EP3301350A1 - Light module for a motor vehicle headlamp - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a light module (10) for a motor vehicle headlight (1), comprising: a semiconductor light source (12) for emitting light, a primary optic (11) for bundling the radiated light and having a focal point (17), which, viewed counter to a light exit direction (3), is arranged behind the at least one semiconductor light source (12), a secondary optics (15) for further bundling the light already collimated by the primary optics (11) and for producing a resulting light distribution (30; 40; 60; 80) of the light module (10) on a roadway in front of the motor vehicle, the secondary optics ( 15) has a focal point (18) or a focal line (18a), which is arranged behind the at least one semiconductor light source (12), as viewed against a light exit direction (3), and wherein - The entire optical system of the light module (10) has a focal point (19) or a focal line (19a) which is arranged in the region of the light-emitting surface of the at least one semiconductor light source (12).

Description

• mindestens eine Halbleiterlichtquelle mit einer Licht emittierenden Fläche zum Abstrahlen von Licht,
• mindestens eine Primäroptik zum Bündeln zumindest eines Teils des abgestrahlten Lichts,
• eine Sekundäroptik zur weiteren Bündelung des von der mindestens einen ersten Optik bereits gebündelten Lichts und zur Erzeugung einer resultierenden Lichtverteilung des Lichtmoduls auf einer Fahrbahn vor dem Kraftfahrzeug.

The present invention relates to a light module for a motor vehicle headlight, comprising:

• at least one semiconductor light source having a light-emitting surface for emitting light,
• at least one primary optics for bundling at least part of the emitted light,
• a secondary optics for further bundling the light already collimated by the at least one first optic and for producing a resulting light distribution of the light module on a roadway in front of the motor vehicle.

A light module of the type mentioned is, for example. From the DE 10 2005 015 007 A1 or the US 2014/0092619 A1 known. In the known light modules, however, it is such that the primary optics has a focal point which lies on the light-emitting surface of the semiconductor light source, and by the primary optics, a real intermediate image at the focal point of the secondary optics is generated by the Secondary optics for generating the resulting light distribution of the light module is projected onto the roadway in front of the motor vehicle. This results in a relatively large construction, especially in the light exit direction considered quite long light module.

Furthermore, from the DE 10 2011 078 653 A1 a catadioptric transparent optical attachment is known whose total reflecting interface is divided into differently shaped area to produce a light distribution with a light-dark boundary. This solution is very light efficient. The disadvantage, however, is that for typical light distributions, such as a low beam distribution according to regulation UN-ECE R112, the volume of the optics is so large that material thicknesses of> 20mm arise. However, an attachment optics with such a thickness can no longer be produced cost-effectively, because, for example, the process cycle time increases due to the longer curing times of the sprayed transparent plastic material with the center thickness of the optics in the production by injection molding. In addition, the shape of the light exit surface is basically circular or elliptical and an adaptation to other requirements, for example a rectangular exit surface, is only possible at the expense of light efficiency.

From the DE 10 2008 027 320 A1 a headlamp is known with a light module that can produce different light spots that can be switched individually. Each light spot is generated by the image of an associated LED. The optics consists of two lenses. The LEDs are arranged on a substrate and all use at the same time the optical system consisting of the two lenses. In this way, an adaptive high beam can be realized. The lenses form an imaging optical system rotationally symmetric lenses. The light exit surface is basically given by the shape of a lens, that is, by an approximately circular surface. Deviation from this form directly affects the light output and the quality of the light distribution. A broadening of the light exit surface can also be achieved only by increasing the center thickness of the second optics. However, this also means that center thicknesses of> 20mm are produced quickly, which lead to longer cycle times and higher production costs.

The present invention is intended to reduce the size of the light module, in particular in the light exit direction. At the same time the light exit surface of the light module is to be varied without sacrificing the efficiency and the production of the optics of the light module can be realized particularly cost.

To solve this problem, it is proposed, starting from the light module of the type mentioned above, that the light module has at least one primary optic whose focal point, viewed counter to a light exit direction, is arranged behind the at least one semiconductor light source. Furthermore, the light module has a secondary optics whose focal point or focal line, viewed counter to the light exit direction, is likewise arranged behind the at least one semiconductor light source. Finally, the entire optical system of the light module, which comprises the at least one primary optics and the secondary optics, has a focal point or a focal line, which is arranged in the region of the light-emitting surface of the at least one semiconductor light source.

