, also include a collimator 300 provided between the light source 100 and the MLA module 200. The collimator 300 may be a configuration that converts light input from the light source 100 into parallel light and then emits the light to the MLA module 200.

[0038] The MLA module 200 is arranged in front of the light source 100 (or provided on a front face of the light source 100) and is designed to receive light. The module can comprise a plurality of microlenses on an inlet surface and an outlet surface thereto.

[0039] The MLA module 200 comprises an entrance lens array 210 and an exit lens array 220.

[0040] Light is introduced into the entrance lens array 210, which comprises a plurality of entrance lenses 211. Furthermore, the exit lens array 220 is provided on a front face of the entrance lens array 210, receives the light incident on the entrance lens array 210 in order to emit the light outwards, and comprises a plurality of exit lenses 221.

[0041] In particular, the MLA module 200 can comprise the entrance lens array 210, which is configured to face the collimator 300 and to reflect the light, and the exit lens array 220, which receives the light incident on the entrance lens array 210 and emits the light outwards.

[0042] The entrance lens array 210 can comprise a plurality of entrance lenses 211, which are microlenses. As illustrated, the plurality of entrance lenses 211 can be convex lenses that protrude to be convex towards the light source 100.

[0043] Here, each of the plurality of entrance lenses 211 can have a radius of curvature in the horizontal direction H and a radius of curvature in the vertical direction V that are different from one another. For example, the radius of curvature in the horizontal direction H of each of the plurality of entrance lenses can be smaller than the radius of curvature in the vertical direction V. In other words, the curvature in the horizontal direction H can be greater than the curvature in the vertical direction V. In this case, light emitted from the light source 100 and incident on the entrance lens array 210 can diffuse in the horizontal direction H as it passes through the plurality of entrance lenses. Accordingly, according to the present disclosure, the diffusion of light (in particular, the diffusion of light in the horizontal direction H) can occur to a considerable extent compared to the conventional microlens array.

[0044] Meanwhile, each of the plurality of exit lenses 221 is designed to correspond to at least a part of one of the plurality of entrance lenses 211.

[0045] In the present description, for the sake of simplicity, the distance between an optical axis of each of the plurality of entrance lenses 211 and an optical axis of a corresponding plurality of exit lenses 221 is defined as the optical axis distance with respect to a left / right direction of the MLA module 200.

[0046] And the MLA module can be successively subdivided along a direction from a center to an outside with respect to a left / right direction of the MLA module into a first central area G1, a second central area G2 and a peripheral area G3 (see Fig. 5) Each of the areas G1, G2 and G3 can contain one or more entry lenses 211 or exit lenses 221.

[0047] Here, the optical axis distance in the first central area G1, the optical axis distance in the second central area G2 and the optical axis distance in the peripheral area G3 can be configured differently from each other.

[0048] For example, with reference to Fig. 3, Fig. 4 to Fig. 5. The entry lenses 211 and the exit lenses 221 comprise corresponding pairs, arranged sequentially from a center in a left / right direction of the MLA module 200 to a periphery. However, the number of entry lenses 211 and the number of exit lenses 221 are not necessarily equal, and therefore the entry lenses 211 and the exit lenses 221 cannot correspond one-to-one. For example, if the number of entry lenses 211 is greater than the number of exit lenses 221, an outermost entry lens 211a in a left / right direction may not have a corresponding exit lens. However, the numbers and corresponding structures of the entry lenses 211 and the exit lenses 221 are not limited to this.

[0049] In particular, depending on a position where an optical axis of the entrance lens 211 and an optical axis of the exit lens 221 are designed so that they do not coincide, the MLA module 200 can increase the width of the emitted light in order to increase a diffusion angle or increase a luminance.

[0050] Depending on the function implemented by a lamp for a vehicle (for example, a signal lamp or a low beam lamp), the optical axis distance can be designed differently in each of a first central area, a second central area, and a peripheral area, so that a lamp can be implemented that can perform different functions.

[0051] Depending on features of the optical axis distance in the first central area G1, in the second central area G2 and in the peripheral area G3, the MLA module according to the present disclosure can be classified into a first embodiment, a second embodiment and a third embodiment.

