Automotive lighting unit structure capable of detecting electrical characteristics of light-emitting diode components

Abstract

An automobile lighting unit structure capable of detecting the electrical characteristics of a light emitting diode component is provided. [Solution] An automobile lighting unit structure capable of detecting the electrical characteristics of a light-emitting diode component, in which at least one light-emitting diode light source is selectively provided in any one of at least one electrical paths of at least one driving power circuit, at least one circuit breaker unit includes at least one circuit switch provided in the electrical path corresponding to at least one driving power circuit and including at least one light-emitting diode light source, controls the at least one circuit switch to make the at least one electrical path isolated from the driving power source, and a watt-hour meter connection circuit is connected to both sides of either one of the at least one light-emitting diode light source, so that by making the at least one light-emitting diode light source isolated from the driving power source, it is not affected by the current and voltage of the driving power circuit, and therefore the current source watt-hour meter can sequentially detect the chips of the at least one light-emitting diode light source through the watt-hour meter connection circuit, and identify whether it is damaged or which one is damaged.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an automobile lighting unit using a light emitting diode, and more particularly to an automobile lighting unit structure capable of directly and accurately detecting the semiconductor electrical characteristics of the light emitting diode chip of the light emitting diode light source therein. [Background technology]

[0002] Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) are light sources that can generate high brightness by utilizing the combination of electrons and holes in semiconductors. They are widely used in car headlights, taillights, and other exterior lighting (blue, yellow, orange, red, white, and infrared). High-quality, high-power LEDs require not only high brightness and illuminance, but also good reliability. Take automotive lighting units as an example: if an LED malfunctions, it can affect nighttime driving safety. Given the high standards for LEDs in cars, even a malfunction as small as 1 ppm is necessary for improvement in the automotive industry, so it is extremely important to correctly detect the optical and electrical characteristics of the components.

[0003] The manufacturing process for automotive lighting units is roughly as follows: semiconductor PN junction light-emitting diode chips are fabricated on epitaxial wafers, followed by the fabrication of LED packaging components, followed by the fabrication of light-emitting light modules (PCBAs), and finally the fabrication of automotive lighting units for use in automobiles. LED light sources are more expensive than traditional tungsten filament bulbs or compact fluorescent lamps, but they offer the advantages of fast start-up, greater safety, and good directionality as area light sources. When used in automotive headlights, they can be widely used in road lighting. For example, sensors can be used to enhance lighting in specific areas or automatically turn off lights in oncoming lanes. Sudden failure of automotive headlights can affect driving safety, and unexpected damage during nighttime driving can lead to nighttime traffic accidents.

[0004] Referring to FIG. 1, the light includes two light source modules, namely, a low beam light source module 1A and a high beam light source module 1B, which are arranged in a housing 3 of an automobile lighting unit 2. An LED light drive module 4 (LDM) is provided in the sealed space within the housing 3, and its internal driving power supply device includes two parts, namely, a low beam control unit 4A and a high beam control unit 4B, which respectively provide a driving power circuit A and a driving power circuit B to realize on control or brightness adjustment of the low beam light source module 1A and the high beam light source module 1B.

[0005] Taking the low beam light module 1A as an example, the low beam control unit 4A provides a DC power supply to enable the driving power circuit A to drive the low beam light module 1A. The driving power circuit A includes two parallel-connected current paths A1 and A2. The current path A1 includes the LED components of the low beam light module 1A, and the current path A2 includes an electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection component 1C to protect the LED components. The ESD protection component 1C is a unidirectional Zener diode, whose P and N electrodes are required to have the opposite polarity to the LED components. When the LED components of the low beam light module 1A operate under forward bias, the unidirectional Zener diode does not pass current. Only when the LED components of the low beam light module 1A operate under high reverse bias does the unidirectional Zener diode provide current-pass protection. In the prior art, the ESD protection component 1C connected in parallel with the low beam light module 1A provides better electrostatic and surge protection for the LED components of the low beam light module 1A. There are also light designs that do not use the electrostatic protection component 1C, or that place the electrostatic protection component 1C inside the LED light drive module 4.

[0006] In FIG. 1, the low beam light source module 1A and the high beam light source module 1B have different driving power circuits A and B, and the currents originate from the anode terminals of the LED components of the low beam light source module 1A and the high beam light source module 1B, respectively, and merge at the cathode terminals of the LED components of the low beam light source module 1A and the high beam light source module 1B before returning to the driving power supply device of the LED light drive module 4.

