Lens module and vehicle lamp device having the same

Abstract

To provide a lens module and a vehicular lamp device capable of enhancing display appearance by generating a new visual effect.SOLUTION: A lens 11, a rear cover 12 and a front cover 13, wherein the lens 11 comprises a front lens portion 111 and a rear lens portion 112 connected to a rear side of the front lens portion 111, the front lens portion 111 and the rear lens portion 112 have the same optical axis A and are arranged along the optical axis A, and the front lens portion 111 is formed with a plurality of end portions 113 respectively extending radially outward of the optical axis A; The rear cover 12 is mounted with the lens 11, the front cover 13 is coupled with the rear cover 12 to cover and fix the lens 11 from the front side and has an opening 106, and the lens 11 is exposed forward through the opening 106 of the front cover 13.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to vehicle components, and more particularly to a lens module and a vehicle lamp device including the same. [Background technology]

[0002] A vehicle headlamp is a lighting device mounted on the front of a vehicle to enhance the driver's visibility and the ability to be seen from the outside.

[0003] BACKGROUND ART Patent Document 1 discloses an example of a conventional vehicle headlamp.

[0004] The conventional vehicle headlamp described in Patent Document 1 includes a base, a light source, a light-reflecting cover, a lamp cover, and a lens. The light source and the light-reflecting cover are mounted on the base. The lamp cover and the lens are also attached to the base.

[0005] To comply with government regulations and industry standards, lenses for focusing light must be precisely designed with a specific shape and curvature to achieve a light distribution that meets those regulations and standards for vehicle headlights. Circular and elliptical lenses are commonly used for vehicle headlights because these shapes are symmetrical and relatively easy to design. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Taiwan Patent No. I624614 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] However, in conventional vehicle headlamps, each component is usually connected with an adhesive, so when assembling the vehicle headlamp, it takes a considerable amount of time for the adhesive to completely harden before the installation is complete, which is disadvantageous in terms of maintenance and recycling.In addition, since there are almost no lenses with shapes other than circular and elliptical on the market, the selection of shapes for vehicle headlamps is very limited.

[0008] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a lens module and a vehicle lamp device including the lens module, which can solve at least one of the above drawbacks. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] As a means for achieving the above object, the present invention provides a lens, a rear cover, and a front cover, the lens comprises an anterior lens portion and a posterior lens portion contiguous with a posterior portion of the anterior lens portion; The front lens portion and the rear lens portion are arranged along a predetermined optical axis, The front lens portion is formed with a plurality of ends each extending radially outward from the optical axis, the rear cover has the lens attached thereto; the front cover is coupled to the rear cover to cover and fix the lens from a front side, and has a first opening; The lens module is characterized in that the lens is exposed to the front through the first opening of the front cover.

[0010] The present invention also provides a vehicle lamp device comprising the lens module described above and a lamp module disposed behind the lens module. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] In the lens module and vehicle lamp device according to the present invention, the lens, rear cover, and front cover are all configured to be bonded together, so that these components can be assembled into the lens module without using adhesive. This makes it possible to speed up and simplify the assembly of the lens module and vehicle lamp device according to the present invention, and also makes maintenance and recycling more convenient.

[0012] Furthermore, since the lens has a front lens portion and a rear lens portion, the lens not only has the function of focusing light, but also the shape of the front lens portion is not limited to the conventional circular or elliptical shape, and can be designed to have multiple edges. In other words, the shape of the front lens portion can be diversified. As a result, the vehicle lamp device according to the present invention can emit light in a desired shape when viewed from the front, thereby creating new visual effects and improving the display aesthetics. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a vehicle lamp device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of the vehicle lamp device according to the embodiment; FIG. [Figure 3] 2 is a side cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a lens module and a lamp module in the vehicle lamp device according to the embodiment. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of a lens module of the vehicle lamp device according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a front view showing the configuration of a lens of the lens module according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a side view showing the configuration of a lens of the lens module according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a rear view showing the configuration of the lens of the lens module according to the embodiment. [Figure 8]2 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of a lamp module of the vehicle lamp device according to the embodiment; FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] The vehicle lamp device according to the present invention is installed in, for example, an automobile and used as a headlight or a taillight.

[0015] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A vehicle lamp device and a lens module according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0016] The configuration of an embodiment of a vehicle lamp device according to the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 3. Here, Figures 1 and 2 are a perspective view and an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of a vehicle lamp device according to one embodiment of the present invention, Figure 3 is a side cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a lens module 1 and a lamp module 2 in the vehicle lamp device according to the embodiment, and Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of the lens module 1 of the vehicle lamp device according to the embodiment.

[0017] 5 to 7 are front, side, and rear views showing the configuration of the lens 11 of the lens module 1 according to the embodiment, and FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of the lamp module 1 of the vehicle lamp device according to the embodiment.

