DE102008013603B4 - Light module for a lighting device - Google Patents

Abstract

Light module for an illumination device of a motor vehicle with a plurality of semiconductor light sources (11) arranged in a matrix, wherein in the beam path of the light emitted by the semiconductor light sources (11) a projection lens arrangement (17) is arranged, which projects the light to a roadway in front of the motor vehicle to achieve a desired light distribution in that the light module in the beam path between the semiconductor light sources (11) and the projection lens arrangement (17) has an optical array (13) with a plurality of optical elements (12) arranged in a matrix, which influences the light emitted by the semiconductor light sources (11) in such a way that in the light exit direction (16) after the projection lens arrangement (17) results in a homogenized light distribution, characterized in that the semiconductor light sources (11) are arranged on a common carrier element and in that a plurality of semiconductor light sources (11) in a central region (30; 43) arranged in a matrix and other semiconductor light sources (11) in a plurality around the central region (30; 43) are arranged, wherein the semiconductor light sources (11) in the central region (30; 43) are each separately controllable and wherein - the semiconductor light sources (11) in the central region (30) in a smaller locking dimension are arranged as the semiconductor light sources (11) in the edge regions (31); or - the semiconductor light sources (11) in the individual edge regions (41, 42) can each be controlled only in groups.

Description

The present invention relates to a light module for a lighting device of a motor vehicle having a plurality of semiconductor light sources arranged in the form of a matrix according to the preamble of claim 1.

Such a light module is, for example, by the DE 103 14 524 A1 or the WO 2006/016327 A2 disclosed.

Conventional lighting devices in motor vehicles have a single light-emitting element (eg halogen or gas discharge lamps) for generating a specific light function (eg low beam, high beam, fog light, city light, motorway light, high street light, etc.). Through the development of high-power semiconductor light sources (LEDs), which also emit white light, semiconductor light sources can also be used in lighting devices for the same light functions. In order to achieve the necessary light intensity, however, several semiconductor light sources must be used. These are arranged side by side in the illumination device in the manner of a matrix in general.

The light distribution produced by the illumination device is composed of a plurality of images of the LEDs arranged side by side in the vertical and / or horizontal direction. Distances between the LEDs inevitably lead to darker lines between the images of the individual LEDs in the known LED lighting devices. Overall, the light distribution achieved can have inhomogeneities, in particular an interfering grid structure, for larger distances between the LEDs. To prevent this, an attempt is made to arrange the LEDs as close together as possible. However, this leads to a problem in contacting the LEDs, in particular the LEDs arranged in the interior of the matrix, that is to say not at the edge of the matrix, since the supply lines must necessarily be routed between the LEDs on the edge to the LEDs arranged in the interior of the matrix. Contacting via the rear side of the LEDs is only possible with low-power LED arrays. For high-power LEDs, however, a contact via the back of the LEDs is not possible because the high-power LEDs require the arrangement of a relatively large heat sink for heat removal at the back of the LEDs. To provide this with feedthroughs for the leads and a corresponding contacting of the LEDs would be too expensive and expensive.

From the DE 10 2005 014 953 A1 a lighting device for a motor vehicle is known, which has a plurality of LEDs arranged matrix-like, through which the apron of the motor vehicle is illuminated with a high beam distribution. The high beam distribution is composed of several juxtaposed and complementary images of the LEDs together. The LEDs can be controlled individually so that individual images or the corresponding parts of the illumination volume can be specifically removed from the light distribution. In particular, those images or those parts of the illumination volume are taken out where there are oncoming traffic participants. The position of the oncoming road users is determined by means of suitable sensors. In this way, a glare-free high beam can be realized. This type of light distribution is also referred to as Teilfernlicht. Also in the case of the illumination device known from this publication, the contacting or activation and / or power supply of the LEDs arranged in the interior of the matrix is problematic.

Also from the DE 101 29 743 A1 is a vehicle headlamp with a plurality of matrix-like LEDs is known. The LEDs are positioned in a plane passing through the focal point of a condenser lens. The converging lens collimates (parallelises) the diverging light beams emitted by the LEDs. The parallelized light is then passed through a diffuser, which generates a desired, homogenized light distribution, that is, with as far as possible attenuated grating structure due to the distances between the LEDs, in the light exit direction of the illumination device. The emitted light of the individual semiconductor light sources is thus imaged directly on the converging lens and the desired, homogenized light distribution is achieved through the use of an additional diffuser. By the diffuser, however, the light intensity of the light distribution is reduced. In addition, the contacting or control and / or power supply of the LEDs arranged in the interior of the matrix is also problematic in the case of the illumination device known from this document. Due to the large emission cone of the LEDs, light is lost past the lens.