[0007] The LED light drive module 4 is electrically connected to a body control module 6 via a connector 5 outside the housing 3, and a secondary battery 7 inside the vehicle is electrically connected to the body control module 6. The body control module 6 controls and manages various light functions using the LED light drive module 4.

[0008] The automotive lighting unit 2 includes all parts inside the housing 3 and a connector 5 outside the housing 3. It is designed as an enclosed space for waterproofing and moisture prevention, and the LED components of the low beam light source module 1A and the high beam light source module 1B operate under high current and high temperature, so the LED components of the low beam light source module 1A and the high beam light source module 1B are generally the components in the automotive lighting unit 2 that are most susceptible to damage.

[0009] Referring to FIG. 2, a schematic diagram of the current-voltage characteristic curve of a light-emitting diode chip is shown. For a light-emitting diode chip, the detectable items are the forward current I f1 Lower forward voltage V f1 , very small forward current I f2 Lower forward voltage V f2 , including the reverse leakage current Ir under the reverse voltage Vr. For example, 2 For example, the forward current I f1 When the current is 350mA, the corresponding forward voltage V f1 is approximately 3.0V. Also, the very small forward current I f2 When is 10μA, the corresponding forward voltage V f2is approximately 2.7 V. When the reverse voltage Vr is -5 V, the corresponding reverse leakage current Ir is approximately 0.02 μA.

[0010] When a contact failure occurs in the LED chip or when a conductive abnormality occurs in the semiconductor layer of the LED chip, the forward current I f1 Lower forward voltage V f1 rises, and if the epitaxial material of the semiconductor PN junction of the light-emitting diode chip deteriorates, the reverse leakage current Ir under the reverse voltage Vr increases, while at the same time, the very small forward current I f2 Lower forward voltage V f2 decreases.

[0011] Since this characteristic reflects the electrical characteristics of the light-emitting diode chip, it is possible to determine whether the light-emitting diode chip is normal or not, and by comparing the change in the value over time, it is possible to estimate the lifespan of an abnormal light-emitting diode chip.

[0012] However, in conventional systems, low-beam light source module 1A and high-beam light source module 1B are housed in a sealed housing 3, and the anodes and cathodes of the light-emitting diode chips in low-beam light source module 1A and high-beam light source module 1B are connected to an LED light drive module 4. If the positive and negative electrodes were directly connected to the outside of the light-emitting diode chips for measurement, they would form a parallel circuit with the LED light drive module 4. This makes it difficult to accurately measure the electrical characteristics of the light-emitting diode chips in low-beam light source module 1A and high-beam light source module 1B under forward and reverse voltages, making it difficult to assess the quality of the semiconductor PN junctions and chip packaging of the light-emitting diode chips. Furthermore, because the light-emitting diode chips in low-beam light source module 1A and high-beam light source module 1B are housed in a sealed housing 3, disassembling housing 3 for troubleshooting is a difficult task. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0013] Therefore, the main object of the present invention is to provide an automobile lighting unit structure capable of detecting the electrical characteristics of light-emitting diode components, by isolating the light-emitting diode light source under test from its driving power supply to eliminate interference from external factors, and then sequentially measuring the anode and cathode of the light-emitting diode chip of the light-emitting diode light source, thereby correctly evaluating the material condition of the light-emitting diode chip of each light-emitting diode light source and finding light-emitting diode chips with reliability problems. It is also possible to monitor the light-emitting diode chips of the light-emitting diode light source over a long period of time and monitor the status of abnormal components. [Means for solving the problem]

[0014] The present invention provides an automotive lighting unit structure capable of detecting electrical characteristics of light-emitting diode components, the structure comprising a light housing, an LED light drive module (LDM), power and control cables, at least one light-emitting diode light source, at least one driving power circuit, at least one circuit breaker unit, and an electricity meter connection circuit, wherein the light housing has an internal space, the LED light drive module is installed within the internal space of the light housing, and the LED light drive module has at least one driving power supply device, each driving power supply device having a power positive terminal and a power negative terminal for outputting a driving voltage, and the power and control cables pass through the light housing and are electrically connected to the LED light drive module.

[0015] The at least one driving power circuit is connected to the at least one driving power supply device, and each driving power circuit is arranged in the internal space of the light housing and has a first end and a second end, the first end is connected to the positive terminal of the power supply, the second end is connected to the negative terminal of the power supply, and has at least one electrical path between the first end and the second end, and the at least one light-emitting diode light source is selectively arranged in the at least one electrical path.

