KR102626250B1 - Lighting apparatus for vehicle and method for using the lighting apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

A lighting device for a vehicle according to an embodiment includes a light source, a reflector that reflects light emitted from the light source forward, and a plurality of liquid crystals arranged to transmit the light emitted from the light source and the light reflected from the reflector to be irradiated in a target direction. It includes a lens plate containing a polymer and a main control unit that adjusts the arrangement form of the plurality of liquid crystal polymers by applying a control voltage generated corresponding to the target direction in which light is to be irradiated to the lens plate.

Description

Lighting apparatus for vehicle and method for using the lighting apparatus}

The embodiment relates to a lighting device for a vehicle and a method of using the same.

In general, vehicle lights have a light irradiation function as their main purpose, and the irradiation distance of the light emitted from the light and the distribution of the light source are fixed. Automotive lighting devices that drive these lights to emit light require an actuator as a separate motor control device. Because of this, there is a problem that not only the overall volume of the lighting device increases, but also the manufacturing cost increases.

The embodiment provides a lighting device for a vehicle that is thin, light, and has improved light efficiency, and a method of using the same.

A lighting device for a vehicle according to one embodiment includes a light source; a reflection unit that reflects light emitted from the light source forward; a lens plate including a plurality of liquid crystal polymers arranged to transmit light emitted from the light source and light reflected from the reflector to be irradiated in a target direction; and a main control unit that adjusts the arrangement form of the plurality of liquid crystal polymers by applying a control voltage generated corresponding to the target direction in which light is to be irradiated to the lens plate.

For example, the lens plate may include a plurality of lens plates arranged to be spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance along a path through which light is irradiated.

For example, the vehicle lighting device further includes a distance adjusting unit that adjusts the predetermined distance by moving one of the plurality of lens plates in response to a distance control signal, and the main control unit converges the light irradiated. The distance control signal may be generated in response to the focus position.

For example, the target direction includes at least one of a transverse direction or a longitudinal direction, wherein the longitudinal direction includes a first focus position spaced a first distance from the lens plate; and a second focus position spaced apart from the lens plate by a second distance greater than the first distance.

For example, the vehicle lighting device may include: a light blocking unit disposed on a path along which light travels between the reflector and the lens plate and blocking a portion of the light traveling to the lens plate; And it may further include a blocking control unit that adjusts the position of the light blocking unit to determine the range of the light to be blocked.

For example, the lens plate may include first and second plates disposed opposite each other on a path along which light travels and having light transparency; a common electrode disposed on a first side of the first plate facing the second plate; and a plurality of individual electrodes spaced apart from each other on a second surface of the second plate facing the first surface, wherein the plurality of liquid crystal polymers are respectively disposed between the plurality of individual electrodes and the common electrode. And, the control voltage may be applied to the common electrode and the plurality of individual electrodes, respectively.

For example, the lens plate may further include a passivation portion disposed between the individual electrode and the second surface of the second plate.

For example, the main control unit may include a voltage generator that generates the control voltage; a plurality of switches disposed between the control voltage of the voltage generator and each of the plurality of individual electrodes of the lens plate and switching in response to a switching control signal; and a switching control unit that generates the switching control signal in accordance with the target direction in which the light is to be irradiated.

For example, the lens plate may further include sub-electrodes disposed between the plurality of individual electrodes and spaced apart from neighboring individual electrodes.

For example, each of the first and second plates may include glass, and each of the common electrode and the plurality of individual electrodes may include a light-transmitting conductive layer.

According to another embodiment, a method of using the lighting device according to claim 1 in a vehicle that performs a plurality of functions includes irradiating light through the lighting device mounted on the vehicle; Obtaining a sensing value required when performing at least one of the plurality of functions by sensing the surroundings of the vehicle; calculating the target direction in which light is irradiated using the sensing value; and arranging the plurality of liquid crystal polymers using the calculated target direction.

The vehicle lighting device and method of using the same according to the embodiment have a low production cost, are small in volume, can be implemented in a thin form, are lightweight, can focus and irradiate light in a desired direction, and reduce absorbed light loss. Pointing luminance (i.e., luminance in the focus area) can be increased.

Figure 1 shows a conceptual diagram of a lighting device for a vehicle according to an embodiment.
Figures 2a and 2b show cross-sectional views of an example of the lens plate shown in Figure 1.
3 (a) and (b) are diagrams for explaining an exemplary arrangement form of a plurality of liquid crystal polymers arranged under the control of a main control unit.
Figures 4 to 7 show light being emitted from a lens plate in different target directions.
Figure 8 shows a conceptual diagram of a vehicle lighting device according to another embodiment.
Figures 9 (a) and (b) show a perspective view to explain AFLS of a vehicle.
Figure 10 shows a top view for explaining AFLS of a vehicle.
Figure 11 shows a perspective view to explain the HBA function of the vehicle
FIG. 12 is a flowchart for explaining a method of using a vehicle lighting device according to an embodiment.
Figure 13 is a conceptual diagram of a lighting device for a vehicle according to a comparative example.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described with reference to embodiments to specifically explain the present invention, and will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings to aid understanding of the invention. However, the embodiments according to the present invention may be modified into various other forms, and the scope of the present invention should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments described in detail below. Embodiments of the present invention are provided to more completely explain the present invention to those with average knowledge in the art.

