EP2789901A2 - Light module of a motor vehicle lighting device - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a light module (1) of a motor vehicle lighting device. The light module (1) comprises at least two light sources (2, 3, 4) for emitting light and at least two primary optics (8, 15, 16, 17, 18) associated with the light sources (2, 3, 4) for bundling the emitted light , Furthermore, the light module (1) comprises a common secondary optics (7) for imaging the light bundles on a roadway in front of the motor vehicle and for generating a resulting overall light distribution of the light module (1). In order to improve the flexibility and efficiency of the light module (1), it is proposed that at least one of the light sources (2) for realizing a main light distribution and at least one other of the light sources (3; 4) is designed to realize a secondary light distribution and that the The primary optics (15, 16, 17, 18) assigned to the secondary light distribution are designed in several parts, a first partial primary optics (15, 17) being adjacent to the primary optics (FIG. 8) is arranged.

Description

The present invention relates to a light module of a motor vehicle lighting device. The light module comprises at least two light sources for emitting light and at least two primary optics for bundling at least part of the emitted light. At least one light source is assigned to one of the primary optics. Furthermore, the light module comprises a common secondary optics for shaping a plurality of adjoining or slightly overlapping light distributions from the light bundles generated by at least some of the primary optics. Furthermore, the invention also relates to a motor vehicle lighting device with such a light module.

From the prior art, various approaches are known to realize so-called matrix high-beam modules. A matrix high beam module includes a light source having a plurality of semiconductor light sources (LEDs) arranged in rows and / or columns, wherein a plurality of LEDs are activated to produce the desired high beam distribution. The individual LEDs can be controlled individually so that individual LEDs are specifically deactivated be able to hide specific areas of the resulting high beam distribution targeted. As a result, for example, areas of the high-beam distribution in which other road users are located can be omitted. On the one hand, this enables a particularly good illumination of the roadway area in front of the motor vehicle by means of the high beam distribution, and on the other hand it prevents dazzling of the preceding and / or oncoming road users. For the realization of matrix high-beam modules systems with a real intermediate image are usually used in which primary optics several directly adjacent images of the LEDs are generated, which then form the resulting high beam distribution via a subsequent secondary beam in the beam path on the road ahead of the motor vehicle be imaged. These systems are also referred to as projection systems due to the projecting properties of secondary optics.

Suitable secondary optics are both reflectors and lenses or lens systems. A secondary optic is characterized in that it projects one or more light source images from a real intermediate image plane to generate the desired light distribution of the light module on the roadway in front of the motor vehicle. As primary optics are, for example, collecting lenses, conical optical fibers, disc-shaped light guides or reflectors that can be arranged individually or in several rows and / or columns array- or matrix-like side by side and / or one above the other. When using matrix semiconductor light sources, the primary optics usually comprise arrays of lenses, light guides or reflectors combined into arrays. The light exit surface of the primary optics or the light exit surfaces of the individual primary optics elements of an optical array lies or lie approximately in the so-called Petzval surface of the secondary optics, so that the through the primary optics elements generated individual light source images by means of refraction and / or reflection can be sharply demarcated against each other. Petzval area is a surface whose points are imaged by the secondary optics as equal as possible and in the desired manner on a far away in the direction of travel or emission direction image surface. These object points can be mapped as lines or rectangles or the like instead of points.

Depending on the type of primary optics used, the light distributions in the intermediate image with respect to their shape and light intensity distribution can be influenced only slightly in the prior art. In particular collecting lens arrays, the light exit surfaces are arranged directly in the Petzvalfläche the secondary optics, generate light distributions with a substantially uniform luminance. In this case, the further light shaping, for example the vertical shaping of the light distributions, must be carried out by secondary optics, which have a pronounced astigmatism. All light distributions in the intermediate image are distorted in the same way by the subsequent secondary optics.

Most matrix light distributions have several equally broad stripe-shaped light distributions in the center. In addition, however, it is expedient to supplement these central light distributions, at least to the sides, by one or more wide light distributions, which extend softly towards the edge of the roadway.

If the particularly simple and advantageous lens arrays or reflector arrays are used as the primary optics, it is not immediately possible to produce one or more broad light distributions in the intermediate image, which emanate softly in addition to the largely uniformly illuminated light distributions in the center immediately thereafter which the described side illumination can be realized. In this case, the primary optics lens, which generates the intermediate image of the side illumination, together with the light source associated with it, would have to be set back in the opposite direction of the light emission direction, far behind the remaining light sources and lenses which form an intermediate light distribution in the center of the matrix light distribution. However, this would no longer make it possible to arrange the light sources for the two light distributions (on the one hand in the center and on the other hand on the side edge) in one plane, preferably on a common printed circuit board, which significantly increases the constructive effort and the costs for producing the light module. In addition, resetting the light source (s) for the side illumination has an unfavorable effect on the overall length of the light module.

From the US 2006/0120094 A1 is a projection system for a motor vehicle lighting device is known in which a low beam light distribution with a substantially horizontal chiaroscuro limit by a partial high beam distribution, which illuminates a range above the light-dark boundary, is supplemented. The resulting high beam distribution of the overall system is generated by a superposition of the low beam distribution and the partial high beam distribution. The partial high beam distribution is generated by means of a light source and a concave mirror in an intermediate image plane of the projection system. With a deflecting mirror, the high-beam beam path is then directed through the secondary optics designed as a projection lens and projected onto the road ahead of the motor vehicle.

