Lighting driving device and method for driving the same

By setting the debounce time at the start and end points of the current, the voltage sensing function is controlled, which solves the problem of LED status error detection caused by voltage sensing error and improves reliability and adaptability.

CN116457240BActive Publication Date: 2026-01-23LG INNOTEK CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202180077375.6
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Patents(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2020-10-08
Filing Date
2021-10-08
Publication Date
2026-01-23
Estimated Expiration
2041-10-08

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing lighting drivers are prone to erroneously detecting the state of LEDs due to voltage sensing errors when current is supplied or interrupted, leading to reliability issues.

Method used

By setting debounce time at the start and end points of current application, the voltage sensing function is controlled to avoid sensing during voltage rise and fall intervals. The counting and control units perform time counting and reset operations to ensure accurate voltage sensing.

Benefits of technology

It improves the accuracy and reliability of LED status sensing, adapts to various environmental changes, and reduces the possibility of false detection.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The lighting driving device according to the embodiment includes a light source unit, a first detection unit configured to detect an input current value of the light source unit, a second detection unit configured to detect an output voltage value of the light source unit, and a control unit configured to detect the output voltage value by means of the second detection unit based on the input current value detected by the first detection unit, and determine a state of the light source unit based on the output voltage value, wherein the control unit starts the detection of the output voltage value by the second detection unit after a first bounce-back time elapses from a start point at which the application of the current to the light source unit is started, and stops the detection of the output voltage value by the second detection unit before a second bounce-back time according to an end point at which the current applied to the light source unit is blocked.
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Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] Embodiments relate to a lighting driving apparatus, and more particularly, to a lighting driving apparatus capable of improving a voltage sensing error occurring in a voltage kickback interval and a method for driving the lighting driving apparatus. BACKGROUND

[0002] A lighting apparatus is an apparatus capable of supplying light or adjusting an amount of light, and is applied to various fields. For example, the lighting apparatus can be applied to various fields, such as vehicles and buildings, to illuminate the inside or outside.

[0003] In particular, recently, light emitting devices are used as light sources for lighting. Such light emitting devices, for example, light emitting diodes (LEDs), have advantages such as low power consumption, semi-permanent life, fast response speed, safety, and environmental friendliness, compared to conventional light sources such as fluorescent lamps and incandescent lamps. Such light emitting diodes are applied to various optical components, such as various display apparatuses and indoor or outdoor lamps.

[0004] Generally, lamps of various colors and shapes are applied to vehicles, and recently, lamps employing light emitting diodes are proposed to be used as light sources for vehicles. For example, light emitting diodes are applied to headlamps, tail lamps, turn signal lamps, daytime running lamps, and side lamps of vehicles. Such lamps sense a voltage applied to the light emitting diodes, and sense abnormal states of the light emitting diodes, such as short circuit or open circuit, using the sensed voltage.

[0005] In this case, a driving apparatus for controlling driving of the above-described lamps controls the light emitting diodes by receiving a current of a PWM (pulse width modulation) type from a power supply unit (not shown) and supplying the current to the light emitting diodes. In this case, brightness of the light emitting diodes can be controlled by adjusting intensity of the applied current.

[0006] However, due to circuit characteristics such as an inductor, a capacitor, and a resistor arranged between the power supply unit and the driving apparatus, the voltage of the light emitting diodes increases or decreases at a certain slope. For example, in a current supply interval in which a current is supplied to the light emitting diodes, the voltage of the light emitting diodes has a characteristic of gradually increasing at a predetermined slope during a first voltage kickback time. For example, in a current block interval in which the current supplied to the light emitting diodes is blocked, the voltage of the light emitting diodes has a characteristic of gradually decreasing during a second voltage kickback time.

[0007] Here, when a certain current or more is supplied to the light emitting diode, the driving device senses the voltage of the light emitting diode and accordingly detects an abnormal state of the light emitting diode such as a short circuit or an open circuit. However, the conventional driving device detects the voltage of the light emitting diode at the first voltage kick time or the second voltage kick time of the current supply section or the current blocking section, and accordingly, there is a problem that the light emitting diode in a normal state is erroneously sensed as an abnormal state such as a short circuit state or an open circuit state.

[0008] Therefore, there is a need for a lighting driving device and a method for driving the lighting driving device capable of solving the above-mentioned problems. SUMMARY

[0009] TECHNICAL PROBLEM

[0010] The embodiments provide a lighting driving device and a method for driving the lighting driving device capable of solving an error due to an erroneous sensing of a voltage of a lighting section occurring at a start point of applying a current or an end point of blocking the current.

[0011] Further, the embodiments provide a lighting driving device and a method for driving the lighting driving device capable of turning off a voltage sensing function of a lighting section during a first de-kick time set based on a start time of applying a current to the lighting section.

[0012] Further, the embodiments provide a lighting driving device and a method for driving the lighting driving device capable of turning off a voltage sensing function of a lighting section during a second de-kick time set based on an end point of blocking a current applied to the lighting section.

[0013] The technical problems to be solved by the proposed embodiments are not limited to the above-mentioned technical problems, and other technical problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which the proposed embodiments belong from the following description.

[0014] TECHNICAL SOLUTION

[0015] The lighting driving device according to the embodiments includes a lighting section, a first sensing section configured to sense an input current value of the lighting section, a second sensing section configured to sense an output voltage value of the lighting section, and a control section configured to sense the output voltage value by the second sensing section based on the input current value sensed by the first sensing section, and determine a state of the lighting section based on the output voltage value, wherein the control section is configured to start a sensing operation of the output voltage value by the second sensing section after a first de-kick time elapses from a start point at which a current is applied to the lighting section, and stop the sensing operation of the output voltage value by the second sensing section before a second de-kick time according to an end point at which the current applied to the lighting section is blocked.

[0016] Further, the output voltage of the lighting section includes a rising section that gradually increases in response to a start point at which the current starts to be applied to the lighting section, and wherein a point at which the first debounce time elapses is later than a point at which the rising section ends.

[0017] Further, the output voltage of the lighting section includes a falling section that gradually decreases in response to an end point at which the current applied to the lighting section is blocked, and wherein a point before the second debounce time according to the end point is earlier than a point at which the falling section starts.

[0018] Further, the start point of the falling section is earlier than the end point at which the current applied to the lighting section is blocked.

[0019] Further, when the first debounce time elapses, the control section is configured to start a sensing operation of the output voltage value by the second sensing section after a preset reset time.

[0020] Further, the control section is configured to reset voltage information previously stored in the memory during the reset time.

[0021] Further, the control section is configured to store voltage information corresponding to the sensed output voltage value in the memory, and to delete information stored in the memory during the second debounce time before the end point when the end point at which the current applied to the lighting section is blocked arrives.

