Lighting device and lighting module including same

Abstract

A lighting device according to an embodiment may comprise: a substrate on which a light source is disposed; a reflective unit disposed on the substrate and including a hole through which the light source extends; a partition wall disposed on the reflective unit; a pattern mask disposed on the partition wall; and a diffuser unit disposed on the pattern mask, wherein the light source is disposed in the partition wall, and the pattern mask has a pattern formed by a plurality of through-holes.

Description

Lighting device and lighting module including same

[0001] An embodiment of the invention relates to a lighting device and a lighting module including the same.

[0002] Recently, lighting devices consisting of hundreds or thousands of small LEDs are being applied to vehicle lighting modules.

[0003] These lighting devices feature pixel lighting technology, allowing each LED to be controlled independently, allowing you to adjust the lighting to suit your surroundings or create a variety of lighting effects to create unique signature lighting.

[0004] Accordingly, various pixel lighting technologies have been proposed as vehicle lighting modules. However, according to the prior art, a resin layer that transmits light must be provided so that the light source forms a planar light source. However, as the size of the lighting module increases, the resin layer adds significant weight, which may cause problems with the vehicle's fuel efficiency. In addition, there is a problem in that it is difficult to ensure a thin thickness of the lighting module due to the resin layer. In addition, since the pixel lighting device in the prior art includes a silicone wall, and the height of the silicone wall must be secured as high as the height of the resin layer, the weight of the silicone wall may also affect the vehicle's fuel efficiency. In addition, the lighting module including the pixel lighting device according to the prior art has a problem in that a difference in brightness occurs between the center and the periphery of the planar light source, which deteriorates the light uniformity.

[0005] One of the technical tasks of the present invention is to provide a lighting device capable of reducing the thickness and weight of a lighting module and a lighting module including the same.

[0006] In addition, the present invention provides a lighting device capable of improving the light uniformity of a lighting module and a lighting module including the same.

[0007] A lighting device according to an embodiment includes a substrate on which a light source is placed, a hole through which the light source passes, a reflector placed on the substrate, a partition wall placed on the reflector, a pattern mask placed on the partition wall, and a diffuser unit placed on the pattern mask, wherein the light source is placed within the partition wall, and the pattern mask may have a pattern formed by a plurality of through holes.

[0008] In addition, the pattern mask may include a pattern area where the pattern is formed and a non-pattern area surrounding the pattern area, and the pattern area may include a first area vertically overlapping the light source, a second area adjacent to the first area, and a third area adjacent to the second area.

[0009] Additionally, the first region may be formed in the center of the pattern region, the second region may be formed to surround the first region, and the third region may be formed to surround the second region and at the edge of the pattern region.

[0010] Additionally, the number of through holes per unit area may increase as it moves from the first region to the third region.

[0011] According to an embodiment, the through hole includes a first through hole formed in the first region, a second through hole formed in the second region, and a third through hole formed in the third region, and the number of the first through holes per unit area may be less than the number of the second through holes per unit area, and the number of the second through holes per unit area may be less than the number of the third through holes per unit area.

[0012] In addition, the through hole includes a first through hole formed in the first region, a second through hole formed in the second region, and a third through hole formed in the third region, and an average distance between the first through holes may be greater than an average distance between the second through holes, and an average distance between the second through holes may be greater than an average distance between the third through holes.

[0013] Additionally, the non-patterned region may overlap the partition wall in a vertical direction.

[0014] Additionally, the first region may be formed in a range of 1 to 1.1 times the width or area of ​​the light source.

[0015] Additionally, the third region may be formed in a range of 10 to 30% of the distance from the edge of the pattern region to the center of the light source.

[0016] Additionally, the pattern mask includes a concave portion formed concavely in the direction of the light source, and the concave portion can be formed in the first region.

[0017] In addition, the pattern mask may include a bending portion that is bent in the direction of the light source, and the bending portion may include an inclined portion that is bent in the direction of the light source and a horizontal portion that is arranged parallel to the upper surface of the light source.