The described deficiencies of the prior art are eliminated by the invention in that the light distribution from an optical system of at least one thin-walled first optics (primary optics) and a thin-walled second optics (secondary optics) is realized. An optic is here called thin-walled, if it has a maximum center thickness of <20mm. All first optics share a common second optics. All optics are preferably astigmatic optics that have significantly different focal lengths in a vertical and a horizontal plane. An optical system comprising at least one primary optic and the secondary optics forms an anamorphic image of the luminous surface of the at least one semiconductor light source. The anamorphic image causes in the horizontal and vertical planes different magnifications and thus different dimensions of the beam cone, which is generated by the semiconductor light source arise. By a suitable design of the vertical and horizontal focal lengths of the optics, it is possible to make the light exit surface of the second optics and thus of the light module in two mutually perpendicular directions with different expansion, without this at the expense of the light output. The division of one to two or more optics also allows the realization of a high numerical aperture at the same time large focal length or low magnification without the need for thick-walled (> 20mm center thickness) optics are required consuming and time-consuming manufacturing processes and therefore are not inexpensive to manufacture , The high numerical aperture and long focal length result in both a high optical efficiency (= luminous efficacy) and a high illuminance in the image plane of the Light module can be achieved.
The first optics serve to bundle the light in a first step and for light shaping. They may therefore have differently shaped areas (segments or facets) to direct light meeting the different areas to different positions in the image plane. Such a catadioptric attachment optics is basically from DE 10 2011 078 653 A1 known. However, the attachment optics of the light module according to the invention differs from the known intent optics by the way in which it is arranged in the light module and in particular with respect to the at least one semiconductor light source and the secondary optics.

The semiconductor light source, which is associated with a first optical system, generates a light distribution that can have one or more arbitrarily shaped light-dark boundaries by the optical system consisting of first and second optics. The resulting total light distribution of the light module results from the superimposition of the individual light light distributions, which are generated by a respective light source, an associated primary optics and a secondary optics. Each individual light distribution can have a different form of the light distributions and the light-dark boundaries, in that the respectively first optics are embodied differently or the type, shape or position of the semiconductor light source is selected differently.

If the primary optic is embodied as a catadioptric facing optic made of a transparent material, the light entry and / or light exit surfaces may have a wave or pincushion modulation which serves to scatter the light in one or more directions. This scattering serves to the light distribution to make it wider or to homogenize the intensity or color appearance.

The secondary optics serve optically exclusively for a further focusing of the light, preferably in only one plane. It forms the light exit surface of the optical system of the light module and, in contrast to the first optics, has no visible different regions for light shaping. All first optics share the second optics, i. All optical axes of the subsystems of light sources and associated first optics pass through the second optics. Typically, the focal length of the second optical system in a first plane is greater than 100 mm and thus greater than the length of the optical system in the light exit direction, measured along an optical axis from the light source to the light exit surface of the second optical system. The focal length in the perpendicular second plane is much larger, typically infinite. This causes a broadening of the second optics in the direction that lies in the second plane and perpendicular to the optical axis, has little effect on the quality of the light distribution, since the increase in the total system of first and second optics thereby does not change. This in turn means that e.g. The width of a cylindrical lens can be flexibly adapted to design specifications. In particular, e.g. the width can be made considerably larger than the height, which is not possible with a conventional non-anamorphic optical system consisting of rotationally symmetrical single optics.

Figur 1

ein erfindungsgemäßes Lichtmodul gemäß einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform in einer perspektivischen Ansicht;

Figur 2

das Lichtmodul aus Figur 1 mit beispielhaft eingezeichneten Lichtstrahlen, die von einer Licht emittierenden Fläche einer Halbleiterlichtquelle des Lichtmoduls ausgesandt wurden;

Figur 3

einen Vertikalschnitt durch das Lichtmodul aus Figur 1;

Figur 4

das Lichtmodul aus Figur 3 mit beispielhaft eingezeichneten Lichtstrahlen, die ihren Ursprung in der Mitte der Licht emittierenden Fläche der Halbleiterlichtquelle des Lichtmoduls haben;

Figur 5

eine Draufsicht auf eine Lichtaustrittsfläche einer ersten Optik des Lichtmoduls aus den Figuren 1 bis 4;

Figur 6

einen Horizontalschnitt durch das Lichtmodul aus Figur 1 mit beispielhaft eingezeichneten Lichtstrahlen, die von der Licht emittierenden Fläche der Halbleiterlichtquelle des Lichtmoduls ausgesandt wurden;

Figur 7

einen in Lichtaustrittsrichtung des Lichtmoduls in einem Abstand zu dem Lichtmodul angeordneten Messschirm mit einer darauf abgebildeten resultierenden Lichtverteilung des Lichtmoduls mit einer horizontalen Helldunkelgrenze;

Figur 8

den Messschirm aus Figur 7 mit einer Veranschaulichung des Prinzips, wie die Helldunkelgrenze erzeugt wird;

Figur 9

ein erfindungsgemäßes Lichtmodul gemäß einer anderen bevorzugten Ausführungsform in einer perspektivischen Ansicht;

Figur 10

ein erfindungsgemäßes Lichtmodul gemäß einer weiteren bevorzugten Ausführungsform in einer Draufsicht;

Figur 11

das Lichtmodul aus Figur 10 in einer perspektivischen Ansicht;

Figur 12

ein erfindungsgemäßes Lichtmodul gemäß noch einer weiteren bevorzugten Ausführungsform in einer Draufsicht;

Figur 13

einen in Lichtaustrittsrichtung des Lichtmoduls in einem Abstand zu dem Lichtmodul angeordneten Messschirm mit einer darauf abgebildeten streifenförmigen resultierenden Lichtverteilung des Lichtmoduls mit vertikalen und horizontalen Helldunkelgrenzen;

