WO2016062520A1

WO2016062520A1 - Light module of an illumination device and illumination device comprising such a light module

Info

Publication number: WO2016062520A1
Application number: PCT/EP2015/072788
Authority: WO
Inventors: Joachim Knittel
Original assignee: Automotive Lighting Reutlingen Gmbh
Priority date: 2014-10-21
Filing date: 2015-10-02
Publication date: 2016-04-28
Also published as: DE102014221389A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a light module (7) of an illumination device (2) of a motor vehicle for generating a resulting light distribution (28; 34). The light module (7) has one or more laser light sources (10; 10', 10") for emitting at least one beam (12', 12") of laser light, a movable beam steering apparatus (16) arranged in the beam path, which beam steering apparatus (16) is configured to deflect at least one beam (12', 12") and vary the primary beam direction (14', 14") thereof. In order to easily generate the desired light distribution (28; 34), it is proposed that the at least one laser light source (10; 10', 10") generates at least two beams (12', 12") which hit the beam steering apparatus (16) from different primary beam directions (14', 14"), that the beam steering apparatus (16) can be moved back and forth between two reversal points (16a, 16b), and that at least one of the deflected beams (22', 22") generated at a time in which the beam steering apparatus (16) is in one of the reversal points (16a, 16b) thereof illuminates an area (35) of the resulting light distribution (28; 34) with a higher intensity than in other areas (37) of the light distribution (28; 34).

Description

Light module of a lighting device and lighting device with such a light module

The present invention relates to a light module of a lighting device of a motor vehicle (motor vehicle) according to the preamble of claim 1, and to a motor vehicle lighting device according to the preamble of claim 14.

Various types of a light module of the type mentioned and its operation are, for example, from DE 10 2010 028 949 A1 known and described in detail there.

Laser radiation sources (e.g., semiconductor lasers, laser diodes) may provide advantageous properties for lighting applications, such as e.g. a small light-emitting surface, high radiation intensities, and the emission of largely collimated light bundles. For laser light, therefore, optical systems with comparatively small focal lengths and highly concentrated radiation paths can be constructed. Lighting devices with laser light sources can therefore be realized with little space.

When using laser light in lighting equipment for motor vehicles, however, some special conditions must be observed.

On the one hand, the light emerging from the laser light source is usually strongly collimated and may have high intensities. When used in the automotive sector, the laser light is therefore potentially dangerous for the road users, and may in particular lead to glare or damage to the human eye. This hazard is particularly pronounced when the light is projected into a beam light distribution by means of collimating or collimating secondary optics, e.g. in the case of motor vehicle headlamps.

Second, lasers typically emit monochromatic light (e.g., UV light) or light in a very narrow wavelength range. In the field of automotive lighting devices, however, the emitted light must have a prescribed color distribution and / or color temperature. For the emitted light of a motor vehicle headlight is e.g. white mixed light desired or required by law.

In this regard, it is known to convert monochromatic light into polychromatic or white light by means of a wavelength converter. Such a wavelength converter emits a light distribution with the desired spectral properties due to irradiation with (essentially monochromatic) laser light. Such wavelength converters are e.g. are formed as luminescence converters and usually have a luminescent dye, the light irradiated onto the luminescence converter (for example a blue light emitting LED) exciting it for photoluminescence, fluorescence or phosphorescence. As a result, the converter itself emits light having at least one other, generally longer, wavelength (e.g., yellow), or acts directly as a mixed light source for light having an increased spectral range.

When used in a motor vehicle lighting device, the wavelength converter therefore has a safety-relevant function, since on the one hand it must be ensured that the radiated light distribution has the prescribed spectral characteristics, and on the other hand the leakage of unconverted and potentially dangerous laser light must be reliably avoided. This is no longer guaranteed if the wavelength converter is damaged, is removed from the beam path or is impaired in its function.

The laser light of a beam of a first wavelength emitted by a laser light source strikes the wavelength converter and is at least partially converted into secondary light of at least one further wavelength by the wavelength converter material present there. It is therefore conceivable that the entire laser light is converted into light of at least one further wavelength, so that a secondary beam has only light of at least one further wavelength. But it is also conceivable that the wavelength of a portion of the laser light is not changed by the wavelength converter, but, for example, is merely scattered. In this case, the secondary beam would comprise both the non-wavelength-converted laser light of the first wavelength and the wavelength-converted light of the at least one further wavelength. Depending on the intended use, installation space and technical implementation, the wavelength converter can be designed to be reflective or transmissive.