Starting from the described prior art, the present invention has the object, to design a lighting module of the type mentioned and further, that of one or more primary optics in the intermediate image plane, an additional secondary light distribution with large lateral expansion and dynamic Luminance gradient, in particular a decrease in luminance to the outer edge of the resulting total light distribution out, and further one, in particular in the region of the transitions between the individual light distributions, as homogeneously illuminated resulting total light distribution of the light module can be realized.

To solve this problem, it is proposed, starting from the light module of the type mentioned above, that at least one of the light sources for generating light to realize a main light distribution and at least one other of the light sources for generating light for implementing a secondary light distribution is configured and that the at least one The primary optics associated with the light source for generating the light for the secondary light distribution is designed in several parts, wherein at least one first of the partial primary optics is arranged next to the at least one primary optics associated with the light for the main light distribution.

The resulting total light distribution of the light module is generated by a superposition or supplement of the main light distribution and the secondary light distribution. In this case, the secondary optics project preferably images of the at least one light source for generating light for the secondary light distribution on the road ahead of the vehicle, which is equipped with the light module. In addition, the secondary optics preferably form intermediate light distributions, which are produced on light exit surfaces of the primary optics elements and are not images of the light sources for generating light for the main light distribution, on the roadway from the vehicle. The secondary optics thus depicts the illuminated light exit surface on the roadway. The light for the main light distribution serves, for example, to illuminate a center of the resulting total light distribution. Using the example of a high beam distribution, this light could, for example. For Generating a high beam spot can be used. The light for the secondary light distribution serves, for example, for the illumination of at least one lateral region of the total light distribution. Using the example of the high beam, the light could, for example, be used to illuminate lateral areas of a relatively broadly scattering basic light distribution. Both light distributions together result in an optimized total light distribution, for example in the form of a high beam.

In the light module, the primary optics associated with the light source for generating the light for the secondary light distribution is designed such that it generates an image of the light source in the intermediate image plane of the light module. The primary optics associated with the light source for generating the light for the main light distribution is configured in such a way that it does not produce an image of the light source in the intermediate image plane of the light module, but only an illuminated light exit surface of the primary optics. The secondary optics project the images of the light source for the secondary light distribution on the road ahead of the vehicle and forms the illuminated light exit surfaces for the main light distribution on the road ahead of the vehicle.

In this way, regardless of the design of the light sources for generating the light for the main light distribution associated with primary optics additional secondary light distribution with large expansion and dynamic luminance gradient, in particular a luminance drop to the edge of the resulting total light distribution out can be realized. In this case, the intermediate image of the secondary light distribution connects as completely as possible to the intermediate light distribution of the main light distribution generated by the other primary optics. Furthermore, the primary optics for the realization of the secondary light distribution is constructed so that the light source for the Main light distribution and the light source for the secondary light distribution in a plane, in particular on a common circuit board, can be arranged. Although the term light source is used here, both the light source for generating the main light distribution and the light source for generating the secondary light distribution may have a plurality of light emitters, for example a plurality of semiconductor light sources, in particular LEDs. The light emitters of a light source can be arranged in a matrix-like manner in a plurality of columns and / or rows and together form a light source array.

Particularly preferably, the main light distribution comprises a plurality of strip-shaped partial light distributions with a substantially vertical longitudinal extent. It is particularly preferred if the strip-shaped partial light distributions of the main light distribution are designed to be similar in terms of expansion and luminance distribution. The secondary light distribution serves, for example, to illuminate an outer edge region of the overall light distribution of the light module to improve the side illumination. In particular, the secondary light distribution comprises at least one lateral illumination adjoining a central main light distribution laterally. It is conceivable to provide one or more side illumination areas on one or both sides of the main light distribution. The side illumination preferably has no strip-shaped subdivision and is preferably wider than a single strip of the strip-shaped sub-light distribution. Furthermore, the side illumination preferably has a luminance drop toward the outer edge of the overall light distribution.

The primary optics for the secondary light distribution is designed in several parts, wherein the part primary optics of the primary optics can be designed as desired. The primary optic includes For example, a deflection mirror as a first partial primary optics and a concave mirror as a second partial primary optics. The light emitted by the light source for the secondary light distribution impinges on the concave mirror, is bundled by this and directed in the direction of the deflection mirror, where an image of the light source is generated. The deflecting mirror directs the image to the secondary optics, which it projects onto the road ahead of the motor vehicle. The multipart design of the primary optics for the secondary light distribution advantageously results in additional degrees of freedom with respect to the arrangement and orientation of the light source for the secondary light distribution and with respect to the arrangement and design of the light source image generated by the primary optics for the secondary light distribution in the intermediate image plane of the light module. This in turn allows the arrangement of the light source for the secondary light distribution in a common plane, preferably on a common circuit board, with the at least one light source for the main light distribution. Moreover, with a relatively low outlay, by simple variation of the optical properties of the partial primary optics, a desired resulting overall light distribution of the light module, in particular a desired secondary light distribution with large horizontal and / or vertical extension and dynamic luminance gradient, particularly preferably with a luminance drop toward the outer edge, will be realized.

By arranging a first part of the primary optics of the secondary light distribution, for example of the deflection mirror, in the immediate vicinity of the primary optics for the main light distribution or to the intermediate light distribution or distributions generated thereby, it is possible for the intermediate image of the secondary light distribution to be as completely as possible to the intermediate light distributions connects the light exit surfaces of the primary optics for the main light distribution and thus in particular in the region of the transitions between the individual partial light distributions and between the main and secondary light distributions, a particularly homogeneously illuminated resulting total light distribution of the light module can be generated. In particular, no dark areas, shadows, lines or the like are arranged in the transitions between the light distributions. The first part of the primary optics, for example the deflection mirror, is preferably arranged in the Petzval surface of the secondary optics and directly adjoins primary optics for the main light distribution or at its light exit surfaces.