Figur 14

übereinander verschiedene Messschirme mit verschiedenen Lichtverteilungen, die von den Lichtquellen 1 bis 3 des Lichtmoduls erzeugt wurden;

Figur 15

übereinander verschiedene Messschirme mit verschiedenen Lichtverteilungen, die von den Lichtquellen 4 bis 6 des Lichtmoduls erzeugt wurden;

Figur 16

übereinander verschiedene Messschirme mit verschiedenen Lichtverteilungen, die von den Lichtquellen 7 bis 9 des Lichtmoduls erzeugt wurden;

Figur 17

übereinander verschiedene Messschirme mit verschiedenen Lichtverteilungen, die von den Lichtquellen 10 und 11 des Lichtmoduls erzeugt wurden;

Figur 18

übereinander verschiedene Messschirme mit verschiedenen Lichtverteilungen, die von den Lichtquellen 12 bis 14 des Lichtmoduls erzeugt wurden;

Figur 19

übereinander verschiedene Messschirme mit verschiedenen Lichtverteilungen, die von den Lichtquellen 15 bis 17 des Lichtmoduls erzeugt wurden;

Figur 20

übereinander verschiedene Messschirme mit verschiedenen Lichtverteilungen, die von den Lichtquellen 18 bis 20 des Lichtmoduls erzeugt wurden;

Figur 21

einen Messschirm mit einer Lichtverteilung, die von der Lichtquelle 21 des Lichtmoduls erzeugt wurde;

Figur 22

einen Messschirm mit einer resultierenden Gesamtlichtverteilung des Lichtmoduls, wenn alle Lichtquellen 1 bis 21 aus den Figuren 14 bis 21 eingeschaltet sind;

Figur 23

einen Messschirm mit einer resultierenden Gesamtlichtverteilung des Lichtmoduls, wenn bis auf die Lichtquellen 13 und 14 alle Lichtquellen 1 bis 21 aus den Figuren 14 bis 21 eingeschaltet sind;

Figur 24

ein erfindungsgemäßes Lichtmodul gemäß einer weiteren bevorzugten Ausführungsform in einer perspektivischen Ansicht mit beispielhaft eingezeichneten Lichtstrahlen;

Figur 25

ein erfindungsgemäßes Lichtmodul gemäß noch einer weiteren bevorzugten Ausführungsform in einer perspektivischen Ansicht;

Figur 26

einen Messschirm mit einer Lichtverteilung, die von dem optischen Teilsystem #1 aus Figur 25 mit der Lichtquelle #1, einem Reflektor #1 und der Sekundäroptik des Lichtmoduls erzeugt wurde;

Figur 27

einen Messschirm mit einer Lichtverteilung, die von dem optischen Teilsystem #2 aus Figur 25 mit der Lichtquelle #2, einem Reflektor #2 und der Sekundäroptik des Lichtmoduls erzeugt wurde;

Figur 28

einen Messschirm mit einer Lichtverteilung, die von dem optischen Teilsystem #3 aus Figur 25 mit der Lichtquelle #3, einem Reflektor #3 und der Sekundäroptik des Lichtmoduls erzeugt wurde;

Figur 29

einen Messschirm mit einer Lichtverteilung, die von dem optischen Teilsystem #4 aus Figur 25 mit der Lichtquelle #4, einem Reflektor #4 und der Sekundäroptik des Lichtmoduls und dem optischen Teilsystem #5 aus Figur 25 mit der Lichtquelle #5, einem Reflektor #5 und der Sekundäroptik des Lichtmoduls erzeugt wurde;

Figur 30

einen Messschirm mit einer resultierenden Gesamtlichtverteilung des Lichtmoduls, die sich aus einer Überlagerung der Einzellichtverteilungen gemäß der Figuren 26 bis 29 ergibt; und

Figur 31

einen Kraftfahrzeugscheinwerfer mit einem erfindungsgemäßen Lichtmodul.

Advantageous developments and further preferred embodiments of the present invention can be taken from the subclaims and the following description of the figures and the associated figures. Show it:

FIG. 1

an inventive light module according to a preferred embodiment in a perspective view;

FIG. 2

the light module off FIG. 1 exemplified light beams emitted from a light emitting surface of a semiconductor light source of the light module;

FIG. 3

a vertical section through the light module FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 4

the light module off FIG. 3 exemplified light beams originating at the center of the light-emitting surface of the semiconductor light source of the light module;

FIG. 5

a plan view of a light exit surface of a first optics of the light module from the FIGS. 1 to 4 ;

FIG. 6

a horizontal section through the light module FIG. 1 exemplified light rays emitted from the light emitting surface of the semiconductor light source of the light module;

FIG. 7

a measuring screen arranged in the light exit direction of the light module at a distance from the light module, with a resulting light distribution of the light module having a horizontal light-dark boundary imaged thereon;

FIG. 8

the screen off FIG. 7 with an illustration of the principle of how the chiaroscuro boundary is generated;

