Vehicle lamp

Abstract

The present invention provides a vehicle lamp comprising: a first optical system for forming a first beam pattern; a second optical system for forming a second beam pattern; a projection optical system for transmitting the first beam pattern or the second beam pattern to form a third beam pattern; an optical path conversion unit for transmitting or blocking the first beam pattern or the second beam pattern to or from the projection optical system; and a reflector for reflecting the first beam pattern or the second beam pattern to the optical path conversion unit.

Description

vehicle lamps

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle lamp, and more particularly, to a vehicle lamp using a micro pixel LED.

[0002] Typically, vehicles are equipped with vehicle lamps that have a lighting function to easily identify objects located around the vehicle when driving at night and a signaling function to inform other vehicles and road users of the vehicle's driving status.

[0003] For example, a vehicle may be equipped with a vehicle lamp that operates by directly emitting light using a lamp, such as a headlight that illuminates the front to secure the driver's field of vision, a brake light that lights up when the brake is applied, or a turn signal light used when turning right or left.

[0004] Additionally, the vehicle may be equipped with reflectors, etc., at the front, rear, or sides of the vehicle, which function by reflecting light so that the vehicle can be easily recognized from the outside.

[0005] Among these, headlights have an essential function of ensuring the driver's visibility at night by irradiating light in the same direction as the vehicle's driving direction when the vehicle is driving at night or in a tunnel with low ambient brightness.

[0006] These headlights include low beams, which are used for lighting in normal situations, and high beams, which illuminate the distance brighter, and recently, technology has been developed to automatically control the low beams and high beams.

[0007] However, conventional vehicle lamps have a complex structure because they require optical systems that each comprise a light irradiating device for low beams and a light irradiating device for high beams, and form beam patterns for low beams and high beams, and the problem of increased costs is being raised because each light irradiating device must be modularized.

[0008] The present invention is intended to solve such problems, and more specifically, to provide a vehicle lamp having a simple structure and capable of reducing installation space.

[0009] The tasks of the present invention are not limited to the tasks mentioned above, and other tasks not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below.

[0010] The present invention for achieving the above purpose provides a vehicle lamp comprising: a first optical system forming a first beam pattern; a second optical system forming a second beam pattern; a projection optical system forming a third beam pattern by transmitting the first beam pattern or the second beam pattern; an optical path changer transmitting or blocking the first beam pattern or the second beam pattern to the projection optical system; and a reflector reflecting the first beam pattern or the second beam pattern to the optical path changer.

[0011] The optical path conversion unit may include a first region that transmits the first beam pattern reflected from the reflector toward the projection optical system, a second region that transmits the second beam pattern to the first region after passing through it, and an air gap formed so that the first region and the second region are spaced apart from each other.

[0012] The air gap may be arranged to be inclined with respect to the central axis of the first beam pattern or the second beam pattern.

[0013] The above air gap can be formed with a distance between the first region and the second region facing each other in the range of 3 to 15 μm.

[0014] The optical path conversion unit may have an AR coating layer formed on the incident surface and the emission surface of the first beam pattern in the first region and on the incident surface and the emission surface of the second beam pattern in the second region.

[0015] The above optical path conversion unit can form the air gap in an angle range of 23 to 39° with respect to the incident surface of the first beam pattern.

[0016] The distance traveled by the first beam pattern from the first optical system to the incident surface of the projection optical system may be longer than the distance traveled by the second beam pattern from the second optical system to the incident surface of the projection optical system.

[0017] The ratio of the focal length of the second optical system to the focal length of the first optical system can be formed in a range of 1:3.1 to 4.5 times.

[0018] The first light source provided in the first optical system and the second light source provided in the second optical system may have their respective emission surfaces arranged on the same plane, or the central axes of the beam patterns of each light source may be arranged parallel to each other.

[0019] The first lens unit provided in the first optical system and the second lens unit provided in the second optical system are each composed of a plurality of lenses, and the interval between the lenses included in the first lens unit can be formed to be smaller than the interval between the lenses included in the second lens unit.

[0020] The above projection optical system includes a third lens unit through which the first beam pattern and the second beam pattern are selectively transmitted, and the third lens unit may be formed of a plurality of lenses.

[0021] The first beam pattern can form a low beam, and the second beam pattern can form a high beam.

[0022] The first optical system and the second optical system can each form a variable beam pattern.

[0023] The first optical system forms a first variable beam pattern, the second optical system forms a second variable beam pattern, the first beam pattern and the second beam pattern overlap each other in at least a portion of a region, and the first variable beam pattern and the second variable beam pattern can be configured to form a variable beam pattern individually or in association with each other.

