Prefabricated diffuser

Abstract

The present invention relates to a prefabricated diffuser installed on a rearview mirror of a vehicle, which comprises: a circuit board on which an illuminance sensor is installed; and a housing that surrounds and protects one side of the circuit board having the illuminance sensor installed thereon, receives light from the outside of the rearview mirror of the vehicle, and then diffuses the light, and transmits the light to the illuminance sensor, wherein one side of the circuit board is fixed to the housing, and the housing is coupled and fixed to the rearview mirror of the vehicle. Accordingly, the illuminance sensor can be firmly fixed at a desired position.

Description

Modular diffuser

[0001] The present invention relates to an assembly type diffuser, and more specifically, to an assembly type diffuser that allows an illuminance sensor to be easily installed at a desired location on a vehicle's rearview mirror and securely fixed.

[0002] Today, Electrochromic Mirrors (ECMs), which automatically adjust the mirror's reflectivity to prevent driver glare when the headlights of a vehicle behind are strong, are widely used in vehicles. Additionally, Digital Center Mirrors (DCMs), which utilize a rear camera to display real-time rear images on the mirror display to secure a wider field of view than ECMs, are also widely used.

[0003] These ECMs and DCMs automatically adjust brightness and angle according to the surrounding environment to help the driver check the rear more comfortably and safely. To this end, the ECMs and DCMs are equipped with light sensors to detect changes in ambient light.

[0004] Since the light sensor must be able to accurately detect changes in light, it is used with a diffuser that diffuses and evenly distributes light so that the light sensor can accurately detect the brightness of the surrounding environment, or the light sensor is installed at a specific location where it can properly receive light.

[0005] In other words, to accurately detect changes in light, illuminance sensors can only be installed at specific locations where diffusers can be installed, or at specific locations where light can be properly received. This causes problems that impose many limitations on the design of ECMs and DCMs.

[0006] In addition, since the illuminance sensor is generally attached to the exterior of the ECM and DCM using adhesive, it may be fixed somewhat unstably, and there is a risk that its position may shift due to external factors such as impact.

[0007] Therefore, there is a need for a method that allows light sensors to be freely installed at desired locations and securely fixed.

[0008] The present invention was devised to solve the above-mentioned problems and aims to provide an assembly-type diffuser capable of securely fixing an illuminance sensor at a desired location.

[0009] To solve the above-mentioned problem, the assembly-type diffuser according to the present invention is installed in a vehicle rearview mirror and comprises a circuit board on which an illuminance sensor is installed, and a housing that surrounds and protects one side of the circuit board on which the illuminance sensor is installed, and receives light from outside the vehicle rearview mirror and diffuses it to transmit it to the illuminance sensor, wherein one side of the circuit board is fixed to the housing and the housing is coupled to and fixed to the vehicle rearview mirror.

[0010] Additionally, the circuit board further includes a fixing hole formed by penetrating one side of the circuit board, and the housing may further include a fixing projection inserted into the fixing hole to fix one side of the circuit board.

[0011] Additionally, the housing may further include a lower housing on which the circuit board is seated, with the fixing projection formed protruding from the upper surface, and an upper housing that is coupled to the lower housing to surround and protect one side of the circuit board and receives light from outside the vehicle rearview mirror, diffuses it, and transmits it to the illuminance sensor.

[0012] Additionally, the lower housing may include the lower housing base formed with the fixing projection protruding from the upper surface, and a plurality of the coupling arms formed protruding from the lower housing base.

[0013] In addition, the upper housing may be formed in a semi-cylindrical shape to accommodate the coupling arm inside, and a plurality of coupling grooves that are coupled to the coupling arm may be formed in a recessed shape on the inner surface, and an outer coupling projection that is coupled to the automobile rearview mirror may be formed protrudingly on the outer surface.

[0014] Additionally, the upper housing may further include the upper housing base, which is positioned in a direction opposite to the lower housing base and can receive and diffuse light, and the upper housing side wall, which is formed integrally by extending in the height direction from the upper housing base, having a plurality of coupling grooves formed on the inner surface and an outer coupling projection formed on the outer surface.

