EP3608586A1 - Projection device, light module and motor vehicle headlamp made from micro optics - Google Patents

Abstract

Projection device (2) for a light module (1) of a motor vehicle headlight, which is formed from a plurality of micro-optic systems (3) arranged in a matrix, each micro-optic system (3) having a micro-entry optic (30), one of the micro-entry optics ( 30) assigned micro exit optics (31) and a micro diaphragm (32), all micro entry optics (30) one entry optics (4), all micro exit optics (31) one exit optics (5) and all micro diaphragms (32) form a diaphragm device (6), the diaphragm device (6) being arranged in a plane which is essentially orthogonal to the main emission direction (Z) of the projection device (2) and the entrance optics (4), the exit optics (5) and the diaphragm device (6) are arranged in substantially mutually parallel planes, the micro-diaphragm (32) of each micro-optical system (3) having an optically active edge (320, 320a, 320b, 320c, 320d, 320e), the entirety the Micro-optic systems (3) is subdivided into at least two micro-optic system groups (G1, G2, G3), with the micro-optic systems (3) consisting of different micro-optic system groups (G1, G2, G3) being the optically effective ones Edges (320, 320a, 320b, 320c, 320d, 320e) are positioned differently relative to the respective micro exit optics (31) within the intermediate image plane.

Description

The invention relates to a projection device for a light module of a motor vehicle headlight, which is formed from a plurality of micro-optic systems arranged in a matrix, each micro-optic system having a micro-entry optic, a micro-exit optic assigned to the micro-entry optic and one between the micro-entry optic and The micro-aperture optic arranged preferably has these elements, all micro-entrance optics forming an entrance optic, all micro-exit optics forming an exit optic and all micro-apertures forming an aperture device, the aperture device being orthogonal to the main emission direction of the projection device standing plane - is arranged in an intermediate image plane (ie all the micro-diaphragms lie in the intermediate image plane) and the entry optics, the exit optics and the diaphragm device are arranged in planes which are essentially parallel to one another.

Furthermore, the invention relates to a light module with at least one projection device mentioned above and a motor vehicle headlight with at least one such light module.

Projection devices of the type mentioned above are known from the prior art (see WO 2015/058227 A1 . WO 2017/066817 A1 . WO 2017/066818 A1 ). Such projection devices are often used in so-called micro-projection light modules for motor vehicle headlights. The name "micro-projection light module" is due to the characteristic size of the individual optics - micro-optics or micro-lenses. This size, for example the diameter of the light entry surface or the light exit surface of these optics, is preferably in the micrometer range, in particular in the submillimeter range. The above-mentioned micro entry optics and micro exit optics can also have a characteristic size, for example the diameter of their light entry surfaces in the micrometer range, preferably in the submillimeter range. In this case, the micro-diaphragms have a corresponding size. It should be noted that the micro-optics - micro-entry optics and / or micro-exit optics - can be designed differently.

The applicant's international registration WO 2015/058227 A1 shows a microprojection light module for a motor vehicle headlight, comprising at least one light source and at least one projection device which images the light emerging from the at least one light source in an area in front of the motor vehicle in the form of at least one light distribution, the projection device comprising: an entrance optic which consists of an array of micro entrance optics; an exit optic, which consists of an array of micro exit optics, each micro entry optic being assigned exactly one micro exit optic, the micro entry optics being designed in this way and / or the micro entry optics and the micro exit optics being arranged with respect to one another, that the light exiting from a micro entry optics only enters the assigned micro exit optics, and the light preformed by the micro entry optics is imaged by the micro exit optics into an area in front of the motor vehicle as at least one light distribution.

In the international registration WO 2017/066817 A1 The applicant addresses a micro-projection light module for a vehicle headlight, which comprises at least one light source and at least one projection device which images the light emerging from the at least one light source in an area in front of the motor vehicle in the form of at least one light distribution, the projection device having an entrance optics , which has one, two or more micro entry optics, which are preferably arranged in an array, and an exit optic, which has one, two or more micro exit optics, which are preferably arranged in an array, each micro entry optics exactly one Micro exit optics is assigned, the micro entry optics being designed in such a way and / or the micro entry optics and the micro exit optics being arranged with respect to one another such that essentially all of the light emerging from a micro entry optics is precisely in the assigned micrometer o exit optics, and wherein the light preformed by the micro entry optics is imaged by the micro exit optics into an area in front of the motor vehicle as at least one light distribution.

The international registration also shows WO 2017/066818 A1 to the applicant a micro-projection light module for a motor vehicle headlight, comprising at least one light source and at least one projection device which transmits the light emerging from the at least one light source into an area in front of the motor vehicle Depicts the form of at least one light distribution, the projection device comprising an entry optic which has one, two or more micro entry optics, which are preferably arranged in an array, an exit optic which has one, two or more micro exit optics, which preferably in are arranged in an array, with each micro entry optic being assigned exactly one micro exit optic, the micro entry optics being configured and / or the micro entry optics and the micro exit optics being arranged relative to one another such that essentially all of a micro Light entering optics only enters the assigned micro exit optics, and the light preformed by the micro entry optics is imaged by the micro exit optics into an area in front of the motor vehicle as at least one light distribution, one between the entry optics and the exit optics first aperture direction is arranged.

The entrance optics, exit optics and diaphragm device of a projection device of the type mentioned above can be applied, for example pressed or glued, to a common substrate made of glass or plastic. For further details regarding micro-optic systems, please visit WO 2015/058227 A1 . WO 2017/066817 A1 . WO 2017/066818 A1 and other applications relating to microprojection light modules and systems by the applicant. The entrance optics, the exit optics and the diaphragm device in the aforementioned micro-projection light modules can therefore each form a monolithic structure, these structures being aligned with one another in order to be able to project a predetermined light distribution. The structures (entrance optics, exit optics, diaphragm device) are preferably immovably connected to one another in the aligned state, for example glued, in order to avoid detuning while driving and subsequent readjustment.