FIG. 9

an inventive light module according to another preferred embodiment in a perspective view;

FIG. 10

an inventive light module according to another preferred embodiment in a plan view;

FIG. 11

the light module off FIG. 10 in a perspective view;

FIG. 12

an inventive light module according to yet another preferred embodiment in a plan view;

FIG. 13

a measuring screen arranged in the light exit direction of the light module at a distance from the light module and having a strip-shaped resulting light distribution of the light module with vertical and horizontal light-dark boundaries imaged thereon;

FIG. 14

one above the other different screens with different light distributions, which were generated by the light sources 1 to 3 of the light module;

FIG. 15

one above the other different screens with different light distributions, which were generated by the light sources 4 to 6 of the light module;

FIG. 16

superimposed different screens with different light distributions, which were generated by the light sources 7 to 9 of the light module;

FIG. 17

superimposed different screens with different light distributions, which were generated by the light sources 10 and 11 of the light module;

FIG. 18

superimposed different screens with different light distributions, which were generated by the light sources 12 to 14 of the light module;

FIG. 19

superimposed different screens with different light distributions, which were generated by the light sources 15 to 17 of the light module;

FIG. 20

superimposed different screens with different light distributions, which were generated by the light sources 18 to 20 of the light module;

FIG. 21

a screen having a light distribution generated by the light source 21 of the light module;

FIG. 22

a screen with a resulting total light distribution of the light module when all the light sources 1 to 21 from the FIGS. 14 to 21 are turned on;

FIG. 23

a measuring screen with a resulting total light distribution of the light module, except for the light sources 13 and 14, all light sources 1 to 21 from the FIGS. 14 to 21 are turned on;

FIG. 24

a light module according to the invention according to a further preferred embodiment in a perspective view with exemplified light beams;

FIG. 25

an inventive light module according to yet another preferred embodiment in a perspective view;

FIG. 26

a screen with a light distribution coming from the optical subsystem # 1 FIG. 25 was generated with the light source # 1, a reflector # 1 and the secondary optics of the light module;

FIG. 27

a screen with a light distribution coming from the optical subsystem # 2 FIG. 25 was generated with the light source # 2, a reflector # 2 and the secondary optics of the light module;

FIG. 28

a screen with a light distribution coming from the optical subsystem # 3 FIG. 25 was generated with the light source # 3, a reflector # 3 and the secondary optics of the light module;

FIG. 29

a screen with a light distribution coming from the optical subsystem # 4 FIG. 25 with the light source # 4, a reflector # 4 and the secondary optics of the light module and the optical subsystem # 5 FIG. 25 with the light source # 5, a reflector # 5 and the secondary optics of the light module was generated;

FIG. 30

a measuring screen with a resulting total light distribution of the light module, resulting from a superposition of the individual light distributions according to the FIGS. 26 to 29 results; and

FIG. 31

a motor vehicle headlight with a light module according to the invention.

In FIG. 31 is a motor vehicle headlamp designated in its entirety by the reference numeral 1. The headlight 1 comprises a housing 2, which is preferably made of plastic. The housing 2 has in the light exit direction 3, a light exit opening 4, which is closed by a transparent cover 5. The cover 5 may be provided at least in regions with optically active elements (for example in the form of cylindrical lenses or prisms) (so-called diffusion disc) in order to effect a scattering of the light passing through, in particular in the horizontal direction. The cover 5 may also be formed without optically active elements as a clear disk. Inside the housing 2, an inventive light module 10 is arranged. The light module 10 is used to generate any resulting drive-light distribution or a part thereof, for example. A low beam, high beam, adaptive driving light (city lights, country lights, motorway lights, Teilfernlicht, marker light), fog light or the like.

Together with the light module 10, other light modules for generating any desired light can also be provided in the housing 2 Travel light distribution or a part thereof, or lighting modules for the realization of any lighting function (eg flashing light, position light, parking light, daytime running light, parking light, reversing light, brake light or the like) may be arranged. The light module 10 according to the invention will be described below with reference to FIGS FIGS. 1 to 30 explained in more detail.

A first example of a light module 10 will be described below with reference to FIGS FIGS. 1 to 6 explained in more detail. The light module 10 comprises a first optics or primary optics 11, which in this example is designed as a catadioptric transparent optic consisting of a refractive lens part and a totally reflecting reflection part. Such optics is in itself, for example, from the DE 10 2011 078 653 A1 are known, to which reference is made here in terms of structure and operation of the optics. Such an optic 11 can be easily manufactured eg by injection molding of plastic such as polycarbonate. It makes it possible for the light generated by a semiconductor light source 12, for example in the form of one or more LEDs or their light-emitting surface (eg LED chip), to be emitted into a 180 ° half-space above an extension plane of the light-emitting surface to collect and bundle in a first step. The reflective surfaces of the optic 11 are segmented or faceted. By means of the segments or facets 13, images of the light-emitting surface are imaged such that a horizontal light-dark boundary (cf., for example, the light-dark boundary 31 of the dimmed light distribution 30 in FIG FIG. 7 ) arises. FIG. 1 shows the light-shaping segments or facets 13 in the reflective part of the optics 11. A light exit surface 14 of the first optics 11 may be waved modulated to distribute the light passing through in the horizontal direction and to homogenize. A sinusoidal modulation of the light exit surface 14 in the form of waves is, for example, in FIG. 5 shown where the waves (light areas) by the reference numeral 20 and the adjacent valleys (dark areas) by the reference numeral 21 are designated. The waves 20 and valleys 21 have a longitudinal extension in the vertical direction 22. The wave-shaped modulation of the light exit surface 14 takes place in a direction perpendicular to horizontal direction 23, ie the waves 20 and valleys 21 alternate in the direction 23. Instead of the wave-shaped modulation, the exit surface 14 may also have a pincushion-shaped modulation, can be distributed and homogenized by the light passing through not only in the horizontal direction, but also in the vertical direction.