[0052] Here, the first embodiment, the second embodiment, and the third embodiment of the present disclosure may differ with respect to the optical center distance in each region, and other features may be the same. For example, the first embodiment, the second embodiment, and the third embodiment of the present disclosure may all illustrate a configuration of a lamp for a vehicle in Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3 to Fig. 4 and features of the MLA module illustrated in Fig. 9, Fig. 10, Fig. 11, Fig. 12 to Fig. 13 in relation to a vertical direction. In Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4 to Fig. 5 and Fig. 9, Fig. 10, Fig. 11, Fig. 12 to Fig. 13 provides a description with reference numerals of a first embodiment of the present disclosure, however, in Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4 to Fig. 5 and Fig. 9, Fig. 10, Fig. 11, Fig. 12 to Fig. The 13 illustrated features are not limited to the first embodiment.

[0053] With reference to the in Fig. In the illustrated embodiment 6, the MLA module according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure can be designed such that an optical axis distance gradually increases from the peripheral area to the first central area.

[0054] An optical axis distance is defined as the distance between an optical axis of an entrance lens 211 and an optical axis of an exit lens 221, which are arranged at corresponding positions. For example, in the Fig. In the first embodiment illustrated in Figure 6, an optical axial distance between an entrance lens 211 and an exit lens 221, arranged at an outermost side of the MLA module 200, may be defined as k0, and an optical axial distance between an entrance lens 211 and an exit lens 221, arranged at a center, may be defined as k6. Furthermore, optical axial distances formed by the entrance lenses 211 and the exit lenses 221, arranged sequentially from the outermost side to the center, may be defined sequentially as k1, k2, k3, k4, and k5. An unspecified reference numeral CL denotes a line extending in a forward / backward direction from a left / right center of the MLA module.

[0055] In this case, the optical axis distance can gradually increase from k0 to k1, k2, k3, k4, k5, and k6. In other words, the optical axis of the exit lens 221 and the optical axis of the corresponding entrance lens 211 can be gradually moved further apart in a left / right direction from the peripheral region G3 to the first central region. For example, the optical axis distance can gradually increase from an outermost side to a center.

[0056] Here, an optical axis distance k0 formed at an outermost side can be 0. In this case, a horizontal H-position of an optical axis of the exit lens 221 and a horizontal H-position of an optical axis of the entrance lens 211 can be the same.

[0057] If the horizontal H-position of an optical axis of the entrance lens 211 and the horizontal H-position of an optical axis of the exit lens 221 differ, the amount of light reaching a center of the corresponding exit lens 221 can be increased. In this case, the amount of light emitted by a center can increase, thus increasing the central luminance.

[0058] Accordingly, depending on the position at which an optical axis of the entrance lens 211 is offset from an optical axis of the exit lens 221, the diffusion rate of emitted light can be increased or the luminance can be increased.

[0059] As in the first embodiment of the present disclosure, if an optical axial distance to a center of the MLA module 200 gradually increases, an exit lens 221 that is arranged closer to a left / right center of the exit lens array 220 can have a larger light diffusion angle. As a result, according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure, as in the Fig. The beam pattern shown in Figure 14 illustrates that light emitted by the MLA module 200 has a reduced degree of diffusion at the periphery, but a central luminance can be increased.

[0060] With reference to the in Fig. In the illustrated embodiment 7, the MLA module according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure can be designed such that an optical axial distance gradually increases from the first central area to the second central area and also gradually increases from the peripheral area to the second central area.

[0061] An optical axis distance is defined as the distance between an optical axis of an entrance lens 211' and an optical axis of an exit lens 221', arranged at corresponding positions. The MLA module 200' according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure comprises an entrance lens array 210' and an exit lens array 220', wherein the entrance lens array 210' comprises a plurality of entrance lenses 211' (among which 211a' is an entrance lens at an outermost side) and the exit lens array 220' comprises a plurality of exit lenses 221' (among which 221a' is an exit lens at an outermost side). The MLA module 200' may further comprise a shield 230', an entrance body part 240', and an exit body part 250'.

[0062] For example, in the Fig. Figure 7, illustrating the second embodiment, shows that an optical axis distance between an entrance lens 211' and an exit lens 221', arranged at a center of the MLA module 200', is defined as t0, and an optical axis distance between an entrance lens 211' and an exit lens 221', arranged at an outermost side, is defined as t6. Furthermore, optical axis distances formed by the entrance lenses 211' and the exit lenses 221', arranged sequentially from the center to the outermost side, can be defined sequentially as t1, t2, t3, t4, and t5. An unspecified reference numeral CL denotes a line extending in a forward / backward direction from a left / right center of the MLA module.