The light distributions generated with microprojection light modules are formed as an overlay of a multitude of micro light distributions - light distributions that are formed by individual micro-optic systems. If micro-optical systems are combined into specific micro-optical system groups, each micro-optical system group is set up to form a partial light distribution. The partial light distributions are also superimpositions of several micro light distributions. The light distribution or the total light distribution is a superposition of partial light distributions.

A disadvantage of the above-mentioned projection devices or the light modules is, for example, that setting a sharpness of a light-dark transition, for example the sharpness factor of the light-dark boundary of the low-beam light distribution, is very difficult and cannot be changed dynamically. For example, the in WO 2015031924 A1 disclosed optical structure for softening the gradient can be applied to a surface of a lens by milling. Milling can take up to a day for a lens.

The sharpness of a light-dark transition or the sharpness factor of a light-dark boundary is often also referred to as the gradient of the light-dark transition or the light-dark boundary.

The object of the present invention is to eliminate the disadvantages of the conventional projection devices from micro-optical systems.

The above-mentioned object is achieved according to the invention with a projection device of the above-mentioned type in that the micro-diaphragm of each micro-optical system has an optically effective edge, which is preferably also located in the intermediate image plane and is preferably set up to provide a light-dark boundary To form / shape micro-light distribution, the totality of the micro-optical systems being subdivided into at least two micro-optical system groups, with the micro-optical systems from different micro-optical system groups having the optically active edges relative to the respective one Micro exit optics are positioned differently within the intermediate image plane.

As usual, an optically effective edge of a diaphragm (a micro diaphragm) is understood to mean an edge that is depicted in the light image as a visible light-dark transition or a visible light-dark boundary that is relevant for the lighting technology. Light-dark transitions or light-dark boundaries that are relevant in terms of lighting technology are usually understood to mean those light-dark transitions that are generated in a targeted manner, such as boundaries of a light segment or light-dark boundary of a low-beam light distribution or the like. An example of a light-dark transition that is less relevant in terms of lighting technology is a soft lateral outlet of a high beam distribution.

Micro-diaphragms, which are produced for example by means of a lithography process, are produced more quickly and can be positioned more precisely than is the case when milling an optical structure onto a lens surface mentioned above.

It can advantageously be provided that for each micro-optical system within the same micro-optical system group it applies that the optically effective edge of the micro-diaphragm is displaced vertically and / or horizontally by a distance relative to the micro-exit optics and this distance is the same for all micro-optical systems within the same micro-optical system group, the distance preferably being about 0 mm to about 0.1 mm, for example about 0.01 mm to about 0.1 mm, preferably about 0.03 mm to about 0 .06 mm. That Within the same micro-optical system group, all optically effective edges are positioned at the same height relative to the respective micro exit optics.

If the distance is equal to 0 mm, this corresponds to a zero position, in which a horizontally rectilinear optically effective edge of a micro-aperture is represented by the corresponding micro-optic system as a horizontally running micro-light-dark boundary on the HH line becomes.

Furthermore, it can be provided that the optically effective edges of at least some of the micro-optical systems of each micro-optical system group are designed to produce a continuously horizontal or vertical partial light-dark boundary or a partial light-dark boundary with an asymmetry increase are, each such optically effective edge is preferably designed to produce a continuous horizontal or vertical micro-light-dark boundary or a micro-light-dark boundary with an asymmetry increase.

The vertically running light-dark borders or light-dark transitions can occur, for example, when generating a segmented partial high beam distribution. It may be desirable to soften vertically extending light-dark transitions.

As mentioned above, a generated light distribution formed using the projection device according to the invention is formed as a superimposition of a plurality of partial or micro light distributions. The following nomenclature applies here: with the help of a single micro-optical system, a micro-light distribution is formed; With the aid of a micro-optical system group, a partial light distribution is formed, which is formed as a superimposition of individual micro-light distributions formed using the micro-optical systems of this micro-optical system group, and a light distribution or an overall light distribution, for example a low-beam light distribution, is created with the aid of the entire projection device and is a superimposition of individual partial light distributions. For example, the light distributions formed by micro-optical system groups can be congruent to one another, in particular of the same design (have the same shape), but can be shifted relative to one another. The terms micro-light-dark boundary, partial light-dark boundary and light-dark boundary should be interpreted analogously. A micro-light-dark boundary is created using a single micro-aperture. A partial light-dark boundary is created as a superposition of micro-light-dark boundaries, which are created using the micro-diaphragms of one and the same micro-optical system group. A light-dark boundary of the light distribution or the total light distribution is generated as a superimposition of partial light-dark boundaries, which is generated with the aid of the micro-optical system groups forming the projection device.

In addition, it may be expedient if the micro-diaphragms of each micro-optical system group are combined to form a micro-diaphragm group and the micro-diaphragm groups are of identical design, preferably each micro-diaphragm as a plate made of one opaque material is formed with an opening.

In one embodiment it can be provided that in different micro-optical system groups the micro entry optics are positioned at the same height relative to the respective micro exit optics and preferably have a common optical axis. In this embodiment, the different micro-optical system groups have different intermediate images that result from the displacement of the respective micro-diaphragms. In this case, a light distribution or an overall light distribution is formed as a superimposition of a plurality of micro-light distributions with differently positioned (for example vertically and / or horizontally shifted to one another) micro-light-dark limits.

It should be noted at this point that the horizontal and vertical displacement can be different. It can be achieved that, for example, the sharpness of the horizontal and vertical light-dark transitions are set differently, for example softened. For example, it may sometimes be useful to soften vertical boundaries of a segment of a partial high beam distribution differently from the horizontal boundaries of the segment.