[0015] Additionally, the coupling arm may include a coupling arm body formed in a cantilever shape protruding from the upper surface of the lower housing base, and a coupling arm projection formed protruding from the coupling arm body and inserted into the coupling groove.

[0016] In addition, the above-mentioned connecting arm protrusion may be formed in a shape that becomes progressively thinner towards the end.

[0017] Additionally, the upper housing can be inserted into the diffuser coupling groove formed in the vehicle rearview mirror, and the upper housing base can be formed larger than the size of the opening of the diffuser coupling groove.

[0018] Additionally, the upper housing side wall may include the guide rib formed to protrude along the longitudinal direction of the upper housing side wall, and the diffuser coupling groove may have a recessed guide groove into which the guide rib is inserted and coupled, and the guide rib may be fixed by engaging with the guide groove.

[0019] In addition, at least a portion of the circuit board can be fixed by being pressed by the lower housing and the upper housing.

[0020] Additionally, the plurality of the coupling arms may be spaced apart from each other by the width of the circuit board, and the circuit board may be inserted and fixed between the plurality of the coupling arms.

[0021] In addition, the circuit board may be formed as an FPCB.

[0022] The present invention can expect various effects including the following matters in accordance with the above technical solution. However, the present invention is not required to exhibit all of the following effects to be valid.

[0023] First, the light sensor can be placed at the desired location.

[0024] In addition, light can be evenly distributed across the light sensor.

[0025] In addition, the circuit board including the light sensor can be fixed more securely.

[0026] In addition, the upper housing can be easily and accurately attached to the car rearview mirror using the guide ribs.

[0027] In addition, by forming the circuit board as an FPCB, the automobile rearview mirror can be designed and assembled more freely.

[0028] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an assembled diffuser according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the assembled diffuser of FIG. 1.

[0030] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view along the cutting line III-III of FIG. 1,

[0031] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view along the cutting line IV-IV of FIG. 1,

[0032] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the lower housing of FIG. 2,

[0033] FIG. 6 is a top view of the lower housing of FIG. 5.

[0034] FIG. 7 is a front view of the lower housing of FIG. 5 as seen from the front.

[0035] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the upper housing of FIG. 2,

[0036] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view along the cutting line IX-IX of FIG. 8,

[0037] FIG. 10 is a side view of the upper housing of FIG. 8 from the side,

[0038] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the usage state of an assembled diffuser according to an embodiment of the present invention,

[0039] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view along the cutting line XII-XII of FIG. 11,

[0040] FIG. 13 is a perspective view illustrating the rearview mirror of the automobile shown in FIG. 11.

[0041] Hereinafter, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0042] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an assembled diffuser according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the assembled diffuser of FIG. 1, FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view along the cutting line III-III of FIG. 1, FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view along the cutting line IV-IV of FIG. 1, FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the lower housing (2100) of FIG. 2, FIG. 6 is a top view of the lower housing (2100) of FIG. 5, FIG. 7 is a front view of the lower housing (2100) of FIG. 5, FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the upper housing (2200) of FIG. 2, FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view along the cutting line IX-IX of FIG. 8, FIG. 10 is a side view of the upper housing (2200) of FIG. 8, FIG. Figure 11 is a diagram showing the usage state of an assembled diffuser according to an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view along the cutting line XII-XII of Figure 11, and Figure 13 is a perspective view showing the automobile rearview mirror (10) of Figure 11.

[0043] At this time, the automobile rearview mirror (10) shown in FIGS. 11 to 13 is only partially illustrated to explain the present invention, and the rest of the parts are omitted.

[0044] As illustrated in these drawings, an assembly-type diffuser according to one embodiment of the present invention is installed in a vehicle rearview mirror (10) and includes a circuit board (1000) on which an illuminance sensor (1100) is installed, and a housing (2000) that receives light from outside the vehicle rearview mirror (10) to the illuminance sensor (1100), diffuses it, and evenly transmits light to the illuminance sensor (1100). The housing (2000) is inserted into and fixed to the vehicle rearview mirror (10).

