Lighting device and line lamp

Abstract

A lighting device disclosed in an embodiment of the present invention may comprise: a substrate; a plurality of light sources arranged on the substrate; and a light guide member including a light guide part covering the plurality of light sources on the substrate, an air tunnel disposed inside the light guide part, and a diffusion layer disposed on the light guide part, wherein the substrate and the light guide part may have a length in a second direction that is at least twice as long as a width in a first direction, and the air tunnel may be disposed over the plurality of light sources along the length in the second direction of the light guide part.

Description

Lighting devices and line lamps

[0001] The embodiment relates to a lighting device having a light source and a line lamp.

[0002] Lighting applications include not only vehicle lighting but also backlighting for displays and signage. Light-emitting elements, such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs), offer advantages over conventional light sources like fluorescent and incandescent lamps, including low power consumption, a near-permanent lifespan, fast response times, safety, and environmental friendliness. These LEDs are used in various lighting devices, including displays, indoor and outdoor lighting. Recently, lamps using LEDs have been proposed as vehicle light sources. Compared to incandescent lamps, LEDs offer the advantage of lower power consumption. Furthermore, their compact size allows for greater design flexibility, and their near-permanent lifespan offers economical advantages.

[0003] However, since the light emitting diode has the highest luminous intensity in the direction of the optical axis, hot spots may occur in the direction of the optical axis, and the uniformity of light may be reduced in the area between adjacent light emitting diodes.

[0004] Embodiments of the invention provide a lighting device with improved light uniformity. Embodiments of the invention provide a lighting device with improved light distribution by providing an air tunnel within a light guide member. Embodiments of the invention can provide a lamp for a vehicle, such as a mobile device, having a line-shaped light.

[0005] A lighting device according to an embodiment of the invention comprises: a substrate; a plurality of light sources arranged on the substrate; and a light guide member including a light guide portion covering the plurality of light sources on the substrate, an air tunnel disposed within the light guide portion, and a diffusion layer disposed on the light guide portion, wherein the substrate and the light guide portion have a length in a second direction that is at least twice as long as a width in a first direction, and the air tunnel can be disposed on the plurality of light sources along a length of the light guide portion in the second direction.

[0006] According to an embodiment of the invention, the air tunnel overlaps the plurality of light sources in a third direction orthogonal to the first and second directions, and the center distance between the air tunnel and the substrate may be smaller than the center distance between the air tunnel and the upper surface of the light guide portion.

[0007] According to an embodiment of the invention, the air tunnel overlaps the plurality of light sources in a third direction orthogonal to the first and second directions, and both ends of the air tunnel in the second direction can be exposed to both side surfaces of the light guide portion in the second direction. The air tunnel overlaps the plurality of light sources in a third direction orthogonal to the first and second directions, and both ends of the air tunnel in the first direction can be arranged inside the both side surfaces of the light guide portion in the first direction.

[0008] According to an embodiment of the invention, the upper surface of the air tunnel may have a convex curve toward the light source in the second direction. The bottom surface of the air tunnel may be a flat plane. The bottom surface of the air tunnel may have a convex lens portion that overlaps each of the plurality of light sources in a vertical direction.

[0009] According to an embodiment of the invention, the bottom surface of the air tunnel may have a concave lens portion that overlaps vertically with each of the plurality of light sources and is concave with respect to the light sources. The bottom surface of the air tunnel may have a pattern of a protruding and depressed shape in which a curved portion and a protruding portion are alternately arranged in the first direction. The bottom surface of the air tunnel may include a prism pattern in which the protruding portions and the protruding portions are alternately arranged in the first direction.

[0010] According to an embodiment of the invention, the width of the air tunnel in the first direction may be at least 60% of the width of the light guide portion in the first direction and may be smaller than the width of the light guide portion in the first direction. The height of the air tunnel may be thinnest at the center in the second direction and gradually increase toward the edge in the second direction.

[0011] According to an embodiment of the invention, a lighting device can suppress an increase in the thickness of a light guide member and diffuse light by arranging an air tunnel within the light guide member. In addition, the lighting device can improve light distribution and light distribution image by the light guide member having a resin portion, an air tunnel, and a diffusion layer. In addition, line lighting having uniform light uniformity can be provided, and the light distribution of the line lighting can be provided uniformly.

[0012] Embodiments of the invention can utilize lighting images in various forms and improve the optical reliability of lighting devices and vehicle lamps having the same. Embodiments of the invention can be applied to light units having lighting devices, or to external or internal lighting lamps.

[0013] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a lighting device according to an embodiment.

[0014] Figure 2 is a plan view of the lighting device of Figure 1.

[0015] Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the lighting device of Fig. 1 in the first direction.

[0016] Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the lighting device of Fig. 1 in the second direction.

[0017] Figure 5 is another example of Figure 4.

[0018] Fig. 6 is a drawing explaining the manufacturing process of the lighting device of Fig. 1.

[0019] Fig. 7 is another example of the lighting device of Fig. 4.

[0020] Fig. 8 is a side cross-sectional view of the lighting device of Fig. 7.

[0021] Fig. 9 is another example of the lighting device of Fig. 4.

[0022] Fig. 10 is a side cross-sectional view of the lighting device of Fig. 9.

[0023] Figures 11 (a) and (b) are drawings showing the pattern shape of the bottom surface of the air tunnel of the light guide member.

[0024] Figures 12 (a) and (b) are drawings showing the light distribution and light uniformity of the lighting device of Figure 1.

[0025] Figures 13 (a) and (b) are drawings showing the light distribution and light uniformity of the lighting device of Figure 7.