In the description of this embodiment, in the case where it is described as being formed "on or under" each element, it is indicated as being formed "on or under" ( “on or under” includes both elements that are in direct contact with each other or one or more other elements that are formed (indirectly) between the two elements.

Additionally, when expressed as “above” or “on or under,” it can include not only the upward direction but also the downward direction based on one element.

In addition, relational terms such as “first” and “second,” “upper/upper/above” and “lower/lower/bottom” used below refer to any physical or logical relationship or relationship between such entities or elements. It may be used to distinguish one entity or element from another entity or element, without necessarily requiring or implying order.

Hereinafter, vehicle lighting devices 100A and 100B according to embodiments will be described with reference to the attached drawings. For convenience, the vehicle lighting devices 100A and 100B are described using a Cartesian coordinate system (x-axis, y-axis, z-axis), but of course, they can also be described using other coordinate systems. Additionally, according to the Cartesian coordinate system, the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis are orthogonal to each other, but the embodiment is not limited thereto. That is, the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis may intersect each other.

Figure 1 shows a conceptual diagram of a vehicle lighting device 100A according to an embodiment.

The vehicle lighting device 100A shown in FIG. 1 may include a light source 110, a reflector 120, a lens plate 130, and a main control unit 140.

The light source 110 serves to emit light. For example, the light source 110 may be an incandescent lamp, a halogen lamp, a xenon gas discharge lamp, a light emitting diode (LED), or a high intensity discharge lamp (HID). It may be an Intensity Discharge Lamp or a Laser Diode (LD), and the embodiment is not limited to a specific form of the light source 110.

Additionally, the light source 110 may correspond to various lights attached to a vehicle. For example, the light source 110 may correspond to any one of low beam lights, high beam lights, daytime running lights, fog lights, side lights, or rear combination lights.

The reflector 120 reflects light emitted from the light source 110 forward. When the light source 110 is a non-directional light source that does not emit light in a specific direction, the light emitted from the light source 110 can be emitted forward, that is, in the +x-axis direction, by disposing the reflector 120. To this end, the light source 110 may be placed at a midpoint inside the reflector 120 as shown in FIG. 1, but the embodiment is not limited thereto. That is, if the light emitted from the light source 110 is reflected by the reflector 120 and can be emitted forward, the light source 110 can be placed at various points on the reflector 120.

Additionally, the reflector 120 may have an oval shape to reflect the light emitted from the light source 110 forward, but the embodiment is not limited to the specific shape of the reflector 120.

Additionally, the lighting device 100A according to the embodiment may further include a light blocking unit 160 and a blocking control unit 170.

The light blocking unit 160 is disposed on a path along which light travels between the reflecting unit 120 and the lens plate 130, and serves to block a portion of the light traveling to the lens plate 130. In order to prevent light from being radiated downward to the vehicle, the light blocking unit 160 blocks at least the light directed toward the bottom of the lens plate 130 among the light emitted from the light source 110 and the light reflected from the reflector 120. Some may be blocked.

The blocking control unit 170 may adjust the position of the light blocking unit 160 to determine the range of light blocked by the light blocking unit 160. For example, the blocking control unit 170 may rotate the light blocking unit 160 in the direction indicated by arrow A1 to determine the range of light blocked by the light blocking unit 160. That is, under the control of the blocking control unit 170, when the light blocking unit 160 rotates counterclockwise, the range of light blocked by the light blocking unit 160 narrows, and when rotating clockwise, the light blocking unit 160 ( 160), the range of light blocked can be expanded.

In some cases, the light blocking unit 160 and the blocking control unit 170 may be omitted.

Meanwhile, the lens plate 130 is a plurality of liquid crystal polymers arranged to transmit the light emitted from the light source 110 and the light reflected from the reflector 120 and irradiated in a desired direction (hereinafter referred to as 'target direction'). may include.

Here, the target direction may be at least one of the horizontal direction and the vertical direction. The lateral direction may be right or left with respect to the x-axis shown in FIG. 1. The longitudinal direction may be the first or second focal position. Here, the first focus position (F1) is a position where light emitted from the lens plate 130 by a first distance (x1) converges, and the second focus position (F2) is a position from the lens plate 130. This may be a location where light radiated to a location spaced apart by a second distance (x2) converges. Here, the second distance (x2) is greater than the first distance (x1).

FIG. 2A shows a cross-sectional view of one embodiment 130A of the lens plate 130 shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 2B shows a cross-sectional view of another embodiment 130B of the lens plate 130 shown in FIG. 1. indicates.