[0016] The at least one circuit breaking unit is provided corresponding to the at least one driving power circuit, and each of the circuit breaking units has at least one circuit switch, and the at least one circuit switch is provided in the electrical path having the at least one light emitting diode light source, and by controlling the at least one circuit switch to be on or off, the circuit breaking units have an on state and an off state, respectively, and when the circuit breaking unit is in the off state, the corresponding at least one light emitting diode light source is isolated from the driving power source.

[0017] The watt-hour meter connection circuit includes at least one positive circuit and at least one negative circuit, and the at least one positive circuit and the at least one negative circuit of the watt-hour meter connection circuit are paired and selectively connected to either side of the at least one light-emitting diode light source. The paired positive circuits and the negative circuits are each electrically connected to a current source watt-hour meter. [Effects of the Invention]

[0018] By turning off the circuit breaker unit, the LED light source located in the same electrical path can be isolated from the driving power supply and is not affected by external voltages, such as a parallel circuit. Therefore, the chips of at least one LED light source can be sequentially detected through the watt-hour meter connection circuit. The measured data of the current source watt-hour meter can be used to estimate whether the electrical characteristics of the LED chips of at least one LED light source are normal and to identify whether or not any LED chips are damaged. Furthermore, by comparing the changes in the electrical characteristics over time, the remaining life of any abnormal LED chips in at least one LED light source can be estimated. This prevents at least one LED light source from suddenly failing during driving, ensuring safe driving. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0019] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of a conventional automobile lighting unit structure; [Figure 2] 1 is a schematic diagram of a current-voltage characteristic curve of a light-emitting diode chip; [Figure 3] 1 is a schematic view showing the actual appearance of an automotive lighting unit according to the present invention; [Figure 4] 1 is a first schematic diagram of the structure of the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a second schematic diagram of the structure of the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] 1 is a first schematic diagram of the structure of an automotive lighting unit according to a second embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 7] 2 is a second schematic diagram of the structure of the automotive lighting unit according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a double-ended plug structure according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of an automobile lighting unit structure according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of an automobile lighting unit structure according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of the structure of an automobile lighting unit according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of the structure of an automobile lighting unit according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of an automobile lighting unit structure according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] In order that the features, objects and advantages of the present invention may be better understood and appreciated, preferred embodiments thereof will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. 3 and 4 are schematic diagrams showing the appearance and structure of a first embodiment of an automotive lighting unit according to the present invention. The unit includes a light housing 10, an LED light drive module 20 (LDM), a power and control cable 30, at least one light-emitting diode (LED) light source 40, at least one driving power circuit 50, at least one circuit breaker unit 60, and an electricity meter connection circuit 70. The light housing 10 has an interior space 11 within which the LED light drive module 20 is installed. The LED light drive module 20 includes at least one driving power supply 20A, each of which has a positive power terminal 21 and a negative power terminal 22 for outputting a driving voltage. The power and control cable 30 passes through the light housing 10 and is electrically connected to the LED light drive module 20. The power and control cable 30 is connected to a vehicle body control module 80, which is further connected to a secondary battery 81 to obtain the required power.

[0021] At least one driving power circuit 50 is correspondingly connected to at least one driving power supply 20A, and each driving power circuit 50 is disposed within the inner space 11 of the light housing and has a first end 51 and a second end 52, the first end 51 being connected to the positive terminal 21 of the power supply and the second end 52 being connected to the negative terminal 22 of the power supply, and at least one electrical path 53 being provided between the first end 51 and the second end 52, and at least one LED light source 40 being selectively disposed in any one of the at least one electrical path 53. In this embodiment, there is only one driving power supply 20A and one driving power circuit 50, but in other embodiments, there may be multiple driving power supplies 20A and multiple driving power circuits 50, and the multiple driving power circuits 50 are all connected to the multiple driving power supplies 20A in the LED light driving module 20 and can be independently controlled to be on / off and have their light intensity controlled independently. Each driving power circuit 50 has at least one electrical path 53, which is basically one, but may have a plurality of electrical paths 53 connected in parallel. At least one light emitting diode light source 40 or other functional components is provided in the plurality of electrical paths 53 connected in parallel. The at least one light emitting diode light source 40 is also one, but in other embodiments, the at least one light emitting diode light source 40 may be a plurality of light emitting diode light sources 40 connected in series.

[0022] The circuit breaking unit 60 is composed of a front-end circuit switch 60X and a rear-end circuit switch 60Y, and at least one circuit switch 60X or 60Y must be provided in the driving power circuit 50 to achieve the circuit breaking effect. Preferably, the at least one circuit switch 60X or 60Y is provided in the electrical path 53 including the at least one light emitting diode light source 40. The circuit breaking unit 60 has an on state and an off state, and in practice, the at least one circuit switch 60X or 60Y is controlled to be on or off to turn the circuit breaking unit 60 on or off.