From the DE 10 2006 020 961 A1 Light Modules for a lighting device of a motor vehicle are known in which a plurality of semiconductor light sources are combined to form a component with a common carrier element and in which the optical elements of the optical array are attached to the component.

Based on the described prior art, the present invention is therefore based on the object of designing and / or further developing a light module for a lighting device such that on the one hand a homogenized light distribution generated with minimal loss of luminous flux and on the other hand, the light module mechanically simple, robust and thus can be realized inexpensively.

• – die Halbleiterlichtquellen in dem zentralen Bereich in einem kleineren Rastmaß angeordnet sind als die Halbleiterlichtquellen in den Randbereichen; oder
• – die Halbleiterlichtquellen in den einzelnen Randbereichen jeweils nur gruppenweise ansteuerbar sind.

To solve the problem, a light module is proposed with the features of claim 1. In particular, it is proposed that the semiconductor light sources of the light module are arranged on a common carrier element and that a plurality of semiconductor light sources are arranged in a matrix-like manner in a central region and other semiconductor light sources are arranged in a plurality of around the central region arranged edge regions, wherein the semiconductor light sources in the central region in each case separately are controllable and where

• - The semiconductor light sources are arranged in the central region in a smaller detent than the semiconductor light sources in the edge regions; or
• - The semiconductor light sources in the individual edge areas are each only controlled in groups.

The optical array is introduced as an additional optical element in the beam path of the emitted light from the semiconductor light sources. The individual optical elements of the optical array serve to influence the course of the emitted light of each individual semiconductor light source in such a way that it emerges collimated on the light exit side of the optical elements. "Collimating" is understood to mean that the light beams of the respective considered light source are parallelized or, better still, that the emission cone of the light source is narrowed and changed in such a way that it well illuminates the lens arrangement following the optical path in question after the relevant optical element. The light emitted by the almost punctiform LEDs is ideally widened to its entire light exit surface by each optical element of the optical array. Each element of the optical array thus emits a homogenized single light distribution, whereby the individual light distributions of the LEDs widened by the optical array lie very close to one another, so that overall the impression of a particularly homogeneous total light distribution arises. The light exit surfaces of the optical elements are projected by the projection lens on the roadway in front of the vehicle, where each separate areas of the total light distribution of the light module are generated by the individual projections.

It is suggested to take appropriate measures on the light module so that the light emitted by the LEDs is directed into the area between the images (where previously the grating lines were visible). The images of the individual LEDs are thus expanded so far that adjoin adjacent images in the light distribution particularly close to each other, so that no or possibly even a greatly attenuated grid structure in the light distribution can be seen. This can be achieved, for example, in that the optical elements or the light exit surfaces of the optical elements are intentionally arranged outside the focal point or a focal plane of the projection lens arrangement (defocusing). Alternatively, this can also be achieved by structuring the surface of the projection lens in a targeted manner, so that a targeted scattering of the light passing through the lens in the region of the structured surface occurs. Finally, it is also conceivable to arrange an additional optical system, preferably a common additional optical system for all optical elements, in the beam path of the partial light beams emitted by the optical elements.

By means of the present invention, it is possible to arrange the LEDs in the matrix at relatively large distances relative to one another, since, thanks to the optical elements of the optical array, even larger areas between the LEDs are illuminated particularly well and hardly or even not detect grid lines in the light distribution are. Due to the larger distances between the individual LEDs of the matrix, the contacting or control and / or power supply of the LEDs, in particular of the LEDs arranged in the interior of the matrix, is significantly facilitated. As a result, on the one hand a particularly homogeneous light distribution can be achieved and on the other hand, the individual LEDs are particularly good to contact. The light module according to the invention is particularly well suited to the realization of the partial high beam.