Each of the lens plates 130A and 130B shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B includes first and second plates 210 and 220, a common electrode 230, a plurality of individual electrodes 240, and a plurality of liquid crystal polymers. (LCP: Liquid Crystal Polymer) (or, liquid crystal molecule or polymer) (LCP1 to LCP4) may be included.

The first plate 210 and the second plate 220 may be disposed to face each other on a path along which light travels. Each of the first and second plates 210 and 220 may have light transparency. For example, the material of each of the first and second plates 210 and 220 may include glass, but the embodiment is not limited thereto.

The common electrode 230 may be disposed on the first surface S1 of the first plate 210 facing the second plate 220 .

A plurality of individual electrodes 240 may be disposed on the second surface S2 of the second plate 220 to be spaced apart from each other. Here, the second surface S2 of the second plate 220 is defined as the surface facing the first surface S1 of the first plate 210. The lens plate 130A shown in FIG. 2A includes a plurality of individual electrodes 240:242, 244, 246, and 248 arranged in a single-layer form, and the lens plate 130B shown in FIG. 2b is arranged in a multi-layer form. It may include a plurality of individual electrodes (240:242, 243, 244, 245, 246, 247, 248).

The aberration of the lens plate 130A serving as a lens is determined according to the distance between the plurality of individual electrodes 240:242, 244, 246, and 248 shown in FIG. 2A, that is, the pitch (Δz1) of the electrodes. It can be increased. Likewise, the aberration of the lens plate 130B serving as a lens according to the distance between the plurality of individual electrodes 240:243, 245, and 247 shown in FIG. 2B, that is, the pitch (Δz2) of the electrodes. can be increased.

A plurality of liquid crystal polymers (LCP1 to LCP4) are respectively disposed between the plurality of individual electrodes (240:242 to 248) and the common electrode 230, and Its phase can change due to the potential difference between the two. For example, the first liquid crystal polymer (LCP1) is disposed between the common electrode 230 and the first individual electrode 242, and the phase of the first liquid crystal polymer (LCP1) can be changed by the potential difference between them (230 and 242). , the second liquid crystal polymer (LCP2) is disposed between the common electrode 230 and the second individual electrode 244 so that its phase (LCP2) can be changed by the potential difference between them (230, 244), and the third The liquid crystal polymer (LCP3) is disposed between the common electrode 230 and the third individual electrode 246 so that the phase of the liquid crystal polymer (LCP3) can be changed by the potential difference between the common electrode 230 and the third individual electrode 246, and the fourth liquid crystal polymer (LCP3) LCP4) is disposed between the common electrode 230 and the fourth individual electrode 248, and its phase can be changed by the potential difference between them (230, 248).

Hereinafter, the normal direction of the first or second surfaces S1 and S2, that is, the thickness direction (e.g., x-axis direction) of the first or second plates 210 and 220, is referred to as the 'vertical direction', The direction perpendicular to the vertical direction (eg, z-axis direction) is referred to as the 'horizontal direction'.

The phase of the liquid crystal polymers (LCP1 to LCP4) changes, so that the liquid crystal polymers can be arranged vertically, horizontally, or between the horizontal and vertical directions as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B.

The liquid crystal polymers (LCP1 to LCP4) arranged in the horizontal direction may block the passage of light, and the liquid crystal polymers (LCP1 to LCP4) arranged in the vertical direction may allow the passage of light in the vertical direction. Alternatively, liquid crystal polymers (LCP1 to LCP4) arranged between the horizontal and vertical directions may allow light to propagate between the horizontal and vertical directions. Ultimately, as the phase of the liquid crystal polymers (LCP1 to LCP4) changes, the target direction in which light is irradiated may change. That is, when the liquid crystal polymer (LCP) is arranged in the vertical direction, light can be transmitted in the vertical direction, and when the liquid crystal polymer (LCP) is arranged in the horizontal direction, light cannot be transmitted in the vertical direction. ) are arranged at a predetermined angle from the vertical direction (e.g., x-axis direction) toward the horizontal direction, light may be transmitted at a predetermined angle by the inclined liquid crystal polymer.

For the above-described operations, the physical properties of each of a plurality of liquid crystal polymers may be determined. For example, the viscosity, which is one of the physical properties of each of the plurality of liquid crystal polymers, may be 9.5 or more when the liquid crystal polymers are arranged in the vertical direction, and may be 3.3 or less when the liquid crystal polymers are arranged in the horizontal direction. However, in the embodiment, the specific viscosity of each liquid crystal polymer is not limited to

In addition, the liquid crystal polymer has optical anisotropy, and other physical properties of each of the plurality of liquid crystal polymers include an abnormal refractive index (n _e ) (where 'e' is an abbreviation for extraordinary) and a normal refractive index (n _o ) (here, 'o' is an abbreviation for orginary). For example, the abnormal refractive index (n _e ) may be 1.6128 and the normal refractive index (n _o ) may be 1.2128, but the embodiment is not limited to specific values of the abnormal refractive index (n _e ) and normal refractive index (n _o ).

