Patent ID: 12238834

BEST MODE

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

However, the spirit and scope of the present invention is not limited to a part of the embodiments described, and may be implemented in various other forms, and within the spirit and scope of the present invention, one or more of the elements of the embodiments may be selectively combined and substituted for use.

In addition, unless expressly otherwise defined and described, the terms used in the embodiments of the present invention (including technical and scientific terms may be construed the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs, and the terms such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries may be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art.

Further, the terms used in the embodiments of the present invention are for describing the embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention. In this specification, the singular forms may also include the plural forms unless specifically stated in the phrase, and may include at least one of all combinations that may be combined in A, B, and C when described in “at least one (or more) of A (and), B, and C”.

Further, in describing the elements of the embodiments of the present invention, the terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), and (b) may be used. These terms are only used to distinguish the elements from other elements, and the terms are not limited to the essence, order, or order of the elements. In addition, when an element is described as being “connected”, “coupled”, or “contacted” to another element, it may include not only when the element is directly “connected” to, “coupled” to, or “contacted” to other elements, but also when the element is “connected”, “coupled”, or “contacted” by another element between the element and other elements.

In addition, when described as being formed or disposed “on (over)” or “under (below)” of each element, the “on (over)” or “under (below)” may include not only when two elements are directly connected to each other, but also when one or more other elements are formed or disposed between two elements. Further, when expressed as “on (over)” or “under (below)”, it may include not only the upper direction but also the lower direction based on one element.

FIG.1is a block diagram showing a configuration of a light driving apparatus according to an embodiment.

Referring toFIG.1, the light driving apparatus may include a light part110, a driving part120, a first sensing part130, a second sensing part140, a counting part150, and a control part160.

The light part110may include at least one light emitting diode. When the light part110includes a plurality of light emitting diodes, the plurality of light emitting diodes may be connected in series or in parallel. The light part110may 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), and infrared light. The light part110may be mounted on a vehicle to constitute a lamp. For example, one or more light parts110may be disposed in at least one of the front, rear, and side of the vehicle. For example, the light part110may be applied to a front lamp of a vehicle. For example, the light part110may perform at least one function of a head lamp, a turn signal lamp, a daytime running light, a high lamp, a low lamp, and a fog lamp by emitting light. For example, the light part110may provide additional functions such as a welcome lamp or a celebration effect by emitting light in conjunction with the opening of a vehicle door. For example, the light part110may be applied to a rear lamp that performs at least one function of a side lamp, a brake lamp, and a turn signal lamp by emitting light.

The light part110may be driven by an applied current. For example, a pulse-type current may be applied to the light driving apparatus from a main control module (not shown). For example, a pulse width modulation (PWM) type current may be applied to the light driving apparatus. The main control module may be a module that controls a specific main lamp among a plurality of lamps provided in the vehicle. For example, the main control module may be a head lamp control module (HCM) that controls head lamps, but is not limited thereto. In addition, although it has been described above that the current output from a separate module is applied to the light part110of the light driving apparatus, it is not limited thereto. For example, the light driving apparatus further includes a power conversion module (not shown) that is connected to a vehicle battery (not shown) and generates a current for driving the light part110based on a voltage supplied by discharging the battery.

The light part110may be driven by the applied current to output light of a specific color and specific brightness. When the light part110includes a plurality of light emitting diodes, the plurality of light emitting diodes may be simultaneously turned on and turned off. For example, the plurality of light emitting diodes may be simultaneously turned on by being driven by an applied current, and turned off simultaneously when the current is blocked. Alternatively, the plurality of light emitting diodes may be sequentially turned on. For example, the plurality of light emitting diodes may be turned on in stages at predetermined time intervals for an animation effect. For example, when the plurality of light emitting diodes include first to third light emitting diodes, the first light emitting diode may emit light at a first point, and the second light emitting diode may emit light at a second point later than the first point, and the third light emitting diode may emit light at a third point later than the second point. That is, the first to third light emitting diodes emit light at regular time intervals, and all of the light emitting diodes may emit light at the third point. In addition, the first to third light emitting diodes may be simultaneously turned off at a fourth point later than the third point.

That is, the light part110can be applied to one of various lamps provided in a vehicle, and can emit light under different conditions depending on the type of lamp applied.

The driving part120may be connected to an input terminal of the light part110. For example, the driving part120may be connected to an anode (−) of the light emitting diode constituting the light part110.

