Lighting device and lighting module comprising same

Abstract

A lighting device according to an embodiment of the invention comprises: a substrate; a plurality of light sources disposed on the substrate; a pixel lighting having partition walls disposed around each of the plurality of light sources; and a light control layer disposed above the pixel lighting and having a plurality of light control units, wherein an air gap may be provided between the light control layer and the pixel lighting.

Description

Lighting device and lighting module including the 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 automotive lighting modules.

[0003] These lighting devices utilize pixel lighting technology, allowing each LED to be controlled independently; this enables adjustment of lighting according to the surrounding environment or the creation of various lighting effects. For example, various unique signature lights based on pixel lighting or surface lighting technology can be created.

[0004] However, conventional lighting modules have a technical limitation in that, when applying pixel lighting technology, surface lighting technology cannot be applied simultaneously because the boundaries of the pixels must be visible, making it impossible to create signature lighting that incorporates both functions.

[0005] One of the technical problems of the present invention is to provide a lighting device to which pixel lighting and surface lighting technologies are applied individually or simultaneously, and a lighting module including the same.

[0006] A lighting device according to an embodiment of the invention comprises a substrate, a plurality of light sources disposed on the substrate, and a pixel light having a partition disposed around each of the plurality of light sources, a light control layer disposed on the pixel light and having a plurality of light control units, and may have an air gap between the light control layer and the pixel light.

[0007] In addition, the width of the above partition wall has a first length and a second length from the upper surface of the above partition wall to the light control layer, and the first length may have 1 / 10 of the second length.

[0008] In addition, the first length may have a range of 0.5 mm to 1.0 mm.

[0009] In addition, the second length may be 10 mm to 15 mm.

[0010] In addition, the plurality of light control units are each driven individually, and the plurality of light control units are driven in either a first mode or a second mode, and the first mode may have a first transmittance and the second mode may have a second transmittance.

[0011] In addition, the first transmittance may be 80% or more.

[0012] In addition, the second transmittance may be 20% to 40%.

[0013] In addition, the light control unit may be a PDLC (Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal).

[0014] Additionally, the above bulkhead includes a plurality of first bulkheads and a plurality of second bulkheads arranged perpendicularly to the first bulkheads, and the distance between the first bulkheads may be smaller than the distance between the second bulkheads.

[0015] A lighting device according to another embodiment of the present invention comprises a pixel light having a plurality of pixel areas and a plurality of light control units disposed on the pixel light, wherein the plurality of light control units have a transmission mode upon power on and a diffusion mode upon power off, and the plurality of light control units can output pixel light by the transmission mode of the light control units or surface light by the diffusion mode depending on whether the power is on or off.

[0016] In addition, at least one of the plurality of light control units may have a line shape having a long length in one direction.

[0017] In addition, at least one of the plurality of light control units may have a polygonal shape or a circular shape.

[0018] In addition, at least one of the plurality of light control units may have a length equal to the length of the pixel illumination.

[0019] In addition, at least one of the plurality of light control units may be positioned between two adjacent light control units.

[0020] In addition, the light control unit may be a PDLC (Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal).

[0021] According to the lighting device of an embodiment of the invention, by enabling pixel lighting and surface lighting technologies to be expressed separately or simultaneously, there is an effect that various signature lighting is possible.

[0022] FIG. 1 is a drawing illustrating an example in which a lighting device according to an embodiment is applied to a vehicle.

[0023] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a lighting device according to an embodiment.

[0024] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of A-A' in Figure 2.

[0025] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of BB' of Figure 2.

[0026] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a first example of pixel lighting of a lighting device according to an embodiment.

[0027] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a second example of pixel lighting of a lighting device according to an embodiment.

[0028] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a third example of pixel lighting of a lighting device according to an embodiment.

[0029] FIG. 8 schematically shows a light control unit according to an embodiment.

[0030] FIG. 9 is a front view showing the lighting area and light control unit of a lighting device according to an embodiment.