[0024] The first variable beam pattern and the second variable beam pattern can display a set information pattern.

[0025] The first optical system forms a pixelated first variable beam pattern, the second optical system forms a pixelated second variable beam pattern, the first beam pattern and the second beam pattern overlap each other in at least a portion of the area, and the first variable beam pattern and the second variable beam pattern can be configured to form a variable beam pattern individually or in association with each other.

[0026] The first variable beam pattern and the second variable beam pattern may include an information display area that displays a set information pattern.

[0027] The information display area of ​​the first variable beam pattern may be formed on a road surface that is relatively closer to the vehicle than the information display area of ​​the second variable beam pattern.

[0028] The first beam pattern and the second beam pattern form a pixelated variable beam pattern, and the variable beam pattern is variably controlled according to any one of a vehicle condition, a driving situation, or a driver's selection, and at least some of the pixels of the second beam pattern formed on the road surface in front of the vehicle can be formed smaller than those of the first beam pattern.

[0029] The first beam pattern and the second beam pattern formed by transmitting through the projection optical system are projected through at least a portion of an exit surface of the projection optical system, and the first beam pattern projection area and the second beam pattern projection area can overlap at least partially.

[0030] According to a vehicle lamp according to an embodiment of the present invention,

[0031] First, by improving the projection optical system that emits each beam pattern from the first optical system and the second optical system to be used in common, the number of parts can be reduced and the installation space can be reduced.

[0032] Second, each beam pattern of the first optical system and the second optical system can be selectively transmitted through a single optical path converter, thereby reducing the emission path of each beam pattern.

[0033] Third, since the emission paths of the first beam pattern and the second beam pattern partially overlap, the insufficient light amount of the second beam pattern can be increased by the first beam pattern.

[0034] Fourth, a variable beam pattern can be applied to each of the first beam pattern and the second beam pattern.

[0035] Fifth, there is an effect of lowering the reflectivity and increasing the transmittance by forming an AR coating layer on the input / output surface of each beam pattern on the optical path conversion unit.

[0036] The effects of the present invention are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the claims.

[0037] The above summary, as well as the detailed description of preferred embodiments of the present application described below, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the present invention, preferred embodiments are depicted in the drawings. However, it should be understood that the present application is not limited to the precise arrangements and means illustrated.

[0038] FIG. 1 is a reference drawing illustrating a vehicle lamp according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the light irradiation device shown in Fig. 1.

[0040] Figures 3 to 5 are reference drawings showing beam patterns formed by the light irradiation device shown in Figure 2.

[0041] Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating the process of a first beam pattern being emitted from the first optical system of the light irradiation device shown in Fig. 2 with one central axis.

[0042] Fig. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating the process of a second beam pattern being emitted from the second optical system of the light irradiation device shown in Fig. 2 with one central axis.

[0043] Figure 8 is a reference drawing showing in detail the internal configuration of the light irradiation device shown in Figures 7 and 7.

[0044] Fig. 9 is a reference drawing showing an enlarged view of the optical path conversion unit of the light irradiation device shown in Fig. 8.

[0045] Fig. 10 is a reference diagram showing the distances at which the first beam pattern and the second beam pattern of the light irradiation device shown in Fig. 8 move.

[0046] Fig. 11 is a reference diagram showing the light distribution patterns of the first beam pattern and the second beam pattern of the light irradiation device shown in Fig. 2.

[0047] FIG. 12 is a reference diagram illustrating a beam pattern and a variable beam pattern each exemplarily formed by the light irradiation device shown in FIG. 5.

[0048] Fig. 13 is a reference diagram showing a state in which the beam pattern and variable beam pattern shown in Fig. 12 are irradiated to the front of the vehicle.

[0049] The present invention can have various modifications and embodiments, and specific embodiments are illustrated and described in the drawings.

[0050] However, this is not intended to limit the present invention to a specific embodiment, but should be understood to include all modifications, equivalents, or substitutes included in the spirit and technical scope of the present invention.

[0051] Terms including ordinal numbers, such as first, second, etc., may be used to describe various components, but the components are not limited by the terms.

[0052] The above terms are used solely to distinguish one component from another.

[0053] For example, without departing from the scope of the present invention, the second component may be referred to as the first component, and similarly, the first component may also be referred to as the second component.

[0054] The term and / or includes any combination of a plurality of related described items or any one of a plurality of related described items.

[0055] When it is said that a component is "connected" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that it may be directly connected or connected to that other component, but there may also be other components in between.

[0056] On the other hand, when it is said that a component is "directly connected" or "directly connected" to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components in between.