According to an advantageous development of the invention, it is proposed that each semiconductor light source is assigned an optical element of the optical array. Due to the matrix-like structure of both the light source and the optical array, the structure of the light module can be standardized or modularized particularly well. In this case, preferably both the semiconductor light sources of the LED matrix and the optical elements of the optical array form a separately manageable unit. This results in a low adjustment effort between light sources and the optical array after assembly of the light module. It is only necessary to adjust the one optical array with the optical elements to the one LED matrix with the semiconductor light sources and not many individual optics to the many individual semiconductor light sources. This makes the light module in production and assembly particularly cost. In addition, this measure results in a better thermal.

It is conceivable that each semiconductor light source is assigned its own optical element of the optical array. According to a preferred embodiment, however, it is proposed that at least some of the semiconductor light sources are assigned a common optical element of the optical array. This means that the emitted light of several semiconductor light sources is picked up, deflected and collimated by a single optical element. This also reduces the manufacturing and assembly costs and thus also the cost of the light module. It is conceivable to produce those regions of the light distribution with particularly high luminous intensity (or with a particularly high luminous flux) by means of a plurality of LEDs, the light of which is coupled into an optical element which is dimensioned similarly to the dimensions, like the other optical elements of the optical array, which typically only pick up light from an LED. That is, the image in the overall light distribution produced by a plurality of LEDs and an optical element has a higher light intensity (more light per solid angle) than other images generated by an LED and an optical element. The size of the emitting LED area has a similar effect as the number of emitter areas on the light intensity generated by an optical element in the total light distribution.

Of course, it is also conceivable to form the light exit surface of the optical element, which receives light from a plurality of LEDs, correspondingly larger than the light exit surface of conventional optical elements which receive only light from an LED. As a result, the optical element with the larger light exit surface achieves approximately the same light intensity as the optical elements which receive light only from one LED. This can save effort and costs in the production and installation of the light module. However, due to the larger light exit surface, the angular resolution in the light distribution is worse.

Several semiconductor light sources of the light module are combined to form a component with a common carrier element. This also makes the light module particularly easy to manufacture and easy to install and thus inexpensive and favors the modular design of the light module. It is conceivable for one or more optical elements of the optical array to be arranged in front of the LEDs of the component and fastened to the component. The component is thus a separately manageable unit comprising a plurality of light sources and the associated optical elements of the optical array. The light module can then be composed of several of the components.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is proposed that the optical elements of the optical array each have a reflector and / or that the optical elements of the optical array each have a lens and / or that the optical elements of the optical array each have a lens attachment that the of the Semiconductor light sources emit emitted light by total reflection at the side surfaces. A combination of reflector, lens and / or intent optics within an optical array is conceivable. Depending on the intended use in a lighting device, this advantageously makes it possible to shape the light distribution with regard to contour and luminous intensity, adapted to the different requirements of the light module. Thus, for example, it is possible to direct the light of the light module for optimum illumination of a side edge of the roadway on which the vehicle travels (right-hand side of the road in right-hand traffic) by selecting appropriately designed optical elements in the direction of the side edge. This means that elements of the optical array can, in addition to the above-mentioned collimating properties, also have a beam-shaping character.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, it is proposed that the optical elements of the optical array have a greater light exit surface than a light entry surface, so that the optical elements adjoin one another at least in sections at the light exit surfaces. This ensures that the distances between the light exit surfaces of the individual elements of the optical array are minimal, whereby a particularly homogeneous overall light distribution can be achieved. Preferably, the light exit surfaces of adjacent optical elements adjoin one another at least in sections. A special light scattering in the optical elements of the optical array ensures that the boundary lines between the elements of the optical array are blurred.

In order to optimize the illumination of the projection lens by the emerging from the optical elements partial light beam and thus the homogenization of the total light beam of the light module, it is further proposed that the optical axes of the semiconductor light sources and the optical axes of the optical elements targeted to each other and / or to an optical Axis of the overall system (or an optical axis of the projection lens) are inclined. The degree and the direction of the inclination of the optical axes of the semiconductor light sources and / or the optical axes of the optical elements may be identical or different.

To realize the partial high beam, one or more LEDs can be selectively deactivated or controlled in such a way that they emit light emit lower light intensity. The deactivated LEDs in particular hide portions of the overall light distribution in which other road users, in particular road users in oncoming vehicles, have been detected. For the detection of other road users suitable sensors can be used, which are part of the vehicle having the illumination device with the light module according to the invention, or part of other vehicles, in particular the oncoming vehicle. In addition, a control unit for receiving and processing of the sensor signals and for driving the LEDs is required. Such activation of the LEDs of the illumination device is used to generate an adaptive light distribution, in particular a so-called partial-beam light. In this case, the illumination device constantly emits a high beam distribution, wherein the areas of light distribution in which other road users were detected, specifically darkened or completely disabled to avoid dazzling the other road users.