In a further embodiment it can be provided that in different micro-optical system groups the optically effective edges are positioned at the same height relative to the respective micro-entry optics, the micro-entry optics preferably running differently relative to the respective micro-exit optics (for example vertically and / or have optical axes that are horizontally displaced relative to one another. It follows from this that in this embodiment the different micro-optical system groups can have identical intermediate images. Furthermore, the micro-exit optics of the different micro-optical system groups are positioned differently (for example vertically and / or horizontally displaced relative to one another) in this embodiment. Therefore, the intermediate images (identical or different) of the different micro-optical system groups are projected at different angles with respect to the optical axis of the projection device. A light distribution or a total light distribution is thus formed in this case as a superimposition of a plurality of micro-light distributions with micro-light-dark borders positioned at the same height, the micro-light distributions being shifted in height from one another (differently, for example vertically and / or horizontally shifted relative to one another , positioned).

In addition, it can be provided that the micro-optical systems have an imaging scale of approximately 3 ° per 0.1 mm. Other values of the image scale are possible.

In addition, it can be expedient if the different micro-optical system groups are formed separately from one another and are preferably spaced apart from one another. This can result in further manufacturing advantages. In addition, crosstalk can be reduced by adapting a distance between the different micro-optical system groups.

It goes without saying that the different micro-optical system groups can also be in one piece. The micro entrance optics, micro exit optics and micro diaphragms of each micro optical system group can each form a monolithic structure. For example, they can be applied to one or more glass or plastic substrates and / or glued together.

The above-mentioned object is also achieved with a light module for a motor vehicle headlight with a projection device according to the invention, the light module further comprising a light source, preferably a semiconductor-based light source, in particular an LED light source, and the projection device being arranged downstream of the light source in the light emission direction, and preferably essentially projected all of the light generated by the light source in an area in front of the light module in the form of a light distribution, for example an apron light distribution or a low beam distribution with or without a Signlight light distribution) with a light-dark boundary, the light distribution from a large number of each other overlapping partial light distributions are each formed with a partial light-dark boundary, each partial light distribution being formed by exactly one micro-optical system group and the partial light-dark boundaries together form the light-dark boundary form.

The partial light-dark limits of different partial light distributions are therefore arranged differently (for example vertically and / or horizontally displaced relative to one another).

Furthermore, it may prove expedient if the partial light-dark boundaries are displaced by an angle to one another along a vertical (with respect to an HH line) and / or a horizontal (with respect to a VV line), the angle being a value from about 0 ° to about 6 °, for example from about 1 ° to about 3 °, preferably from about 2 °.

The term HH line should be clear to the person skilled in the art. The HH line is typically a horizontal line (an abscissa axis) of a coordinate system on a measuring screen for measuring the light distributions generated by motor vehicle headlights or motor vehicle headlight light modules in a lighting technology laboratory. HH line is often referred to as the horizon or the horizontal. An ordinate axis orthogonal to the HH line is called the VV line or vertical.

In a practice-proven embodiment, it can be provided that the partial light-dark borders (and ergo the light-dark border) run essentially straight or have an asymmetry increase.

The light source is preferably set up to generate collimated light.

Specifically, the light source can comprise a light-collimating optical element and a preferably semiconductor-based lighting element upstream of the light-collimating optical element, for example an LED light source (composed of several, preferably individually controllable LEDs), the light-collimating optical element, for example, a collimator or a light-collimating attachment lens (for example made of silicone ) or a TIR lens. "TIR" stands for "total inner reflection".

In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the light module, it can be provided that the light source has at least two light-emitting regions, each individual light-emitting region being controllable, for example, switchable on and off, independently of the other light-emitting regions, and each light-emitting region at least one, preferably exactly one micro-optical system group is assigned in such a way that light generated by the respective light-emitting region is directly (ie without being refracted, mirrored, deflected, or in any other way its intensity and / or on other optically active surfaces, elements or the like. or change the direction of propagation) and only meets the micro-optical system group assigned to this light-emitting region.

Unless stated otherwise, the same reference symbols in the following figures denote the same features.

• Fig. 1 eine Beleuchtungsvorrichtung mit einer Projektionseinrichtung aus mehreren Mikro-Optiksystemen in perspektivischer Ansicht;
• Fig. 1a Explosionsdarstellung eines der Mikro-Optiksysteme der Figur 1;
• Fig. 1b ein Schnitt A-A des Mikro-Optiksystems der Figur 1a;
• Fig. 2a eine Beleuchtungsvorrichtung mit einer Lichtquelle mit mehreren lichtemittierenden Bereichen und mit einer Projektionseinrichtung mit nebeneinander angeordneten Mikro-Optiksystem-Gruppen in perspektivischer Ansicht;
• Fig. 2b ein vergrößerter Ausschnitt einer Projektionseinrichtung mit übereinander angeordneten Mikro-Optiksystem-Gruppen;
• Fig. 3 eine Beleuchtungsvorrichtung mit einer Lichtquelle mit mehreren lichtemittierenden Bereichen und mit mehreren Projektionseinrichtungen in perspektivischer Ansicht;
• Fig. 4 zwei nebeneinander angeordneter Mikro-Blenden-Gruppen;
• Fig. 5a eine Mikro-Blenden-Gruppe;
• Fig. 5b ein Ausschnitt der Mikro-Blenden-Gruppe der Figur 5a und Mikro-Lichtverteilungen, und
• Fig. 6 eine Abblendlichtverteilung mit Signlight-Lichtverteilung.