Laser light sources which emit white light which can be used for use in a motor vehicle headlight without it having to be completely or partially converted by a wavelength converter arranged in the beam path are also known from the prior art. Such light sources include, for example, each a laser for generating red, green and blue laser light whose beams are collinearly superimposed to produce white laser light (so-called. RGB laser light source). However, it is also conceivable that in such light sources, the wavelength converter is integrated into the light source itself, which then also includes the converter in addition to a laser, so that the light source emits white light. The laser or lasers are preferably realized as semiconductors (in solid state technology).

From JP 2009-224039 a light module with a movable beam steering device with a plurality of mutually adjacent laser light sources is known. The aim here is to illuminate the widest possible area in front of the motor vehicle with high intensity with the resulting light distribution of the light module. The subregions of the resulting light distribution illuminated by the individual light sources are superimposed almost completely in order to achieve the desired high intensity.

Furthermore, a laser light module is known from DE 10 2005 020 085 A1. In one embodiment, the use of a laser light source comprising a plurality of LEDs is described which each generate light to illuminate different regions of the resulting light distribution.

Finally, EP 2 559 935 A1 discloses a light module for a motor vehicle headlight which has a rotating disk as a movable beam steering device. The pane can be illuminated by a plurality of laser light sources, the light sources illuminating different areas on the pane.

A problem with the known from the prior art light modules with movable between two reversal points back and forth beam steering device is that the deflected by the beam steering device in its two reversal points of the light emitted by the laser light beam beams, possibly after hitting a wavelength converter, a Area of the resulting light distribution of the light module, for example lateral edge regions of the light distribution, illuminates with high intensity, where actually no high intensities are required or desired. It is also the case with the known light modules that the regions of the resulting light distribution with higher intensity are generated by at least one beam when the beam steering device is moving with high dynamics between the two deflection points. As a result, it is difficult in the known light modules to produce the prescribed or desired higher and lower intensities in the intended regions of the resulting light distribution without additional measures.

The object of the present invention is to produce a resulting light distribution for light modules with at least one laser light source and movable beam steering device in the simplest and most cost-effective manner, which meets the legal requirements and the wishes of a driver or a motor vehicle manufacturer, in particular with regard to the intensity values in the various areas of light distribution as well as possible.

The object is achieved by a light module of a motor vehicle lighting device according to claim 1, as well as by a motor vehicle lighting device according to claim 14.

The light module comprises at least one laser light source for emitting at least one beam of laser light in a primary beam direction. Furthermore, the light module comprises a relative to the at least one laser light source in the primary beam direction arranged movable beam steering device, which is hit by the at least one beam of at least one laser light source. The beam steering device is thus arranged in the beam path of at least one beam emitted by the at least one laser light source in the primary beam direction. The beam steering device is designed to deflect the at least one beam and to vary its primary beam direction. The beam steering device comprises, for example, one or more movable, individually controllable micromirrors with dimensions in the millimeter range or smaller, which redirect the incident light.

Such light modules with laser light sources and a movable beam steering device are also referred to as scanners, since the resulting light distribution is generated by a fast, imperceptible to the human eye moving back and forth of the beam. The resulting light distribution is thus generated by one or more movable laser beams, which move very quickly over the area to be illuminated and virtually "scan" it.

With a scanner headlights can be built, which can produce almost any arbitrary light distribution, since the beam steering device can deflect the laser light in almost any primary directions. This makes it possible to adapt the light distribution dynamically to the current traffic and weather conditions. Known searchlights based on scanners have the disadvantage that the laser light sources must provide a relatively high performance. This is for laser protection and cost reasons of disadvantage. In general, the movement of the beam steering device, which changes the direction of the laser beam in a scanner, can be described with a sine function. When the beam steering device or the individual micromirrors are maximally deflected, their movement speed approaches zero. This means that the mirrors or the deflected laser beams are relatively long in the edge regions of the light distribution, so that there is a high intensity. In contrast, typical automotive light distributions require maximum intensity distribution in the center of the scan area.