[0063] In the MLA module according to the second embodiment, an optical axis distance can gradually increase towards a center of the second central region. In other words, an optical axis distance can increase from an outer surface to a center of the second central region G2 and can simultaneously increase from a center to the center of the second central region G2. Here, t3 can be an optical axis distance formed by an entrance lens 211' and an exit lens 221' located at a center of the second central region and can be the maximum optical axis distance.

[0064] For example, an optical axis distance t6 formed at an outermost side and an optical axis distance t0 formed at a center can converge to 0. In this case, a horizontal H-position of an optical axis of the exit lens 221' and a horizontal H-position of an optical axis of the entrance lens 211' can be the same.

[0065] If the horizontal H-position of an optical axis of the entrance lens 211' and the horizontal H-position of an optical axis of the exit lens 221' differ, the amount of light passing from the entrance lens 211' to the center of the second central region of the exit lens 221' corresponding to the entrance lens 211' can be increased. In this case, the amount of light emitted through the first central region of the exit lens array 220' may be less than in the first embodiment described above, but the diffusion angle of the light can be increased. That is, the diffusion angle of light emitted from the exit lens 221' can be increased.

[0066] In particular, because a position in which an optical axis of the entrance lens 211' and an optical axis of the exit lens 221' are designed to be offset from each other is located in the second central region, light can be diffused at this position to increase the width of the light emitted by it.

[0067] As in the second embodiment of the present disclosure, if an optical axial distance to a center of the second central region of the MLA module 200' gradually increases, a diffusion angle of the light in the left and right second central regions of the exit lens array 220' can be increased. As a result, according to the second embodiment, as in the Fig. Figure 15 illustrates that the light emitted by the MLA module 200' has a relatively lower central luminance, but a diffusion angle in a horizontal direction can be increased.

[0068] With reference to the in Fig. In the illustrated embodiment 8, the MLA module 200 according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure can be designed such that an optical axis distance gradually increases from the first central area to the peripheral area.

[0069] In the third embodiment of the present disclosure, an optical axis distance is defined as the distance between an optical axis of an entrance lens 211" and an optical axis of an exit lens 221" arranged at corresponding positions. The MLA module 200" according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure comprises an entrance lens array 210" and an exit lens array 220", wherein the entrance lens array 210" comprises a plurality of entrance lenses 211" (among which 211a" is an entrance lens at an outermost side) and the exit lens array 220" comprises a plurality of exit lenses 221" (among which 221a" is an exit lens at an outermost side). The MLA module 200" may further comprise a shield 230", an entrance body part 240" and an exit body part 250".

[0070] For example, in the Fig. In the third embodiment illustrated in Figure 8, an optical axis distance between an entrance lens 211" and an exit lens 221", arranged at a center of the MLA module 200", may be defined as s0, and an optical axis distance between an entrance lens 211" and an exit lens 221", arranged at an outermost side, may be defined as s6. Furthermore, optical axis distances formed by the entrance lenses 211" and the exit lenses 221", arranged sequentially from the center to the outermost side, may be defined sequentially as s1, s2, s3, s4, and s5. An unspecified reference numeral CL denotes a left / right central axis of the MLA module.

[0071] In this case, the optical axis distance can gradually increase from s0 to s1, s2, s3, s4, s5, and s6. In other words, the optical axis of the exit lens 221" and the optical axis of the corresponding entrance lens 211" can be gradually moved further apart in a left / right direction from the first central region to the peripheral region. For example, the optical axis distance from the center of the MLA module to the outermost side can gradually increase. Accordingly, the optical axis distance in the peripheral region can be greater than the optical axis distances in the first central region and the second central region.

[0072] Here, an optical axis distance s0, formed at a center of the MLA module, can converge to 0. In this case, a horizontal H-position of an optical axis of the exit lens 221" and a horizontal H-position of an optical axis of the entrance lens 211" can be essentially the same.

