Patent Description:
A micro-lens array (MLA) projects an image by arranging a plurality of micro lenses. The micro lens array in a smaller size shows an image having excellent quality, so the micro-lens array has been widely used in various fields. Recently, researches and studies have been performed to reduce the size of a lamp of a vehicle (or a vehicle lamp) by using a micro-lens having a shorter focal length.

When a vehicle lamp having such a micro-lens array irradiates light onto a road surface while being tilted, a quantity of light may be reduced with respect to a longer distance pattern, so the uniform pattern may not be ensured. Accordingly, a technology for improving the uniformity of an optical pattern is necessary by minimizing the loss in the quantity of light.

When the vehicle lamp having the micro-lens array irradiates light onto a road surface while being tilted, a resolution and optical performance may be degraded. In addition, conventionally, an optical system is mounted to be tilted such that light is tilted and irradiated onto a road surface. In this case, an inner area of the lamp, which is occupied by the optical system, is increased to increase the size of the vehicle lamp.

Meanwhile, in general, a Welcome Ceremony technology is to provide various pieces of information, such as a vehicle state before vehicle driving, to a driver, thereby significantly increasing the convenience and the productivity. A welcome light or a puddle lamp, which is one example of the welcome ceremony technology, is turned on a side surface of a vehicle to form a beam pattern when the vehicle is unlocked through a smart key. Accordingly, the welcome light or the puddle lamp is a technology to enhance the productivity of the vehicle and to provide information such as a parking position.

Recently, a projection-type optical system equipped with a micro-lens array has been used for a vehicle lamp to display specific information on a road surface, which is similar to the welcome light.

However, the convention projection-type optical system is provided to realize only one pattern in a static image form. Accordingly, the conventional projection-type optical system may not realize a dynamic image. According to the related art, when the dynamic image is realized, the visibility may not be ensured or the intuitive understanding of the information may be difficult.

In addition, according to the related art, since one optical system is provided to realize an image, the difference in brightness is made between a longer distance pattern and a shorter distance pattern of a beam irradiated onto the road surface. Accordingly, uniform patterns may not be ensured.

<CIT> relates to a lamp for an automobile, which may be used in a head lamp for an automobile, and an automobile including the lamp. <CIT> relates to a lighting device for a vehicle, in particular headlights. <CIT> relates to a vehicle lamp including a microlens array.

The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems occurring in the prior art while advantages achieved by the prior art are maintained intact.

An aspect of the present invention provides a vehicle lamp in which a lens array is separately designed for each partition region such that an optical system having the optimal orientation angle and the optimal luminous intensity are realized, thereby improving the light uniformity of the pattern of the beam irradiated onto the road surface.

The technical problems to be solved by the present invention are not limited to the aforementioned problems, and any other technical problems not mentioned herein will be clearly understood from the following description by those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains.

According to an aspect of the present invention, a lamp for a vehicle includes a light source device to generate and output light and a lens array provided in front of the light source device. The lens array includes a first lens device including a plurality of first micro-lenses to receive light incident thereto from the light source device, and a second lens device including a plurality of second micro-lenses provided to irradiate light, which is incident thereto from the first lens device, on the road surface to form a specific beam pattern. The beam pattern is divided into a plurality of pattern regions depending on a distance from the lamp for the vehicle. The lens array is divided into a plurality of partition regions corresponding to the plurality of pattern regions, respectively, and provided to increase a focal length of the second micro-lens provided in a partition region corresponding to a pattern region, as the pattern region is positioned at a distance longer from the lamp for the vehicle.

The lamp may further include a shielding part interposed between the first lens device and the second lens device to shield a portion of the light from the first lens device to the second lens device, such that a specific beam pattern is formed on the road surface.

The shielding part may include a plurality of unit masks provided to correspond to the plurality of second micro-lenses, respectively, and having a masking pattern for forming the beam pattern. The unit mask may include a shielding region provided to shield light, and a light transmitting region provided to transmit light and having a shape corresponding to the masking pattern.

The lamp may be provided to decrease a curvature of a second micro-lens, which is provided in a partition region corresponding to a pattern region, as the pattern region is positioned at a distance longer from the lamp for the vehicle.

The lamp may be provided to increase a thickness of a second micro-lens, which is provided in a partition region corresponding to a pattern region, as the pattern region is positioned at a distance longer from the lamp for the vehicle.

The first micro-lens and the second micro-lenses provided in the same partition region may be formed to be equal to each other in width in a vertical direction, and the width may be within a machining error range.

The lamp may be provided to increase a curvature of a first micro-lens, which is provided in a partition region corresponding to a pattern region, as the pattern region is positioned at a distance longer from the lamp for the vehicle.

On the assumption that an optical axis of light, which is output from the light source device and incident toward the first lens device, is referred to as a first optical axis, and an optical axis of light, which is output from the second lens device, is referred to as a second optical axis, the lens array is formed such that the second optical axis is tilted about the first optical axis to extend toward the road surface. The first optical axis is an optical axis of light, which is output from the light source device and incident toward the first lens device, and the second optical axis is an optical axis of light, which is output from the second lens device.

The size of an acute angle of angles, which are formed between the first optical axis and the second optical axis, is reduced in a partition region corresponding to a pattern region, as the pattern region is positioned a distance longer from the lamp for the vehicle.

For example, the second lens device may further include a second light transmitting body, which includes the second micro-lens formed on a surface facing a direction opposite to a direction facing the light source device, and provided to transmit the light. The second micro-lenses may be provided in the second light transmitting body, such that a thickness direction of the second micro-lenses is titled about the direction of the first optical axis.

The plurality of partition regions may be placed in quadrant plates obtained by dividing the lens array about the optical axis of the light source device. The plurality of partition regions may be provided to form pattern regions at distances which are gradually longer from the lamp for the vehicle, counterclockwise from the partition region corresponding to a pattern region at a distance shortest from the lamp for the vehicle.

The lamp for the vehicle may further include a driving shield unit. The driving shield unit may include a rotating shield interposed between the light source device and the lens array, having an opening formed through the rotating shield having a size corresponding to one of the plurality of partition regions and provided to be rotatable.

The rotating shield may be formed in the shape of a disk perpendicular to the optical axis of the light source device. The driving shield unit may include a driving motor to provide driving force, and a transfer gear connected to a driving shaft of the driving motor and engaged with a gear formed at an edge of the rotating shield. The driving shield unit may be provided to transform a lamp image of the beam pattern, by changing the position of the opening, as the rotating shield rotates.

The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be more apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings:.

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to accompanying drawings.

The following embodiments are embodiments appropriate to allow those skilled in the art to understand the technical features of a lamp for a vehicle according to the present invention. However, the present invention or the features of the present invention is not limited to embodiments to be described below, and various modifications are possible within the technical scope of the present invention.

According to the present invention, a lamp <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM> for a vehicle, which is a vehicle lamp using a micro-lens array, may be, for example, a guide lamp to realize a pattern image having a specific shape on a road surface <NUM> by projecting light to the road surface <NUM> which is in the vicinity of a vehicle <NUM>.