The driving part120may perform a switching operation according to a control signal to adjust the strength of current applied to the light part110. For example, the driving part120may include a switching element that performs a switching operation. For example, the driving part120may include a switching device such as a Bipolar Junction Transistor (BJT) or a Metal Oxide-Semiconductor Field Effect Transistor (MOSFET). The driving part120may adjust the strength of the current applied to the light part110according to the switching operation of the switching device. For example, the control signal may be a PWM signal, and the driving part120may adjust the strength of current applied to the light part110by PWM control.

The first sensing part130may be disposed at an input terminal of the light driving apparatus. For example, the first sensing part130may be disposed at an input terminal of the light part110. For example, the first sensing part130may be connected to an anode of a light emitting diode. The first sensing part130may be a current sensor. The first sensing part130may sense current and output information of the sensed current. That is, the first sensing part130may sense whether current is applied to the light part110or whether the applied current is blocked. The first sensing part130may transfer the sensed current information to the control part160.

The second sensing part140may be disposed at an output end of the light driving apparatus. For example, the second sensing part140may be disposed at an output terminal of the light part110. For example, the second sensing part140may be connected to a cathode of a light emitting diode. The second sensing part140may sense a voltage of the light part110. For example, the second sensing part140may sense an output voltage of the light part110. To this end, the second sensing part140may be configured as a voltage sensor. The second sensing part140may sense the output voltage of the light part110and transmit voltage information corresponding thereto to the control part160.

In one embodiment, the second sensing part140may be activated or inactivated according to a control signal from the control part160. In an activated state, the second sensing part140may sense the output voltage of the light part110and transmit voltage information corresponding thereto to the control part160. In this case, the second sensing part140may perform an operation of sensing the output voltage of the light part110according to a predetermined period in an active state. In addition, the second sensing part140may not perform an operation of sensing the output voltage of the light part110in an inactive state.

In another embodiment, the second sensing part140may always maintain an active state, and accordingly, may perform an operation of sensing the output voltage of the light part110according to a predetermined period.

Meanwhile, a period in which the output voltage of the light part110is sensed by the second sensing part140may be 2 ms, but is not limited thereto. For example, the second sensing part140may sense and output the output voltage of the light part110according to a period of 2 ms.

Alternatively, the second sensing part140may always perform an operation of sensing the output voltage of the light part110regardless of the period. In addition, the control part160may read voltage information sensed by the second sensing part140according to a period (eg, 2 ms).

A counting part150may count time. For example, the counting part150may count time based on a specific point according to a control signal of the control part160.

For example, the counting part150may count an elapsed time from the start point at which current is applied to the light part110. This is to solve an error occurring as the voltage information is obtained in a voltage rising section of the start point. For example, the counting part150may count an elapsed time from a point where the voltage information of the light part110is obtained. This is to solve an error that occurs as the voltage information is obtained in a voltage falling section that occurs based on an end point at which the current applied to the light part110is blocked.

The control part160may generally control an operation of the light driving apparatus.

For example, the control part160may control a condition of the current applied to the light part110based on a driving condition of the light part110. The condition for the current may include whether or not the current is applied and a strength of the applied current.

For example, the control part160may control the driving part120so that a current of a certain strength is applied to the light part110under the condition that the light part110is turned on. To this end, the control part160may output a control signal (eg, a PWM signal) for controlling a switching state of a switching device constituting the driving part120.

In addition, the control part160may control the driving part120based on the output voltage of the light part110obtained through the second sensing part140. For example, when the output voltage of the light part110is different from a target voltage, it may output a control signal to the driving part120to make the target voltage and the output voltage equal.

In addition, the control part160may detect an abnormal state of the light part110based on the output voltage of the light part110obtained through the second sensing part140. The abnormal state of the light part110may include a short state and an open state of the light emitting diode constituting the light part110. For example, an output voltage of the light part110may exist within a predetermined reference range in a state in which the light part110emits light. In this case, when the light emitting diode constituting the light part110is in a short circuit state, the output voltage of the light part110has a value lower than the reference range (eg, 0V or a low voltage state). In addition, when the light emitting diode constituting the light part110is in an open state, the output voltage of the light part110has a value higher than the reference range (eg, an overvoltage state). Accordingly, the control part160can determine the open state or short state of the light part110based on the output voltage of the light part110obtained through the second sensing part140.

Meanwhile, the control part160may not perform an operation of sensing the output voltage of the light part110in a specific section.