[0057] The terminology used in this application is for the purpose of describing specific embodiments only and is not intended to limit the present invention.

[0058] Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0059] In this application, terms such as “include” or “have” are intended to specify the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part or combination thereof described in the specification, but should be understood not to exclude in advance the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts or combinations thereof.

[0060] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Regardless of the drawing numbers, identical or corresponding components are given the same reference numbers, and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0061] FIG. 1 is a reference drawing illustrating a vehicle lamp according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0062] Referring to FIG. 1, a vehicle lamp (10) according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a light irradiation device (101, 102) and a control device (200).

[0063] In an embodiment of the present invention, vehicle lamps (10) are installed on both sides of the front of a vehicle (1) to ensure forward visibility when the vehicle (1) is driven at night or in dark places such as tunnels. Accordingly, the following description will focus on cases where the vehicle lamps (10) are used as headlamps.

[0064] However, this is only an example to help understand the present invention, and the vehicle lamp (10) of the present invention is not limited to a head lamp, but may also be applied to various lamps installed in a vehicle (1), such as a fog lamp, a tail lamp, a brake lamp, a turn signal lamp, a position lamp, a daytime running lamp, etc.

[0065] These vehicle lamps (10) can form a low beam pattern to ensure a close-range view in front of the vehicle, and can form a high beam pattern to ensure a long-range view in front of the vehicle.

[0066] In forming a high beam pattern, the vehicle lamp (10) can form a shadow area by preventing light from being irradiated to an area corresponding to the location of an opposing vehicle, such as an oncoming vehicle or a preceding vehicle, or by reducing the amount of light irradiated thereto. As the shadow area is formed, glare to the driver of the opposing vehicle can be prevented.

[0067] The light irradiation device (101, 102) performs the function of irradiating light to form a beam pattern. The light irradiation device (101, 102) may include a first light irradiation device (101) provided on the front left side of the vehicle (1) and a second light irradiation device (102) provided on the front right side of the vehicle (1). That is, the first light irradiation device (101) may be understood as a left headlamp, and the second light irradiation device (102) may be understood as a right headlamp.

[0068] In the embodiment of the present invention, a case in which the light irradiating devices (101, 102) are configured in multiple numbers is described as an example. This is because the vehicle lamp (10) of the present invention is used as a headlamp, and the number of the light irradiating devices (101, 102) of the present invention is not limited thereto. That is, the number of light irradiating units, installation locations, installation directions, etc. may be varied depending on the purpose of the vehicle lamp (10) of the present invention.

[0069] The control device (200) serves to control the light irradiation devices (101, 102) so that a beam pattern is formed. For example, the control device (200) may control a low beam pattern to be formed by synthesizing a low beam auxiliary pattern and a variable beam pattern, a high beam pattern to be formed by synthesizing a high beam auxiliary pattern and a variable beam pattern, or may control a low beam forming unit (110) (see FIG. 2), a high beam forming unit (120) (see FIG. 2), and a variable beam forming unit (130) (see FIG. 2).

[0070] When the location information of the vehicle (1) is provided from a navigation system (not shown) installed in the vehicle (1), the control device (200) can know the road conditions ahead of the driving direction of the vehicle (1), such as curved roads, intersections, forks, etc. Accordingly, the control device (200) can also control the light irradiation devices (101, 102) so that a beam pattern is formed according to the road conditions ahead of the driving direction of the vehicle (1).

[0071] Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the light irradiation device shown in Fig. 1, and Figs. 3 to 7 are reference diagrams showing a beam pattern formed by the light irradiation device shown in Fig. 2.

[0072] Referring to FIG. 2, each light irradiation device (101, 102) is configured to include a first optical system (110), a second optical system (120), a projection optical system (130), an optical path conversion unit (140), and a reflector (150).

[0073] The first optical system (110) irradiates light from a first light source to form a first beam pattern, and the first beam pattern can form a low beam pattern.

[0074] Additionally, the second optical system (120) irradiates light from the second light source to form a second beam pattern, and the second beam pattern can form a high beam pattern.

[0075] Of course, although not shown in the drawing, the first optical system (110) may be configured to form a high beam pattern and the second optical system (120) to form a low beam pattern. Hereinafter, the description will be made based on the first optical system (110) forming a low beam pattern, which is the first beam pattern, and the second optical system (120) forming a high beam pattern, which is the second beam pattern.

[0076] Additionally, in the present invention, a portion of the low beam pattern may be formed as a low beam auxiliary pattern, and a portion of the high beam pattern may be formed as a high beam auxiliary pattern. For example, the low beam auxiliary pattern may be at least a portion of the low beam pattern, and the high beam auxiliary pattern may be at least a portion of the high beam pattern.