The other part of the primary optics of the secondary light distribution, for example the concave mirror, is arranged between the secondary optics of the light module and its Petzval surface. The concave mirror may at least partially have an elliptical profile.

The secondary optics is preferably focused on the light exit surfaces of the primary optics or on a centroid of the surfaces. The secondary optics are particularly preferably focused on the light exit surfaces of the primary optics, which are assigned to the light source for the main light distribution, or focused on their centroid. The primary optics for the main light distribution is preferably designed as a collecting lens array. The light exit surfaces of the individual converging lenses are illuminated during operation of the light module, wherein no light source images are generated on the exit surfaces. The illuminated areas are imaged by the secondary optics on the road. The total light distribution produced by the light module according to the invention is thus generated on the one hand by projection of light source images (the light sources for the secondary light distribution) and on the other by imaging of illuminated light exit surfaces (the primary optics associated with the light sources for the main light distribution). The combination of these two types of imaging in the resulting total light distribution enables a total light distribution which is particularly homogeneously illuminated in the center, the side areas of which have a desired broad dimension and a desired dynamic light intensity profile.

• Der Hohlspiegel bietet umfangreiche Möglichkeiten der Strahlformung, bspw. durch die Form und Ausrichtung des Hohlspiegels, so dass der Leuchtdichteverlauf des Zwischenbildes (auf dem Umlenkspiegel) sehr weitgehend geformt werden kann, wodurch sich eine hohe Flexibilität bei der Ausgestaltung der Nebenlichtverteilung ergibt.

The light module according to the invention has, inter alia, the following advantages:

• The concave mirror offers extensive possibilities of beam shaping, for example, by the shape and orientation of the concave mirror, so that the luminance profile of the intermediate image (on the deflection mirror) can be very largely formed, resulting in a high flexibility in the design of the secondary light distribution.

In addition, the concave mirror offers great freedom in relation to the relative position of the light source for the secondary light distribution and the light distribution generated therefrom (the intermediate image). This makes it possible to inexpensively arrange and contact all the light sources of the light module in a common plane, in particular on a common printed circuit board.

The deflection mirror automatically limits the dimensions of the secondary light distribution. If the deflection mirror physically directly and completely connects to the primary optics for the main light distribution or to the light exit surface of this primary optics and if the entire mirror surface of the deflecting mirror is illuminated (and the entire reflected light then also falls through the secondary optics), then automatically close the of The secondary optics designed light distributions for the secondary light distribution and the main light distribution directly and completely to each other. The shape, especially the Dimensions and the course of the outer circumference of the deflection surface, thus defining the dimensions and shape of the intermediate image to be imaged and thus the configuration of the secondary light distribution or a part thereof.

The optical system for generating the intermediate image (light source image) for the secondary light distribution does not increase the overall length of the light module according to the invention.

Figur 1

ein erfindungsgemäßes Lichtmodul gemäß einer ersten bevorzugten Ausführungsform;

Figur 2

ein erfindungsgemäßes Lichtmodul gemäß einer zweiten bevorzugten Ausführungsform;

Figur 3

einen schematischen Strahlengang in dem Lichtmodul gemäß Figur 2 in einer Seitenansicht und in einer Draufsicht;

Figur 4

ein Lichtquellenarray in Kombination mit einem Primäroptikarray zur Erzeugung einer Hauptlichtverteilung des erfindungsgemäßen Lichtmoduls gemäß einer ersten bevorzugten Ausführungsform;

Figur 5

ein Lichtquellenarray in Kombination mit einem Primäroptikarray zur Erzeugung einer Hauptlichtverteilung des erfindungsgemäßen Lichtmoduls gemäß einer zweiten bevorzugten Ausführungsform;

Figur 6

ein Lichtquellenarray in Kombination mit einem Primäroptikarray zur Erzeugung einer Hauptlichtverteilung des erfindungsgemäßen Lichtmoduls gemäß einer dritten bevorzugten Ausführungsform;

Figur 7

ein Lichtquellenarray in Kombination mit einem Primäroptikarray zur Erzeugung einer Hauptlichtverteilung des erfindungsgemäßen Lichtmoduls gemäß einer vierten bevorzugten Ausführungsform;

Figur 8

einen Strahlengang in einem erfindungsgemäßen Lichtmodul bei der Erzeugung einer Hauptlichtverteilung;

Figur 9

eine durch das Lichtmodul aus Figur 8 erzeugte Hauptlichtverteilung auf einem in einem Abstand zu dem Lichtmodul angeordneten Messschirm;

Figur 10

einen Strahlengang in einem erfindungsgemäßen Lichtmodul bei der Erzeugung einer Nebenlichtverteilung;

Figur 11

eine durch das Lichtmodul aus Figur 10 erzeugte Nebenlichtverteilung auf einem in einem Abstand zu dem Lichtmodul angeordneten Messschirm;

Figur 12

einen Strahlengang in einem erfindungsgemäßen Lichtmodul bei der Erzeugung einer resultierenden Gesamtlichtverteilung;

Figur 13

die durch das Lichtmodul aus Figur 12 erzeugte resultierende Gesamtlichtverteilung auf einem in einem Abstand zu dem Lichtmodul angeordneten Messschirm;

Figur 14

einen Teil eines erfindungsgemäßen Lichtmoduls gemäß einer weiteren bevorzugten Ausführungsform einschließlich des Strahlengangs zur Erzeugung der Hauptlichtverteilung sowie der Nebenlichtverteilung;

Figur 15

einen Teil eines erfindungsgemäßen Lichtmoduls gemäß einer weiteren bevorzugten Ausführungsform einschließlich des Strahlengangs zur Erzeugung der Hauptlichtverteilung sowie der Nebenlichtverteilung; und

Figur 16

einen Teil des erfindungsgemäßen Lichtmoduls aus Figur 1 einschließlich des Strahlengangs zur Erzeugung der Hauptlichtverteilung sowie der Nebenlichtverteilung.