[0023] When the circuit breaker unit 60 is in the off state, the corresponding at least one light-emitting diode light source 40 is isolated from the driving power supply. In this case, the at least one light-emitting diode light source 40 is electrically connected to the watthour meter connection circuit 70, which includes at least one positive circuit 71 and at least one negative circuit 72, and the at least one positive circuit 71 and the at least one negative circuit 72 of the watthour meter connection circuit 70 are paired and selectively connected to either side of the at least one light-emitting diode light source 40 (if there are multiple light-emitting diode light sources 40), and the paired positive circuits 71 and negative circuits 72 are each electrically connected to a current source watthour meter 90. In FIG. 4, the portion surrounded by a dotted line frame 91 is the automotive lighting unit of the present invention.

[0024] In practice, the light housing 10 may be any one selected from the group consisting of a vehicle headlight, fog light, tail light, parking light, and projection-type vehicle headlight. The circuit switches 60X, 60Y of the at least one circuit breaker unit 60 are electrically controlled circuit switches, selected from the group consisting of a relay and a semiconductor transistor. The present invention may further include an electric measurement junction box 73, in which the watt-hour meter connection circuit 70 is disposed. The positive and negative circuits 71 and 72 are provided with a positive external measurement terminal 71a and a negative external measurement terminal 72a, respectively.

[0025] 4, the circuit switches 60X, 60Y of the at least one circuit breaker unit 60 are provided within the light housing 10, and are electrically controlled circuit switches, and the electrical control signals are provided by an external electrical control signal line 61 provided outside the light housing 10.

[0026] FIG. 4 shows the measurement state of the first embodiment, in which the positive and negative external measurement terminals 71a and 72a are depicted as solid circles, representing electrical connection to the current source watt-hour meter 90. In the structure of FIG. 4, by providing a control signal via the external electrical control signal line 61, simply turning off the circuit switch 60X or 60Y of the circuit breaker unit 60 (depicted as a hollow circle in the drawing), the at least one LED light source 40 is isolated from the driving power source. Therefore, the watt-hour meter connection circuit 70 can be used to selectively connect either side of the at least one LED light source 40 (if multiple LEDs are present) and test it using the current source watt-hour meter 90. Therefore, the at least one LED light source 40 is not subject to external interference, and the minute current characteristics of the LED chip of the at least one LED light source 40 under forward and reverse bias can be accurately measured, thereby accurately evaluating the quality characteristics of the LED chip of the at least one LED light source 40 and providing a basis for replacement during automobile maintenance.

[0027] 5, in the operating state of the first embodiment (at least one LED light source 40 is turned on to be used as a headlight), in the structure of FIG. 5, as long as the circuit breaker unit 60 on the driving power circuit 50 is turned on by providing a control signal using the external electrical control signal line 61 (shown as a solid circle in the drawing), that is, all of the circuit switches 60X, 60Y are turned on, and the positive external measurement terminal 71a and the negative external measurement terminal 72a are not connected to the watt-hour meter connection circuit 70 (shown as a hollow circle in the drawing), that is, both sides of the LED light source 40 are separated from the current source watt-hour meter 90, this circuit can provide normal lighting during driving, as shown in the schematic diagram of the structure of the conventional automobile lighting unit in FIG.

[0028] 6 and 7, which are schematic diagrams illustrating the structure of an automotive lighting unit according to a second embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, an example is taken in which there is one at least one circuit breaker unit 60 and two at least one circuit switches 60X, 60Y. At least one circuit switch 60X, 60Y of the at least one circuit breaker unit 60 is located within an electrical measurement junction box 73, and at least one circuit switch 60X, 60Y is an electrically controlled circuit switch. The electrical control signal for the at least one circuit switch 60X, 60Y is provided by an external electrical control signal line 61 located outside the electrical measurement junction box 73.

[0029] In the measurement state of the second embodiment, in the structure of Figure 6, by providing a control signal using the external electrical control signal line 61, simply turning off the circuit switches 60X and 60Y of the circuit breaker unit 60 (drawn as hollow circles in the drawing), and by using the watt-hour meter connection circuit 70 to connect the positive external measurement terminal 71a and the negative external measurement terminal 72a (drawn as solid circles in the drawing), it is possible to selectively connect to either side of at least one light-emitting diode light source 40 (if there are multiple light-emitting diode light sources 40).