[0077] In addition, the first optical system (110) and the second optical system (120) can form a variable beam pattern using the first light source or the second light source, respectively. Of course, in order to form a variable beam pattern, the first optical system (110) and the second optical system (120) may each be equipped with at least one of a separate light source (not shown), a reflector (not shown), and a lens (not shown).

[0078] In the present invention, a variable beam pattern refers to a beam pattern whose shape can be modified. For example, light may be irradiated to some portions of the beam pattern's formation surface, while light may not be irradiated to other portions, so that the areas irradiated with light and areas not irradiated with light can be freely determined over time. When a variable beam pattern is used, an image containing information such as letters, numbers, or symbols can be formed using an information pattern set on the beam pattern's formation surface.

[0079] Figure 3 illustrates a low beam pattern, and Figure 4 illustrates a high beam pattern.

[0080] Referring to FIG. 3, the low beam pattern (LP) may include a cut-off line (CL). The cut-off line (CL) may be an inclined line crossing the center of the beam pattern forming surface. The left and right sides of the low beam pattern (LP) may have different heights relative to the cut-off line (CL).

[0081] The low beam auxiliary pattern formed by the first optical system (110) can be used to form the low beam pattern (LP) illustrated in FIG. 3. For example, the low beam auxiliary pattern can be at least a part of the low beam pattern (LP).

[0082] Referring to FIG. 4, the high beam pattern (HP) may optionally include a shading zone (SD). The shading zone (SD) represents an area where light is not irradiated. For example, when a vehicle exists in front, the high beam pattern (HP) may include a shading zone (SD) so that light is not irradiated to that area. The position of the shading zone (SD) may be changed throughout the entire area of ​​the high beam pattern (HP), and the number of the shading zones may also be changed. The control device (see FIG. 1, 200) controls the second optical system (120) so that light is irradiated according to the surrounding environment, and the second optical system (120) may form a high beam auxiliary pattern according to a control command of the control device (200).

[0083] The high beam auxiliary pattern formed by the second optical system (120) can be used to form the high beam pattern (HP) illustrated in FIG. 4. For example, the high beam auxiliary pattern can be at least a part of the high beam pattern (HP).

[0084] Fig. 5 illustrates variable beam patterns (VP1, VP2). The first variable beam pattern (VP1) formed in the first optical system (110) may appear as an area with a set size in the lower area of ​​the low beam pattern (LP) on the beam pattern forming surface. In addition, the second variable beam pattern (VP2) formed in the second optical system (120) may appear as an area with a set size in the lower area of ​​the high beam pattern (HP).

[0085] The area occupied by the variable beam pattern (VP1, VP2) may be provided in the shape of a rectangle, for example. However, the shape of the area of ​​the variable beam pattern (VP) of the present invention is not limited to a rectangle, and may be provided in the shape of a polygon, an ellipse, or a geometric shape. Hereinafter, the variable beam pattern (VP) occupying the area of ​​a rectangle will be mainly described. In addition, the size of the area occupied by the variable beam pattern (VP1, VP2) may also be changed depending on the shape or type of the variable beam pattern.

[0086] In addition, it is preferable that the first variable beam pattern (VP1) is located within the low beam pattern (LP) region on the beam pattern forming surface, and the second variable beam pattern (VP2) is located within the high beam pattern (HP) region.

[0087] For example, the first variable beam pattern (VP1) may be displayed at a distance of about 1 to 7 m in front of the vehicle, and more preferably at a distance of about 3 to 5 m. In addition, the second variable beam pattern (VP2) may be displayed at a distance of about 6 to 12 m in front of the vehicle, and more preferably at a distance of about 8 to 10 m.

[0088] Although not shown separately in the drawing, functional changes can be made to the left light irradiation device (101) and the right light irradiation device (102) without structural changes to each light irradiation device (101, 102). For example, in Korea, the driver's seat is located on the left side of the vehicle, so the right side of the cut-off line is formed higher. However, in countries such as Japan or the UK, where the driver's seat is located on the right side of the vehicle, the left side of the cut-off line can be changed to be formed higher.

[0089] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating a process in which a first beam pattern is emitted from a first optical system of the light irradiation device illustrated in FIG. 2 with one central axis, FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating a process in which a second beam pattern is emitted from a second optical system of the light irradiation device illustrated in FIG. 2 with one central axis, and FIG. 8 is a reference diagram illustrating in detail the internal configuration of the light irradiation device illustrated in FIG. 7 and FIG. 7.

[0090] Referring to FIG. 6, the light irradiation device (101, 102) may include a first optical system (110), a second optical system (120), a projection optical system (130), an optical path conversion unit (140), and a reflector (150).

