EP2789901B1 - Light module of a motor vehicle lighting device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a light module of a motor vehicle lighting device according to the preamble of claim 1. The light module has at least two light sources for emitting light and at least two primary optics assigned to the light sources for bundling at least part of the emitted light. The light sources are arranged in a common plane, wherein at least one light source is assigned to one of the primary optics. The light module also has a common secondary optic to form a plurality of light distributions that are adjacent or slightly overlapping from the light bundles generated by at least some of the primary optics.

Such a light module is from the JP 2007/324001 known. From the US 2006/0285341 A1 a light module is known that has several LED chips that generate light of different colors to improve visibility in rainy weather, snow or thick fog. The publication DE 10 2009 008 631 A1 shows a projection module for a headlight with several reflector chambers for generating a low beam and a high beam.

Various approaches are known from the prior art for realizing so-called matrix high-beam modules. A matrix high beam module comprises a light source with several in Rows and / or columns arranged semiconductor light sources (LEDs), with several LEDs being activated in order to generate the desired high beam distribution. The individual LEDs can be controlled individually, so that individual LEDs can be specifically deactivated in order to be able to specifically hide certain areas of the resulting high beam distribution. In this way, for example, areas of the high beam distribution in which other road users are located can be left out. On the one hand, this enables particularly good illumination of the road area in front of the motor vehicle by means of the high beam distribution, and on the other hand it prevents glare from the road users traveling ahead and / or oncoming traffic. To implement matrix high-beam modules, systems with a real intermediate image are generally used, in which several directly adjacent images of the LEDs are generated using primary optics, which are then used to form the resulting high-beam distribution via secondary optics in the beam path on the road ahead of the motor vehicle be mapped. Because of the projecting properties of the secondary optics, these systems are also referred to as projection systems.

Both reflectors and lenses or lens systems are suitable as secondary optics. 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 onto the road in front of the motor vehicle. Suitable primary optics are, for example, converging lenses, conical light guides, disk-shaped light guides or reflectors which can be arranged next to and / or one above the other individually or in several rows and / or columns in an array or matrix-like manner. When using matrix semiconductor light sources, the primary optics generally comprise lenses, light guides or reflectors combined into arrays. The light exit surface of the The primary optics or the light exit surfaces of the individual primary optics elements of an optical array lie or lie approximately in the so-called Petzval area of the secondary optics, so that the individual light source images generated by the primary optics elements can be sharply delimited from one another with the aid of refraction and / or reflection. A Petzval surface is a surface whose points are imaged by the secondary optics as evenly as possible and in the desired manner on an image surface that is far away in the direction of travel or radiation direction. These object points can also be represented as lines or rectangles or the like instead of as points.

Depending on the type of primary optics used, the shape and luminous intensity distribution of the light distributions in the intermediate image can be influenced only slightly in the prior art. In particular, convergent lens arrays, the light exit surfaces of which are arranged directly in the Petzval surface of the secondary optics, produce light distributions with largely uniform luminance. In this case, the further light shaping, for example the vertical shaping of the light distributions, must be carried out by means of 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 wide stripe-shaped light distributions in the center. In addition, however, it makes sense to supplement these central light distributions, at least to the sides, with one or more broad light distributions that run softly towards the edge of the road.

If the particularly simple and advantageous lens arrays or reflector arrays are used as primary optics, it is not readily possible, in addition to the largely uniform ones Illuminated light distributions in the center immediately afterwards to produce one or more wide light distributions in the intermediate image that taper softly towards the edge, with which the described side illumination can be realized. In this case, the primary optics lens, which produces the intermediate image of the side illumination, together with the light source assigned to it, would have to be set far behind the other light sources and lenses, which form an intermediate light distribution in the center of the matrix light distribution, against the light emission direction. However, it would no longer be 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 design effort and the costs for producing the light module. In addition, resetting the light source (s) for side illumination has an unfavorable effect on the overall length of the light module.

From the US 2006/0120094 A1 A projection system for a motor vehicle lighting device is known, in which a low-beam light distribution with an essentially horizontal light-dark boundary is supplemented by a partial high-beam light that illuminates an area above the light-dark boundary. The resulting high beam distribution of the overall system is generated by superimposing the low beam distribution and the partial high beam distribution. The partial high beam distribution is generated with the aid 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 is projected onto the roadway in front of the motor vehicle.