[0045] More specifically, a housing (2000) is inserted and fixed into a diffuser coupling groove (11) formed in a vehicle rearview mirror (10). Then, one side of a circuit board (1000) having an illuminance sensor (1100) installed inside the housing (2000) is inserted and fixed.

[0046] That is, the assembly type diffuser is fixedly secured to the vehicle by inserting the housing (2000) into the vehicle rearview mirror (10) and fixing it, and the light sensor (1100) is fixed inside the housing (2000), and light is evenly transmitted to the light sensor (1100) through the housing (2000). Therefore, there is no concern that the position of the light sensor (1100) will be misaligned due to vibration during vehicle operation, and it can be installed anywhere where a diffuser coupling groove (11) is formed in the vehicle rearview mirror (10), and light can be evenly transmitted to the light sensor (1100) by the housing (2000).

[0047] The circuit board (1000) is a PCB (Printed Circuit Board) designed to electrically connect electronic components. In particular, an electronic component called an illuminance sensor (1100) is installed on the circuit board (1000). The circuit board (1000) is formed in all forms, such as single layer, double layer, and multi-layer.

[0048] Additionally, it is preferable that the circuit board (1000) be formed as a Flexible PCB (FPCB). One side of the circuit board (1000) is fixed to the housing (2000), and the other side of the circuit board (1000) is connected to the control unit of the vehicle rearview mirror (10). If the circuit board (1000) is formed as an FPCB, the connection can be made more easily, and the design of the vehicle rearview mirror (10) can also be made easier. In other words, the design and manufacturing of the vehicle rearview mirror (10) become easier.

[0049] The light sensor (1100) detects the amount of ambient light and transmits it to the control unit of the vehicle rearview mirror (10) so that the brightness of the vehicle rearview mirror (10) or the illuminance of the digital display installed on the vehicle rearview mirror (10) is automatically adjusted. At this time, the light sensor (1100) is installed on one side of the circuit board (1000) and detects light that is evenly diffused through the housing (2000).

[0050] Additionally, the circuit board (1000) includes a fixing hole (1200) formed by penetrating one side of the circuit board (1000). The fixing hole (1200) is inserted into a fixing projection (2010) formed in the housing (2000), thereby allowing the circuit board (1000) to be firmly fixed to the housing (2000). Furthermore, since the circuit board (1000) is fixed by the fixing projection (2010), it is possible to prevent the circuit board (1000) from being installed in a crooked state, thereby preventing the light sensor (1100) from properly detecting light.

[0051] Additionally, as illustrated in FIG. 4, at least a portion of the circuit board (1000) is fixed by being pressed by the lower housing (2100) and the upper housing (2200). That is, the circuit board (1000) is fixed by the fixing hole (1200), inserted and fixed between a plurality of coupling arms (2120), and a portion is fixed by being pressed by the lower housing (2100) and the upper housing (2200). Thus, it can be fixed more firmly.

[0052] The housing (2000) surrounds and protects one side of the circuit board (1000) on which the light sensor (1100) is installed, and receives light from the outside of the vehicle rearview mirror (10), diffuses it, and transmits it to the light sensor (1100). In addition, the housing (2000) is coupled to and fixed to the vehicle rearview mirror (10). Thus, the entire assembly diffuser can be fixed to the vehicle rearview mirror (10) by means of the housing (2000).

[0053] More specifically, the housing (2000) consists of a lower housing (2100) and an upper housing (2200).

[0054] The lower housing (2100) is formed with a fixing projection (2010) protruding so that the circuit board (1000) is seated and fixed. As described above, a fixing hole (1200) formed in the circuit board (1000) is inserted into the fixing projection (2010), thereby allowing the circuit board (1000) to be properly and firmly fixed.

