EP3239594B1 - Auxiliary lens for a light source for producing a branched illuminating surface - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to an optical attachment for a light source for generating a branched luminous surface.

In addition, the invention relates to a light module for a motor vehicle headlight, which light module comprises at least one light source and an attachment lens of the attachment lens of the initially mentioned type assigned to at least one light source.

In addition, the invention relates to a motor vehicle headlight with such a light module or with a lens attachment mentioned at the beginning.

The invention also relates to a motor vehicle with at least one motor vehicle headlight of this type.

Design aspects in modern vehicle construction are becoming more and more important. When developing new designs of, for example, motor vehicle headlights and / or their components (for example light modules or other components), functional aspects must not be neglected. Particularly in the case of secondary light functions, such as signal light functions (daytime running lights, position lights and direction indicators), it is possible to implement the light modules in a wide variety of technical ways due to the few legally prescribed standards for the light image generated by a corresponding light module (e.g. signal light module). The shape and appearance of such light modules often give a motor vehicle an appearance which clearly indicates the manufacturer of this motor vehicle.

The use of light guides to produce linearly extended, branched luminous surfaces has proven particularly useful in practice. It is known that the light guides can be bent or curved to a certain extent, without the emergence of light at the bending point or in the curved sections. In addition, it is possible to let the light exit from a light guide in a targeted manner at one or more specified point (s). If the light occurs, for example, at several points on a curved light guide, it occurs for an observer the impression of a homogeneously glowing, curved, uninterrupted line. A disadvantage of using the light guides is that they are made in one piece. For this reason, for example, a light guide or a light guide arrangement is developed and manufactured for each signal light module, which can only be used to a very limited extent, if at all, for other signal light modules. Another known disadvantage of light guides is that they can only be bent or curved to a certain extent. Above a certain angle or radius of curvature, large light losses can occur at the bending point or in the curved section as a result of light escaping from the light guide. This often has the consequence that the desired luminous impression, for example a homogeneously luminous, curved thin strip, is no longer achieved. One possible measure to counter the problem is not to bend the light guide. However, this very often means that the light module in which the light guide is used requires a larger installation space and therefore cannot take into account the installation space requirements GB 2 365 962 A , DE 10 2015 106422 A1 and DE 20 2014 000665 U1 disclose prior art attachment optics.

The object of the present invention is therefore to create an attachment lens that eliminates the above-mentioned disadvantages of the prior art and provides an attachment lens, for example for a motor vehicle headlight module, which can be constructed in a modular manner, can be bent at will and essentially without loss of light and makes a homogeneous light impression on the observer when light passes through the ancillary optics.

The object is achieved according to the invention with an optical attachment mentioned at the beginning in that the optical attachment comprises at least a plurality of light-guiding optical elements, each light-guiding optical element having a light entry area, a light exit area and a lateral surface, the lateral surface connecting the light entry area and the light exit area, the light exit area connecting the light entry area opposite and is assigned to a light exit surface, which light exit surface is delimited by a circumferential delimitation line, the delimitation line adjoining the light exit area, and the optical elements are strung together in such a way that the light exit surfaces of all optical elements lie in a common, essentially flat surface, with each optical element having a number (one, two or more) of nearest neighbors (nearest neighbor elements), its boundary line being a Number (one, two or more) of sections which are each assigned to a section of the boundary line of a nearest neighbor, sections assigned to one another lying against one another and having curves corresponding to one another.

A "substantially planar surface" is understood to mean a surface that can also be curved / arched, the variable characterizing this curvature / arching (eg a radius of curvature) being large or small compared to a characteristic variable, for example the diameter of the Light exit surface of the optical element, for example the radius of curvature / the curvature is large / small compared to the diameter of the light exit surface of the optical element.

The term “ancillary optics” is not intended to be interpreted restrictively in the context of this invention. An optical attachment can be designed, for example, as an optical element system which comprises a plurality of optical elements of the type mentioned above and can be placed in front of one or more light sources or light-sensitive elements.

In connection with the present invention, the term light entry area is understood to mean an area which is available for the light generated by one or more light sources and directed onto the ancillary optics to penetrate the respective light-guiding optical element. In this case, the light that does not strike the light entry areas essentially does not penetrate the ancillary optics.