Starting from the described prior art, the present invention is based on the object of a light module of the type mentioned at the outset in such a way that one or more primary optics in the intermediate image plane have an additional secondary light distribution with a large lateral extent and dynamic luminance profile, in particular a luminance drop towards the outer edge of the resulting total light distribution, and also one, in particular in the area of the transitions between the individual light distributions, the resultant total light distribution of the light module that is illuminated as homogeneously as possible.

This object is achieved with the sum of the features of claim 1. This solution is characterized in that the at least one first of the partial primary optics is designed as a single deflecting mirror, on which an intermediate light distribution, which is an image of the at least one light source for generating the light for the secondary light distribution, is generated. The primary optics assigned to the at least one light source for generating the light for the main light distribution is designed such that it does not produce an image of the light source in the intermediate image plane of the light module, but rather only an illuminated light exit surface of the primary optics. At least one other of the partial primary optics in the form of a concave mirror is assigned to one of the at least one light source for generating the light for the secondary light distribution. The at least one concave mirror is designed to bundle light from the at least one light source for generating the light for the secondary light distribution to generate the image of the at least one light source for generating the light for the secondary light distribution to reflect onto the at least one deflecting mirror which is set up to To direct the image onto the secondary optics.

The resulting total light distribution of the light module is generated by superimposing or supplementing the main light distribution and the secondary light distribution. The secondary optics preferably project images of the at least one light source for generating light for the secondary light distribution onto the road in front of the vehicle, which is equipped with the light module. In addition, the secondary optics preferably images intermediate light distributions, which are generated 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 represent the illuminated light exit surface on the road. 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 be used, for example, to generate a high beam spot. The light for the secondary light distribution is used, for example, for illuminating at least one side area of the total light distribution. Using the example of the high beam, the light could be used, for example, to illuminate lateral areas of a relatively broadly distributed basic light distribution. Both light distributions together result in an optimized overall light distribution, for example in the form of a high beam.

In the light module, the primary optics assigned to the light source for generating the light for the secondary light distribution are designed such that they produce an image of the light source in the intermediate image plane of the light module. The primary optics assigned to the light source for generating the light for the main light distribution is designed such that it does not produce an image of the light source in the intermediate image plane of the light module, but rather 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 onto the road in front of the vehicle and maps the illuminated light exit areas for the main light distribution on the road ahead of the vehicle.

In this way, regardless of the configuration of the primary optics assigned to the light sources for generating the light for the main light distribution, an additional secondary light distribution with a large extent and dynamic luminance profile, in particular a luminance drop toward the edge of the resulting total light distribution, can be realized. The intermediate image of the secondary light distribution connects as seamlessly as possible to the intermediate light distribution of the main light distribution generated by the other primary optics. Furthermore, the primary optics for realizing the secondary light distribution are constructed in such a way that the light source for the main light distribution and the light source for the secondary light distribution can be arranged in one plane, in particular on a common printed circuit board. Although this is referred to as a light source, both the light source for producing the main light distribution and the light source for producing the secondary light distribution can have several light emitters, for example several semiconductor light sources, in particular LEDs. The light emitters of a light source can be arranged in a matrix-like manner in several columns and / or rows and together form a light source array.

The main light distribution particularly preferably comprises a plurality of strip-shaped partial light distributions with an essentially vertical longitudinal extent. It is particularly preferred if the strip-shaped partial light distributions of the main light distribution are of the same type with regard to expansion and luminance distribution. The secondary light distribution is used, for example, to illuminate an outer edge area of the overall light distribution of the light module to improve the side illumination.

In particular, the secondary light distribution comprises at least one side illumination adjoining a central main light distribution. 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 partial 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 are made up of several parts, whereby the partial primary optics of the primary optics can be designed as desired. The primary optics include, for example, a deflecting mirror as the first partial primary optics and a concave mirror as the second partial primary optics. The light emitted by the light source for the secondary light distribution strikes the concave mirror, is bundled by it and directed in the direction of the deflecting mirror, where an image of the light source is generated. The deflecting mirror directs the image onto the secondary optics, which it projects onto the road ahead of the motor vehicle. The multi-part design of the primary optics for the secondary light distribution advantageously results in additional degrees of freedom with regard to the arrangement and alignment of the light source for the secondary light distribution and with regard to the arrangement and configuration 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 printed circuit board, with the at least one light source for the main light distribution. In addition, a desired result can be achieved with relatively little effort by simply varying the optical properties of the partial primary optics Total light distribution of the light module, in particular a desired secondary light distribution with a large horizontal and / or vertical expansion and dynamic luminance profile, particularly preferably with a luminance drop toward the outer edge.