Preferably, the light exit surfaces of the individual optical elements are square. Of course, differently shaped, such. As rectangular, hexagonal, diamond-shaped or trapezoidal light exit surfaces, but also round or rounded light exit surfaces, and mixtures and / or mixed forms are selected from all possible forms. However, quadrangular shapes are particularly preferred. The light exit surfaces lie as far as possible in a common plane perpendicular to an optical axis of the light module. As a result, a largely gapless, geometrically structured light exit surface of the optical array is achieved.

The enlargement of the light exit surfaces of the optical elements of the optical array with respect to the light entry surfaces also offers the possibility to arrange the LEDs at a greater distance from each other and to use the gap between the semiconductor light sources on the support element for laying of Kontaktierungsleitungen. Therefore, it is additionally proposed that a plurality of semiconductor light sources of the light module are each separately electrically actuated. The existing gaps between the semiconductor light sources offer the possibility to pass electrical conductors between the semiconductor light sources to each electrically supply each individual semiconductor light source, in particular in the middle of the matrix, resulting in the realization of individual settings of the LEDs, such as in the realization of a adaptive light distribution or a Teilfernlicht required. In particular, the realization of these light functions requires multi-row semiconductor light source arrangements with many matrix-like semiconductor light sources, on the one hand to obtain a necessary light intensity for illuminating the road ahead of the motor vehicle and on the other hand, a finely subdivided distribution of images of the individual LEDs in the light distribution (as small as possible Rastmaß or the highest possible number of pixels) in front of the motor vehicle. The small locking measure or a low angular resolution is required in order to be able to darken or deactivate certain areas in the light distribution.

Of course, if required, in addition to the separate electrical supply of the individual semiconductor light sources, a plurality of preferably adjacent semiconductor light sources can also be supplied and controlled with only one electrical supply. Here, groups of LEDs are controlled together, that is dimmed or deactivated.

In another conceivable application, the invention offers the possibility of a manual or automatic activation (eg in the case of low beam or fog light) or deactivation (eg in the case of high beam) or switching the light-dark boundary from right to left traffic and vice versa.

Furthermore, it is conceivable that the detent dimension of the semiconductor light sources arranged in the form of a matrix and / or the optical elements of the optical array varies. That is, the density of the arrangement of the semiconductor light sources and / or the optical elements may vary, so that different light intensities and / or angular resolutions can be achieved, at least in certain areas of the light distribution. Thus, for example, it is possible for more semiconductor light sources to be arranged on a defined area in a central area of the LED matrix than on the same area in an outer area of the LED matrix. The arrangement is further designed so that the matrix-like and modular structure of the arrangement is maintained.

With the present invention, it is possible to realize an optimized partial high beam in a simple and cost effective manner. Advantages of the light module according to the invention are in particular in the larger contact spaces between the semiconductor light sources or the LED arrays, in the homogeneity of the overall light distribution and the high efficiency of the light module. The system also does not require any moving mechanical parts.

Hereinafter, advantageous embodiments of the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the drawings. Show it:

1 a schematic representation of the essential parts of a light module according to the invention according to a preferred embodiment;

2 a schematic representation of a possible embodiment of an optical array of the light module according to the invention according to a first preferred embodiment;

3 a schematic representation of another possible embodiment of an optical array of the light module according to the invention according to a second preferred embodiment;

4 a schematic representation of another possible embodiment of an optical array of the light module according to the invention according to a third preferred embodiment;

5 a schematic representation of a possible arrangement of semiconductor light sources in the light module according to the invention according to a first preferred embodiment;

6 a schematic representation of another possible arrangement of semiconductor light sources in the light module according to a first preferred embodiment;

7 a schematic representation of a section of a light distribution of a known from the prior art light module;

8th a schematic representation of a picture of an optical element of the light module in the total light distribution of the light module; and

9 a schematic representation of a section of a light distribution of a light module according to the invention.