Furthermore, in connection with the present invention, the term light exit area is understood to mean an area from which the light that has penetrated through the corresponding light entry area and propagates essentially without losses in the light-guiding optical element exits. Only a small amount of light can emerge through the jacket surface connecting the light entry area and the light exit area. In this context, the term is understood to mean a small amount of light, an amount of light that essentially does not influence the light image produced using the ancillary optics.

The light exit area is assigned to a light exit area. The light exit surface is an imaginary surface which is oriented essentially perpendicular to the optical axis of the optical element and which is delimited and along a circumferential boundary line this boundary line is adjacent to the light exit area. The light exit surface can be planar or arched / curved, the radius of curvature of the light exit surface being large compared to the characteristic size of the optical element. Furthermore, the light exit area is assigned to the light exit area in such a way that all of the light exiting through the exit area passes through the light exit area. In connection with the present invention, the characteristic size of an optical element is understood to mean a diameter of its light exit surface. Since the light exit surface does not have to be a circle, the definition of a diameter is to be understood in a generalized sense, ie in the sense of a diameter of a set in a metric space. The optical elements are arranged in a row in such a way that the distance between nearest neighbors is small compared to the characteristic size of the neighbors, preferably negligibly small.

In connection with the present invention, the term neighbor (s) is always understood to mean the closest neighbor (s), unless expressly stated otherwise.

The common surface of the light exit surfaces of the individual optical elements can, for example, be planar or curved / arched (convex / concave as intended) and has a small curvature compared to a characteristic size of the optical elements.

The ancillary optics having a plurality of optical elements has the technical effect that the ancillary optics have a modular structure and can thus be tailored to the technical and / or design requirements of the tree. The modularity of the optical attachment means that its shape can be varied very quickly by exchanging / replacing / adding individual optical elements and / or entire optical element modules. The inventive way of lining up the individual optical elements ensures that when the light shines through the entire ancillary optics, a homogeneous luminous impression is created and the ancillary optics looks as a whole without the individual optic elements and / or light sources being perceptible.

With regard to a gapless stringing together of the light exit areas and / or light exit areas of the optical elements, it can be useful if the light exit areas associated, abutting sections are formed congruent to one another. The individual light exit areas can complement each other and form a complete light exit area that is part of the common area. The possible preferred shapes of the overall light exit surface (rings, branched chains with or without loops, etc.) will be discussed in greater detail below in the description. With the seamlessly joined / lined up light exit surfaces and / or light exit areas of the optical elements, the front optics can be used to achieve a particularly homogeneous light impression, which results, for example, by reducing the constrictions of the overall light exit surface.

In order to achieve a luminous impression of an elongated strip of essentially constant thickness, it can be useful if the outer surface has a number of areas which are each assigned to an area of the outer surface of a nearest neighbor, with areas assigned to one another lying on top of one another and corresponding surface profiles exhibit. As a result, the constrictions of a, for example, branched overall light exit surface resulting from the juxtaposition of the optical elements can be reduced and a better light impression can be obtained.

With regard to a gapless stringing together of the optical elements, it can be useful if the outer surface has a number of areas which are each assigned to an area of the outer surface of a closest neighbor, with mutually adjacent areas being designed to be congruent to one another.

According to the invention it is provided that at least one section is arcuate. In this case, if the at least one arcuate section is curved inward of the light exit surface, ie in the direction of the interior of the light exit surface. In the case of an arcuate section of the delimitation line of the light exit surface, the optical element can bear against its closest neighbor, for example in a pivotable / rotatable manner about an axis. In this case, the curved section of the optical element that is curved in the direction of the inside of the light exit surface can be assigned a curved section of the nearest neighbor which is on the outside in the direction of the light exit surface and corresponds to this. It is particularly advantageous if the arcuate section is, for example, an arc of a circle is trained. In this case, the radius of the circle can be selected in such a way that the optical element and the corresponding closest neighbor can be pivoted and / or rotated relative to one another about an axis running through the center of the circle perpendicular to the circular surface. The axis runs essentially parallel to the optical axes of both optical elements. This has the advantage, for example, that in the case of a chain of optical elements that are lined up / joined to one another, the course of this chain can be changed almost at will. Mutatis mutandis, in a conventional light guide, this would correspond to a bend in the light guide and often leads to undesirable effects such as light loss and / or light scattering. These effects do not occur here, since a rotation of the optical elements relative to one another does not influence the direction of light propagation: the light propagates, as already mentioned above, essentially perpendicular to the common surface of the light exit surfaces, in which a change in shape (e.g. bending) of an arrangement ( for example chain) of the juxtaposed optical elements can take place by, for example, rotation just described, and is therefore decoupled from the change in shape.