[0026] Figures 14 (a) and (b) are drawings showing the light distribution and light uniformity of the lighting device of Figure 9.

[0027] Figures 15 (a) and (b) are drawings showing the light distribution and light uniformity of a lighting device having the floor pattern of the air tunnel of Figure 11 (a).

[0028] Figures 16 (a) and (b) are drawings showing the light distribution and light uniformity of a lighting device having the air tunnel pattern of Figure 11 (a).

[0029] Fig. 17 is a drawing showing a lamp having a lighting device according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0030] Fig. 18 is an example of the vehicle taillight of Fig. 17.

[0031] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0032] The technical idea of ​​the present invention is not limited to some of the embodiments described, but can be implemented in various different forms, and within the scope of the technical idea of ​​the present invention, one or more of the components between the embodiments can be selectively combined or substituted and used. In addition, the terms (including technical and scientific terms) used in the embodiments of the present invention can be interpreted as having a meaning that can be generally understood by a person of ordinary skill in the technical field to which the present invention belongs, unless explicitly and specifically defined and described, and the meaning of commonly used terms, such as terms defined in a dictionary, can be interpreted in consideration of the contextual meaning of the related technology. In addition, the terminology used in the embodiments of the present invention is for the purpose of describing the embodiments and is not intended to limit the present invention. In this specification, the singular may also include the plural unless specifically stated in the phrase, and when it is described as "A and (or at least one (or more than one) of B, C," it may include one or more of all combinations that can be combined with A, B, and C. In addition, when describing components of embodiments of the present invention, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), (b), etc. may be used. These terms are only intended to distinguish the components from other components, and the nature, order, or sequence of the components are not determined by the terms. In addition, when it is described that a component is 'connected', 'coupled', or 'connected' to another component, the component may include not only cases where the component is directly connected, coupled, or connected to the other component, but also cases where the component is 'connected', 'coupled', or 'connected' by another component between the component and the other component.Additionally, when it is described as being formed or arranged "above or below" each component, "above" or "below" includes not only cases where the two components are in direct contact with each other, but also cases where one or more other components are formed or arranged between the two components. Furthermore, when it is expressed as "above" or "below", it can include the meaning of a downward direction as well as an upward direction based on one component.

[0033] The lighting device according to the invention can be applied to various lamp devices requiring lighting, such as vehicle lamps, household lighting devices, and industrial lighting devices. For example, when applied to vehicle lamps, it can be applied to head lamps, side mirror lights, side marker lights, fog lights, tail lamps, brake lights, daytime running lights, vehicle interior lighting, door scuffs, rear combination lamps, backup lamps, etc. The lighting device of the present invention can also be applied to indoor and outdoor advertising devices, display devices, and various types of electric vehicles, and in addition, it can be applied to all lighting-related fields or advertising-related fields that are currently developed and commercialized or can be implemented with future technological advancements.

[0034] Lighting device

[0035] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a lighting device according to an embodiment, FIG. 2 is a plan view of the lighting device of FIG. 1, FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the lighting device of FIG. 1 in a first direction, FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the lighting device of FIG. 1 in a second direction, FIG. 5 is another example of FIG. 4, and FIG. 6 is a drawing explaining a manufacturing process of the lighting device of FIG. 1.

[0036] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, a lighting device (10) according to an embodiment of the invention may include a substrate (11), a plurality of light sources (13) arranged on the substrate (11), a light guide portion (15) covering the plurality of light sources (13) on the substrate (11) and having an air tunnel (16), and a diffusion layer (17) arranged on the light guide portion (15). The plurality of light sources (13) may be arranged in one direction on the substrate (11). The light guide portion (15) and the diffusion layer (17) may be defined as a light guide member (19). In addition, the light guide member (19) may include an air tunnel (16) within the diffusion layer (17). The above light guide member (19) may further include another layer on the upper surface of the light guide portion (15), the upper surface or lower surface of the diffusion layer (17), and the other layer may include at least one or two or more of a transparent resin layer, an adhesive layer, a phosphor layer, and an ink layer. The air tunnel (16) of the light guide portion (15) is an area filled with air, and may be arranged in an area vertically overlapping with the plurality of light sources (13) based on the upper surface of the substrate (11). In the drawing, the X direction may be a first direction, the Y direction may be a second direction orthogonal to the X direction, and the Z direction may be a thickness direction of the lighting device (10) and a third direction orthogonal to the first and second directions (X, Y).

[0037] In the above lighting device (10), the first direction (X) is a width direction, the second direction (Y) is a length direction orthogonal to the first direction (X), and the third direction (Z) may be a vertical direction or a thickness direction and is orthogonal to the first and second directions (X, Y). The lighting device (10) may have a length longer in the second direction (Y) than the width in the first direction (X). The lighting device (10) has a line shape in which the length in the second direction (Y) is long and the width in the first direction (X) (e.g., W1 in FIG. 3) is short, so that it may be defined as line lighting or surface lighting having a line width. Here, the light guide portion (15) may include an upper portion disposed above the air tunnel (16) and a lower portion disposed below the air tunnel (16). That is, the upper part of the light guide part (15) is an area positioned above the air tunnel (16), and the lower part is an area positioned below the air tunnel (16).

[0038] In the lighting device (10), the width (W1) in the first direction (X) may be smaller than the length in the second direction (Y), may be the maximum width of the light guide portion (15) in the first direction (X), and may be, for example, the lower width or the lower surface width of the light guide portion (15). As another example, the width (W1) of the lighting device (10) may be the upper width of the light guide portion (15) or the lower width of the diffusion layer (17). Accordingly, the line light of the lighting device (10) may have a width equal to or smaller than the width (W1) of the lighting device (10) and may be emitted as uniform area light.

