Vehicle lamp and vehicle

Abstract

Embodiments of the present application disclose a vehicle lamp and a vehicle. Specifically, it includes a lamp housing, a heating device, a liquid cooling plate, a liquid inlet pipe, and a liquid outlet pipe. The heating device is attached to the liquid cooling plate. The liquid cooling plate is connected to a liquid cooling loop system in the vehicle through the liquid inlet pipe and the liquid outlet pipe. Heat exchange is carried out by using the liquid cooling loop system in the vehicle and the liquid cooling plate, and the temperature of the heating device in the vehicle lamp can be reduced. Thereby, based on the heat dissipation requirements of the vehicle lamp being met, the requirements for the size of the vehicle lamp and the structure of the vehicle lamp are reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This Embodiments of the present application relate to the field of vehicles, and in particular to vehicle lamps and vehicles.

Background Art

[0002] With the innovation and continuous development of vehicle technology, vehicle lamp systems have also evolved from their original single lighting attribute to a personalized appearance, safe interaction, and intelligent driving (compact and high power).

[0003] Due to the increase in the power and size of vehicle lamps, the heat generation of vehicle lamps has also increased. In order to dissipate the heat of the vehicle lamp system, the main approach is to add a fan and a heat sink to the vehicle lamp.

[0004] However, adding a fan and a heat sink to the vehicle lamp increases the requirements for the size and structure (adaptability) of the vehicle lamp, and reduces the experience of users and manufacturers.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Embodiments of the present application provide a vehicle lamp for meeting the heat dissipation requirements of the vehicle lamp and reducing the requirements for the size and structure of the vehicle lamp. Embodiments of the present application further provide a corresponding vehicle, a corresponding connector, etc.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A first aspect of the present application provides a vehicle lamp. The vehicle lamp includes a lamp housing, a heat generating device, a liquid cooling plate, a liquid inlet pipe, and a liquid outlet pipe. The heat generating device is attached to the liquid cooling plate. The liquid cooling plate is connected to a liquid cooling loop system outside the lamp housing through the liquid inlet pipe and the liquid outlet pipe.

[0007] In the present application, the liquid cooling plate is connected to a liquid cooling loop system outside the lamp housing through a liquid inlet pipe and a liquid outlet pipe. The coolant in the liquid cooling loop system can flow into the liquid cooling plate through the liquid inlet pipe. After exchanging heat with the heat-generating device, the coolant in the liquid cooling plate flows back to the liquid cooling loop system outside the lamp housing through the liquid outlet pipe.

[0008] The coolant in the present application may be distilled water, deionized water, another liquid cooled by water, etc. The vehicle lamp includes a headlamp, a tail lamp, and other decorative lamps in the vehicle.

[0009] The liquid cooling plate in the present application may be located inside or outside the lamp housing. When the liquid cooling plate is disposed inside the lamp housing, a connection through hole is provided in the lamp housing. The liquid cooling plate, the liquid inlet pipe, and the liquid outlet pipe may be connected to the liquid cooling loop system through a connector attached to the connection through hole, or may be directly connected to the liquid cooling loop system through the connection through hole.

[0010] According to a first aspect, the heat-generating device is attached to the liquid cooling plate. The liquid cooling plate is connected to a liquid cooling loop system in the vehicle through a liquid inlet pipe and a liquid outlet pipe. Heat exchange is performed by using the liquid cooling loop system in the vehicle and the liquid cooling plate, and the temperature of the heat-generating device in the vehicle lamp can be reduced. Thereby, based on the heat dissipation requirement of the vehicle lamp being satisfied, the requirements for the size of the vehicle lamp and the structure of the vehicle lamp are reduced.

[0011] In a possible implementation of the first aspect, the liquid cooling plate is located in a sealed space inside the vehicle lamp. The lamp housing includes a connection through hole. The liquid inlet pipe and the liquid outlet pipe are connected to the liquid cooling loop system through the connection through hole.

[0012] In this possible implementation, the heating device is also arranged inside the lamp housing. The heating device is a light source or a pixel. In this case, the feasibility of this solution is improved.

[0013] In a possible implementation of the first aspect, the vehicle lamp further includes the connector. The connector is attached to the connection through-hole. The liquid inlet pipe and the liquid outlet pipe are connected to the liquid cooling loop system through the connector.

[0014] In this possible implementation, the liquid cooling plate, the liquid inlet pipe, and the liquid outlet pipe may be connected to the liquid cooling loop system through a connector attached to the connection through-hole. In this case, the feasibility of this solution is improved.

[0015] In a possible implementation of the first aspect, the connector includes a support, a liquid inlet pipe joint, a liquid outlet pipe joint, a sealing member, and a fastening member. The liquid inlet pipe joint and the liquid outlet pipe joint are located on the support. The liquid inlet pipe joint is connected to the liquid inlet pipe. The liquid outlet pipe joint is connected to the liquid outlet pipe. The fastening member is configured to fasten the support to the lamp housing. The sealing member is located on the support. The sealing member is attached to the lamp housing.

[0016] In this possible implementation, the connector is fixed to the connection through-hole of the lamp housing. The liquid cooling loop system may be connected inside the vehicle lamp. In this case, the sealed space of the vehicle lamp is ensured, and the feasibility of this solution is improved.

[0017] In a possible implementation of the first aspect, the sealing member is a sponge or a sealing ring.

[0018] In a possible implementation of the first aspect, the sealing member is a soft rubber integrated with the support.