Further features and advantages of the present invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the figures. In this case, the features and advantages shown in the figures and explained in more detail below can also be combined with one another as desired, without this being expressly shown in the figures or explained in the following description. Show it:

FIG. 1

an inventive light module according to a first preferred embodiment;

FIG. 2

an inventive light module according to a second preferred embodiment;

FIG. 3

a schematic beam path in the light module according to FIG. 2 in a side view and in a plan view;

FIG. 4

a light source array in combination with a primary optical array for generating a main light distribution of the light module according to the invention according to a first preferred embodiment;

FIG. 5

a light source array in combination with a primary optics array for generating a main light distribution of the invention Light module according to a second preferred embodiment;

FIG. 6

a light source array in combination with a primary optical array for generating a main light distribution of the light module according to the invention according to a third preferred embodiment;

FIG. 7

a light source array in combination with a primary optical array for generating a main light distribution of the light module according to the invention according to a fourth preferred embodiment;

FIG. 8

a beam path in a light module according to the invention in the generation of a main light distribution;

FIG. 9

one through the light module FIG. 8 generated main light distribution on a arranged at a distance to the light module measuring screen;

FIG. 10

a beam path in a light module according to the invention in the generation of a secondary light distribution;

FIG. 11

one through the light module FIG. 10 generated sub-light distribution on a arranged at a distance to the light module measuring screen;

FIG. 12

a beam path in a light module according to the invention in the generation of a resulting total light distribution;

FIG. 13

through the light module FIG. 12 generated resulting total light distribution on a measuring screen arranged at a distance to the light module;

FIG. 14

a part of a light module according to the invention according to a further preferred embodiment, including the beam path for generating the main light distribution and the secondary light distribution;

FIG. 15

a part of a light module according to the invention according to a further preferred embodiment, including the beam path for generating the main light distribution and the secondary light distribution; and

FIG. 16

a part of the light module of the invention FIG. 1 including the beam path for generating the main light distribution and the secondary light distribution.

The present invention relates to a light module for use in a motor vehicle lighting device, in particular in a motor vehicle headlight. The light module can also be used in a motor vehicle light, such as a daytime running lamp, a fog light or similar. The lighting device comprises a housing, which is preferably made of plastic and in which the light module is arranged. The light module can be arranged fixed or movable, in particular pivotable about a vertical and / or horizontal pivot axis, in the housing of the illumination device. The housing has a light exit opening which is closed by a transparent cover plate and through which the light generated by the light module can exit and reach the road ahead of the motor vehicle. The cover is preferably made of plastic. It can at least partially be provided with optically effective scattering elements (so-called diffusing screen) or be formed without such scattering elements (so-called clear disc). The design of such motor vehicle lighting devices is well known from the prior art and is therefore not shown in detail in the figures and not explained in detail here.

In FIG. 1 is a light module according to the invention according to a preferred embodiment in its entirety by the reference numeral 1 designates. The light module 1 comprises at least two light sources for emitting light. In the illustrated embodiment, the light module 1 comprises a first light source 2, which emits light to realize a main light distribution. The light source 2 comprises in the illustrated embodiment, a plurality of juxtaposed semiconductor light sources, in particular LEDs. The juxtaposed LEDs of the light source 2 are also referred to as an LED array. It is conceivable that the light source 2 not only has a row of LEDs, but that the LEDs of the light source 2 are arranged in a matrix-like manner in a plurality of rows and columns.

Furthermore, the light module 1 in the illustrated embodiment comprises two light sources 3, 4, which emit light for the realization of a secondary light distribution. The light sources 3, 4 may comprise one or more semiconductor light sources, in particular LEDs. Several LEDs can be arranged side by side or in a matrix next to one another and one above the other in a row. Of course, the light module 1 according to the invention could also have only one of the light sources 3, 4 or more than the two illustrated light sources 3, 4. The light sources 2, 3, 4 of the light module 1 are arranged on a printed circuit board 5. The light sources 2, 3, 4 are at least indirectly attached via the circuit board 5 on a heat sink 6, which the resulting during operation of the light sources 2, 3, 4 Dissipates heat and gives off to the environment. This ensures overheating of the LEDs of the light sources 2, 3, 4 and proper operation in a designated temperature window.