[0039]

[0040] The thickness of the lighting device (10) may be greater than the width (W1) in the first direction (X) and less than the length in the second direction (Y). The thickness of the lighting device (10) is a vertical distance from the upper surface of the substrate (11) to the upper surface of the light guide member (19) or the diffusion layer (17). The thickness of the lighting device (10) may be 4 mm or more, for example, in the range of 4 mm to 10 mm. If the thickness of the lighting device (10) is less than the range, light uniformity deteriorates, and if it is greater than the range, the size of the lighting device (10) may increase. The width (W1) of the lighting device (10) may be 7 mm or less, for example, in the range of 3 mm to 7 mm or in the range of 4 mm to 6.5 mm. If the width (W1) of the lighting device (10) is smaller than the range, hot spots may increase or light uniformity may deteriorate in the area between adjacent light sources, and if it is larger than the range, light uniformity may deteriorate due to an area outside the directional angle distribution of the light source (13). The length of the light guide (15) in the second direction (Y) may be provided to be at least twice the width (W1) in the first direction (X), for example, in the range of 2 to 200 times or in the range of 50 to 200 times.

[0041] The thickness of the lighting device (10) may be 1.3 times or more of the width (W1), for example, in the range of 1.3 to 3 times or 1.3 to 2.5 times. Since the lighting device (10) has a thin width (W1), the lighting device (10) may have a ductility to be deformed convexly or concavely in the first direction (X) with respect to the second direction (Y). In addition, since the lighting device (10) has a thin thickness, the lighting device (10) may have a ductility to be deformed convexly or concavely in the third direction (Z) with respect to the second direction (Y).

[0042]

[0043] The substrate (11) of the lighting device (10) may include a printed circuit board (PCB). The substrate (11) may include, for example, at least one of a resin-based printed circuit board (PCB), a metal core PCB, a flexible PCB, a ceramic PCB, or an FR-4 substrate. When the substrate (11) is a flexible PCB, a lighting device or lamp having the lighting device (10) may have flexible characteristics. The substrate (11) may be electrically connected to the plurality of light sources (13). The substrate (11) may include a wiring layer (not shown) thereon, and the wiring layer may be electrically connected to the plurality of light sources (13). The plurality of light sources (13) may be connected in series, in parallel, or in series-parallel through the wiring layer. The above substrate (11) can function as a base member or support member placed below the plurality of light sources (13) and the light guide member (15).

[0044] The upper surface of the substrate (11) may have an XY plane. The upper surface of the substrate (11) may be a flat plane or a curved surface. The plurality of light sources (13) may be arranged in a second direction (Y) on the substrate (11). The substrate (11) may be made of a flexible material, and a substrate made of a flexible material may be adhered to a housing of a lamp in a vehicle. As another example, the substrate (11) may include a light-transmitting material through which light is transmitted through the upper and lower surfaces. The light-transmitting material may include at least one of PET (Polyethylene terephthalate), PS (Polystyrene), and PI (Polyimide). A reflective layer (not shown) may be disposed on the substrate (11). The reflective layer is disposed between the substrate (11) and the light guide portion (15) and may reflect incident light. The reflective layer may include a metallic material or a non-metallic material. The metallic material may include a metal such as aluminum, silver, or gold. The non-metallic material may include a plastic material or a resin material. The width of the substrate (11) in the first direction (X) may be greater than the width (W1) of the light guide portion (15). The width of the substrate (11) in the first direction (X) may be greater than the upper width of the lighting device (10), for example, the upper surface width of the diffusion layer (17) or the upper surface width of the light guide member (19).

[0045]

[0046] The plurality of light sources (13) are arranged between the substrate (11) and the light guide (15) and can emit light toward the light guide (15). The plurality of light sources (13) can be periodically arranged along the second direction (Y) of the substrate (11). The plurality of light sources (13) can be arranged below the light guide (15) and in one row along the second direction (Y) of the lighting device (10). As another example, the plurality of light sources (13) can be arranged in two or more rows along the second direction (Y). The plurality of light sources (13) can be light-emitting elements having LEDs (Light emitting diodes). The plurality of light sources (13) can be embedded in the light guide (15). The above light guide portion (15) seals the plurality of light sources (13), and the lower surface of the light guide portion (15) can be positioned lower than the upper surfaces of the plurality of light sources (13). The light guide portion (15) can be in contact with a plurality of side surfaces and upper surfaces of each of the plurality of light sources (13).

[0047]

[0048] Each of the plurality of light sources (13) emits light having the highest intensity in the third direction (Z) or the direction of the optical axis. The plurality of light sources (13) are electrically connected to the substrate (11) and may be provided as a package in which an LED chip or the surface of an LED chip is covered with resin. The plurality of light sources (13) is a light-emitting element having a light-emitting diode chip (LED Chip) and may include a package in which a light-emitting diode chip is packaged. The light-emitting diode chip may emit at least one of blue, red, green, ultraviolet (UV), or infrared, and the plurality of light sources (13) may emit at least one of white, blue, red, green, or infrared, and may emit light in a color such as white, blue, or green, for example. The plurality of light sources (13) may be a top-view type package that emits light upward and does not emit light to the sides. The upper surface of each of the plurality of light sources (13) may face the upper surface of the light guide portion (15). The plurality of light sources (13) may emit light toward the upper surface of the light guide portion (15). Specifically, since the plurality of light sources (13) have a reflective body arranged around the periphery of the light emitting diode chip (31), the beam angles of the plurality of light sources (13) are smaller than the beam angles of the light emitting diode chip (13). This reduction in beam angle may cause the light distribution to vary depending on the distance between adjacent plurality of light sources (13), i.e., the pitch (D).