[0019] In a possible implementation of the first aspect, the fastening member is a screw or a fastener.

[0020] In a possible implementation of the first aspect, the connection through-hole includes a first through-hole and a second through-hole. The liquid inlet pipe is connected to the liquid cooling loop system through the first through-hole. The liquid outlet pipe is connected to the liquid cooling loop system through the second through-hole.

[0021] In this possible implementation, the liquid cooling plate, the liquid inlet pipe, and the liquid outlet pipe can be directly connected to the liquid cooling loop system through the connection through-hole. In this case, the feasibility of this solution is improved.

[0022] In a possible implementation of the first aspect, rubber rings are arranged at the fitting positions of the liquid inlet pipe and the first through-hole, and the fitting position of the liquid outlet pipe and the second through-hole, respectively.

[0023] In this possible implementation, the rubber ring further improves the sealing effect of the lamp housing.

[0024] In a possible implementation of the first aspect, the liquid cooling plate is located on or outside the lamp housing. The interior of the vehicle lamp is a sealed space.

[0025] In this possible implementation, this can prevent the coolant from leaking into the lamp housing, prevent condensation in the vehicle lamp, and improve the reliability of the vehicle lamp.

[0026] In a possible implementation of the first aspect, the heat-generating device is located on the lamp housing.

[0027] In this possible implementation, the heat-generating device is a light source driver module or a vehicle lamp control module. In this case, the feasibility of this solution is improved.

[0028] In a possible implementation of the first aspect, the heat - generating device includes at least one of a light source, a pixel, a light - source driver module, and a vehicle - lamp control module.

[0029] The second aspect of the present application provides a vehicle. The vehicle includes a liquid - cooling loop system. The liquid - cooling loop system includes a reservoir, a water pump, a component that requires heat dissipation, and a heat sink. The heat sink is configured to cool the liquid flowing within the liquid - cooling loop system. The vehicle further includes a vehicle lamp in the first aspect or any possible implementation of the first aspect. The vehicle lamp is connected to the liquid - cooling loop system.

[0030] According to the second aspect, the vehicle lamp and the entire vehicle share a liquid - cooling cycle. Since the vehicle lamp does not require an independent heat - dissipation system, costs such as those of a water pump, a heat sink, and a fan are saved. In this case, the size and weight of the vehicle lamp can be reduced, the material specifications of the vehicle lamp can be lowered, the adaptability of the miniaturized vehicle lamp is higher, and the production efficiency and user comfort are improved.

[0031] In a possible implementation of the second aspect, the vehicle lamp is connected in series with the liquid - cooling loop system.

[0032] In a possible implementation of the second aspect, the vehicle lamp is connected in parallel with the liquid - cooling loop system.

[0033] In a possible implementation of the second aspect, the vehicle further includes a flow - rate adjustment valve. The flow - rate adjustment valve is connected between the vehicle lamp and the liquid - cooling loop system.

[0034] In this possible implementation, the flow - rate adjustment valve adjusts the flow rate of the coolant flowing into the liquid - cooling plate within the vehicle lamp, controls the flow rate of the coolant, and can implement precise temperature control, thereby preventing the fogging problem caused by an overly low temperature within the vehicle lamp.

[0035] A third aspect of the present application provides a connector. The connector includes a support, a liquid inlet pipe joint, a liquid outlet pipe joint, a sealing member, and a fastening member. The liquid inlet pipe joint and the liquid outlet pipe joint are located on the support and integrated. The fastening member is configured to fix the support to the lamp housing so that the liquid inlet pipe joint is attached to one end of the connection through-hole and the liquid outlet pipe joint is attached to the other end of the connection through-hole. The connection through-hole is disposed in the lamp housing. The sealing member is located on the support, and the sealing member is attached to the lamp housing, and a sealed space is formed in the vehicle lamp.

[0036] In a possible implementation of the third aspect, the sealing member is a sponge or a sealing ring.

[0037] In a possible implementation of the third aspect, the sealing member is a soft rubber integrated with the support.

[0038] In a possible implementation of the third aspect, the fastening member is a screw or a fastener.

[0039] In this embodiment of the present application, the heat-generating device is attached to the liquid cooling plate. The liquid cooling plate is connected to the liquid cooling loop system in the vehicle through the liquid inlet pipe and the liquid outlet pipe. Heat exchange is performed by using the liquid cooling loop system and the liquid cooling plate in the vehicle, and the temperature of the heat-generating device in the vehicle lamp can be reduced. Thereby, based on the satisfaction of the heat dissipation requirement of the vehicle lamp, the requirements for the size of the vehicle lamp and the structure of the vehicle lamp are reduced.

Brief Description of the Drawings

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Figure 1

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Figure 2

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Figure 4A

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Figure 4B

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Figure 5

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Figure 8

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Figure 10C

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Figure 10D

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Figure 12

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0056] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present application will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. It is obvious that the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present application, not all of them. Those skilled in the art can know that the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of the present application are also applicable to similar technical problems along with the development of technology and the emergence of new scenarios.

[0057] The specific term "example" in this specification means "used as an example, embodiment, or illustration". Any embodiment described as an "example" is not necessarily described as being superior to or better than other embodiments.

[0058] In addition, for a better explanation of the present application, a number of individual details are provided in the following individual implementations. Those skilled in the art should understand that the present application can be implemented without some individual details. In some cases, methods, means, elements, and circuits well known to those skilled in the art are not described in detail so that the subject matter of the present application can be emphasized.