The second optics or secondary optics 15 is in the in FIG. 1 illustrated example formed as a cylindrical lens that focuses vertically. These optics 15 can be easily made of plastic by injection molding or glass by molding, casting or grinding and polishing. The secondary optics 15 has a significantly greater width than height. An optical axis of the optical system comprising the at least one light source 12, the at least one primary optics 11 and the secondary optics 15 is designated by the reference numeral 16.

A focal point 17 of the primary optics 11 is arranged behind the at least one semiconductor light source 12, as viewed against a light exit direction. Further, a focal point 18 or a focal line 18a (see. FIGS. 9 to 12 ) of the secondary optics 15 counter to the light exit direction 3 viewed also behind the at least one semiconductor light source 12 is arranged. In the illustrated example, the focal point 18 is the Secondary optics 15 behind the focal point 17 of the primary optics 11 arranged. Of course, the two foci 17, 18 can also be arranged congruently or in such a way that the focal point 17 of the primary optics 11 is arranged behind the focal point 18 of the secondary optics 15. Furthermore, in the example both foci 17, 18 are arranged on the optical axis 16 of the optical system of the light module 10. A focal line 18a of the secondary optics 15 would pass through the optical axis 16. But that does not necessarily have to be this way. It is also conceivable that the focal points 17, 18 are arranged offset to the optical axis 16 and a focal line 18a extends at a distance from the optical axis 16. Finally, the entire optical system of the light module 10, which comprises the at least one primary optics 11 and the secondary optics 15, has a focal point 19 or a focal line 19a (cf. FIGS. 9 to 12 ) which is arranged in the region of the light-emitting surface of the at least one semiconductor light source 12. The focal point 19 of the optical system is preferably arranged on the light-emitting surface, very particularly preferably in the middle thereof, or the focal line 19a extends on the light-emitting surface.

In FIG. 2 is the light module 10 off FIG. 1 showing, by way of example, light beams which were emitted from the semiconductor light source 12 into the 180 ° half-space around the optical axis 16. These light beams are collimated by the first optics 11 and formed by the segments or facets 13 and the light exit surface 14, to be finally further collimated by the secondary optics 15 in the vertical plane. The light module 10 thus has a two-part focusing of the light beams. The arrangement of the optics 11, 15 in the light module 10 allows its particularly compact design, especially in the direction of the optical axis 16 considered. The optical system of the light module 10 has a virtual (not real) image plane, which can be recognized by the divergent light beams. The optical system is not imaging, ie no images of the light source 12 are generated.

FIG. 3 shows a vertical section through the arrangement FIG. 2 , It can be clearly seen that the catadioptric primary optics 11 shown here have a refractive lens part in the center around the optical axis 16 and an outer reflective part surrounding the lens section with totally reflecting boundary surfaces 13. A light entrance surface of the reflecting part of the primary optics 11 is designated by the reference numeral 14a and a light entry surface of the central lens part of the primary optics 11 by the reference numeral 14b. The focal points 17, 18, 19 and their positions relative to one another and with respect to the semiconductor light source 12 can be clearly seen.

In FIG. 4 is the optical system of the light module 10 off FIG. 3 are shown with exemplary light rays that extend in the vertical plane and have their origin in the center of the light-emitting surface of the semiconductor light source 12. Extensions 18a 'of the light rays 18a to the rear, ie opposite to the light exit direction 3, intersect at the focal point 18 of the secondary optics 15. Between the focal point 18 and the semiconductor light source 12, the focal point 17 of the primary optics 11 is arranged. The focal point 19 of the entire system is arranged on the light-emitting surface of the light source 12.