In an exemplary embodiment that is not claimed, at least one section is designed as a straight line.

The lining up of the sections designed as a straight line has the advantage, for example, that the constrictions of a, for example, rectilinearly aligned total light exit surface are reduced and a more homogeneous luminous impression (of, for example, rectilinearly aligned stripes) is achieved as a result.

According to the invention, all optical elements are designed essentially the same. In this way, all optical elements can be produced, for example, by an injection molding process using a single tool.

With regard to the technical aspect of the tree space, it can be expedient if the optical elements lined up in a row form a chain, with each optical element being at predetermined angles with respect to its neighboring optical elements. It is conceivable that each optical element is at a different angle to each of its neighboring optical elements.

With regard to the size of the ancillary optics light exit surface, i.e. the common light exit surface of all optical elements, it can be advantageous if the chain is branched.

It can be useful if the chain has at least one loop.

In order to be able to surround, for example, a motor vehicle headlight module with the front optics, it can be opportune if the chain is closed in a ring shape, in particular in an O shape.

In an embodiment that has proven itself in practice, it can be advantageous for the optical elements to be designed as TIR lenses (abbreviation for Total Internal Reflection), preferably as TIR lenses that are rotationally symmetrical (about the optical axis of the lens).

With TIR lenses, a light beam directed essentially parallel to the optical axis of the lens can be generated and the homogeneity of the emitted light can be increased even further.

In addition, it can advantageously be provided that the lateral surfaces have a plurality of upholstery optics. It can be advantageous here if at least some of the upholstery optics are arranged on each side of the lateral surfaces facing a closest neighbor.

In connection with the present invention, the term upholstery optics is understood to mean an optical element, for example a lens, which has a significantly smaller characteristic size than the characteristic size of the optical element and which can be set up, for example, by penetration and / or scattering the lateral surface and / or a transmission generated by the lateral surface, that is, to direct the light that does not propagate parallel to the optical axis of the optical element, essentially parallel to the optical axis. Such upholstery optics can, for example, be designed as small elevations on the lateral surface and from the same material, which is preferably optically denser than air, as the corresponding optical element.

By attaching the upholstery optics, an air gap can be created between the adjacent optic elements of the ancillary optics, which is small compared to the size of the optic element. With regard to the reduction of this air gap, it can be expedient if the at least one part of the upholstery optics touches the outer surface of the closest neighbor.

In order to reduce the size of the ancillary optics, it can be opportune if the optical elements are lined up touching one another.

In an embodiment not claimed, it can be provided that the optical elements lined up in a row are spaced apart from one another.

A small (compared to the characteristic size of the optical element) spacing of the optical elements, ie that the optical elements do not touch, of the ancillary optics has the advantage that when the ancillary optics are used in a mechanically movable environment, such as in a motor vehicle headlight there is no wear and no impairment of the optical properties of the individual optical elements, for example due to friction and / or mutual impact.

With regard to the stability of the ancillary optics, it can be useful if an adhesive layer is provided between the aligned optical elements, which adhesive layer connects each optical element to its nearest neighbors.

The above-mentioned object is also achieved according to the invention with a light module for a motor vehicle headlight in that essentially all of the light generated by the at least one light source enters the ancillary optics through the light entry areas and, preferably essentially without losses, exits the light exit areas of the ancillary optics .

The term light source should not be interpreted too narrowly. In connection with the present invention, the term light source is understood to mean one or more devices or devices that can / can provide light that can strike the optical attachment according to the invention. Such a light source can include, for example: both primarily luminous elements, such as

Light bulbs, LEDs, OLEDs, laser light sources as well as secondary luminous elements such as light conversion means, light deflection elements such as e.g. B. mirrors, (controllable) micromirror arrays, prisms, light beam-shaping elements such as glass fibers, diaphragms, and light imaging elements such as a lens device. Such a "light source" is seen as a light source on the part of the ancillary optics: it provides the ancillary optics with light which the ancillary optics images.

Furthermore, with regard to the homogeneity of the light emitted by the light module, it can be advantageous if the light emerging from the ancillary optics is designed as a light bundle comprising essentially parallel light beams, i.e. having a small etendue.

In an embodiment that has proven itself in practice, it can be provided that the at least one light source is designed as an LED.