In general, the control part160determines the open or short of the light part110based on the output voltage of the light part110in a section where current is applied to the light part110(eg, current on section). However, as described above, the voltage of the light part110gradually increases or decreases with a certain slope at a start point where the current is applied to the light part110or an end point where the current applied to the light part110is blocked. In addition, when the output voltage of the light part110is sense in a section (voltage rising section or voltage falling section) in which the output voltage of the light part110increases or decreases with a certain slope, even though the light part110is in a normal state, a problem of erroneously detecting it as an open state or a short state may occur. Therefore, the control part160does not sense the output voltage of the light part110during the voltage rising section or voltage falling section at the start point or end point.

Hereinafter, it will be described in detail a sensing operation of the output voltage of the light part110by the control part160.

FIG.2is a view showing a relationship between an input current of a light part and an output voltage of a light part according to an embodiment.

Referring toFIG.2, current may be applied to the light part110. The current may be applied in a pulse form. Accordingly, the light part110has a current on section to which current is applied and a current off section to which the applied current is blocked. In the current on section, a constant current is applied to the light part110, and thus the light part110may emit light. In addition, the current applied to the light part110is blocked in the current off section, and thus the light part110may be turned off.

Specifically, in one embodiment, the light part110may be applied to a turn signal lamp of a vehicle. Accordingly, the light part110may perform a light emitting operation with a predetermined period. For example, the light part110may emit light and turn off with a cycle of 400 ms. That is, the light part110performs a light emission operation for 400 ms, and then performs a light off operation for 400 ms, and may repeatedly perform such an operation.

Meanwhile, the current on section may include a start point (SP: Start Point) at which current is applied and an end point (EP: End Point) at which the applied current is blocked.

For example, the current on section may start at the first point T1. That is, the first point T1may be a start point SP at which current is applied to the light part110.

Then, the current starts to be applied to the light part110at the first point T1corresponding to the start point SP, and accordingly, the output voltage of the light part110may have a value greater than zero. In this case, the output voltage of the light part (110) does not have a value corresponding to a reference range immediately at the first point T1, and gradually increases over a certain period of time. In addition, the output voltage of the light part110may have a value corresponding to the reference range at a second point T2after a predetermined time has elapsed from the first point T1. For example, the output voltage of the light part110may include a rising section (RS: Rising Section) corresponding to a section between the first point T1and the second point T2. The rising section RS may also be referred to as a voltage stabilization section or a first voltage bouncing section in which the output voltage of the light part110changes to finally have a value corresponding to a reference range.

Meanwhile, the current applied to the light part110may have a value of zero (0) at a fourth point T4corresponding to the end point EP.

In this case, the output voltage of the light part110does not have a zero value immediately at the fourth point T4, and gradually decreases over a period of time.

For example, the output voltage of the light part110may gradually decrease with a predetermined slope at a third point T3which is a predetermined time before the fourth point T4. In addition, the output voltage of the light part110may decrease at a third point T3faster than the fourth point T4and have a zero value at the fourth point T4.

That is, the output voltage of the light part110may include a falling section (FS: Falling Section) that corresponds between the third point T3and the fourth point T4and gradually decreases with a certain slope.

As described above, the output voltage (LED Voltage) of the light part110does not immediately change in response to the input current (Current) of the light part110, but gradually decreases over a period of time in a rising section RS (or first voltage bouncing section) and falling section FS (or second voltage bouncing section).

And, when the output voltage of the light part110is sensed in the rising section RS and the falling section FS as described above, even though the light part110is in a substantially normal state, an open state or short circuit state may be erroneously sensed.

Therefore, the control part160does not perform a sensing operation for the output voltage of the light part110in the rising section RS and falling section FS of the output voltage of the light part110, and this allows it to resolve erroneously sensed.

Hereinafter, it will be described in detail the output voltage sensing operation of the light part110performed according to the change in the output current of the light part110by the control part160.

FIG.3is a flowchart showing a method of driving a light driving apparatus step by step according to an embodiment.

Referring toFIG.3, the control part160determines whether a current of a certain strength or more is applied to the light part110(S101). That is, the control part160can sense an input current value of the light part110output through the first sensing part130. In addition, the control part160may determine whether a current on section is based on the input current value. For example, the control part160may detect a start point SP at which a constant current is applied to the light part110based on the input current value. In this case, the control part160does not perform a sensing operation for the output voltage of the light part110through the second sensing part140.