[0030] In the operating state of the second embodiment, in the structure of Figure 7, by providing a control signal using the external electrical control signal line 61, the circuit breaker unit 60 is turned on (drawn as a solid circle in the drawing), and the watt-hour meter connection circuit 70 is not connected to the positive external measurement terminal 71a or the negative external measurement terminal 72a (drawn as a hollow circle in the drawing), that is, it is not connected to both sides of the light-emitting diode light source 40, so long as this, lighting can be provided normally while driving.

[0031] Referring also to FIG. 8, a schematic diagram of the structure of an automotive lighting unit according to a third embodiment of the present invention is shown. In this embodiment, an electrical measurement junction box 73 includes a first connector portion 73A and a second connector portion 73B, and the electrical measurement junction box 73 has a manually controlled circuit switch function. The second connector portion 73B is a double-headed connector 14, which includes a first connection portion 141 and a second connection portion 142. The first connection portion 141 and the second connection portion 142 may be located on the same side, adjacent sides, or opposite sides of the double-headed connector 14, with the first connection portion 141 and the second connection portion 142 being shown in FIG. 8 as being located on opposite sides. Furthermore, the first connection portion 141 and the second connection portion 142 of the double-headed connector 14 may be assembled as two separate parts. That is, the first connection portion 141 and the second connection portion 142 are separate parts that can be assembled or disassembled as needed. The assembly may be achieved by adhesive, fastening, or other methods.

[0032] The electrical path 53, on which at least one LED light source 40 is provided, further extends into the first part 73A of the connector, and two interrupting points 143X, 143Y are formed in the first part 73A of the connector, with at least one LED light source 40 provided between the two interrupting points 143X and 143Y. The first connection part 141 has two electrical connection parts 141X, 141Y that can respectively connect the interrupting points 143X, 143Y to form the circuit breaking unit 60. The second connection part 142 has two connection circuits 142X, 142Y, which respectively form a positive circuit 71 and a negative circuit 72. One end of the positive circuit 71 and the negative circuit 72 is connected to both sides of the LED light source 40, and the other end is connected to the positive external measurement terminal 71a and the negative external measurement terminal 72a.

[0033] 8, when the two electrical connection parts 141X, 141Y of the first connection part 141 are connected to the two interruption points 143X, 143Y, the two interruption points 143X, 143Y are conductive, allowing at least one LED light source 40 to emit light normally. Meanwhile, when the two connection circuits 142X, 142Y of the second connection part 142 are connected to the two interruption points 143X, 143Y, at least one LED light source 40 is isolated from the driving power source. A current source watt-hour meter 90 (see FIG. 4) can be connected to the positive electrode external measurement terminal 71a and the negative electrode external measurement terminal 72a for measurement. The connected current source watt-hour meter 90 can measure minute precise current and voltage characteristic values ​​under forward bias and reverse bias of the LED chip of at least one LED light source 40.

[0034] 9, which is a schematic diagram of the structure of an automotive lighting unit according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment includes three driving power circuits 50A, 50B, and 50C, each connected to a corresponding one of three driving power supplies 20A, 20B, and 20C. The three driving power circuits 50A, 50B, and 50C include electrical paths 53A, 53B, and 53C, respectively, which are provided with LED light sources 40A, 40B, and 40C and circuit-breaking units 60A, 60B, and 60C, respectively.

[0035] The circuit breaker units 60A, 60B, 60C are installed in the electrical measurement junction box 73 and provide control signals via the external electrical control signal line 61. In actual implementation, the circuit breaker units 60A, 60B, 60C each include three circuit switches 60X, 60Y, 60Z located in the electrical passages 53A, 53B, 53C, respectively, and corresponding to the light emitting diode light sources 40A, 40B, 40C, respectively.

[0036] 9, since the three circuit switches 60X, 60Y, and 60Z are all off, the three circuit breaker units 60A, 60B, and 60C are all off, which means that the corresponding three LED light sources 40A, 40B, and 40C are isolated from their driving power sources and can all be measured. The watthour meter connection circuit 70 also includes three positive circuits 71-1, 71-2, and 71-3, and a common negative circuit 72, which are connected to both ends of the LED light sources 40A, 40B, and 40C of different electrical paths 53A, 53B, and 53C, respectively.

[0037] The current source watt-hour meter 90 may be of any of the following types: on / off switching by a jack, manual on / off switching, or electrically controlled on / off switching, and is connected to different pairs of the positive circuits 71-1, 71-2, 71-3 and the negative circuit 72. In Fig. 9, the positive circuit 71-2 and the negative circuit 72 are connected to the current source watt-hour meter 90, and can measure the light-emitting diode light source 40B.