For example, according to the present invention, the vehicle lamp <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM> may be a reverse guide lamp, a welcome guide lamp, and a turn signal guide lamp which is lit together with a reverse lamp. The following description will be made while focusing on the case that the vehicle lamp <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM> according to the present invention is the reverse guide lamp (see <FIG>) or a turn signal lamp (see <FIG>). In addition, according to the present invention, various vehicle lamps <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM> may be employed without limitation, as long as the vehicle lamp irradiates light in a specific pattern on the road surface.

In this case, the vehicle lamp <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM> irradiates light onto the road surface while being frequently titled. Accordingly, the difference in brightness may be made between a longer distance pattern region, which is positioned at a longer distance from the vehicle lamp, and a shorter distance pattern region which is positioned at a shorter distance from the vehicle lamp. In other words, the brightness of the longer distance pattern region becomes darker than the brightness of the shorter distance pattern region, so the light uniformity may be degraded. The present invention suggests a technology of solving the above problem.

<FIG> illustrate a first embodiment of the present invention. <FIG> is a view illustrating that a vehicle lamp is mounted in a vehicle, according to a first embodiment of the present invention. <FIG> is a perspective view illustrating a vehicle lamp, according to the first embodiment of the present invention. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view illustrating a vehicle lamp, according to the first embodiment of the present invention. <FIG> is a front view illustrating a lens array, according to the first embodiment of the present invention. <FIG> is a view illustrating a unit mask of a shielding part, according to the first embodiment of the present invention. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view illustrating a vehicle lamp, according to the first embodiment of the present invention, which is an enlarged view illustrating a part of <FIG>. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view illustrating a vehicle lamp, according to a modification of the first embodiment of the present invention. <FIG> is a view illustrating the central region of a lens array, that is, a unit mask disposed in a first region, according to the present invention. <FIG> is a view illustrating a unit mask interposed between the central region of a lens array and an edge region of the lens array, according to the present invention. <FIG> is a view illustrating a unit mask disposed at an edge region of a lens array, according to the present invention.

Referring to <FIG>, according to a first embodiment of the present invention, the vehicle lamp <NUM> includes a light source device <NUM> and a lens array <NUM>. In addition, according to a first embodiment of the present invention, the vehicle lamp <NUM> may further include a shielding part <NUM>.

The light source device <NUM> is provided to generate and irradiate light. The lens array <NUM> is provided in front of the light source device <NUM> to output light, which is incident to the lens array <NUM> from the light source device <NUM>, forward.

For example, the light source device <NUM> may be provided to irradiate light toward the road surface <NUM>. The light source device <NUM> may include a light source <NUM> and a collimator <NUM>. For example, the light source <NUM> may be, but is not limited to, a light emitting diode (hereinafter, an LED). The collimator <NUM> may convert light emitted from the light source <NUM> into light parallel to an optical axis and may allow the light to be incident into a first lens device <NUM>.

The lens array <NUM> includes the first lens device <NUM> and a second lens device <NUM>.

The first lens device <NUM> includes a plurality of first micro-lenses <NUM> to receive light incident thereto from the light source device <NUM>. The second lens device <NUM> includes a plurality of second micro-lenses <NUM> provided to output the light incident from the first lens device <NUM>.

For example, the first micro-lenses <NUM> may include incident surfaces which are convex toward the light source device <NUM>, and the incident surfaces of the first micro-lenses <NUM> may form the whole incident surface of the first lens device <NUM>. Alternatively, the second micro-lenses <NUM> may include output surfaces which are convex toward the road surface <NUM>, and the output surfaces of the second micro-lenses <NUM> may form the whole output surface of the second lens device <NUM>. However, the shapes of the first micro-lens <NUM> and the second micro-lens <NUM> are not limited to the above shapes.

For example, the first lens device <NUM> may further include a first light transmitting body <NUM>. The first light transmitting body <NUM> has a surface facing the light source device <NUM>, and the first micro-lens <NUM> is formed on the surface. The first light transmitting body <NUM> may include a material for transmitting light.

In addition, for example, the second lens device <NUM> may further include a second light transmitting body <NUM>. The second micro-lens <NUM> is formed on a surface, which faces a direction opposite to a direction facing the first light transmitting body <NUM>, to transmit light. In addition, the second light transmitting body <NUM> may be provided to face the first light transmitting body <NUM> while the shielding part <NUM> is interposed between the first light transmitting body <NUM> and the second light transmitting body <NUM>.

The first light transmitting body <NUM> and the second light transmitting body <NUM> may serve as bodies for integrally forming the first lens device <NUM> and the second lens device <NUM>. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. When the first lens device <NUM> and the second lens device <NUM> are not integrally formed, at least one of the first light transmitting body <NUM> and the second light transmitting body <NUM> may be omitted.

Meanwhile, the size of at least a portion of the first micro-lens <NUM> is smaller than the size of the second micro-lens <NUM>, which is provided corresponding to the at least a portion of the first micro-lens <NUM>, in a vertical direction.

In detail, when viewed from a rear portion of the lens array <NUM>, the central region, through which the optical axis of the light source device <NUM> passes, of a partial region of the lens array <NUM> is referred to a first region 'I', and a region, which is provided around the first region 'I', of a remaining region of the lens array <NUM> is referred to as a second region 'II'. In this case, the size of the first micro-lens <NUM>, which is provided in the second region 'II', may be smaller than the size of the second micro-lens <NUM> which is provided in the second region 'II' in the vertical direction.

In more detail, the sizes of the first micro-lens <NUM> and the second micro-lens <NUM> in the vertical direction may be formed to be equal to each other or to be approximate to each other, in the first region 'I' which is the central region representing the highest value in the brightness of light irradiated from the light source device <NUM>, when viewed from an incident side of the first lens device <NUM>.

In addition, the size of the first micro-lens <NUM> may be formed to be smaller than the size of the second micro-lens <NUM> in the vertical direction, in the second region 'II' serving as a peripheral region of the central region, which represents the lower value in the brightness of light irradiated from the light source device <NUM>, when viewed from the incident side of the first lens device <NUM>.

For example, according to an embodiment illustrated, in the second region 'II', the size of the size of the second micro-lens <NUM> may be twice larger than the size of the first micro-lens <NUM> in the vertical direction. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, in the second region 'II', the size of the second micro-lens <NUM> may be at least three times larger than the size of the first micro-lens <NUM> in the vertical direction.

On the assumption that the thicknesses of the lenses are approximate to each other, the curvature of the lens may be increased when the size of the lens in the vertical direction is reduced, and a quantity of light incident through the lens may be increased, when the curvature of the lens may be increased. According to a first embodiment of the present disclosure, the first micro-lens <NUM> provided in the second region 'II' may be formed to have a smaller size in the vertical direction. Accordingly, a quantity of light incident through the first micro-lens <NUM> may be increased, in the second region 'II' showing the lower value in the luminous intensity of the light irradiated from the light source device <NUM>.