[0055] The lower housing (2100) further includes, in detail, a lower housing base (2110) and a connecting arm (2120).

[0056] The lower housing base (2110) is formed with a fixing projection (2010) protruding from its upper surface, and the coupling member (2120) is formed by protruding from the lower housing base (2110). The coupling member (2120) is coupled to a coupling groove (2210) formed in the upper housing (2200), thereby allowing the lower housing (2100) and the upper housing (2200) to be firmly fixed to each other.

[0057] At this time, it is preferable that the connecting arms (2120) be formed in multiple numbers. That is, at least two connecting arms (2120) are formed and connected to the upper housing (2200) at least two places to be more firmly fixed.

[0058] Additionally, it is preferable that the plurality of connecting arms (2120) be spaced apart from each other by the width of the circuit board (1000). Through this, the circuit board (1000) can be inserted and fixed between the plurality of connecting arms (2120). To explain in more detail, one side of the circuit board (1000) is fixed through the fixing hole (1200) and the fixing projection (2010), and in addition, the circuit board (1000) is inserted and fixed between the plurality of connecting arms (2120). That is, since the circuit board (1000) is fixed at two parts, the circuit board (1000) can be firmly fixed without fear of the circuit board (1000) becoming twisted.

[0059] In addition, the coupling arm (2120) specifically includes a coupling arm body (2121) formed in a cantilever shape protruding from the upper surface of the lower housing base (2230), and a coupling arm projection (2122) formed protruding from the coupling arm body (2121) and inserted into the coupling groove (2210). At this time, it is preferable that the coupling arm projection (2122) be formed in a shape that becomes thinner as it approaches the end. Through this, when the lower housing (2100) and the upper housing (2200) are coupled to each other, the coupling arm projection (2122) can be more easily inserted into the coupling groove (2210) and coupled.

[0060] The upper housing (2200) is combined with the lower housing (2100) to surround and protect one side of the circuit board (1000), and receives light from the outside of the car rearview mirror (10), diffuses it, and transmits it to the light sensor (1100).

[0061] More specifically, the upper housing (2200) is formed in a semi-cylindrical shape to accommodate a coupling arm (2120) inside, and a plurality of coupling grooves (2210) that are coupled to the coupling arm (2120) are formed in a recess on the inner surface, and an outer coupling projection (2220) that is coupled to the vehicle rearview mirror (10) is formed protruding on the outer surface. In addition, the upper housing (2200) includes an upper housing base (2230) and an upper housing side wall (2240).

[0062] The coupling groove (2210) is formed by being recessed from the inner surface of the upper housing (2200) to be coupled with the coupling arm (2120). More specifically, it is formed by being recessed from the inner surface of the upper housing side wall (2240).

[0063] At this time, it is preferable that the coupling groove (2210) be formed by penetrating the upper housing side wall (2240). Through this, when the coupling arm (2120) is coupled to the coupling groove (2210), the upper housing (2200) and the lower housing (2100) can be separated from each other by pushing the coupling arm (2120) from the outside. In other words, the separation process becomes easier.

[0064] The outer coupling projection (2220) is used to fix the upper housing (2200) so that it does not detach from the diffuser coupling groove (11) after the upper housing (2200) is inserted into the diffuser coupling groove (11), and it is engaged with the inner surface of the coupling groove (13) of the diffuser coupling groove (11) to support the inner surface of the coupling groove (13). That is, as described later, the upper housing (2200) is formed such that the upper housing base (2230) is larger than the opening of the diffuser coupling groove (11) and is engaged therewith, and the outer coupling projection (2220) is engaged with the inner surface of the coupling groove (13), thereby being supported and fixed in the vertical direction.

[0065] Accordingly, it is preferable that the distance between the outer coupling projection (2220) and the upper housing base (2230) be the same as the distance between the inner surface of the coupling groove (13) and the outer surface of the automobile rearview mirror (10).

[0066] The upper housing base (2230) is positioned in a direction opposite to the lower housing base (2110) to receive, diffuse, or refract light so that it can reach the light sensor (1100).