[0059] Embodiments of the present application provide a vehicle lamp that meets the heat dissipation requirements of the vehicle lamp and reduces the requirements for the size and structure of the vehicle lamp. Embodiments of the present application further provide a corresponding vehicle, a corresponding connector, etc. Details will be described separately below.

[0060] Hereinafter, application scenarios in embodiments of the present application will be described by using examples.

[0061] As shown in FIG. 1, in a vehicle 100 (for example, a vehicle powered by gasoline, electricity, or a gasoline-electric hybrid, a bus, or a truck), there are components 114 that require heat dissipation, such as a motor, a motor control unit (MCU), an on-board charger (OBC), and a voltage converter (DC-DC converter). These components 114 that require heat dissipation, a reservoir 111, a water pump 112, and a heat sink 113 form a liquid cooling loop system 110 of the vehicle.

[0062] Specifically, the reservoir 111 can discharge the air in the liquid cooling loop system 110 and replenish the coolant in the liquid cooling loop system 110. The water pump 112 is configured to provide power to the coolant so that the coolant circulates within the liquid cooling loop system 110. After the coolant passes through the component 114 that requires heat dissipation, the coolant cools the component 114 that requires heat dissipation through heat exchange. The coolant heated by the component 114 that requires heat dissipation flows into the heat sink 113. A fan may be further disposed on the heat sink 113. The heat sink 113 can cool the coolant by natural air convection within the vehicle 100, forced convection of the fan, or refrigerant, whereby the coolant can cool the component 114 that requires heat dissipation again. The coolant may be distilled water, deionized water, another liquid-cooled liquid, or the like. It should be understood that the connection modes of the component 114 that requires heat dissipation, the reservoir 111, the water pump 112, the heat sink 113, etc. may not be limited to the connection mode shown in FIG. 1.

[0063] The vehicle 100 further includes a vehicle lamp 120. The vehicle lamp 120 includes a headlamp, a tail lamp, other decorative lamps, and the like. When the vehicle lamp 120 is a high-power vehicle lamp, these vehicle lamps 120 also need to dissipate heat. The junction temperature of the light-emitting diode (LED) or laser diode (LD) device in the high-power vehicle lamp 120 needs to be controlled below 140 degrees Celsius in order to guarantee the optical performance and reliability requirements. When the size is small and the heat flux density is high, heat dissipation becomes difficult. Therefore, the LED / LD needs to overcome the above problems of heat dissipation in lighting. Also, when power-based LED / LD is used in the vehicle lamp 120, the vehicle lamp 120 is configured to be sealed within the engine room, and the ambient temperature can reach up to 100 degrees Celsius. The vibration during driving imposes high requirements on stability. For this reason, the difficulty of heat dissipation of the vehicle lamp 120 increases.

[0064] Hereinafter, with reference to the foregoing application scenarios, the vehicle lamp provided in the embodiments of the present application will be described by using examples.

[0065] As shown in FIG. 2, a vehicle lamp according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a lamp housing 200, a lamp cover 210, a heat generating device 220, a liquid cooling plate 230, a liquid inlet pipe 240, and a liquid outlet pipe 250.

[0066] The heat generating device 220 is attached to the liquid cooling plate 230. The heat generating device 220 may be directly attached to the liquid cooling plate 230, or may be indirectly attached to the liquid cooling plate 230 by using another element as long as the heat generating device 220 can exchange heat with the liquid cooling plate 230. The exterior frame of the vehicle lamp includes a translucent lamp cover 210 and an opaque lamp housing 200. When the lamp housing 200 and the lamp cover 210 are sealed, a sealed space of the vehicle lamp is formed. The liquid cooling plate 230 is connected to a liquid cooling loop system 260 outside the lamp housing 200 through the liquid inlet pipe 240 and the liquid outlet pipe 250. The liquid inlet pipe 240 and the liquid outlet pipe 250 may be pipes inside the lamp housing 200, and pipes in the liquid cooling loop system 260 are connected to the liquid inlet pipe 240 and the liquid outlet pipe 250. Alternatively, the liquid inlet pipe 240 and the liquid outlet pipe 250 may be pipes connected from the liquid cooling plate 230 to the liquid cooling loop system 260. The coolant in the liquid cooling loop system 260 can flow into the liquid cooling plate 230 through the liquid inlet pipe 240. After exchanging heat with the heat generating device 220, the coolant in the liquid cooling plate 230 returns to the liquid cooling loop system 260 outside the lamp housing 200 through the liquid outlet pipe 250. The liquid cooling loop system 260 may be the liquid cooling loop system shown in FIG. 1 in the vehicle.

[0067] It should be understood that when the heating device 220 needs to emit or receive light, the light-emitting end or light-receiving end of the heating device 220 is exposed to the space and the surface is not covered.

[0068] This vehicle lamp has a plurality of implementations. These implementations are described separately below.

[0069] Implementation 1: The liquid cooling plate is located inside the lamp housing.

[0070] When the liquid cooling plate is located in the sealed space within the vehicle lamp, that is, when the liquid cooling plate is disposed inside the lamp housing, the liquid cooling plate is attached to the heating device, so the heating device is also disposed inside the lamp housing. In this case, the heating device is a light source or a pixel. Specifically, the light source is a light-emitting and heating device, such as an LED device or an LD device. The pixel is a non-light-emitting heat source, such as liquid crystal on silicon (LCOS) and digital micromirror device (DMD). It should be understood that one or more heating devices may be present within the vehicle lamp. The number of liquid cooling plates may be the same as the number of heating devices, that is, one heating device is attached to one liquid cooling plate. However, a plurality of heating devices may share one liquid cooling plate. Specifically, the heat of another heating device is conducted to the substrate of the heating device attached to the liquid cooling plate by using a heat conduction structure.