Accordingly, according to the present disclosure, the uniformity of a quantity of light incident to the whole region of the first lens device <NUM> may be improved. Accordingly, the uniformity of a beam pattern formed on the road surface <NUM> by the lens array <NUM> may be improved. Therefore, according to the present disclosure, the loss in the quantity of light is minimized. Accordingly, the uniformity of the beam pattern formed on the road surface <NUM> may be increased without employing the additional light source <NUM>.

In this case, the curvature of the first micro-lens <NUM>, which is provided in the second region 'II' may be larger than the curvature of the first micro-lens <NUM> which is provided in the first region 'I' in the vertical direction.

In detail, the first micro-lens <NUM> in the second region 'II' may be formed to have the radius of curvature smaller than the radius of curvature of the first micro-lens <NUM> in the first region 'I'. Accordingly, as the quantity of light incident through the first micro-lens <NUM> in the second region 'II' is increased, the loss in the quantity of light may be minimized. Accordingly, the uniformity of the quantity of the light incident into the whole region of the first lens device <NUM> may be improved.

Meanwhile, the plurality of first micro-lenses <NUM> in the second region 'II' may be formed to be gradually reduced in size in the vertical direction, as the plurality of first micro-lenses <NUM> in the second region 'II' becomes away from the first region 'I'.

In detail, light radiated from the light source <NUM> and passing through the collimator <NUM> shows the highest luminous intensity in the central region of the first lens device <NUM>, and shows the luminous intensity, which is gradually reduced away from the central region. The plurality of first micro-lenses <NUM> provided in the second region 'II' may be formed to have the size reduced in the vertical direction away from the central region. Accordingly, a quantity of light incident through the first micro-lenses <NUM> provided in the second region 'II' may be increased.

Meanwhile, the shielding part <NUM> may be interposed between the first lens device <NUM> and the second lens device <NUM> to shield a portion of light incident from the first lens device <NUM> to the second lens device <NUM>, such that a specific beam pattern may be formed on the road surface <NUM>.

In detail, the shielding part <NUM> may include a unit mask <NUM>. A plurality of unit masks <NUM> may be provided to correspond to a plurality of second micro-lenses <NUM>, respectively. The unit mask <NUM> may have a masking pattern for forming a beam pattern. In other words, the unit masks <NUM> may be provided to correspond to the second micro-lenses <NUM>, which are disposed at an output side of the lens array <NUM>, respectively.

In more detail, the unit mask <NUM> may include a shielding region <NUM> provided to shield light, and a light transmitting region <NUM> provided to transmit light and having a shape corresponding to a masking pattern. The image of the beam pattern projected on the road surface <NUM> may be varied depending on the shape of the light transmitting region <NUM>, that is, the shape of the masking pattern For example, the unit mask <NUM> may be provided in the form of a plate and may form a specific beam pattern, as the light is masked in the shielding region <NUM>.

Meanwhile, hereinafter, on a beam pattern, a direction, in which the beam pattern is away from the vehicle lamp <NUM>, is defined as a longer distance direction, and a direction opposite to the longer distance direction is defined as a shorter distance direction.

A plurality of first micro-lenses <NUM> may be provided to correspond to one second micro-lens <NUM> in the second region 'II'.

The shielding region <NUM> may include a longer distance edge 162b provided to make contact with an end portion of the light transmitting region <NUM> while forming an end line in the longer distance direction of the beam pattern, and a shorter distance edge 162a provided to face the longer distance edge 162b while forming an end line in a shorter distance direction of the beam pattern. For example, according to an embodiment illustrated, the longer distance edge 162b may make contact with an upper end of the light transmitting region <NUM>, and the shorter distance edge 162a may make contact with a lower end of the light transmitting region <NUM>.

In this case, a focus F of the first micro-lens <NUM>, which forms a beam pattern at the longest distance, of the plurality of first micro-lenses <NUM> corresponding to one second micro-lens <NUM> may be formed at a position corresponding to the longer distance edge 162b. For example, referring to <FIG>, the first micro-lens <NUM>, which is placed at an upper portion of the first micro-lenses <NUM> in the vertical direction, may form a beam pattern at a longer distance. In addition, the focus F of the first micro-lens <NUM> placed at the upper portion may be positioned to be adjacent to the longer distance edge 162b.

As described above, as the focus F of the first micro-lens <NUM> is positioned at the longer distance edge 162b, a point showing the maximum luminous intensity of the first micro-lens <NUM> is positioned at the longer distance edge 162b. Accordingly, as the brightness of the beam pattern is increased at the longer distance region, the uniformity of the beam pattern may be improved.

However, as illustrated in <FIG>, when the first micro-lens <NUM> placed at the upper portion and the second micro-lens <NUM> placed at the lower portion have the same curvature, a point showing the maximum luminous intensity of the first micro-lens <NUM> is positioned even at the shorter distance edge 162a. In this case, a pattern at a longer distance and a pattern at a shorter distance may be not uniform.

As illustrated in <FIG>, a curvature of the first micro-lens <NUM>, which forms a beam pattern at the longest distance, of the first micro-lenses <NUM> corresponding to the one second micro-lenses <NUM>, in the vertical direction may be formed to be greater than a curvature of remaining first micro-lenses <NUM> of the first micro-lenses <NUM> corresponding to the one second micro-lenses <NUM> in the vertical direction.

Accordingly, as the radius of curvature of the first micro-lens <NUM>, which irradiates light to the shorter distance region, is more increased, a light concentration rate may be lowered. Therefore, as the brightness of the shorter distance region and the brightness of the longer distance region are uniform on the beam pattern, the uniformity of the pattern may be improved.

In addition, referring to <FIG>, the focus F of the first micro-lens <NUM>, which forms the beam pattern in the longest distance direction, may be provided to be positioned inside the light transmitting region <NUM>.

In addition, the focus F of the remaining first micro-lens <NUM> other than the first micro-lens <NUM> forming the beam pattern in the longest distance direction may be provided to be positioned at spaced points in front or back of the light transmitting region <NUM>.

Accordingly, the brightness of the longer distance region and the brightness of the shorter distance region are uniform on the beam pattern, thereby improving the uniformity of the pattern.

Meanwhile, <FIG> is a view illustrating a unit mask <NUM> disposed in the central region, that is, the first region "I", of the lens array <NUM>, according to the present disclosure. <FIG> is a view illustrating a unit mask <NUM> disposed at an edge region of the lens array <NUM>, according to the present disclosure. <FIG> is a view illustrating a unit mask <NUM> disposed between the central region and the edge region of the lens array <NUM>, according to the present disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, a plurality of unit masks <NUM> may be formed to include a light transmitting region <NUM> having a size which is gradually increased farther away from the central portion, through which an optical axis passes, of the light source device <NUM>.

In detail, light incident to the first lens device <NUM> through the collimator <NUM> may have the highest luminous intensity at the central portion of the first lens device <NUM>. In addition, as the size of the light transmitting region <NUM> of the unit mask <NUM> is increased, the brightness of the beam pattern may be increased. According to the present disclosure, the unit mask <NUM> may be formed to include the light transmitting region <NUM> having a size increased toward the edge of the lens array <NUM> from the central portion of the lens array <NUM>, thereby improving light uniformity of a beam pattern irradiated onto the road surface <NUM>.