[0049] The pitch (D1) between the plurality of light sources (13) may be 4 mm or more, for example, in the range of 4 mm to 30 mm. In detail, the pitch (D1) between the plurality of light sources (13) may be 6 mm or more, for example, in the range of 6 mm to 15 mm or 8 mm to 13 mm. If the pitch (D1) is smaller than the range, the number of the plurality of light sources (13) increases, which may make it difficult to control the brightness, and if it is larger than the range, it may be difficult to secure the brightness uniformity. In addition, if the pitch (D1) between the plurality of light sources (13) is narrow, the cost may increase due to the number of the plurality of light sources (13), and the content of the diffusion agent in the diffusion layer (17) may also increase to lower the brightness. In addition, when the pitch (D1) between the plurality of light sources (13) is wide, dark areas may occur in the area between the adjacent plurality of light sources (13), and these dark areas may reduce light uniformity and lower the reliability of the lighting device (10). In this case, the lighting device (10) may also have reduced line surface light uniformity. An embodiment of the invention provides the air tunnel (16) between the plurality of light sources (13) and the upper portion of the light guide member (15), thereby providing uniform light distribution. The light guide member (19) may include the light guide member (15), the air tunnel (16), and the diffusion layer (17).

[0050]

[0051] The light guide portion (15) may be arranged on the inner side of the upper surface of the substrate (11). The lower surface of the light guide portion (15) may face the upper surface of the substrate (11) or may be in contact with the upper surface of the substrate (11). The width of the light guide portion (15) in the first direction (X) may be the same as the upper width (W1) of the lighting device (100) and may be smaller than the width of the substrate (11) in the first direction (X). As another example, when a reflective layer (not shown) is arranged on the upper surface of the substrate (11), the light guide portion (15) may be in contact with the reflective layer.

[0052] The length of the light guide (15) in the second direction (Y) may be equal to the length of the lighting device (10) or may be 80% or more of the length of the lighting device (10) or the substrate (11). By extending the light guide (15) in the second direction (Y), surface light having a line width can be provided through the lighting device (10). The lower surface area of ​​the light guide (15) may be smaller than the upper surface area of ​​the substrate (11). The outer side surfaces of the light guide (15) may be arranged further outward than the side surfaces of the plurality of light sources (13). Accordingly, the light guide (15) may seal the plurality of light sources (13), prevent moisture penetration, and sufficiently diffuse light. Here, the outer region of the upper surface of the substrate (11) may be exposed from the lower surface of the light guide (15).

[0053]

[0054] The thickness (T1) of the light guide portion (15) may be 80% or more of the distance from the upper surface of the substrate (11) to the lower surface of the diffusion layer (17). That is, the thickness (T1) of the light guide portion (15) may be 80% or more and less than 100% of the thickness (T) of the lighting device (10). Accordingly, the light guide portion (15) may guide the light emitted from the plurality of light sources (13) in the emission direction (i.e., upward direction) and improve the diffusion efficiency of the light. The thickness (T1) of the light guide portion (15) may be 6 mm or more, for example, in the range of 6 mm to 15 mm, and specifically, in the range of 8 mm to 13 mm. If the thickness (T1) of the light guide portion (15) is smaller than the above range, the light diffusion distance may become too small, so that a uniform light distribution cannot be provided, and if it is larger than the above range, the size of the lighting device may become large. Both sides of the light guide portion (15) in the first direction (X), that is, the long sides, may be provided as vertical planes. A coating layer (not shown) of a reflective material may be formed on both sides of the light guide portion (15). The coating layer of the reflective material may reflect the incident light toward the exit side and suppress light loss. As another example, a reflective member (not shown) may be arranged on both sides of the light guide portion (15) in the first and second directions (X, Y), so as to reduce light loss.

[0055]

[0056] The light guide portion (15) may be formed of a transparent material. The light guide portion (15) may include a resin material such as silicone or epoxy. The light guide portion (15) may include a thermosetting resin material, and may optionally include, for example, PC, OPS, PMMA, PVC, etc. The light guide portion (15) may be formed of glass, but is not limited thereto. For example, the main material of the light guide portion (15) may use a resin material whose main ingredient is urethane acrylate oligomer. Since the light guide portion (15) is made of a light-transmitting resin material and is provided as a layer that effectively guides light, it may be provided with a thin thickness and may be provided as a flexible plate. The light guide portion (15) may emit point light emitted from the plurality of light sources (13) as line light or area light having a line width.

[0057]

[0058] The light guide (15) may include a bead (not shown), and the bead can increase the amount of light by diffusing and reflecting incident light. The bead may be composed of any one selected from silicon, silica, glass bubble, PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate), urethane, zinc, Zr, Al2O3, and acrylic. The light guide (15) can protect the plurality of light sources (13) inside, and reduce the loss of light emitted from the plurality of light sources (13). The plurality of light sources (13) may overlap in a direction perpendicular to the emission surface of the light guide (15). When the diffusion layer (17) is disposed on the light guide (15), a diffusion agent can be removed from the light guide (15), and the removal of the diffusion agent can reduce light loss. That is, the above-mentioned light guide portion (15) can be provided as a clean resin layer.