The invention and further advantages are explained in more detail below with reference to exemplary embodiments which are illustrated in the drawing. In this shows

• Fig. 1 an illumination device with a projection device from several micro-optical systems in a perspective view;
• Fig. 1a Exploded view of one of the micro-optical systems of the Figure 1 ;
• Fig. 1b a section AA of the micro-optical system Figure 1a ;
• Fig. 2a an illumination device with a light source with a plurality of light-emitting areas and with a projection device with micro-optical system groups arranged side by side in a perspective view;
• Fig. 2b an enlarged section of a projection device with superposed micro-optical system groups;
• Fig. 3 an illumination device with a light source with a plurality of light-emitting areas and with a plurality of projection devices in a perspective view;
• Fig. 4 two micro-aperture groups arranged side by side;
• Fig. 5a a micro-aperture group;
• Fig. 5b a section of the micro-aperture group of the Figure 5a and micro light distributions, and
• Fig. 6 a low beam distribution with Signlight light distribution.

The figures are schematic representations which only show those components which can be helpful for an explanation of the invention. The person skilled in the art immediately recognizes that a projection device and a light module for a motor vehicle headlight can have a large number of further components, not shown here, such as setting and adjustment devices, electrical supply means and much more.

The figures are provided with reference axes to simplify legibility and where appropriate. These reference axes relate to a professional installation position of the subject matter of the invention in a motor vehicle and represent a motor vehicle-related coordinate system.

In addition, it should be understood that directional terms such as "horizontal", "vertical", "top", "bottom" etc. are to be understood in the context of the present invention in a relative meaning and either refer to the above professional installation position of the subject matter of the invention in a motor vehicle or to a customary alignment of a radiated light distribution in the photograph or in the traffic area.

Thus, neither the reference axes nor the direction-related terms are to be interpreted restrictively.

Figure 1 shows a lighting device 1 for a motor vehicle headlight, which can correspond to the light module according to the invention. The lighting device 1 comprises a projection device 2, which is formed from a multiplicity of micro-optic systems 3 arranged in a matrix, each micro-optic system 3 having a micro-entry optic 30, a micro-exit optic 31 assigned to the micro-entry optic 30 and one between the micro- Entry optics 30 and the micro-exit optics 31 arranged micro-aperture 32 . Each micro-optics system 3 preferably consists of exactly one micro-entry optics 30, exactly one micro-exit optics 31 and exactly one micro-aperture 32 (see an exploded view of such a micro-optics system in FIG Figure 1a ). In this case, all micro-entry optics 30 form, for example, one-piece entry optics 4. Analogously, all micro-exit optics 31 form, for example, one-piece exit optics 5 and the micro-apertures 32 form an example one-piece aperture device 6. Thus, the entry optics 4, the exit optics 5 and the aperture device form one for example, one-piece projection device 2. An example of a projection device 2 that is not designed in one piece is, for example, the Figure 3 refer to. The diaphragm device 6 is arranged in a plane which is essentially orthogonal to the main emission direction Z of the projection device 2 - in the intermediate image plane 322 . Thus, all of the micro-diaphragms 32 are also located in the intermediate image plane 322. The entry optics 4, the exit optics 5 and the diaphragm device 6 are arranged in planes which are essentially parallel to one another.

Furthermore, the micro-aperture 32 of each micro-optical system has an optically effective edge 320, 320a, 320b, 320c, 320d, 320e . The optically active edge preferably also lies in the micro-intermediate image plane 322. The optically active edge 320, 320a, 320b, 320c, 320d, 320e can be set up or designed, light-dark boundary of a micro-light distribution - a so-called micro-light -Dark limit 3200, 3201 - to generate (see Figure 5b ). A micro light distribution is by the respective micro-optics system 3 passing light formed. Each micro-optical system 3 therefore preferably forms exactly one micro-light distribution and vice versa: each micro-light distribution is preferably formed by exactly one micro-optical system 3. The optically effective edge 320, 320a, 320b, 320c, 320d, 320e can have different courses. If the micro-aperture 32, as in Figure 1b shown as a breakthrough in an otherwise opaque plate, the optically effective edge 320, 320a, 320b, 320c, 320d, 320e, which in this case is designed as a breakthrough boundary, has a closed shape. At least part of the optically active edge 320, 320a, 320b, 320c, 320d, 320e is set up / formed for shaping / forming the micro-light-dark boundary 3200, 3201. In the in the Figures 1a . 4 . 5a and 5b Micro-shutters shown is the lower part of the optically active edge 320, 320a, 320b, 320c, 320d, 320e.

According to the invention, the entirety of the micro-optical system 3 is divided into at least two micro-optical system groups G1, G2, G3 . The individual micro-optical system groups G1, G2, G3 differ in that they include micro-optical systems 3 whose optically active edges 320, 320a, 320b, 320c, 320d, 320e relative to the respective micro-exit optics 31 within the intermediate image plane 322 are positioned differently, for example vertically and / or horizontally shifted. It is expedient if the position of the optically active edges 320, 320a, 320b, 320c, 320d, 320e relative to the respective micro-exit optics 32 is the same within the same micro-optical system group G1, G2, G3.