[0091] The first optical system (110) forms a first beam pattern (LP), and the first beam pattern (LP) may be a low beam pattern. The first optical system (110) may include a first light source (111) and a first lens unit (112).

[0092] The first light source (111) is configured such that a plurality of LED modules are arranged in a set pattern, and each LED module can be individually controlled to turn on or off, or by one or more areas, or by a set pattern.

[0093] The first lens unit (112) can be arranged so that multiple lenses form one group.

[0094] Accordingly, light emitted from the first light source (111) can be formed into a first beam pattern (LP) while passing through the first lens unit (112).

[0095] Referring to Fig. 7, the second optical system (120) forms a second beam pattern (HP), which may be a high beam pattern. The second optical system (120) may include a second light source (121) and a second lens unit (122).

[0096] The second light source (121) is configured such that a plurality of LED modules are arranged in a set pattern, and each LED module can be individually controlled to turn on or off, or by one or more areas, or by a set pattern.

[0097] The second lens unit (122) can be arranged so that multiple lenses form one group.

[0098] Accordingly, the light emitted from the second light source (121) can be formed into a second beam pattern (HP) while passing through the second lens unit (122).

[0099] For example, the first light source (111) and the second light source (121) may be applied with multiple patterns of micro pixel LEDs. In addition, the first light source (111) and the second light source (121) may be arranged on the same plane, or it is preferable that the central axes of the respective beam patterns of the first light source (111) and the second light source (121) are arranged parallel to each other. For reference, only the central axes of the light bundles of the first beam pattern (LP) and the second beam pattern (HP) are briefly illustrated in FIGS. 6 to 8.

[0100] In the embodiment of the present invention, the first lens unit (112) and the second lens unit (122) are each arranged as a group of four lenses as shown in FIG. 8, and the number of lenses or arrangement structure of each lens unit is not limited thereto.

[0101] In addition, the gap between the lenses included in the first lens unit (112) may be formed smaller than the gap between the lenses included in the second lens unit (122). For example, if the first lens unit (112) and the second lens unit (122) are configured identically, the gap between the lenses included in the first lens unit (112) having a short focal length tends to be formed smaller. Therefore, the load on the first optical system (110) can be minimized. In addition, if the gap between the lenses of the first lens unit (112) is made smaller, the total length of the first optical system (110) can be reduced, which has the advantage of minimizing unnecessary space.

[0102] And, the ratio of the focal length of the second optical system (120) to the focal length of the first optical system (110) can be formed in a range of about 1:1.1 to 6 times, and more preferably, the ratio of the focal lengths can be formed in a range of about 1:3.1 to 4.5 times. That is, the focal length of the first optical system (110) can be formed to be about 3.1 to 4.5 times shorter in ratio than the focal length of the second optical system (120). This can enable a bi-function function by designing the ratios of the first optical system (110) and the second optical system (120) differently. At this time, the ratio of the focal lengths can be determined according to the width ratio of the low beam and the high beam.

[0103] In addition, the projection optical system (130) can form a third beam pattern (TL) as the first beam pattern (LP) and the second beam pattern (HP) pass through it and emit it to the outside of the light irradiation device (101, 102). For example, the projection optical system (130) can be a lens structure of a headlamp that can be identified from the outside of the vehicle (1).

[0104] Of course, the third beam pattern (TL) may include all of the low beam pattern of the first beam pattern (LP) described above, the low beam auxiliary pattern, the first variable beam pattern (VP1), the high beam pattern of the second beam pattern (HP), the high beam auxiliary pattern, the second variable beam pattern (VP2), and the shadow pattern.

[0105] The projection optical system (130) may include a third lens unit (131). The third lens unit (131) may be composed of a plurality of lenses. In this embodiment, an example in which the third lens unit (131) is composed of two lenses is described.

[0106] In addition, the optical path conversion unit (140) can emit the first beam pattern (LP) or the second beam pattern (HP) that has been incident in the direction of the projection optical system (130), and the first beam pattern (LP) can be transmitted as reflected light, and the second beam pattern (HP) can be transmitted as transmitted light.

[0107] In addition, the reflector (150) can provide a function of receiving light emitted from the first optical system (110) and reflecting it to the optical path conversion unit (140). For example, the reflector (150) can be a mirror or a configuration having a function of changing the direction of light, such as a mirror.

[0108] Fig. 9 is a reference drawing showing an enlarged view of the optical path conversion unit of the light irradiation device shown in Fig. 8.

[0109] Referring to FIG. 9, the optical path conversion unit (140) may include a first region (141), a second region (142), and an air gap (143).