Detailed description

1 shows the essential parts of a light module according to the invention for a light source equipped with semiconductor light sources for motor vehicles. The lighting device is designed as a headlight. The illustrated light module is arranged alone or together with other light modules according to the reflection or projection principle in a housing of the headlamp. The light module comprises a matrix-like arrangement of semiconductor light sources (LEDs) 11 , which are usually on a support element, for example. A printed circuit board (not shown), arranged and electrically contacted. The LEDs are arranged in a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns, preferably in more than two rows and more than two columns, so that LEDs are present in the interior of the matrix, which can not be easily contacted from the outside. Rather, the electrical leads for the LEDs inside the matrix must be passed through spaces between the LEDs arranged outside.

In light exit direction 16 after the semiconductor light sources 11 is an optic array 13 comprising a plurality of likewise matrix-like arranged optical elements 12 arranged. The LEDs 11 is preferably in each case an optical element 12 associated with which the emitted light of the semiconductor light source 11 shaped. Of course, it is also possible that a plurality of semiconductor light sources 11 a single optical element 12 are assigned (grouping). The entire optic array 13 is preferably modular. That means that several optical elements 12 to submodules of the optical array 13 can be summarized; preferably all optical elements 12 of the optic array 13 combined into a single module.

Every optical element 12 is configured such that it has a light entrance surface 14 in the light exit direction 16 such after the semiconductor light source 11 It is arranged that it covers all or a majority of the LED 11 absorbs emitted light. A light exit surface 15 of the optical element 12 is larger than the light entry surface 14 educated. The optical element 12 expands from the semiconductor light source 11 emitted light beam and generates a collimated light beam, which is the optical element 12 through the light exit surface 15 in the light exit direction 16 leaves.

The light exit surface 15 preferably has a rectangular, in particular a square shape. Of course, the light exit surface 15 also triangular, diamond-shaped or differently shaped. The light exit surfaces 15 the optical elements 12 of the optic array 13 preferably extend perpendicular to an optical axis (or to the light exit direction 16 ). In the optics array 13 border the light exit surfaces 15 the individual optical elements 12 laterally adjacent to each other so that the light exit surfaces 15 of the entire optical array 13 a uniform, geometrically structured surface with the smallest possible distances between the individual optical elements 12 form.

By the above-described embodiment of the optical elements 12 with small light entrance area 14 and large light exit surface 15 can with adjacent light exit surfaces 15 the LEDs 11 be arranged at a relatively large distance from each other. This is advantageous because the leads for the LEDs in the interior of the matrix passed through the larger distances easily can be. This makes it possible for any semiconductor light source 11 , especially the LEDs 11 inside the matrix, can be powered separately and controlled. The common electrical supply and control of LED groups comprising several LEDs 11 Of course, it is possible to use common supply lines. The greater distance between the LEDs also results in improved temperature characteristics of the LED matrix, so that the LED cooling can be simplified or made smaller.

In light exit direction 16 is the optic array 13 a projection lens 17 downstream of which the of the optics array 13 shaped, collimated light beam projected to produce a desired, the legal requirements corresponding light distribution on the road ahead of the motor vehicle. The Lens 17 can - as in 1 shown - consist of a part or be composed of several lens elements or segments. The total light distribution of the light module is preferably a traditional high beam distribution when all semiconductor light sources 11 are activated.

Despite the arrangements of the LEDs 11 at a relatively large distance from each other, the light distribution achieved by the light module according to the invention is particularly homogeneous, that is uniform, and in particular has no dark, little or no illuminated line-shaped regions which give the light distribution a lattice structure. The areas of the light distribution illuminated by the light of the individual LEDs are without the optical array 13 spatially relatively narrow, so that a greater distance between the LEDs relative to each other also leads to a distance between the images of the LEDs in the light distribution or to clearly visible, dark or poorly lit grid lines between the images. This phenomenon, which is known in the prior art light modules without optics array 13 results in is 7 shown. 7 shows a section of a known light module, such as, for example, in the DE 101 29 743 A1 described generated light distribution with several juxtaposed images 50 the LEDs 11 , where the individual pictures 50 to complement the light distribution of the light module. An LED 11 which the picture 51 would generate, is disabled, so instead of the figure 51 a dark area is visible. It can be clearly seen that due to the distance between the LEDs 11 disturbing dark grid lines 52 between the individual pictures 50 the LEDs 11 are visible. The light distribution has clear inhomogeneities. This problem is with the light module according to the invention thanks to the optical array 13 solved.