It is particularly advantageous if the light module comprises a plurality of light sources, a number of light sources being greater than a number of optical elements or equal to a number of optical elements and at least two, preferably three, in particular more than three, light sources being assigned to each optical element or precisely one light source being assigned . In this embodiment, the light sources, for example LEDs, can be arranged very close to the light entry surfaces of the optical elements, for example TIR lenses. Essentially all of the light from each individual light source can be fed into the associated optical element. In this way, for example, the light losses (light transmission losses) can be reduced or kept small. In an embodiment in which the number of light sources is, for example, an integral multiple of the number of optical elements, with each optical element being assigned the same number of light sources, for example, the light sources assigned to an optical element can be activated separately and emit light in different colors. In this way, different light functions such as direction indicators and daytime running lights can be implemented in one (and the same) light module.

Particularly with regard to motor vehicle lighting, it can be useful if the light module is designed as a signal light module.

In addition, the above-mentioned object is achieved with a motor vehicle headlight with an optical attachment according to the invention and / or with a light module according to the invention.

The above-mentioned advantageous embodiments can of course occur separately or in a combination. Combinations of the above-mentioned embodiments belong to the routine of a person skilled in the art, can be realized without his inventive step and therefore belong to the disclosure of this document.

• Fig. 1 eine Vorsatzoptik in perspektivischer Ansicht,
• Fig. 2 eine Vorderansicht der Vorsatzoptik aus Fig. 1,
• Fig. 3(a) und (b) TIR-Linsen mit unterschiedlichen Lichteintritt und -austrittsbereichen,
• Fig. 4 eine Vorsatzoptik mit einer verzweigten Leuchtfläche,
• Fig. 5 einen Kraftfahrzeugscheinwerfer,
• Fig. 6(a) - (d) TIR-Linsen mit planen Mantelflächenbereichen,
• Fig. 7 eine aus TIR-Linsen der Figuren 4(a) bis Fig. 4(d) gebildete Vorsatzoptik, und
• Fig. 8 zwei benachbarte TIR-Linsen mit Polsteroptiken.

The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to exemplary embodiments, which are not to be interpreted restrictively, which are illustrated in a drawing. In this shows:

• Fig. 1 a front lens in a perspective view,
• Fig. 2 a front view of the ancillary optics Fig. 1 ,
• Fig. 3 (a) and (b) TIR lenses with different light entry and exit areas,
• Fig. 4 an attachment lens with a branched light surface,
• Fig. 5 a motor vehicle headlight,
• Fig. 6 (a) - (d) TIR lenses with flat lateral surface areas,
• Fig. 7 one made from TIR lenses Figures 4 (a) to 4 (d) formed ancillary optics, and
• Fig. 8 two adjacent TIR lenses with upholstered optics.

First will be on Fig. 1 Referenced. Fig. 1 shows an attachment lens 1, which can correspond to an attachment lens according to the invention. The ancillary optics 1 is designed as TIR optics (TIR lenses) 2 which are joined to one another in chains (lined up without gaps) and which can correspond to light-guiding optical elements. The TIR lenses 2 are designed to be congruent to one another, have a characteristic size of 10 to 20 mm and can be used, for example, in an injection molding process with a single tool getting produced. TIR lenses, which differ in size and shape, can also be used. In addition, the use of other light-conducting optical elements, such as, for example, light guide fibers, tubes, rods or the like, is conceivable. Each TIR lens 2 has a light entry area 3, a light exit area 4 opposite the light entry area and a lateral surface 5 connecting the light entry area 3 to the light exit area 4. The light exit area 4 is assigned to a light exit area 6. The in Fig. 1 TIR lenses 2 shown match their light exit areas and light exit areas. The light exit surfaces of all TIR lenses form a total light exit surface 60, which lies in a surface F and is designed as a linearly extended, elongated constrictions 61 having (see also Fig. 2 ). The light exit surfaces 6 and the surface F can be planar or slightly curved. Under slightly curved is to be understood that the surface F has a slight curvature compared to the characteristic size of the TIR lenses. Such a match does not take place with other TIR lens types (cf. Fig. 3 (a) and Fig. 3 (b) ), since, as is known from the prior art, the shape of the light exit area can be adapted, for example, to the shape of the light entry area (see e.g. Jin-Jia Chen, Chin-Tang Lin "Freeform surface design for a lightemitting diode-based collimating lens", Optical Engineering 49 (9), 093001 (September 2010 ) and Donglin Ma, Zexin Feng, and Rongguang Liang "Freeform illumination lens design using composite ray mapping", Applied Optics Vol. 54, no. 3, 20 January 2015 ). The light exit surface 6 is delimited by a circumferential, for example sickle-shaped (as shown), delimitation line 7 and adjoins this delimitation line 7 the light exit region 4.