In addition, the space in which the liquid crystal polymer is disposed between the common electrode 230 and the plurality of individual electrodes 240:242 to 248 may be vacuum or filled with a paste-type material, but the embodiment may be based on a specific shape of this space. is not limited to

FIGS. 2A and 2B are diagrams to explain the concept of the lens plate 130 shown in FIG. 1. In FIG. 2A, four individual electrodes 242, 244, 246, and 248 and four liquid crystal polymers (LCP1 to LCP1) are shown. Although only LCP4) is illustrated, the number of individual electrodes and liquid crystal polymers can be greater than four. For example, in the case of Figure 2b, only seven individual electrodes (242, 243, 244, 245, 246, 247, 248) and four liquid crystal polymers (LCP1 to LCP4) are illustrated.

Additionally, the number of liquid crystal polymers and the number of individual electrodes may be the same as shown in FIG. 2A or may be different as shown in FIG. 2B.

Each of the common electrode 230 and the plurality of individual electrodes 240:242 to 248 may be implemented with a material having both light transparency and electrical conductivity. For example, each of the common electrode 230 and the plurality of individual electrodes 240:242 to 248 may be made of a light-transmitting conductive layer (eg, ITO), but the embodiment is not limited thereto.

Additionally, as shown in FIG. 2A, the lens plate 130A may further include a first passivation portion 260. The first passivation part 260 may be disposed between the individual electrodes 240:242 to 248 and the second surface S2 of the second plate 220.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 2B, the lens plate 130B further includes a second passivation portion 262 disposed between the individual electrodes 242, 244, 246, and 248 on the first passivation portion 260. It can be included. In this case, the individual electrodes 243, 245, and 247 may be disposed on the second passivation portion 262.

Additionally, according to another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2A, the lens plate 130A may further include sub-electrodes 250:252 to 256. The sub-electrodes 252 to 256 may be disposed between the plurality of individual electrodes 242 to 248 and spaced apart from neighboring individual electrodes. That is, the first sub-electrode 252 may be disposed between the first and second individual electrodes 242 and 244 that are adjacent to each other and spaced apart from the first and second individual electrodes 242 and 244 . The first and second passivation units 260 and 262 serve to prevent electrical short-circuiting due to leakage current when voltage is applied to the individual electrodes 240. In FIGS. 2A and 2B, voltage is applied to the individual electrodes 242, 244, 246, and 248 via the first passivation unit 260, and in FIG. 2B, voltage is applied via the first and second passivation units 260 and 262. Thus, voltage can be applied to the individual electrodes 243, 245, and 247, but the embodiment is not limited to this.

As shown in FIG. 2B, when the individual electrodes 240 are arranged in a multi-layer form, the liquid crystal polymer can be controlled more precisely.

Hereinafter, the lens plate 130 will be described as being implemented as shown in FIG. 2A, but the following description can also be applied when the lens plate 130 is implemented as shown in FIG. 2B.

Meanwhile, referring again to FIG. 1, the main control unit 140 generates a control voltage corresponding to the target direction and applies the generated control voltage (CV) to the lens plate 130 to control a plurality of liquid crystal polymers (LCP1 to LCP4). ) can be adjusted. To this end, the number of control voltages (CV) generated by the main control unit 140 is equal to the number of individual electrodes 240:242 to 248. That is, a plurality of control voltages (CV) are applied to one common electrode 230 and a plurality of individual electrodes 242 to 248, respectively.

The potential difference between the common electrode 230 and the plurality of individual electrodes 242 to 248 is changed by the control voltage (CV), and the phase of the corresponding liquid crystal polymer may be changed corresponding to the changed potential difference.

Figures 3 (a) and (b) are diagrams for explaining an exemplary arrangement of a plurality of liquid crystal polymers (LCPs) under the control of the main control unit 140.

Figure 3 (a) shows an actual cross-sectional view of the lens plate 130 shown in Figure 1, and Figure 3 (b) shows the configuration of the main control unit 140 and the potential difference between the common electrode 230 and the individual electrode 240 ( This is a drawing to explain PO). Each switch shown in FIG. 3 (b) may be connected to each individual electrode 240 shown in FIG. 3 (a).

According to the embodiment, the main control unit 140 shown in FIG. 1 may include a voltage generator 142, a plurality of switches 144, and a switching control unit 146, as shown in FIG. 3 (b). there is.

The voltage generator 142 may generate a control voltage (CV) and output it to a plurality of switching units 144 and the common electrode 230 . Here, the number of control voltages (CV) generated by the voltage generator 142, the number of individual electrodes 140, and the number of switches 144 may be the same.

The plurality of switches 144 are disposed between the control voltage (CV) output from the voltage generator 142 and each of the plurality of individual electrodes 240:242 to 248 of the lens plate 130, and receive a switching control signal ( S) performs a switching operation in response. Here, the number of switching control signals S is equal to the number of switches 144. Accordingly, the plurality of switches 144 may individually perform switching operations.