By arranging a first part of the primary optics of the secondary light distribution, for example the deflecting mirror, in close proximity to the primary optics for the main light distribution or to the intermediate light distribution (s) generated by this, it is possible for the intermediate image of the secondary light distribution to be as seamless as possible from the intermediate light distributions adjoins the light exit surfaces of the primary optics for the main light distribution and so a particularly homogeneously illuminated resulting total light distribution of the light module can be generated, particularly in the area of the transitions between the individual partial light distributions and between the main and secondary light distributions. 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 deflecting mirror, is preferably arranged in the Petzval surface of the secondary optics and directly adjoins the primary optics for the main light distribution or 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 can at least partially have an elliptical profile.

The secondary optics are preferably focused on the light exit surfaces of the primary optics or on a center of gravity of the surfaces. The secondary optics on the light exit surfaces of the are particularly preferred Primary optics that are assigned to the light source for the main light distribution, or focused on the area center. The primary optics for the main light distribution is preferably designed as a converging lens array. The light exit surfaces of the individual converging lenses are illuminated during the operation of the light module, no light source images being generated on the exit surfaces. The illuminated surfaces are imaged on the road by the secondary optics. The overall light distribution generated by the light module according to the invention is thus generated on the one hand by projecting light source images (the light sources for the secondary light distribution) and on the other hand by imaging illuminated light exit surfaces (the primary optics assigned to the light sources for the main light distribution). The combination of these two types of imaging in the resultant total light distribution enables an overall light distribution that is particularly homogeneously illuminated in the center, the side regions of which have a desired wide dimension and a desired dynamic luminous intensity curve.

The light module according to the invention has the following advantages, among others:
The concave mirror offers extensive possibilities for beam shaping, e.g. through the shape and orientation of the concave mirror, so that the luminance profile of the intermediate image (on the deflecting mirror) can be shaped to a large extent, which results in a high degree of flexibility in the configuration of the secondary light distribution.

In addition, the concave mirror offers great freedom with regard 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 use all light sources to arrange and contact the light module inexpensively in a common plane, in particular on a common printed circuit board.

The deflecting mirror automatically limits the dimensions of the secondary light distribution. If the deflecting mirror connects directly and seamlessly to the primary optics for the main light distribution or to the light exit surface of this primary optics and if the entire reflecting surface of the deflecting mirror is illuminated (and the entire reflected light then falls through the secondary optics), then the automatically close the secondary optics designed for the secondary light distribution and the main light distribution directly and seamlessly to each other. The shape, in particular the dimensions and the course of the outer circumference of the deflection surface, thus defines 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 are explained in more detail below with reference to the figures. 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:

Figure 1

an inventive light module according to a first preferred embodiment;

Figure 2

an inventive light module according to a second preferred embodiment;

Figure 3

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

Figure 4

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

Figure 5

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

Figure 6

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

Figure 7

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

Figure 8

a beam path in a light module according to the invention when generating a main light distribution;

Figure 9

one through the light module Figure 8 generated main light distribution on one at a distance to the measuring module arranged in the light module;

Figure 10

a beam path in a light module according to the invention when generating a secondary light distribution;

Figure 11

one through the light module Figure 10 generated secondary light distribution on a measuring screen arranged at a distance from the light module;

Figure 12

a beam path in a light module according to the invention when generating a resulting total light distribution;

Figure 13

made by the light module Figure 12 generated total light distribution generated on a measuring screen arranged at a distance from the light module;

Figure 14

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

Figure 15

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

Figure 16

a part of the light module according to the invention Figure 1 including the beam path to generate 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. However, the light module can also be used in a motor vehicle light, for example a daytime running light, a fog light or the like. 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 in the housing of the lighting device in a fixed or movable manner, in particular pivotable about a vertical and / or horizontal pivot axis. 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 emerge and reach the road in front of the motor vehicle. The cover plate is preferably made of plastic. It can be provided at least in some areas with optically effective diffusing elements (so-called diffusing screen) or can be designed without such diffusing elements (so-called clear disk). The design of such motor vehicle lighting devices is sufficiently known from the prior art and is therefore not shown in detail in the figures and is not explained in more detail here.

