Optical device, method of manufacturing the same, and vehicle including optical device

Abstract

To realize a three dimensional light emitting image by light emitting type LEDs on an upper surface and a side surface in a lamp structure of a vehicle.SOLUTION: The optical device 100 including a plurality of LEDs 120 spaced apart from each other on a printed circuit board 110, a light guide layer 130 embedding the plurality of LEDs 120, and a pattern layer 140 stacked on a side surface of the light guide layer 130 and implementing a stereoscopic light emitting image using light of the plurality of LEDs 120, wherein the plurality of LEDs 120 include top-surface and side-surface light emitting LEDs 120, may implement a stereoscopic light emitting image by the top-surface and side-surface light emitting LEDs 120 in a lamp structure of a vehicle.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an optical device that realizes a three-dimensional light-emitting image using top- and side-emitting LEDs in a vehicle lamp structure, a manufacturing method thereof, and a vehicle equipped with the optical device. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Generally, a vehicle is provided with various lamps that irradiate light ahead depending on the external environment and time to ensure a driver's visibility and to inform other vehicles of the route ahead.

[0003] These lamps are classified according to their purpose of use, and include headlamps for illuminating the road ahead, turn signal lamps for ensuring the driver's field of vision and indicating the vehicle's location, fog lamps for ensuring the driver's field of vision and indicating the vehicle's location in foggy or rainy weather, backup lamps that turn on when the vehicle is reversing, and brake lamps that turn on when the driver applies the brakes.

[0004] Conventional vehicle lamps mainly use halogen bulbs. When a halogen lamp is used as a light source, a reflector is provided to reflect the light emitted from the halogen lamp, and the reflected light is then projected forward. However, while halogen lamps have the advantage of being inexpensive, they have the disadvantages of generating a lot of heat during use, low brightness compared to the amount of electricity they use, and a short lifespan.

[0005] To solve these problems, vehicle lamps using LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) have appeared. LED lamps have the advantages of high brightness, long life, and low power consumption.

[0006] As mentioned above, in order to realize various functions of a vehicle lamp, a plurality of LEDs are arranged to emit light, and generally, various types of light-emitting images are formed using a three-dimensional structure such as a light guide.

[0007] However, there are problems in terms of maintenance, such as discoloration and deformation of the light guide due to continuous vehicle operation, and there is also a problem in terms of cost as the number of parts increases.

[0008] Therefore, there is a need for a means for solving the above problems and realizing various types of luminous images. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] The present invention aims to provide an optical device, a manufacturing method thereof, and a vehicle equipped with the optical device, and more specifically, to provide an optical device that realizes a three-dimensional light-emitting image using top- and side-emitting LEDs in a vehicle lamp structure, a manufacturing method thereof, and a vehicle equipped with the optical device.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to provide an optical device that realizes a three-dimensional luminous image by light irradiated through the upper surface of a light guide layer and light irradiated through a pattern layer laminated on the side of the light guide layer, even without a separate guide member, a manufacturing method thereof, and a vehicle equipped with the optical device.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to provide an optical device that realizes various types of three-dimensional light-emitting images by using pattern holes formed in a pattern layer, a manufacturing method thereof, and a vehicle equipped with the optical device.

[0012] The problems to be solved by the present invention are not limited to the technical problems mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains from the following description. [Means for solving the problem]

[0013] An optical device is provided that includes a printed circuit board; a plurality of LEDs spaced apart from one another on the printed circuit board; a light guide layer that embeds the plurality of LEDs; and a pattern layer that is laminated on a side of the light guide layer and that realizes a three-dimensional light-emitting image using light from the plurality of LEDs, wherein the plurality of LEDs include top- and side-emitting LEDs.

[0014] The three-dimensional light-emitting image is realized by light irradiated through the upper surface of the light guide layer and light irradiated through the pattern layer.

[0015] The light guide layer includes a first optical resin that diffuses light from the plurality of LEDs, and the pattern layer includes pattern holes formed to expose the light guide layer.

[0016] The pattern layer includes a second optical resin that blocks light from the plurality of LEDs.

[0017] The second optical resin comprises at least one of black or colored hues.

[0018] The refractive index of the first optical resin and the refractive index of the second optical resin are the same.

[0019] The refractive index of the first optical resin and the refractive index of the second optical resin are different from each other.

[0020] The pattern holes formed in the pattern layer include polygonal shapes.