[0018] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a vehicle lamp device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a lens module 1, a lamp module 2, and an outer frame 3.

[0019] As shown in FIG. 4, the lens module 1 includes a lens 11, a rear cover 12, a front cover 13, and two second light-transmitting members 14.

[0020] 4 to 7, the lens 11 includes a front lens portion 111 and a rear lens portion 112 that is connected to the rear portion of the front lens portion 111. The front lens portion 111 and the rear lens portion 112 share the same optical axis A (see FIGS. 4 and 6) and are arranged in a front-to-rear direction along the optical axis A.

[0021] 2 to 7, front lens portion 111 is formed as a curved plate with a protruding curved surface facing forward. Front lens portion 111 is formed with four end portions 113, each extending radially outward from optical axis A. Front lens portion 111 further includes main body portion 114 and protruding portion 115 protruding forward from main body portion 114.

[0022] 4, 5, and 7, four engagement grooves 101 are formed in the front lens portion 111, each recessed radially inward along the optical axis A. Here, each engagement groove 101 is located between any two adjacent end portions 113.

[0023] 3, 4, 6, and 7, rear lens portion 112 is formed as a convex lens. Furthermore, rear lens portion 112 has four notches 102 formed therein, each recessed along the radially inward direction of optical axis A. Here, as shown in FIG. 7, the four notches 102 are positioned corresponding to the four engagement grooves 101, respectively.

[0024] In this embodiment, front lens portion 111 has four end portions 113, and therefore has a four-pointed star shape when viewed from the extension direction of optical axis A. Of course, this is not a limitation, and the number of end portions 113 in front lens portion 111 may be any number as long as it is plural.

[0025] For example, when viewed from the front of lens 11 shown in Figure 5, the lens 11 has a width in the range of 105 mm to 113 mm and a height in the range of 60 mm to 66 mm. When viewed from the side of lens 11 shown in Figure 6, the lens 11 has a thickness in the range of 20 mm to 24 mm.

[0026] 2 to 4, the rear cover 12 has the lens 11 attached thereto and includes a base portion 121 having both front and rear surfaces, and a pair of protruding walls 122. The base portion 121 of the rear cover 12 is provided with a plurality of sockets 103 each having an opening facing forward.

[0027] 2 and 4, the pair of protruding wall portions 122 are arranged to protrude forward from the front surface of the base portion 121 at a distance in the up-down direction. In addition, between the pair of protruding wall portions 122, there are two gaps 104 that are spaced apart from each other in the left-right direction.

[0028] 2, the pair of protruding wall portions 122 are configured to have mounting contours 105. The shape of the mounting contours 105 corresponds to the shape of the lens 11. The lens 11 is attached to the rear cover 12 by engaging with the mounting contours 105 of the pair of protruding wall portions 122.

[0029] 2, each protruding wall portion 122 has two recesses 123 formed therein, each recessed inward in the radial direction of the optical axis A. Each notch 102 in the rear lens portion 112 engages with each recess 123 in the pair of protruding wall portions 122.

[0030] As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the front cover 13 is connected to the rear cover 12 so as to cover and fix the lens 11 from the front side, and is configured to have an opening 106 therein.

[0031] 1 to 3, the lens 11 is exposed to the front through the opening 106 of the front cover 13. Specifically, the main body 114 of the front lens portion 111 abuts against the front cover 13, while the protrusion 115 of the front lens portion 111 is exposed to the front through the opening 106 of the front cover 13.

[0032] 4, the front cover 13 is provided with a plurality of plugs 131 each extending rearward. The number of plugs 131 corresponds to the number of sockets 103 on the rear cover 12. Each plug 131 is inserted into a corresponding socket 103.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 4, the multiple engagement grooves 101 of the front lens portion 111 correspond to the multiple plugs 131 in the front cover 13, respectively, and the side walls of the multiple plugs 131 abut and engage with the multiple engagement grooves 101, respectively.

[0034] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the lamp module 2 is arranged on the rear side of the lens module 1, i.e., on the opposite side of the opening 106 in the lens module 1, and includes a heat sink 21, two first light source groups 22, two second light source groups 23, a light reflective cover 24, a first light-transmitting member 25, and an emission pattern switching unit 26.

[0035] As shown in Figures 2 and 8, the heat sink 21 comprises a base 211, a pair of side wing portions 212 arranged on both the left and right sides of the base 211, a hanging portion 213 connected to the underside of the base 211, and a heat dissipation fin 214 connected to the rear side of the base 211.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 3, the base 211 has a flat surface 215 and an inclined surface 216 that is adjacent to the front side of the flat surface 215 and slopes downward toward the opening 106 .

[0037] 3 and 8, the two first light source groups 22 are arranged on the heat sink 21. Specifically, the first light source groups 22 are arranged on the flat surface 215 and the inclined surface 216 of the base 211, respectively.