The lateral surfaces 5 of the TIR lenses 2 are parabolic. Outer surfaces of the TIR lenses designed differently are quite conceivable. For example, the lateral surfaces can have facets, wherein each facet can have a parabolic course. In this case, one or more recesses 8 can be provided for each lateral surface 5, which preferably corresponds / correspond to the, for example, parabolic, surface course of the lateral surface 5. This recess (s) 8 corresponds / correspond to the areas which are each assigned to an area of the lateral surface of a nearest neighbor 5a, areas assigned to one another being adjacent to one another and being able to have corresponding surface courses. In this way, the TIR lenses can be strung together in such a way that the recesses 8 correspond to the corresponding Touch lateral surface areas 5a and preferably abut them substantially without gaps / tightly. The recess 8 extends from the jacket surface 5 to the light exit area 4, wherein it has a common boundary line section 7b with the boundary line 7 of the light exit surface 6. How FIGS. 1 and 2 show, each TIR lens 2 in the chain arrangement shown has two nearest neighbors. Accordingly, each boundary line 7 has two sections 7a, 7b, each of which is assigned to a section of the boundary line 7 of a nearest neighbor. The sections 7a, 7b assigned to one another lie against one another and have curves that correspond to one another. At this point it should be noted that each TIR lens and also each optical element can have any number (0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, etc.) of nearest neighbors, each nearest neighbor being a section assigned to the boundary line 7. This means that almost any branched chain (chains with loops, rings, ellipses, etc.) can be created. The in Fig. 2 The closest neighbors 2a, 2b shown, the section 7b of the boundary line of the light exit surface of the TIR lens 2a is assigned to the section 7a. It can be provided that the sections 7a, 7b are designed to be congruent to one another, so that they can be placed congruently against one another. It is particularly advantageous if the sections 7a, 7b are designed in such a way that the closest neighbors are arranged so as to be pivotable, in particular rotatable, about an axis running essentially perpendicular to the surface F. Fig. 2 shows circular arc-shaped sections 7a, 7b, these having the same radius of curvature, which is essentially the same as the radius R of the light exit region of a TIR lens (without a recess in the lateral surface). In this case, the TIR lens 2b is arranged so as to be rotatable about its optical axis OA with respect to the adjacent TIR lens 2a ( Fig. 2 ). This has the advantage that the course of the chain can be changed without requiring a different shape of the TIR lens, which leads to a high degree of flexibility and a high adaptability of the ancillary optics. Such a rotation can, if desired, for example change the course of the chain between two predetermined points. For example, to check the course of the in Fig. 2 To change the chain shown between the points P1 and P4, for example, as a straight section, the TIR lens 2d, the optical axis of which runs through the point P2, can first rotate _{counterclockwise about its optical axis by an angle α 2} and then the TIR lens 2e can be rotated counterclockwise about its optical axis by a further angle α _1. By rotating through different angles α ₁ , ..., α _n , chains can be formed in almost any direction. This allows a Ancillary optics are created that can have almost any shape and, for example, can be adapted to almost any shape of a motor vehicle headlight housing. In order to create an impression of a continuous chain in the ancillary optics and not of individual optical elements arranged in a row, it can be useful if the distance between the closest neighbors does not exceed the value of two characteristic values of the light exit surface of the optical element. At the in Fig. 2 the embodiment shown, the distance D is in a range between a radius and a diameter of the light exit surface of the TIR lens (if the TIR lens has no recess).

Fig. 3 (a) and (b) show two of many TIR lenses according to the prior art, which have different light entry 3 and light exit areas 4. It can be seen from the prior art that the shape of the light entry area is related to the shape of the light exit area. So shows for example Fig. 3 (b) a conventional TIR lens 2 'in which the shape of the light exit area 4' based on the round shape of the light entry area 3 'and the condition that light rays emerging from the TIR lens 2' run parallel to the optical axis of the TIR lens 2 ', is determined. In addition, the TIR lens 2 'represents the Fig. 3 (b) represents an example of a TIR lens in which the light exit surface 6 'and the light exit area 4' do not coincide.