[0071] The liquid cooling plate is located inside the lamp housing. Therefore, to connect the liquid cooling plate to the liquid cooling loop system outside the lamp housing through the liquid inlet pipe and the liquid outlet pipe and to maintain the vehicle lamp as a sealed space, the lamp housing further includes a connection through hole. After being connected to the liquid cooling plate, the liquid inlet pipe and the liquid outlet pipe are connected to the liquid cooling loop system through the connection through hole, and a sealed space is formed inside the vehicle lamp. In this case, the lamp housing has two implementations. These two implementations are described separately below.

[0072] Implementation 1.1: Connection to the liquid cooling loop system through a connector

[0073] As shown in FIG. 3, the vehicle lamp includes a lamp housing 300, a lamp cover 310, a module lens 320, a heat generating device 340, a liquid cooling plate 350, a liquid inlet pipe 360, a liquid outlet pipe 370, and a connector 380.

[0074] Specifically, the heat generating device 340 is an LED device and an LCOS (it should be understood that the heat generating device 340 may alternatively be another light source or pixel). The heat generating device 340 is attached to the liquid cooling plate 350 using a substrate 341. The heat generating device 340 may be disposed on the substrate 341. The size of the connector 380 is adapted to the size of the connection through hole on the lamp housing 300. The connector 380 is attached to the connection through hole. The liquid inlet pipe 360 and the liquid outlet pipe 370 are connected to the liquid cooling loop system 390 outside the lamp housing 300 through the connector 380. In this case, the connector 380 is attached inside the connection through hole on the lamp housing 300. The connector 380 is connected to the liquid inlet pipe 360 and the liquid outlet pipe 370. The vehicle lamp is a sealed space.

[0075] Optionally, the vehicle lamp further includes an optical engine body 330. The optical engine body 330 is a mounting mechanical element and is configured to fix the heating device 340 and the module lens 320 at preset positions to ensure that the optical path formed by the heating device 340 is incident on the module lens 320. The optical engine body 330 may be adjusted based on the actual structures of the heating device 340 and the module lens 320. Specifically, the module lens 320 is attached to the optical engine body 330. The optical engine body 330 is attached together with the heating device 340 by using a substrate or another element.

[0076] Optionally, a thermally conductive interface material, such as a thermally conductive adhesive, may be further disposed between the substrate 341 and the liquid cooling plate 350.

[0077] Optionally, the liquid inlet pipe 360 and the liquid outlet pipe 370 are flexible pipes. The positions and postures of the elements and modules in the vehicle lamp may be adjusted.

[0078] As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the connector 400 includes a support 410, a liquid inlet pipe joint 420, a liquid outlet pipe joint 430, a sealing member 440, and a fastening member 450. The liquid inlet pipe joint 420 and the liquid outlet pipe joint 430 are located on the support 410. The liquid inlet pipe joint 420 is connected to the liquid inlet pipe 421. The liquid outlet pipe joint 430 is connected to the liquid outlet pipe 431. After passing through the connector 400, the liquid inlet pipe 421 and the liquid outlet pipe 431 are connected to a liquid cooling loop system 470 outside the lamp housing 460. The fastening member 450 is configured to fasten the support 410 to the lamp housing 460. The sealing member 440 is located on the support 410. The fastening member 450 fastens the support 410 to the lamp housing 460, thereby attaching the sealing member 440 to the lamp housing 460 and enabling the vehicle lamp to maintain a sealed space.

[0079] Optionally, as shown in FIG. 4A, the sealing member 440 is a sponge, a sealing ring, or a soft rubber integrated with the support 410. The fastening component 450 is a screw. As shown in FIG. 4B, the sealing member 440 is a sponge, a sealing ring, or a soft rubber integrated with the support 410. The fastening member 450 is a fastener. Alternatively, the sealing member 440 and the fastening member 450 may be made of another material or may have another structure. This is not limited in this embodiment of the present application.

[0080] It should be understood that the liquid inlet pipe joint and the liquid outlet pipe joint are hollow pipes. Optionally, in some possible implementations, the coolant does not flow through the liquid inlet pipe joint or the liquid outlet pipe joint. Specifically, the liquid inlet pipe is directly connected to the liquid cooling loop system through the liquid inlet pipe joint, and the liquid outlet pipe is directly connected to the liquid cooling loop system through the liquid outlet pipe joint. In another possible implementation, the coolant flows through the liquid inlet pipe joint. Specifically, the liquid inlet pipe is sleeve-connected to the liquid inlet pipe joint, and the other end of the liquid inlet pipe joint is sleeve-connected by a pipe of the liquid cooling loop system. The liquid outlet pipe is sleeve-connected to the liquid outlet pipe joint, and the other end of the liquid outlet pipe joint is sleeve-connected by a pipe of the liquid cooling loop system.

[0081] Implementation 1.2: Direct connection to the liquid cooling loop system

[0082] As shown in FIG. 5, the vehicle lamp includes a lamp housing 500, a lamp cover 510, a module lens 520, a heat generating device 540, a liquid cooling plate 550, a liquid inlet pipe 560, and a liquid outlet pipe 570.