[0038] As shown in Figures 3 and 8, the light-reflecting cover 24 is attached to the base 211 of the heat sink 21 and is located above the first light source group 22 arranged on a plane 215, and is used to reflect and concentrate the light emitted by the first light source group 22.

[0039] 3 and 8, the first light-transmitting member 25 is attached to the heat sink 21, and has a light-receiving hole 201 located in front of the first light source group 22 arranged on the inclined surface 216 and facing the first light source group 22. This allows the light emitted by the first light source group 22 arranged on the inclined surface 216 to travel forward through the light-receiving hole 201 of the first light-transmitting member 25.

[0040] Here, the arrangement of the first light source group 22, the light reflective cover 24, and the first light-transmitting member 25 ensures that light is transmitted through both the upper and lower ends of the lens 11. This improves the uniformity of illumination provided by the vehicle lamp device of this embodiment.

[0041] In this embodiment, the number of first light source groups 22 is two, but this is not limiting, and in other embodiments, the number of first light source groups 22 may be at least one.

[0042] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 8, the two second light source groups 23 are attached to a pair of side wing portions 212 of the heat sink 21, respectively.

[0043] Here, the heat energy generated by the light emission of the first light source group 22 and the second light source group 23 can be dissipated by the heat dissipation fins 214 of the heat sink 21.

[0044] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the two second light-transmitting members 14 of the lens module 1 are fitted into the base portion 121 of the rear cover 12 from the rear side to the front side, and are exposed from the mounting contour 105.

[0045] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2, the two second light-transmitting members 14 are arranged in front of the two second light source groups 23 so as to correspond to any two of the ends 113 of the front lens portion 111.

[0046] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, the shape of the portion of each second light-transmitting member 14 exposed from the mounting contour 105 is the same as the shape of the corresponding end portion 113 on both the left and right sides of the lens 11.

[0047] Here, the above-mentioned shape is tapered, and the tip of the tapered shape is in the corresponding gap 104 formed by the pair of protruding wall portions 122. This ensures that light is transmitted on both the left and right sides of the lens 11, and further improves the uniformity of illumination provided by the vehicle lamp device of this embodiment.

[0048] In this embodiment, each of the first light source groups 22 is provided with at least one first LED chip 221, while each of the second light source groups 23 is provided with a plurality of second LED chips 231.

[0049] As shown in Figure 8, the light-emitting pattern switching unit 26 is provided on the hanging portion 213 of the heat sink 21, and includes a light-emitting pattern plate 261, a drive unit 262, and a connecting rod 263 connected to the light-emitting pattern plate 261 and the drive unit 262.

[0050] The driving unit 262 can drive the vertical movement of the connecting rod 263. This allows the light emitting pattern plate 261 to be linked and swing up and down relative to the first light source group 22 arranged on the inclined surface 216.

[0051] When the vehicle lamp device of this embodiment is used as a headlight of an automobile, it can be switched between a high beam mode and a low beam mode by the light emission pattern switching unit 26. That is, the light emission pattern switching unit 26 adjusts the light transmitted forward to have a high beam light pattern or a low beam light pattern.

[0052] The configuration and operation of the light emission pattern switching unit 26 are already well-known technologies related to vehicle lamp devices, and therefore, even without further detailed description, it is believed that a person skilled in the art would be able to utilize them based on conventional technology.

[0053] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the outer frame 3 is attached to a pair of side wing portions 212 of the heat sink 21 so as to surround the lamp module 2.

[0054] In this embodiment, four engaging grooves 101, four notches 102, four sockets 103, four recesses 123, and four plugs 131 are provided, but the number of engaging grooves 101, four notches 102, four sockets 103, four recesses 123, and four plugs 131 is not limited to four and can be changed according to needs. That is, the numbers of engaging grooves 101, four sockets 103, and four plugs 131 need only correspond to each other. Furthermore, the numbers of notches 102 and four recesses 123 need only correspond to each other.

[0055] In summary, in the lens module 1 and vehicle lamp device according to the present invention, the lens 11, rear cover 12, and front cover 13 all have structures for joining together, so these components can be assembled into the lens module 1 without using adhesive. In this way, the assembly of the lens module 1 and vehicle lamp device according to the present invention can be speeded up and simplified, and maintenance and recycling become more convenient.

[0056] Furthermore, since the lens 11 has a front lens portion 111 and a rear lens portion 112, the lens 11 not only has the function of focusing light, but also the shape of the front lens portion 111 is not limited to the conventional circular or elliptical shape, and can be designed to have a plurality of edges 113. In other words, the shape of the front lens portion 111 can be diversified. As a result, the vehicle lamp device according to the present invention can emit light in a desired shape when viewed from the front, thereby producing new visual effects and improving the aesthetic appearance of the display.