FIG. 6 shows a plan view of the light module 10 from the FIGS. 1 to 4 , It can be clearly seen that in the horizontal plane by the secondary optics 15 practically no collimation of the light rays takes place. With this structure, a resulting light distribution 30 can be generated, as for example. In FIG. 7 is shown. FIG. 7 shows a arranged at a distance (eg 25m) in front of the motor vehicle or in front of the light module 10 measuring screen on which a horizontal axis and a vertical axis are plotted, which intersect at a point. The light distribution 30 forms a sharp light-dark boundary 31 just below the 0 ° line (vertical) and can therefore be used as a low beam distribution or as part of it. By way of example, lines with the same illuminance levels (so-called isolux lines) are shown in the light distribution 30. A solid line for 10.0 lx is denoted by reference numeral 32, a dashed line for 1.0 lx to 33 and a dashed line for 0.1 lx to 34. For the definition of the light-dark boundary 31 different criteria can be used. In the example shown, the position of the 0.1 lx iso-line 34 was used as a simple criterion.

FIG. 8 shows how the light distribution 30 is formed by a superimposition of different images 36 of the light-emitting surface of the light source 12. The different segments or facets 13 of the interfaces of the primary optics 11 are designed such that the respective uppermost corner or edge of the image lies on the line which marks the desired position of the light-dark boundary 31. It should be noted that all the images 36 have a rectangular shape with very different length and width, although the light source 12 in this example is an LED whose luminous surface has a square shape. These pictures 36 arise because the illustration of the system is anamorphic, so the LED chip image 36 is increased differently in the horizontal and vertical directions. The horizontal magnification is always greater than the vertical in the system described, because the vertical focal length of the entire system is longer than the horizontal focal length.

Since the second lens 15 is a cylinder optic, it has no focal point but a focal line. This makes it easy to use several first optics 11, for example, to increase the luminous flux of the entire system. For this, the additional optics must be placed on a line that runs parallel to the focal line. An example of a realization of such a system shows FIG. 9 , There is shown an optical system of a light module 10 comprising three semiconductor light sources 12, three primary optics 11 associated therewith in the form of catadioptric optics and a secondary optic 15 in the form of a cylindrical lens. The cylindrical lens comprises a focal or focus line 18a. The light-emitting surfaces of the LEDs 12 are arranged on a line 19 a, which preferably runs parallel to the focal line 18 a of the secondary optics 15. The line 19 a corresponds to a focal line of the entire optical system of the light module 10.

In the next exemplary realization of a light module 10 according to the invention according to FIG Figures 10 and 11 the secondary optics 15 is designed in the form of a curved cylindrical lens in order to realize an appealing design of the light exit surface of the light module 10. The cylindrical lens 15 is bent in particular in a horizontal plane. The curvature of the lens surface in vertical section has remained constant in this case. As a result, the focal length of the cylindrical lens 15 changes in the Vertical section not, but the position and shape of the focal line 18a, which is now also bent in the horizontal plane. If the position of the LEDs 12 is not adjusted, for example, to be able to place all the LEDs on a planar board, the distance to the second optical system 15 on the respective optical axis 16 of the first optical system 11 changes for each first optical system 11. Each optical subsystem from semiconductor light source 12, first optics 11 and second optics 15 thereby generates different horizontal and vertical magnifications and each first optic 11 must therefore be designed differently. The focal line 18a of the secondary optics 15 and the focal line 19a of the entire optical system no longer run parallel to each other.

The realization described may be disadvantageous if each optical subsystem (with elements 12, 11, 15) is to produce a comparable light distribution, as is the case, for example, in the case of pixel-shaped light distributions for adaptive high-beam distributions (eg, partial high-beam, marker light, etc.). In this case, it is advantageous if each subsystem supplies the same magnification of the images of the light-emitting surface of the semiconductor light sources 12 in the horizontal or vertical direction. To achieve this, the position of the LEDs 12 on a line 19a parallel to the focal line 18a of the secondary optics 15 must be selected. A corresponding example is in FIG. 12 shown.

With the above-described realizations of the present invention, a light distribution 30 with a horizontal light-dark boundary 31 (see FIG. FIG. 7 ) generated. In general, with the invention but also light distributions with horizontal and / or vertical or even arbitrarily shaped and / or aligned Bright-dark boundaries are created by positioning the corners of the LED chip images along predetermined lines, the lines then forming the light-dark boundaries of the light distribution. FIG. 13 FIG. 4 shows an example of how the LED chip images 41 of different regions 13 of a first optical system 11 can be positioned to produce a striped light distribution 40 with vertical light-dark boundaries 42 and horizontal light-dark boundaries 43.

If multiple LEDs 12 are used with associated first optics 11 and if the LEDs 12 are individually switchable, then adaptive high beam distributions can be realized as the resulting overall light distribution of the light module 10, where different defined angular ranges of light distribution can be illuminated or darkened by different LEDs 12 , The FIGS. 14 to 21 show examples of a total of 21 individual light distributions 50, each of which can be generated by an LED 12 with associated first optics 11 and the second optics 15 in the form of a cylindrical lens. FIG. 14 shows the individual light distributions 50 of LEDs # 1 to # 3, FIG. 15 from LEDs # 4 to # 6, FIG. 16 from LEDs # 7 to # 9, FIG. 17 of LEDs # 10 and # 11, FIG. 18 from LEDs # 12 to # 14, FIG. 19 from LEDs # 15 to # 17, FIG. 20 from LEDs # 18 to # 20 and FIG. 21 from LED # 21.