[0059]

[0060] The air tunnel (16) may be arranged within the light guide unit (15). The air tunnel (16) may be arranged between the lower surfaces of the light guide unit (15). The air tunnel (16) may have a long length along the length of the light guide unit (15) in the second direction (Y). The width (W2) of the air tunnel (15) in the first direction (X) may be smaller than the width (W1) of the light guide unit (15). Accordingly, the ratio or value of the length / width of the light guide unit (15) may be smaller than the ratio or value of the length / width of the air tunnel (16). As shown in FIG. 4, the length of the air tunnel (16) in the second direction (Y) may be larger than the maximum separation distance between the light sources arranged at both ends among the plurality of light sources (13) in the second direction (Y) and may be equal to or smaller than the length of the light guide unit (15) in the second direction (Y). Accordingly, the air tunnel (16) can cover the plurality of light sources (13). Both ends of the air tunnel (16) in the second direction (Y) can be exposed to both sides of the light guide unit (15). As another example, as shown in FIG. 5, both ends of the air tunnel (16-1) in the second direction (Y) can be positioned inside the both sides of the light guide unit (15) in the second direction (Y).

[0061]

[0062] The width (W2) of the air tunnel (16) in the first direction (X) may be smaller than the width (W1) of the light guide portion (15), for example, 60% or more of the width (W1) of the light guide portion (15), for example, 60% to 95% or 70% to 85%. If the width (W2) of the air tunnel (16) in the first direction (X) is smaller than the range of the width (W1) of the light guide portion (15), the light diffusion effect may be reduced, and if it is larger than the range, the gap with the long side of the light guide portion (15) may be reduced, so that the long side of the light guide portion (15) may be deformed. The center of the air tunnel (16) in the first direction (X) may be arranged on a straight line connecting the plurality of light sources (13). The minimum gap (G1) between the air tunnel (16) and the substrate (11) in the third direction (Z) is the lower thickness of the light guide portion (15), and may be smaller than the upper thickness of the light guide portion (15). The upper thickness of the light guide portion (15) is the maximum gap (G2) between the air tunnel (16) and the upper surface of the light guide portion (15) in the third direction (Z). Here, the lower portion of the light guide portion (15) may be arranged between the air tunnel (16) and the substrate (11). The lower portion of the light guide portion (15) may be arranged between the air tunnel (16) and the light source (13).

[0063] The minimum gap (G1) between the air tunnel (16) and the substrate (11) may be greater than the thickness of the light source (13), for example, may be more than 1 time and less than 3 times the thickness of the light source (13). The minimum gap (G1) between the air tunnel (16) and the substrate (11) may be 3 mm or less, for example, in the range of 1 mm to 3 mm. The light emitted through the light source (13) by the gap (G1) may be primarily diffused and secondarily diffused through the air tunnel (16). In addition, both sides of the first direction (X) of the light guide (15) may reflect the light diffused laterally within the light guide (15) toward the upper side of the light guide (15).

[0064] The center height (G0) of the air tunnel (16) may be smaller than the edge height of the air tunnel (16). The center height (G0) of the air tunnel (16) is the distance between the lower surface and the upper surface of the air tunnel (16) in the direction perpendicular to the centers of the light sources (13) (i.e., the third direction). The edge height of the air tunnel (16) is the distance between the lower and upper ends of the air tunnel (16) in the first direction (X) in the third direction. Here, the edge of the air tunnel (16) is the end of both ends of the air tunnel (16) in the first direction (X) or the end adjacent to both sides of the light guide part (15) in the first direction (X). The height of the air tunnel (16) may be thinnest at the center in the first direction (X) and may gradually increase toward the edge. The center height (G0) of the air tunnel (16) may be 0.5 times or more, for example, in the range of 0.5 to 2 times, or in the range of 1 to 2 times, the lower thickness (G1) of the light guide portion (15). The center height (G0) of the air tunnel (16) may be 0.5 mm or more, for example, in the range of 0.5 to 3 mm, or in the range of 1 to 2 mm. If the center height (G0) of the air tunnel (16) is smaller than the above range, the light diffusion effect is minimal, and if it is larger than the above range, the thickness of the light guide portion (15) increases.

[0065] The minimum distance (G1) between the center of the lower surface in the first direction (X) of the air tunnel (16) and the substrate (11) may be the same as the minimum distance between the edge of the lower surface in the first direction (X) of the air tunnel (16) and the substrate (11). That is, the distance (G1) may have the same distance as the substrate (11) from the center of the first direction (X) of the air tunnel (16) to the edge.

[0066] The lower surface (16A) of the air tunnel (16) may be a flat plane, and the upper surface (16B) may have a convex curved shape toward the light source (11). Among the upper surface (16B) of the air tunnel (16), an area that vertically overlaps with the light source (13) may have a flat section or a horizontal section. Accordingly, the flat section of the air tunnel (16) can prevent a hot spot. Since the upper surface (16B) of the air tunnel (16) has a convex curve, the incident light does not leak to both sides of the light guide (15) and can be focused in the direction of the diffusion layer (17). The areas on both sides of the upper surface (16B) of the air tunnel (16) may have areas that are not parallel to the upper surface of the light guide (15). Both sides of the first direction (X) of the air tunnel (16) may be provided as vertical planes or inclined planes. Both sides of the second direction (X) of the air tunnel (16) may be provided as vertical planes or inclined planes. The air tunnel (16) has a lower refractive index than that of the light guide portion (15), and thus can diffuse light incident from the lower portion of the light guide portion (15). Accordingly, an increase in the thickness of the light guide portion (15) can be suppressed, and the light uniformity of the lighting device (10) having a thin thickness can be improved.