The switching control unit 146 generates a switching control signal (S) corresponding to the target direction in which light is to be irradiated from the lens plate 130, and outputs the generated switching control signal (S) to a plurality of switches 144. .

Accordingly, as the plurality of switches 144 are individually switched on or off, the phases of the plurality of liquid crystal polymers LCP1 to LCP4 may be varied.

In the case of FIG. 3 (a), it is assumed that the liquid crystal polymer (LCP) is aligned in the vertical direction when the switch is switched off, but the embodiment is not limited thereto. That is, according to another embodiment, the liquid crystal polymer (LCP) may be aligned in the vertical direction when the switch is switched on.

Additionally, when the switch is switched on, the liquid crystal polymer (LCP) may vary in phase depending on the level of the control voltage (CV).

For example, as shown in FIG. 3 (b), the control voltage (CV) is applied to the plurality of individual electrodes 240 by the switching on/switching off operation of the switch 144, and the control voltage (CV) is applied to the plurality of individual electrodes 240, As shown, when a plurality of liquid crystal polymers (LCPs) are arranged, the lens plate 130 may function as a convex lens LS. In other words, the lens plate 130 can perform the same role as a folded lens, that is, a Fresnel lens, which has the same effect as a convex lens by reducing aberrations through prism action.

Accordingly, as the plurality of liquid crystal polymers (LCPs) are arranged in various shapes according to the control voltage (CV), the target direction in which the light transmitted from the lens plate 130 is irradiated may be changed.

4 to 7 show light being emitted from the lens plate 130 in different target directions. Figures 4 and 5 show the liquid crystal polymer arrangement of the portion shown in Figure 3 (b), and Figure 6 (a) shows the lens plate 130 shown in Figure 6 (b) as a Fresnel lens 130. , and FIG. 7 (a) shows the lens plate 130 shown in FIG. 7 (b) as a Fresnel lens 130.

When the control voltage (CV) is applied and a plurality of liquid crystal polymers (LCP) are arranged as shown in FIG. 4, light emitted from the lens plate 130 (for example, a low beam or high beam of a vehicle) can be investigated in the target direction to the left based on the vertical direction.

When the control voltage (CV) is applied and a plurality of liquid crystal polymers (LCP) are arranged as shown in FIG. 5, light emitted from the lens plate 130 (for example, a low beam or high beam of a vehicle) can be investigated in the target direction to the right based on the vertical direction.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, light output from the lens plate 130 may be irradiated in a variable manner in the horizontal direction.

When the control voltage (CV) is applied and a plurality of liquid crystal polymers (LCP) are arranged as shown in FIG. 6, the light emitted from the lens plate 130 is irradiated in a vertical direction, but at the first focus position (F1). ) can be investigated. That is, light may converge to the first focus position F1.

When the control voltage (CV) is applied and a plurality of liquid crystal polymers (LCP) are arranged as shown in FIG. 7, the light emitted from the lens plate 130 is irradiated in the vertical direction, but at the second focus position (F2) ) can be investigated. That is, light may converge to the second focus position F2.

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, light output from the lens plate 130 may be irradiated in a longitudinal direction.

Figure 8 shows a conceptual diagram of a vehicle lighting device 100B according to another embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 8, the vehicle lighting device 100B includes a light source 110, a reflector 120, a plurality of lens plates 132 and 134, a main control unit 140, a distance adjustment unit 150, and a light blocking unit ( 160) and a blocking control unit 170.

Unlike the vehicle lighting device 100A shown in FIG. 1, the vehicle lighting device 100B shown in FIG. 8 includes a plurality of lens plates 132 and 134 and further includes a distance adjusting unit 150. Except for this, the vehicle lighting device 100B shown in FIG. 8 is the same as the vehicle lighting device 100A shown in FIG. 1. That is, the light source 110, the reflector 120, the main control unit 140, the light blocking unit 160, and the blocking control unit 170 shown in FIG. 8 are the light source 110 shown in FIG. 1, the reflecting unit ( 120), the main control unit 140, the light blocking unit 160, and the blocking control unit 170, respectively.

Therefore, the same reference numerals are used for the same parts and redundant descriptions are omitted. That is, the description of the vehicle lighting device 100A shown in FIG. 1 may be applied to parts whose description is omitted in the vehicle lighting device 100B shown in FIG. 8.

In FIG. 8, the plurality of lens plates 132 and 134 may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance (Δx) on a path through which light is irradiated. Here, it is illustrated that the number of lens plates is two, but the embodiment is not limited thereto. That is, of course, three or more lens plates can be arranged.

Each of the plurality of lens plates 132 and 134 may have the same configuration and perform the same operation as the lens plate 130 shown in FIG. 1 . That is, each of the plurality of lens plates 132 and 134 has a configuration as shown in FIG. 2A or 2B, and can irradiate light to a desired focus position in a desired target direction as shown in FIGS. 4 to 7. there is.