[0031] FIG. 10 is an example of a case where a light control layer according to an embodiment has four regions and operates in a first mode.

[0032] FIG. 11 is an example of a case where a light control layer according to an embodiment has four regions and operates in a second mode.

[0033] FIG. 12 is an example of a case where a light control layer according to an embodiment has four regions and drives a first mode and a second mode simultaneously.

[0034] FIG. 13 is a drawing for explaining pixel lighting of a lighting device according to an embodiment.

[0035] FIG. 14 shows a case where the light control layer according to an embodiment has two regions.

[0036] FIG. 15 shows a case where the light control layer according to an embodiment has three regions.

[0037] FIG. 16 shows a case where the light control layer according to an embodiment has five regions.

[0038] FIG. 17 is an example image of a lighting device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0040] The technical concept of the present invention is not limited to the described embodiments but can be implemented in various different forms, and within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention, one or more of the components among the embodiments may be selectively combined or substituted. Furthermore, terms used in the embodiments of the present invention (including technical and scientific terms) may be interpreted in a meaning generally understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention belongs, unless explicitly and specifically defined otherwise. Terms used generally, such as those defined in advance, may be interpreted by considering their meaning in the context of the relevant technology. Additionally, the terms used in the embodiments of the present invention are intended to describe the embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention. In this specification, the singular form may include the plural form unless specifically stated otherwise in the text, and when described as "at least one of A and B and C (or more than one)," it may include one or more of all combinations that can be formed from A, B, and C. In addition, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), (b), etc., may be used when describing the components of the embodiments of the present invention. These terms are intended merely to distinguish the component from other components and do not determine the essence, order, or sequence of the component. Furthermore, where it is stated that a component is 'connected,' 'combined,' or 'connected' to another component, this may include not only cases where the component is directly connected, combined, or connected to the other component, but also cases where it is 'connected,' 'combined,' or 'connected' due to another component located between the component and the other component.Furthermore, when described as being formed or placed "above or below" each component, "above" or "below" includes not only cases where two components are in direct contact with each other, but also cases where one or more other components are formed or placed between the two components. Additionally, when expressed as "above or below," it may include the meaning of a downward direction as well as an upward direction relative to a single component.

[0041] 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 headlamps, side mirrors, 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 electric vehicle fields. In addition, it can be applied to all lighting-related or advertising-related fields that are currently developed and commercialized or that can be realized through future technological advancements.

[0042]

[0043] FIG. 1 is a drawing illustrating an example in which a lighting device according to an embodiment is applied to a vehicle.

[0044] A lighting device (10) according to an embodiment may be applied to a vehicle (1). One or more lighting devices (10) may be placed in at least one of the front, rear, side, and interior of the vehicle (1).

[0045] For example, the lighting device (10) may be applied to the rear of the vehicle (1). The lighting device (10) may provide at least one function among a parking light, a brake light, and a turn signal. Additionally, the lighting device (10) may provide light to the outside in various forms, such as 3D lighting, animation effects, letters, numbers, icons, images, and gradient effects.

[0046] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a lighting device according to an embodiment, FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view along A-A' of FIG. 2, and FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of BB' of FIG. 2.

[0047] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, a lighting device (10) according to an embodiment includes a pixel light (10A) and a light control layer (400). The pixel light (10A) may have a substrate (100), a plurality of light source units (150), a side cover (200), and a partition (300). Additionally, the lighting device (10) may optionally further include a lens (500) on the light control layer (400).

[0048] The 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 metal core PCB, a flexible PCB, a ceramic PCB, or an FR-4 substrate. If the substrate (100) is a flexible PCB, the lighting device (10) may have flexible characteristics. The substrate (100) may be electrically connected to the plurality of light source units (150). The substrate (100) may be a single-layer substrate having a single wiring layer or a multi-layer substrate having a plurality of wiring layers.