[0083] Specifically, the heat - generating device 540 is an LD device and a DMD (it should be understood that the heat - generating device 540 may alternatively be another light source or pixel). The heat - generating device 540 is attached to the liquid - cooling plate 550 using the substrate 541. The connection through - holes include a first through - hole and a second through - hole. The size of the first through - hole is adapted to the size of the liquid inflow pipe 560. The size of the second through - hole is adapted to the size of the liquid outflow pipe 570. The liquid inflow pipe 560 is connected to the liquid - cooling loop system 580 through the first through - hole. The liquid outflow pipe 570 is connected to the liquid - cooling loop system 580 through the second through - hole. In this case, the connection through - holes on the lamp housing 500 are connected to the liquid inflow pipe 560 and the liquid outflow pipe 570. The vehicle lamp is a sealed space.

[0084] Optionally, the vehicle lamp further includes an optical engine body 530. The optical engine body 530 is a mounting mechanical element and is configured to fix the heat - generating device 540 and the module lens 520 in a preset position to ensure that the optical path formed by the heat - generating device 540 is incident on the module lens 520. The optical engine body 530 may be adjusted based on the actual structures of the heat - generating device 540 and the module lens 520. Specifically, the module lens 520 is attached to the optical engine body 530. The optical engine body 530 is attached together with the heat - generating device 540 by using a substrate or another element.

[0085]

[0086] Optionally, rubber rings 590 are provided at the fitting positions between the liquid inlet pipe 560 and the first through hole, and between the liquid outlet pipe 570 and the second through hole, respectively. Note that the rubber ring 590 may be replaced with another element having a sealing function. This is not limited to this embodiment of the present application.

[0087] Implementation 2: The liquid cooling plate is located on or outside the lamp housing.

[0088] As shown in FIG. 6, the liquid cooling plate 630 in the vehicle lamp is disposed on the lamp housing 600 or outside the sealed space formed by the lamp housing 600 and the lamp cover 610. For example, the liquid cooling plate 630 is disposed outside the lamp housing 600. The liquid cooling plate 630 is connected to the liquid cooling loop system 660 outside the lamp housing 600. Since the liquid cooling plate 630 is attached to the heat generating device 620, the heat generating device 620 is located on the lamp housing 600 and the vehicle lamp is a sealed space. In this case, the heat generating device 620 is the light source driver module or the vehicle lamp control module (heat generating device 620It should be understood that, alternatively, it may be another light source or pixel. Specifically, the light source driver module may be an LED driver module (LED driver module, LDM). The vehicle lamp control module may specifically be a headlamp control module (headlamp control module, HCM). For example, the heating device 620 is an HCM. Specifically, the HCM includes a heating electronic component and a driving board. The driving board in the HCM is attached to the liquid cooling plate 630 by using the substrate 621 (the original heat sink in the HCM is replaced by the liquid cooling plate). The liquid cooling plate 630 exchanges heat with the driving board and the heating electronic components in the HCM by using the substrate 621. The substrate 621 is sealed in parallel with the lamp housing 600, and the vehicle lamp forms a sealed space. In this case, the liquid cooling plate 630, the liquid inlet pipe 640, and the liquid outlet pipe 650 are located outside the lamp housing 600. Thereby, leakage of the coolant into the lamp housing 600 can be avoided, condensation inside the vehicle lamp can be avoided, and the reliability of the vehicle lamp can be improved.

[0089] It should be understood that Implementation 2 may be combined with Implementation 1. As shown in FIG. 7, for example, when combining Implementation 2 with Implementation 1.1, the vehicle lamp includes a lamp housing 700, a lamp cover 710, a module lens 720, a heating device 740, a liquid cooling plate 750, a liquid inlet pipe 760, a liquid outlet pipe 770, and a connector 780.

[0090] Specifically, the heating device 740 is an LED device and an LCOS in the lamp housing 700, and an LDM on the lamp housing 700 (heating device 740(It should be understood that, alternatively, it may be another light source or pixel). The heat generating device 740 within the lamp housing 700 is attached to the liquid cooling plate 750 using a substrate 741. The heat generating device 740 on the lamp housing 700 is also attached to the liquid cooling plate 750 using the substrate 741. The substrate 741 is parallel to the lamp housing 700 and is sealed together with the lamp housing 110. The size of the connector 780 is adapted to the size of the connection through-hole on the lamp housing 700. The connector 780 is attached to the connection through-hole. The connector 780 is sealed with the connection through-hole. The liquid inlet pipe 760 and the liquid outlet pipe 770 is connected through the connector 780 to the liquid cooling loop system 790 outside the lamp housing 700, thereby forming a sealed space within the vehicle lamp.

[0091] Optionally, the vehicle lamp further includes an optical engine body 730. The optical engine body 730 is a mounting mechanical element and is configured to fix the heat generating device 740 and the module lens 720 in a preset position to ensure that the optical path formed by the heat generating device 740 is incident on the module lens 720. The optical engine body 730 may be adjusted based on the actual structures of the heat generating device 740 and the module lens 720. Specifically, the module lens 720 is attached to the optical engine body 730. The optical engine body 730 is attached together with the heat generating device 740 by using a substrate or another element.

[0092] It should be understood that Implementation 2 may alternatively be combined with Implementation 1.2. Specifically, no connector is arranged on the lamp housing, and a plurality of liquid cooling plates are located inside, on, or outside the lamp housing. For specific implementations, refer to the corresponding descriptions above. In this embodiment of the present application, the details will not be described again here.