In this case, unit masks <NUM>, which are adjacent to each other toward the edge of the lens array <NUM> from the central portion of the lens array <NUM>, may be formed to include light transmitting regions <NUM> having the sizes making the difference within a specific size (for example, about <NUM>). Accordingly, since the quantity of light is not sharply changed between pattern regions corresponding to the unit masks <NUM> adjacent to each other, the pattern disconnection resulting from the change in the quantity of light may be prevented in advance.

Meanwhile, on a beam pattern, a direction, in which the beam pattern is away from the vehicle lamp <NUM>, is defined as a longer distance direction, and a direction opposite to the longer distance direction is defined as a shorter distance direction.

In this case, the shielding region <NUM> may include a longer distance edge 162b provided to make contact with an end portion of the light transmitting region <NUM> while forming an end line in the longer distance direction of the beam pattern, and a shorter distance edge 162a provided to face the longer distance edge 162b while forming an end line in a shorter distance direction of the beam pattern.

In addition, a plurality of unit masks <NUM> may be formed to include a light transmitting region <NUM> having a size which is gradually increased, by increasing the distance between the longer distance edge 162b and the shorter distance edge 162a, farther away from the central portion, through which an optical axis passes, of the light source device <NUM>.

In addition, for example, the shorter distance edge 162a formed in each of the plurality of unit masks <NUM> may have an equal width in a left-right direction.

Accordingly, the size of the light transmitting region <NUM> may be adjusted by making the position and the size of the shorter distance edge 162a uniform and changing the position and the size of the longer distance edge 162b, on each unit mask <NUM>.

In this case, the ratio of the longer distance edge 162b to the shorter distance edge 162a in the shielding region <NUM> may be greater than the ratio of the end line provided in the longer distance direction to the end line provided in the shorter distance direction. For example, when the beam pattern formed on the road surface <NUM> has the shape of a rectangle, the width of the longer distance edge 162b in the left-right direction may be greater than the width of the shorter distance edge 162a, which faces the longer distance edge 162b, in the left-right direction. In other words, when the beam pattern has the shape of the rectangle, the light transmitting region <NUM> may be formed in the shape of a trapezoid.

As described above, according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure, in the vehicle lamp, the uniformity of the quantity of light incident to the whole region of the first lens device may be improved. Accordingly, the uniformity of the beam pattern formed on the road surface may be improved by the lens array.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the loss in the quantity of light is minimized. Accordingly, the uniformity of the beam pattern formed on the road surface may be increased without employing the additional light source.

<FIG> illustrate a second embodiment of the present disclosure. <FIG> is a view schematically illustrating a vehicle lamp, according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. <FIG> is a view schematically illustrating a vehicle lamp, according to a comparative example of the present disclosure. <FIG> is a side view illustrating a vehicle lamp, according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. <FIG> is a side view illustrating a vehicle lamp, according to a modification of the second embodiment of the present disclosure. <FIG> is a side view illustrating a vehicle lamp according to another modification of the second embodiment of the present disclosure. <FIG> is a side view illustrating a vehicle lamp, according to still another modification of the second embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure, the vehicle lamp <NUM> includes a light source device <NUM> and a lens array <NUM>. In addition, according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure, the vehicle lamp <NUM> may further include a shielding part <NUM>.

For example, the first micro-lenses <NUM> may include incident surfaces which are convex toward the light source device <NUM>, and the incident surfaces of the first micro-lenses <NUM> may form the whole incident surface of the first lens device <NUM>. Alternatively, the second micro-lenses <NUM> may include output surfaces <NUM> which are convex toward the road surface <NUM>, and the output surfaces <NUM> of the second micro-lenses <NUM> may form the whole output surface <NUM> of the second lens device <NUM>. However, the shapes of the first micro-lens <NUM> and the second micro-lens <NUM> are not limited to the above shapes.

For example, the second lens device <NUM> may further include a second light transmitting body <NUM>. The second micro-lens <NUM> is formed on a surface, which faces a direction opposite to a direction facing the first light transmitting body <NUM>, to transmit light. In addition, a second light transmitting body <NUM> may be provided to face the first light transmitting body <NUM> while the shielding part <NUM> is interposed between the first light transmitting body <NUM> and the second light transmitting body <NUM>.

Meanwhile, referring to <FIG>, on the assumption that an optical axis of light, which is output from the light source device <NUM> and incident toward the first lens device <NUM>, is referred to as a first optical axis AX1, and an optical axis of light, which is output from the second lens device <NUM>, is referred to as a second optical axis AX2, the lens array <NUM> is formed such that the second optical axis AX2 is tilted toward the road surface <NUM> about the first optical axis AX1. In this case, the first optical axis AX1, which is an optical axis of light incident toward the first lens device <NUM>, may be an optical axis of light output from the light source device <NUM>.

In detail, the lens array <NUM> may be formed such that the first axis AX1 serving as an optical axis of the light incident toward the first lens device <NUM> is formed at an angle different from an angle of the second optical axis AX2 serving as the optical axis of the light output from the second lens device <NUM>. For example, the first optical axis AX1 may extend in parallel to the road surface <NUM>, that is, in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle <NUM>. The second optical axis AX2 extends toward the road surface <NUM> from the second lens device <NUM>, such that the second optical axis AX2 is titled about the first optical axis AX1.

Therefore, according to the present disclosure, when light is irradiated and tilted about the road surface <NUM> through a vehicle lamp <NUM>, an entire portion of the light source device <NUM> and the lens array <NUM> are not mounted to be tilted toward the road surface <NUM>, but only the second optical axis AX2 of the second lens device <NUM> is formed to be tilted such that a beam pattern is formed on the road surface <NUM>. In this case, since the size M1 of the lens array <NUM> is reduced, the vehicle lamp <NUM> in a smaller size may be realized.

<FIG> is a view illustrating a comparative example of the present disclosure. For the convenience of explanation, the reference numerals of the comparative example of the present disclosure are the same as reference numerals of <FIG> according to the present disclosure. According to the comparative example, when the entire portion of the light source device <NUM> and the lens array <NUM> are mounted to be tilted toward the road surface <NUM>, the size M2 of the vehicle lamp <NUM>, particularly, the height of the vehicle lamp <NUM> in the vertical direction is increased. Accordingly, the space occupied by the vehicle lamp <NUM> inside the vehicle <NUM> may be widened. Meanwhile, as illustrated in <FIG>, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, as only the second optical axis AX2 of the second lens device <NUM> is formed to be titled, the vehicle lamp <NUM> in a smaller size may be realized. Accordingly, the space occupied by the vehicle lamp <NUM> may be reduced.

In this case, various manners may be, without limitation, employed to form the second optical axis AX2 of the second lens device <NUM>, such that the second optical axis AX2 is tilted about the first optical axis AX1.