[0073] If a horizontal H-position of an optical axis of the entrance lens 211" and a horizontal H-position of an optical axis of the exit lens 221" differ from each other, the amount of light passing from the entrance lens 211" to the outermost side of the exit lens 221 corresponding to the entrance lens 211" can be increased.

[0074] Accordingly, according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure, the degree to which light is diffused can be increased as in the second embodiment, and the diffusion angle of light emitted from the exit lens 221" can be greater than that described in the first embodiment above.

[0075] However, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, as will be described later, in order to increase the luminance of light emitted by the MLA module 200", the radius of curvature of an entrance lens 211a, which is arranged at an outermost side, can be smaller than the radius of curvature of an adjacent entrance lens 211. Accordingly, in the third embodiment, although an optical axial distance is configured to be large at an outermost side, light emitted through a radius of curvature of the outermost entrance lens is concentrated towards a center.

[0076] As a result, according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure, as in Fig. Figure 16 illustrates that the luminance of the emitted light can be lower than in the first embodiment and higher than in the second embodiment. Similarly, the diffusion rate of the emitted light can be higher than in the first embodiment and lower than in the second embodiment.

[0077] The following is a description of dipped beam pattern images for each in Fig. 14, Fig. 15 to Fig. 16 illustrated embodiments are described. Fig. Figure 14 illustrates an example of a dipped beam pattern implemented by a lamp for a vehicle according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure, Fig. Figure 15 illustrates an example of a dipped beam pattern implemented by a lamp for a vehicle according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure, and Fig. Figure 16 illustrates an example of a dipped beam pattern implemented by a lamp for a vehicle according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0078] In Fig. 14, Fig. 15 to Fig. The 16 illustrated low-beam patterns can have the same width M1 in a vertical direction V and can have different widths M2 in a horizontal direction H and different central luminance depending on the embodiment. The following, focusing on Fig. 16, which corresponds to the third embodiment, increases and decreases of the central luminance and the diffusion angle of the first embodiment ( Fig. 14) and the second embodiment ( Fig. 15) will be described.

[0079] As a result of an analysis of the low beam patterns, it was determined that the in Fig. Figure 14 illustrated dipped beam patterns (the first embodiment) show a higher central luminance (approximately an increase of 10%) and a smaller diffusion angle (approximately a decrease of 5%) compared to that shown in Figure 14. Fig. 16 illustrated dipped beam patterns. It was determined that the in Fig. Figure 15 illustrated dipped beam patterns (the second embodiment) have a lower central luminance (approximately a decrease of 5%) and a larger diffusion angle (approximately an increase of 5%) compared to that shown in Figure 15. Fig. 16 illustrated dipped beam patterns.

[0080] According to this structure, not only a lamp performing a signal lighting function, but also a lamp performing various functions, can be implemented using the MLA modules 200, 200' and 200" which comprise a plurality of microlenses. For example, by using the MLA module according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure, a minimum diffusion angle of a low beam (about ±35 degrees or more) can be ensured, and thus a low beam can be implemented using a microlens array.

[0081] As described above, the MLA module 200 according to the present disclosure can implement lamps that perform various functions by increasing the diffusion angle of the emitted light or by improving the luminance of the light using an optical axial distance between an entrance lens and an exit lens.

[0082] More precisely, in a conventional projection-type optical system, if an exit lens part is replaced by the MLA module 200 according to the present disclosure, a low-beam lamp can be implemented by adjusting luminance and a diffusion angle.

[0083] Below is a configuration of an MLA module according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure with reference to Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 5 to Fig. 6 and Fig. 9, Fig. 10, Fig. 11, Fig. 12 to Fig. 13. However, this configuration can also be applied to the second and third embodiments of the present disclosure. Below, a configuration of the MLA module will be described primarily with reference to the first embodiment.

[0084] Meanwhile, each of the majority of entry lenses 211 can have a different shape.

[0085] In particular, all or some of the majority of entrance lenses 211 can be formed in different shapes. For example, the radii of curvature of the majority of entrance lenses 211 can differ. Accordingly, the diffusion coefficients of the light from the entrance lenses 211 can differ.

[0086] For example, with reference to Fig. 6 With respect to a horizontal direction H, the radius of curvature of an entrance lens 211a arranged on an outermost side may be smaller among the majority of entrance lenses 211 than the radius of curvature of an adjacent entrance lens 211. That is, the curvature of the entrance lens 211a arranged on the outermost side may be the largest among the majority of entrance lenses 211.