In Figure 1 A light module according to the invention is designated in its entirety with reference number 1 in accordance with a preferred embodiment. The light module 1 comprises at least two light sources for emitting light. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the light module 1 comprises a first light source 2, which emits light for realizing a main light distribution. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the light source 2 comprises a plurality of semiconductor light sources, in particular LEDs, arranged next to one another. The LEDs of the light source 2 arranged side by side 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 several rows and columns.

Furthermore, in the exemplary embodiment shown, the light module 1 comprises two light sources 3, 4, which emit light for realizing a secondary light distribution. The light sources 3, 4 can have one or more semiconductor light sources, in particular LEDs. Several LEDs can be arranged in a row next to each other or in a matrix next to each other and one above the other. 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 light sources 3, 4 shown. The light sources 2, 3, 4 of the light module 1 are arranged on a circuit board 5. The light sources 2, 3, 4 are attached at least indirectly via the printed circuit board 5 to a heat sink 6, which dissipates the heat generated during operation of the light sources 2, 3, 4 and releases it to the surroundings. This ensures overheating of the LEDs of the light sources 2, 3, 4 and proper operation in a provided temperature window.

The light sources 2, 3, 4 are primary optics 8; 15, 16; 17, 18 assigned, which bundle the light emitted by the light sources 2, 3, 4 and direct it to a secondary optic 7, which projects the light bundles to implement the resulting total light distribution of the light module 1 onto the road in front of the motor vehicle. In this exemplary embodiment, the primary optics 8 comprise a converging lens array with a plurality of converging lenses arranged next to one another 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 several rows and columns, for example in the form of converging lenses. Each of the converging lenses is assigned at least one of the LEDs of the light source 2. The converging lenses bundle 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 areas (so-called intermediate light distributions) are imaged by the secondary optics 7 for generating the main light distribution on the road in front of the vehicle. The primary optics 15, 16 and 17, 18 each generate an image of the light sources 3, 4, which is projected by the downstream secondary optics 7 to produce the secondary light distribution onto the road ahead of the motor vehicle.

The secondary optics 7 thus form from these intermediate light distributions and images of the light sources 3, 4 a plurality of partial light distributions, which preferably adjoin one another without gaps or even slightly overlap, which form the resulting total light distribution of the light module 1. The secondary optics 7 can comprise a converging lens and / or a reflector. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the secondary optics 7 is designed as a converging lens, which in Figure 1 is only shown schematically. The secondary optics 7 are preferably focused on the light exit surfaces 21 of the primary optics elements of the primary optics 8 or on a center of area of these light exit surfaces 21.

In the Figures 4 to 7 Various options for designing the primary optics 8 for the main light distribution are shown, each showing 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 Figure 4 A primary optic 8 is shown, which comprises a plurality of plano-convex converging lenses arranged next to one another, such as those found in the light module 1 of FIG Figure 1 is used. The secondary optics 7 (in Figure 4 not shown) focused on the center of gravity of the light exit surface 21 of the converging lens array 8. The corresponding focal plane of the projection optics 7 is designated by reference number 9. A focal point of the projection optics 7 (at the intersection between the lines AA and BB) is designated by reference number 10. The distance between the center points of two adjacent LEDs of the light source 2 or between the optical axes of two adjacent converging lenses of the primary optics 8 are designated as division T. The light emitted by the LEDs of the light source 2 in a 180 ° half-space is bundled into a light bundle 11 by the converging lenses of the primary optics 8. The main emission direction of the LEDs, which in the exemplary embodiment shown corresponds to the optical axis of the converging lenses, is identified by reference number 12. The light is bundled by the converging lenses in such a way that a particularly homogeneous illumination of the light exit surfaces 21 of the converging lenses is achieved.