The 2 . 3 and 4 show three examples of possibilities of an embodiment of the optical array 13 , or the individual optical elements 12 , The optical elements 12 All three described embodiments have both collimating and beam shaping properties, so that at the light exit surface 15 every optical element 12 gives a homogenized light distribution. 2 shows the optics array 13 as a reflector array. That means every optical element 12 as a reflector 20 is formed, that of the semiconductor light sources 11 emitted light collimated by reflection and the collimated light beam from the rectangular light exit surface 15 sending out. The reflectors 20 are arranged in several columns and rows like a matrix. Of course, the individual reflectors 20 or their light exit surfaces 15 also other than rectangular, for example. Triangular or diamond-shaped, formed and / or offset from each other.

3 shows the optics array 13 as an array of several matrix-like juxtaposed and superposed intent optics 22 , An intentional optics 22 consists of a massive, translucent material, especially plastic. The collimation takes place in the attachment optics 22 by total reflection at the interfaces between the optical material and the ambient air. Of course, the individual attachment optics 22 or their light exit surfaces 15 also other than rectangular, for example, round, elliptical, triangular or diamond-shaped, formed and / or offset from each other.

In the embodiment of 4 are the visual elements 12 of the optic array 13 as a combination of a reflector 24 and one in the light exit direction 16 after the reflector 24 arranged lens 25 educated. Several of these reflector-lens combination elements 24 . 25 are arrayed as an array next to and above each other. The emitted light of each semiconductor light source 11 is here in the reflector 24 preformed and then through the lens 25 finally collimated. Of course, the individual reflector-lens combination elements 24 . 25 or their light exit surfaces 15 also other than rectangular, for example. Triangular or diamond-shaped, formed and / or offset from each other.

5 shows a schematic representation of a possible arrangement of semiconductor light sources 11 in the light module according to the invention. The points shown in 5 represent the positioning points of the semiconductor light sources 11 a support element on which the LEDs 11 are arranged, for example. In the form of a circuit board, can plan or be vaulted designed. Thus, the optical image can be optimized.

In a middle area 30 the arrangement 5 are the semiconductor light sources 11 packed closer than in the two lateral areas 31 , Since in the light distribution generated by the light module, the images of the individual LEDs 11 are arranged side by side and complement each other to the light distribution, leads the finer detent dimension of the LEDs 11 in the middle area 30 to an improvement in the angular resolution in the light distribution, that is, the individual images of the LEDs 11 in the light distribution are smaller, so that the contour of the light distribution can be varied more precisely and finely. This is important, for example, in the case of partial remote light, where individual areas of the light distribution are darkened or completely shaded to prevent dazzling oncoming road users. These areas can be set more precisely or with higher resolution thanks to higher angular resolution. The improved angular resolution can also be important in the case of dipped-beam illumination since the upper light-dark boundary, in particular the obliquely rising section of the light-dark boundary, can be set more precisely or with a higher resolution. The middle area 30 In the real scene in front of the vehicle, above all, it also covers the long range, where the vehicles and objects to be hidden from the main beam have a small angular extent from the driver's point of view, so that the finer detent dimension makes sense.

In addition, the finer detent dimension of the LEDs 11 also be used to produce sections in the light distribution with higher light intensity. Because in the area 30 the same LEDs 11 as in the area 31 illuminate a smaller section, the light intensity is stronger in these sections than in the LEDs 11 of the area 31 illuminated sections. By a variation of the locking dimension of the LEDs 11 Thus, the light distribution with regard to light intensity distribution can be adapted to the legal requirements and / or customer specifications.

6 shows a second schematic representation of a possible arrangement of semiconductor light sources 11 in the light module according to the invention. Here are the semiconductor light sources 11 distributed in the same Rastmaß over the entire area lattice-like, but there are several semiconductor light sources 11 on a component (carrier element) of the light module summarized. 6 shows four columnar arrangements 41 each of five semiconductor light sources 11 and a line-shaped arrangement 42 of four LEDs 11 , In a central area 43 are the semiconductor light sources 11 not summarized, but arranged individually. The summaries of several LEDs 11 allow on the one hand a common supply of electrical power supply and control lines for the individual components and on the other hand, the realization of different modules, a module with a semiconductor light sources 11 equipped component and a plurality, preferably similar optical elements 12 includes. One aspect here is that it makes sense to hide in the side areas and in the run-up to the light distribution larger areas of the high beam distribution, including the areas 41 and 42 especially good.