[0018] According to an embodiment of the invention, light uniformity can be secured, and the problem of brightness reduction can be prevented while solving the light uniformity problem.

[0019] Additionally, the thickness and weight of the lighting device can be reduced by not having a resin layer.

[0020] Additionally, since the silicon wall and pattern mask are formed thinly, the lighting module can be bent and applied to locations where curvature is formed.

[0021] Figure 1 is an exemplary diagram showing a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 2 illustrates a lighting module according to an embodiment.

[0023] Figure 3 is an example of a lighting module displaying letters or symbols.

[0024] Fig. 4 illustrates a lighting device according to an embodiment.

[0025] Fig. 5 is an exploded view of a lighting device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 5-5' of Figure 3.

[0027] Fig. 7 is a pattern mask according to an embodiment.

[0028] Fig. 8 is an enlarged view of a first area of ​​a pattern mask according to an embodiment.

[0029] Figure 9 is an enlarged view of a second area of ​​a pattern mask according to another embodiment.

[0030] Fig. 10 is an enlarged view of a third area of ​​a pattern mask according to another embodiment.

[0031] Fig. 11 is an embodiment of a pattern mask according to the present invention.

[0032] Fig. 12 is a modified example of an embodiment according to the pattern mask of the present invention.

[0033] Hereinafter, embodiments disclosed in the present specification will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. The suffixes "module" and "part" used in the following description for components are given or used interchangeably for the sake of ease of writing the specification, and do not in themselves have distinct meanings or roles. In addition, the attached drawings are intended to facilitate easy understanding of the embodiments disclosed in the present specification, and the technical ideas disclosed in the present specification are not limited by the attached drawings. In addition, when an element such as a layer, region, or substrate is referred to as existing "on" another element, this includes that it may be directly on the other element, or that other intermediate elements may exist therebetween.

[0034]

[0035] FIG. 1 is an exemplary diagram showing a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is an exemplary diagram showing a lighting module according to an embodiment, FIG. 3 is an exemplary diagram showing a lighting module on which letters or symbols are displayed, and FIG. 4 is an exemplary diagram showing a lighting device according to an embodiment.

[0036] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, a lighting module (2) according to an embodiment of the present invention may be positioned adjacent to the headlights and rear lamps of a vehicle (1). However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and may be positioned at any location inside or outside the vehicle to visually display characters, figures, etc. As another example, the lighting module (2) may be applied to replace the headlights or rear lamps of the vehicle (1), and may display characters or figure signals in the headlights and rear lamps.

[0037] A lighting module (2) according to an embodiment may include a lighting device (1000) and a bracket (not shown) for accommodating the lighting device (1000). The lighting device (1000) includes a plurality of pixels (10), and displays an image or information such as a sign, logo, symbol, or character by the plurality of pixels (10). The lighting device (1000) can prevent light interference or light leakage between adjacent pixels (10) by the partition structure of the pixels (10). Accordingly, a decrease in brightness of the plurality of pixels (10) can be prevented, and a lighting device (1000) having a clearer contrast ratio can be provided. Each of the pixels (10) can have an independent color or brightness. Therefore, the lighting device (1000) can display characters or figures, and also express them as dynamic signals, etc. The above lighting device (1000) can form a larger pixel by forming a light-emitting cluster of multiple pixels (10). In this case, each light-emitting cluster can also have an independent color or brightness.

[0038] FIG. 5 is an exploded view of a lighting device (1000) according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 6-6' of FIG. 4, and FIG. 7 is a pattern mask according to an embodiment.

[0039] Referring to FIGS. 5 to 7, a lighting device (1000) according to an embodiment may include a substrate (100), a reflector (200), a partition wall (300), an air layer (350), a pattern mask (400), and a diffuser module (500). The lighting device (1000) includes a plurality of pixels (10) separated by the partition walls (300), and FIGS. 5 to 7 are drawings of one pixel (10).

[0040] The above substrate (100) may include a printed circuit board (PCB). The substrate (100) may include, for example, at least one of a resin-based printed circuit board (PCB), a flexible PCB, a ceramic PCB, and a metal core PCB.