Figure 5 shows a primary optics 8, which has a plurality of reflectors arranged side by side. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the reflectors have square cross sections (cf. the top view in FIG Figure 5b ). The light exit surfaces 21 of the individual reflectors are preferably lined up without gaps and delimit the luminous surface with sharp, straight edges. At least one LED of the light source 2 is assigned to each reflector of the primary optics 8. It is possible that a (broken) heat protection plate 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. For the rest, the same also applies to this exemplary embodiment Figure 4 made executions.

In the embodiment Figure 6 the primary optics 8 for the main light distribution comprises a plurality of light guides arranged side by side. In their longitudinal section (comprising the main emission direction of the LEDs; cf. Figure 6a ) a conical shape with from the Light entry side (facing the LEDs) towards the light exit side (facing away from the LEDs) towards increasing cross-sectional area. The light guides preferably have a square cross section (transverse to the main emission direction of the LEDs; cf. Figure 6b ). The light exit surfaces 21 of the individual light guides are preferably lined up without gaps and delimit the luminous surface with sharp, straight edges. At least one of the LEDs of the light source 2 is assigned to each light guide of the primary optics 8. For the rest, the same already applies to this embodiment with regard to FIG Figure 4 made executions.

In the embodiment Figure 7 the primary optics 8 comprises a plurality of light guide disks arranged next to one another. The light exit surfaces 21 of the light guide disks follow the course of a Petzval surface 14 of the projection optics 7. With the division T is in Figure 7a denotes the distance between the longitudinal axes of the light exit surfaces 21 of two adjacent light guide disks of the primary optics 8. In this embodiment, the light emitted by the LEDs of the light source 2 is not only bundled, but also deflected via a reflection surface 21 'which is convexly curved in a vertical section (cf. Figures 7c and 7d ).

From the Figures 4 to 7 and the associated description it becomes clear that the light exit surfaces 21 of the individual elements of the primary optics array 8 should always be arranged in the focal plane 9 or on the Petzval surface 14 of the projection optics 7. This means that the secondary optics 7 are preferably focused on the light exit surfaces 21 of the primary optics 8 or their center of area.

Coming back on Figure 1 In addition to the light source 2 and the primary optics 8 associated therewith for generating the main light distribution, the light module 1 shown there also has other primary optics which are used by the light sources 3, 4 Generation of the secondary light distribution are assigned. It is provided that the primary optics assigned to the light sources 3, 4 are made in several parts, each in the illustrated embodiment in two parts. For example, a first partial primary optics 15 and a second partial primary optics 16 are assigned to the light source 3 for the secondary light distribution. Likewise, the other light source 4 for the secondary light distribution is assigned a first partial primary lens 17 and a second partial primary lens 18. The two partial primary optics 15, 16 and 17, 18 are arranged at a distance from one another, but together they perform the function of a conventional primary optics of a light module 1 designed as a projection system.

In the in Figure 1 In the exemplary embodiment shown, the first partial primary optics 15 assigned to the light source 3 are designed as a deflecting 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 next to the primary optics 8 assigned to them or the light exit surfaces 21 of the primary optics elements. Preferably, the first partial primary optics 15, 17 directly and without gaps adjoin the primary optics 8 or their outer light exit surfaces 21. As a result, it is 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 are close together, preferably even are arranged adjacent to one another without gaps, so that the illuminated light exit surfaces 21 of the primary optics array 8 or _Light source images on the mirror surfaces of the deflecting mirrors 15, 17 are projected through the secondary optics 7 onto the roadway in front of the motor vehicle, in particular in the area of the transitions between the partial light distributions, homogeneously illuminated total light distribution.

At the in Figure 1 In the exemplary embodiment shown, all light sources 2, 3, 4 are arranged and contacted in a common plane, preferably even on the same printed circuit board 5. This enables a particularly simple and inexpensive assembly and contacting of the light sources 2, 3, 4. Furthermore, the light sources 2, 3, 4 all emit light essentially in the same direction, that is to say approximately in the direction of the secondary optics 7. In other words, the main emission directions of the individual light sources 2, 3, 4 or of the individual light source elements (LEDs) of the light source 2 run essentially parallel to one another.