When the start point SP where a constant current is applied to the light part110, the control part160may control the counting part150to count an elapsed time from the starting point SP (S102).

The control part160determines whether the elapsed time counted through the counting part150has passed a preset first de-bouncing time (S103). Here, the first de-bouncing time may be set in various ways according to an embodiment. For example, the first de-bouncing time may be set to correspond to a rising section RS of the output voltage of the light part110. This will be described in detail below.

When the elapsed time counted through the counting part150has not passed the first de-bouncing time, the control part160maintains the voltage sensing function OFF, and returns to the above step S102after waiting for a certain period of time (S104).

In addition, the control part160may turn on the voltage sensing function when the elapsed time counted through the counting part150passes a preset first de-bouncing time (S105).

Here, the turn on of the voltage sensing function may be as follows.

(1) The turn on of the voltage sensing function may mean changing the second sensing part140from an inactive state to an active state. That is, the second sensing part140may not operate in an inactive state and may operate in an active state.

(2) The turn on of the voltage sensing function may mean that the control part160senses (or reads) voltage information output through the second sensing part140. That is, the control part160may not sense or read voltage information output through the second sensing part140in a state in which the voltage sensing function is turned off. Further, it can sense or read voltage information sensed through the second sensing part140at a point where the voltage sensing function is turned on.

Next, the control part160may monitor a change in input current of the light part110sensed through the first sensing part130while the voltage sensing function is turned on. Then, the control part160may determine whether the input current of the light part110is turned off (eg, zero value) (S106). For example, the control part160may detect an end point EP at which the current applied to the light part110is blocked based on the input current value.

In addition, the control part160may continue to perform a voltage sensing operation for sensing the output voltage of the light part110for each period when it is not an end point EP at which the current is blocked (S107).

Then, the control part160may delete the voltage information sensed during the second de-bouncing time before the end point EP when the input current of the light part110is turned off (S108).

Hereinafter, the first de-bouncing time and the second de-bouncing time will be described in detail.

FIG.4is a view for explaining a voltage sensing operation ofFIG.3according to a first embodiment.

Referring toFIG.4, a current may be applied at a start point SP in a current on section of the light part110, and the applied current may be blocked at an end point EP. That is, the input current of the light part110may be applied at a first point (T1) and blocked at a fourth point (T4).

In this case, as described above, the output voltage of the light part110has a rising section RS from the first point (T1) to the second point (T2). In addition, the output voltage of the light part110has a falling section FS between a fourth point (T4) and a third point (T3) before the fourth point (T4).

In this case, the sensing operation (Detect time inFIG.4) may be performed by the control part160in a current on section where current is applied to the light part110.

Specifically, a section in which the voltage sensing operation of the control part160is turned on (the detect ON section inFIG.4) may be smaller than the current on section. That is, the control part160may perform a sensing operation of sensing the output voltage of the light part110only in some section of the current on section in which current is applied to the light part110.

For example, the control part160may not perform a sensing operation of sensing the output voltage of the light part110during a first De-Bouncing Time (DBT) based on the first point T1. In this case, the first DBT in the first embodiment may be set based on a rising section RS of the output voltage of the light part110. For example, the first DBT may be the same as a time during which the rising section RS proceeds. That is, the first DBT in the first embodiment may mean from the first point T1to the second point T2. For example, the first DBT may mean from a start point to an end point of the rising section RS.

In addition, the control part160may delete voltage information sensed during the second DBT before the fourth point T4based on the fourth point T4. In this case, the second DBT in the first embodiment may be set based on a falling section FS of the output voltage of the light part110. For example, the second DBT may be the same as a time during which the falling section (RS) proceeds. That is, the second DBT in the first embodiment may mean from the third point (T3) to the fourth point (T4). For example, the second DBT may mean from a start point (T3) to an end point (T4) of the falling section FS.

Meanwhile, when the first DBT is set to correspond to the rising section RS and the second DBT is set to correspond to the falling section FS as described above, it may not be possible to adapt to various power environments. For example, the time during which the rising section RS or falling section FS proceeds may increase depending on the power environment. In this case, the voltage sensing on section set by the first DBT or the second DBT may not completely exclude the rising section RS or the falling section FS.

FIG.5is a diagram for explaining a voltage sensing operation ofFIG.3according to a second embodiment.

Referring toFIG.5, a current may be applied to the light part110at a start point SP in a current on section, and the applied current may be blocked at an end point EP.