The individual light distributions 50 each have two vertical light-dark boundaries 51 and two horizontal light-dark boundaries 52. This illuminates a defined angle range horizontally and vertically. By way of example, lines with the same illuminance levels (so-called isolux lines) are shown in the individual light distributions 50. A solid line for 50.0 lx is denoted by reference numeral 53, a dashed line for 10 lx 54 and a dotted line for 0.1 lx 55. For the definition of the light-dark boundaries 51, 52 different criteria can be used. In the example shown, the position of the 0.1 lx iso-line 55 was used as a simple criterion. The illuminated angle range is, according to this definition, approximately horizontal 3 ° wide and vertical 10 ° high.

When all the LEDs 12 are turned on at the same time, the in FIG. 22 shown resulting light distribution 60, which can serve as a high beam distribution. By way of example, lines with the same illuminance levels (so-called isolux lines) are shown in the light distribution 60. A solid line for 50.0 lx is designated by reference numeral 61, a dashed line for 10 lx by 62 and a dashed line for 0.1 lx by 63. Since the individual light distributions 50 are offset horizontally by approximately 1.5 ° to each other, by deactivating or dimming individual LEDs, 12 angular ranges with a minimum of approximately 1.5 ° width can be switched to dark. An example of a total light distribution 60 with twice 1.5 ° wide dark masking area 64 shows FIG. 23 , For the realization of this light distribution 60, the LEDs # 13 and # 14 must be switched off or dimmed (the lower two individual light distributions 50 off FIG. 18 ). The light distribution 60 off FIG. 23 can be used as a partial remote light. In this case, the motor vehicle, are installed in the headlamp 1 with the light module 10 according to the invention, via suitable means for detecting other road users in front of the motor vehicle. These means include, for example, a video camera for capturing images of the area in front of the motor vehicle and a computing unit for evaluating the recorded images and for detecting oncoming or preceding ones Vehicles in a certain area of the pictures. The range of the high beam distribution 60 off FIG. 22 in which other road users have been detected, is darkened or hidden by deactivating or dimming certain LEDs 12 targeted to prevent dazzling the road users. At the same time in all other areas of the light distribution 60, the main beam remain switched on to ensure a good view of the driver of the motor vehicle. The Ausblendbereich 64 can change dynamically, for example, when an oncoming other road users on the motor vehicle passes with the light module 10 or when a leading road user drives on a winding road in front of the motor vehicle. It is also conceivable to provide a plurality of masking regions 64 in the high beam distribution 60, if necessary. In addition, the width of the masking area 64 can be adapted individually to the current traffic situation.

In order to be able to control the generated light distribution 60 even more flexibly, it makes sense to be able to control the luminous flux via a variable power supply. Typically, the LEDs 12 are supplied with pulse width modulation for this purpose. By changing the pulse width, the luminous flux can be controlled.

In another embodiment, in FIG. 24 is shown, the first optics 11 is implemented as a reflector and the second optics 15 as a cylindrical lens. Also advantageous here is the realization with multiple LEDs 12, associated reflectors 11 and a cylindrical lens 15, as in FIG. 25 shown. If the five subsystems of LED 12, reflector 11 and shared cylinder optics 15 produce different light distributions 70, can From this, for example, a low-beam light distribution 80 with asymmetrical (bent) light-dark boundary 81 are generated, as they are, for example, in FIG. 30 is shown. The FIGS. 26 to 29 show single light distributions 70 generated by the subsystems # 1 to # 5 each comprising an LED 12, a reflector 11 and the cylindrical lens 15. Subsystems # 1 to # 3 produce, for example, light distributions 70 with a horizontal light-dark boundary 71, which lies just below vertical 0 ° (cf. FIGS. 26 to 28 ). By way of example, lines with the same illuminance levels (so-called isolux lines) are shown in the individual light distributions 70. A solid line for 4.0 lx is denoted by reference numeral 72, a dashed line for 0.4 lx by 73 and a dashed line for 0.1 lx by 74. For the definition of the light-dark boundary 71 different criteria can be used. In the example shown, the position of the 0.1 lx iso line 74 was used as a simple criterion. In FIG. 26 is the single light distribution 70, generated by subsystem # 1, in FIG FIG. 27 through subsystem # 2 and in FIG. 28 the single light distribution 70 generated by subsystem # 3 is shown.

In FIG. 29 For example, a single light distribution 70 is shown as coming from the subsystem # 4 (LED # 4, Reflector # 4 and Cylindrical Lens 15) and Subsystem # 5 (LED # 5, Reflector # 5 and Cylindrical Lens 15) of the light module 10, respectively FIG. 25 is produced. The light distribution 70 has a light-dark boundary 71a rising obliquely from the center (intersection of the horizontal and the vertical) to the top right (towards the own traffic side). The illumination intensity distribution in the light distributions 70 is illustrated by iso-lines. A solid line for 4.0 lx is denoted by reference numeral 72, a dashed line for 1.0 lx to 73a and a Dotted line for 0.1 lx designated 74. Of course, these values for the illuminance are chosen only as examples and can differ in practice from the values mentioned here.