[0021] The pattern holes are formed in a grid pattern.

[0022] The optical guide layer is formed to a predetermined thickness.

[0023] A method for manufacturing an optical device is provided, comprising the steps of: laminating a light guide layer that embeds a plurality of LEDs spaced apart from one another on a printed circuit board; positioning a pattern member on a side of the light guide layer; laminating a pattern layer on the light guide layer; and removing the pattern member from the side of the light guide layer to form a pattern hole in the pattern layer.

[0024] The step of laminating a pattern layer on the light guide layer includes laminating the pattern layer on the side and top surfaces of the light guide layer, and further includes removing the pattern layer laminated on the top surface of the light guide layer.

[0025] The pattern member includes a polygonal shape.

[0026] The step of positioning the pattern members on the side surfaces of the light guide layer includes positioning a plurality of the pattern members in a grid pattern.

[0027] A vehicle is provided that includes: a vehicle body; a lamp structure located on at least one of the front and rear surfaces of the vehicle body; and an optical device built into the lamp structure, the optical device including: a printed circuit board; a plurality of LEDs spaced apart from one another on the printed circuit board; a light guide layer that embeds the plurality of LEDs; and a pattern layer that is laminated on a side of the light guide layer and realizes a three-dimensional light-emitting image using light from the plurality of LEDs, the plurality of LEDs including top- and side-emitting LEDs. [Effects of the Invention]

[0028] The optical device, the manufacturing method thereof, and the vehicle equipped with the optical device according to the present invention can realize a three-dimensional light-emitting image by using top- and side-emitting LEDs in the lamp structure of the vehicle.

[0029] In addition, even without a separate guide member, a three-dimensional light-emitting image can be realized by light irradiated through the top surface of the light guide layer and light irradiated through the pattern layer stacked on the side of the light guide layer.

[0030] In addition, various types of three-dimensional light-emitting images can be realized by the pattern holes formed in the pattern layer.

[0031] The effects obtained by the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains from the following description. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0032] [Figure 1] 1 shows an optical device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] 1A and 1B are diagrams illustrating a feature of realizing a three-dimensional light-emitting image using a pattern layer in an optical device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 3] 5A to 5C are views illustrating a process of forming a pattern hole in a pattern layer in an optical device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 5A to 5C are views illustrating a process of forming a pattern hole in a pattern layer in an optical device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] 5A to 5C are views illustrating a process of forming a pattern hole in a pattern layer in an optical device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] 5A to 5C are views illustrating a process of forming a pattern hole in a pattern layer in an optical device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] 5A to 5C are views illustrating a process of forming a pattern hole in a pattern layer in an optical device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] 5A to 5C are views illustrating a process of forming a pattern hole in a pattern layer in an optical device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] 1A to 1C are diagrams illustrating a method for manufacturing an optical device according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0033] Hereinafter, the embodiments disclosed herein will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Regardless of the reference numerals, identical or similar components will be designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant description thereof will be omitted. The suffixes "module" and "section" used in the following description are used or interchangeable with each other solely for the convenience of drafting the specification, and do not have any distinct meanings or functions. Furthermore, when describing the embodiments disclosed herein, if a detailed description of related prior art is deemed to obscure the gist of the embodiments disclosed herein, such detailed description will be omitted. Furthermore, the accompanying drawings are merely provided to facilitate understanding of the embodiments disclosed herein, and the technical concept disclosed herein should not be limited by the accompanying drawings, and all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives within the concept and technical scope of the present invention should be understood to be included.

[0034] Terms including ordinal numbers such as "first," "second," etc. are used to describe various components of the embodiments. However, these components should not be limited in their interpretation by these terms. Such terms are merely used to distinguish one component from another.

[0035] When a component is said to be "coupled" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that this means that the component is directly coupled or connected to the other component, but also includes cases where there are other components between them. On the other hand, when a component is said to be "directly coupled" or "directly connected" to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components between them.

[0036] The singular expression includes the plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0037] In this specification, the terms "comprise" or "have" and the like are intended to specify the presence of features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and should be understood as not precluding the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0038] Fig. 1 is a diagram illustrating an optical device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 is a diagram illustrating a feature of realizing a three-dimensional light-emitting image by a pattern layer 140 in the optical device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figs. 3 to 8 are diagrams illustrating a process of forming pattern holes 142 in the pattern layer 140 in the optical device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] 1 and 2, an optical device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a printed circuit board 110, a plurality of LEDs 120, a light guide layer 130, and a pattern layer 140. The optical device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention is incorporated into a lamp structure located on at least one of the front and rear surfaces of a vehicle body.