That is, the input current of the light part110may be applied at the first point T1aand blocked at the sixth point T6a.

In addition, the output voltage of the light part110has a rising section RS from a first point (T1a) to a second point (T2a). In addition, the output voltage of the light part110has a falling section FS between a sixth point (T6a) and a fifth point (T5a) before the sixth point (T6a). In addition, a section where the voltage sensing operation of the control part160is turned on (detect ON section inFIG.5) may be smaller than the current on section. That is, the control part160may perform a sensing operation of sensing the output voltage of the light part110only in some section of the current on section in which current is applied to the light part110.

For example, the control part160may not perform a sensing operation of sensing the output voltage of the light part110for a first De-Bouncing Time (DBT) based on the first point T1a. In this case, the first DBT in the second embodiment may be set higher than the rising section RS of the output voltage of the light part110. For example, the first DBT may be greater than a time during which the rising section RS proceeds. That is, the first DBT in the second embodiment may mean from the first point T1ato the third point T3a. The third point T3amay be after the second point T2a. The third point T3amay be positioned between the second point T2aand the fifth point T5a. The first DBT may be set to 1.5 to 2 times the time during which the rising section RS proceeds. When the first DBT is less than 1.5 times the time during which the rising section RS proceeds, this may cause a situation in which the output voltage of the light part110is sensed within the rising section RS. When the first DBT is greater than twice the time during which the rising section RS proceeds, it can reduce the section in which the voltage sensing operation by the control part160is performed in the current-on section, and accordingly, it may reduce sensing reliability.

In addition, the control part160may delete voltage information sensed during the second DBT prior to the sixth point T6abased on the sixth point T6a. In this case, the second DBT in the second embodiment may be greater than the falling section FS of the output voltage of the light part110. That is, the second DBT in the second embodiment may mean from the fourth point T4ato the sixth point T6a. The fourth point T4amay be before the fifth point T5a. The fourth point T4amay be between the third point T3aand the fifth point T5a.

Meanwhile, in the above description, the falling section FS starts before the input current to the light part110is turned off and ends at a point where the input current is turned off, but is not limited thereto. For example, the falling section FS may be variously changed according to the specifications of the light part110or the power environment. This will be described in detail below.

FIG.6is a flowchart showing a method of driving a light driving apparatus step by step according to another embodiment.

Referring toFIG.6, the control part160determines whether a current of a certain strength or more is applied to the light part110(S201). That is, the control part160can sense the input current value of the light part110output through the first sensing part130. In addition, the control part160may determine whether a current on section is based on the input current value. For example, the control part160may detect a start point SP at which a constant current is supplied to the light part110based on the input current value. In this case, the control part160does not sense the output voltage of the light part110through the second sensing part140.

When the starting point (SP) where a constant current is supplied to the light part110, the control part160may control the counting part150to count an elapsed time from the start point SP (S202). The counting part150counts the elapsed time from the start point SP according to the control signal of the control part160.

The control part160determines whether the elapsed time counted through the counting part150has passed a preset first de-bouncing time (S203).

When the elapsed time counted through the counting part150has not passed the preset first de-bouncing time, the control part160may maintain the voltage sensing function off and return to the above step S202after waiting for a certain period of time (S204).

In addition, the control part160resets the previously stored voltage information during a reset time (RT: Reset Time) when the elapsed time counted through the counting part150elapses the preset first de-bouncing time (S205). That is, a difference fromFIG.3is as follows. InFIG.3, when the first de-bouncing time elapses, the voltage sensing function is immediately turned on. Alternatively, an additional reset section is included inFIG.6, and the previously stored voltage sensing information is reset during the reset time RT in the reset section.

Then, the control part160may turn on the voltage sensing function after the reset time RT has elapsed (S206).

Next, the control part160may monitor a change in input current of the light part110sensed through the first sensing part130while the voltage sensing function is turned on. Then, the control part160may determine whether the input current of the light part110is blocked (eg, zero value) (S207). For example, the control part160may detect an end point EP at which the current applied to the light part110is blocked based on the input current value.

Then, the control part160may continue to perform a voltage sensing operation for sensing the output voltage of the light part110for each period when it is not the end point EP where the applied current is blocked (S208).

Then, the control part160may delete the voltage information sensed during the second de-bouncing time before the end point EP when the input current of the light part110is turned off (S209).

FIG.7is a view for explaining a voltage sensing operation ofFIG.6according to a first embodiment.