[0041] The horizontal and vertical lengths of the above substrate (100) may be formed to be the same. That is, it may have a square shape. However, this is not limited to this, and the horizontal or vertical lengths may be formed to be different lengths.

[0042] A plurality of light sources (150) may be arranged on the substrate (100). The light sources (150) may include light emitting diodes (LEDs). However, the present invention is not limited thereto and may include devices that emit light in any form. For example, the light emitting diodes (LEDs) may include various forms of LEDs, such as a package having an LED chip and a transparent resin molding member arranged on the LED chip, a Flip chip, a CSP (Chip Scale Package), a COB (Chip on Board), an LGA (Land Grid Array), and an SMT (Surface Mount Technology). The light sources (150) may emit at least one of red, green, and blue light. In addition, the light sources (150) may further include white light. In addition, the light sources (150) may emit light of various colors, such as cyan and amber.

[0043] The light source (150) may be arranged one or more times for each pixel (10). The light source (150) may be arranged at the center of one pixel (10). However, the position of the light source (150) is not limited thereto and may be arranged at a position to secure light uniformity of the pixel (10). For example, the light source (150) may be arranged at the edge of the pixel (10). However, the present invention will be described with an example in which the light source (150) is arranged at the center of the pixel (10).

[0044] The reflective portion (200) may be disposed on the substrate (100). For example, the reflective portion (200) may be disposed on the upper surface of the substrate (100). The reflective portion (200) may include a hole (210) through which the light source (150) passes. The shape of the hole (210) may be the same as or different from the shape of the light source (150). The size of the hole (210) may be the same as or slightly larger than the size of the light source (150). The reflective portion (200) may reflect light. The reflective portion (200) may include a pattern for reflecting light. For example, the reflective portion (200) may include a pattern in a concavo-convex shape. The reflective portion (200) may include a metal or non-metal material capable of reflecting light. For example, the reflector (200) may include at least one of Al, Ag, and Au, or may include at least one of MgF2, Al2O3, SiO, SiO2, TiO2+ZrO2, TiO2, and ZrO2.

[0045] The height (h2) of the above reflector (200) is formed lower than the height (h1) of the light source (150), so that light emitted from the light source (150) can be reflected toward the pattern mask (400).

[0046] The partition wall (300) may be disposed on the substrate (100). For example, the partition wall (300) may be disposed on the reflector (200). The partition wall (300) may form a boundary between pixels (10). Specifically, the partition wall (300) may form an outer circumferential surface of each of a plurality of pixels (10). The partition wall (300) may be disposed to surround at least one light source (150) corresponding to each pixel (10). The inner circumferential surface of the partition wall (300) may be formed vertically with respect to the upper surface of the substrate (100), but is not limited thereto. For example, the inner circumferential surface of the partition wall (300) may form an obtuse angle with respect to the upper surface of the substrate (100). Due to this, light emitted from the light source (150) can be reflected from the inner surface of the partition wall (300) toward the pattern mask (400), thereby improving light reflectance.

[0047] The partition wall (300) may include a silicone material, but is not limited thereto, and may include a metal material. For example, the partition wall (300) may include PDMS (Polydimethylsiloxane), TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane), etc. The partition wall (300) may include a white color to improve light reflectivity. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and may include colors other than white. As another example, the partition wall (300) may be formed of a transparent material that transmits light.

[0048] The inner surface of the partition wall (300) can reflect light emitted from the light source (150) and light reflected from the reflector (200). In addition, the partition wall (300) can re-reflect light reflected from the mask pattern (400). An additional pattern may be arranged on the inner surface of the partition wall (300) to improve reflectivity. The air layer (350) may be formed on the inside of the partition wall (300). Alternatively, the air layer (350) may be formed by further including a layer containing resin in a portion of the inner surface of the partition wall (300). For example, a layer containing resin may be formed in the area where the inner surface of the partition wall (300) and the substrate (100) (or the reflective surface (200)) come into contact, thereby preventing moisture from penetrating into the area where the partition wall (300) and the substrate (100) (or the reflective surface (200)) come into contact. That is, an air layer (350) and a layer containing resin may be formed together on the inner side of the partition wall (300). In addition, a layer containing resin may be formed instead of the air layer (350) on the inner side of the partition wall (300).