Additionally, the physical properties of the liquid crystal polymer included in the plurality of lens plates 132 and 134 may be different from each other or may be the same. That is, the physical properties (e.g., viscosity, n _e , n _o, etc.) of the liquid crystal polymer included in the first lens plate 132 may be the same as those of the liquid crystal polymer included in the second lens plate 134. It may be possible, or it may be different.

The distance adjusting unit 150 moves any one of the plurality of lens plates 132 and 134 in the direction indicated by the arrow A2 (for example, x) in response to the distance control signal DC output from the main control unit 140. axial direction), the predetermined distance (Δx) at which the plurality of lens plates 132 and 134 are spaced apart from each other can be variably adjusted. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, the distance adjusting unit 150 may move the first lens plate 132 in the x-axis direction, and unlike shown in FIG. 8, the distance adjusting unit 150 may move the second lens plate 132. The plate 134 may be moved in the x-axis direction.

When the target direction is the vertical direction, the main control unit 140 may generate a distance control signal DC in response to the focal distance at which light is to be irradiated and output the distance control signal DC to the distance adjustment unit 150. As the predetermined distance (Δx) at which the plurality of lens plates 132 and 134 are spaced apart from each other increases, the focal length becomes farther away from the first lens plate 132, and the predetermined distance at which the plurality of lens plates 132 and 134 are spaced apart from each other increases. As (Δx) decreases, the focal distance becomes closer to the first lens plate 132.

For example, when wanting to irradiate light to the third focus position (F3), the main controller 140 moves the first or second lens plates 132 and 134 through the distance control signal (DC) to a predetermined position. Decrease the distance (Δx). Alternatively, when wanting to irradiate light to the fourth focus position (F4), the main control unit 140 moves the first or second lens plates 132 and 134 through the distance control signal (DC) to a predetermined distance ( Increase Δx). That is, the longitudinal direction may be the third or fourth focus position (F3, F4). Here, the third focus position (F3) is the position where the light emitted from the first lens plate 132 by a third distance (x3) converges, and the fourth focus position (F4) is the position where the light is spaced apart from the first lens plate 132 by a third distance (x3). This may be a location where the irradiated light converges to a location spaced apart from (132) by a fourth distance (x4). Here, the fourth distance (x4) is greater than the third distance (x3).

As shown in FIG. 8, when a plurality of lens plates 132 and 134 are arranged, the focal length can be increased like a telephoto lens.

The main control unit 140 outputs a plurality of control voltages to the plurality of lens plates 132 and 134, respectively. That is, the main control unit 140 may output the first control voltage CV1 to the first lens plate 132 and the second control voltage CV2 to the second lens plate 134. Similar to the way the lens plate 130 operates by the control voltage (CV) in FIG. 1, the first lens plate 132 operates by the first control voltage (CV1) and operates by the second control voltage (CV2). The second lens plate 134 operates.

Hereinafter, application examples of the above-described vehicle lighting devices 100A and 100B will be examined with reference to the attached drawings.

Figures 9 (a) and (b) show a perspective view to explain the Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFLS) of a vehicle. Figure 10 shows a top view for explaining AFLS of a vehicle. Here, AFLS refers to a system that controls the irradiation direction of the light (or lamp) of the vehicle 300, that is, the target direction in the lateral direction, in conjunction with the steering of the vehicle 300.

When the vehicle 300 moves forward, the target direction of the lights of the vehicle 300 is forward, as shown in FIGS. 9 (a) and 10. Accordingly, the light may radiate light forward to illuminate the first irradiation area LA1.

However, as shown in FIG. 9 (b), when the vehicle 300 operates the steering to turn to the right, the target direction of the lights of the vehicle 300 is horizontal and to the right relative to the front. Accordingly, the light from the light may be irradiated to the right based on the front to illuminate the second irradiation area LA2. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 10, when the vehicle 300 operates the steering to turn to the left, the target direction of the lights of the vehicle 300 is horizontal, which is left relative to the front. Accordingly, light from the light may be irradiated to the left based on the front to illuminate the third irradiation area LA3.

As described above, when the target direction of light emitted from the vehicle 300 is the horizontal direction, the vehicle lighting devices 100A and 100B according to the embodiment can be usefully used.

That is, as shown in FIG. 10, when attempting to turn the vehicle 300 to the left, the main control unit 140, which detects the steering operation, controls the lens plate (S) through the control voltage (CV) and switching control signal (S). The plurality of liquid crystal polymers included in 130) can be arranged as shown in FIG. 4 so that light is irradiated to the third irradiation area LA3 in the target direction on the left with respect to the front.

Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 9 (b), when the vehicle 300 is to be turned to the right, the main control unit 140, which detects the steering operation, uses the control voltage (CV) and the switching control signal (S). A plurality of liquid crystal polymers included in the lens plate 130 can be arranged as shown in FIG. 5 so that light is irradiated to the second irradiation area LA2 in the target direction on the right side with respect to the front.