[0067]

[0068] The above diffusion layer (17) may be placed on the light guide portion (15). The diffusion layer (17) may diffuse light emitted through the light guide portion (15). The diffusion layer (17) may include a diffusion agent inside, and the diffusion agent may be Al2O3, TiO2, It may include at least one of SiO2, ZnO, and ZrO2. The diffusion layer (17) may be formed of a transparent resin or a translucent resin material. The diffusion agent in the diffusion layer (17) may be 6 wt% or more, for example, 6 wt% to 20 wt% or 6 wt% to 10 wt%. If it is less than the above range, a hot spot may occur, and if it is greater than the above range, the light extraction efficiency may decrease.

[0069] The diffusion layer (17) may be disposed on the upper surface of the light guide portion (15). The diffusion layer (17) may be adhered to the upper surface of the light guide portion (15). The diffusion layer (17) may have a central region that vertically overlaps with the air tunnel (16) and may be thicker than an edge region. The inner region of the upper surface of the diffusion layer (17) may extend to have a horizontal section in the second direction (Y), and the horizontal section of the diffusion layer (17) in the first direction (X) may vertically overlap with the air tunnel (16). The maximum thickness (T2) of the diffusion layer (17) may be smaller than the thickness (T1) of the light guide portion (15), and may be less than 50% of the thickness (T1) of the light guide portion (15). The maximum thickness (T2) of the above diffusion layer (17) may be 2.5 mm or less, for example, in the range of 1 mm to 2.5 mm or 1.5 mm to 2 mm. When the diffusion layer (17) is within the above range, the diffusion effect can be improved and brightness reduction can be suppressed.

[0070] The lower surface of the diffusion layer (17) is in contact with the upper surface of the light guide portion (15), and can extend in the second direction (Y) along the light guide portion (15). The width of the diffusion layer (17) in the first direction (X) can be equal to or smaller than the width (W1) of the light guide portion (15) in the first direction, and the length of the diffusion layer (17) in the second direction (Y) can be equal to or smaller than the length of the light guide portion (15) in the second direction (Y). Since the diffusion layer (17) is arranged on the upper portion of the lighting device (10), the problem of hot spots occurring on the upper portions of the plurality of light sources (13) can be suppressed.

[0071] The upper surface of the diffusion layer (17) may have a horizontal plane and a convex curved shape, or may have a convex curved shape. The edges on both sides of the upper surface of the diffusion layer (17) in the first direction (X) may have a stepped region lower than the center of the upper surface. The diffusion layer (17) may have concave recesses (R1, R2) on both sides of the first direction (X). The recesses (R1, R2) may extend in a long direction (Y) from the edges on both sides of the diffusion layer (17). The recesses (R1, R2) may reduce the width of the upper surface of the diffusion layer (17), thereby setting the width of the line light. In addition, the recesses (R1, R2) may serve as reflective surfaces and reflect the incident light toward the center of the upper surface of the diffusion layer (17), thereby reducing light loss.

[0072] The upper surface of the light guide portion (15) is provided as a flat surface or a horizontal surface, and the upper surface of the diffusion layer (17) has a convex curve, so that the light extraction efficiency can be improved. As another example, the upper edge of the diffusion layer (17) may be provided as a surface having an incline with respect to the vertical third direction (Z) without the recesses (R1, R2) disclosed above, or may be arranged to have concave or convex curves. Accordingly, the emission area of ​​the upper surface of the light guide portion (150) may be increased. The lighting device (10) may further include an optical lens (not shown) on the light guide member (19). The optical lens has a shape that focuses light, and an emission surface may have a convex shape.

[0073]

[0074] Referring to Fig. 6, the plurality of light sources (13) are mounted on the substrate (11), and a lower light guide part (15A) made of a resin material is injection-molded. The lower light guide part (15A) seals the plurality of light sources (13) and can be placed on the substrate (11). The upper light guide part (15B) is attached on the lower light guide part (15A). At this time, the upper light guide part (15B) is injection-molded before the lower light guide part (15A) is cured. In addition, an air tunnel region (16R) is arranged at the lower portion of the upper light guide part (15B), and when the lower light guide part (15A) and the upper light guide part (15B) are integrally bonded, they can be provided as the air tunnel (16). Thereafter, the diffusion layer (17) can be formed on the upper surface of the light guide part (15). As another example, the upper light guide portion (15B) can be manufactured in advance with the air tunnel region (16R) at the bottom.

[0075] Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, the bottom surface (16A) of the air tunnel (16) disposed within the light guide portion (15) may include a plurality of lens portions (16C) convex toward the diffusion layer (17) in the vertical direction or the third direction (Z). The lens portions (16C) may correspond to the upper portions of each of the plurality of light sources (13). The length or area of ​​the lower surface of each of the plurality of lens portions (16C) may be greater than the length or area of ​​the upper surface of each of the plurality of light sources (13) in the second direction (Y). The plurality of lens portions (16C) refract light incident from each of the light sources (13), thereby suppressing hot spots on the lens portions (16C). That is, the lower surface area of ​​each of the plurality of lens portions (16C) has a larger area than the upper surface area of ​​each of the light sources (13).

[0076] The above lens portions (16C) may be arranged in the same direction as the arrangement direction of the plurality of light sources (13), and may be arranged in the same number as the number of the plurality of light sources (13). As another example, the convex lens portions (16C) may be formed in a stripe shape in which adjacent lens portions are connected to each other.