Due to manufacturing technology, the light distribution of the light modules known from the prior art is due to the arrangement of the LEDs 11 at a distance relative to each other in the 7 illustrated dark grid lines between the individual pictures 50 the LEDs 11 , To avoid these gridlines 52 between the pictures 51 the LEDs 11 are according to the present invention, the optical elements 12 of the optic array 13 such that it causes a blurring or mixing of the emitted light from adjacent semiconductor light sources 11 comes. However, it is only a relatively small "crosstalk" allowed, otherwise under certain circumstances in the darkened areas 51 from the neighboring pictures 50 even so much light would come that a dazzling oncoming road users can not be ruled out with certainty. The maximum crosstalk angle should be well below the angular diameter of a single optical element 12 lie, otherwise deliberately deactivated or limited in their light intensity semiconductor light sources would be blended. This effect is of course undesirable in the realization, for example, of the partial high beam. The maximum crosstalk angle is for example in the range of about 0.23 °.

To achieve a homogenization of the semiconductor light sources 11 emitted light, it is necessary that the optical elements 12 of the optic array 13 that from the LEDs 11 emitted light in the lateral areas of the pictures 50 and especially in the corners of the pictures 50 to steer. For this purpose, it is proposed according to the present invention that the optical elements 12 and the projection lens arrangement 17 are formed such that each optical element 12 in cooperation with the projection lens arrangement 17 a separate area 50 the total light distribution of the light module generated. The total light distribution is made up of the individual separate areas 50 together. Each separate area 50 has a central core area 60 and a border area 61 on. The core area 60 is from a single optical element 12 illuminated approximately evenly, where "evenly" may mean "nearly constant" or "with slight continuous increase or decrease in one direction". The separate areas 50 adjacent optical elements 12 borders in their peripheral areas 61 in such a way to one another or overlap specifically at least partially that results in a homogenized total light distribution of the light module. Single contiguous areas 50 . 50 ' . 50 '' are in 8th exemplified.

The optical elements 12 are preferably focused in such a way to the focal point or to the focal plane of the projection lens 17 arranged that the border areas 61 . 61 ' . 61 '' be generated radially and into the edge areas 61 . 61 ' . 61 '' adjacent separate areas 50 . 50 ' . 50 '' extend into it. Alternatively or additionally, the at least partial superimposition of the edge regions 61 . 61 ' . 61 '' by a targeted structuring of the projection lens arrangement 17 is formed. Finally, it is suggested that the extent of the edge area 61 . 61 ' . 61 '' one of an optical element 12 generated separate area 50 . 50 ' . 50 '' through a light exit direction 16 after the optical elements 12 specifically introduced into the beam path additional optics 25 is determined. The additional optic is preferably designed as an optical waveguide plate.

To the illumination of the projection lens 17 through the out of the optical elements 12 emerging partial light beam and thus to optimize the homogenization of the total light beam of the light module, it is further proposed that the optical axes 62 the semiconductor light sources 11 and the optical axes 63 the optical elements 12 targeted to each other and / or to an optical axis 16 of the entire system (or an optical axis of the projection lens 17 ) are inclined. The degree and direction of the inclination of the optical axes 62 the individual semiconductor light sources 11 and / or the optical axes 63 the optical elements 12 can be the same or different.

In 9 is a schematic representation of a section of a light distribution of the light module according to the invention shown. It can be seen particularly well that the light distribution has a significantly less pronounced grid line structure than the light distribution of a known light module (cf. 7 ). In particular, the grid lines 52 between the individual pictures 50 the LEDs 11 very thin and weak and barely recognizable in the overall light distribution. The thin grid lines 52 were in 9 only to illustrate the difference to the state of the art (cf. 7 ) to clarify. In practice, a grid line structure in the overall light distribution of the light module according to the invention can not be seen.