According to the invention, at least two beam bundles are generated by the at least one laser light source, which impinge on the beam steering device from different primary beam directions. The beam steering device can be moved back and forth between two reversal points. For this purpose, the beam steering device is movably mounted and has an actuator which moves the beam steering device between the two reversal points back and forth. Preferably, the beam steering device is mounted pivotably about an axis of rotation. The at least one laser light source and the beam steering device are arranged relative to one another such that the at least two primary beam bundles from the different primary beam directions strike the beam steering device. Preferably, the different primary beam directions converge on the path of the beam to the beam steering device. The beam bundles preferably impinge on the beam steering device in a common area, particularly preferably in a common point. This common area is usually located on or near a rotational axis of the beam steering device. In at least one of the two reversal points of the beam steering device, at least one of the deflected beams is used for illuminating a region of the resulting light distribution with a higher intensity than in other areas of the light distribution.

This requires a special structural design of the light module. This has to generate a plurality of beams which strike the beam steering device from different primary directions. The beam steering device must be so arranged relative to the at least one laser light source and controlled such that at least one of the deflected beam leaving the beam steering device in one of its reversal points, a portion of the resulting light distribution with higher intensity illuminates. An advantage of the light module is that the at least one deflected beam longer illuminates the region of higher intensity due to the longer residence time of the beam steering device in its turning point and thus can provide there for the prescribed or desired higher light intensity.

This effect can be further enhanced if, according to an advantageous development, the beams deflected in both reversal points of the beam steering device serve to illuminate areas of the resulting light distribution with a higher intensity than in other areas of the light distribution. In this development, the deflected in a first reversal point of the beam steering device advantageously at least a first beam to illuminate the areas of the resulting light distribution with higher intensity and can be deflected in a second reversal point of the beam steering device deflected at least one further beam for illuminating the areas of the resulting light distribution serve higher intensity. Thus, the areas of higher intensity are illuminated by the deflected in both reversal points of the beam steering device beam, so that in these areas in the time average also results in a higher intensity.

During operation of the light module, the following beam path results: Starting from the at least one laser light source, the at least two beam bundles from different primary beam directions strike the movable beam steering device, which forms at least two deflected beam bundles therefrom. The direction of the deflected beam varies depending on the movement position of the beam steering device. These beams, which are deflected in varying directions, are used to generate the resulting light distribution of the light module. If, for example, two beams are generated by the at least one laser light source and strike the beam steering device from different directions, a first deflected beam in a first reversal position of the beam steering device can illuminate a region of higher intensity (eg a central region) of the light distribution while the beam deflects other deflected beams illuminate a region of lower intensity (eg in lateral areas or in advance) of the light distribution. The light emitted by the at least one laser light source is preferably a polychromatic or white light.

As a result of the back and forth movement of the beam steering device, the deflected beam bundles are also moved so that they strike relatively quickly, not noticeable to the human eye, over different areas of the resulting light distribution and thus produce the light distribution. The trajectories and the residence times of the secondary beam in the different areas of the light distribution depend on the configuration of the individual components of the light module, in particular the laser light source and the beam steering device, and on the geometric conditions in the light module, in particular in the arrangement of the components relative to each other. These parameters are selected in the invention so that the light module generates a deflected beam at least at a reversal point of the beam steering device, which illuminates a region of higher intensity of the light distribution.

In the present context, the light module designates the device of the illumination device which delivers the actual useful light. The light module can be combined in a modular manner in the sense of an assembly of the individual components and arranged, for example, by means of a separate module housing or a separate module holder within the illumination device. However, this modular summary is not mandatory. The components or components of the light module can also be distributed in favor of an advantageous use of space in the respective illumination device and the light module can be formed in this sense by merely functional assignment of the components to each other. Likewise, it is conceivable that in the case of several light modules in a lighting device, individual components of the light modules are provided only once and are shared by a plurality of light modules. This relates, for example, to projection optics which project the beams deflected by the beam steering devices of different light modules to produce the resulting light distribution onto the road ahead of the vehicle.

Furthermore, it is proposed according to a preferred embodiment that the light module comprises a wavelength converter which is arranged with respect to the beam steering device such that the different beam bundles deflected in varying primary beam directions of the at least one laser light source can be irradiated onto the wavelength converter. The various deflected beams preferably impinge on different portions of the wavelength converter so as to prevent burn-in of the laser light and damage to the material of the wavelength converter as much as possible. The wavelength converter is designed to emit secondary beam bundles having at least one further wavelength in a secondary beam direction through the irradiated beam bundles of the at least one laser light source, the beam of light after secondary wavelength conversion serving as a secondary beam bundle for generating the resulting light distribution of the light module.