[0077] Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, the bottom surface (16A) of the air tunnel (16) disposed within the light guide portion (15) may include a concave lens portion (16D) facing the plurality of light sources (13) in the third direction (Z). The lens portion (16D) may correspond to the upper portion of each of the plurality of light sources (13) and may have a larger upper surface area than the upper surface area of ​​each of the plurality of light sources (13). The lens portion (16D) may refract incident light, thereby suppressing hot spots on the lens portion (161D). The lens portions (16D) may be arranged in the same direction as the arrangement direction of the plurality of light sources (13), and may be arranged in the same number as the number of the plurality of light sources (13). As another example, the concave lens portions (161D) may be formed in a stripe shape in which adjacent lens portions are connected to each other.

[0078]

[0079] (a)(b) of Fig. 11 are drawings showing the shape of the bottom surface in the air tunnel (16) in the first and second directions (X, Y). Referring to (a) of Fig. 11 and Fig. 4, the light guide portion (15) may have a concave-convex pattern (16E) arranged on the bottom surface (16B) of the air tunnel (16). The concave and convex portions of the concave-convex pattern (16E) may be arranged alternately in the second direction (Y). The concave portion of the concave-convex pattern (16E) may have a concave curved surface, and the convex portion may have a convex curved surface. The concave-convex pattern (16E) may include a knurled pattern. The pitch in the second direction (Y) between the recessed portions of the recessed pattern (16E) may be smaller than the pitch (D) between the light sources (13), and may be less than 1 time, for example, in the range of 0.2 to 0.9 times, of the pitch (D) between the light sources (13). The length of the recessed portion and the protruding portion of the recessed pattern (16E) in the first direction (X) may be smaller than the length of the light guide portion (15). As another example, the recessed portion and the protruding portion of the recessed pattern (16E) may be alternately arranged in the first direction (X).

[0080] Referring to Fig. 11(b) and Fig. 4, the light guide portion (15) may have a concave-convex pattern (16F) arranged on the bottom surface (16B) of the air tunnel (16). The concave-convex pattern (16F) may have concave and convex portions alternately arranged in the second direction (Y). The concave portion of the concave-convex pattern (16F) may have a concave polygonal shape, and the convex portion may have a convex polygonal shape. The concave polygonal shape may be a triangular shape or a square shape. The convex polygonal shape may be a triangular shape or a square shape. That is, the concave-convex pattern (16F) may include a prism pattern arranged in the second direction (Y). The pitch in the second direction (Y) between the recessed portions of the recessed pattern (16F) may be smaller than the pitch (D) between the light sources (13), and may be less than 1 time, for example, in the range of 0.2 to 0.9 times, of the pitch (D) between the light sources (13). The length of the recessed portion and the protruding portion of the recessed pattern (16F) in the first direction (X) may be smaller than the length of the light guide portion (15). As another example, the recessed portion and the protruding portion of the recessed pattern (16F) may be alternately arranged in the first direction (X). As another example, either the recessed portion or the protruding portion of the recessed pattern (16F) may have a curved shape, so that a polygonal shape and a curved shape may be alternately arranged.

[0081] The lighting device (10) disclosed above may be provided in the shape of a line lamp, and the width of the lighting device (10) in the first direction (X) may be the width of the line lamp, and the length in the second direction (Y) may be provided as the length of the line lamp. The line lamp may be flexible with respect to the third direction (Z), and for example, the upper surface of the light guide member (19) may be a convex curved surface or a concave curved surface. The line lamp may be provided in the shape of a straight line with respect to the length of the second direction (Y), or may be provided in the shape of a curved surface toward one or both sides of the first direction (X) with respect to the second direction (Y), or may be provided in the shape of a letter, for example, a C shape or an S shape.

[0082] (a)(b) of Fig. 12 are drawings showing the light distribution and light uniformity by the lighting device of Fig. 1, (a)(b) of Fig. 13 are drawings showing the light distribution and light uniformity by the lighting devices of Figs. 7 and 8, (a)(b) of Fig. 14 are drawings showing the light distribution and light uniformity by the lighting devices of Figs. 9 and 10, (a)(b) of Fig. 15 are drawings showing the light distribution and light uniformity of the lighting device having the floor pattern of the air tunnel of Fig. 11 (a), and (a)(b) of Fig. 16 are drawings showing the light distribution and light uniformity of the lighting device having the floor pattern of the air tunnel of Fig. 11 (b).

[0083] The light distribution of Figs. 12 to 16 and the light distribution of the comparative example are compared as shown in Table 1 below. In Table 1, 20L is the light distribution value measured 20 degrees to the left based on the front or third direction, HV is the light distribution value measured on the front, i.e., horizontal-vertical (HV), and 10U is the light distribution value measured at a position 10 degrees up based on the front.

[0084] Example 20LH-V10U 11.45cd 1.26cd 1.42cd 72.31cd 2.47cd 2.39cd 92.08cd 2.3cd 2.08cd 11(A) 2.06cd 2.22cd 2.18cd 11(B) 1.99cd 2.16cd 1.99cd Comparative Example 1.53cd 1.67cd 1.8cd

[0085] In Table 1, the comparative example has a structure without an air tunnel inside the light guide unit (15), and it can be seen that the difference in the values ​​of 20L, HV, and 10U is not large compared to the light distribution values ​​of the embodiments of FIGS. 1, 7, 9, and 11(a)(b). Accordingly, it can be seen that the lighting device of the embodiment has improved light distribution.

[0086] Comparing the light distribution of Figs. 12 to 16 with the light distribution of the comparative example, the results are as shown in Table 2 below. In Table 2, Min is the minimum value of light uniformity, Max is the maximum value of light uniformity, and the uniformity can be obtained as the Min / Max value.