Claims (17)

Light module for a lighting device of a motor vehicle with a plurality of semiconductor light sources arranged in the form of a matrix ( 11 ), wherein in the beam path of the semiconductor light sources ( 11 ) emitted light, a projection lens arrangement ( 17 ) is arranged, which projects the light to achieve a desired distribution of light on a roadway in front of the motor vehicle, wherein the light module in the beam path between the semiconductor light sources ( 11 ) and the projection lens arrangement ( 17 ) an optical array ( 13 ) with a plurality of optical elements arranged in the form of a matrix ( 12 ) provided by the semiconductor light sources ( 11 ) emitted light in such a way that in the light exit direction ( 16 ) after the projection lens arrangement ( 17 ) gives a homogenized light distribution, characterized in that the semiconductor light sources ( 11 ) are arranged on a common carrier element and that a plurality of semiconductor light sources ( 11 ) in a central area ( 30 ; 43 ) are arranged like a matrix and other semiconductor light sources ( 11 ) in several around the central area ( 30 ; 43 ) arranged edge areas ( 31 ; 41 . 42 ) are arranged, wherein the semiconductor light sources ( 11 ) in the central area ( 30 ; 43 ) are each separately controllable and wherein - the semiconductor light sources ( 11 ) in the central area ( 30 ) are arranged in a smaller detent dimension than the semiconductor light sources ( 11 ) in the peripheral areas ( 31 ); or the semiconductor light sources ( 11 ) in the individual border areas ( 41 . 42 ) are each only groupwise controllable. Light module according to claim 1, characterized in that each semiconductor light source ( 11 ) an optical element ( 12 ) of the optical array ( 13 ) assigned. Light module according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a plurality of semiconductor light sources ( 11 ) a common optical element ( 12 ) is assigned to the optical array. Light module according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the optical elements ( 12 ) of the optical array ( 13 ) each have a reflector ( 20 ) exhibit. Light module according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the optical elements ( 12 ) of the optical array ( 13 ) one lens each ( 25 ) exhibit. Light module according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the optical elements ( 12 ) of the optical array ( 13 ) in each case one attachment optics ( 22 ), that of the Semiconductor light sources ( 11 ) emit emitted light at least partially by total reflection at the side surfaces. Light module according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the optical elements ( 12 ) of the optical array ( 13 ) one opposite a light entry surface ( 14 ) larger light exit surface ( 15 ), so that the optical elements ( 12 ) at the light exit surfaces ( 15 ) adjoin one another. Light module according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the optical elements ( 12 ) and the projection lens arrangement ( 17 ) are formed such that each optical element ( 12 ) in cooperation with the projection lens arrangement ( 17 ) a separate area ( 50 ) of the total light distribution of the light module, wherein the total light distribution from the individual separate areas ( 50 ) and wherein each separate area ( 50 ) a core area ( 60 ) derived from a single optical element ( 12 ) is approximately evenly illuminated, and a peripheral area ( 61 ), the separate areas ( 50 ) of adjacent optical elements ( 12 ) in their peripheral areas ( 61 ) adjoin one another or at least partially overlap such that a homogenized overall light distribution of the light module results. Light module according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the total light distribution corresponds to a traditional high beam distribution when all semiconductor light sources ( 11 ) are active. Light module according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the extension of the edge region ( 61 ) one of an optical element ( 12 ) generated separate area ( 50 ) is determined by a targeted defocusing. Light module according to claim 10, characterized in that the light exit surface ( 15 ) of the optical elements ( 12 ) at least partially outside a focal plane of the projection lens arrangement ( 17 ) is arranged. Light module according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the extension of the edge region ( 61 ) one of an optical element ( 12 ) generated separate area ( 50 ) by a targeted structuring of the projection lens arrangement ( 17 ) is determined. Light module according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the extension of the edge region ( 61 ) one of an optical element ( 12 ) generated separate area ( 50 ) by a light exit direction after the optical elements ( 12 ) specifically introduced into the beam path additional optics ( 25 ) is determined. Light module according to claim 13, characterized in that the additional optics ( 25 ) is formed as an optical waveguide plate. Light module according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the optical axes of at least a part of the semiconductor light sources ( 11 ) relative to an optical axis of the projection lens arrangement ( 17 ) are inclined in a targeted manner. Light module according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the optical axes of at least a part of the optical elements ( 12 ) relative to an optical axis of the projection lens arrangement ( 17 ) are inclined in a targeted manner. Light module according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the optical axes of at least a part of the semiconductor light sources ( 11 ) relative to the optical axes of the optical elements ( 12 ) are inclined in a targeted manner.

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