The light sources 2, 3, 4 are primary optics 8; 15, 16; Assigned 17, 18, which focus the light emitted by the light sources 2, 3, 4 light and direct to a secondary optics 7, which projects the light beams to realize the resulting total light distribution of the light module 1 on the road ahead of the motor vehicle. The primary optics 8 comprises in this embodiment a collecting lens array having a plurality of juxtaposed collecting lenses in a row. Of course, the primary optics 8 can also comprise a plurality of primary optics elements arranged in a matrix-like manner in a plurality of rows and columns, for example in the form of converging lenses. Each of the converging lenses is associated with at least one of the LEDs of the light source 2. The converging lenses focus the light emitted by the LEDs of the light source 2 so that a light exit surface 21 of the converging lenses is illuminated as uniformly and homogeneously as possible. These illuminated surfaces (so-called intermediate light distributions) are imaged by the secondary optics 7 to generate the main light distribution on the road ahead of the vehicle. The primary optics 15, 16 and 17, 18 each produce an image of the light sources 3, 4, which is projected by the downstream secondary optics 7 for generating the secondary light distribution on the road ahead of the motor vehicle.

The secondary optics 7 thus forms from these intermediate light distributions and images of the light sources 3, 4 a plurality of preferably seamlessly adjoining or even slightly overlapping partial light distributions, which form the resulting total light distribution of the light module 1. The secondary optics 7 may comprise a converging lens and / or a reflector. In the illustrated embodiment the secondary optics 7 is designed as a converging lens, which in FIG. 1 is shown only schematically. The secondary optics 7 is preferably focused on the light exit surfaces 21 of the primary optics elements of the primary optics 8 or on a centroid of these light exit surfaces 21.

In the FIGS. 4 to 7 different possibilities for the design of the primary optics 8 for the main light distribution are shown, with a) a view from the front, b) a top view, c) a perspective view and d) a side view of the projection optics 8.

In the embodiment FIG. 4 a primary optic 8 is shown, which comprises a plurality of juxtaposed plano-convex converging lenses, as they are, for example, in the light module 1 of FIG. 1 is used. Secondary Optics 7 (in FIG. 4 not shown) focused on the centroid of the light exit surface 21 of the collecting lens array 8. The corresponding focal plane of the projection optics 7 is designated by the reference numeral 9. A focal point of the projection optics 7 (at the intersection between the lines AA and BB) is designated by the reference numeral 10. The distance between the centers of two adjacent LEDs of the light source 2 and between the optical axes of two adjacent converging lenses of the primary optics 8 are designated as pitch T. Through the converging lenses of the primary optics 8, the light emitted by the LEDs of the light source 2 in a 180 ° half-light is focused into a light bundle 11. The main emission direction of the LEDs, which in the illustrated embodiment coincides with the optical axis of the collecting lenses, is designated by the reference numeral 12. The light is focused by the converging lenses so that a particularly homogeneous illumination of the light exit surfaces 21 of the converging lenses is achieved.

FIG. 5 shows a primary optic 8, the several side by side having arranged reflectors. The reflectors have in the illustrated embodiment, square cross-sections (see, the top view in FIG FIG. 5b ). The light exit surfaces 21 of the individual reflectors preferably line up without gaps and delimit the luminous surface with sharp, straight edges. Each reflector of the primary optics 8 is associated with at least one LED of the light source 2. It is possible that a (perforated) heat shield 13 is arranged between the reflector array and the LEDs, which protects the back of the reflectors from radiation. In this exemplary embodiment too, the main emission direction of the LEDs preferably coincides with the optical axis of the reflectors of the primary optics 8. Incidentally, the terms also apply to this embodiment FIG. 4 made statements.

In the embodiment of FIG. 6 the primary optics 8 for the main light distribution comprises a plurality of juxtaposed light guides. These have in their longitudinal section (comprising the main emission direction of the LEDs; FIG. 6a ) has a conical shape with the cross-sectional area increasing from the light entrance side (facing the LEDs) toward the light exit side (away from the LEDs). Preferably, the optical fibers have a square cross-section (transversely to the main emission direction of the LEDs; FIG. 6b ). The light exit surfaces 21 of the individual light guides preferably line up without gaps and limit the luminous surface with sharp, straight edges. Each optical fiber of the primary optics 8 is associated with at least one of the LEDs of the light source 2. Incidentally, the same applies to this embodiment with respect to the FIG. 4 made statements.

In the embodiment of FIG. 7 the primary optics 8 comprises a plurality of adjacently arranged optical waveguide disks. The light exit surfaces 21 of Fiber optic disks follow the course of a Petzval surface 14 of the projection optics 7. With the division T is in Figure 7a the distance between the longitudinal axes of the light exit surfaces 21 of two adjacent optical waveguide disks of the primary optics 8 is designated. In this embodiment, the light emitted by the LEDs of the light source 2 is not only focused, but also deflected over a convex curved convex surface in a vertical section 21 '(see FIG. FIGS. 7c and 7d ).

From the FIGS. 4 to 7 and the associated description it is clear that always the light exit surfaces 21 of the individual elements of the primary optic array 8 should be arranged in the focal plane 9 and on the Petzvalfläche 14 of the projection optics 7. That is, the secondary optics 7 is preferably focused on the light exit surfaces 21 of the primary optics 8 or their centroid.

Coming back to FIG. 1 has the light module 1 shown there in addition to the light source 2 and the primary optics associated therewith 8 for generating the main light distribution and other primary optics, which are associated with the light sources 3, 4 for generating the secondary light distribution. It is provided that the primary optics associated with the light sources 3, 4 are made in several parts, in each case in two parts in the exemplary embodiment shown. Thus, the light source 3 for the secondary light distribution, for example, a first partial primary optics 15 and a second partial primary optics 16 are assigned. Similarly, the other light source 4 for the secondary light distribution, a first partial primary optics 17 and a second partial primary optics 18 are assigned. Although the two partial primary optics 15, 16 and 17, 18 are arranged at a distance from one another, they together fulfill the function of a conventional primary optics of a light module 1 designed as a projection system.