For example, referring to <FIG>, the lens array <NUM> is formed to be titled about a plane perpendicular to the first optical axis AX1, such that the second optical axis AX2 forms a specific angle about the first axis AX1. In this case, all of the first micro-lens <NUM>, the first light transmitting body <NUM>, the shielding part <NUM>, the second light transmitting body <NUM>, and the second micro-lens <NUM> may be placed to be tilted about the first optical axis AX1.

Accordingly, the optical axis AX2 provide in the second lens device <NUM> may extend in a direction tilted about the first optical axis AX1.

However, in this case, as the lens array <NUM> is titled, incident light may have various incident angles throughout the entire region of the first lens device <NUM>. In particular, the difference in incident angle may be made between an upper portion of the first lens device <NUM> and a lower portion of the first lens device <NUM>. Accordingly, a quantity of light and a resolution may be varied throughout the entire region of the lens array <NUM>. Accordingly, the second optical axis AX2 is tilted about the first optical axis AX1 while extending toward the road surface <NUM>.

According to the present disclosure, optical performance may be complemented by changing the form of the shielding part <NUM>, the second light transmitting body <NUM>, and the second micro-lens <NUM>.

For example, referring to <FIG>, the shielding part <NUM> may be interposed between the first lens device <NUM> and the second lens device <NUM> to shield a portion of light incident from the first lens device <NUM> toward the second lens device <NUM>, such that a specific beam pattern may be formed on the road surface <NUM>.

In addition, the shielding part <NUM> may further include a unit mask <NUM>. A plurality of unit masks <NUM> may be provided to correspond to a plurality of second micro-lenses <NUM>, respectively, and a masking pattern may be formed to form a beam pattern.

The plurality of unit masks <NUM> may be placed to be away from the second micro-lenses <NUM> toward the lower portion of the lens array <NUM>.

For example, the focus of each of the second micro-lenses <NUM> may be positioned on each unit mask <NUM>. In addition, as the plurality of unit masks <NUM> are arranged, the focus of the second micro-lenses <NUM> may be elongated toward the lower portion of the lens array <NUM>.

Accordingly, as the focal length of the second micro-lenses <NUM> is increased toward the lower portion of the lens array <NUM>. Accordingly, as the lens array <NUM> is titled, the difference in resolution between regions may be corrected.

In addition, the radius of curvature of the plurality of second micro-lenses <NUM> may be formed to be gradually increased toward the lower portion of the lens array <NUM>.

Accordingly, the focal length of the second micro-lenses <NUM> may be increased toward the lower portion of the lens array <NUM>. Accordingly, as the lens array <NUM> is tilted, the difference in resolution between regions may be corrected.

Meanwhile, referring to <FIG>, an incident surface <NUM>, which is a surface, which faces the light source device <NUM> of the first light transmitting body <NUM>, may be formed to be perpendicular to the first optical axis AX1. In addition, an output surface <NUM>, which is a surface, which faces a direction opposite to a direction facing the light source device <NUM>, of the second light transmitting body <NUM> may be formed to be tilted about the incident surface <NUM>, such that the output surface <NUM> is closer to the incident surface <NUM> toward a lower portion of the lens array <NUM>.

In addition, the shielding part <NUM> may be provided in parallel to the output surface <NUM>.

In this case, the second light transmitting body <NUM> and the assembly with the second light transmitting body <NUM> have the shape of a trapezoid having a size gradually reduced downward. Accordingly, the second optical axis AX2 of the second micro-lenses <NUM> may be tilted about the first axis AX1 without tilting the lens array <NUM>. In other words, since the first lens device <NUM> is not tilted about the first axis AX1, the light loss resulting from the difference between incident angles may be minimized.

In addition, the radius of curvature of the plurality of first micro-lenses <NUM> may be formed to be gradually reduced downward.

In detail, as illustrated in <FIG>, according to an embodiment, the shielding part <NUM> and the second micro-lenses <NUM> are tilted about the first axis AX1. Accordingly, the distance between the first micro-lens <NUM> and the shielding part <NUM> may be gradually reduced downward. In other words, the difference in distance between the first micro-lens <NUM> and the shielding part <NUM> is varied throughout the entire portion of the lens array <NUM> to cause the difference in quantity of light. Accordingly, the radius of curvature of the first micro-lens <NUM> may be formed to be gradually reduced downward to correct the difference in quantity of light caused by the difference in distance between the first micro-lens <NUM> and the shielding part <NUM>.

Meanwhile, referring to <FIG>, the shielding part <NUM> may be provided to be closer to the first micro-lens <NUM>, rather than the second micro-lenses <NUM>. For example, according to an embodiment illustrated, although the shielding part <NUM> may be directly attached to the first micro-lens <NUM>, the position of the shielding part <NUM> is not limited thereto.

As described above, when the shielding part <NUM> may be provided to be adjacent to the first micro-lens <NUM> or to make close contact with the first micro-lens <NUM>, the focal length of the second micro-lenses <NUM> is increased throughout the entire portion of the lens array <NUM> to correct the resolution.

In addition, according to an embodiment illustrated in <FIG>, the plurality of first micro-lenses <NUM> may have a radius of curvature gradually reduced, farther away from the central portion, through which the first optical axis AX1 passes, when viewed the lens array <NUM>.

In detail, as light incident from the light source device <NUM> to the first lens device <NUM> is farther away from the central portion, the light loss may be caused. Accordingly, the difference in luminous intensity may be made between beam patterns formed on the road surface <NUM>. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, as the radius of curvature of the plurality of first micro-lenses <NUM> is away from the central portion, the radius of curvature of the first micro-lenses <NUM> is gradually reduced. Accordingly, a quantity of light is increased at an outer region of the first lens device <NUM> to correct the light loss. Accordingly, the uniformity of the beam pattern formed on the road surface <NUM> may be improved.

As described above, according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure, the vehicle lamp may minimize the size of the lens array, even through a lamp which irradiates light on a road surface and titles the light about the road surface. Accordingly, the vehicle lamp in a smaller size may be realized.

<FIG> illustrate a third embodiment of the present disclosure. <FIG> is an exploded perspective view of a vehicle lamp, according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure. <FIG> is a side view of <FIG>, which illustrates a vehicle lamp according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure. <FIG> is a view illustrating a unit mask formed in a shielding body of <FIG>. <FIG> illustrate beam patterns projected to a road surface.

Referring to <FIG>, according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure, the vehicle lamp <NUM> includes a light source device <NUM> and a lens array <NUM>. In addition, according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure, the vehicle lamp <NUM> may further include a shielding part <NUM>.

For example, the light source device <NUM> may be provided to irradiate light toward the road surface <NUM>. The light source device <NUM> may include a light source <NUM> and a collimator <NUM>. For example, the light source <NUM> may be, but is not limited to, a light emitting diode (hereinafter, an LED). The collimator <NUM> may convert light emitted from the light source <NUM> into light parallel to an optical axis and may allow the light to be incident to the first lens device <NUM>.

The lens array <NUM> includes a first lens device <NUM> and a second lens device <NUM>.