[0093] Since the size of vehicle lamps tends to be miniaturized, the power of vehicle lamps increases. Also, users' requirements for the noise of vehicle lamps are becoming increasingly strict. In the vehicle lamp provided in this embodiment of the present application, the heat generating device is attached to the liquid cooling plate. The liquid cooling plate is connected to the liquid cooling loop system in the vehicle through a liquid inlet pipe and a liquid outlet pipe. Heat exchange is carried out by using the liquid cooling loop system and the liquid cooling plate in the vehicle, and the temperature of the heat generating device in the vehicle lamp can be reduced. The heat management system of the whole vehicle is shared and the heat dissipation resources are integrated. In this way, based on the satisfaction of the heat dissipation requirements of the vehicle lamp, it reduces the requirements for the size and structure of the vehicle lamp. Also, since the noise caused by the fan is avoided, the noise level of the vehicle lamp can be reduced from 40 decibels to 0 decibels. The size of the vehicle lamp module is reduced by 50% or more, realizing lightweight and reducing carbon emissions.

[0094] The above describes the vehicle lamp provided in the embodiment of the present application. Hereinafter, the vehicle provided in the embodiment of the present application will be described.

[0095] As shown in FIG. 8, the vehicle 800 provided in this embodiment of the present application includes a liquid cooling loop system 810 and any vehicle lamp 820 described in FIGS. 2 to 7. The liquid cooling loop system 810 may be the liquid cooling loop system shown in FIG. 1 within the vehicle. The liquid cooling loop system 810 provided in this embodiment of the present application includes a reservoir 811, a water pump 812, a component 814 that requires heat dissipation, and a heat sink 813. The reservoir 811 can discharge air within the liquid cooling loop system 810 and replenish the coolant within the liquid cooling loop system 810. The water pump 812 is configured to supply power to the coolant so that the coolant circulates within the liquid cooling loop system 810. After the coolant passes through the component 814 that requires heat dissipation and the vehicle lamp 820, the coolant cools the component 814 that requires heat dissipation and the vehicle lamp 820 through heat exchange. The coolant may further flow into the heat sink 813. The heat sink 813 may cool the coolant using air or refrigerant within the vehicle 800. A fan may be further provided on the heat sink 813, and the coolant can cool the component 814 and the vehicle lamp 820 again.

[0096] The coolant may be distilled water, deionized water, another liquid agent, etc. The connection modes of the component 814 that requires heat dissipation, the reservoir 811, the water pump 812, the heat sink 813, etc. may not be limited to the connection mode shown in FIG. 8.

[0097] Optionally, the vehicle 800 further includes a flow control valve 830. The flow control valve 830 is connected between the vehicle lamp 820 and the liquid cooling loop system 810. The flow control valve 830 can adjust the flow rate of the coolant flowing into the liquid cooling plate within the vehicle lamp 820, control the flow rate of the coolant, and achieve precise temperature control, thereby preventing the fog problem caused by an overly low temperature within the vehicle lamp 820.

[0098] In the vehicle provided in this embodiment of the present application, the vehicle lamp is connected to a liquid cooling loop system. As the number of vehicle lamps changes, there are multiple connection modes between the vehicle lamp and the liquid cooling loop system. Details will be separately described below.

[0099] 1. There is one vehicle lamp.

[0100] As shown in FIG. 9, vehicle 900 is a high-power vehicle lamp and includes only one vehicle lamp 920 that requires heat dissipation. Vehicle lamp 920 is connected between heat sink 913 and reservoir 911 in liquid cooling loop system 910. After water pump 912 in liquid cooling loop system 910 transports the coolant to component 914 that requires heat dissipation, component 914 that requires heat dissipation is cooled through heat exchange. The heated coolant then flows into heat sink 913. Heat sink 913 cools the coolant using air or refrigerant in vehicle 900. The cooled coolant then flows into vehicle lamp 920 and cools vehicle lamp 920 through heat exchange.

[0101] 2. There are two vehicle lamps.

[0102] Referring to FIG. 8. When the vehicle has two vehicle lamps (for example, two headlamps) that require heat dissipation, the two vehicle lamps 820 may be considered to be connected in series to the liquid cooling loop system 810 as a whole. Specifically, the two vehicle lamps 820 are connected in series and then connected in parallel to the heat sink 813. In this way, the length of the water pipe in the liquid cooling loop system 810 can be shortened to the maximum extent, the branch flow resistance can be reduced, and the load capacity is good.

[0103] The two vehicle lamps further have a plurality of implementations. As shown in FIGS. 10A - 10D, after coolant is added to the reservoir 1011 in the liquid cooling loop system 1010, the water pump 1012 transports the coolant to the components 1014 that require heat dissipation, the heat sink 1013, and the two vehicle lamps 1020. More specifically, in FIG. 10A, the two vehicle lamps 1020 are considered to be connected in parallel to the liquid cooling loop system 1010 as a whole. Specifically, the two vehicle lamps 1020 are separately connected in parallel to the heat sink 1013. In this way, compared with the connection mode shown in FIG. 8, the influence of heat dissipation between the two vehicle lamps 1020 is small. The coolant is divided into two branches and flows into the two vehicle lamps 1020 respectively. In FIG. 10B, the two vehicle lamps 1020 are considered to be connected in series to the liquid cooling loop system 1010 as a whole. Specifically, the two vehicle lamps 1020 are connected in series and then connected in parallel to one side of the heat sink 1013. In this way, compared with the connection mode shown in FIG. 8, the coolant heated after heat dissipation for the two vehicle lamps 1020 flows through the heat sink 1013 and does not significantly affect the temperature of the coolant in the trunk of the liquid cooling loop system 1010. In FIG. 10C, the two vehicle lamps 1020 are not connected to each other, but are directly connected in series to the liquid cooling loop system 1010 as a whole. Specifically, the two vehicle lamps 1020 are respectively connected in parallel to the two sides of the heat sink 1013. In this way, the influence of heat dissipation between the two vehicle lamps 1020 can also be reduced. In FIG. 10D, the two vehicle lamps 1020 are considered to be connected in series and then connected in parallel to the liquid cooling loop system 1010 as a whole. Specifically, the two vehicle lamps 1020 are connected in series and then connected in parallel to one side of the heat sink 1013. In this way, the influence of heat dissipation between the two vehicle lamps 1020 can be further reduced.