In the in FIG. 1 the embodiment shown is the Light source 3 associated first partial primary optics 15 designed as a deflection mirror and the second partial primary optics 16 as a concave mirror. The same also applies to the partial primary optics 16, 18 assigned to the light source 4, the first partial primary optics 17 being designed as a deflecting mirror and the second partial primary optics 18 as a concave mirror. The first partial primary optics 15, 17 are arranged laterally next to the light source 2 for generating the main light distribution or beside the primary optics 8 associated therewith or the light exit surfaces 21 of the primary optics elements. Preferably, the first partial primary optics 15, 17 adjoin the primary optics 8 or their outer light exit surfaces 21 directly and without gaps. This makes it possible in a relatively simple manner to realize a particularly homogeneously illuminated resulting total light distribution of the light module 1, since the images of the light sources 3, 4 on the deflecting mirrors 15, 17 and the illuminated light exit surfaces 21 of the individual elements of the primary optics 8 close together, preferably even The light-emitting images on the mirror surfaces of the deflecting mirrors 15, 17 through the secondary optics 7 to the, in particular in the region of the transitions between the partial light distributions, homogeneously illuminated total light distribution on the Roadway are projected in front of the motor vehicle.

At the in FIG. 1 shown embodiment, all the light sources 2, 3, 4 in a common plane, preferably even on the same circuit board 5, arranged and contacted. As a result, a particularly simple and cost-effective installation and contacting of the light sources 2, 3, 4 is possible. Furthermore, the light sources 2, 3, 4 emit all light substantially in the same direction, that is, approximately in the direction of the secondary optics 7. In other words, the main radiation directions of the individual run Light sources 2, 3, 4 and the individual light source elements (LEDs) of the light source 2 substantially parallel to each other.

With the present invention, it is possible to produce a resulting light distribution 1 of the light module 1 that is particularly homogeneously illuminated, since the surfaces forming the real intermediate image (the mirror surfaces of the deflection mirrors 15, 17) and the illuminated light exit surfaces 21 of the primary optics 8 closely side by side, preferably even arranged directly adjacent to each other. As a result, they can be projected by the secondary optics 7 as a uniformly homogeneously illuminated resulting total light distribution on the roadway in front of the motor vehicle. "Homogeneously illuminated" in this context means, in particular, that the resulting total light distribution of the light module 1, in particular in the region of the transitions between the individual partial light distributions projected onto the carriageway by the secondary optics 7, has no undesired dark areas, shadows or dark lines. However, a variation of the illuminance distribution within the resulting total light distribution is possible. In particular, it is conceivable that the light intensity distribution of the secondary light distribution decreases towards the outer edge of the total light distribution. However, it is important that there are no unwanted dark areas, shadows or dark lines between the individual partial light distributions represented by the secondary optics 7, which form the resulting total light distribution.

In addition, the light module 1 according to the invention by the multi-part design of the primary optics 15, 16, and 17, 18 a particularly high flexibility and variability with respect to the possible arrangement and orientation of the light sources 3, 4 relative to the light source 2 and with respect to the luminous intensity distributions on the mirror surfaces of the Deflection mirror 15, 17, that is, on the imaged by the secondary optics 7 surfaces of the primary optics 15, 16 and 17, 18 in the intermediate image. This makes it possible to arrange all the light sources 2, 3, 4 of the light module 1 in one plane, in particular on a common circuit board 5. Furthermore, this allows a particularly flexible design of the light intensity distribution of the secondary light distribution and thus the resulting total light distribution.

The different beam paths of the light module 1 off FIG. 1 are in the FIGS. 8 . 10 and 12 shown. The corresponding light distributions on a screen are in the Figures 9 . 11 and 13 shown. The measuring screen is arranged at a defined distance from the light module 1. The optical axis of the light module 1 preferably passes through the center of the screen by the point HV at 0 ° horizontally and 0 ° vertically.

FIG. 8 shows the beam path when only the LEDs of the light source 2 are activated, wherein FIG. 8 the special case is shown in which two centrally located LEDs of the light source 2 are deactivated. The two deactivated LEDs are in FIG. 8 designated by the reference numeral 19. The region of the resulting light distribution illuminated by the two deactivated LEDs 19 normally, that is to say in the activated state, is in FIG. 9 designated by the reference numeral 20. The two deactivated LEDs 19 of the light source 2 lead to a non-illuminated area 20 in the middle of the light distribution at about 0 ° horizontally with a width of about 2 ° horizontally. The non-illuminated area 20 in the center of the resulting light distribution thus extends in the horizontal direction, ie approximately from -1 ° to + 1 °. The height of the non-illuminated area 20 extends over the entire height of the resulting light distribution. As a result, for example, in the case of a matrix high-beam module, individual LEDs of the light source 2 can be deactivated in a targeted manner to form an area to hide from the resulting light distribution in front of the motor vehicle where there are preceding and / or oncoming road users. The varying horizontal positions of the other road users (for example by driving past or passing the motor vehicle) and thus the area 20 recessed by the resulting light distribution can be taken into account by deliberately deactivating those LEDs 19 which are responsible for the generation of the light to be expelled Area 20 are responsible for the corresponding position. Alternatively, it would also be conceivable always to deactivate the same LEDs 19 and to move the entire light module 1 or only parts thereof in a horizontal direction relative to a housing of the illumination device, for example to pivot about a vertical axis in order to illuminate the unilluminated region 20 of FIG resulting light distribution to bring with the other road users to be hidden from the resulting total light distribution.