Figure 11 shows a perspective view to explain the HBA (High Beam Assist) function of a vehicle. Here, the HBA function is a function that monitors the external environment while the vehicle is driving, that is, detects changes in external illumination and selectively switches between high beams and low beams when driving at night. In FIG. 11, the upper side indicates that the HBA function is “ON” and a high beam is emitted, and the lower side indicates that the HBA function is “OFF” and a low beam is emitted.

As such, when the target direction of light emitted from the vehicle 300 is the longitudinal direction, the vehicle lighting devices 100A and 100B according to the embodiment can be usefully used.

That is, the main control unit 140, which detects that the HBA function is “OFF,” controls a plurality of liquid crystal polymers included in the lens plate 130 through the control voltage (CV) and the switching control signal (S), as shown in FIG. By arranging as shown, the low beam can be irradiated in the target direction of the first or third focus position (F1, F3) of the vehicle 300 as shown below in FIG. 11.

Alternatively, the main control unit 140, which detects that the HBA function is “ON,” controls a plurality of liquid crystal polymers included in the lens plate 130 through the control voltage (CV) and the switching control signal (S) as shown in FIG. 7. By arranging as shown, the high beam can be irradiated in the target direction of the second or fourth focus position (F2, F4) of the vehicle 300 as shown above in FIG. 11.

Additionally, the vehicle lighting device according to the above-described embodiment can be used as follows.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart for explaining a method 400 of using a lighting device for a vehicle according to an embodiment.

First, a vehicle using the vehicle lighting devices 100A and 100B according to the embodiment can perform multiple functions. For example, multiple functions include a smart cruise control (SCC) function, a blind spot detection (BSD) function, a lane departure warning system (LDWS) function, and a lane change assist system ( It may be a Lane Change Assist System (LCAS) function, an Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) function, or a Forward Collision Warning System (FCWS) function.

Light is irradiated through lighting devices 100A and 100B mounted on the vehicle (step 410).

After step 410, the sensing value required when performing at least one function (hereinafter referred to as ‘target function’) among a plurality of functions is acquired by sensing the surroundings of the vehicle (step 420).

After step 420, the target direction in which the light is irradiated is calculated (or determined) using the sensing value (step 430).

After step 430, a plurality of liquid crystal polymers (LCPs) are arranged using the calculated target direction (step 440).

For example, assume that the vehicle lighting devices 100A and 100B emit a high beam as shown in FIG. 7 (step 410).

In order to perform the SCC, AEB, or FCWS function among a plurality of functions at night, the presence of a preceding vehicle in front of the driving vehicle may be sensed, and a sensing value resulting from the sensing may be obtained (step 420).

At this time, when it is determined through the sensing value that a vehicle preceding the vehicle exists in front of the vehicle, the target direction in which the light will be irradiated is determined as the first or third focus position (F1, F3) (step 430).

The liquid crystal polymer is arranged so that the low beam is irradiated as shown in FIG. 6 according to the target direction determined in step 430 (step 440).

Hereinafter, a lighting device for a vehicle according to a comparative example and a lighting device for a vehicle according to an embodiment will be compared and described with reference to the attached drawings.

Figure 13 is a conceptual diagram of a lighting device for a vehicle according to a comparative example, including a light source 110, a reflection unit 120, a light blocking unit 160, a blocking control unit 170, a condenser lens 500, and an actuator ( 510).

Unlike the vehicle lighting device 100A according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the vehicle lighting device according to the comparative example shown in FIG. 13 includes a condenser lens 500 instead of the lens plate 130, and a condenser lens ( It further includes an actuator 510 that operates to change the direction of light irradiation by manipulating the light irradiation direction 500). Except for this, the vehicle lighting device according to the comparative example shown in FIG. 13 is the same as the vehicle lighting device 100A according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, and therefore, overlapping description of the same parts will be omitted. That is, the light source 110, the reflector 120, the light blocking unit 160, and the blocking control unit 170 shown in FIG. 13 are the light source 110, the reflecting unit 120, and the light blocking unit shown in FIG. 1. Corresponds to 160 and blocking control unit 170, respectively.

The vehicle lighting device according to the comparative example requires a separate actuator 510 to irradiate the light emitted from the condenser lens 500 in the horizontal or vertical direction. Here, the actuator 510 may move the converging lens 500 to adjust the irradiation angle at which the light emitted from the light source 110 is irradiated.

On the other hand, the lighting devices 100A and 100B according to the embodiment can change the target direction in which the light is irradiated to the horizontal or vertical direction by only adjusting the arrangement of the plurality of liquid crystal polymers. Accordingly, the lighting devices 100A and 100B according to the embodiment do not require a separate actuator to change the direction in which light is irradiated. Therefore, the manufacturing cost of the vehicle lighting device according to the embodiment can be reduced and the volume can be reduced.