[0067] At this time, the upper housing base (2230) is preferably positioned opposite the lower housing base (2110) at an angle that can evenly transmit light to the light sensor (1100). That is, in relation to the light sensor (1100), it is positioned so that light can properly reach the light sensor (1100).

[0068] The upper housing base (2230) receives and diffuses light and is composed of a highly transparent material. Materials such as PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate) and PC (polycarbonate) may be used. Additionally, the outer side of the upper housing base (2230) may be coated or have a film attached to it to uniformly disperse light.

[0069] The upper housing side wall (2240) is formed integrally by extending in the height direction from the upper housing base (2230), and a plurality of coupling grooves (2210) are formed on the inner surface and an outer coupling projection (2220) is formed on the outer surface. That is, the coupling arm (2120) is wrapped by the upper housing side wall (2240), and the coupling arm (2120) is coupled and fixed to the coupling groove (2210) formed on the inner surface of the upper housing side wall (2240). Then, the upper housing (2200) is fixed to the vehicle rearview mirror (10) by the outer coupling projection (2220) formed on the outer surface of the upper housing side wall (2240).

[0070] Additionally, the upper housing side wall (2240) may further include a guide rib (2241) formed to protrude along the longitudinal direction of the upper housing side wall (2240). A guide groove (12) into which the guide rib (2241) is inserted and coupled is formed in the diffuser coupling groove (11), and the guide rib (2241) is secured by engaging with the guide groove (12). That is, by means of the guide rib (2241), when the upper housing (2200) is inserted into the diffuser coupling groove (11), it can enter the correct position at an accurate angle.

[0071] Below, the rearview mirror (10) of a car is described in more detail.

[0072] The vehicle rearview mirror (10) is a device installed inside a vehicle to allow the driver to observe the situation behind the vehicle, and is used in connection with an illuminance sensor (1100).

[0073] As shown in FIGS. 11 to 13, a diffuser coupling groove (11) and a guide groove (12) are formed in the automobile rearview mirror (10).

[0074] The diffuser coupling groove (11) is a place where an assembled diffuser according to one embodiment of the present invention is inserted and fixed, and is formed by being recessed on one side of the automobile rearview mirror (10). More specifically, the diffuser coupling groove (11) is a place where an upper housing (2200) is inserted and fixed. At this time, a guide groove (12) is formed by being recessed on one side of the diffuser coupling groove (11) so that the upper housing (2200) can be inserted into a more correct position at an accurate angle. A guide rib (2241) formed on the upper housing side wall (2240) engages with the guide groove (12).

[0075] Additionally, as shown in FIG. 12, an outer coupling projection (2240) formed on the upper housing side wall (2240) is caught on the inner surface of the coupling groove (13), and the upper housing (2200) is fixed to the automobile rearview mirror (10).

[0076] Therefore, if a diffuser coupling groove (11) is formed at a desired location among the vehicle rearview mirrors (10), an assembly type diffuser can be freely fixed at that location. Thus, the assembly sensor (1100) can be positioned at the desired location, and the assembly sensor (1100) can accurately detect light.

[0077] An embodiment of the present invention can be expected to have various effects including the following according to the above configuration. However, the present invention is not required to exhibit all of the following effects.

[0078] First, the light sensor (1100) can be placed at a desired location.

[0079] In addition, light can be evenly distributed to the light sensor (1100).

[0080] In addition, the circuit board (1000) including the light sensor (1100) can be fixed more securely.

[0081] In addition, the upper housing (2200) can be easily and accurately attached to the car rearview mirror (10) through the guide rib (2241).

[0082] In addition, the circuit board (1000) can be formed as an FPCB so that the car rearview mirror (10) can be designed and assembled more freely.