In FIG. 10 the beam path of the light module 1 is shown, wherein only the light source 4 is activated to produce a part of the secondary light distribution. The secondary light distribution of the light source 4 is a side illumination right next to the main light distribution according to FIG. 9 , The resulting light distribution of the side illumination on the right is in FIG. 11 shown. Correspondingly, an activation of the other light source 3 would cause the generation of another part of the secondary light distribution in the form of a left side illumination. It is conceivable to activate both light sources 3, 4 at the same time.

The shape and design, in particular the light intensity distribution, the resulting side illumination (see. FIG. 11 ) can be easily and effectively changed by changing the shape and / or orientation of the Concave mirror 18 and / or the deflection mirror 17 is changed. It is even conceivable to vary the shape and / or orientation of the concave mirror 18 and / or of the deflection mirror 17 during the operation of the light module 1 so as to be able to adaptively change the design and the shape of the resulting side illumination during the operation of the illumination device. As a result, it would be possible, for example, to react to current traffic or ambient conditions and to illuminate the lateral edge regions of the resulting overall light distribution more or less strongly depending on the situation.

In FIG. 12 is the beam path of the light module 1 of the invention FIG. 1 shown, with all the light sources 2, 3, 4 are activated, including the two in FIGS. 8 and 9 still deactivated LEDs 19 and the light source 3. This results in a particularly homogeneous illuminated resulting total light distribution of the light module 1, the in FIG. 13 is shown. The overall light distribution shown is, for example, a high beam (if the light distribution would be lowered so that the upper chiaroscuro below the horizontal at about -1 ° would be vertical) a fog light or (with respect to a high beam intensity reduced) a daytime running light.

In FIG. 2 a further embodiment of the light module 1 according to the invention is shown. In contrast to the light module 1 off FIG. 1 In this case, only a light source 4 for generating a secondary light distribution and, correspondingly, only one primary optics 17, 18 associated with the light source 4 are provided. In addition, the secondary optics 7 is formed as a faceted paraboloid. The individual facets of the reflector 7 designed in this way preferably have different focal lengths and approximately identical cutting widths to the focal point 10 (cf. FIGS. 4b . 5b . 6b ) on.

FIG. 3 shows a beam path in the light module 1 from FIG. 2 , in which FIG. 3a the vertical beam path and FIG. 3b shows the horizontal beam path. It can be clearly seen that the concave mirror 18 increases in the vertical beam path the LED chip of the light source 4 with an edge length t at least to the height H of the mirror surface of the Umlenkkspeigels 17. The magnification M results approximately from the ratio of the distances S2 / S1. The concave mirror 18 concentrates in the horizontal beam path the light for the secondary light distribution on the deflection mirror 17 immediately adjacent to the adjacent primary optics array 8 for the main light distribution. On the mirror surface of the Umlenkkspeigels 17 results in an image of the light source 4. The deflecting mirror 17 directs the incident light to the secondary optics 7, which projects the light source image for generating the secondary light distribution on the road.

FIG. 14 shows a further embodiment of a light module 1 according to the invention, wherein the representation of the secondary optics 7 has been omitted. The primary optics 8 for the main light distribution comprises an array of conical light guides whose light exit surfaces 21 from the LEDs of the light source 2 for the main light distribution (see FIG. FIG. 9 ) are illuminated evenly. The intermediate light distributions on the light exit surfaces 21 of the light guide array 8 and the light source images on the mirror surfaces of the deflection mirrors 15, 17 are approximately in the shell-shaped Petzval surface 14, the so-called Petzval shell, the secondary optics 7.

In the embodiment of FIG. 15 For the main light distribution, the primary optics 8 comprises an array of conical reflectors which generate the intermediate light distributions (illuminated light exit surfaces 21) for the main light distribution. The light exit surfaces 21 of the reflector array 8 (ie, the front openings of the individual reflectors located in the light exit direction) and the mirror surfaces of the deflection mirrors 15, 17 lie approximately in the Petzval shell 14 of the secondary optics 7.

In the embodiment of FIG. 16 For the main light distribution, the primary optics 8 comprises an array of converging lenses which generate the intermediate light distributions for the main light distribution. The light exit surfaces 21 of the lens array 8 and the mirror surfaces of the deflection mirrors 15, 17 are approximately in a shell-shaped Petzvalfläche 14 of the secondary optics. 7

Petzval surface 14 is an area whose points are imaged by the secondary optics 7 as equal as possible and in the desired manner to a far away in the direction of travel or emission direction image surface. These object points can be mapped as lines or rectangles or the like instead of points in the same way. In particular, infinitesimally small zones of the secondary optics 7 in a picture area located far in front of the light module 1 or the motor vehicle design predominantly the same sized and similarly oriented pictures of the intermediate light distributions located in the object-side Petzval area 14 of the secondary optics 7. The individual intermediate light distributions can be offset from one another in the angular space (for example, blurring of the light distribution in the vertical and / or horizontal direction), in particular in the vertical direction. In this way, it is possible, for example, to generate strip-shaped, vertically extending partial light distributions from square intermediate light distributions with uniform luminance, which leak out softly upwards and downwards. In this case, the optical surfaces of the secondary optics 7 (convergent lens or paraboloid) preferably have different refractive powers or curvatures in their vertical sections than in their horizontal sections.