The secondary beam bundles may comprise only converted light of at least one further wavelength. However, it is also conceivable that a part of the laser light is not wavelength-converted by the wavelength converter and forms the secondary beam bundle together with the wavelength-converted part of the light. The wavelength converter may be of the reflective or transmissive type. The secondary beam direction of the at least two secondary beam bundles can vary, since the beams deflected by the beam steering device fall on the wavelength converters at different angles and consequently transmits or reflects the secondary beam bundles in different directions.

A portion of the light of the beam emitted by the at least one laser light source can be transmitted or reflected by the wavelength converter without wavelength conversion, so that the secondary beam comprises both light of the first wavelength and wavelength-converted light of the at least one further wavelength. In this case, in addition to the wavelength-converted light having the at least one further wavelength, the light of the resulting light distribution also comprises a part of the laser light with the first wavelength. But it is also conceivable that the entire laser light is converted by the wavelength converter. In this case, the secondary beam and thus also the resulting light distribution comprises only converted light having the at least one further wavelength.

The wavelength converter is arranged relative to the beam steering device such that the at least two deflected beams from the beam steering device meet the wavelength converter in the varying primary beam directions and leave this as a secondary beam in varying secondary beam directions after reflection or transmission. In at least one of the two reversal points of the beam steering device, at least one of the secondary beam bundles resulting from the beam bundles is used for illuminating a region of the resulting light distribution with a higher intensity than in other regions of the light distribution.

The deflected by the beam steering device beam meet the wavelength converter, which converts the depending on the design of the laser light source almost monochromatic light in the light of the secondary beam, which is in particular a polychromatic or white light. In the conversion, light of the beam of a first wavelength is converted to light of at least one other wavelength. In addition, scattering processes generally take place at the wavelength converter. The scattered light and the light converted by the wavelength conversion (for example by photoluminescence) can then additively overlap and lead to the desired mixed light. Overall, the processes in the wavelength converter cause the secondary beam bundles are no longer strongly collimated as the monochromatic beam emitted by the at least one laser light source, but preferably are emitted diffusely. As a result of the back and forth movement of the beam steering device, the resulting secondary beam bundles are also moved so that they strike relatively quickly, not noticeably to the human eye, over different areas of the resulting light distribution and thus produce the light distribution.

Preferably, the wavelength converter is plate-like. The wavelength converter can also have a carrier, for example a glass plate, on which a wavelength conversion material or a photoluminescent dye is applied. However, it is also conceivable that the wavelength converter is integrated in the region of the carrier in the material of the carrier, for example by the fact that a photoluminescent dye is incorporated in the carrier material.

For further embodiment, in the beam path between the at least one laser light source and the beam steering device, collimation optics for collimating or focusing (for example, a collimated lens) and / or a polarizer for linear polarization of the beam bundle can be provided. Although laser light often inherently has collimated and / or polarized radiation properties, it can be prevented by an additional collimating optics that portions of the beam do not hit the beam steering device. In addition, in the beam path of the emitted from the at least one laser light source beam optics or an optical system may be provided with a plurality of optics, which or a single beam emitted from a laser light source beam splits into several beams and / or more of the at least one laser light source emitted beam in directs different primary directions. In this way, a single laser light source can generate a plurality of laser beams that strike the beam steering device from different primary directions. The optics or optics system also serves to focus the light onto a wavelength converter, if one is provided.

The light module preferably has a plurality of laser light sources, wherein each laser light source is designed to emit at least one beam, and wherein the beams each strike the beam steering device along a primary beam direction assigned to them. The various primary beam directions of the beams comprise at least two different directions. This embodiment with a plurality of laser light sources makes it possible, at least in some areas, to achieve a high intensity of the resulting light distribution, as is advantageous, for example, for headlight light distributions.

The object according to the invention is also achieved by a motor vehicle lighting device which has at least one of the light modules according to the invention. Preferably, a secondary light distribution of one of the light modules described above is converted by means of an abstraction device into an emission light distribution of the illumination device. The Abstrahloptikeinrichtung is designed to redirect the secondary light distribution and / or to bundle and / or to project. The abstraction means may e.g. a converging lens or a reflector.

For further embodiment, a plurality of light modules of the type mentioned can be provided in a lighting device, wherein a common Abstrahloptikeinrichtung acts for several light modules, i. in that the common radiation device transforms the secondary light distributions or resulting light distributions emerging through the light emission sections of the plurality of light modules into a common emission light distribution of the illumination device. The different light modules can, for example, be arranged in a matrix, next to one another or one above the other and thus jointly feed the emission light distribution. Due to the high achievable luminance, the optical components of the Abstrahloptikeinrichtung can be made smaller than in conventional lighting devices. As a result, the design freedom in the design of the lighting device is increased and it can be a lighting device realized in a small space and with less weight.

The invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the figures. In each case, in schematic form:

1 shows a lighting device according to the invention in a greatly simplified representation;

FIG. 2 shows a light module according to the invention according to a first embodiment;

FIG. 3 shows a light module according to the invention in accordance with a second embodiment;

FIG. 4 shows a light module according to the invention in accordance with a third embodiment;

FIG. 5 shows the illumination device according to the invention with two light modules;

Figure 6 shows different positions of a beam steering device for generating a low-beam distribution;

FIG. 7 shows a light module according to the invention in a simplified representation according to a further embodiment; and

8 shows a light module according to the invention in a simplified representation according to a further embodiment.

In the following description and in the figures, the same reference numerals are used for identical or corresponding components.

FIG. 1 shows a lighting device 2 of a motor vehicle in a simplified representation. The lighting device 2 is preferably designed as a headlight and is used to generate any light function, in particular a dimmed light distribution and / or a high beam. The lighting device 2 comprises a housing 4, which is preferably made of plastic. In a light exit direction 5, the housing 4 has a light exit opening, which is closed by means of a cover 6 of a light-transmitting material, in particular glass or plastic. The cover 6 may be formed without optically effective profiles as a clear disc or at least partially with optically effective profiles, for example. In the form of cylindrical lenses or prisms, be provided for scattering the light passing through, in particular in the horizontal direction.

Inside the housing 4, two

light modules

7, 8 are arranged. The light module 7 may be formed, for example, for generating a low beam. Of course, the light module 7 can also be designed to generate other light distributions or a part of a light distribution. The light module 7 comprises at least one light source, which is preferably designed as a laser light source 10 (not visible in FIG. 1). The light module 8 can produce a different light distribution, for example a fog light. Of course, the light module 8 can also be designed to generate other light distributions or a part of a light distribution which supplements the part of the light distribution generated by the other light module 7, so that a superimposition of the partial light distributions of the

light modules

7, 8 results in a resulting light distribution of the illumination device 2 forms. The light module 8 may likewise comprise a laser light source, but may also comprise an incandescent lamp, gas discharge lamp or semiconductor light source, depending on the intended light function. Of course, it is possible that in the housing 4, only a

single light module

7 or 8 is arranged or that more than the two shown

light modules

7, 8 are arranged. In addition, at least one luminaire module (not shown) for generating a luminaire function could also be arranged in the housing 4, for example for producing a flashing light, a daytime running light, a position or parking light and / or another luminaire function.

The

light modules

7, 8 can be rigidly or movably attached to the housing 4. In order to realize a dynamic curve light function, at least one of the

light modules

7, 8 may be movably mounted in the housing 4 about a substantially vertical pivot axis (not shown). In addition, at least one of the

light modules

7, 8 can be mounted movably in the housing 4 around a substantially horizontal pivot axis for varying the range of illumination of the light emitted by the

module

7, 8.

The basic structure and the basic mode of operation of the present invention will first be explained in more detail with reference to FIG. In the present invention, it is particularly important to produce a resulting light distribution for light modules with at least one laser light source and movable beam steering device in the simplest and most cost-effective manner, in particular with regard to the intensity values in the various areas of light distribution, the legal requirements and the wishes of a driver or of a motor vehicle manufacturer corresponds as well as possible. Such a light module, which, for example, corresponds to the light module 7 from FIG. 1, is shown in FIG. 6 together with the resulting light distribution.

An example of a resulting light distribution of the light module 7 or the illumination device 2 is shown by way of example as a low-beam light distribution 34 in FIG. The low-beam light distribution 34 is shown on a measuring screen 36 arranged at a defined distance from the lighting device 2. On the measuring screen 36, a coordinate system with a horizontal HH and a vertical VV is located. In the illustrated example, the low-beam light distribution 34 has an asymmetrical upper light-dark boundary, which runs on the opposite side of traffic somewhat (about 0.4 °) below the horizontal HH and on the own traffic side above the horizontal HH. Between the two sections of the upper chiaroscuro boundary, there is a transition, which here has a sloping course and forms a 15 ° rise.