[0087] In this way, if the curvature of an entrance lens 211a arranged at an outermost side is large, light traveling from the entrance lens 211a to the exit lens 221 can be directed towards the center of an exit lens 221a arranged at the outermost side of the exit lens array 220. In other words, the light entering the entrance lens 211a at the outermost side can be concentrated at the center of the exit lens 221a at the outermost side.

[0088] Accordingly, the intensity of the light emitted from the MLA module 200 can increase. That is, when the MLA module 200 is used according to the present disclosure, the width and intensity of the light can be ensured simultaneously.

[0089] Furthermore, for example, when the entrance lens array 210 is viewed from the front, among the majority of entrance lenses 211, the entrance lens 211a located on the outermost side may have a semicircular shape.

[0090] In particular, as in the Fig. In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 3, an entrance lens 211, which is arranged in a section other than an outermost side, is configured such that it has a central section which, viewed from a front, is convex towards the light source 100. On the other hand, the entrance lens 211a arranged at the outermost side can have a semicircular shape when viewed from the front.

[0091] Accordingly, according to the present disclosure, most of the light reaching the entrance lens 211, arranged at an outermost side of the entrance lens array 210, from the light source 100 can be concentrated onto the exit lens 221a, which is arranged at an outermost side of the exit lens array 220. Consequently, the intensity of the light emitted from the MLA module 200 can be further increased.

[0092] Furthermore, for example, the number of entry lenses 211 can be greater than the number of exit lenses 221.

[0093] As described above, the curvatures of the majority of entrance lenses 211 can differ. For example, among the majority of entrance lenses 211, the radius of curvature of an entrance lens 211a located at one of the outermost sides can be large, and if it is necessary to ensure luminance, the radius of curvature can increase towards the left and right peripheries.

[0094] Accordingly, according to the present disclosure, when the MLA module 200 is configured, the number of entrance lenses 211 can be greater than the number of exit lenses 221 with respect to a left / right direction, so that sufficient luminance can be ensured. For example, in this case, each of the plurality of exit lenses 221 can correspond to some of the plurality of entrance lenses 211.

[0095] More precisely, the entrance lens array 210 can be divided into a central region and an outer region, which is arranged at the left and right ends of the central region with respect to a horizontal direction H. Here, the central region can comprise the first central region and the second central region described above, and the outer region can comprise the peripheral region described above.

[0096] Furthermore, each of the plurality of entrance lenses 211 arranged in the central region can correspond to a corresponding plurality of exit lenses 221.

[0097] Accordingly, as in the Fig. In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 6, the number of entrance lenses 211 of the entrance lens array 210 is greater than the number of exit lenses 221 provided in the exit lens array 220.

[0098] Meanwhile, with reference to Fig. 3, 4 and 9 to 13 the entrance lens array 210 is divided into a first region I and a second region II, which is arranged at an upper end section of the first region I with respect to a vertical direction V.

[0099] Furthermore, sizes in a vertical direction V of the majority of entrance lenses 211b and 211c, which are arranged in the second region II, can be larger than sizes in the vertical direction V of the majority of entrance lenses 211, which are arranged in the first region I.

[0100] In particular, the first region I and the second region II are regions obtained by subdividing a region of the entrance lens array 210 with respect to a vertical direction V. For example, as in the illustrated embodiment, most of the entrance lenses 211 may be arranged in the first region I, and an upper end section (e.g., the first and second rows) may be the second region II. However, the second region II is not limited to the entrance lenses 211 arranged in the first and second rows and may be modified depending on the lamp design specifications. For example, the second region II may include only the entrance lenses 211 of the first row or it may include entrance lenses 211 from three or more rows.

[0101] Here, the dimensions in a vertical direction V of the entrance lenses 211b and 211c, which are arranged in the second region II, can be larger than the dimensions in the vertical direction V of the entrance lenses 211, which are arranged in the first region I. For example, the dimensions in a vertical direction V of the entrance lenses 211, which are arranged in the first region I, can be the same.