With the present invention, it is possible to produce a particularly homogeneously illuminated resulting total light distribution of the light module 1, since the surfaces forming the real intermediate image (the mirror surfaces of the deflecting mirrors 15, 17) and the illuminated light exit surfaces 21 of the primary optics elements of the primary optics 8 are close together, preferably are even arranged directly adjacent to each other. As a result, they can be projected onto the roadway in front of the motor vehicle by the secondary optics 7 as a uniform, homogeneously illuminated resulting total light distribution. In this context, “homogeneously illuminated” means in particular that the resulting total light distribution of the light module 1, in particular in the area of the transitions between the individual partial light distributions projected onto the road by the secondary optics 7, has no undesired dark areas, shadows or dark lines. A variation in the illuminance distribution within the resulting one However, overall 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. It is important, however, that there are no undesired dark areas, shadows or dark lines between the individual partial light distributions imaged by the secondary optics 7, which form the resulting total light distribution.

In addition, the multi-part design of the primary optics 15, 16 and 17, 18, respectively, of the light module 1 according to the invention offers particularly high flexibility and variability with regard to the possible arrangement and alignment of the light sources 3, 4 relative to the light source 2 and with regard to the light intensity distributions on the mirror surfaces the deflecting mirror 15, 17, that is to say on the surfaces of the primary optics 15, 16 and 17, 18 imaged by the secondary optics 7 in the intermediate image. This makes it possible to arrange all light sources 2, 3, 4 of the light module 1 in one plane, in particular on a common printed circuit board 5. Furthermore, this allows a particularly flexible configuration 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 Figure 1 are in the Figures 8 , 10th and 12th shown. The corresponding light distributions on a measuring 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 runs through the center of the measuring screen through the point HV at 0 ° horizontally and 0 ° vertically.

Figure 8 shows the beam path when only the LEDs of the light source 2 are activated, wherein in Figure 8 the special case is shown, in which two LEDs in the middle of the Light source 2 are deactivated. The two deactivated LEDs are in Figure 8 designated by the reference numeral 19. The area of the resulting light distribution which is normally illuminated by the two deactivated LEDs 19, that is to say in the activated state, is in Figure 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 approximately 0 ° horizontally with a width of approximately 2 ° horizontally. The non-illuminated area 20 in the center of the resulting light distribution thus extends in the horizontal direction approximately from -1 ° to + 1 °. The height of the non-illuminated area 20 extends over the entire height of the resulting light distribution. In this way, 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 in order to hide an area in front of the motor vehicle, where road users traveling ahead and / or oncoming traffic are located, from the resulting light distribution. The varying horizontal positions of the other road users (for example by driving past or passing the motor vehicle) and thus the area 20 left free from the resulting light distribution can be taken into account by specifically deactivating those LEDs 19 that are used to generate the light for the one to be left out Area 20 are responsible at the appropriate position. Alternatively, it would also be conceivable to always deactivate the same LEDs 19 and to move the entire light module 1 or only parts thereof in the horizontal direction relative to a housing of the lighting device, for example by pivoting it about a vertical axis in order to move the non-illuminated area 20 of bring the resulting light distribution into congruence with the other road users who are to be hidden from the resulting total light distribution.

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

The shape and design, in particular the light intensity distribution, of the resulting side illumination (cf. Figure 11 ) can be changed in a simple and effective manner by changing the shape and / or orientation of the concave mirror 18 and / or the deflecting mirror 17. It is even conceivable to vary the shape and / or orientation of the concave mirror 18 and / or the deflecting mirror 17 during the operation of the light module 1, so that the design and the shape of the resulting side illumination can be changed adaptively during the operation of the lighting device. This would make it possible, for example, to react to current traffic or environmental conditions and to illuminate the lateral edge areas of the resulting total light distribution more or less depending on the situation.

In Figure 12 the beam path of the light module 1 according to the invention is off Figure 1 shown, with all light sources 2, 3, 4 activated, including the two in Figures 8 and 9 still deactivated LEDs 19 and the light source 3. This results in a particularly homogeneously illuminated resulting total light distribution of the light module 1, which in Figure 13 is shown. The total light distribution shown is, for example, a high beam (if the light distribution were lowered so far that the upper one The light-dark boundary below the horizontal would run vertically at about -1 °) a fog light or (with reduced intensity compared to a high beam) a daytime running light.