For example, the second lens device <NUM> may further include a second light transmitting body <NUM>. The second micro-lenses <NUM> is formed on a surface, which faces a direction opposite to a direction facing the first light transmitting body <NUM>, to transmit light. In addition, the second light transmitting body <NUM> may be provided to face the first light transmitting body <NUM> while the shielding part <NUM> is interposed between the first light transmitting body <NUM> and the second light transmitting body <NUM>.

Alternatively, the shielding part <NUM> may be provided to be movable to change a lamp image of the beam pattern formed on the road surface <NUM>.

In detail, a masking pattern for determining the image of the beam pattern to be projected on the road surface <NUM> is formed in a shielding body 360a of the shielding part <NUM>. Accordingly, when light is irradiated from the vehicle lamp <NUM> to the road surface <NUM>, and when the shielding body 360a is moved, the image of the beam pattern may be changed. Accordingly, the beam pattern may be changed to a dynamic image. Alternatively, as the shielding body 360a is provided to be movable, the shielding part <NUM> may make a beam pattern, which is formed when the vehicle lamp <NUM> is turned on, different whenever the vehicle lamp <NUM> is turned on.

Therefore, according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure, the beam pattern formed on the road surface <NUM> is realized in the form of a dynamic image, thereby producing an effect of changing the attention of a counterpart driver, such that visibility is improved.

In addition, according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure, the beam pattern is realized in the form of a dynamic image, thereby allowing a counterpart driver or a person around the vehicle <NUM> to intuitively acquire information on a forward direction of the vehicle <NUM>, when the information on the forward direction of the vehicle <NUM> is notified to the counterpart driver or the person around the vehicle <NUM>.

In addition, according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure, the vehicle lamp <NUM> may further include a driving device <NUM>. The driving device <NUM> may provide driving force such that the shielding part <NUM> is movable.

In detail, the display device <NUM> may include a pair of rollers <NUM> and <NUM> and an actuator <NUM>.

The pair of rollers <NUM> and <NUM> may be spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction, and may have a portion of outer surfaces thereof provided to make close contact with the shielding body 360a.

In this case, the pair of rollers <NUM> and <NUM> may be provided in parallel to each other and may be provided at an upper end portion and a lower end portion of the shielding body 360a, respectively. However, the arrangement of the rollers <NUM> and <NUM> is not limited thereto.

In detail, the shielding body 360a may be formed in the form of a plate having a wider width, and may include a soft material. Accordingly, the upper end portion and the lower end portion of the shielding body 360a may be hung on the pair of rollers <NUM> and <NUM>. When the rollers <NUM> and <NUM> are rotated, the shielding body 360a may be provided to move. In this case, the unit mask <NUM> formed in the shielding body 360a moves such that the image of the beam pattern is changed.

The actuator <NUM> may be connected to a rotating shaft <NUM> of any one of the pair of rollers <NUM> and <NUM> to rotate the rollers <NUM> and <NUM>. When the rollers <NUM> and <NUM> rotate, the shielding body 360a rotates together with the rollers <NUM> and <NUM>. For example, the actuator <NUM> may be automatically driven by a control unit.

Meanwhile, the display device <NUM> may be provided to change the rotating speed of the rollers <NUM> and <NUM>. Accordingly, the moving speed of the shielding body 360a may be changed.

For example, the display device <NUM> may adjust the speed of changing the dynamic image of the beam pattern by adjusting a revolution per minute of the actuator <NUM>. Alternatively, the display device <NUM> is stopped or rapidly driven at a specific speed or more, to realize a constant static.

Meanwhile, for example, a masking pattern formed on each of the plurality of unit masks <NUM> may have the same image.

In detail, the light transmitting regions <NUM> of the plurality of unit masks <NUM> may be formed to have the same shape. Accordingly, the focuses of all second micro-lenses <NUM> may be provided to be paired with the unit masks <NUM> formed to have the same masking pattern image.

In this case, the plurality of second micro-lenses <NUM> may have the same curvature.

In addition, the focus of the second micro-lenses <NUM> may be provided to be positioned on the shielding part <NUM>. In addition, the shielding part <NUM> may be provided in such a manner than the masking pattern of the unit mask <NUM> positioned on a focus of each second micro-lens <NUM> may constantly have the same shape at any time point, when the actuator <NUM> is driven.

Therefore, according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure, beam patterns transmitted through the second micro-lenses <NUM> at any moment may be realized to have the same image.

Meanwhile, referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, according to an embodiment illustrated, the shielding part <NUM> may include a rear surface portion provided to face the first micro-lens <NUM> and a front surface portion provided to face the second micro-lenses <NUM>, when viewed based on the rollers <NUM> and <NUM> at any time point.

In addition, the unit mask <NUM> positioned on the focus of the second micro-lenses <NUM> may be provided to be positioned on the front surface portion.

Hereinafter, the change of the image of the beam pattern by the vehicle lamp <NUM> will be described with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure. <FIG> illustrates a unit mask <NUM> formed in the shielding body 360a, and <FIG> illustrate a beam pattern projected onto the road surface <NUM> through one second micro-lens <NUM>.

When the pair of rollers <NUM> and <NUM> rotate forward or reward by the actuator <NUM>, the unit mask <NUM> may move in the vertical direction while the shielding body 360a is moving, as illustrated in <FIG> (see directions B1 and B2).

Accordingly, as illustrated in <FIG>, the beam pattern projected on the road surface <NUM> may be varied over time. For example, the beam patterns realized through one second micro-lens <NUM> over time may be sequentially varied in sequence of <FIG>.

However, the shape of the masking pattern of the unit mask <NUM> or the shape of the changed image according to the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiment illustrated.

In addition, according to the third embodiment of the present invention, the beam pattern is realized in the form of a dynamic image, thereby allowing a counterpart driver or a person around the vehicle to intuitively acquire information on a forward direction of the vehicle, when the information on the forward direction of the vehicle is notified to the counterpart driver or the person around the vehicle.

<FIG> illustrate a fourth embodiment of the present invention. <FIG> is a view illustrating that a vehicle lamp is mounted in a vehicle, according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. <FIG> is a perspective view illustrating a vehicle lamp, according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view illustrating a vehicle lamp, according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. <FIG> illustrates a portion of a first partition region of a lens array, according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. <FIG> illustrates a portion a fourth partition region of a lens array, according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view illustrating a vehicle lamp, according to a modification of the fourth embodiment of the present invention. <FIG> is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a first partition region of a lens array, according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. <FIG> is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a second partition region of a lens array, according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. <FIG> is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a fourth partition region of a lens array, according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view illustrating a vehicle lamp, according to another modification of the fourth embodiment of the present invention. <FIG> is a perspective view illustrating a vehicle lamp, according to another modification of the fourth embodiment of the present invention. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view of a vehicle lamp of <FIG>. <FIG> are views illustrating the operation of a vehicle lamp, according to another modification of the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to <FIG>, according to a first embodiment of the present invention, the vehicle lamp <NUM> includes a light source device <NUM> and a lens array <NUM>. In addition, according to the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure, the vehicle lamp <NUM> may further include a shielding part <NUM>.