[0049] In addition, the partition wall (300) may have a configuration such as a step portion (not shown) or / and a protrusion portion (not shown) for placing the pattern mask (400). For example, the step portion or / and the protrusion portion may be formed on the upper surface of the partition wall (300). The pattern mask (400) may be placed on the step portion (not shown), and the pattern mask (400) may be fastened by the protrusion portion (not shown).

[0050] The above pattern mask (400) may include a pattern area (PA) and a non-pattern area (NPA) for each pixel (10). Accordingly, the pattern mask (400) may include a pattern area (PA) and a non-pattern area (NPA) corresponding to the number of pixels (10). The non-pattern area (NPA) may be arranged around the pattern area (PA). The non-pattern area (NPA) may overlap the partition wall (300) in a direction perpendicular to the upper surface of the substrate. In addition, the non-pattern area (NPA) may overlap the light-blocking member (520) described below in a direction perpendicular to the upper surface of the substrate.

[0051] The pattern mask (400) may include a material with high reflectivity so that the surface facing the light source (150) can reflect light. For example, the pattern mask (400) may include one of Cu, Ag, and Al, or may be formed of an alloy including at least one of these. As another example, the pattern mask (400) may include a polymer or silicon. In addition, the pattern mask (400) may include a plurality of beads to have a diffusion function.

[0052] The above pattern mask (400) can be formed in a thin plate shape. The above pattern mask (400) can be bendable.

[0053] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, a pattern (401) formed by a plurality of through holes (410) can be formed in the pattern area (PA). The pattern (401) can have a plurality of through holes (410).

[0054] Light emitted from the light source (150) can be emitted to the outside through the through hole (410). In a portion where the through hole (410) is not formed, light from the light source (150) can be reflected. In addition, light reflected in a portion where the through hole (410) is not formed can be reflected back toward the pattern mask (400) from the reflective portion (200) or the partition wall (300). Since light is reflected in a portion where the through hole (410) is not formed and reflected back at the reflective portion (200) or the partition wall (300), the light uniformity of the lighting device (1000) can be improved and a decrease in brightness can be prevented.

[0055] Referring to FIG. 7, the pattern area (PA) may have a first area (A1), a second area (A2), and a third area (A3). The first area (A1) is an area that vertically overlaps the light source (150) with respect to the upper surface of the substrate. For example, when the light source (150) is arranged at the center of the pixel (10), the first area (A1) may vertically overlap the light source (150) with respect to the upper surface of the substrate and be positioned at the center of the pattern area (PA). As another example, when the light sources (150) are formed in multiple numbers and arranged at the edge of the pixel (10), the first areas (A1) may also be formed in multiple numbers at positions that vertically overlap the light sources (150). The first areas (A1) may be formed to have the same width and depth as the light sources (150) or may be formed to have a width and depth greater than the width and depth of the light sources (150). For example, the first area (A1) may be formed to a size between 1 and 1.1 times the width or depth of the light source (150). If the first area (A1) is formed to be smaller than the above range, the brightness of the light emitted from the center of the pixel (10) may increase, thereby causing a problem of reduced light uniformity. If the first area (A1) is formed to be larger than the above range, the area of ​​the second area (A2) may decrease, thereby causing a problem of reduced light uniformity.

[0056] The second region (A2) may be formed between the first region (A1) and the third region (A3). The third region (A3) may be an edge region of the pattern region (PA). The third region (A3) may be formed between the non-pattern region (PA) and the second region (A2).

[0057] For example, the third area (A3) may be formed in a range of 10% to 30% of the distance from the edge of the pattern area (PA) illustrated in FIG. 7 to the center of the light source (150). In other words, the width (D) from the edge of the pattern area (PA) toward the center of the light source (150) may be formed in a range of 0.05a to 0.15a. If the third area (A3) is formed to be smaller or larger than the above range, a problem of deterioration in light uniformity may occur.