In Figure 2 Another exemplary embodiment of the light module 1 according to the invention is shown. In contrast to the light module 1 Figure 1 only one light source 4 is provided for generating a secondary light distribution and, accordingly, only one primary optics 17, 18 assigned to the light source 4 is provided. In addition, the secondary optics 7 is designed as a faceted paraboloid. The individual facets of the reflector 7 configured in this way preferably have different focal lengths and approximately the same focal lengths to the focal point 10 (cf. Figures 4b , 5b , 6b ) on.

Figure 3 shows a beam path in the light module 1 Figure 2 , in which Figure 3a the vertical beam path and Figure 3b shows the horizontal beam path. It can be clearly seen that the concave mirror 18 increases 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 deflecting mirror 17 in the vertical beam path. The imaging scale M results approximately from the ratio of the distances S2 / S1. The concave mirror 18 concentrates the light for the secondary light distribution on the deflecting mirror 17 directly next to the adjacent primary optics array 8 for the main light distribution in the horizontal beam path. An image of the light source 4 results on the mirror surface of the deflecting mirror 17. The deflecting mirror 17 directs the incident light onto the secondary optics 7, which projects the light source image onto the roadway to generate the secondary light distribution.

Figure 14 shows a further embodiment of a light module 1 according to the invention, the illustration of the secondary optics 7 being omitted. The primary optics 8 for the The main light distribution comprises an array of conical light guides, the light exit surfaces 21 of which are emitted by the LEDs of the light source 2 for the main light distribution (cf. Figure 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 deflecting mirrors 15, 17 lie approximately in the bowl-shaped Petzval surface 14, the so-called Petzval shell, of the secondary optics 7.

In the embodiment Figure 15 the primary optics 8 for the main light distribution 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 deflecting mirrors 15, 17 lie approximately in the Petzval shell 14 of the secondary optics 7.

In the embodiment Figure 16 the primary optics 8 for the main light distribution 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 deflecting mirrors 15, 17 lie approximately in a bowl-shaped Petzval surface 14 of the secondary optics 7.

A Petzval surface 14 is a surface whose points are imaged by the secondary optics 7 as evenly as possible and in the desired manner on an image surface that is far away in the direction of travel or radiation direction. These object points can also be represented in the same way as lines or rectangles or the like instead of as points. In particular, infinitesimally design small zones of the secondary optics 7 in a far ahead of the light module 1 or the The image area located in the motor vehicle is predominantly the same size and the same oriented images of the intermediate light distributions, which are located in the object-side Petzval area 14 of the secondary optics 7. The individual intermediate light distributions can be shifted relative to 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, for example, strip-shaped, vertically extending partial light distributions can be produced from square intermediate light distributions with uniform luminance, which taper softly upwards and downwards. The optical surfaces of the secondary optics 7 (converging lens or paraboloid) preferably have different refractive powers or curvatures in their vertical sections than in their horizontal sections.

Rays of light coming from the concave mirror 16; 18 coming the deflecting mirror 15; 17 miss, do not pass through the secondary optics 7 and are therefore not part of the resulting total light distribution in front of the motor vehicle. The deflecting mirror 15; 17 thus limits the secondary light distribution at the edges. This makes it possible to use the concave mirror 16; 18 to first generate a larger light distribution as an intermediate image and then this through the edges of the deflection mirror 15; 17 limit. In this way, positional tolerances in the optical system can be compensated for, so that it is ensured that the secondary light distribution always adjoins the main light distribution without gaps.

The dimensions of the deflecting 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 deflecting mirror 15; 17 is enlarged 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 recommended to use the image scale to choose even a little bigger.

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 imaging scale of the concave mirror 16; 18, for example, M = H / t or larger. In particular, referring to Figure 3 and the related description the following relationship: $$\text{M}=1...1.5\times \text{H}/\text{t}=1...1.5\times \text{S}\mathrm{2nd}/\text{<figure-callout id="1" label="S" filenames="imgf0001.png" state="{{state}}">S</figure-callout>}1$$

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 direction of the light source 3; 4, with an LED in particular perpendicular to the LED chip. The path S1 ends when it strikes the reflection surface of the concave mirror 16; 18. At this point the route S2 begins and extends in the direction of the deflecting mirror 15; 17, preferably to the center of the deflecting mirror.