[0049]

[0050] The plurality of light source units (150) are disposed on the substrate (100) and can emit light in a direction toward the light control layer. The light source unit (150) is a light-emitting element having a light-emitting diode chip (LED Chip), and may include various forms such as a package in which the light-emitting diode chip is packaged, a flip-chip, or a CSP (Chip scale package). The light-emitting diode chip may emit at least one of blue, red, green, ultraviolet (UV), or infrared light, and the light source unit (150) may emit at least one of white, blue, red, green, or infrared light, and may emit light in a colored light such as, for example, white, blue, or green. The light-emitting element of the light source unit (120) includes a mini LED chip or a micro LED chip.

[0051] The above side cover (200) covers the outer perimeter of the lighting device (10), and the light control layer (400) may be disposed on the side cover (200).

[0052] The above partition (300) may include a partition (300) disposed around each of the plurality of light source units (150). The partition (300) may partition the plurality of light source units (150) to form a pixel area. The partition (300) may block light interference between the plurality of light source units (150) and prevent the problem of light penetrating into adjacent pixel areas.

[0053] The above partition (300) may include a plurality of first partitions (310) and a plurality of second partitions (320). The plurality of first partitions (310) may be spaced apart from each other in the X-axis direction on the substrate (100) and may extend in the Y-axis direction. The plurality of second partitions (320) may be spaced apart from each other in the Y-axis direction on the substrate (100) and may extend in the X-axis direction. The distance (L1) between the first partitions may be greater than the distance (L2) between the second partitions. For example, the distance (L1) between the first partitions may be 2 to 3 times the distance (L2) between the second partitions.

[0054] The above partition (300) includes a resin material, for example, may include a silicone or epoxy material. The above second partition (300) includes a metal material or a resin material, and the metal material may be an alloy of at least one or two of aluminum (Al), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), and silver (Ag), and the resin material may include an epoxy or silicone material. The above partition (300) may include a light-absorbing material such as carbon black within the resin material, or a reflective material such as TiO2, SiO2, or Al2O3.

[0055] The above partition (300) is intended to partition a pixel area, and visibility may be affected depending on the width of the above partition (300). In an embodiment, the width of the above partition (300) may have a first length (d1). The above first length (d1) may enable both pixel lighting and surface lighting functions to be described later. For example, the above first length (d1) may be 0.5 mm to 1.0 mm.

[0056] The pixel area (PX) partitioned by the above partition (300) can be implemented as a grid type or a unit cell type and can function as a pixel, which is the smallest unit constituting an image or information. The pixel area can be defined as a unit pixel or a unit light-emitting part.

[0057] The top-view shape of the above pixel area (PX) may have a polygonal shape such as a square or a triangle, or may be provided as a circle or an ellipse. The shapes and number of pixels disclosed in the drawings are exemplary and are not limited thereto.

[0058]

[0059] The light control layer (400) may be disposed on the pixel regions (Px) and the side cover (200). Additionally, the light control layer (400) may be disposed spaced apart on the partition wall (300). An air gap (G) may be formed between the light control layer (400), the partition wall (300), and the substrate (100).

[0060] The light control layer (400) may include a plurality of light control units that are selectively turned on / off as power is applied. The plurality of light control units may have individual power sources or be driven individually from a single power source.

[0061] When the power of the light control unit is turned on, the light control unit can be operated in a first mode and become transparent. When the light control unit is operated in the first mode, it can transmit light emitted from the light source unit (150) to the outside. The first mode can perform the pixel lighting function. When in the first mode, the partition wall (300) can be seen as a pixel area. The first mode operates a first transmittance and can transmit or diffuse at least a portion of the light emitted from the light source unit (150) at the first transmittance. The first transmittance may be 80% or more.

[0062] When the light control unit is in an off state, the light control unit is operated in a second mode to transmit light with a second transmittance smaller than the first transmittance. For example, the second transmittance may be 20% to 40%. When the light control unit is operated in the second mode, it transmits or diffuses a portion of the light emitted from the light source unit (150), and the lighting device may have a surface light source. That is, the second mode may perform a surface lighting function. In other words, the light control unit may be provided in a first mode or a transmission mode and a second mode or a non-transmission mode. The first mode may be a pixel lighting mode, and the second mode may be a diffuse lighting mode or a surface lighting mode.