[0022] Further, the control section is configured to obtain voltage information corresponding to the output voltage value by the second sensing section, to update the obtained voltage information to the memory when the end point arrives after the second debounce time elapses from a point at which the voltage information is obtained, and to delete the obtained voltage information when the end point arrives before the second debounce time elapses from the point at which the voltage information is obtained.

[0023] Further, the lighting driving device further includes a counting section configured to count an elapsed time from the start point according to control by the control section, and to count an elapsed time from a point at which the output voltage value of the lighting section is sensed by the second sensing section.

[0024] In another aspect, a method for driving illumination according to an embodiment includes: sensing an input current value of an illumination section; counting a first elapsed time from a start point at which a current is applied to the illumination section, based on the sensed input current value; sensing an output voltage value of the illumination section when the first elapsed time exceeds a predetermined first debounce time; counting a second elapsed time from the sensing of the output voltage value; determining an end point at which the current applied to the illumination section is blocked, based on the input current value of the illumination section; deleting voltage information corresponding to the sensed output voltage value when the end point arrives before the second elapsed time elapses by a predetermined second debounce time; and updating the voltage information corresponding to the sensed output voltage value into a memory when the end point arrives after the second elapsed time elapses by the second debounce time.

[0025] Further, the output voltage of the illumination section includes a rising interval that gradually increases in response to a start point at which the current starts to be applied to the illumination section, and wherein a point at which the first debounce time elapses is later than a point at which the rising interval ends.

[0026] Further, the output voltage of the illumination section includes a falling interval that gradually decreases in response to an end point at which the current applied to the illumination section is blocked, and wherein a point before the second debounce time of the end point elapses is earlier than a point at which the falling interval starts.

[0027] Further, a start point of the falling interval is earlier than the end point at which the current applied to the illumination section is blocked.

[0028] Further, the method further includes: when the first elapsed time exceeds the first debounce time, resetting voltage information previously stored in the memory during a preset reset time.

[0029] Advantageous Effects

[0030] The embodiments can more accurately sense a state of an illumination section. Specifically, the embodiments prevent a sensing operation of an output voltage of the illumination section in a rising interval of a start point at which a current is applied to the illumination section and a falling interval of an end point at which the applied current is blocked. Accordingly, the embodiments can solve a sensing error problem that can occur when the output voltage of the illumination section is sensed in the rising interval and the falling interval, thereby improving reliability.

[0031] Further, the embodiments can provide a lighting driving device suitable for various environments. That is, the embodiments stop the sensing operation of the output voltage of the lighting portion during a first DBT longer than a time of a rising section of a start point at which the current is applied to the lighting portion. Further, the embodiments stop the sensing operation of the output voltage of the lighting portion during a second DBT longer than a time of a falling section of an end point at which the applied current is blocked. Thus, the embodiments can solve the reliability problem that occurs with the change of the rising section or the falling section in various environments.

[0032] Further, the embodiments can provide a more perfect sensing function by including a reset section. That is, the embodiments do not immediately start the sensing function of the output voltage of the lighting portion at a point at which the first DBT has been exceeded, but reset the previously stored data for a predetermined reset time based on the point at which the first DBT has been exceeded. Thus, the embodiments can further improve the reliability of the sensing function of the lighting portion. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0033] Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a lighting driving device according to an embodiment.

[0034] Figure 2 is a view illustrating a relationship between an input current of a lighting portion and an output voltage of the lighting portion according to an embodiment.

[0035] Figure 3 is a flowchart illustrating a method of stepwise driving a lighting driving device according to an embodiment.

[0036] Figure 4 is a view for explaining a voltage sensing operation of Figure 3 according to a first embodiment.

[0037] Figure 5 is a graph for explaining a voltage sensing operation of Figure 3 according to a second embodiment.

[0038] Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating a method of stepwise driving a lighting driving device according to another embodiment.

[0039] Figure 7 is a view for explaining a voltage sensing operation of Figure 6 according to a first embodiment.

[0040] Figure 8 and Figure 9 is a view illustrating a modification example of a falling section of Figure 7 .

[0041] Figure 10is a view for explaining a voltage sensing operation according to another exemplary embodiment.

[0042] Figure 11 is a flowchart showing a method of gradually storing voltage information in a sensing part according to an embodiment.

[0043] Figure 12 is a top view of a vehicle to which a lamp to which a lighting driving device according to an embodiment is applied is applied.

[0044] Figure 13 is an example in which the lighting driving device according to an embodiment is disposed at a front portion of a vehicle.

[0045] Figure 14 is an example in which the lighting driving device according to an embodiment is disposed at a rear portion of a vehicle. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0046] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present application will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0047] However, the spirit and scope of the present application are not limited to a part of the described embodiments, and can be implemented in various other forms, and one or more of the elements of the embodiments can be selectively combined and replaced in use within the spirit and scope of the present application.

[0048] Further, unless explicitly defined and described otherwise, the terms used in the embodiments of the present application, including technical terms and scientific terms, can be interpreted as having the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the present application pertains and can be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with the meaning in the context of the relevant technology.

[0049] Further, the terms used in the embodiments of the present application are used to describe the embodiments and are not intended to limit the present application. In the present specification, the singular form can also include the plural form unless specifically stated otherwise in the phrase, and the singular form when described as "at least one of (or more) A, B, and C" can include all combinations of the components that can be combined in A, B, and C.

[0050] Also, in describing elements of embodiments of the present application, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), and (b) can be used. These terms are used only to distinguish one element from another, and the terms are not limited to the essence, order, or sequence of the elements. Also, when an element is described as being "connected," "coupled," or "contacted" to another element, it can not only be directly connected, coupled, or contacted to the other element, but also include a third element between them which "connects," "couples," or "contacts" the two elements.

[0051] Also, when described as being "on" or "under" each element, "on" or "under" can not only include the case where the two elements are directly connected to each other, but also include the case where one or more other elements are formed or disposed between the two elements. Also, when expressed as "on" or "under," not only the upward direction based on one element can be included, but also the downward direction can be included.

[0052] Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a lighting driving apparatus according to an embodiment.

[0053] Referring to Figure 1 , the lighting driving apparatus can include a lighting part 110, a driving part 120, a first sensing part 130, a second sensing part 140, a counting part 150, and a control part 160.