[0058] The above through hole (410) may include a first through hole (410a) formed in the first region (A1), a second through hole (410b) formed in the second region (A2), and a third through hole (410c) formed in the third region (A3).

[0059] FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of a first area of ​​a pattern mask according to an embodiment, FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of a second area of ​​a pattern mask according to an embodiment, FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of a third area of ​​a pattern mask according to an embodiment, FIG. 11 is an embodiment of a pattern mask according to the present invention, and FIG. 12 is a modified example of an embodiment of a pattern mask according to the present invention.

[0060] FIGS. 8 to 10 each represent the first area (A1), the second area (A2), and the third area (A4) of FIG. 7 as a unit area of ​​the pattern area (PA), and the horizontal and vertical lengths of the unit area may have a length (0.05a) that is 1 / 20 of the horizontal and vertical lengths (a, b) of the pattern area (PA).

[0061] The average distance (d1) between the adjacent first through holes (410a) may be greater than the average distance (d2) between the adjacent second through holes (410b). In addition, the distance (d1) between the adjacent first through holes (410a) may be greater than the average distance (d3) between the adjacent third through holes (410c). The average distance (d2) between the adjacent second through holes may be greater than the average distance (d3) between the adjacent third through holes (410c).

[0062] The number of the first through holes (410a) per unit area may be smaller than the number of the second through holes (410b) per unit area. In addition, the number of the second through holes (410b) per unit area may be smaller than the number of the third through holes (410c) per unit area. That is, the number of the through holes (410) per unit area may gradually increase as you go from the first area (A1) to the third area (A3).

[0063] In other words, light emitted from the light source (150) can be reflected from the pattern mask (400), and the amount of light reflected from the pattern mask (400) can be increased in the order of the first region (A1), the second region (A2), and the third region (A3).

[0064] Accordingly, the lighting module according to the embodiment can secure light uniformity due to the pattern of the pattern mask (400) while preventing the problem of brightness reduction. In addition, the lighting module (2) according to the embodiment can have a high contrast ratio due to the pattern (401) of the pattern mask (400).

[0065] The diffuser unit (500) may be placed on the pattern mask (400). The diffuser unit (500) may include a diffuser (510) and a light-shielding member (520).

[0066] The above diffuser (510) may be positioned so as to vertically overlap the pattern area (PA) of the pattern mask and the upper surface of the substrate. The diffuser (510) may include a plurality of diffusers (not shown). The diffuser may include a polymer material or a glass material. The diffuser (510) may be formed by adding the diffuser to a light-transmitting material such as silicone or epoxy.

[0067] The above-described shading member (520) may be arranged around the diffuser (510). The shading member (520) may be arranged at a position where the partition wall (300) and the non-pattern area (NPA) of the pattern mask and the upper surface of the substrate overlap in a vertical direction. The shading member (520) may have a composition in which a binder resin including an alkali-soluble resin and an epoxy resin is mixed with one or more colorants selected from carbon black, an organic black pigment, a mixture of a color organic pigment, a metal oxide inorganic pigment, and a metal nitride inorganic pigment.

[0068] Meanwhile, the material of the aforementioned diffuser unit (500) is only one example and is not limited to the aforementioned example.

[0069] Fig. 11 is another example of a lighting device (1000) of the present invention. Referring to Fig. 11, a pattern mask (400) of a pixel (10) according to an embodiment may include a concave portion (450) that is partially formed concavely in the direction in which the light source (150) is arranged. The concave portion (450) may be formed in the first region (A1). The concave portion (450) may have a curved cross-section. By virtue of the concave portion (450), a portion of the pattern mask (400) is formed to have an inclined surface, so that the reflectivity of light emitted from the light source (150) reflected by the inclined surface in the first region (A1) toward the light source (150), the reflector (200), and the partition wall (300) may increase. As a result, the light uniformity of the lighting module (2) may be improved.