[0063] Meanwhile, the values ​​or ranges of the first transmittance and the second transmittance are not limited to the examples described above and can be set in various ways depending on the embodiment.

[0064] The upper surface of the light control layer (400) and the partition wall (300) may have a second length (d2). The second length (d2) is adjusted according to the first length (d1), which is the width of the partition wall (300), so that both pixel lighting and surface lighting functions can be enabled. For example, the second length (d2) may be 10 to 15 times larger than the first length (d1). If the second length (d2) is less than 10 times the first length (d1), a problem may arise in which the partition wall (300) is visible and the surface lighting function cannot be performed, even if the light control unit operates in the second mode for the surface lighting function.

[0065] In addition, if the second length (d2) exceeds 15 times the first length (d1), even if the first mode for pixel lighting is operated, the partition (300) is not visible, and a problem may occur in which the pixel area is not visible.

[0066]

[0067] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a first example of pixel lighting of a lighting device according to an embodiment, FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a second example of pixel lighting of a lighting device according to an embodiment, and FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a third example of pixel lighting of a lighting device according to an embodiment.

[0068] The lighting device according to the embodiment may optionally include a molding member (180) and a diffusion member (190).

[0069] Referring to FIG. 5, a lighting device according to an embodiment may include a molding member (180) that molds the light source unit (150) in the pixel area (PX). The molding member (180) may be positioned at a height equal to or lower than the height of the partition wall (200). The molding member (180) may be positioned between the light control layer (400) and the substrate (100). The molding member (180) may be in contact with the partition walls (300). In each pixel area (PX), the partition wall (300) may be positioned around the molding member (180). The top of the molding member (180) may be equal to or lower than the top of the partition wall (300).

[0070] The above molding member (180) includes a silicone or resin material and can protect the light source part (150).

[0071] Referring to FIG. 6, the lighting device according to the embodiment may further have the diffusion member (190) disposed on the molding member (180). The diffusion member (190) may be supported on the partition wall (300). An adhesive member (not shown) may be provided on the partition wall (300) so that the diffusion member (190) may be adhered.

[0072] The above-described diffusion member (190) may be provided to allow light emitted from each of the pixel areas (PX) to emit light uniformly. The diffusion member (190) may include a single-layer or multi-layer structure. If the diffusion member (190) has a multi-layer structure, it may include a light blocking layer and a diffusion layer. The lighting device according to the embodiment may include both the molding member (180) and the diffusion member (190).

[0073] FIG. 8 is an exemplary diagram showing the operation of an optical member according to an embodiment.

[0074] Referring to FIG. 8, the light control section of the light control layer (400) according to the embodiment includes a protective layer (401a, 401b), an electrode layer (402a, 402b), and a polymer layer (403). For example, the light control section may include a PDLC (Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal) film.

[0075] The protective layer (401a, 401b) may include a transparent and flexible material. For example, the protective layer (401a, 401b) may include a PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) material. The protective layer (401a, 401b) may function to protect the internal polymer layer from the outside.

[0076] The electrode layers (402a, 402b) may include a transparent conductive material such as ITO (Indium Tin Oxide) or silver nanowires (Ag Nanowire). The electrode layers (402a, 402b) can apply voltage to the polymer layer (403). That is, current can flow through the polymer layer (403).

[0077] The polymer layer (403) may include liquid crystal particles (404) dispersed within a polymer matrix. When no voltage is applied and no current flows, the liquid crystal particles (404) are arranged irregularly and scatter light, so the light control unit may be opaque. Conversely, when current flows through the liquid crystal particles (404), the liquid crystal particles (404) are regularly aligned according to the flow of current, so the light control unit can transmit light.

[0078]

[0079] FIG. 9 is a front view showing the lighting area and light control unit of a lighting device according to an embodiment.