[0054] The lighting part 110 can include at least one light emitting diode. When the lighting part 110 includes a plurality of light emitting diodes, the plurality of light emitting diodes can be connected in series or in parallel. The lighting part 110 can include a package in which a light emitting diode chip is packaged. The light emitting diode chip can emit at least one of blue light, red light, green light, ultraviolet (UV) light, and infrared light. The lighting part 110 can be mounted on a vehicle to constitute a lamp. For example, one or more lighting parts 110 can be disposed at least one of a front, a rear, and a side of the vehicle. For example, the lighting part 110 can be applied to a headlamp of the vehicle. For example, the lighting part 110 can perform at least one function of a headlight, a turn signal lamp, a daytime running lamp, a high beam, a low beam, and a fog lamp by emitting light. For example, the lighting part 110 can provide an additional function such as a welcome lamp or a celebration effect by emitting light together with the opening of a door. For example, the lighting part 110 can be applied to a rear lamp that performs at least one function of a side lamp, a brake lamp, and a turn signal lamp by emitting light.

[0055] The lighting part 110 can be driven by an applied current. For example, a pulse-type current can be applied to the lighting driving device from a main control module (not shown). For example, a pulse width modulation (PWM)-type current can be applied to the lighting driving device. The main control module can be a module that controls a specific main light among a plurality of lights provided in a vehicle. For example, the main control module can be a head lamp control module (HCM) that controls a head lamp, but is not limited thereto. Also, although it has been described above that a current output from a separate module is applied to the lighting part 110 of the lighting driving device, it is not limited thereto. For example, the lighting driving device further includes a power conversion module (not shown) that is connected to a vehicle battery (not shown) and generates a current for driving the lighting part 110 based on a voltage supplied by discharging of the battery.

[0056] The lighting part 110 can be driven by an applied current to output light of a specific color and a specific brightness. When the lighting part 110 includes a plurality of light emitting diodes, the plurality of light emitting diodes can be simultaneously turned on and off. For example, the plurality of light emitting diodes can be simultaneously turned on by being driven by an applied current and simultaneously turned off when the current is blocked. Alternatively, the plurality of light emitting diodes can be sequentially turned on. For example, the plurality of light emitting diodes can be turned on in stages at predetermined time intervals to achieve an animation effect. For example, when the plurality of light emitting diodes includes first to third light emitting diodes, the first light emitting diode can emit light at a first point, the second light emitting diode can emit light at a second point later than the first point, and the third light emitting diode can emit light at a third point later than the second point. That is, the first to third light emitting diodes emit light at regular time intervals, and all of the light emitting diodes can emit light at the third point. Also, the first to third light emitting diodes can be simultaneously turned off at a fourth point later than the third point.

[0057] That is, the lighting part 110 can be applied to one of various lights provided in a vehicle, and can emit light under different conditions according to the type of the applied light.

[0058] The driving part 120 can be connected to an input terminal of the lighting part 110. For example, the driving part 120 can be connected to an anode (-) of a light emitting diode constituting the lighting part 110.

[0059] The driving part 120 can perform a switching operation according to a control signal to adjust the intensity of the current applied to the lighting part 110. For example, the driving part 120 can include a switching element that performs a switching operation. For example, the driving part 120 can include a switching device such as a bipolar junction transistor (BJT) or a metal oxide-semiconductor field effect transistor (MOSFET). The driving part 120 can adjust the intensity of the current applied to the lighting part 110 according to the switching operation of the switching device. For example, the control signal can be a PWM signal, and the driving part 120 can adjust the intensity of the current applied to the lighting part 110 through PWM control.

[0060] The first sensing part 130 can be disposed at an input terminal of the lighting driving apparatus. For example, the first sensing part 130 can be disposed at an input terminal of the lighting part 110. For example, the first sensing part 130 can be connected to an anode of the light emitting diode. The first sensing part 130 can be a current sensor. The first sensing part 130 can sense a current and output information of the sensed current. That is, the first sensing part 130 can sense whether a current is applied to the lighting part 110 or whether the applied current is blocked. The first sensing part 130 can transfer the sensed current information to the control part 160.

[0061] The second sensing part 140 can be disposed at an output terminal of the lighting driving apparatus. For example, the second sensing part 140 can be disposed at an output terminal of the lighting part 110. For example, the second sensing part 140 can be connected to a cathode of the light emitting diode. The second sensing part 140 can sense a voltage of the lighting part 110. For example, the second sensing part 140 can sense an output voltage of the lighting part 110. To this end, the second sensing part 140 can be configured as a voltage sensor. The second sensing part 140 can sense the output voltage of the lighting part 110 and transmit voltage information corresponding to the output voltage to the control part 160.

[0062] In one embodiment, the second sensing part 140 can be activated or inactivated according to a control signal from the control part 160. In the activated state, the second sensing part 140 can sense the output voltage of the lighting part 110 and transmit voltage information corresponding to the output voltage to the control part 160. In this case, the second sensing part 140 can perform an operation of sensing the output voltage of the lighting part 110 according to a predetermined period in the activated state. In addition, the second sensing part 140 can not perform an operation of sensing the output voltage of the lighting part 110 in the inactivated state.

[0063] In another embodiment, the second sensing part 140 can always maintain an activated state, and accordingly, can perform an operation of sensing the output voltage of the lighting part 110 according to a predetermined period.

[0064] Meanwhile, the period in which the second sensing part 140 senses the output voltage of the lighting part 110 can be 2 ms, but is not limited thereto. For example, the second sensing part 140 can sense and output the output voltage of the lighting part 110 according to a period of 2 ms.

[0065] Alternatively, the second sensing part 140 can always perform the operation of sensing the output voltage of the lighting part 110 regardless of the period. In addition, the control part 160 can read the voltage information sensed by the second sensing part 140 according to the period (for example, 2 ms).

[0066] The counting part 150 can count time. For example, the counting part 150 can count time based on a certain point according to a control signal of the control part 160.

[0067] For example, the counting part 150 can count the elapsed time from the start point at which the current is applied to the lighting part 110. This is to address the error that occurs due to obtaining voltage information in the voltage rising interval of the start point. For example, the counting part 150 can count the elapsed time from the point at which the voltage information of the lighting part 110 is obtained. This is to address the error that occurs due to obtaining voltage information based on the end point at which the current applied to the lighting part 110 is blocked in the voltage falling interval.

[0068] The control part 160 can generally control the operation of the lighting driving device.

[0069] For example, the control part 160 can control the condition of the current applied to the lighting part 110 based on the driving condition of the lighting part 110. The condition of the current can include whether the current is applied and the intensity of the applied current.

[0070] For example, the control part 160 can control the driving part 120 so that a certain intensity of current is applied to the lighting part 110 in a condition in which the lighting part 110 is lit. To this end, the control part 160 can output a control signal (for example, a PWM signal) for controlling the switching state of the switching device constituting the driving part 120.

[0071] In addition, the control part 160 can control the driving part 120 based on the output voltage of the lighting part 110 obtained through the second sensing part 140. For example, when the output voltage of the lighting part 110 is different from the target voltage, the control part 160 can output a control signal to the driving part 120 to make the target voltage and the output voltage equal.