[0070] Fig. 12 is another modified example of the lighting device (1000) of the present invention. Referring to Fig. 12, the pattern mask (400) of the pixel (10) according to the embodiment may include a bending portion (460) that is bent in the direction in which the light source (150) is arranged. The bending portion (460) may include an inclined portion (461) that is bent obliquely from the pattern mask (410) in the direction in which the light source (150) is arranged, and a horizontal portion (462) that extends horizontally from the inclined portion (461) to the upper surface of the light source (150). The horizontal portion (462) may be arranged adjacent to the upper surface of the light source (150). The bent portion (460) may be formed within the first region (A1). The light emitted from the light source (150) by the above-mentioned bending portion (460) can have a reflectivity that is increased by the inclined surface of the inclined portion (461) in the first region (A1) toward the light source (150), the reflective portion (200), and the partition wall (300). The inclined portion (461) facilitates the reflection of light toward the partition wall (300) and the reflective portion (200), and the horizontal portion (462) transmits some of the light emitted from the light source (150) and reflects some of the light toward the light source (150), so that the overall light uniformity of the lighting module (2) can be improved.

[0071]

[0072] Although the above description focuses on examples, these are merely examples and are not intended to limit the examples. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications and applications not exemplified above are possible without departing from the essential characteristics of the present examples. For example, each component specifically shown in the examples can be modified and implemented. In addition, differences related to such modifications and applications should be interpreted as being included within the scope of the embodiments set forth in the appended claims.

[0073] The lighting device according to the embodiment can be applied to various types of vehicles, such as automobiles, trucks, buses, and motorcycles, and provides advantages such as ensuring visibility while driving, improving visibility, enhancing safety, and improving energy efficiency. Furthermore, since the present invention can be applied to various lighting parts of a vehicle, such as headlights, taillights, turn signals, and brake lights, it can be practically utilized in a wide range of industries, such as the automobile manufacturing industry and the vehicle parts industry.

Claims

1. A substrate on which a light source is placed; A reflector disposed on the substrate, the reflector including a hole through which the light source passes; A partition wall disposed on the above reflector; a pattern mask disposed on the above bulkhead; and Includes a diffuser unit placed on the above pattern mask, The light source is placed within the bulkhead, The above pattern mask has a pattern formed by a plurality of through holes. Lighting device.

2. In paragraph 1, The above pattern mask is, The pattern area where the above pattern is formed and including a non-patterned area surrounding the patterned area, The above pattern area is, A first region that overlaps the light source in a vertical direction; A second area adjacent to the first area and A lighting device comprising a third area adjacent to the second area.

3. In paragraph 2, The above first region is formed in the center of the pattern region, The second region is formed to surround the first region, The third region surrounds the second region and is a lighting device formed at the edge of the pattern region.

4. In paragraph 3, A lighting device in which the number of the above-mentioned through holes per unit area increases from the first region toward the third region.

5. In paragraph 2, The above through hole is, A first through hole formed in the first region; A second through hole formed in the second region and Including a third through hole formed in the third region, A lighting device wherein the average distance between the first through holes is greater than the average distance between the second through holes, and the average distance between the second through holes is greater than the average distance between the third through holes.

6. In paragraph 2, The above non-patterned area overlaps the above bulkhead in the vertical direction. Lighting device.

7. In paragraph 2, A lighting device in which the first region is formed in a range of 1 to 1.1 times the width or area of ​​the light source.

8. In paragraph 2, A lighting device in which the third region is formed in a range of 10 to 30% of the distance from the edge of the pattern region to the center of the light source.

9. In paragraph 2, The above pattern mask includes a concave portion formed concavely in the direction of the light source, The above concave portion is a lighting device formed in the first region.

10. In paragraph 2, The above pattern mask includes a bending portion that is bent in the direction of the light source, The above bending part is, A sloped portion that is bent in the direction of the light source and A lighting device including a horizontal portion arranged parallel to the upper surface of the light source.

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