For example, the light source device <NUM> may be provided to irradiate light toward the road surface <NUM>. The light source device <NUM> may include a light source <NUM> and a collimator <NUM>. For example, the light source <NUM> may be, but is not limited to, a light emitting diode (hereinafter, an LED). The collimator <NUM> may convert light emitted from the light source <NUM> into light parallel to an optical axis AX1 and may allow the light to be incident into the first lens device <NUM>.

For example, the second lens device <NUM> may further include a second light transmitting body <NUM>. The second micro-lenses <NUM> is formed on a surface, which faces a direction opposite to a direction facing the first light transmitting body <NUM>, to transmit light. In addition, a second light transmitting body <NUM> may be provided to face the first light transmitting body <NUM> while the shielding part <NUM> is interposed between the first light transmitting body <NUM> and the second light transmitting body <NUM>.

The first light transmitting body <NUM> and the second light transmitting body <NUM> may serve as a body for integrally forming the first lens device <NUM> and the second lens device <NUM>. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. When the first lens device <NUM> and the second lens device <NUM> are not integrally formed, at least one of the first light transmitting body <NUM> and the second light transmitting body <NUM> may be omitted.

Meanwhile, a beam pattern P is divided into a plurality of pattern regions P1, P2, P3, and P4 depending on a distance from the vehicle lamp <NUM>, and the lens array <NUM> is divided into a plurality of partition regions D1, D2, D3, and D4 corresponding to the plurality of pattern regions, respectively.

In addition, as a pattern region is positioned at a distance longer from the vehicle lamp <NUM>, the focal length of the second micro-lenses <NUM>, which is provided in the partition region corresponding to the pattern region, may be increased.

In addition, as a pattern region is positioned at a distance longer from the vehicle lamp <NUM>, the curvature of the second micro-lenses <NUM>, which is provided in the partition region corresponding to the pattern region, may be decreased.

In detail, on the assumption that a direction of being away from the vehicle lamp <NUM> may be a longer distance direction, and a direction opposite to the longer distance direction is a shorter distance direction, when viewed in the beam pattern P, when a pattern region of the plurality of pattern regions of the beam pattern P is positioned at a longer distance in the longer distance direction, a curvature of the second micro-lenses <NUM> in the partition region corresponding to the pattern region may be decreased.

In addition, as a pattern region is positioned at a distance longer from the vehicle lamp <NUM>, the thickness of the second micro-lenses <NUM>, which is provided in the partition region corresponding to the pattern region, may be increased. In other words, when a pattern region of the plurality of pattern regions of the beam pattern P is positioned at a longer distance in the longer distance direction, the thickness of the second micro-lenses <NUM> in the partition region corresponding to the pattern region may be increased.

In this case, for example, the first micro-lens <NUM> and the second micro-lenses <NUM> provided in the same partition region may be formed to be equal to each other in width in the vertical direction, in which the width is within a machining error range. However, the width of the first micro-lens <NUM> and the width of the second micro-lens <NUM> are not limited thereto.

As the curvature of the second micro-lens <NUM> is decreased, the focal length of the second micro-lens <NUM> may be increased. In addition, as the thickness of the second micro-lens <NUM> is increased, the focal length of the second micro-lens <NUM> may be increased. As the focal length is increased, the luminous intensity is increased, and the field of view (FOV) is decreased.

As described above, according to the present disclosure, a design is made to increase a focal length with respect to a pattern region positioned at a longer distance from the vehicle lamp <NUM>. Accordingly, the luminous intensity of the pattern region positioned at a longer distance in the longer distance direction may be increased. In other words, according to the present disclosure, a design is separately made with respect to each partition region, thereby realizing an optical system having the optimal orientation angle and the optimal luminous intensity.

Accordingly, according to the present disclosure, the light uniformity of the beam pattern P irradiated onto the road surface <NUM> may be improved.

For example, referring to <FIG>, according to the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure, the plurality of partition regions may be placed in quadrant plates obtained by dividing the lens array <NUM> about the optical axis AX1 of the light source device <NUM>.

In addition, the plurality of partition regions D1, D2, D3, D4 may be provided to form pattern regions at distances longer from the vehicle lamp <NUM>, counterclockwise from the partition region D1 corresponding to the pattern region at a distance shortest from the vehicle lamp <NUM>.

In detail, the lens array <NUM> may include the first partition region D1, the second partition region D2, the third partition region D3, and the fourth partition region D4 sequentially placed counterclockwise. In this case, the first partition region D1 may be a partition region corresponding to the first pattern region P1 at the distance shortest from the vehicle lamp <NUM>. In addition, for example, the first partition region D1 to the fourth partition region D4 may be formed to have the same size.

The beam pattern P may include the first pattern region P1 corresponding to the first partition region D1, the second pattern region P2 corresponding to the second partition region D2, the third pattern region P3 corresponding to the third partition region D3, and a fourth pattern region P4. The distance from the vehicle lamp <NUM> may be increased from the first pattern region P1 toward the fourth pattern region P4.

When viewed from a lateral side of the lens array <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>, the first partition region D1 is placed at a lower portion of the lens array <NUM>, and the fourth partition region D4 is placed at an upper portion of the lens array <NUM>. <FIG> illustrates a portion of a first partition region D1 of the lens array <NUM>, according to the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. <FIG> illustrates a portion a fourth partition region D4 of the lens array <NUM>, according to the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, the second micro-lens <NUM> may have a curvature decreased and a focal length increased, from the first partition region D1 toward the fourth partition region D4, The first pattern region P1 to the fourth pattern region P4 have uniform brightness.

Meanwhile, referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, as a pattern region is positioned at a distance longer from the vehicle lamp <NUM>, the curvature of the first micro-lenses <NUM>, which is provided in the partition region corresponding to the pattern region, may be increased.

When the curvature of the first micro-lens <NUM> is increased, a quantity of light incident through the first micro-lens <NUM> may be increased. Accordingly, as the quantity of light is increased in the partition region corresponding to the pattern region placed at a longer distance in the longer distance direction, the brightness of the pattern region placed at a longer distance in the longer distance direction may be increased.

However, the curvature of the first micro-lens <NUM> in each partition region is not limited thereto. According to an embodiment illustrated in <FIG>, the first micro-lens <NUM> may be equal curvatures in the partition regions. For example, when a design is made to sufficiently improve the light uniformity based on the thickness, or the curvature of the second micro-lenses <NUM>, the first micro-lens <NUM> may have an equal curvature.

Meanwhile, referring to <FIG>, on the assumption that an optical axis of light, which is output from the light source device <NUM> and incident toward the first lens device <NUM>, is referred to as a first optical axis AX1, and an optical axis of light, which is output from the second lens device <NUM>, is referred to as a second optical axis AX2, the lens array <NUM> is formed such that the second optical axis AX2 is tilted about the first optical axis AX1 to extend toward the road surface <NUM>.