[0072] Further, the control portion 160 can detect an abnormal state of the lighting portion 110 based on the output voltage of the lighting portion 110 obtained through the second sensing portion 140. The abnormal state of the lighting portion 110 can include a short-circuit state and an open-circuit state of the light emitting diode constituting the lighting portion 110. For example, in a state in which the lighting portion 110 emits light, the output voltage of the lighting portion 110 can exist within a predetermined reference range. In this case, when the light emitting diode constituting the lighting portion 110 is in a short-circuit state, the output voltage of the lighting portion 110 has a value lower than the reference range (for example, 0 V or a low voltage state). Further, when the light emitting diode constituting the lighting portion 110 is in an open-circuit state, the output voltage of the lighting portion 110 has a value higher than the reference range (for example, an overvoltage state). Accordingly, the control portion 160 can determine the open-circuit state or the short-circuit state of the lighting portion 110 based on the output voltage of the lighting portion 110 obtained through the second sensing portion 140.

[0073] Meanwhile, the control portion 160 can not perform an operation of sensing the output voltage of the lighting portion 110 in a certain interval.

[0074] In general, the control portion 160 determines the open-circuit or the short-circuit of the lighting portion 110 based on the output voltage of the lighting portion 110 in an interval in which a current is applied to the lighting portion 110 (for example, a current-on interval). However, as described above, at a start point at which a current is applied to the lighting portion 110 or at an end point at which the current applied to the lighting portion 110 is blocked, the voltage of the lighting portion 110 gradually increases or decreases at a certain slope. Further, when the output voltage of the lighting portion 110 is sensed in an interval (a voltage rise interval or a voltage drop interval) in which the output voltage of the lighting portion 110 increases or decreases at a certain slope, even if the lighting portion 110 is in a normal state, a problem in which the lighting portion 110 is erroneously detected as an open-circuit state or a short-circuit state can occur. Accordingly, the control portion 160 does not sense the output voltage of the lighting portion 110 during the voltage rise interval or the voltage drop interval at the start point or the end point.

[0075] Hereinafter, a sensing operation of the output voltage of the lighting portion 110 by the control portion 160 will be described in detail.

[0076] Figure 2 is a view illustrating a relationship between an input current of the lighting portion 110 and an output voltage of the lighting portion 110 according to an embodiment.

[0077] Referring to Figure 2, the current can be applied to the lighting part 110. The current can be applied in a pulse form. Accordingly, the lighting part 110 has a current-on section in which the current is applied, and a current-off section in which the applied current is blocked. In the current-on section, a constant current is applied to the lighting part 110, and thus the lighting part 110 can emit light. Also, in the current-off section, the current applied to the lighting part 110 is blocked, and thus the lighting part 110 can be extinguished.

[0078] Specifically, in one embodiment, the lighting part 110 can be applied to a turn signal lamp of a vehicle. Accordingly, the lighting part 110 can perform a light emission operation having a predetermined period. For example, the lighting part 110 can emit and extinguish light at a period of 400 ms. That is, the lighting part 110 performs a light emission operation for 400 ms, then performs a light extinguishing operation for 400 ms, and can repeat such operations.

[0079] Meanwhile, the current-on section can include a start point (SP) at which the current is applied, and an end point (EP) at which the applied current is blocked.

[0080] For example, the current-on section can start at a first point T1. That is, the first point T1 can be the start point SP at which the current is applied to the lighting part 110.

[0081] Then, the current is applied to the lighting part 110 starting at the first point T1 corresponding to the start point SP, and accordingly, the output voltage of the lighting part 110 can have a value greater than zero. In this case, the output voltage of the lighting part 110 does not immediately have a value corresponding to the reference range at the first point T1, but gradually increases over a certain period of time. Also, after a predetermined time elapses from the first point T1, the output voltage of the lighting part 110 can have a value corresponding to the reference range at a second point T2. For example, the output voltage of the lighting part 110 can include a rising section (RS) corresponding to a section between the first point T1 and the second point T2. The rising section RS can also be referred to as a voltage stabilization section or a first voltage bounce section, in which the output voltage of the lighting part 110 changes to eventually have a value corresponding to the reference range.

[0082] Meanwhile, the current applied to the lighting part 110 can have a value of zero (0) at a fourth point T4 corresponding to the end point EP.

[0083] In this case, the output voltage of the lighting part 110 does not immediately have a value of zero at the fourth point T4, but gradually decreases over a certain period of time.

[0084] For example, the output voltage of the lighting part 110 can gradually decrease at a predetermined slope at a third point T3, which is a predetermined time before a fourth point T4. Also, the output voltage of the lighting part 110 can decrease faster at the third point T3 than at the fourth point T4, and have a zero value at the fourth point T4.

[0085] That is, the output voltage of the lighting part 110 can include a falling section (FS) corresponding to between the third point T3 and the fourth point T4, and gradually decrease at a certain slope.

[0086] As described above, the output voltage (LED voltage) of the lighting part 110 does not immediately change in response to the input current (Current) of the lighting part 110, but gradually decreases for a time period of the rising section RS (or the first voltage kick section) and the falling section FS (or the second voltage kick section).

[0087] Also, when the output voltage of the lighting part 110 is sensed in the rising section RS and the falling section FS as described above, even if the lighting part 110 is in a substantially normal state, an open circuit state or a short circuit state can be erroneously sensed.

[0088] Therefore, the control part 160 does not perform a sensing operation of the output voltage of the lighting part 110 in the rising section RS and the falling section FS of the output voltage of the lighting part 110, which makes it possible to solve the erroneous sensing.

[0089] Hereinafter, the output voltage sensing operation of the lighting part 110 performed by the control part 160 according to a change in the output current of the lighting part 110 will be described in detail.

[0090] Figure 3 is a flowchart illustrating a method of gradually driving a lighting driving apparatus according to an embodiment.

[0091] Referring to Figure 3 , the control part 160 determines whether a certain intensity or more of current is applied to the lighting part 110 (S101). That is, the control part 160 can sense an input current value of the lighting part 110 output through the first sensing part 130. Also, the control part 160 can determine whether it is a current-on section based on the input current value. For example, the control part 160 can detect a start point SP at which a constant current is applied to the lighting part 110 based on the input current value. In this case, the control part 160 does not perform an operation of sensing the output voltage of the lighting part 110 through the second sensing part 140.

[0092] When the start point SP at which the constant current is applied to the lighting part 110 is detected, the control part 160 can control the counting part 150 to count an elapsed time from the start point SP (S102).