[0038] 10 is a schematic diagram of the structure of an automotive lighting unit according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the driving power supply circuit 50 includes an electrical path 53, in which three LED light sources 40A, 40B, and 40C are connected in series. The circuit breaker unit 60 includes two circuit switches 60X and 60Y, which are located at the front and rear ends of the electrical path 53 and are installed within the electrical measurement junction box 73. That is, the circuit switches 60X and 60Y are located at the front and rear ends of the electrical path 53, each of which includes at least one LED light source 40A, 40B, and 40C.

[0039] The watthour meter connection circuit 70 includes three positive circuits 71-1, 71-2, and 71-3 and three negative circuits 72-1, 72-2, and 72-3 connected to both sides of the three light-emitting diode light sources 40A, 40B, and 40C, respectively. Portions of the positive circuits 71-1, 71-2, and 71-3 and portions of the negative circuits 72-1, 72-2, and 72-3 are common circuits. That is, the positive circuit 71-2 and the negative circuit 72-1 are common, and the positive circuit 71-3 and the negative circuit 72-2 are common. In FIG. 10, the positive circuit 71-2 and the negative circuit 72-2 are connected to a current source watthour meter 90.

[0040] The current source watt-hour meter 90 may be of any of the following types: on / off switching by a jack, manual on / off switching, or electrically controlled on / off switching, and may be connected to different pairs of positive circuits 71-1, 71-2, 71-3 and negative circuits 72-1, 72-2, 72-3, i.e., specific light-emitting diode light sources 40A, 40B, 40C can be selected for measurement.

[0041] 11 is a schematic diagram of the structure of an automotive lighting unit according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, three LED light sources 40A, 40B, and 40C are provided in one driving power supply circuit 50 so that they can be individually measured. The difference from the fifth embodiment is that only the front end of the electrical path 53 is provided with a circuit-breaking unit 60, and only one circuit switch 60X is provided, which can isolate the three LED light sources 40A, 40B, and 40C from the driving power supply. If there are no other parallel circuits in the electrical path 53, the circuit-breaking unit 60 in the electrical path 53 may only be provided with one circuit switch 60X, and by turning the circuit switch 60X off, the three LED light sources 40A, 40B, and 40C in the electrical path 53 can be isolated from the driving power supply. More specifically, the circuit switch 60X is provided at either the front end or the rear end of the electrical path 53 having at least one light emitting diode light source 40A, 40B, 40C (the front end is selected in FIG. 11).

[0042] 12 is a schematic diagram of the structure of an automotive lighting unit according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, there is only one driving power supply circuit 50. The difference from the sixth embodiment is that the driving power supply circuit 50 has two parallel electrical paths 53A and 53B. One electrical path 53A has at least one LED light source 40A, 40B, or 40C connected in series, and the other electrical path 53B has an electrostatic protection component 41. The electrostatic protection component 41 may be a Zener diode (one-way or two-way), a capacitor, a resistor, or the like, and can provide protection against static electricity or surge shock.

[0043] Referring also to FIG. 13 , a schematic diagram of the structure of an automotive lighting unit according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention is shown. This embodiment differs from the sixth embodiment in that the circuit breaker unit 60 requires two circuit switches 60X and 60Y in the driving power circuit 50. This is because the driving power circuit 50 includes an electrical path 531 and a parallel electrical path 5321 after the circuit switch 60X. In this case, the circuit switch 60Y must be added before the electrical path 531 and the parallel electrical path 5321 are combined, so that the circuit breaker unit 60 can operate. Furthermore, the three series-connected LED light sources 40A, 40B, and 40C and the parallel-connected electrostatic protection component 41 (Zener diode) are packaged in a single packaging carrier 54, which is made of a ceramic substrate, a BT substrate, a copper substrate, or a silicon carbide substrate. Using this material for the circuit board of the light module provides high reliability and compatibility for automotive applications.

[0044] After isolating at least one light-emitting diode light source 40 from the driving power supply, it can be measured using a current source watt-hour meter 90. The table below shows measurement data of three light-emitting diode light sources 40A, 40B, and 40C (marked as LED-A, LED-B, and LED-C in the table) of the eighth embodiment. [Table 1]