For example, the micro-diaphragms 32 can be positioned in their entirety within a micro-optical system group, for example G1, in such a way that they have no vertical and / or horizontal displacement relative to the respective micro-exit optics 31 - this leads to centered micro, for example -Optical systems 3 (see below). If the optically active edges 320b, 320d of these micro-diaphragms 32 are set up, for example, to set micro-light-dark limits 3200, 3201 for a low beam distribution, such as in FIG Figure 6 shown, a partial light-dark boundary (i.e. the light-dark boundary formed by a micro-optical system group) would arise, which are not vertical (with respect to the HH line HH ) and / or horizontal (with respect to a VV line VV ) shift. At the same time, the micro-diaphragms 32 can be positioned in their entirety within another micro-optical system group, for example G2, in such a way that they are at a distance (deviating from zero) relative to the respective micro-exit optics 31 are vertically (shown) and / or horizontally (not shown), which is why there is a difference between the relative positions of the optically active edges and the respective micro-exit optics of different micro-optic system groups G1, G2, G3. The micro-optical systems 3 of the micro-optical system group G2 are thus the Figure 1 can be used to generate micro-light-dark limits for a low-beam light distribution that are, for example, vertically shifted with respect to the HH line HH. As already mentioned, the shifted micro-light-dark boundaries, which are provided by means of different micro-optical system groups G1, G2, G3, overlap in the light image, which results in a soft light-dark boundary that is pleasantly perceptible to a human eye a low beam distribution can result.

It should be clear that the example described above is not limited to light-dark boundaries of low beam distributions, but can be generalized to general light-dark transitions.

How the different positions of the optically effective edges 320, 320a, 320b, 320c, 320d, 320e can be achieved relative to the respective micro exit optics 31 can be achieved, for example, with reference to FIG Figures 1a and 1b are plausibly presented. Figure 1a shows a single micro-optical system 3 in perspective. Figure 1b shows a section AA of the Figure 1a , The micro-optics system 3 shown in these figures is centered: the micro-entry optics 30 and the micro-exit optics 31 have a common optical axis MOA and the micro-aperture 32 is positioned in the micro-intermediate image plane 322 so that its optically effective edge 320, which here, well, is shaped to form a micro-light-dark boundary with an asymmetry increase, adjoins the optical axis MOA of the micro-optical system 3. This means that a collimated beam of light that is directed at the in Figure 1a shown centered micro-optics system 3 (from the side of the micro-entry optics 30) occurs in the form of a micro-light distribution with an at least partially on the HH line micro-light-dark boundary is imaged. Such centered micro-optical systems can, for example, form a micro-optical system group, such as the micro-optical system group G1 in Figure 1 be summarized.

For example, if you either the micro-aperture 32 or the micro-exit optics 31, the Figures 1a, 1b vertically (along the X direction). One not shown here horizontal displacement (along the Y direction) is also conceivable. If the micro exit optics 31 are moved, either the entire micro optic system 3 is decentered - the optical axes of the micro entry optics 30 and the micro exit optics 31 no longer coincide. In both cases, the micro-light-dark boundary of the micro-light distribution also shifts. Such "not ideally centered" micro-optical systems can, for example, form a further micro-optical system group, such as the micro-optical system group G2 in Figure 1 be summarized. Vertical and / or horizontal displacement also means that the optically effective edges and the micro-exit optics remain in their original planes.

Returning to Figure 1 shows these two micro-optical system groups G1, G2, G3 arranged next to one another, one of the micro-optical system groups - namely the micro-optical system group G2 - consisting of decentered micro-optical systems (the micro-exit optics 31 are at a distance h2 shifted downward) is formed (see also Figure 2a ).

The different micro-optical system groups G1, G2, G3 can also be arranged above or below one another, as shown in FIG Figure 2b can be seen.

The projection device 2 can also comprise several micro-optical system groups.

For each individual micro-optical system group G1, G2, G3 it can be expedient if for each micro-optical system 3 within this one micro-optical system group G1, G2, G3 it applies that the optically effective edge 320, 320a, 320b , 320c, 320d, 320e of the micro diaphragm 32 is displaced vertically relative to the micro exit optics 31 by the distance h1, h2 and this distance h1, h2 for all micro-optic systems 3 within the same micro-optic system group G1, G2, G3 is the same, the distance h1, h2 preferably being approximately 0 (see the micro-optical system group G1 of Figure 1 . 2a ) mm to about 0.1 mm, for example about 0.01 mm to about 0.1 mm, preferably about 0.03 mm to about 0.06 mm.

A distance that is zero, such as h1 in the Figure 1 or 2a corresponds to a zero position of the optically active edge 320, 320a, 320b, 320c, 320d, 320e and results when the micro-optical systems 3 are centered (see above) with one arranged in the zero position optically active edge 320, 320a, 320b, 320c, 320d, 320e, a micro-light-dark boundary lying at 0 ° on the VV line VV (orthogonal to the HH line HH) can be generated.

As already mentioned, the optically active edges of at least part of the micro-optical systems 3 of each micro-optical system group G1, G2, G3 can be used to generate a continuously horizontal light-dark boundary 3200 - for example the edges 320a, 320c or 320e in Figure 4 or in Figure 5a - or a light-dark boundary with an asymmetry increase 3201 - for example the edges 320b and 320d in Figure 4 or in Figure 5a - be trained.

Furthermore, the Figure 4 it can be seen that the micro-diaphragms 32 of each micro-optical system group G1, G2, G3 can be combined to (exactly) one micro-diaphragm group MG1 , MG2 , the micro-diaphragm groups MG1, MG2 being of identical design are. It is conceivable that all micro-diaphragms 32 of the projection device 2 are of identical design.

Especially in the Figures 1a . 4 . 5a and 5b it can be seen that each micro-diaphragm 32 can be formed as a plate made of an opaque material with an opening 321, 321a, 321b, 321c, 321d, 321e . As already mentioned, the inner edges of the openings can form optically effective edges. In this case, the lower part of the optically active edge can be set up / formed to form / form a micro-light-dark boundary for a low beam distribution.

As already mentioned, the micro entry optics 30 of different micro optic system groups G1, G2, G3 can be positioned at the same height relative to the respective micro exit optics 31 and preferably have a common optical axis OA. The micro-diaphragms, which belong to different micro-optic system groups G1, G2, G3 and can be combined in different micro-diaphragm groups MG1, MG2, are positioned differently (for example, shifted vertically and / or horizontally to one another). Figure 4 reveals that a micro-aperture group - here the first micro-aperture group MG1 - is shifted by a distance h3 (downwards) with respect to the (common) optical axis OA. Another micro-aperture group - here the second micro-aperture group MG2 - can be shifted by a different distance h4 with respect to the (common) optical axis OA.