[0093] The control portion 160 determines whether the elapsed time counted by the counting portion 150 has exceeded a preset first debounce time (S103). Here, the first debounce time can be set in various ways according to the embodiment. For example, the first debounce time can be set to correspond to the rising section RS of the output voltage of the lighting portion 110. This will be described in detail below.

[0094] When the elapsed time counted by the counting portion 150 does not exceed the first debounce time, the control portion 160 keeps the voltage sensing function off, and returns to the above-described step S102 after waiting for a certain period of time (S104).

[0095] Further, when the elapsed time counted by the counting portion 150 exceeds the preset first debounce time, the control portion 160 can turn on the voltage sensing function (S105).

[0096] Here, the turning on of the voltage sensing function can be as follows.

[0097] (1) The turning on of the voltage sensing function can mean changing the second sensing portion 140 from the inactive state to the active state. That is, the second sensing portion 140 can not operate in the inactive state, and can operate in the active state.

[0098] (2) The turning on of the voltage sensing function can mean that the control portion 160 senses (or reads) the voltage information output through the second sensing portion 140. That is, in a state where the voltage sensing function is off, the control portion 160 can not sense or read the voltage information output through the second sensing portion 140. Further, the control portion 160 can sense or read the voltage information sensed through the second sensing portion 140 at a point where the voltage sensing function is turned on.

[0099] Next, the control portion 160 can monitor the change in the input current of the lighting portion 110 sensed through the first sensing portion 130 while the voltage sensing function is turned on. Then, the control portion 160 can determine whether the input current of the lighting portion 110 is disconnected (for example, zero value) (S106). For example, the control portion 160 can detect the end point EP at which the current applied to the lighting portion 110 is blocked based on the input current value.

[0100] Further, in a case where it is not the end point EP at which the current is blocked, the control portion 160 can continue to perform the voltage sensing operation to sense the output voltage of the lighting portion 110 per cycle (S107).

[0101] Then, in a case where the input current of the lighting portion 110 is turned off, the control portion 160 can delete the voltage information sensed during the second debounce time before the end point EP (S108).

[0102] Hereinafter, the first debounce time and the second debounce time will be described in detail.

[0103] Figure 4 is a view for explaining a voltage sensing operation of the Figure 3 of the first embodiment.

[0104] Referring to Figure 4 , the current can be applied at the start point SP of the current-on interval of the lighting portion 110, and the applied current can be blocked at the end point EP. That is, the input current of the lighting portion 110 can be applied at the first point T1, and blocked at the fourth point T4.

[0105] In this case, as described above, the output voltage of the lighting portion 110 has the rising interval RS from the first point T1 to the second point T2. Further, the output voltage of the lighting portion 110 has the falling interval FS between the fourth point T4 and the third point T3 before the fourth point T4.

[0106] In this case, the sensing operation (the detection time in Figure 4 ) can be performed by the control portion 160 in the current-on interval in which the current is applied to the lighting portion 110.

[0107] Specifically, the interval in which the voltage sensing operation of the control portion 160 is turned on (the detection-on interval in Figure 4 ) can be less than the current-on interval. That is, the control portion 160 can perform the sensing operation of sensing the output voltage of the lighting portion 110 only in some interval of the current-on interval in which the current is applied to the lighting portion 110.

[0108] For example, the control portion 160 can not perform the sensing operation of sensing the output voltage of the lighting portion 110 during the first debounce time (DBT) based on the first point T1. In this case, the first DBT in the first embodiment can be set based on the rising interval RS of the output voltage of the lighting portion 110. For example, the first DBT can be the same time as the rising interval RS proceeds. That is, the first DBT in the first embodiment can refer to from the first point T1 to the second point T2. For example, the first DBT can refer to from the start point to the end point of the rising interval RS.

[0109] Further, the control section 160 can delete the voltage information sensed during the second DBT before the fourth point T4, based on the fourth point T4. In this case, the second DBT in the first embodiment can be set according to the falling section FS of the output voltage of the lighting section 110. For example, the second DBT can be the same time as the falling section FS proceeds. That is, the second DBT in the first embodiment can refer to from the third point T3 to the fourth point T4. For example, the second DBT can refer to from the start point T3 to the end point T4 of the falling section FS.

[0110] Meanwhile, as described above, when the first DBT is set to correspond to the rising section RS and the second DBT is set to correspond to the falling section FS, it can be impossible to adapt to various power supply environments. For example, the time the rising section RS or the falling section FS proceeds can increase according to the power supply environment. In this case, the voltage sensing ON section set by the first DBT or the second DBT can not completely exclude the rising section RS or the falling section FS.

[0111] Figure 5 is a diagram for explaining a voltage sensing operation of Figure 3 according to the second embodiment.

[0112] Referring to Figure 5 , the current can be applied to the lighting section 110 at the start point SP of the current ON section, and the applied current can be blocked at the end point EP.

[0113] That is, the input current of the lighting section 110 can be applied at the first point T1a, and blocked at the sixth point T6a.

[0114] Further, the output voltage of the lighting section 110 has a rising section RS from the first point T1a to the second point T2a. Further, the output voltage of the lighting section 110 has a falling section FS between the sixth point T6a and the fifth point T5a before the sixth point T6a. Further, the section in which the voltage sensing operation of the control section 160 is turned ON (the detection ON section in Figure 5 ) can be smaller than the current ON section. That is, the control section 160 can perform the sensing operation of sensing the output voltage of the lighting section 110 only in some sections of the current ON section in which the current is applied to the lighting section 110.

[0115] For example, the control section 160 can not perform the sensing operation of the output voltage of the lighting section 110 within a first debounce time (DBT) based on the first point T1a. In this case, the first DBT in the second embodiment can be set to be greater than the rising section RS of the output voltage of the lighting section 110. For example, the first DBT can be greater than the time of the rising section RS. That is, the first DBT in the second embodiment can refer to from the first point T1a to the third point T3a. The third point T3a can be after the second point T2a. The third point T3a can be between the second point T2a and the fifth point T5a. The first DBT can be set to be 1.5 to 2 times the time of the rising section RS. When the first DBT is less than 1.5 times the time of the rising section RS, this can result in a case where the output voltage of the lighting section 110 is sensed within the rising section RS. When the first DBT is greater than twice the time of the rising section RS, the section in which the control section 160 performs the voltage sensing operation in the current-on section can be reduced, and accordingly, the sensing reliability can be reduced.

[0116] Further, the control section 160 can delete the voltage information sensed during the second DBT before the sixth point T6a based on the sixth point T6a. In this case, the second DBT in the second embodiment can be greater than the falling section FS of the output voltage of the lighting section 110. That is, the second DBT in the second embodiment can refer to from the fourth point T4a to the sixth point T6a. The fourth point T4a can be before the fifth point T5a. The fourth point T4a can be between the third point T3a and the fifth point T5a.