[0110] The first region (141) can transmit the first beam pattern (LP) reflected from the reflector (150) toward the projection optical system (130). Of course, the second beam pattern (HP) can also be transmitted through the first region (141).

[0111] Additionally, the second region (142) can be transmitted with the second beam pattern (HP). The second beam pattern (HP) passes through the second region (142) to the first region (141) and can be emitted so as to ultimately pass through the projection optical system (130).

[0112] In addition, the air gap (143) may be formed as a gap between the first region (141) and the second region (142) to maintain a predetermined distance between the first region (141) and the second region (142). For example, the air gap (143) may be an empty space or may be formed as a vacuum.

[0113] Overall, the optical path converter (140) has a hexahedral prism structure and may have a divided structure separated from each other into a first region (141) and a second region (142).

[0114] At this time, the air gap (143) is arranged in an inclined state inside the optical path conversion unit (140), and the inclination of the air gap (143) can be arranged parallel to the reflector (150).

[0115] With reference to Fig. 9, an AR coating layer may be formed on the incident surface (141a) of the first beam pattern (LP), which is the upper surface of the first region (141), and the exit surface (141b) of the first or second beam pattern (HP), which is the left surface. In addition, an AR coating layer may be formed on the incident surface (142a) of the second beam pattern (HP), which is the right surface of the second region (142), and the exit surface (145) of the second beam pattern (HP), which is the left surface facing the air gap (143). That is, an AR coating layer may be formed on the surface facing or passing through the movement paths of the first beam pattern (LP) and the second beam pattern (HP).

[0116] Here, the AR coating layer can be formed as a thin film on the surface by a method of forming a film through application-drying / curing, such as vacuum deposition, sputtering, or wet coating. For example, a single AR coating can form one or more layers of thin films on the surface to be coated, and a multi-AR coating can form multiple layers of thin films using one or more materials. The AR coating layer formed by AR coating can be formed by including magnesium fluoride, silicon, silicon dioxide, etc.

[0117] For example, the refractive index of the film formed through magnesium fluoride is formed to be approximately 1.38, which is lower than the refractive index of glass (1.5 to 1.9) or the refractive index of polycarbonate (1.5 to 1.7), and thus can provide an effect of lowering the reflectance of light and increasing the transmittance.

[0118] In addition, by adjusting the thickness of the coating layer, the reflected light from the coating layer and the light reflected from the AR coating layer become out of phase with each other, causing the light to interfere and disappear, so that the reflected light cannot be seen.

[0119] Accordingly, a coating layer is not formed on the right side of the first region (hereinafter referred to as the first inclined surface (144)) based on the air gap (143), and an AR coating layer is formed on the left side of the second region (hereinafter referred to as the second inclined surface (145)), so that when the first beam pattern (LP) is incident, it is reflected from the first inclined surface (144) and does not enter the second region (142) but proceeds toward the projection optical system (130), and when the second beam pattern (HP) is emitted to the second inclined surface (145), it can pass through the first inclined surface (144) and proceed toward the projection optical system (130).

[0120] At this time, the distance (d) between the first inclined surface (144) and the second inclined surface (145) can be formed in the range of about 3 to 15 μm. More preferably, the distance between the first inclined surface (144) and the second inclined surface (145) is formed in the range of about 5 to 10 μm.

[0121] In addition, it is preferable that the first inclined surface (144) and the second inclined surface (145) are arranged parallel to each other, and it is preferable that the air gap (143) is arranged so as to be inclined at an angle of about 23 to 39° with respect to the upper surface, which is the incident surface (141a) of the first beam pattern (LP). Of course, it is also preferable that the air gap (143) is arranged so as to be inclined with respect to each central axis of the first beam pattern (LP) or the second beam pattern (HP).

[0122] Fig. 10 is a reference diagram showing the distances at which the first beam pattern and the second beam pattern of the light irradiation device shown in Fig. 8 move.

[0123] Referring to FIG. 10, it is preferable that the first distance (L1) along which the first beam pattern (LP) moves from the first optical system (110) to the incident surface of the projection optical system (130) be longer than the second distance (L2) along which the second beam pattern (HP) moves from the second optical system (120) to the incident surface of the projection optical system (130). This can contribute to securing a space in which the reflective surface (150) can be installed by forming the first distance (L1) long.

[0124] Fig. 11 is a reference diagram showing the light distribution patterns of the first beam pattern and the second beam pattern of the light irradiation device shown in Fig. 2.