Figure 4 shows an example in which the micro-aperture groups MG1, MG2 are shifted in the same direction. It goes without saying that the micro-aperture groups can be shifted in different vertical directions (up or down). There is a relative distance h34 between the distances h3, h4 . The micro-aperture groups can also be shifted in (different) horizontal directions (not shown).

As already mentioned show Figures 1 . 2a, 2b Exemplary embodiments in which in different micro-optical system groups G1, G2, G3 the optically active edges 320, 320a, 320b, 320c, 320d, 320e are positioned at the same height relative to the respective micro-entry optics, preferably the micro-entry optics 30 relative have optical axes which run differently (for example vertically and / or horizontally from one another) with respect to the respective micro exit optics 31 - that is to say are decentered.

The micro-optical systems 3 can, for example, have an imaging scale of approximately 3 ° per 0.1 mm. Other imaging scales are conceivable and depend on the respective design of the micro-optical systems 3. This means that a relative displacement of the optically active edge 320, 320a, 320b, 320c, 320d, 320e to the micro-exit optics 31 in such a micro-optics system 3 by approximately 0.1 mm to a displacement of an optically active edge 320, 320a, 320b, 320c, 320d, 320e produces a light-dark transition, for example a micro-light-dark boundary, of approximately 3 ° along the VV line VV (ie in the angular space).

At this point it should be noted that the different micro-optical system groups G1, G2, G3 can be formed separately from one another and can preferably be spaced apart from one another. This is for example in Figure 3 to recognize.

The lighting device 1 also has a light source 7, preferably a semiconductor-based light source, in particular an LED light source, the projection device 2 being arranged downstream of the light source 7 in the light emission direction Z and preferably essentially all of the light generated by the light source 7 in an area in front of the Illumination device 1 projected in the form of a light distribution, for example an apron light distribution or a low-beam light distribution 8 with or without a Signlight light distribution 81 with a light-dark boundary 80 (see Figure 6 ). The Light distribution is usually formed from a multiplicity of overlapping partial light distributions, each with a partial light-dark boundary, each partial light distribution being formed by exactly one micro-optical system group G1, G2, G3 and the partial light-dark - Boundaries together form the light-dark boundary. The partial light-dark borders are in turn formed from a large number of micro-light-dark borders. Furthermore, it follows from what has been said above that the partial light-dark limits of different partial light distributions are arranged differently (for example vertically and / or horizontally displaced from one another).

The partial light-dark limits along the vertical (VV line VV) or along the horizontal / horizon (HH line HH) can be shifted by an angle, the angle being a value of approximately 0 ° to approximately 3 °, for example from about 1 ° to about 3 °, preferably from about 2 °. This results in a superimposition of partial light distributions with different (for example vertically and / or horizontally shifted to each other) positioned partial light-dark boundaries in the light image. The partial light-dark limits (and ergo the light-dark limit of the entire light distribution) can, for example, run essentially straight or have an asymmetry increase 80.

The light source 7 can be configured to generate collimated light.

For this purpose, the light source 7 can comprise a light-collimating optical element 9 and a preferably semiconductor-based lighting element 10 located in front of the light-collimating optical element 9 , for example an LED light source, which for example consists of several, preferably individually controllable LEDs. The light-collimating optical element 9 is, for example, a collimator or a light-collimating front lens (eg made of silicone) or a TIR lens.

Like it in the Figures 2a and 3 It can be seen that the light source 7 can have two or more light-emitting regions 70, 71, 72 , wherein each individual light-emitting region can be controlled, for example switched on and off, independently of the other light-emitting regions of the light source 7.

In addition, at least one, preferably exactly one, micro-optical system group G1, G2, G3 can be assigned to each light-emitting region 70, 71, 72, that light generated by the respective light-emitting region 70, 71, 72 directly, ie without other optically active surfaces, elements or the like. broken, mirrored, deflected or in another way to change its intensity and / or direction of propagation, and only hits the micro-optical system group G1, G2, G3 assigned to this light-emitting region 70, 71, 72.

Figure 2a shows two one-piece micro-optical system groups G1 and G2. The corresponding micro entry optics, micro diaphragms and micro exit optics can be applied to one and the same glass substrate.

In the Figure 3 It can be seen that the light source 7 can have three light-emitting regions 70, 71, 72, to which three micro-optical system groups G1, G2, G3, which are formed separately and are preferably spaced apart, are assigned. Each individual light-emitting area 70, 71, 72 is assigned exactly one micro-optical system group G1, G2, G3. Each individual light-emitting region can be controllable, for example switched on and off, independently of the other light-emitting regions of the light source 7. The micro-optical system group G1, G2, G3 assigned to each light-emitting area 70, 71, 72 is preferably arranged in such a way that light generated by the respective light-emitting area 70, 71, 72 is directed onto it directly, ie without on further optically active surfaces, Elements or similar broken, mirrored, redirected or otherwise changing its intensity and / or direction of propagation.

The light-emitting regions 70, 71, 72 can be designed, for example, as semiconductor-based light sources and in particular comprise one or more LED light sources.

With a projection device according to the invention, it is possible, for example, to preferably reduce the sharpness factor (also called "gradient") of a light-dark boundary of a low-beam light distribution or, in general, to adjust the sharpness of a light-dark transition of a light distribution. This has an advantage in particular if a characteristic size of the micro entry optics and the micro exit optics, for example the diameter of their light entry surfaces in the micrometer, is preferably in the submillimeter range. In the case of the optics / lenses of this size, a softening of the gradient (reduction in the sharpness factor) is, for example Common methods, such as applying an optical structure to light exit surfaces of the optics, extremely difficult. The sharpness factor can be reduced by a projection device according to the invention described above.