[0040] More specifically, the LEDs 120 are spaced apart from one another on the printed circuit board 110 and serve to output light. In particular, in the optical device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention, the LEDs 120 include top- and side-emitting LEDs 120.

[0041] Therefore, in the optical device 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of LEDs 120 output light in the direction toward the front or rear of the vehicle body (x-axis direction), the left and right directions (y-axis direction), and the up and down directions (z-axis direction), thereby serving to embody the three-dimensional light-emitting image described below.

[0042] The light guide layer 130 is laminated on the printed circuit board 110 to bury the LEDs 120. The light guide layer 130 also includes a first optical resin 131 for diffusing light from the LEDs 120. The first optical resin 131 also includes a transparent hue to enhance the light diffusion effect.

[0043] The pattern layer 140 is laminated on a side of the light guide layer 130 and serves to realize a three-dimensional light-emitting image using light from the plurality of LEDs 120. Here, the pattern layer 140 includes a second optical resin 141 that blocks light from the plurality of LEDs 120. In addition, the second optical resin 141 includes at least one color selected from black and colored colors.

[0044] In particular, the optical device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention realizes a three-dimensional light-emitting image by the pattern layer 140 stacked on the side of the light guide layer 130. Here, the three-dimensional light-emitting image is realized by light 121 irradiated through the upper surface of the light guide layer 130 and light 122 and 123 irradiated through the pattern layer 140.

[0045] More specifically, in the optical device 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of LEDs 120 include top- and side-emitting LEDs 120 to realize a three-dimensional light-emitting image, and the optical device 100 includes a pattern layer 140 stacked on the side of the light guide layer 130.

[0046] In addition, a three-dimensional light-emitting image is realized by using the difference between an image formed by the light 121 irradiated through the upper surface of the light guide layer 130 and an image formed by the light 122 and 123 irradiated through the pattern layer 140 .

[0047] As mentioned above, various shapes and images have been realized using three-dimensional structures such as light guides in the past. However, light guides can become discolored or deformed as the vehicle continues to operate, which can cause maintenance problems. In addition, the more parts there are, the more costly it becomes, so there was a need to reduce the number of parts required.

[0048] Here, an optical device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention aims to solve the above-mentioned problems by realizing a three-dimensional light-emitting image while omitting a three-dimensional structure such as a conventional light guide.

[0049] For this purpose, as described above, the difference between the image formed by the light 121 irradiated through the upper surface of the light guide layer 130 and the images formed by the light 122 and 123 irradiated through the pattern layer 140 is used.

[0050] In particular, in the optical device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention, the pattern layer 140 includes pattern holes 142 formed to expose the light guide layer 130. Furthermore, the light 122 irradiated through the pattern holes 142 can realize a three-dimensional light-emitting image without a three-dimensional structure such as a light guide.

[0051] In other words, the optical device 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention embodies a three-dimensional light-emitting image by using the difference between the image formed by light 121 irradiated through the top surface of the light guide layer 130 and the image formed by light 122, 123 irradiated through the pattern layer 140, thereby eliminating the need for a three-dimensional structure such as a light guide, and thus providing advantages in terms of maintenance and cost compared to conventional devices.

[0052] In addition, in the optical device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention, the pattern holes 142 formed in the pattern layer 140 include polygonal shapes. A plurality of the pattern holes 142 are formed in a lattice shape, thereby realizing various types of three-dimensional light-emitting images.

[0053] In addition, in the optical device 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention, the light guide layer 130 is formed to a predetermined thickness (t) in order to form pattern holes 142 in the pattern layer 140 stacked on the side of the light guide layer 130.

[0054] For example, the light guide layer 130 is formed to a thickness of 8 mm or thicker. By forming the light guide layer 130 to a sufficient thickness, pattern holes 142 can be formed in the pattern layer 140 stacked on the side of the light guide layer 130. In addition, a three-dimensional light-emitting image can be realized by the light 122 irradiated through the pattern holes 142.

[0055] As described above, in the optical device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention, the pattern layer 140 includes the second optical resin 141 that shields the light from the plurality of LEDs 120. That is, as shown in Fig. 2, the light 122 and 123 emitted from the sides of the plurality of LEDs 120 includes the light 122 irradiated through the pattern holes 142 and the light 123 shielded by the pattern layer 140. This also makes it possible to realize various types of three-dimensional light-emitting images.