[0117] Meanwhile, in the above description, the falling section FS starts before the input current of the lighting section 110 is turned off and ends at the point at which the input current is turned off, but is not limited thereto. For example, the falling section FS can be variously changed according to the specifications of the lighting section 110 or the power supply environment. This will be described in detail below.

[0118] Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating a method of gradually driving a lighting driving apparatus according to another embodiment.

[0119] Referring to Figure 6 , the control section 160 determines whether a current of a certain intensity or more is applied to the lighting section 110 (S201). That is, the control section 160 can sense the input current value of the lighting section 110 output through the first sensing section 130. Further, the control section 160 can determine whether it is the current-on section based on the input current value. For example, the control section 160 can detect the start point SP at which the constant current is supplied to the lighting section 110 based on the input current value. In this case, the control section 160 does not sense the output voltage of the lighting section 110 through the second sensing section 140.

[0120] When the starting point SP at which a constant current is supplied to the lighting part 110, the control part 160 can control the counting part 150 to count the elapsed time from the starting point SP (S202). The counting part 150 counts the elapsed time from the starting point SP according to the control signal of the control part 160.

[0121] The control part 160 determines whether the elapsed time counted by the counting part 150 has exceeded the preset first debounce time (S203).

[0122] When the elapsed time counted by the counting part 150 does not exceed the preset first debounce time, the control part 160 can maintain the voltage sensing function to be off, and returns to the above-described step S202 after waiting for a certain period of time (S204).

[0123] Further, when the elapsed time counted by the counting part 150 exceeds the preset first debounce time, the control part 160 resets the previously stored voltage information during a reset time (RT) (S205). That is, unlike the Figure 3 The difference is as follows. In the Figure 3 , the voltage sensing function is immediately turned on after the first debounce time elapses. Alternatively, in the Figure 6 , an additional reset interval is included, and the previously stored voltage sensing information is reset during the reset time RT in the reset interval.

[0124] Then, the control part 160 can turn on the voltage sensing function after the reset time RT elapses (S206).

[0125] Next, the control part 160 can monitor the change in the input current of the lighting part 110 sensed by the first sensing part 130 while the voltage sensing function is turned on. Then, the control part 160 can determine whether the input current of the lighting part 110 is blocked (for example, zero value) (S207). For example, the control part 160 can detect the end point EP at which the current applied to the lighting part 110 is blocked, based on the input current value.

[0126] Then, in the case where it is not the end point EP at which the applied current is blocked, the control part 160 can continue to perform the voltage sensing operation to sense the output voltage of the lighting part 110 per cycle (S208).

[0127] Then, in the case where the input current of the lighting part 110 is disconnected, the control part 160 can delete the voltage information sensed during the second debounce time before the end point EP (S209).

[0128] Figure 7 is to explain theFigure 6 A view of the voltage sensing operation.

[0129] Reference Figure 7 Current can be applied to the lighting unit 110 at the beginning point SP of the current-on interval, and the applied current can be blocked at the end point EP.

[0130] In other words, the input current of the lighting unit 110 can be applied at the first point T1b and blocked at the seventh point T7b.

[0131] Furthermore, the output voltage of the lighting unit 110 has a rising range RS from the first point T1b to the second point T2b. Additionally, the output voltage of the lighting unit 110 has a falling range FS between the seventh point T7b and the sixth point T6b before the seventh point T6b. Furthermore, the voltage sensing operation of the control unit 160 is activated during the following range (…). Figure 7 The detection activation interval can be smaller than the current on interval. That is, the control unit 160 can perform the sensing operation of sensing the output voltage of the lighting unit 110 only in some intervals of the current on interval where current is applied to the lighting unit 110.

[0132] For example, the control unit 160 may not perform the sensing operation of sensing the output voltage of the illumination unit 110 during the first debounce time (DBT) based on a first point T1b. This first DBT may be greater than the duration of the rising interval RS. That is, the first DBT may refer to the period from the first point T1b to the third point T3b. The third point T3b may be after the second point T2b. The third point T3b may be located between the second point T2b and the fifth point T5b. The first DBT may be set to 1.5 to 2 times the duration of the rising interval RS. When the first DBT is less than 1.5 times the duration of the rising interval RS, this may result in the output voltage of the illumination unit 110 being sensed within the rising interval RS. When the first DBT is greater than twice the duration of the rising interval RS, the range in which the control unit 160 performs the voltage sensing operation within the current-on interval may be reduced, and correspondingly, the sensing reliability may be reduced.

[0133] Further, the control section 160 can count the predetermined reset time based on the third point T3b at which the first DBT has elapsed. That is, the control section 160 sets the reset interval as from the third point T3b to the fourth point T4b at which the preset reset time has elapsed, and disables the voltage sensing function during the reset time RT in the reset interval. That is, depending on the situation, the voltage sensing function can not be accurately turned on in synchronization with the point at which the first DBT has elapsed. For example, the situation in which the voltage sensing function is turned on can occur before the first DBT has elapsed. Further, the first DBT has elapsed means that the current-on interval of a new cycle has come. Therefore, the embodiment sets the reset time RT after the first DBT has elapsed, and resets the previously sensed and stored voltage information. Further, it is possible to prevent the reset according to the voltage information from turning on the voltage sensing function before the first DBT has elapsed, thereby improving the reliability.

[0134] Further, the control section 160 can delete the voltage information sensed during the second DBT before the seventh point T7b based on the seventh point T7b. The second DBT can be greater than the falling interval FS of the output voltage of the lighting section 110. That is, the second DBT in the second embodiment can refer to from the fifth point T5b to the seventh point T7b.

[0135] Figure 8 and Figure 9 is a view showing a modified example of the falling interval of Figure 7 .

[0136] Meanwhile, in the above description, the falling interval FS starts before the input current of the lighting section 110 is turned off and ends at the point at which the input current is turned off, but is not limited thereto. For example, the falling interval FS can vary differently according to the specifications of the lighting section 110 or the power supply environment. That is, as shown in Figure 8 and Figure 9 , the falling interval can vary according to various environments.

[0137] Figure 8 The fifth to seventh points T5c, T6c, and T7c are different from Figure 7 , and thus only the fifth to seventh points T5c, T6c, and T7c are described.

[0138] Referring to Figure 8 , the falling interval FS can start at the sixth point T6c corresponding to the end point EP at which the current-on interval ends, and can end at the seventh point T7c later than the sixth point. Therefore, the control section 160 can delete the voltage information obtained between the fifth point T5c and the sixth point T6c before the sixth point T6c based on the sixth point T6c. That is, the control section 160 can delete the voltage information previously obtained during the second DBT before the sixth point based on the sixth point T6c.