[0080] Referring to FIGS. 3, 4 and 9, the light control layer (400) according to the embodiment may have at least two light control units. Each light control unit (410, 420, 430, 440) may function as a light control layer within the area of ​​the light control layer (400). In other words, the plurality of light control units (410, 420, 430, 440) disposed in the light control layer (400) may be arranged side by side without being vertically overlapped.

[0081] One or more or two or more of the above-mentioned optical control units (410, 420, 430, 440) may be arranged in a first direction (X), or one or two or more may be arranged in a second direction (Y). Two or more of the above-mentioned optical control units (410, 420, 430, 440) may be arranged in a first direction or a second direction.

[0082] A plurality of light control units (410, 420, 430, 440) may have a first light control unit (410), a second light control unit (420), a third optical member (430), and a fourth light control unit (440).

[0083] The plurality of light control units (410, 420, 430, 440) may include a plurality of lighting areas (R1, R2, R3, R4). The plurality of lighting areas (R1, R2, R3, R4) may be areas corresponding to each of the light control units (410, 420, 430, 440). That is, the pixel lighting (10A) may be divided into a plurality of lighting areas (R1, R2, R3, R4) by the plurality of light control units (410, 420, 430, 440). Each of the lighting areas (R1, R2, R3, R4) may output pixel lighting or surface lighting by a first mode or a second mode.

[0084] Each of the plurality of light control units (410, 420, 430, 440) may be placed on at least one pixel area (PX) or at least two pixel areas (PX). At least one of the plurality of light control units (410, 420, 430, 440) may be placed on one row or two or more pixel areas (PX). At least one of the plurality of light control units (410, 420, 430, 440) may be placed on at least one column or two or more pixel areas (PX). At least one of the plurality of light control units (410, 420, 430, 440) may be placed on one or more rows and one or more pixel areas (PX). The area of ​​each of the plurality of light control units (410, 420, 430, 440) may be equal to or greater than the area of ​​one or two or more pixel areas.

[0085] The first to fourth light control units (410, 420, 430, 440) of the light control layer (400) can illuminate through the first lighting area (R1), the second lighting area (R2), the third lighting area (R3), and the fourth lighting area (R4). That is, the number of light control units may be equal to the number of lighting areas.

[0086] The first lighting area (R1) is positioned on the first light control unit (410) and may be positioned on one side of the lighting device (10). The fourth lighting area (R4) is positioned on the fourth light control unit (440) and may be positioned on the other side of the lighting device (10). The second and third lighting areas (R2, R3) may be positioned between the first and fourth lighting areas (R1, R4). The second lighting area (R2) may be positioned along the outer side of the first lighting area (R1) and between the first and third lighting areas (R1, R3). The third lighting area (R3) may be positioned on the outer side of the second lighting area (R2) and between the second and fourth lighting areas (R2, R4).

[0087] The fourth lighting area (R4) and the fourth light control unit (440) may be provided in a line shape having a long length in the first direction (X). The third lighting area (R3) and the third light control unit (430) may be provided in a shape with both ends bent, having a length equal to that of the fourth lighting area (R4) in the first direction (X). The second lighting area (R2) and the second light control unit (420) may be provided in a shape with both ends bent, having a length shorter than that of the fourth lighting area (R4) in the first direction (X). The first lighting area (R1) and the first light control unit (410) may be provided in a line shape, having a length shorter than that of the second lighting area (R2) in the first direction (X).

[0088] Each of the plurality of light control units (410, 420, 430, 440) can be driven in a first mode or a second mode. Each of the plurality of lighting areas (R1, R2, R3, R4) can be illuminated by a combination of the first or second mode and the operation mode of each of the pixel areas (Px). In addition, the operation mode of each pixel area (Px) can increase or decrease the current in one direction or increase or decrease the current toward both ends, along with on and off. Such gradual increase or decrease in current can cause the light intensity of the emitted color to gradually increase or decrease.