In detail, in the lens array <NUM>, the first optical axis A1, which is an optical axis of light incident to the first lens device <NUM>, and the second optical axis AX2, which is an optical axis of light output from the second lens device <NUM>, may be formed at different angles. For example, the first optical axis AX1 may extend in parallel to the road surface <NUM>, that is, in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle <NUM>. The second optical axis AX2 extends toward the road surface <NUM> from the second lens device <NUM>, such that the second optical axis AX2 is titled about the first optical axis AX1.

Therefore, according to the present disclosure, when light is irradiated and tilted about the road surface <NUM> through the vehicle lamp <NUM>, both the light source device <NUM> and the lens array <NUM> are not mounted to be tilted toward the road surface <NUM>, but only the second optical axis AX2 of the second lens device <NUM> is formed to be tilted such that the beam pattern P is formed on the road surface <NUM>. In this case, as compared to when both the light source device <NUM> and the lens array <NUM> are mounted to be tilted toward the road surface <NUM>, the height of the lens array 430in the vertical direction may be reduced. Accordingly, the vehicle lamp <NUM> in a smaller size may be realized.

<FIG> illustrates the first partition region D1, <FIG> illustrates the second partition region D2, and <FIG> illustrates the fourth partition region D4. As illustrated in <FIG>, as a pattern region is positioned at a distance longer from the vehicle lamp <NUM>, the size of an acute angle of angles formed between the first optical axis AX1 and the second optical axis AX2 in the partition region corresponding to the pattern region are reduced according to the invention.

In detail, as a pattern region is positioned at a distance longer in the longer distance direction, the slop of the second optical axis AX2 about the first optical axis AX1 may be decreased in the partition region corresponding to the pattern region. In other words, as a pattern region is positioned at a distance longer in the longer distance direction, the first optical axis AX1 and the second optical axis AX2 are gradually parallel to each other in the partition region corresponding to the pattern region.

For example, the second lens device <NUM> may further include the second light transmitting body <NUM>. The second light transmitting body <NUM> may include the second micro-lenses <NUM> formed on a surface facing a direction opposite to a direction facing the light source device <NUM>. In addition, the second micro-lenses <NUM> may be provided in the second light transmitting body <NUM>, such that the thickness direction of the second micro-lenses <NUM> is titled about the direction of the first optical axis AX1.

Accordingly, the second optical axis AX2 provided in the second lens device <NUM> may extend in a direction tilted about the first optical axis AX1.

Meanwhile, referring to <FIG>, according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure, the vehicle lamp <NUM> may further include a driving shield unit <NUM>.

The driving shield unit <NUM> may include a rotating shield <NUM>. The rotating shield <NUM> may be interposed between the light source device <NUM> and the lens array <NUM>. In addition, an opening <NUM> is formed through the rotating shield <NUM> such that the opening <NUM> has a size corresponding to the size of any one of the plurality of partition regions.

In detail, the rotating shield <NUM> may be formed in the shape of a disk perpendicular to the optical axis of the light source device <NUM>. In addition, the driving shield unit <NUM> may include a driving motor <NUM> to provide driving force, and a transfer gear <NUM> connected to a driving shaft <NUM> of the driving motor <NUM> and engaged with a gear formed at an edge of the rotating shield <NUM>. In addition, the driving shield unit <NUM> may further include a driving frame <NUM> in which the driving motor <NUM> is mounted.

When the driving motor <NUM> is driven, the transfer gear <NUM> connected to the driving shaft <NUM> may be rotated. In this case, the rotating shield <NUM> engaged with the transfer gear <NUM> may be rotated. Light incident from the light source device <NUM> may be projected forward through the opening <NUM> of the rotating shield <NUM>, and light may be shielded in a region other than the opening <NUM>. The position of the opening <NUM> may be changed, as the rotating shield <NUM> rotates. Accordingly, a region, to which the light from the light source device <NUM> is incident, of the region for the lens array <NUM> may be changed.

As described above, the driving shield unit <NUM> may be provided to transform a lamp image of the beam pattern P, by changing the position of the opening <NUM>, as the rotating shield <NUM> rotates.

For example, the driving shield unit <NUM> may rotate the rotating shield <NUM>, such that the opening <NUM> sequentially corresponds to the first partition region D1 to the fourth partition region D4. (See <FIG>).

For example, the driving motor <NUM> may adjust the rotating speed of the rotating shield <NUM>, and may intermittently or continuously rotate the rotation shield <NUM>. For example, when the rotation shield <NUM> is intermittently rotated, the first pattern region P1 to the fourth pattern region P4 may be sequentially realized. In addition, when the rotating shield <NUM> is continuously rotated, the beam pattern P may realize a dynamic image. When the rotating shield <NUM> is rapidly rotated at a specific speed or more, all of the first pattern region P1 to the fourth pattern region P4 may be simultaneously realized to realize a static image.

According to the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure, the vehicle lamp may be designed to have the focal length increased, as a pattern region is positioned at a distance longer from the vehicle lamp. Accordingly, the luminous intensity of the pattern region formed at the longer distance in the longer distance direction may be increased.

In other words, according to the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure, a lens array is separately designed with respect to each partition region, thereby realizing an optical system having the optimal orientation angle and the optimal luminous intensity. Accordingly, according to the present disclosure, the light uniformity of the beam pattern irradiated onto the road surface may be improved.

According to the present invention, the vehicle lamp may be designed to have a focal length gradually increased, as a pattern region is positioned at a distance longer from the vehicle lamp, such that the luminous intensity formed at the distance longer in the longer distance direction is increased.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a lens array is separately designed with respect to each partition region, thereby realizing an optical system having the optimal orientation angle and the optimal luminous intensity.

Claim 1:
A lamp (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) for a vehicle, comprising:
a light source device (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) configured to generate and output light; and
a lens array (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) provided in front of the light source device (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>),
wherein the lens array (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) includes:
a first lens device (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) including a plurality of first micro-lenses (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) to receive light from the light source device (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>); and
a second lens device (<NUM>; <NUM>, <NUM>; <NUM>) including a plurality of second micro-lenses (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) provided to irradiate light from the first lens device (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) onto a road surface (<NUM>) to form a specific beam pattern (P),
wherein the beam pattern (P) is divided into a plurality of pattern regions (P) depending on a distance from the lamp (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>), and the lens array (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) is divided into a plurality of partition regions (D) corresponding to the plurality of pattern regions (P), respectively, and provided to increase a focal length of the second micro-lenses (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) provided in the partition regions (D) corresponding to the pattern region (P), as the pattern regions (P) are positioned at a distance further from the lamp (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>),
characterized in that
the lens array (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) is formed such that a second optical axis (AX2) is tilted about a first optical axis (AX1) to extend toward the road surface (<NUM>), the first optical axis (AX1) being an optical axis of light, which is output from the light source device (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) and incident toward the first lens device (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>), and the second optical axis (AX2) being an optical axis of light, which is output from the second lens device (<NUM>; <NUM>, <NUM>; <NUM>), and
wherein a size of an acute angle of angles, which are formed between the first optical axis (AX1) and the second optical axis (AX2), is reduced in the partition regions (D) corresponding to the pattern regions (P), as the pattern regions (P) are positioned at the distance further from the lamp (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) for the vehicle.