[0056] In addition, in the optical device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention, the second optical resin 141 includes at least one color selected from black and colored colors, thereby realizing a three-dimensional light-emitting image of various colors.

[0057] Furthermore, in the optical device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention, the refractive index of the first optical resin 131 and the refractive index of the second optical resin 141 are the same. Alternatively, the refractive index of the first optical resin 131 and the refractive index of the second optical resin 141 may be different from each other. As a result, by adjusting the degree of diffusion of the light 123 emitted from the sides of the plurality of LEDs 120 and irradiated through the pattern layer 140, it is possible to realize more diverse types of three-dimensional light-emitting images.

[0058] 3 to 8 are views illustrating a process of forming a pattern hole 142 in a pattern layer 140 in an optical device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0059] First, Figure 3 is a diagram to explain that light can be output in the direction toward the front or rear of the vehicle body (x-axis direction), left and right (y-axis direction), and up and down (z-axis direction) through the top and side light-emitting LEDs 120 and the light guide layer 130 stacked on the printed circuit board 110, as described above.

[0060] 4, an optical device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention has a pattern member 150 positioned on a side surface 130a of a light guide layer 130. Here, the pattern member 150 has a polygonal shape. A plurality of pattern members 150 are arranged in a lattice pattern and positioned on the side surface 130a of the light guide layer 130. Meanwhile, the shape and arrangement of the pattern member 150 shown in FIG. 4 are merely examples, and shapes and arrangements different from those shown in FIG. 4 are also possible.

[0061] 5, in a state where the pattern member 150 is positioned on the side surface 130a of the light guide layer 130, the optical device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention laminates the pattern layer 140 on the light guide layer 130. Here, the pattern layer 140 may be laminated only on the side surface 130a of the light guide layer 130, but for convenience of the manufacturing process, the pattern layer 140 may also be laminated on the side surface 130a and the top surface 130b of the light guide layer 130 simultaneously.

[0062] 6, in the optical device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention, after the pattern layer 140 is laminated on the light guide layer 130, the pattern member 150 is removed from the side surface 130a of the light guide layer 130. Furthermore, by removing the pattern member 150, a pattern hole 142 can be formed in the pattern layer 140.

[0063] Therefore, in the optical device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention, the pattern holes 142 formed in the pattern layer 140 are formed to correspond to the shape and arrangement of the pattern members 150. In addition, the light guide layer 130 is exposed through the pattern holes 142.

[0064] Meanwhile, in the optical device 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention, as described above, for convenience of the manufacturing process, the pattern layer 140 is also laminated on the upper surface 130b of the light guide layer 130. In this case, as shown in FIG. 7, the pattern layer 140b laminated on the upper surface 130b of the light guide layer 130 can be removed.

[0065] Therefore, in the optical device 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention, the upper surface 130b of the light guide layer 130 can be exposed by removing the pattern layer 140b laminated on the upper surface 130b of the light guide layer 130.

[0066] In addition, as shown in FIG. 8, the optical device 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention can realize a three-dimensional light-emitting image using a pattern layer 140a that is stacked on the side 130a of the light guide layer 130 and blocks light from the plurality of LEDs 120, light 122 that is irradiated through the side 130a of the light guide layer 130 exposed by the pattern holes 142, and light 121 that is irradiated through the top surface 130b of the light guide layer 130.

[0067] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a method for manufacturing an optical device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0068] The above-mentioned contents will be summarized below with reference to FIGS. 1 to 8 to explain a method for manufacturing an optical device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0069] First, in a method for manufacturing an optical device according to an embodiment of the present invention, a light guide layer 130 is laminated (S110) on a printed circuit board 110 to embed a plurality of LEDs 120 spaced apart from one another. Here, the plurality of LEDs 120 includes top- and side-emitting LEDs 120 as described above. The light guide layer 130 also serves to diffuse light from the plurality of LEDs 120.

[0070] Furthermore, the pattern member 150 is positioned on the side surface of the light guide layer 130 (S120). Then, the pattern layer 140 is laminated on the light guide layer 130 (S130). At this time, the pattern layer 140 is laminated only on the side surface 130a of the light guide layer 130, but for convenience of the manufacturing process, the pattern layer 140 may be laminated on the side surface 130a and the top surface 130b of the light guide layer 130 simultaneously.