[0083] Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the attached drawings, the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations illustrated in the drawings are merely the most preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent all technical concepts of the present invention. Therefore, various equivalents and modifications that can replace them at the time of filing this application fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. In an assembly type diffuser installed in a vehicle rearview mirror (10), A circuit board (1000) on which an illuminance sensor (1100) is installed; and A housing (2000) that surrounds and protects one side of the circuit board (1000) on which the light sensor (1100) is installed, and receives light from outside the vehicle rearview mirror (10), diffuses it, and transmits it to the light sensor (1100); Includes, One side of the circuit board (1000) is fixed to the housing (2000), and The above housing (2000) is an assembly type diffuser characterized by being coupled to and fixed to the above automobile rearview mirror (10).

2. In Paragraph 1, The above circuit board (1000) is, A fixing hole (1200) formed by penetrating one side of the circuit board (1000); Includes more, The above housing (2000) is, A fixing projection (2010) inserted into the fixing hole (1200) to fix one side of the circuit board (1000); An assembled diffuser characterized by further including 3. In Paragraph 2, The above housing (2000) is, A lower housing (2100) on which the circuit board (1000) is seated, wherein the fixing projection (2010) is formed protruding from the upper surface; and An upper housing (2200) that is combined with the lower housing (2100) to surround and protect one side of the circuit board (1000), and receives light from outside the vehicle rearview mirror (10), diffuses it, and transmits it to the illuminance sensor (1100); An assembled diffuser characterized by further including 4. In Paragraph 3, The lower housing (2100) above is, A lower housing base (2110) having the fixing projection (2010) formed protruding from the upper surface; and A plurality of connecting arms (2120) formed protruding from the lower housing base (2110); Includes, The upper housing (2200) is formed in a semi-cylindrical shape to accommodate the coupling arm (2120) inside, and a plurality of coupling grooves (2210) that are coupled to the coupling arm (2120) are formed in a recess on the inner surface, and an outer coupling projection (2220) that is coupled to the vehicle rearview mirror (10) is formed protruding on the outer surface, characterized by an assembly type diffuser.

5. In Paragraph 4, The upper housing (2200) above is, An upper housing base (2230) positioned in a direction opposite to the lower housing base (2110) to receive and diffuse the light; and An upper housing side wall (2240) that is integrally formed by extending in the height direction from the upper housing base (2230), wherein the plurality of coupling grooves (2210) are formed on the inner surface and the outer coupling projection (2220) is formed on the outer surface; An assembled diffuser characterized by further including 6. In Paragraph 4, The above connecting arm (2120) is, A coupling arm body (2121) protruding from the upper surface of the lower housing base (2110) and formed in a cantilever shape; and A coupling arm projection (2122) formed protruding from the coupling arm body (2121) and inserted into the coupling groove (2210); An assembled diffuser characterized by including 7. In Paragraph 6, An assembly type diffuser characterized in that the above-mentioned connecting arm protrusion (2122) is formed in a shape that becomes progressively thinner towards the end.

8. In Paragraph 5, The upper housing (2200) is inserted into and fixed in the diffuser coupling groove (11) formed in the vehicle rearview mirror (10), and The above upper housing base (2230) is formed to be larger than the size of the opening of the diffuser coupling groove (11), in an assembled diffuser.

9. In Paragraph 8, The upper housing side wall (2240) above is, Guide ribs (2241) formed protruding along the length direction of the upper housing side wall (2240); Includes, An assembly type diffuser characterized in that a guide groove (12) into which the guide rib (2241) is inserted and coupled is formed in the diffuser coupling groove (11), and the guide rib (2241) is engaged and fixed in the guide groove (12).

10. In Paragraph 3, An assembled diffuser characterized in that at least a portion of the circuit board (1000) is fixed by being pressed by the lower housing (2100) and the upper housing (2200).

11. In Paragraph 4, The plurality of coupling arms (2120) are spaced apart from each other by the width of the circuit board (1000), and An assembly type diffuser characterized in that the circuit board (1000) is inserted and fixed between the plurality of coupling arms (2120).

12. In Paragraph 1, An assembled diffuser characterized in that the circuit board (1000) is formed from an FPCB.

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