Fig. 4 shows an optical attachment 1 'with a branched total light exit surface 60'. The ancillary optics 1 'has a plurality of TIR lenses 2, with a TIR lens 2 "having three closest neighbors and serving to implement a junction. It should be noted that all TIR lenses of the ancillary optics 1' are of the same design. This is also the case with the auxiliary optics 1 FIGS. 1 and 2 the case. In addition, it can be provided that an attachment lens according to the present invention has several branches. Using the TIR lenses 2, it is possible to create ancillary optics of different shapes (for example, self-contained, one or more loops, etc.). The branched total light exit area 60 'results in a likewise branched luminous area when the front optics 1' is used, for example in a motor vehicle headlight module.

Fig. 5 schematically shows an example of a motor vehicle headlight 100 which has at least one light module 101. The light module has a plurality of for example, LEDs 103 arranged on a circuit board 102, which can correspond to the at least one light source. The LEDs can be replaced with other light sources. It is entirely conceivable that instead of LEDs, OLEDs or light conversion means illuminated with laser light are used. The light generated by LEDs is coupled into an optical attachment 1 ″. The optical attachment 1 ″ can be used as one of the aforementioned optical attachment 1, 1 ′ Fig. 1 or the Fig. 4 be formed or correspond to another optical adapter corresponding to the optical adapter according to the invention. When the LEDs 103 are switched on at the same time, an S-shaped luminous surface is generated which corresponds to the shape of the overall light exit surface 60 ″, the overall light exit surface 60 ″ being formed from the light exit surfaces 6 of the individual optical elements designed as TIR lenses 2. It should be noted that if the LEDs are not switched on at the same time, various lighting scenarios can be implemented that are used, for example, in signal light modules.

Fig. 6 (a) to 6 (d) show TIR lenses, the lateral surfaces of which each have two essentially planar regions 10a, 10b that run essentially parallel to the optical axis of the TIR lens OA. Accordingly, the boundary lines 7 of the light exit surfaces of these TIR lenses also have two straight sections 7c, 7d. As already explained above, it is advantageous if the number of sections corresponds to the number of the closest neighbors and if these sections are designed in such a way that they can be assigned to the corresponding sections of the closest neighbors. The sections 7c, 7d can run parallel to one another. In this case, it is possible very quickly to form an attachment lens designed as a straight chain, with which an impression of a luminous strip can be created particularly favorably. Alternatively, the straight sections 7c, 7d can run obliquely to one another and be parts of the corresponding legs of an angle β ₁ , β ₂ ( Fig. 6 (c) and Fig. 6 (d) ). Fig. 7 shows an embodiment of an ancillary optics 1 ', which have a plurality of TIR lenses 2' with the boundary lines, each having two straight sections 7c, 7d, which sections 7c, 7d at an angle β ₁ , β ₂ to each other (as parts of the corresponding Legs of the angle) are arranged. The Fig. 7 It can also be seen that TIR lenses 2a 'of the same design, the outer surfaces of which have flat areas, and whose boundary lines each have two rectilinear, non-parallel sections 7c, 7d, which are at the same angle, for example at the angle β ₁ , stand to each other, an annular, O-shaped, ancillary optics are particularly favorable can be. It goes without saying that differently designed TIR lenses 2a ', 2b' can be used to form an optical attachment. This means that it is entirely conceivable that straight, oblique sections of each TIR lens in the ancillary optics are at a predetermined angle β ₁ , β ₂ to one another and this angle varies from TIR lens to TIR lens. In this way, chains running in almost any direction can be formed if several TIR lenses with different angles β ₁ ,..., Β _n are used. In this way, an ancillary optics can be created which can have almost any shape and, for example, can be adapted to almost any shape of a motor vehicle headlight housing.

Fig. 8 shows two adjacent TIR lenses 2c, 2d, wherein a TIR lens 2c comprises a plurality of upholstery optics 11 having recess 8 on the lateral surface. The TIR lens 2c is assigned an LED 103 'which can correspond to the at least one light source. The upholstery optics 11 can be set up, for example, to direct the light emerging from the ancillary optics in parallel and to avoid scattered light / false light 12. It is particularly advantageous if the upholstery optics 11 are arranged in a region of the recess 8 which, viewed in a direction parallel to the optical axis of the TIR lens, is not covered by the lateral surface of the adjacent TIR lens. In this case, the light beams 13 directed parallel to the optical axis by the upholstery optics 11 can exit the ancillary optics without experiencing refraction and / or reflection on a further surface. The TIR lenses 2c and 2d are spaced apart from one another, as a result of which the wear on the TIR lenses is reduced.