[0102] In this way, by shaping the sizes of the entrance lenses 211b and 211c, which are arranged in the second region II, located at an upper end section, such that they are larger than the sizes of the entrance lenses 211 arranged below them, an entire region of the entrance lens array 210 can be extended upwards. Accordingly, by changing the path of the light incident on the entrance lenses 211b and 211c arranged in the second region II, light for a near field in front of a vehicle can be ensured.

[0103] In particular, Fig. 10 and Fig. 11 enlarged views of the in Fig. Figure 9 illustrates area A1 and depicts a path of light incident on the first area I of the entrance lens array 210. Furthermore, Fig. 11 an enlarged view of area A2 of Fig. 10.

[0104] In Fig. 9, Fig. 10 to Fig. Reference lines 11 (CH1) define the optical paths that divide the optical paths with respect to each of the plurality of exit lenses 221. Through CH1, light paths form a plurality of independent optical channels. That is, in each optical channel, an optical path is formed between a corresponding entrance lens 211 and an exit lens 221. When the MLA module 200 is designed, it can be configured to minimize interference of light between the independent optical channels.

[0105] R11 and R12 in Fig. 10 and Fig. Figure 11 represents rays illustrating optical paths in adjacent optical channels. Light incident on each entrance lens 211 forms a path along which the light travels towards a center of the corresponding exit lens 221.

[0106] Meanwhile, Fig. 12 and Fig. 13 enlarged views of the in Fig. Figure 6 illustrates area B1 and depicts a path of light incident on the first area I of the entrance lens array 210. Furthermore, Fig. 10 an enlarged view of area B1 of Fig. 9.

[0107] In Fig. 9, Fig. 12 and Fig. 13 denotes CH1 reference lines that subdivide optical paths with respect to each of the plurality of exit lenses 221. Furthermore, CH2 denotes reference lines to illustrate the optical paths modified by the entrance lenses 211 of the second region II. In particular, an optical channel formed by CH2 is formed by an optical path modified by an entrance lens 211 of the second region II. Furthermore, R21 and R22 denote rays that illustrate optical paths formed by the entrance lenses 211 of the second region II.

[0108] Referring to the illustrated drawings, because a quantity in a vertical direction V of the entrance lenses 211 of the second region II is larger than a quantity in the vertical direction V of the entrance lenses 211 of the first region I, light incident through the entrance lenses 211 of the second region II can form optical paths that are inclined downwards compared to the first region I (see beam R22 in Fig. 12 and Fig. 13).

[0109] Accordingly, light incident through the entrance lenses 211 of the second region II can form optical paths which, when emitted by the lamp 10 for a vehicle, are emitted towards a near-field region (a region at approximately -15 degrees with respect to a vertical direction V). Accordingly, short-range illumination can be ensured. According to the configuration, if the lamp 10 for a vehicle performs a low-beam lamp function according to the present disclosure, a distribution of light intensities can be formed that fulfills the function of the low-beam lamp.

[0110] Meanwhile, with reference to Fig. 9 and Fig. 12 the plurality of entrance lenses 211b and 211c, which are arranged in the second region II, are arranged or provided in a plurality of rows, and each of the rows of entrance lenses 211b and 211c may have a different size in a vertical direction V.

[0111] As an example, the second region II can comprise two rows, and a dimension V in a vertical direction of an entrance lens 211c arranged in the first row (a top row) can be smaller than a dimension V in a vertical direction of an entrance lens 211b arranged in the second row. However, the entrance lenses 211b and 211c arranged in the second region II of the entrance lens array 210 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure are not limited to being arranged in two rows and can, of course, be arranged in one row or in three or more rows.

[0112] Furthermore, the entrance lenses 211b and 211c arranged in the second area II of the entrance lens array 210 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure are not limited to a case in which the first row has a smaller size in a vertical direction V than the second row, and can be modified in various ways depending on the design specifications of the lamp.

[0113] For example, the majority of entrance lenses 211 arranged in the second region II can be arranged or provided in a majority of rows, and each of the rows of entrance lenses 211 can have a different radius of curvature in a vertical direction V.

[0114] In particular, the entrance lenses 211 arranged in the first region I can be arranged in a plurality of rows, and each of the plurality of rows of entrance lenses 211 arranged in the first region I can have the same curvature in a vertical direction V, so that they have a uniform shape. Meanwhile, the entrance lenses 211b and 211c arranged in the second region II can be arranged in a plurality of rows, and the plurality of rows of entrance lenses 211 arranged in the first region I can have different radii of curvature in a vertical direction V, so that they have a non-uniform shape.