Referring toFIG.7, a current may be applied at a start point SP in a current on section to the light part110, and the applied current may be blocked at an end point EP.

That is, the input current of the light part110may be applied at the first point T1band blocked at the seventh point T7b.

In addition, the output voltage of the light part110has a rising section RS from a first point T1bto a second point T2b. In addition, the output voltage of the light part110has a falling section FS between the seventh point T7band the sixth point T6bbefore the seventh point T6b. In addition, a section in which the voltage sensing operation of the control part160is turned on (detect ON section inFIG.7) may be smaller than the current on section. That is, the control part160may perform a sensing operation of sensing the output voltage of the light part110only in some section of the current on section in which current is applied to the light part110.

For example, the control part160may not perform a sensing operation of sensing the output voltage of the light part110during a first De-Bouncing Time (DBT) based on the first point T1b. The first DBT may be greater than a time during which the rising section RS proceeds. That is, the first DBT may mean from the first point T1bto the third point T3b. The third point T3bmay be after the second point T2b. The third point T3bmay be positioned between the second point T2band the fifth point T5b. The first DBT may be set to 1.5 to 2 times the time during which the rising section RS proceeds. When the first DBT is less than 1.5 times the time during which the rising section RS proceeds, this may cause a situation in which the output voltage of the light part110is sensed within the rising section RS. When the first DBT is greater than twice the time during which the rising section RS proceeds, it can reduce the section in which the voltage sensing operation by the control part160is performed in the current-on section, and accordingly, it may reduce sensing reliability.

In addition, the control part160may count a predetermined reset time based on the third point T3bat which the first DBT has elapsed. That is, the control part160sets the reset section from the third point T3bto the fourth point T4bat which the preset reset time has elapsed and disables the voltage sensing function during the reset time RT in the reset section. That is, the voltage sensing function may not accurately turn on in synchronization with the point at which the first DBT has elapsed depending on circumstances. For example, a situation in which the voltage sensing function is turned on may occur before the first DBT elapses. In addition, the passing of the first DBT means that a current on section of a new cycle has arrived. Therefore, the embodiment provides a reset time RT after the first DBT has elapsed, and resets the previously sensed and stored voltage information. In addition, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the voltage sensing function is turned on before the first DBT elapses according to the reset of the voltage information, thereby improving reliability.

In addition, the control part160may delete voltage information sensed during the second DBT before the seventh point T7bbased on the seventh point T7b. The second DBT may be greater than the falling section FS of the output voltage of the light part110. That is, the second DBT in the second embodiment may mean from the fifth point T5bto the seventh point T7b.

FIGS.8and9are views showing modified examples of a falling section ofFIG.7.

Meanwhile, in the above description, the falling section FS starts before the input current to the light part110is turned off and ends at the point where the input current is turned off, but is not limited thereto. For example, the falling section FS may be variously changed according to specifications of the light part110or power environment. That is, the falling section may change according to various environments as shown inFIGS.8and9.

FIG.8has a difference in the fifth to seventh points T5c, T6cand T7ccompared toFIG.7, and only this will be described.

Referring toFIG.8, the falling section FS may start at a sixth point T6ccorresponding to the end point EP at which the current on section ends, and may end at a seventh point T7clater than the sixth point. Accordingly, the control part160may delete voltage information obtained between the fifth point T5cbefore the sixth point T6cbased on the sixth point T6c. That is, the control part160may delete previously obtained voltage information during the second DBT before the sixth point based on the sixth point T6c.

FIG.9has a difference in the fifth to eighth points T5d, T6d, T7dand T8dcompared toFIG.7, and only this will be described.

Referring toFIG.9, The falling section FS may start at the sixth point T6dbefore the seventh point T7dcorresponding to the end point EP at which the current on section ends, and end at the eighth point T8dafter the seventh point T7d.

Accordingly, the control part160may delete voltage information obtained between the fifth point T5dbefore the seventh point by a predetermined time based on the seventh point T7d. That is, the control part160may delete voltage information obtained during the second DBT before the seventh point based on the seventh point T7d. In this case, the fifth point T5dmay be earlier than the sixth point T6dat which the falling section FS starts.

In conclusion, the voltage sensing on section in the embodiment starts after the rising section RS ends and may end before the falling section FS starts. Accordingly, The embodiment can solve a problem in which sensing errors may occur as voltage sensing operations are performed in the rising section RS and the falling section FS.

FIG.10is a view for explaining a voltage sensing operation according to another exemplary embodiment.