It is advantageous to deflect the 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 to be positioned as precisely and directly next to one another as possible, so that the intermediate light distributions or the light source images of the main and secondary light distribution after the projection through the secondary optics 7 connect to one another in the resulting total light distribution as seamlessly as possible. This can be achieved, for example, in that both elements (deflecting mirror 15; 17 and primary optics 8) are formed in one piece.

Claims (11)

1. Light module (1) of a lighting device of a motor vehicle, 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)) assigned to the light sources (2, 3, 4) for focusing at least part of the emitted light, wherein the light sources (2, 3, 4) are arranged in a common plane, wherein at least one light source (2, 3, 4) is assigned to one of the primary optics (8; 15, 16; 17, 18), and further comprising a common secondary optics (7) for forming a plurality of adjoining or slightly overlapping light distributions from the light beams generated by at least some of the primary optics (8; 15, 16; 17, 18), wherein at least one of the light sources (2) is adapted for generating light for realizing a main light distribution and at least one other of the light sources (3; 4) is adapted to generate light for realizing an auxiliary light distribution, wherein the main light distribution serves to illuminate a centre of a resulting overall light distribution of the light module (1) and the auxiliary light distribution serves to illuminate at least one lateral region next to the main light distribution, and wherein the primary optics (15, 16; 17, 18) assigned to the at least one light source (3; 4) for generating the light for the auxiliary light distribution is designed in several parts, wherein at least a first of the partial primary optics (15; 18) is arranged next to the primary optics (8) assigned to the at least one light source (2) for generating the light for the main light distribution, characterized in that the at least one first of the partial primary optics (15; 17) is in each case designed as a single deflecting mirror on which an intermediate light distribution, which forms an image of the at least one light source (3; 4), is arranged for generating the light for the auxiliary light distribution is generated, in that the primary optics (8) assigned to the at least one light source (2) for generating the light for the main light distribution is designed in such a way that it does not generate 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, and in that at least one other of the partial primary optics (16; 18) in the form of a concave mirror is associated in each case with one of the at least one light source (3; 4) for generating the light for the auxiliary light distribution, and in that the at least one concave mirror (16; 18) is designed to generate light from the at least one light source (3; 4) for generating the light for the auxiliary light distribution for generating the image of the at least one light source (3; 4); 4) for generating the light for the auxiliary light distribution for generating the image of the at least one light source (3; 4) for generating the light for the auxiliary light distribution to be bundled onto the at least one deflecting mirror (15; 17) which is designed to direct the incident light onto the secondary optics which projects the light source image onto the roadway for generating the auxiliary light distribution.
2. 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 intermediate light distributions generated by the primary optics (8; 15, 16; 17, 18) on their light exit surfaces (21; 15, 17), which are projected by the secondary optics (7) in front of the motor vehicle for generating a resulting overall light distribution of the light module (1), are located next to each other.
3. Light module (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the intermediate light distributions adjoin one another gaplessly.
4. Light module (1) according to claim 2 or 3, characterised in that the intermediate light distributions lie at least partially in a focal plane (9) of the secondary optics (7) .
5. Light module (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the intermediate light distributions lie at least partially in a Petzval surface (14) of the secondary optics (7).
6. Light module (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the shape and/or the orientation of the deflecting mirror (15; 17) is variable during the operation of the light module (1).
7. Light module (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the light sources (2, 3, 4) are all arranged on a common printed circuit board (5).
8. Light module (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the at least one deflecting mirror (15; 17) is directly and gaplessly adjoined to the primary optics (8) assigned to the light source (2) for generating the light for the main light distribution.
9. Light module (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the at least one concave mirror (16; 18) is designed and arranged in the light module (1) in such a way that the light deflected by the at least one concave mirror (16; 18) onto the deflection mirror (15; 17) illuminates the entire reflecting surface of the deflection mirror (15; 17).
10. Light module (1) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterised in that at least one deflecting mirror (15; 17) is arranged on each of two opposite sides next to the light exit surface (21) of the primary optics (8) associated with the light source (2) for generating the light for the main light distribution.
11. Motor vehicle lighting device with a light module (1) according to one of the preceding claims.

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