[0057] Although numerous specific details are set forth above to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that one or more other embodiments may be practiced without these specific details.

[0058] While the preferred embodiments and variations of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these and encompasses all modifications and equivalents as various configurations falling within the spirit and scope of the broadest interpretation. [Industrial Applicability]

[0059] The lens module and vehicle lamp device according to the present invention can produce new visual effects and improve the aesthetic appearance of the display, and therefore have industrial applicability. [Explanation of symbols]

[0060] 1 Lens Module 101 engagement groove 102 Notch 103 Socket 104 Gap 105 Mounting Profile 106 Aperture 11 Lens 111 Front lens part 112 Rear lens part 113 End 114 Main body 115 Protrusion 12 Rear cover 121 Base 122 Projecting wall 123 Recess 13 Front cover 131 Plug 14 Second optically transparent member 2 Lamp Module 201 Light receiving hole 21 Heat sink 211 Base 212 Side wings 213 Hanging part 214 Heat dissipation fin 215 plane 216 Slope 22 1st light source group 221 1st LED chip 23 Second light source group 231 Second LED chip 24 Light reflective cover 25 First light-transmitting member 26 Lighting pattern switching section 261 Illuminating Pattern Board 262 Drive Unit 263 Connecting Rod 3 Outer frame A optical axis

Claims

1. The lens includes a rear cover and a front cover. the lens comprises an anterior lens portion and a posterior lens portion contiguous with a posterior portion of the anterior lens portion; The front lens portion and the rear lens portion have the same optical axis and are arranged along the optical axis, The front lens portion is formed with a plurality of ends each extending radially outward from the optical axis, the rear cover has the lens attached thereto; the front cover is coupled to the rear cover to cover and fix the lens from the front side, and has an opening; The lens is exposed to the front through the opening of the front cover. A lens module characterized by:

2. The front lens portion is formed as a curved plate with a protruding curved surface facing forward, The rear lens portion is formed as a convex lens.

2. The lens module according to claim 1.

3. The front lens portion has four of the edges formed thereon, When viewed from the direction in which the optical axis extends, the front lens portion has a four-pointed star shape.

2. The lens module according to claim 1.

4. The rear cover includes a base portion having front and rear surfaces and a pair of protruding walls, The pair of protruding walls protrude forward from the front surface of the base and are configured to have a mounting contour; The lens is attached to the rear cover by engaging with the mounting contours of the pair of protruding wall portions.

2. The lens module according to claim 1.

5. The rear lens portion has four notches formed therein, each recessed along a radially inward direction of the optical axis, Two recesses are formed in each of the protruding wall portions, each recessed along a radially inward direction of the optical axis, the notches in the posterior lens portion are engaged with the recesses in the pair of protruding wall portions, respectively.

5. The lens module according to claim 4.

6. the front lens portion includes a main body portion and a protrusion portion protruding forward from the main body portion, The main body abuts against the front cover, while the protrusion is exposed forward through the opening of the front cover.

2. The lens module according to claim 1.

7. The front cover is provided with a plurality of plugs each extending rearward, The rear cover is provided with a plurality of sockets into which the plurality of plugs are inserted corresponding to the plurality of plugs.

2. The lens module according to claim 1.

8. The front lens portion has a plurality of engagement grooves formed therein, the engagement grooves corresponding to the plurality of plugs of the front cover and recessed inward in the radial direction of the optical axis, The plurality of plugs are engaged with the plurality of engagement grooves, respectively.

8. The lens module according to claim 7.

9. The lens module according to any one of claims 1 to 8, a lamp module disposed behind the lens module, A vehicle lamp device comprising:

10. The lamp module includes a heat sink, at least one first light source group disposed on the heat sink, and a light-reflecting cover disposed above the at least one first light source group.

10. The vehicle lamp device according to claim 9.

11. the heat sink has a flat surface and an inclined surface adjacent a front side of the flat surface; The lamp module includes two first light source groups disposed on the flat surface and the inclined surface, respectively.

11. The vehicle lamp device according to claim 10.

12. The lamp module further includes a first light-transmitting member, the light reflecting cover is attached to the heat sink and is located above the first light source group arranged on the plane; the first light-transmitting member is attached to the heat sink and is located in front of the first light source group arranged on the inclined surface; 12. The vehicle lamp device according to claim 11.

13. The lamp module further includes two second light source groups; The heat sink includes a base and a pair of side wing portions disposed on both the left and right sides of the base, the first light source group and the light reflection cover are attached to the base, The two second light source groups are attached to the pair of side wing portions, respectively.

11. The vehicle lamp device according to claim 10.

14. The lens module further includes two second optically transparent members, the two second light-transmitting members are fitted to the rear cover and are disposed in front of the two second light source groups so as to correspond to any two of the ends of the front lens portion; 14. The vehicle lamp device according to claim 13.

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