It should be noted at this point that according to ECE Regulation No. 112 the sharpness factor is currently between 0.13 (minimum sharpness) and 0.40 (maximum sharpness).

In addition, the light modules according to the invention not only enable the gradient to soften statically (see above) but also allow dynamic adjustment, preferably reducing the sharpness factor. Dynamic adjustment means adjustment during operation of the light module. Examples of light modules that enable dynamic adjustment are the light modules with a light source that has a plurality of light-emitting regions, the light-emitting regions being individually controllable, as described above. For example, the lighting devices of the Figures 2a and 3 Examples of the light modules that enable a dynamic adjustment of the sharpness factor are shown. As already mentioned, one or more micro-optical system group (s) can be assigned to a light-emitting area, which can be designed as a semiconductor-based light source, for example. Such a system: light-emitting area and at least one micro-optical system group assigned to the light-emitting area can be set to a predetermined sharpness factor, that is to say be set up to generate a partial light distribution with a light-dark boundary with a predetermined sharpness factor. For example, a light module is conceivable which has three such systems with a sharpness factor of approximately 0.35 and a system with a sharpness factor of approximately 0.19. It has been found that in a state in which all four systems of the light module are switched on, there is a light distribution with a cut-off line with a sharpness factor of approximately 0.28. Furthermore, it has been found that a light module with three systems with a sharpness factor of approximately 0.19 and a system with a sharpness factor of approximately 0.35 has a light distribution with a cut-off line with a sharpness factor of approximately 0. 21 generated when all four systems are turned on. These examples show that a light module with several such systems, which have different sharpness factors, can dynamically adjust - reduce and increase - the light-dark boundary of a light distribution and in general the sharpness of a light-dark transition of a light distribution. Thus, a variable, preferably implement a sharpness factor dependent on the driving situation. This can be an advantage in a wide variety of driving situations. In a dark environment (for example on country roads), a softer (smaller) sharpness factor is advantageous in order to make the cut-off, preferably the cut-off of a low beam, more pleasant. On the other hand, a soft focus factor poses a risk that oncoming traffic and / or pedestrians will be more blinded. In the city with ambient lighting, it can therefore be advantageous to switch to a harder (higher) sharpness factor.

The relative position according to the invention of the optically active edges 320, 320a, 320b, 320c, 320d, 320e to the respective micro exit optics 31 within the intermediate image plane can be calculated as a function of a predetermined gradient. In this way, for example, the gradient (sharpness factor) can be softened in the case of light modules.

In the conventional lighting devices, the gradient can be softened, for example, by applying an optical structure to a lens surface (see, for example WO 2015031924 A1 the applicant). An original (unmodified) light distribution is assumed, which has a light-dark boundary or a light-dark transition with a gradient that needs to be softened. The goal - the softened gradient - is specified. A spreading function is calculated / determined on the basis of this specification. Folding the unmodified light distribution with this scattering function produces modified light distribution that has the gradient softened according to the specification. The spreading function plays the role of a weight function. The scattering function is also used to determine the optical structure - in the case of WO 2015031924 A1 - The shape of individual elevations on the lens surface is calculated. According to this calculation, the optical structure (the individual elevations) is applied to the lens surface.

As already described, the sharpness factor in the present invention can be influenced by different relative positions of the optically active edges 320, 320a, 320b, 320c, 320d, 320e relative to the respective micro exit optics 31. The time-consuming application of the optical structure to lens surfaces (milling such a structure can take up to a day for a lens) is no longer necessary. As with the method described above, a gradient is specified as the target, which is usually less than the gradient of the unmodified light distribution. Based on this A spreading function is calculated / determined by default. This scattering function can now be converted to the relative position of the optically active edges 320, 320a, 320b, 320c, 320d, 320e to the respective micro exit optics 31 within the intermediate image plane for all micro optic system groups G1, G2, G3, so that at the folding of an original (unmodified) light distribution with this scattering function, the light distribution is generated that has the predetermined gradient. The basic idea here is that shifting an optically effective edge relative to the respective micro-exit optics from its zero position (zero position) causes a corresponding shift in the light distribution or the light image, for example depending on an imaging scale. The zero position is understood to mean a position in which the optically effective edge is not shifted to the corresponding micro exit optics and is depicted, for example in the case of a micro low beam distribution, as a non-shifted light-dark boundary. Because there is normally a discrete (finite) number of optically active edges, the folding can be understood as a sum (superimposition) of correspondingly shifted micro-light distributions (micro-high-beam distributions or low-beam distributions).

As already explained, a shift of the micro-aperture relative to the respective micro exit optic represents a shift of the light image depending on the imaging scale. Because of this relationship, the scattering function, which represents a predetermined change in the gradient, can be determined from angular coordinates in the spherical coordinate system ([°]). are converted into Cartesian coordinates [mm]. Based on the representation of the scattering function in Cartesian coordinates, the relative position of the optically active edges 320, 320a, 320b, 320c, 320d, 320e to the respective micro exit optics 31 within the intermediate image plane in each micro-optical system group G1, G2, G3 and the number of micro-optical systems in each micro-optical system group G1, G2, G3 can be determined.

For example, a shift of a light distribution by 2 ° can correspond to a shift of the micro-aperture by 0.06 mm. The intensity values can correspond to the number of micro-optical systems in the respective micro-optical system group G1, G2, G3. This means that the candela weighting factors are converted to a number of different positions.

The reference numbers in the claims serve only for a better understanding of the present inventions and in no way mean a limitation of the present inventions.