[0045] Here, LED-A, LED-B, and LED-C are all 1mm 2 The reverse leakage current (reverse bias -5V) of the indium gallium nitride (InGaN) blue LED chips was measured and found to be 0.6μA, 2.8μA, and 0.1μA, respectively. According to conventional semiconductor characteristics, anything over 5μA is considered a failure, anything between 2μA and 5μA is considered a warning, and anything under 2μA is considered normal. In the table, LED-B had a result of Ir=2.8μA, so it was judged to be a warning, and the likely cause of this is an expansion of the leakage current path due to a defect in the semiconductor. Furthermore, the forward voltage V under operating conditions f1 (Operating condition is current 350mA) and measure the V f1 were 3.01V, 3.06V, and 5.62V, respectively. According to conventional semiconductor characteristics, LEDs do not operate above 5V, a voltage between 3.5V and 5.0V is a warning, and a voltage below 3.5V is normal. In the table, LED-C is V f1 = 5.62V, it is judged to be non-operating, and the possible cause of non-operation is that the interface within the chip or the wire bonding and die bonding contacts are heated and deteriorated. In practice, if it is non-operating, the light-emitting module should be repaired or replaced immediately, and if it is a warning, attention should be paid to whether LED-C continues to deteriorate.

[0046] In summary, the present invention has at least the following advantages. 1. This overcomes the drawback of the inability to measure the quality of the LED chips in conventional LED automotive lighting units. Although LED automotive lighting units are expensive and have a complicated structure, LED light sources, unlike conventional light sources, can estimate their lifespan by testing the characteristic curve of the LED. By turning off the circuit breaker unit, at least one LED light source located in the same electrical path can be isolated from the driving power supply, and the at least one LED light source is not affected by external factors, such as a parallel circuit. Therefore, the LED chips for at least one LED light source can be sequentially detected through the watt-hour meter connection circuit. From the measured data, the remaining lifespan of the LED chips of at least one LED light source can be estimated and it can be determined whether they will be damaged. This prevents at least one LED light source from suddenly failing during driving and ensures safe driving.

[0047] 2. The present invention has a simple design and realizes advantages, and has both an electrical control mode and a manual control mode. In the electrical control mode, the circuit breaker unit utilizes an external electrical control signal line to meet various operational needs. In the manual control mode, it is easier to manufacture and less expensive, and the circuit breaker unit is designed with a first and second connector of a double-ended connector that can be manually inserted to provide different functions.

[0048] 3. This invention further improves the safety of unmanned autonomous vehicles. In electrical control mode, the current source watt-hour meter can be used to realize self-detection of the lights of autonomous vehicles. If autonomous vehicles can self-detect their lights, the lights will not be turned off, and collisions between vehicles and pedestrians will be avoided.

[0049] 4. Provides an integrated package design, in which multiple LED light sources and parallel electrostatic protection components are packaged in one packaging carrier, thereby achieving better light emitting characteristics and system integrity. [Explanation of symbols]

[0050] Traditional configuration: A, B drive power circuit A1, A2 current path I f1 , I f2 forward current V f1 , V f2 Forward voltage Vr Reverse voltage Ir Reverse leakage current 1A low beam light source module 1B High beam light source module 1C electrostatic protection components 2 Automotive lighting units 3. Housing 4 LED light drive modules 4A Low beam control unit 4B High beam control unit 5 Connectors 6 Body Control Module 7 Secondary battery The present invention: 10 Light housing 11 Light housing interior space 14 Double-ended connector 141 First connection part 141X, 141Y Electrical Connections 142 Second connection part 142X, 142Y connection circuit 143X, 143Y intercept point 20 LED Light Drive Module 20A, 20B, 20C drive power supply unit 21 Power supply positive terminal 22 Power supply negative terminal 30 Power and control cables 40, 40A, 40B, 40C LED light source 41 Electrostatic protection parts 50, 50A, 50B, 50C drive power circuit 51 1st end 52 2nd end 53, 53A, 53B, 53C, 531 Electrical passage 5321 Parallel Electrical Passage 54 Packaging Carrier 60, 60A, 60B, 60C Circuit Breaker Unit 60X, 60Y, 60Z circuit switch 61 External electrical control signal line 70 Watt-hour meter connection circuit 71, 71-1, 71-2, 71-3 positive circuit 71a, 71b, 71c Positive external measurement terminal 72, 72-1, 72-2, 72-3 negative circuit 72a, 72b, 72c Negative external measurement terminal 73 Electrical measurement junction box 73A Connector Part 1 73B Connector Second Part 80 Body Control Module 81 Secondary battery 90 Current Source Energy Meter 91 Dotted Frame