[0089] FIG. 10 is an example of a case where the light control layer according to an embodiment has four regions and operates in a first mode, FIG. 11 is an example of a case where the light control layer according to an embodiment has four regions and operates in a second mode, and FIG. 12 is an example of a case where the light control layer according to an embodiment has four regions and operates in a first mode and a second mode simultaneously.

[0090] Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, the first to fourth light control units (410, 420, 430, 440) according to the embodiment can be driven in a first mode by applying power.

[0091] As shown in FIG. 10 (a), when the light control unit is in the first mode, it is in transparent mode, and the entire area is indicated as an illuminated area (R5) by pixel areas. Accordingly, the illuminated area (R5) can be indicated as pixel illumination according to the on and off of individual pixel areas (PX).

[0092] As shown in FIG. 10 (b) and (c), each pixel in the first to fourth lighting areas (R1, R2, R3, R4) occupied by the first to fourth light control units (410, 420, 430, 440) can be individually controlled to emit light that is the same or different from one another. As a result, various signature lights such as characters, numbers, and icons can be expressed in the first to fourth areas (R1, R2, R3, R4). For example, as shown in FIG. 10 (b), the second and fourth lighting areas (R2, R4) can be output in the same color or in black, and the first and third lighting areas (R1, R3) can be output in a different color from the second and fourth lighting areas. As another example, as shown in (c) of FIG. 10, the second lighting area (R2) may be output in a single color or in black, the fourth lighting area (R4) may be output in a single color or in another color (e.g., gray), and the first and third lighting areas (R1, R3) may be output as pixel lighting. In the first mode, the partitions of the first to fourth lighting areas (R1, R2, R3, R4) may be visible and may have pixel lighting.

[0093] Referring to FIG. 11, the first to fourth light control units (410, 420, 430, 440) according to the embodiment can be operated in a second mode in which no power is applied.

[0094] Referring to FIGS. 9 and FIGS. 11, each pixel of the first to fourth lighting areas (R1, R2, R3, R4) can be individually controlled to emit light that is the same or different from one another. At this time, the light emitted from the pixel lighting can be diffused by the first to fourth light control units (410, 420, 430, 440) and may have surface lighting. As a result, various emotional signature lights, such as gradients and breath effects, can be expressed in the first to fourth lighting areas (R1, R2, R3, R4). For example, as shown in FIG. 11 (a), the entire lighting area (R6) of the lighting device can be output as lighting with a single color or different colors, and may be output as, for example, gradient or breath lighting. As shown in FIG. 11 (b), the second and fourth lighting areas (R2, R4) of the lighting device may be output in a single color or in black, and the first and third lighting areas (R1, R3) may be output as gradient or breath lighting by the diffusion of light from the light source. As shown in FIG. 11 (c), the second lighting area (R2) may be output in a single color or in black, and the first, second, and fourth lighting areas (R1, R2, R4) may be output in a single color or in white.

[0095] Referring to FIG. 9 and FIG. 12, according to an embodiment, power is individually applied to or not applied to the first to fourth light control units (410, 420, 430, 440), so that at least one of the first to fourth light control units (410, 420, 430, 440) can be driven in a first mode and at least one other can be driven in a second mode.

[0096] For example, the first light control unit (410) and the third light control unit (430) may be driven in a first mode, and the second light control unit (420) and the fourth light control unit (440) may be driven in a second mode. That is, the first and third lighting areas (R1, R3) may have a surface light source, and the second and fourth lighting areas (R2, R4) may have a pixel light source. As a result, pixel lighting and surface lighting of the lighting device (10) according to the embodiment can be expressed simultaneously.

[0097] FIG. 13 is a front view of a lighting device with the diffusion member removed.

[0098] Referring to FIG. 13, the pixels (PX) of the lighting device according to the embodiment are driven individually and may each have a current of a different intensity. Depending on the intensity of the current applied to the pixels, the brightness and color of the pixels may vary.

[0099] A lighting device according to an embodiment may emit light of a different color and / or different intensity from each pixel adjacent to it. For example, the color and / or intensity of light emitted by any pixel PX(n, n) and at least one of pixels adjacent to the arbitrary pixel PX(n, n+1), PX(n+1, n), and PX(n+1, n+1) may be different.