FIG.10may correspond to a case where a light emitting operation of the light part110is different from that ofFIG.7. That is, the light part110inFIG.7can perform a flickering operation with a certain period. In addition, the light part110inFIG.10shows a case in which the number of light emitting diodes emitting light increases with time in an animation manner.

Referring toFIG.10, a current may be applied at a start point SP in a current on section to the light part110, and the applied current may be blocked at an end point EP.

That is, the input current of the light part110may be applied at the first point T1eand blocked at the seventh point T7e.

In addition, the output voltage of the light part110has a rising section RS from a first point T1eto a second point T2e.

In this case, the output voltage of the light part110may not increase with a certain slope in the rising section RS, but may increase in a stepwise manner different from that ofFIG.7, for example. That is, a plurality of light emitting diodes constituting the light part110ofFIG.10may be configured and driven in an animation method in which the number of light emitting diodes operating in an on state gradually increases over time. Accordingly, all light emitting diodes of the light part110ofFIG.10may emit light at the second point T2e.

In addition, the output voltage of the light part110has a falling section FS between a seventh point T7eand a sixth point T6ebefore the seventh point T6e. In addition, a section in which the voltage sensing operation of the control part160is turned on (detect ON section inFIG.10) may be smaller than the current on section. That is, the control part160may perform a sensing operation of sensing the output voltage of the light part110only in some section of the current on section in which current is applied to the light part110.

For example, the control part160may not perform a sensing operation of sensing the output voltage of the light part110for a first De-Bouncing Time (DBT) based on the first point T1e. The first DBT may be greater than a time during which the rising section RS proceeds. That is, the first DBT may mean from the first point T1eto the third point T3e. The third point T3emay be after the second point T2e. The third point T3emay be positioned between the second point T2eand the fifth point T5e. The first DBT may be set to 1.5 to 2 times the time during which the rising section RS proceeds. When the first DBT is less than 1.5 times the time during which the rising section RS proceeds, this may cause a situation in which the output voltage of the light part110is sensed within the rising section RS. When the first DBT is greater than twice the time during which the rising section RS proceeds, it can reduce the section in which the voltage sensing operation by the control part160is performed in the current-on section, and accordingly, it may reduce sensing reliability.

In addition, the control part160may count a predetermined reset time based on the third point T3eat which the first DBT has elapsed. That is, the control part160sets the reset section from the third point T3eto the fourth point T4eat which the preset reset time has elapsed and disables the voltage sensing function during the reset time RT in the reset section. That is, the voltage sensing function may not accurately turn on in synchronization with the point at which the first DBT has elapsed depending on circumstances. For example, a situation in which the voltage sensing function is turned on may occur before the first DBT elapses. In addition, the passing of the first DBT means that a current on section of a new cycle has arrived. Therefore, the embodiment provides a reset time RT after the first DBT has elapsed, and resets the previously sensed and stored voltage information. In addition, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the voltage sensing function is turned on before the first DBT elapses according to the reset of the voltage information, thereby improving reliability.

In addition, the control part160may delete voltage information sensed during the second DBT before the seventh point T7ebased on the seventh point T7e. The second DBT may be greater than the falling section FS of the output voltage of the light part110. That is, the second DBT in the second embodiment may mean from the fifth point T5eto the seventh point T7e.

Meanwhile, the first DBT, the second DBT, and the reset time in the embodiment may be set to different values depending on the type of lamp to which the light part110is applied. For example, the light part110may include a first turn signal lamp that operates in a flickering manner, a second turn signal lamp that operates in an animation manner, a daytime running lamp, and a vehicle lamp. In addition, the first DBT, the second DBT, and the reset time may be set as shown in Table 1 below.

TABLE 1conditionfirst DBTReset timesecond DBTFirst turn signal lamp80 ms5 ms25 msSecond turn signal lamp190 ms5 ms25 msdaytime running lamp140 ms5 ms25 msside lamp140 ms5 ms25 ms

As shown in Table 1, the first DBT, the second DBT, and the reset time in the embodiment can be set to different values according to the type of lamp to which the light part110is applied, and accordingly, it can improve the reliability of the voltage sensing function.

FIG.11is a flowchart showing a method of storing voltage information in a sense section step by step according to an embodiment.