[0125] Fig. 11(a) shows the light distribution according to the first beam pattern (LP) (hereinafter referred to as the low beam pattern) and the second beam pattern (HP) (hereinafter referred to as the high beam pattern) on the beam pattern forming surface, Fig. 11(b) shows the light distribution according to the low beam pattern on the beam pattern forming surface, and Fig. 11(c) shows the light distribution according to the high beam pattern on the beam pattern forming surface.

[0126] Here, the low beam pattern (LP) and the high beam pattern (HP) can be arranged approximately symmetrically on the left and right based on the vertical line (V) at the center of the beam pattern forming surface. In addition, when the low beam pattern (LP) is lit based on the horizontal line (H) on the beam pattern forming surface, the low beam can be lit at the bottom, and when the high beam pattern (HP) is lit, the high beam can be lit across the top and bottom.

[0127] At this time, as shown in Fig. 11(c), when the high beam is turned on, the low beam pattern (LP) is turned on in some areas above the high beam pattern (HP), so that the amount of light in areas in which the high beam is insufficient can be selectively increased.

[0128] Fig. 12 is a reference diagram illustrating a beam pattern and a variable beam pattern each exemplarily formed by the light irradiation device illustrated in Fig. 5, and Fig. 13 is a reference diagram illustrating a state in which the beam pattern and the variable beam pattern illustrated in Fig. 12 are irradiated to the front of a vehicle.

[0129] Referring to FIG. 12, the first variable beam pattern (VP1) may appear as an area with a set size in a lower area of ​​the low beam pattern (LP) on the beam pattern forming surface. And, the second variable beam pattern (VP2) may appear as an area with a set size in a lower area of ​​the high beam pattern (HP). Of course, the first variable beam pattern (VP1) and the second variable beam pattern (VP2) may move in position within the areas of the low beam pattern (LP) and the high beam pattern (HP), respectively, or to overlapping positions. For example, the first variable beam pattern (VP1) and the second variable beam pattern (VP2) may individually display different images or texts as set information patterns on the road surface, or may display information patterns set to be expressed as related images or texts while overlapping each other on the road surface. The information patterns displayed on the road surface in this way may be displayed for the driver, or may be displayed for pedestrians or drivers of other vehicles from outside the vehicle.

[0130] Here, the set information pattern of the first variable beam pattern (VP1) can be expressed as, for example, an image of 60 written inside a double circular border indicating a speed limit, or an image of a right-pointing arrow indicating a right turn or an arrow turned 90° to the right.

[0131] Additionally, the second variable beam pattern (VP2) may be represented, for example, as an image of a rightward arrow indicating a right turn or an arrow turned 90° to the right, as shown in the first variable beam pattern (VP1).

[0132] Referring to Fig. 13, it can be confirmed that the beam pattern and variable beam pattern shown in Fig. 12 are irradiated to the front of the vehicle.

[0133] The set information pattern of the first variable beam pattern (VP1) can be projected so as to be displayed in an information display area around 3 to 5 m on the low beam pattern (LP) as a speed limit image. In addition, the set information pattern of the second variable beam pattern (VP2) can be projected so as to be displayed in an information display area around 8 to 10 m on the high beam pattern (HP) as a direction indication image. That is, the information display area of ​​the set information pattern of the first variable beam pattern (VP1) can be formed on a road surface closer to the vehicle than the information display area of ​​the set information pattern of the second variable beam pattern (VP2). Of course, the respective information display areas of the first and second variable beam patterns may partially overlap.

[0134] Additionally, the high beam pattern (HP) and the low beam pattern (LP) can form a first pixelated variable beam pattern (VP1) and a second pixelated variable beam pattern (VP2), respectively, since they use micro LEDs. Therefore, the high beam pattern (HP) can be provided with a relatively higher resolution than the low beam pattern (LP).

[0135] Therefore, according to the vehicle lamp according to the embodiment of the present invention, the number of parts can be reduced and the installation space can be reduced by improving the projection optical system that emits each beam pattern from the first optical system and the second optical system to be used in common, and the beam patterns of the first optical system and the second optical system can be selectively transmitted through one optical path changing unit, so that the emission path of each beam pattern can be reduced, and the emission paths of the first beam pattern and the second beam pattern partially overlap, so that the insufficient light amount of the second beam pattern can be increased to the first beam pattern, and a variable beam pattern can be applied to each of the first beam pattern and the second beam pattern, and an AR coating layer can be formed on the input / output surface of each beam pattern on the optical path changing unit, so that the reflectivity can be lowered and the transmittance can be increased.

[0136] While specific embodiments have been illustrated and described above to illustrate the technical concept of the present invention, the present invention is not limited to the configuration and operation of the specific embodiments described above, and various modifications may be implemented without departing from the scope of the present invention. Therefore, such modifications should be considered within the scope of the present invention, and the scope of the present invention should be determined by the claims set forth below.