[0139] Figure 9 and Figure 7 In comparison, points 5 through 8, T5d, T6d, T7d, and T8d differ, therefore only points 5 through 8, T5d, T6d, T7d, and T8d, will be described.

[0140] Reference Figure 9 The falling interval FS can begin at the sixth point T6d, which is before the seventh point T7d corresponding to the end point EP of the current-on interval, and end at the eighth point T8d, which is after the seventh point T7d.

[0141] Accordingly, the control unit 160 can delete the voltage information obtained within a predetermined time period between the seventh point T7d and the fifth point T5d before the seventh point T7d. That is, the control unit 160 can delete the voltage information obtained during the second DBT period before the seventh point based on the seventh point T7d. In this case, the fifth point T5d can be earlier than the sixth point T6d at the start of the falling interval FS.

[0142] In summary, the voltage sensing interval in this embodiment begins after the rising interval RS ends and can end before the falling interval FS begins. Accordingly, this embodiment can solve the problem of sensing errors that may occur when performing voltage sensing operations in the rising interval RS and the falling interval FS.

[0143] Figure 10 This is a view used to illustrate voltage sensing operation according to another exemplary embodiment.

[0144] Figure 10 It can correspond to the light-emitting operation of the lighting unit 110 and Figure 7 Different situations exist. That is to say, Figure 7 The illumination unit 110 can perform a flashing operation with a certain period. Furthermore, Figure 10 The lighting section 110 shows the number of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) that emit light in an animated manner increasing over time.

[0145] Reference Figure 10 It can apply current to the lighting unit 110 at the beginning point SP of the current-on interval and can block the applied current at the end point EP.

[0146] In other words, the input current of the lighting unit 110 can be applied at the first point T1e and blocked at the seventh point T7e.

[0147] Furthermore, the output voltage of the lighting unit 110 has a rising range RS from the first point T1e to the second point T2e.

[0148] In this case, the output voltage of the lighting part 110 can not increase with a certain slope in the rising section RS, but can increase step by step, for example, in a manner different from Figure 7 . That is, a plurality of light emitting diodes constituting the lighting part 110 of Figure 10 may be configured and driven in an animation method in which the number of light emitting diodes operating in the on state gradually increases over time. Accordingly, Figure 10 all of the light emitting diodes of the lighting part 110 of may emit light at the second point T2e.

[0149] Further, the output voltage of the lighting part 110 has a falling section FS between the seventh point T7e and the sixth point T6e before the seventh point T6e. Further, the section in which the voltage sensing operation of the control part 160 is turned on (the detection turn-on section in Figure 10 ) can be smaller than the current turn-on section. That is, the control part 160 can perform the sensing operation of sensing the output voltage of the lighting part 110 only in some sections of the current turn-on section in which the current is applied to the lighting part 110.

[0150] For example, the control part 160 can not perform the sensing operation of sensing the output voltage of the lighting part 110 for a first debounce time (DBT) based on the first point T1e. The first DBT can be greater than the time in which the rising section RS is performed. That is, the first DBT can refer to from the first point T1e to the third point T3e. The third point T3e can be after the second point T2e. The third point T3e can be located between the second point T2e and the fifth point T5e. The first DBT can be set to 1.5 to 2 times the time in which the rising section RS is performed. When the first DBT is less than 1.5 times the time in which the rising section RS is performed, this can result in a case in which the output voltage of the lighting part 110 is sensed within the rising section RS. When the first DBT is greater than twice the time in which the rising section RS is performed, the section in which the control part 160 performs the voltage sensing operation in the current turn-on section can be reduced, and accordingly, the sensing reliability can be lowered.

[0151] Further, the control portion 160 can count the predetermined reset time based on the third point T3e at which the first DBT has elapsed. That is, the control portion 160 sets the reset interval as from the third point T3e to the fourth point T4e at which the preset reset time has elapsed, and disables the voltage sensing function during the reset time RT in the reset interval. That is, depending on the situation, the voltage sensing function can not be accurately turned on in synchronization with the point at which the first DBT has elapsed. For example, the case in which the voltage sensing function is turned on can occur before the first DBT has elapsed. Further, the first DBT having elapsed means that the current-on interval of a new cycle has come. Therefore, the embodiment sets the reset time RT after the first DBT has elapsed, and resets the previously sensed and stored voltage information. Further, it is possible to prevent the reset according to the voltage information from turning on the voltage sensing function before the first DBT has elapsed, thereby improving the reliability.

[0152] Further, the control portion 160 can delete the voltage information sensed during the second DBT before the seventh point T7e based on the seventh point T7e. The second DBT can be greater than the falling interval FS of the output voltage of the illumination portion 110. That is, the second DBT in the second embodiment can refer to from the fifth point T5e to the seventh point T7e.

[0153] Meanwhile, the first DBT, the second DBT, and the reset time in the embodiment can be set to different values according to the type of the lamp to which the illumination portion 110 is applied. For example, the illumination portion 110 can include a first turn signal lamp operating in a blinking manner, a second turn signal lamp operating in an animation manner, a daytime running lamp, and a vehicle lamp. Further, the first DBT, the second DBT, and the reset time can be set as shown in Table 1 below.

[0154] [Table 1]

[0155] Conditions First DBT Reset time Second DBT First turn signal 80 ms 5 ms 25 ms Second turn signal 190 ms 5 ms 25 ms Daytime running light 140 ms 5 ms 25 ms Side light 140 ms 5 ms 25 ms

[0156] As shown in Table 1, the first DBT, the second DBT, and the reset time in the embodiment can be set to different values according to the type of the lamp to which the illumination portion 110 is applied, and accordingly, the reliability of the voltage sensing function can be improved.

[0157] Figure 11 is a flowchart illustrating a method of gradually storing voltage information in a sensing interval according to an embodiment.

[0158] Before the description of Figure 11 , the control portion 160 can preferably store the voltage information sensed by the second sensing portion 140 in a memory (not shown), and when the end point corresponding to the current blocking point is reached, delete the voltage information stored during the second DBT before the end point, as Figure 3Alternatively, when the voltage information is sensed, the embodiment can perform a storage operation on the sensed voltage information after the second DBT elapses. For example, when the voltage information is sensed, if the end point corresponding to the current blocking point is not reached, the control part 160 can store the sensed voltage information even if the second DBT elapses from the point at which the voltage information is sensed. Alternatively, when the voltage information is sensed before the second DBT elapses from the sensed point and the end point corresponding to the current blocking point is reached, the control part 160 can delete the sensed voltage information without updating it to the memory.

[0159] That is, with reference to Figure 11 , the control part 160 can sense the voltage information through the second sensing part 140 (S301). Also, the sensed voltage information in the memory is not updated during the second DBT.