[0115] However, the entrance lenses 211b and 211c arranged in the second area II of the entrance lens array 210 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure are not limited to a case in which the first row has a smaller size in a vertical direction V than the second row, and can be modified in various ways depending on the design specifications of the lamp.

[0116] Furthermore, for example, the number of entrance lenses 211 arranged in the first region I can be greater than the number of entrance lenses 211b and 211c arranged in the second region II. In particular, as described above, most of the entrance lenses 211 provided in the entrance lens array 210 can be arranged in the first region I.

[0117] Meanwhile, with reference to Fig. 9 with respect to a vertical direction V, an optical axis of each of the plurality of entrance lenses 211 shall be formed at the same height as an optical axis of the corresponding exit lens 221.

[0118] Accordingly, the beam pattern formed by the lamp for a vehicle 10 according to the present disclosure can be designed to have a narrow width in the vertical direction V. This is based on a principle that, as described above, if an optical axis of the entrance lens 211 and an optical axis of the exit lens 221 do not coincide, the width of the emitted light increases, and if the optical axis of the entrance lens 211 and the optical axis of the exit lens 221 coincide, the width of the emitted light decreases.

[0119] The lamp according to the present disclosure can form a dipped beam pattern, and in this case a width M1 of the dipped beam pattern in a vertical direction can be relatively narrower than a width M2 in a horizontal direction H (see Fig. 14, Fig. 15 and Fig. 16) Accordingly, by forming an optical axis of the entrance lens 211 and an optical axis of the corresponding exit lens 221 at the same height, less light is diffused in a vertical direction V, so that a narrow width in the vertical direction V of the low beam pattern can be implemented.

[0120] Meanwhile, the plurality of exit lenses 221 provided in the exit lens array 220 according to the present disclosure may include features that differ from those of the plurality of entrance lenses 211. Each exit lens 221 may be a convex lens projecting convexly in the direction of an emission direction D1 opposite to a direction of the light source 100.

[0121] Furthermore, the radii of curvature of the majority of exit lenses 221 can be identical.

[0122] Furthermore, each of the plurality of exit lenses 221 can have a radius of curvature in the horizontal direction H and a radius of curvature in the vertical direction V that are equal. In particular, each of the plurality of exit lenses 221 can be formed from a rotationally symmetric aspherical lens.

[0123] Accordingly, for example, in the exit lens array 220, the curvatures of an exit lens 221a at the outermost side and of other exit lenses 221 within an error range with respect to a horizontal direction H can be the same. Similarly, for example, in the exit lens array 220, a dimension in a vertical direction V of an uppermost exit lens 221 and a dimension in the vertical direction V of another exit lens 221 within an error range can be the same.

[0124] Meanwhile, as in Fig. 1 and Fig.Figure 2 illustrates that the MLA module 200 includes a shield 230, which is provided between the inlet lens array 210 and the outlet lens array 220 and is configured to block a portion of the light. The shield 230 can have a plurality of slots, allowing the light emission from the inlet lens array 210 to enter the outlet lens array 220. However, the shape of the shield is not limited to this.

[0125] For example, the shielding 230 can be provided at a position that corresponds to a focal point of the exit lens 222 provided in the exit lens array 220.

[0126] Meanwhile, the MLA module 200 can further comprise an entrance body part 240, which is provided between the entrance lens array 210 and the shield 230 and supports the entrance lens array 210, and an exit body part 250, which is provided between the exit lens array 220 and the shield 230 and supports the exit lens array 220. In contrast, however, the MLA module 200 can not include the entrance body part 240 or the exit body part 250.

[0127] Meanwhile, according to the present disclosure, the lamp 10 can be a configuration for forming a low beam pattern of a vehicle.

[0128] As described above, the MLA module according to the present disclosure can implement lamps that perform various functions by increasing the diffusion angle of the emitted light or improving the luminance of the light using an optical axis distance between an entrance lens and an exit lens.

[0129] More precisely, in a conventional projection-type optical system, if an exit lens part is replaced by the MLA module according to the present disclosure, a low-beam lamp can be implemented by adjusting luminance and a diffusion angle.