Claims

1. A first optical system forming a first beam pattern; A second optical system forming a second beam pattern; A projection optical system that forms a third beam pattern by transmitting the first beam pattern or the second beam pattern; An optical path converter that transmits or blocks the first beam pattern or the second beam pattern to the projection optical system; and A reflector that reflects the first beam pattern or the second beam pattern to the optical path conversion unit; A vehicle lamp, including:

2. In paragraph 1, The above optical path conversion unit is, A first region that transmits the first beam pattern reflected from the reflector toward the projection optical system, A second region that passes the second beam pattern through and then transmits it to the first region, A vehicle lamp comprising an air gap formed so that the first region and the second region are spaced apart from each other.

3. In paragraph 2, The above air gap is, A vehicle lamp arranged to be inclined with respect to the central axis of the first beam pattern or the second beam pattern.

4. In paragraph 2, The above air gap is, A vehicle lamp, wherein the distance between the first and second regions facing each other is formed in a range of 3 to 15 μm.

5. In paragraph 2, The above optical path conversion unit is, A vehicle lamp, wherein an AR coating layer is formed on the incident surface and the emission surface of the first beam pattern in the first region and on the incident surface and the emission surface of the second beam pattern in the second region.

6. In paragraph 2, The above optical path conversion unit is, A vehicle lamp, wherein the air gap is formed at an angle range of 23 to 39° with respect to the incident surface of the first beam pattern.

7. In paragraph 1, A vehicle lamp, wherein the distance traveled by the first beam pattern from the first optical system to the incident surface of the projection optical system is longer than the distance traveled by the second beam pattern from the second optical system to the incident surface of the projection optical system.

8. In paragraph 1, A vehicle lamp, wherein the ratio of the focal length of the second optical system to the focal length of the first optical system is formed in the range of 1:1.1 to 6 times.

9. In paragraph 1, A vehicle lamp in which the first light source provided in the first optical system and the second light source provided in the second optical system have their respective emission surfaces arranged on the same plane, or the central axes of the beam patterns of the respective light sources are arranged parallel to each other.

10. In paragraph 1, A vehicle lamp, wherein the first lens unit provided in the first optical system and the second lens unit provided in the second optical system are each composed of a plurality of lenses, and the interval between the lenses included in the first lens unit is formed to be smaller than the interval between the lenses included in the second lens unit.

11. In paragraph 1, The above projection optical system, A vehicle lamp comprising a third lens section through which the first beam pattern and the second beam pattern are selectively transmitted, wherein the third lens section is composed of a plurality of lenses.

12. In paragraph 1, A vehicle lamp, wherein the first beam pattern forms a low beam and the second beam pattern forms a high beam.

13. In paragraph 1, The above first optical system and second optical system, Vehicle lamps, each forming a variable beam pattern.

14. In paragraph 13, The first optical system forms a first variable beam pattern, The second optical system forms a second variable beam pattern, The first beam pattern and the second beam pattern overlap each other in at least some areas, A vehicle lamp, wherein the first variable beam pattern and the second variable beam pattern are configured to form a variable beam pattern individually or in association with each other.

15. In paragraph 14, A vehicle lamp, wherein the first variable beam pattern and the second variable beam pattern display a set information pattern.

16. In paragraph 13, The first optical system forms a pixelated first variable beam pattern, The second optical system forms a pixelated second variable beam pattern, The first beam pattern and the second beam pattern overlap each other in at least some areas, A vehicle lamp, wherein the first variable beam pattern and the second variable beam pattern are configured to form a variable beam pattern individually or in association with each other.

17. In paragraph 16, A vehicle lamp, wherein the first variable beam pattern and the second variable beam pattern include an information display area that displays a set information pattern.

18. In paragraph 17, A vehicle lamp, wherein the information display area of ​​the first variable beam pattern is formed on a road surface relatively closer to the vehicle than the information display area of ​​the second variable beam pattern.

19. In paragraph 1, The first beam pattern and the second beam pattern form a pixelated variable beam pattern, The above variable beam pattern is variably controlled depending on the vehicle's condition, driving situation, or driver's selection. A vehicle lamp, wherein at least a portion of pixels of a second beam pattern formed on a road surface in front of the vehicle are formed smaller than those of the first beam pattern.

20. In paragraph 1, The first beam pattern and the second beam pattern formed by transmitting through the above projection optical system are, Projected through at least a portion of the projection surface of the above projection optical system, A vehicle lamp, wherein the first beam pattern projection area and the second beam pattern projection area overlap at least partially.

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