Light rays from the concave mirror 16; 18 coming the deflecting mirror 15; 17 miss, do not pass through the secondary optics 7 and are thus not part of the resulting total light distribution in front of the motor vehicle. The deflection mirror 15; 17 thus limits the secondary light distribution at the edges. This makes it possible, with the concave mirror 16; 18 first to produce a larger light distribution as an intermediate image and then through the edges of the deflection mirror 15; 17 limit. In this way, positional tolerances in the optical system can be compensated, so that it is ensured that the secondary light distribution always connects completely to the main light distribution.

The dimensions of the deflection mirror 15; 17 are preferably selected such that the light source 3; 4 for the secondary light distribution through the concave mirror 16; 18 and the deflection mirror 15; 17 is increased at least to a light source image of the size of the light exit surface 21 of the adjacent primary optics 8. To compensate for manufacturing and assembly tolerances, it is advisable to choose the magnification even slightly larger.

If the primary optics 8 for the main light distribution have a height H and a square LED chip of the light source 3; 4 for the secondary light distribution has a side length t, the magnification of the concave mirror 16; For example, M = H / t or greater. In particular, with reference to FIG. 3 and the associated description following relationship: $$\mathrm{M}=\mathrm{1}...\mathrm{1}.\mathrm{5}\mathrm{x\; H}/\mathrm{t}=\mathrm{1}...\mathrm{1}.\mathrm{5}\mathrm{x\; S}\mathrm{2}/\mathrm{S}\mathrm{1}$$

The route S1 begins at the center of the light source 3; 4 for the secondary light distribution and propagates in the direction of the main emission of the light source 3; 4, with an LED especially perpendicular to the LED chip. The distance S1 ends with the impact on the reflection surface of the concave mirror 16; 18. At this point, the distance S2 begins and extends in the direction of the deflection mirror 15; 17, preferably on the center of the deflection mirror.

It is advantageous, the deflection mirror 15; 17 for the secondary light distribution or its mirror surface on the one hand and the primary optics array 8 for the main light distribution or its light exit surfaces 21 on the other hand as precisely and immediately next to each other to position, so that the intermediate light distributions and the light source images of main and secondary light distribution after the projection by the secondary optics connect as seamlessly as possible in the resulting total light distribution. This can be achieved, for example, by integrally forming both elements (deflecting mirrors 15, 17 and primary optics 8).

Claims (14)

Light module (1) of a motor vehicle lighting device, the light module (1) comprising at least two light sources (2, 3, 4) for emitting light and at least two primary optics (8; 15, 16; 17, 18) associated with the light sources for bundling at least one part at least one light source (2, 3, 4) is associated with one of the primary optics (8; 15, 16; 17, 18), and further comprising a common secondary optic (7) for forming a plurality of adjoining or light overlapping light distributions from the light beams generated by at least some of the primary optics (8; 15, 16; 17, 18), characterized in that at least one of the light sources (2) for generating light for realizing a main light distribution and at least one other of the light sources (3 4) is designed for generating light for the realization of a secondary light distribution, wherein the main light distribution for illuminating a center of a result ierenden total light distribution of the light module (1) and the secondary light distribution for illumination of at least one lateral area next to the total light distribution is used, and that the at least one of the light source (3; 4) for generating the light for the secondary light distribution associated primary optics (15, 16, 17, 18) is formed in several parts, wherein at least a first of the partial primary optics (15; 17) is arranged next to the at least one primary optic (8) associated with the light source (2) for generating the light for the main light distribution. Light module (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the primary optics (8; 15, 16; 17, 18) are designed and arranged in such a way that the primary optics (8; 15, 16; 17, 18) have their light exit surfaces (8). 21, 15, 17) generated by the secondary optics (7) for generating a resulting overall light distribution of the light module (1) are projected in front of the motor vehicle, juxtaposed. Light module (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the intermediate light distributions adjoin one another without gaps. Light module (1) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the intermediate light distributions are at least partially in a focal plane (9) of the secondary optics (7). Light module (1) according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the intermediate light distributions are at least partially in a Petzvalfläche (14) of the secondary optics (7). Light module (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the at least one other of the partial primary optics (16; 18) is arranged in the vicinity of the at least one light source (3; 4) for generating the secondary light distribution and designed in such a way by the fact that it deflects the light emitted by this light source (3; 4) onto the at least one first of the partial primary optics (15; 17). Light module (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that the at least one other of the partial primary optics (16; 18) is designed as a concave mirror. Light module (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the at least one first of the part-primary optics (15; 17) is formed as a deflection mirror and is designed such that it from the at least one other of the part-primary optics (16; 18) redirects deflected light in the direction of the secondary optics (7). Light module (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that the shape and / or orientation of the deflecting mirror (15; 17) during operation of the light module (1) is variable. Light module (1) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the light sources (2, 3, 4) are all arranged in one plane, in particular on a common printed circuit board (5). Light module (1) according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the at least one first of the sub-primary optics (15; 17) directly and without gaps to the at least one of the light source (2) for generating the light for the main light distribution associated primary optics (8) connects. Light module (1) according to one of claims 8 to 11, characterized in that the at least one other of the partial primary optics (16; 18) is configured and arranged in the light module (1) that of the at least one other of the part Primary optical system (16; 18) light deflected on the deflecting mirror (15; 17) illuminates the entire reflecting surface of the deflecting mirror (15; 17). Light module (1) according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that at least one first of the partial primary optics (15; 17) is arranged on two opposite sides next to the at least one primary optic (8) assigned to generate the light for the main light distribution. Motor vehicle lighting device with a light module (1) according to one of the preceding claims.

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