Claims

1. An automotive lighting unit structure capable of detecting electrical characteristics of a light emitting diode component, comprising: a light housing having an interior space of the light housing; an LED light drive module disposed within the interior space of the light housing, the LED light drive module including at least one driving power supply device, each driving power supply device having a power supply positive terminal and a power supply negative terminal for outputting a driving voltage; power and control cables passing through the light housing and electrically connected to the LED light drive module; at least one light emitting diode light source; at least one driving power supply circuit, correspondingly connected to the at least one driving power supply device, each of the driving power supply circuits disposed within the interior space of the light housing and having a first end and a second end, the first end connected to the positive terminal of the power supply and the second end connected to the negative terminal of the power supply, and at least one electrical path between the first end and the second end, and the at least one light emitting diode light source selectively disposed in the at least one electrical path; at least one circuit breaking unit, provided corresponding to the at least one driving power circuit, each of the circuit breaking units having at least one circuit switch, the at least one circuit switch being provided in the electrical path having the at least one light emitting diode light source, the at least one circuit breaking unit having an on state and an off state by controlling the at least one circuit breaking unit to be on or off, when the at least one circuit breaking unit is in the off state, the at least one corresponding light emitting diode light source being isolated from the driving power source; a watt-hour meter connection circuit including at least one positive circuit and at least one negative circuit, the at least one positive circuit and the at least one negative circuit being paired together and selectively connected to either side of the at least one light-emitting diode light source, the watt-hour meter connection circuit being connected to a current source watt-hour meter for detecting the current-voltage characteristics of the light-emitting diode light source; an electrical measurement junction box; the watt-hour meter connection circuit is provided in the electric measurement junction box, the electric measurement junction box includes a first connector portion and a second connector portion, the second connector portion is a double-headed connector, the double-headed connector has a first connection portion and a second connection portion, the electrical path provided with the at least one light-emitting diode light source further extends into the first connector portion, two interruption points are formed in the first connector portion, the at least one light-emitting diode light source is provided between the two interruption points, the first connection portion has two electrical connection portions that can respectively connect the interruption points to form the circuit interruption unit, the second connection portion has two connection circuits, the two connection circuits respectively become the positive circuit and the negative circuit.

2. 2. The automobile lighting unit structure according to claim 1, wherein the light housing is selected from the group consisting of a headlight, a fog light, a taillight, a small light, and a projection type headlight.

3. 2. The automobile lighting unit structure according to claim 1, wherein the circuit switch is provided at the front end and rear end of the electrical path having the at least one light-emitting diode light source.

4. 2. The automobile lighting unit structure according to claim 1, wherein the circuit switch is provided at either the front end or the rear end of the electrical path provided with the at least one light-emitting diode light source.

5. 2. The automotive lighting unit structure according to claim 1, wherein the at least one circuit switch of the at least one circuit breaker unit is arranged in the electrical measurement junction box, and the at least one circuit switch is an electrically controlled circuit switch, and the electrical control signal of the at least one circuit switch is provided by an external electrical control signal line arranged outside the electrical measurement junction box.

6. 2. The automotive lighting unit structure of claim 1, wherein the relative positions of the first connection portion and the second connection portion are selected from the group consisting of being located on the same side, adjacent sides, or opposite sides of the double-ended connector.

7. 2. The automobile lighting unit structure according to claim 1, wherein the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion of the double-ended connector are combined by two separate parts.

8. 2. The automotive lighting unit structure according to claim 1, wherein the at least one circuit switch of the at least one circuit breaker unit is arranged in the light housing, and the at least one circuit switch is an electrically controlled circuit switch, and the electrical control signal of the at least one circuit switch is provided by an external electrical control signal line arranged outside the electrical measurement junction box.

9. 2. The automotive lighting unit structure according to claim 1, wherein the at least one circuit switch of the at least one circuit breaker unit is an electrically controlled circuit switch, which is selected from a relay or a transistor, which is a semiconductor element.

10. 2. The automotive lighting unit structure according to claim 1, wherein the current source watt-hour meter is one of the following types: on / off switching by jack, manual on / off switching, or electric control on / off switching, and is connected to different pairs of the positive and negative circuits.

11. 2. The automotive lighting unit structure according to claim 1, wherein the at least one driving power circuit is one and has two electrical paths which are parallel circuits, one of the electrical paths is provided with the at least one light-emitting diode light source in series, and the other electrical path is provided with an electrostatic protection component.

12. 12. The automotive lighting unit structure according to claim 11, wherein the electrostatic protection component is one selected from the group consisting of a Zener diode, a capacitor, and a resistor.

13. The automotive lighting unit structure as claimed in claim 11, wherein the at least one light-emitting diode light source and the electrostatic protection component are packaged in one packaging carrier.

14. The automotive lighting unit structure according to claim 13, wherein the material of the packaging carrier is selected from the group consisting of a ceramic substrate, a BT substrate, a copper substrate, and a silicon carbide substrate.

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