In addition, while the lens plates 130 and 130A of the lighting devices 100A and 100B according to the embodiment are a type of Fresnel lens as described above, the lighting device according to the comparative example shown in FIG. 13 has a condenser lens 500. Use . In general, Fresnel lenses have a large diameter and short focal length, but are lighter and occupy less volume than condensing lenses. In addition, when trying to obtain a large amount of light through a condenser lens, the focal length is short, and the condenser lens is thick in the direction in which light passes through the lens, making it heavy and increasing the degree of light absorption by the lens, which reduces efficiency. On the other hand, a Fresnel lens is easy to focus light in a desired direction, and the thickness of the lens is constant. Considering this, the lens plates 130 and 130A are thinner and lighter than the condenser lens 500 of the same diameter and can transmit more light, and the light can be focused and irradiated in a desired direction. That is, the lighting devices 100A and 100B according to the embodiment include thin lens plates 130 and 130A instead of the thick condenser lens 500, so they can be implemented in a thin form, and the overall thickness is thin, so the lens plate 130 , 130A), the light loss absorbed is reduced, and the pointing luminance (i.e., the luminance in the focus area) can be increased.

The various embodiments described above may be combined with each other as long as they do not deviate from the purpose of the present invention and do not conflict with each other. Additionally, among the various embodiments described above, if a component of an embodiment is not described in detail, descriptions of components having the same reference numerals in other embodiments may be applied.

Although the above description focuses on examples, this is only an example and does not limit the present invention, and those skilled in the art will understand that the examples are as follows without departing from the essential characteristics of the present example. You will see that various variations and applications are possible. For example, each component specifically shown in the examples can be modified and implemented. And these variations and differences in application should be construed as being included in the scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims (11)

light source;
a reflection unit that reflects light emitted from the light source forward;
a lens plate including a plurality of liquid crystal polymers arranged to transmit light emitted from the light source and light reflected from the reflector to be irradiated in a target direction; and
A main control unit that adjusts the arrangement form of the plurality of liquid crystal polymers by applying a control voltage generated corresponding to the target direction in which light is to be irradiated to the lens plate,
The lens plate is
first and second plates disposed opposite each other on the path along which light travels and having light transparency;
a common electrode disposed on a first side of the first plate facing the second plate; and
Further comprising a plurality of individual electrodes spaced apart from each other on a second surface of the second plate facing the first surface,
The plurality of liquid crystal polymers are respectively disposed between the plurality of individual electrodes and the common electrode,
The control voltage is applied from the main control unit to the common electrode and the plurality of individual electrodes, respectively, so that the plurality of liquid crystal polymers
When the target direction is a horizontal direction that is left or right based on the vehicle's traveling direction, light is arranged to be emitted from the lens plate in the horizontal direction, and when the target direction is a vertical direction that is above or below the vehicle's traveling direction. A lighting device for a vehicle arranged so that light is emitted from the lens plate in the longitudinal direction to a desired focus position. The method of claim 1, wherein the lens plate is
A lighting device for a vehicle including a plurality of lens plates arranged to be spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance on a path through which light is irradiated. The method of claim 2, further comprising a distance adjusting unit that moves one of the plurality of lens plates in response to a distance control signal to adjust the predetermined distance,
The main control unit is a lighting device for a vehicle that generates the distance control signal in response to a focal position at which the light is irradiated and converges. The method of claim 3, wherein the longitudinal direction is
a first focus position spaced a first distance from the lens plate; and
A lighting device for a vehicle including a second focus position spaced apart from the lens plate by a second distance greater than the first distance. The method of claim 1, wherein the vehicle lighting device is
a light blocking unit disposed on a path along which light travels between the reflection unit and the lens plate and blocking a portion of the light traveling to the lens plate; and
A lighting device for a vehicle further comprising a blocking control unit that adjusts the position of the light blocking unit to determine a range of light to be blocked. delete The method of claim 1, wherein the lens plate is
A lighting device for a vehicle further comprising a passivation portion disposed between the individual electrode and the second surface of the second plate. The method of claim 1, wherein the main control unit
a voltage generator that generates the control voltage;
a plurality of switches disposed between the control voltage of the voltage generator and each of the plurality of individual electrodes of the lens plate and switching in response to a switching control signal; and
A lighting device for a vehicle including a switching control unit that generates the switching control signal in accordance with the target direction in which the light is to be irradiated. The method of claim 1, wherein the lens plate is
A lighting device for a vehicle further comprising a sub-electrode disposed between the plurality of individual electrodes and spaced apart from neighboring individual electrodes. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein each of the first and second plates comprises glass,
The common electrode and the plurality of individual electrodes each include a light-transmitting conductive layer. In a method of using the lighting device according to claim 1 in a vehicle performing multiple functions,
irradiating light through the lighting device mounted on the vehicle;
Obtaining a sensing value required when performing at least one of the plurality of functions by sensing the surroundings of the vehicle;
calculating the target direction in which light is irradiated using the sensing value; and
A method of using a lighting device for a vehicle comprising arranging the plurality of liquid crystal polymers using the calculated target direction.