[0100] Additionally, each pixel may have the same current applied to it to form a pixel group. For example, the sizes of any first pixel group (PXG1) and any second pixel group (PXG2) may be the same or different, and the color and / or intensity of light of the first pixel group (PXG1) and the second pixel group (PXG2) may be different. Each pixel within a pixel group (PXG1, PXG2) may have the same color and / or intensity of light.

[0101] By utilizing the characteristic that transmittance changes according to the individual driving of each pixel and the On / Off state of the optical element, it is possible to express both dynamic and soft lighting in pixel lighting and surface lighting functions.

[0102]

[0103] FIG. 14 shows a case where the light control layer according to an embodiment has two regions.

[0104] Referring to FIG. 14, the light control layer (400) according to the embodiment may have two lighting regions (R1, R2). That is, the light control layer (400) may have two light control units.

[0105] Referring to FIG. 14(a), the first lighting area (R11) and the second lighting area (R12) have the same area and can be arranged side by side. The first lighting area (R11) and the second lighting area (R12) can each be operated in a first mode and a second mode. For example, when the first lighting area (R11) is operated in the first mode to display icons, numbers, animations, etc., the second lighting area (R12) is operated in the second mode to add aesthetic effects such as gradients, breaths, and emphasis effects.

[0106] Referring to FIG. 14(b), the first lighting area (R13) and the second lighting area (R14) can be arranged vertically. Accordingly, when driven in the second mode, it is possible to represent the entire lighting device (10).

[0107] FIG. 15 shows a case where the light control layer according to an embodiment has three regions.

[0108] Referring to FIG. 15, the light control layer (400) according to the embodiment may have three lighting regions. That is, the light control layer (400) may have three light control sections.

[0109] Referring to FIG. 15(a), the first lighting area (R21) may have a left area of ​​the lighting device, the second lighting area may have a central area of ​​the lighting device, and the third lighting area (R23) may have a right area of ​​the lighting device. For example, when the first lighting area (R21) and the third lighting area (R23) emit a flashing signal in the second driving mode, the second lighting area (R22) may be driven in the first mode to emit a letter and / or a warning indication such as CAUTION.

[0110] Referring to FIG. 15(b), the first lighting area (R31) is located above the lighting device, and the second and third lighting areas (R32, R33) can be arranged side by side below the first lighting area (R31) to have the same area. The second lighting area (R32) and the third lighting area (R33) can be operated in a first mode and / or a second mode to function as indicator lights for the vehicle, and the first lighting area (R31) can be operated in a second mode to provide additional effects.

[0111] FIG. 16 shows a case where the light control layer according to an embodiment has five lighting regions.

[0112] The light control layer (400) according to the embodiment may have five lighting regions. That is, the light control layer (400) may have five light control units.

[0113] Referring to FIG. 16(a), the first lighting area (R41) and the fifth lighting area (R45) each have left and right end areas of the lighting device, the third lighting area (R43) has an upper center area, the second lighting area (R42) has a lower left area of ​​the third lighting area (R43), and the fourth lighting area (R44) can have a lower right area of ​​the third lighting area (R43). According to the embodiment, a direction light can be displayed in the first lighting area (R41) or the fifth lighting area (R45), while a warning light can be displayed in at least one of the second, third, and fourth lighting areas (R42, R43, R44).

[0114] Referring to FIG. 16(b), the first and second lighting areas (R51, R52) may have the left area of ​​the lighting device, the fourth and fifth lighting areas (R54, R55) may have the right area of ​​the lighting device, and the third lighting area (R53) may have the central area of ​​the lighting device. The boundary between the first lighting area (R51) and the second lighting area (R52) may have a diagonal line, and the boundary between the fourth lighting area (R54) and the fifth lighting area (R55) may have a diagonal line symmetrical to the boundary between the first lighting area (R51) and the second lighting area (R52). Here, for the diagonal lighting areas, the pixel area may have a triangular shape.