[0087] Example Min (cd) Max (cd) Uniformity (Min / Max) Degrees 1584781820.71 degrees 78445197060.43 degrees 98225110650.74 degrees 11(a) 9264121030.77 degrees 11(b) 8469114060.74 Comparative Example 382957250.67

[0088] In Table 2, the comparative example has a structure without an air tunnel inside the light guide unit (15), and it can be seen that the light uniformity is lower than that of the lighting devices of FIGS. 1, 9, and 11(a)(b). Accordingly, it can be seen that the lighting device of the embodiment has improved light distribution.

[0089]

[0090] Fig. 17 is a plan view of a vehicle to which a lighting device according to an embodiment is applied, and Fig. 18 is a drawing showing an example of a taillight of the vehicle of Fig. 17.

[0091] Referring to FIGS. 17 and 18, a front lamp (2100) in a mobile or vehicle (2000) may include one or more lighting devices, and the driving timing of these lighting devices may be individually controlled to provide not only a function as a conventional headlight, but also additional functions such as a welcome light or a celebration effect when a driver opens a vehicle door. The lamp may be applied to a daytime running light, a high beam, a low beam, a fog light, or a turn signal. A tail lamp (2200, 800) in a vehicle (2000) may be arranged as a plurality of lamp units (810, 812, 814, 816) supported by a housing. For example, the lamp units (810, 812, 814, 816) may include a first lamp unit (810) disposed on the outside, a second lamp unit (814) disposed on the inner periphery of the first lamp unit (810), and third and fourth lamp units (814, 816) disposed on the inside of the second lamp unit (814), respectively. The first to fourth lamp units (810, 812, 814, 816) may selectively apply the lighting device disclosed in the embodiment, and a red lens cover or a white lens cover may be disposed on the outside of the lighting device for the lighting characteristics of the lamp unit (810, 812, 814, 816). The lighting device disclosed in the embodiment applied to the lamp units (810, 812, 814, 816) may emit light with a uniform distribution.

[0092] The first and second lamp units (810, 812) may be provided in at least one of a curved shape, a straight shape, an angular shape, an inclined shape, or a planar shape, or a mixed structure thereof. The first and second lamp units (810, 812) may be arranged one or more in each tail light. The first lamp unit (810) may be provided as a tail light, the second lamp unit (812) may be provided as a brake light, the third lamp unit (814) may be provided as a reverse light, and the fourth lamp unit (816) may be provided as a turn signal lamp. The lighting device (100) disclosed above may be arranged in multiple units as daytime running lights at the front of the vehicle (2000), and may be provided in a line shape each having a convex curve. These lighting lamps can provide higher brightness in the rearward direction than in the side direction, allowing them to comply with lighting regulations for stop lamps or tail lamps, etc.

[0093] The features, structures, effects, etc. described in the embodiments above are included in at least one embodiment of the present invention, and are not necessarily limited to just one embodiment. Furthermore, the features, structures, effects, etc. illustrated in each embodiment can be combined or modified and implemented in other embodiments by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the embodiments pertain. Therefore, the contents related to such combinations and modifications should be interpreted as being included in the scope of the present invention. In addition, although the embodiments have been described above, these are merely examples and do not limit the present invention. Those having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains will appreciate that various modifications and applications not illustrated above are possible without departing from the essential characteristics of the embodiments. For example, each component specifically shown in the embodiments can be modified and implemented. In addition, the differences related to such modifications and applications should be interpreted as being included in the scope of the present invention defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. Substrate; A plurality of light sources arranged on the substrate; and A light guide member including a light guide covering the plurality of light sources on the substrate, an air tunnel disposed within the light guide, and a diffusion layer disposed on the light guide, The substrate and the light guide have a length in the second direction that is at least twice as long as the width in the first direction, A lighting device wherein the air tunnel is arranged on the plurality of light sources along the length of the second direction of the light guide portion.

2. In paragraph 1, The above air tunnel overlaps the plurality of light sources in a third direction orthogonal to the first and second directions, A lighting device wherein the center spacing between the air tunnel and the substrate is smaller than the center spacing between the air tunnel and the upper surface of the light guide.

3. In paragraph 1, The above air tunnel overlaps the plurality of light sources in a third direction orthogonal to the first and second directions, A lighting device in which both ends of the second direction of the above air tunnel are exposed to both sides of the second direction of the above light guide unit.

4. In paragraph 1, The above air tunnel overlaps the plurality of light sources in a third direction orthogonal to the first and second directions, A lighting device in which both ends of the first direction of the air tunnel are positioned inside the both sides of the first direction of the light guide portion.

5. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 4, A lighting device, wherein the upper surface of the air tunnel has a convex curve toward the light source in the second direction.

6. In paragraph 5, A lighting device in which the bottom surface of the above air tunnel is a flat plane.

7. In paragraph 5, A lighting device having a bottom surface of the air tunnel having a convex lens portion that overlaps each of the plurality of light sources in a vertical direction.

8. In paragraph 5, A lighting device in which the bottom surface of the air tunnel vertically overlaps with each of the plurality of light sources and has a concave lens portion with respect to the light sources.

9. In paragraph 5, A lighting device having a bottom surface of the air tunnel having a pattern of a protruding shape in which curved portions and iron portions are alternately arranged in the first direction.

10. In paragraph 5, A lighting device, wherein the bottom surface of the air tunnel includes a prism pattern in which the yoke and the iron portion are alternately arranged in the first direction.

11. In paragraph 5, A lighting device wherein the width of the air tunnel in the first direction is 60% or more of the width of the light guide in the first direction and is smaller than the width of the light guide in the first direction.

12. In paragraph 5, A lighting device in which the height of the air tunnel is thinnest at the center in the second direction and gradually increases toward the edge in the second direction.

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