[0104] 3. There are four vehicle lamps.

[0105] As shown in FIG. 11, when the vehicle 1100 has four vehicle lamps 1120 (for example, two headlamps and two taillamps) that require heat dissipation, the four vehicle lamps 1120 are connected in series in pairs and then connected in parallel to two sides of the heat sink 1113 in the liquid cooling loop system 1110. After the coolant is added to the reservoir 1111 in the liquid cooling loop system 1110, the water pump 1112 transports the coolant to the components 1114 that require heat dissipation, and the components 1114 that require heat dissipation are cooled through heat exchange. The heated coolant then flows to the heat sink 1113 and the four vehicle lamps 1120. The heat sink 1113 cools the coolant using the air or refrigerant within the vehicle 1100. The cooled coolant then flows into the vehicle lamps 1120 and cools the vehicle lamps 1120 through heat exchange.

[0106] It should be understood that there may be three or five vehicles that need to be connected to the liquid cooling loop system, and one or more vehicle lamps may be connected to the liquid cooling loop system in another way. This is not limited to this embodiment of the present application.

[0107] Optionally, in the vehicle provided in this embodiment of the present application, the vehicle lamp may be replaced by another module that requires heat dissipation, such as a head up display (HUD) module, an in-vehicle display, or a seat temperature adjustment module, or may be connected to the liquid cooling loop system together with the vehicle lamp.

[0108] To more specifically describe the connection relationship between the liquid cooling loop system and the vehicle lamp in a vehicle, as shown in FIG. 12, the vehicle 1200 provided in this embodiment of the present application includes two vehicle lamps 1210 and a liquid cooling loop system 1220. The liquid cooling loop system 1220 is a cooling system provided by the vehicle 1200. The two vehicle lamps 1210 are the left and right headlamps of the vehicle 1200. The vehicle lamp 1210 includes a lamp cover 1211, a lamp housing 1212, a heat generating device 1213, a liquid cooling plate 1214, a liquid inlet pipe 1215, a liquid outlet pipe 1216, and a connector 1217. The liquid cooling loop system 1220 includes a liquid cooling loop pipe 1221, a reservoir 1222, a water pump 1223, a heat sink 1224, and a cooling fan 1225.

[0109] Specifically, the lamp cover 1211, the lamp housing 1212, the connector 1217 , the liquid inlet pipe 1 21 5, and the liquid outlet pipe 1216 can jointly form a sealed space within the vehicle lamp 1210. After the coolant is added to the reservoir 1222 in the liquid cooling loop system 1220, the coolant begins to flow through the liquid cooling loop pipe 1221 through the water pump 1223. When the coolant passes through the heat sink 1224, the heat sink 1224 cools the coolant by natural air convection and forced convection of the cooling fan 1225. Then, the coolant flows into the liquid cooling plate 1214 in the vehicle lamp 1210 through the liquid inlet pipe 1215 and the connector 1217 and exchanges heat with the heat generating device 1213. The coolant returns to the liquid cooling loop pipe 1221 in the liquid cooling loop system 1220 through the liquid outlet pipe 1216 and the connector 1217, then flows into the next vehicle lamp 1210, and finally returns to the heat sink 1224 again to complete the cooling, whereby the heat generating device 1213 in the vehicle lamp 1210 is cooled cyclically.

[0110] It should be understood that when vehicle 1200 does not have a cryogenic liquid cooling loop system, the liquid cooling loop system 1220 may alternatively be additionally and separately arranged for two vehicle lamps 1210. The liquid cooling loop system 1220 is not connected to components that require heat dissipation within vehicle 1200, ensuring that the coolant within the liquid cooling loop system 1220 is used for heat dissipation only for one or more vehicle lamps 1210 (see the aforementioned different numbers of vehicle lamps in FIGS. 9 to 11), improving the heat dissipation effect. Additionally, when the liquid cooling loop system 1220 is separately arranged for the vehicle lamps 1210, optionally, the reservoir 1222 may not be arranged within the liquid cooling loop system 1220 to ensure miniaturization and compatibility of the liquid cooling loop system 1220, and the coolant is cyclically used within the liquid cooling loop system 1220.

[0111] According to the vehicle provided in this embodiment of the present application, the vehicle lamp and the entire vehicle share a liquid cooling cycle. Since the vehicle lamp does not require an independent heat dissipation system, costs such as those of water pumps, heat sinks, and fans are saved. In this case, the size and weight of the vehicle lamp can be reduced, the material specifications of the vehicle lamp can be lowered, the adaptability of the miniaturized vehicle lamp becomes higher, and production efficiency is improved. Also, the heat dissipation fan is avoided in the vehicle lamp, the noise generated by the heat dissipation fan is reduced, and user comfort is improved.