Before the description ofFIG.11, the control part160may preferentially store the voltage information sensed through the second sensing part140in a memory (not shown) and delete voltage information stored during the second DBT before the end point when an end point corresponding to the current block point arrives, as described inFIG.3. Alternatively, when voltage information is sensed, the embodiment may perform a storage operation of the sensed voltage information after the second DBT has elapsed. For example, when voltage information is sensed, the control part160may store the sensed voltage information if the end point corresponding to the current block point does not arrive even if the second DBT has elapsed from the point where the voltage information was sensed. Alternatively, when voltage information is sensed and the end point corresponding to the current block point arrives before the second DBT elapses from the sensed point, the control part160may delete the sensed voltage information without updating it to memory.

That is, referring toFIG.11, the control part160may sense voltage information through the second sensing part140(S301). In addition, updating of the sensed voltage information in the memory is not performed during the second DBT.

Thereafter, the control part160determines whether the second DBT has elapsed from a point where the voltage information was sensed (S302).

Then, the control part160determines whether the current applied to the light part110is blocked before the second DBT elapses when the second DBT has elapsed from the point where the voltage information was sensed (S303).

Thereafter, the control part160deletes the sensed voltage information without updating the memory when the current applied to the light part110is blocked before the second DBT elapses from a point at which the voltage information was sensed (S304).

In addition, the control part160may store and update the sensed voltage information in memory when the current is continuously applied to the light part110even after the second DBT has elapsed from the point where the voltage information was sensed (S305).

Meanwhile, the light driving apparatus according to the embodiment may be applied to a moving device, for example, a vehicle.

FIG.12is a top view of a vehicle to which a lamp having a light driving device according to an embodiment is applied,FIG.13is an example in which a light driving device according to an embodiment is disposed in front of a vehicle, andFIG.14is an example in which a light driving apparatus according to an embodiment is disposed in rear of a vehicle.

Referring toFIGS.12to14, a light driving apparatus according to an embodiment may be applied to a lamp of a vehicle2000. One or more lamps may be disposed in at least one of the front, rear, and side of the vehicle2000. The light driving apparatus is provided in various shapes such as a curve or a straight line, and may be applied to lamps disposed in various regions of the vehicle2000.

For example, referring toFIG.13, the lamp may be applied to a front lamp2100of a vehicle2000. The front lamp2100may include a first cover member2110and at least one lamp module including the lighting device1000. The first cover member2110may accommodate the light driving apparatus.

The front lamp2100may provide a plurality of functions by controlling a driving point of a light driving apparatus included in at least one lamp module. For example, the front lamp2100may include a first lamp module2120and a third lamp module2130that provides at least one function of a head lamp, a turn signal lamp, a daytime running lamp, a high lamp, a low lamp, and a fog lamp by light emission of the light part110of the light driving apparatus. In addition, the front lamp2100may provide additional functions such as a welcome lamp or a celebration effect when the driver opens the vehicle door.

In addition, referring toFIG.14, the lamp may be applied to a rear lamp2200of a vehicle. The rear lamp2200may include at least one lamp module including a second cover member2210and the light driving apparatus. The second cover member2210may accommodate the light driving apparatus.

The rear lamp2200may provide a plurality of functions by controlling a driving point of the lighting device1000included in at least one lamp module. For example, the rear lamp2200may include a second lamp module2220that provides at least one function of a side lamp, a brake lamp, and a turn signal lamp by light emitted from the light part110of the light driving apparatus.

The above embodiment may more accurately sense a state of the light part. Specifically, the embodiment prevents a sensing operation of an output voltage of the light part in a rising section at a start point where the current is applied to the light part and a falling section at an end point where the applied current is blocked. Accordingly, the embodiment can solve a sensing error problem that may occur as the output voltage of the light part is sensed in the rising section and the falling section, and thereby improve reliability.

In addition, the embodiment may provide a lighting driving device applicable in various environments. That is, the embodiment stops the sensing operation of the output voltage of the light part during a first DBT longer than a time of the rising section at the start point at which the current is applied to the light part. In addition, the embodiment stops the sensing operation of the output voltage of the light part during a second DBT longer than a time of the falling section at the end point at which the applied current is blocked. Accordingly, the embodiment can solve a reliability problem that occurs as the rising section or falling section changes in various environments.

In addition, the embodiment may provide a more improved sense function by including a reset section. That is, the embodiment does not immediately start the sensing function of the output voltage of the light part at a point at which the first DBT has passed, but resets the previously stored data for a predetermined reset time based on a point at which the first DBT has passed. Accordingly, the embodiment can further improve the reliability of the sensing function of the light part.