[0115] Referring to FIG. 16(c), the first and second lighting areas (R61, R62) may have a lower-left area of ​​the lighting device, the fourth and fifth lighting areas (R64, R65) may have a lower-right area of ​​the lighting device, and the third lighting area (R63) may have an upper area.

[0116]

[0117] FIG. 17 is an example image of a lighting device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0118] A lighting device (10) according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of pixels and a plurality of light control units, so that it can display both pixel lighting and surface lighting functions.

[0119] FIG. 17(a) shows a display text indicating that it is an automatic drive to external pedestrians or drivers, displayed through pixel lighting and surface lighting functions.

[0120] FIG. 17(b) shows the charging status of an electric vehicle through pixel lighting and surface lighting functions when the lighting device (10) is applied to the electric vehicle.

[0121] Fig. 17(c) shows a warning sign displayed to external pedestrians or drivers through pixel lighting and surface lighting functions.

[0122] Fig. 17(d) displays a brake light that is displayed through pixel lighting and surface lighting functions.

[0123] Fig. 17(e) shows a brake light displayed through a surface lighting function.

[0124] Such displays are exemplary and are not limited thereto. Through the pixel lighting and surface lighting functions of the light control layer (400) and the individual driving of a plurality of pixels, the lighting device according to the embodiment can enable various displays, such as accurate and intuitive displays and / or dynamic and elegant displays.

[0125]

[0126] Although the above description has focused on the embodiments, this is merely an example and does not limit the embodiments. A person skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and applications not exemplified above are possible within the scope of the essential characteristics of the embodiments. For instance, each component specifically shown in the embodiments may be modified. Furthermore, 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.

[0127] The lighting device and lighting module including the same according to the present invention are configured to implement both point light sources and surface light sources, thereby satisfying various lighting modes and design requirements. In particular, since both point light source-based pixel lighting and surface light source-based uniform mood lighting can be selectively implemented, driving indicator functions and aesthetic satisfaction can be provided simultaneously. These characteristics can be usefully applied not only to functional lighting devices such as headlights, taillights, and turn signals, but also to emotional lighting devices such as interior ambient lights and welcome lights.

Claims

1. A substrate; a plurality of light sources disposed on the substrate, and a pixel light having a partition disposed around each of the plurality of light sources; A light control layer disposed on the pixel illumination and having a plurality of light control units; comprising having an air gap between the light control layer and the pixel illumination layer. Lighting device.

2. In Paragraph 1, The width of the above bulkhead has a first length, It has a second length from the upper surface of the above partition wall to the light control layer, and The first length above has 1 / 10 of the second length, Lighting device.

3. In either Paragraph 1 or Paragraph 2, The above plurality of light control units are each driven individually, and The above plurality of light control units, Driving in either the first mode or the second mode, The first mode has a first transmittance, and the second mode has a second transmittance smaller than the first transmittance. Lighting device.

4. In Paragraph 3, The above first transmittance is 80% or higher Lighting device.

5. In Paragraph 3, The second transmittance is 20% to 40%. Lighting device.

6. In Paragraph 3, The above light control unit is a PDLC (Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal). Lighting device.

7. In Paragraph 1, The above bulkhead is, Multiple first bulkheads and It includes a plurality of second partitions arranged perpendicularly to the first partition, and The distance between the first bulkheads is smaller than the distance between the second bulkheads Lighting device.

8. Pixel lighting having multiple pixel regions; and It includes a plurality of light control units disposed on the pixel illumination, and The above plurality of light control units have a transmission mode when the power is turned on and a diffusion mode when the power is turned off, and A lighting device in which the plurality of light control units output pixel illumination by the transmission mode of the light control units or surface illumination by the diffusion mode according to the power supply being on or off.

9. In Paragraph 8, At least one of the plurality of light control units is a lighting device having a line shape with a long length in one direction.

10. In Paragraph 8, At least one of the plurality of light control units is a lighting device having a polygonal shape or a circular shape.

Images