[0112] Above, the vehicle lamp and the vehicle provided in the embodiments of the present application have been described. Next, the connector provided in the embodiments of the present application will be described.

[0113] Certain embodiments of the present application further provide a connector. For the connector, refer to the connector 400 in FIGS. 4A and 4B. The connector includes a support 410, a liquid inlet pipe joint 420, a liquid outlet pipe joint 430, a sealing member 440, and a fastening member 450. The liquid inlet pipe joint 420 and the liquid outlet pipe joint 430 are located on the support 410 and are integrated. The fastening member 450 is configured to fasten the support 410 to the lamp housing 460 such that the liquid inlet pipe joint 420 is attached to one end of the connection through-hole and the liquid outlet pipe joint 430 is attached to the other end of the connection through-hole. The connection through-hole is disposed on the lamp housing 460. The sealing member 440 is located on the support member 410. The fastening member 450 fixes the support 410 to the lamp housing 460, and the sealing member 440 is attached to the lamp housing 460 to form a sealed space in the vehicle lamp corresponding to the lamp housing 460.

[0114] Optionally, the sealing member 440 may be a sponge or a sealing ring. Alternatively, the sealing member 440 may be a soft rubber integrated with the support. The fastening member 450 is a screw or a fastener. For the specific implementation of the connector, refer to FIGS. 4A and 4B, as well as the description of the connector in Implementation 1.1. Details are not described in this embodiment of the present application.

[0115] It should be understood that in some embodiments provided in the present application, the disclosed structure may be implemented in other ways. For example, the described vehicle lamp and vehicle embodiments are merely examples. For example, the division of elements is merely a logical function division, and in actual implementation, there may be other divisions. For example, a plurality of units or components may be combined, or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. In addition, the shown or discussed mutual coupling or direct coupling or communication connection may be implemented by using some interfaces. The indirect coupling or communication connection between devices or units may be implemented in electronic, mechanical, or other forms.

[0116] The units described as separate parts may or may not be physically separate, and the parts shown as units may or may not be physical units, may be arranged in one location, or may be distributed over multiple network units. Some or all of those units may be selected based on actual requirements to achieve the objectives of the embodiments' solutions.

Claims

1. A vehicle lamp including a lamp housing, a heating device, a liquid cooling plate, a liquid inlet pipe, and a liquid outlet pipe, wherein the heating device is attached to the liquid cooling plate, and the liquid cooling plate is connected to a liquid cooling loop system outside the lamp housing through the liquid inlet pipe and the liquid outlet pipe. Vehicle lamp.

2. The vehicle lamp according to claim 1, wherein the liquid cooling plate is located in a sealed space inside the vehicle lamp, the lamp housing has a connection through hole, and the liquid inlet pipe and the liquid outlet pipe are connected to the liquid cooling loop system through the connection through hole.

3. The vehicle lamp according to claim 2, further comprising a connector, wherein the connector is attached to the connection through hole, and the liquid inlet pipe and the liquid outlet pipe are connected to the liquid cooling loop system through the connector.

4. The connector has a support, a liquid inlet pipe joint, a liquid outlet pipe joint, a sealing member, and a fastening member, wherein the liquid inlet pipe joint and the liquid outlet pipe joint are located on the support, the liquid inlet pipe joint is connected to the liquid inlet pipe, the liquid outlet pipe joint is connected to the liquid outlet pipe, the fastening member is configured to fasten the support to the lamp housing, and the sealing member is located on the support and attached to the lamp housing. Vehicle lamp according to claim 3.

5. The vehicle lamp according to claim 4, wherein the sealing member is a sponge or a sealing ring.

6. The vehicle lamp according to claim 4, wherein the sealing member is a soft rubber integrated with the support.

7. The vehicle lamp according to claim 4, wherein the fastening member is a screw or a fastener.

8. The vehicle lamp according to claim 2, wherein the connection through hole has a first through hole and a second through hole, the liquid inlet pipe is connected to the liquid cooling loop system through the first through hole, and the liquid outlet pipe is connected to the liquid cooling loop system through the second through hole.

9. The vehicle lamp according to claim 8, wherein rubber rings are disposed at the fitting positions of the liquid inlet pipe and the first through hole and at the fitting positions of the liquid outlet pipe and the second through hole, respectively.

10. The vehicle lamp according to claim 1, wherein the liquid cooling plate is located in the lamp housing or outside the lamp housing, and the interior of the vehicle lamp is a sealed space.

11. The vehicle lamp according to claim 10, wherein the heat generating device is located in the lamp housing.

12. The vehicle lamp according to claim 1, wherein the heat generating device includes at least one of a light source, a pixel, a light source driver module, and a vehicle lamp control module.

13. A vehicle having a liquid cooling loop system, the liquid cooling loop system having a reservoir, a water pump, a component that requires heat dissipation, and a heat sink, the heat sink being configured to cool the liquid flowing through the liquid cooling loop system, the vehicle having the vehicle lamp according to any one of claims 1 to 12, the vehicle lamp being connected to the liquid cooling loop system.

14. The vehicle according to claim 13, wherein the vehicle lamp is connected in series with the liquid cooling loop system.

15. The vehicle according to claim 13, wherein the vehicle lamp is connected in parallel with the liquid cooling loop system.

16. The vehicle according to claim 13, further having a flow rate adjustment valve, the flow rate adjustment valve being connected between the vehicle lamp and the liquid cooling loop system.

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