As long as it does not necessarily result from the description of one of the above-mentioned embodiments, it is assumed that the described embodiments can be combined with one another as desired. Among other things, this means that the technical features of one embodiment can also be combined individually and independently of one another as desired with the technical features of another embodiment, in order in this way to arrive at a further embodiment of the same invention.

Claims (15)

Projection device (2) for a light module (1) of a motor vehicle headlight, which is formed from a plurality of micro-optic systems (3) arranged in a matrix, each micro-optic system (3) having a micro-entry optic (30), one of the micro-entry optics ( 30) assigned micro exit optics (31) and a micro diaphragm (32), all micro entry optics (30) one entry optics (4), all micro exit optics (31) one exit optics (5) and all micro diaphragms (32) form a diaphragm device (6), the diaphragm device (6) being arranged in a plane that is essentially orthogonal to the main emission direction (Z) of the projection device (2) and the entry optics (4), the exit optics (5) and the diaphragm device (6) are arranged in substantially parallel planes,
characterized in that
the micro-diaphragm (32) of each micro-optical system (3) has an optically effective edge (320, 320a, 320b, 320c, 320d, 320e), the entirety of the micro-optical systems (3) being divided into at least two micro-optical systems Groups (G1, G2, G3) is subdivided, with the micro-optical systems (3) comprising different micro-optical system groups (G1, G2, G3) the optically active edges (320, 320a, 320b, 320c, 320d, 320e) are positioned differently relative to the respective micro exit optics (31) within the intermediate image plane. Projection device according to claim 1, characterized in that for each micro-optical system (3) within the same micro-optical system group (G1, G2, G3) it applies that the optically effective edge (320, 320a, 320b, 320c, 320d, 320e ) the micro-diaphragm (32) is displaced vertically and / or horizontally relative to the micro-exit optics (31) by a distance (h1, h2, h3, h4) and this distance (h1, h2, h3, h4) for everyone Micro-optical systems (3) are the same within the same micro-optical system group (G1, G2, G3), the distance (h1, h2, h3, h4) preferably being about 0 mm to about 0.1 mm, for example about 0, 01 mm to about 0.1 mm, preferably about 0.03 mm to about 0.06 mm. Projection device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the optically active edges (320, 320a, 320b, 320c, 320d, 320e) of at least part of the Micro-optical systems (3) of each micro-optical system group (G1, G2, G3) are designed to generate a continuous horizontal or vertical partial light-dark boundary or a partial light-dark boundary with an asymmetry increase, each such optically effective edge (320, 320a, 320b, 320c, 320d, 320e) preferably for generating a continuously horizontal or vertical micro-light-dark boundary (3200) or a micro-light-dark boundary with an asymmetry increase (3201) is trained. Projection device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the micro-diaphragms (32) of each micro-optical system group (G1, G2, G3) are combined to form a micro-diaphragm group (MG1, MG2) and the Micro-aperture groups (MG1, MG2) are of identical design, each micro-aperture (32) preferably being designed as a plate made of an opaque material with an opening (321, 321a, 321b, 321c, 321d, 321e). Projection device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that in different micro-optical system groups (G1, G2, G3) the micro-entry optics (30) are positioned at the same height relative to the respective micro-exit optics (31) and preferably have a common optical axis. Projection device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that in different micro-optical system groups (G1, G2, G3) the optically active edges (320, 320a, 320b, 320c, 320d, 320e) relative to the respective micro- Entry optics (30) are positioned at the same height, the micro-entry optics (30) preferably having different optical axes relative to the respective micro-exit optics (31), for example vertically and / or horizontally displaced relative to one another. Projection device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the micro-optical systems (3) have an imaging scale of approximately 3 ° per 0.1 mm. Projection device according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the different micro-optical system groups (G1, G2, G3) are formed separately from one another and are preferably spaced apart from one another. Light module (1) for a motor vehicle headlight with a projection device (2) according to one of Claims 1 to 7, and a light source (7), the projection device (2) being arranged downstream of the light source (7) in the direction of light emission and that of the light source (7 ) projected light into an area in front of the light module in the form of a light distribution (8) with a cut-off line (80), the light distribution being formed from a multiplicity of overlapping partial light distributions, each with a cut-off line is, each partial light distribution is formed by exactly one micro-optical system group and the partial light-dark boundaries together form the light-dark boundary (80). Light module for a motor vehicle headlight according to claim 9, characterized in that the partial light-dark boundaries are displaced by an angle to one another along a vertical and / or horizontal, the angle having a value of approximately 0 ° to approximately 3 °, for example of about 1 ° to about 3 °, preferably about 2 °. Light module according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the partial light-dark borders are substantially straight, for example vertical or horizontal, or have an asymmetry increase. Light module according to one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that the light source (7) is set up to generate collimated light. Light module according to one of Claims 9 to 11, characterized in that the light source (7) comprises a light-collimating optical element (9) and a preferably semiconductor-based lighting element (10), for example an LED light source, upstream of the light-collimating optical element (9), wherein the light-collimating optical element (9) is, for example, a collimator or a light-collimating front lens or a TIR lens. Light module according to one of Claims 9 to 13, characterized in that the light source (7) has at least two light-emitting regions (70, 71, 72), each individual light-emitting region being controllable, for example independently of the other light-emitting regions of the light source (7) can be switched on and off, and each light-emitting area (70, 71, 72) is assigned at least one, preferably exactly one, micro-optical system group (G1, G2, G3) in such a way that the respective light-emitting area (70, 71, 72) generated light directly and only the micro-optical system group (G1, G2, G3) assigned to this light-emitting area (70, 71, 72). Motor vehicle headlight with at least one light module according to one of claims 9 to 14.

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