[0071] Next, the pattern member 150 is removed from the side surface 130a of the light guide layer 130, forming a pattern hole 142 in the pattern layer 140 (S140). At this time, the light guide layer 130 is exposed through the pattern hole 142. Thereafter, the pattern layer 140b stacked on the upper surface 130b of the light guide layer 130 is removed (S150). This also exposes the upper surface 130b of the light guide layer 130.

[0072] The optical device 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention can be manufactured through the above-described process. Also, as described above with reference to Figures 1 to 8, various types of three-dimensional light-emitting images can be realized by the light 121 irradiated through the upper surface of the light guide layer 130 and the light 122 and 123 irradiated through the pattern layer 140.

[0073] To summarize the above, the optical device, manufacturing method thereof, and vehicle equipped with the optical device according to the present invention can realize a three-dimensional light-emitting image by using top- and side-emitting LEDs in the vehicle lamp structure. Furthermore, even without a separate guide member, a three-dimensional light-emitting image can be realized by using light irradiated through the top surface of the light guide layer and light irradiated through the pattern layer laminated on the side of the light guide layer. Furthermore, various types of three-dimensional light-emitting images can be realized by using pattern holes formed in the pattern layer.

[0074] The above detailed description should not be construed as limiting in all respects, but should be considered as illustrative. The scope of the present invention should be determined by reasonable interpretation of the appended claims, and all modifications within the equivalent range of the present invention are included in the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. printed circuit boards; a plurality of LEDs spaced apart from one another on the printed circuit board; a light guide layer embedding the plurality of LEDs; and a pattern layer laminated on a side of the light guide layer and realizing a three-dimensional light-emitting image using light from the plurality of LEDs; The plurality of LEDs are An optical device including top and side emitting LEDs.

2. The three-dimensional luminous image is The optical device of claim 1 , wherein the optical device is realized by light irradiated through the upper surface of the light guide layer and light irradiated through the pattern layer.

3. The optical guide layer comprises: a first optical resin that diffuses light from the plurality of LEDs; The pattern layer comprises: The optical device of claim 1 , further comprising a pattern hole formed to expose the light guide layer.

4. The pattern layer comprises:

4. The optical device according to claim 3, further comprising a second optical resin that blocks light from the plurality of LEDs.

5. The second optical resin is 5. The optical device of claim 4, comprising at least one of black and colored colors.

6. 5. The optical device according to claim 4, wherein the refractive index of the first optical resin and the refractive index of the second optical resin are the same.

7. 5. The optical device according to claim 4, wherein the refractive index of the first optical resin and the refractive index of the second optical resin are different from each other.

8. The pattern holes formed in the pattern layer are 4. The optical device of claim 3, comprising a polygonal shape.

9. The pattern holes are 9. The optical device according to claim 8, wherein a plurality of the optical elements are formed in a grid pattern.

10. The optical guide layer comprises:

2. The optical device according to claim 1, wherein the optical device is formed to a predetermined thickness.

11. laminating a light guide layer encapsulating a plurality of LEDs spaced apart from one another on a printed circuit board; Positioning a pattern member on a side surface of the light guide layer; laminating a patterned layer onto the light guide layer; and A method for manufacturing an optical device, comprising the steps of removing the pattern member from a side surface of the light guide layer and forming a pattern hole in the pattern layer.

12. The step of laminating a pattern layer on the light guide layer includes: laminating a layer on the side and top surfaces of the light guide layer; The method for manufacturing an optical device according to claim 11, further comprising the step of removing a pattern layer laminated on an upper surface of the optical guide layer.

13. The pattern member is The method for manufacturing an optical device according to claim 11, wherein the shape includes a polygonal shape.

14. The step of positioning a pattern member on a side surface of the light guide layer includes: The method for manufacturing an optical device according to claim 13, wherein a plurality of the pattern members are arranged in a grid pattern.

15. Bodywork; a lamp structure located on at least one of the front and rear surfaces of the vehicle body; and an optical device incorporated in the lamp structure; The optical device comprises: printed circuit boards; a plurality of LEDs spaced apart from one another on the printed circuit board; a light guide layer embedding the plurality of LEDs; and a pattern layer laminated on a side of the light guide layer and realizing a three-dimensional light-emitting image using light from the plurality of LEDs; The plurality of LEDs are A vehicle including top and side emitting LEDs.

Images