In general, when the optical elements (for example TIR lenses) are lined up, provision can be made for the optical elements to be lined up spaced apart or lined up touching one another. In the case of the spaced-apart optical elements, it is advantageous that the distance is kept small in comparison to the characteristic variable, for example to the diameter of the light exit surface, of the optical elements. In this case, the individual optical elements of the optical attachment are not recognized as such, the optical attachment is perceived as a whole and a homogeneous light impression is created, for example a branched luminous surface.

Claims (12)

1. Attachment optics (1) for a light source for generating a branched luminous surface, which attachment optics (1) comprise at least one plurality of light-conducting optical elements (2), wherein each light-conducting optical element (2) comprises

   *a light inlet area (3),

   *a light exit area (4) and

   *a jacket surface (5), wherein
   the jacket surface (5) connects the light entry region (3) and the light exit region (4), and
   connects the light exit region (4) is opposite the light entry region (3) and is associated with a light exit surface (6), which light exit surface (6) is bounded by a circumferential boundary line (7), the boundary line (7) being adjacent to the light exit region (4), and
   the optical elements (2) are lined up in such a way that the light exit surfaces (6) of all optical elements (2) lie in a common substantially planar area (F), each optical element (2) having a number of nearest neighbors and its boundary line (7) having a number of portions (7a, 7b) which are each associated with a portion of the boundary line of a nearest neighbor, wherein mutually associated portions (7a, 7b) are adjacent to one another and have mutually corresponding curves, wherein the optical elements arranged in a row form a chain, wherein each optical element (2d, 2a') with respect to its adjacent optical elements (2c, 2e; 2a', 2b') is at predetermined angles (a1, a2 ; β1, β2),
   characterized in that
   the jacket surface (5) has a number of regions (8) which are each assigned to a region of the jacket surface (5a) of a nearest neighbor, regions assigned to one another being adjacent to one another and having mutually corresponding surface profiles, it being provided that

   - at each jacket surface (5) one or more recesses (8) are provided, and at least one portion (7a, 7b) is arcuate and thereby curved inwardly towards the light emitting surface, wherein all optical elements are formed substantially identically, wherein preferably an adhesive layer is provided between the optical elements (2) arranged in a row, which adhesive layer connects each optical element to its nearest neighbors.
2. Attachment optics according to claim 1, characterized in that the mutually associated, adjacent sections (7a, 7b) are formed congruently with one another.
3. Attachment optics according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the mutually associated sections are formed congruently with one another.
4. Attachment optics according to one of the claims 1 to 3, characterized in that all the optical optical elements are designed to be congruent with one another.
5. Attachment optics according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the chain is branched and/or has at least one loop or is closed in a ring shape, in particular in a 0-shape.
6. Attachment optics according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the optical elements are designed as TIR lenses, preferably as rotationally symmetrical TIR lenses.
7. Attachment optics according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the jacket surfaces have a plurality of cushion optics (11), preferably at least some of the cushion optics (11) being arranged in each case on a side of the jacket surfaces (8) facing a nearest neighbor and, for example, touching the jacket surface of the nearest neighbor.
8. Attachment optics according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the optical elements (2) are lined up in contact with one another.
9. Light module for a motor vehicle headlamp comprising at least one light source, for example LED light source, and an optical attachment associated with the at least one light source according to one of claims 1 to 8.
10. Light module according to claim 9, characterized in that substantially all of the light generated by the at least one light source enters the attachment optics through the light entry regions and exits the attachment optics, preferably substantially without losses, from the light exit regions, wherein light exiting the attachment optics is preferably formed as a light beam comprising light rays directed substantially parallel to one another.
11. Light module according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the light module comprises a plurality of light sources, for example LED light sources, a number of light sources being greater than a number of optical elements or equal to a number of optical elements and at least two, preferably three, in particular more than three, light sources being assigned to each optical element or exactly one light source being assigned, and the light module preferably being designed as a signal light module.
12. Motor vehicle headlamp having at least one attachment optical system according to one of claims 1 to 8 and/or having at least one light module according to one of claims 9 to 11.

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