FIG. 30 shows the resulting total light distribution 80 of the light module 10 in the form of a low-beam light distribution with an asymmetric light-dark boundary 81. The light distribution 80 results from a superposition of the individual light distributions 70 of the LEDs # 1 to # 5 out of the FIGS. 26 to 29 , The light-dark boundary 81 of the light distribution 80 has a section 81a that rises approximately from the center (intersection of the horizontal and the vertical) to the top right (towards the own traffic side). The illumination intensity distribution in the light distributions 80 is illustrated by iso-lines. A solid line for 10.0 lx is denoted by reference numeral 82, a dashed line for 1.0 lx to 83a and a dashed line for 0.1 lx to 84.

Another variant is that in each case a plurality of LEDs 12 use a first optical system 11. In this way, e.g. the number of generated light areas ("pixels") of an adaptive high beam distribution can be increased without the number of first optics 11 having to be increased.

Claims (15)

Light module (10) for a motor vehicle headlight (1), comprising: at least one semiconductor light source (12) having a light-emitting surface for emitting light, at least one primary optics (11) for bundling at least part of the emitted light, the primary optics (11) having a focal point (17) arranged behind the at least one semiconductor light source (12), as viewed against a light exit direction (3), - A secondary optics (15) for further bundling of the at least one primary optics (11) already bundled light and for generating a resulting light distribution (30; 40; 60; 80) of the light module (10) on a roadway in front of the motor vehicle, wherein the Secondary optics (15) has a focal point (18) or a focal line (18a) which is arranged opposite to a light exit direction (3) behind the at least one semiconductor light source (12), and wherein - The entire optical system of the light module (10), the at least one primary optics (11) and the Secondary optics (15) comprises a focal point (19) or a focal line (19a) which is arranged in the region of the light-emitting surface of the at least one semiconductor light source (12). Light module (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the primary optics (11) is designed as a catadioptric optics. Light module (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the at least one primary optics (11) differently shaped areas (13) in the form of reflective segments or facets, each of these areas (13) light from the at least one semiconductor light source ( 12) for generating a partial region (36; 41; 50; 70) of the light distribution (30; 40; 60; 80) and the resulting light distribution (30; 40; 60; 80) of the light module being superposed by the superimposition of the partial regions (36 ; 41; 50; 70) of the light distribution (30; 40; 60; 80) from the different areas (13) of the primary optics (11). Light module (10) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the at least one primary optics (11) is designed as a front optics of a transparent material having at least one light entry surface, a plurality of totally reflecting interfaces and at least one light exit surface (14) and which combines the light from the at least one semiconductor light source (12) by refraction upon entry into the attachment optics and / or exit from the attachment optics and by total internal reflection at the interfaces. Light module (10) according to claim 4, characterized in that at least one of the light exit surfaces (14) of the at least one primary optics (11) has a wave or pillow-shaped modulation. Light module (10) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the secondary optics (15) is designed such that it the passing light in a first, an optical axis (16) of the optical system of the light module (10) comprising plane more concentrated than in a second, the optical axis (16) of the optical system of the light module (10) comprising plane which is perpendicular to the first plane. Light module (10) according to claim 6, characterized in that the secondary optics (15) in the first plane has a significantly smaller extent than in the second plane. Light module (10) according to claim 7, characterized in that the secondary optics (15) is designed as a cylindrical lens whose cylinder axis (18a) extends in the second plane or parallel thereto. Light module (10) according to claim 3, characterized in that the resulting light distribution (30; 40; 60; 80) of the light module (10) after passing through the secondary optics (15) by a superposition of the partial areas (36; 70) of the light distribution (30; 40; 60; 80) from the different areas (13) of the primary optics (11). Light module (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the at least one primary optics (11) and the secondary optics (15) with respect to arrangement and configuration are coordinated such that the resulting light distribution of the light module (10) a dimmed light distribution (30) is in the form of a low beam or fog distribution with a horizontal light-dark boundary (31) or a striped light distribution (40) with vertical and horizontal light-dark boundaries (41, 42) or a split-beam distribution (60; 80) with vertical and horizontal bright-dark boundaries. Light module (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the light module (10) comprises a plurality of semiconductor light sources (12) whose light-emitting surfaces are arranged on a line (19a) or in a plane. Light module (10) according to claim 11, characterized in that the line (19a) or the plane on which the light emitting surfaces of the semiconductor light sources (12) are arranged, parallel to a focal line (18a) of the secondary optics (15). Light module (10) according to claim 11, characterized in that the line (19a) or the plane on which the light-emitting surfaces of the semiconductor light sources (12) are arranged, is bent. Light module (10) according to one of claims 11 to 13, characterized in that the light module (10) comprises a plurality of semiconductor light sources (12) which are individually switched on and off and dimmable. Light module (10) according to any one of claims 11 to 14, characterized in that at least two of the semiconductor light sources (12) emit light for generating different light distributions and switched to switch between the light distributions, the semiconductor light sources (12) selectively on or off or dimmed.

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