[0160] Thereafter, the control part 160 determines whether the second DBT has elapsed from the point at which the voltage information is sensed (S302).

[0161] Then, the control part 160 determines whether the current applied to the lighting part 110 before the second DBT elapses is blocked when the second DBT elapses from the point at which the voltage information is sensed (S303).

[0162] Thereafter, when the current applied to the lighting part 110 is blocked before the second DBT elapses from the point at which the voltage information is sensed, the control part 160 deletes the sensed voltage information without updating the memory (S304).

[0163] Also, when the current is continuously applied to the lighting part 110 even after the second DBT elapses from the point at which the voltage information is sensed, the control part 160 can store and update the sensed voltage information in the memory (S305).

[0164] Meanwhile, the lighting driving apparatus according to the embodiment can be applied to a mobile device such as a vehicle.

[0165] Figure 12 is a top view of a vehicle to which a lamp having the lighting driving apparatus according to the embodiment is applied, Figure 13 is an example in which the lighting driving apparatus according to the embodiment is disposed at a front portion of a vehicle, and Figure 14 is an example in which the lighting driving apparatus according to the embodiment is disposed at a rear portion of a vehicle.

[0166] With reference to Figure 12 to Figure 14According to the lighting driving apparatus of the embodiments, the lighting driving apparatus can be applied to the lamps of the vehicle 2000. One or more lamps can be disposed at at least one of the front, rear, and side of the vehicle 2000. The lighting driving apparatus is provided in various shapes, such as a curve or a straight line, and can be applied to the lamps disposed in various regions of the vehicle 2000.

[0167] For example, referring to Figure 13 The lamps can be applied to the headlamps 2100 of the vehicle 2000. The headlamps 2100 can include a first cover member 2110 and at least one lamp module including the lighting apparatus 1000. The first cover member 2110 can accommodate the lighting driving apparatus.

[0168] The headlamps 2100 can provide a plurality of functions by controlling the driving points of the lighting driving apparatus included in the at least one lamp module. For example, the headlamps 2100 can include a first lamp module 2120 and a third lamp module 2130 that provides at least one function of a headlight, a turn signal lamp, a daytime running lamp, a high beam, a low beam, and a fog lamp by the light emission of the lighting part 110 of the lighting driving apparatus. In addition, the headlamps 2100 can provide additional functions, such as a welcome lamp or a celebration effect when the driver opens the door.

[0169] In addition, referring to Figure 14 The lamps can be applied to the rear lamps 2200 of the vehicle. The rear lamps 2200 can include at least one lamp module including a second cover member 2210 and the lighting driving apparatus. The second cover member 2210 can accommodate the lighting driving apparatus.

[0170] The rear lamps 2200 can provide a plurality of functions by controlling the driving points of the lighting apparatus 1000 included in the at least one lamp module. For example, the rear lamps 2200 can include a second lamp module 2220 that provides at least one function of a side lamp, a brake lamp, and a turn signal lamp by the light emission from the lighting part 110 of the lighting driving apparatus.

[0171] The above-described embodiments can more accurately sense the state of the lighting part. Specifically, the embodiments prevent the sensing operation of the output voltage of the lighting part in the rising interval of the start point at which the current is applied to the lighting part and the falling interval of the end point at which the applied current is blocked. Accordingly, the embodiments can solve the sensing error problem that can occur when the output voltage of the lighting part 110 is sensed in the rising interval and the falling interval, and thereby improve reliability.

[0172] Further, the embodiments can provide a lighting driving device suitable for various environments. That is, the embodiments stop the sensing operation of the output voltage of the lighting portion during a first DBT which is longer than a time of a rising section at a starting point at which the current is applied to the lighting portion. Further, the embodiments stop the sensing operation of the output voltage of the lighting portion during a second DBT which is longer than a time of a falling section at an ending point at which the applied current is blocked. Thus, the embodiments can solve the reliability problem which occurs with the change of the rising section or the falling section in various environments.

[0173] Further, the embodiments can provide a more perfect sensing function by including a reset section. That is, the embodiments do not immediately start the sensing function of the output voltage of the lighting portion at a point at which the first DBT has been exceeded, but reset the previously stored data for a predetermined reset time based on the point at which the first DBT has been exceeded. Thus, the embodiments can further improve the reliability of the sensing function of the lighting portion.

Claims

1. A lighting driving device, comprising: The lighting section includes input and output terminals; A first sensing unit is connected to the input terminal and configured to sense the input current value of the illumination unit; A second sensing unit is connected to the output terminal and configured to sense the output voltage value of the illumination unit; as well as A control unit is configured to sense the output voltage value through a second sensing unit based on the input current value sensed by the first sensing unit, and to determine the state of the illumination unit based on the output voltage value; The control unit is configured to: Control is performed by sensing the output voltage value through the second sensing unit, starting after a first debounce time has elapsed from the point where current is applied to the illumination unit, and The control operation of sensing the output voltage value through the second sensing unit is stopped before the second debounce time, which is the end point before the current applied to the illumination unit is blocked.

2. The lighting driving device according to claim 1, wherein, The output voltage of the lighting unit includes: The rising range is based on the starting point at which current begins to be applied to the lighting unit, and The decreasing range is based on the endpoint where the applied current is blocked. Wherein, the first debounce time is set based on the rising interval, and The second debounce time is set based on the descent interval.

3. The lighting driving device according to claim 2, wherein, The output voltage of the lighting unit gradually increases with a certain slope during the rising range, and The output voltage of the lighting unit gradually decreases with a certain slope in the decreasing range.

4. The lighting driving device according to claim 2, wherein, The output voltage of the lighting unit gradually increases at regular time intervals during the rising range, and The output voltage of the lighting unit gradually decreases at regular time intervals during the decreasing range.

5. The lighting driving device according to claim 2, wherein, The point at which the first debounce time has elapsed is later than the point at which the ascent interval ends.

6. The lighting driving device according to claim 2, wherein, The point after the first debounce time is the same as the point at which the rising interval ends.

7. The lighting driving device according to claim 2, wherein, The point before the second debounce time from the end point is earlier than the point at the start of the descent interval.

8. The lighting driving device according to claim 2, wherein, The point before the second debounce time from the end point is the same as the starting point of the descent interval.

9. The lighting driving device according to claim 7, wherein, The starting point of the falling interval is earlier than the ending point where the current applied to the lighting section is blocked.

10. The lighting driving device according to claim 1, wherein, When the first debounce time has elapsed, the control unit is configured to control the sensing operation of the output voltage value by the second sensing unit to begin after a predetermined reset time from the point where the first debounce time has elapsed.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Light source lighting apparatus and lighting device

    JP2012222322A