[0130] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, by increasing the luminance and diffusion angle of light emitted by the MLA module, a lamp capable of performing various functions, such as a low beam, can be implemented.

[0131] As described above, although specific embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, the spirit and scope of the present disclosure are not limited to these specific examples. Various modifications and variations are possible within the scope that do not alter the core of the present disclosure as described in the claims for those skilled in the art, to whom the present disclosure belongs. 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 10-2025-0130829

[0001]

Claims

[1] Lamp for a vehicle, comprising: a light source designed to produce and emit light; and a microlens array (MLA) module positioned in front of the light source, onto which the light falls, the MLA module includes: an entrance lens array onto which the light falls and which comprises a plurality of entrance lenses; and an exit lens array arranged in front of the entrance lens array, comprising a plurality of exit lenses and designed to receive the light incident on the entrance lens array and to emit the light outwards, wherein each of the plurality of exit lenses corresponds to at least one part of one of the plurality of entry lenses, where, with respect to a left / right direction of the MLA module, a distance between an optical axis of one of the plurality of entrance lenses and an optical axis of a corresponding plurality of exit lenses is defined as the optical axis distance, and wherein the MLA module is subdivided along a direction from a center to an outside in the left / right direction of the MLA module into a first central area, a second central area and a peripheral area, and the optical axis distance in the first central area, the optical axis distance in the second central area and the optical axis distance in the peripheral area are different from each other. [2] Lamp according to claim 1, wherein the MLA module is designed such that the optical axis distance gradually increases from the peripheral area to the first central area. [3] Lamp according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the MLA module is designed such that the optical axis distance gradually increases from the first central area to the second central area and gradually increases from the peripheral area to the second central area. [4] Lamp according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the MLA module is designed such that the optical axis distance gradually increases from the first central area to the peripheral area. [5] Lamp according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein each of the plurality of entrance lenses has a different shape. [6] Lamp according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein each of the plurality of entrance lenses has a different vertical radius of curvature and a different horizontal radius of curvature. [7] Lamp according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, with respect to a horizontal direction, the radius of curvature of an entrance lens arranged on an outermost side is smaller among the plurality of entrance lenses than that of another entrance lens adjacent thereto. [8] Lamp according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, when the entrance lens array is viewed from a front side, an entrance lens arranged at an outermost side among the plurality of entrance lenses has a semicircular shape. [9] Lamp according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein: the entrance lens array is divided into a first region and a second region arranged at an upper end section of the first region with respect to a vertical direction, and a vertical dimension of the entrance lenses arranged in the second area is greater than that of the entrance lenses arranged in the first area. [10] Lamp according to claim 9, wherein a number of the entrance lenses arranged in the first region is greater than the number of entrance lenses arranged in the second region. [11] Lamp according to claim 9 or 10, wherein: the entrance lenses arranged in the second area are arranged in a plurality of rows, and Each of the entrance lenses arranged in multiple rows has a different vertical size. [12] Lamp according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein: the entrance lenses arranged in the second area are arranged in a plurality of rows, and Each of the entrance lenses arranged in multiple rows has a different radius of curvature in the vertical direction. [13] Lamp according to one of claims 1 to 12, wherein, with respect to a vertical direction, an optical axis of each of the plurality of entrance lenses is at the same height as an optical axis of a corresponding plurality of exit lenses. [14] Lamp according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the plurality of exit lenses have the same radius of curvature. [15] Lamp according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein each of the plurality of exit lenses has a first radius of curvature in a vertical direction and a second radius of curvature in a horizontal direction, which are equal. [16] Lamp according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the number of the plurality of entrance lenses is greater than the number of the plurality of exit lenses. [17] Lamp according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein: the entrance lens array is divided into a central region and a plurality of outer regions, which are arranged on the left and right sides of the central region with respect to a horizontal direction, and The entrance lenses arranged in the middle area each correspond to the majority of exit lenses. [18] Lamp according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein: The MLA module further comprises a shield that is provided between the entrance lens array and the exit lens array, and the shielding is provided at a position that corresponds to the focal points of the majority of exit lenses provided in the exit lens array. [19] Lamp according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the MLA module is configured to form a low beam pattern.

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