The resulting light distribution usually has areas in which a higher light intensity is desired or prescribed. In the case of a low-beam light distribution 34, such areas are preferably located in a central region 35 immediately below the light-dark boundary of the light distribution 34 approximately at the intersection HV of the horizontal HH and the vertical VV or slightly below the intersection HV. Likewise, the resulting light distribution includes other areas where a lower light intensity is desired or prescribed. Such areas are at a low beam distribution 34, for example in an edge region 37 of the light distribution. Of course, the resulting light distribution 34 can also have other or

additional regions

35, 37 with higher or lower light intensity, which are not explicitly designated in FIG.

According to the present invention, at least one laser light source 10 is provided, which emits at least two beam bundles 12 ', 12 ". In the example of Figure 6, two laser light sources 10', 10" are provided, each comprising a beam 12 '; 12 "in a primary direction 14 'and 14" emit. The primary directions 14 ', 14 "run obliquely to one another, so that the beam bundles 12', 12" meet at different angles to a movable beam steering device 16. This may, for example, have at least one micromirror. The beam steering device 16 is pivotable about an axis of rotation 18 between two

reversal points

16a, 16b. Preferably only an angle change of the beam bundles 12 ', 12 "and no spatial displacement take place by the beam steering device 16. Therefore, the beam bundles 12', 12" also preferably strike the beam steering device 16 in a common area near the axis of rotation 18. The deflected beam bundles are also with the reference numerals 22 'and 22 "respectively.

At least one of the deflected beams 22 ', 22 "produced in one of the

turning points

16a, 16b of the beam steering device 16 is used to illuminate at least a portion 35 of the higher intensity light distribution 34. This has the advantageous effect of illuminating of the area 35 used beam 22 ', 22 "dwell longer in this area, because the beam steering device 16 in one of its reversal points 16a; 16b and must make a change of direction that takes time. This automatically leads to a higher light intensity in the region 35. The light module 7 can thus achieve a prescribed or desired higher light intensity in at least one region 35 of the light distribution 34, since the beam 22 ', 22 "due to the longer residence time of the beam steering device 16 in their Furthermore, this has the advantage that the movement path of the beam steering device 16 can be reduced since the deflected beam 22 ', 22 "in horizontal Direction respectively no longer the entire area 34 of the resulting light distribution 28, but only a portion, in two beam 12 ', 22 "or 22', 22", for example, only half of the area 34, have to sweep (see FIG 6).

For better clarity, a wavelength converter 20 and an abstraction device 26 have not been explicitly drawn in FIG. 6, the function of which will be explained below. If they are provided at all, they could be arranged in the area designated by 16, 20 in the beam path. Also possibly provided collection optics 30 in the beam path of the light sources 10 ', 10 "emitted beams 12', 12" and a projection optics 32 for imaging the laser beams 22 ', 22 "on the road ahead of the vehicle have not been drawn in Figure 6.

When the beam steering device 16 is in its first reversal point 16a, the beam bundles 12 ', 12 "are each deflected in a certain direction, so that the deflected beam 22' of the light source 10 'in the secondary beam direction 27 ^III and the deflected beam 22" of light source 10 "result in secondary beam direction 27, ^VI. Likewise, the beams 12 ', 12" respectively deflected in a certain direction, when the beam steering device 16 is in its second reversal point 16b, so that the deflected beam 22' of the light source 10 '' resulting in secondary beam direction 27 ^V. in the example shown, therefore, emits at a specific time in each case one of the beam 22 in secondary beam direction 27 ^IV and the deflected beam 22 ', 22 "higher in the region 35 the intensity of the light distribution 34 when the beam steering device 16 at a turning point (16a; 16b). Whenever the beam steering device 16 is in a turning point 16a; 16b radiates at least one of the deflected beams 22 '; In the time average, the region 35 of higher intensity is illuminated twice as often with a beam 22 ', 22 "as the region 37 of lower intensity.

Of course, it would be conceivable that the two beams 12 ', 12 "are generated by a single laser light source 10 with suitable optical means In this case, it is essential that the intensity of the two beams can be modulated independently of each other, which is suitable in the beam path It would also be conceivable for the light module 7 to have more than the two laser light sources 10 ', 10 "shown, or for the laser light sources 10', 10" to generate a plurality of beam bundles 12 ', 12 ", respectively In this case, the primary beam directions of the multiplicity of beam bundles 12 ', 12 "could be aligned so that a plurality of beam bundles 22', 22" in each case reach a plurality of beam bundles 22 ', 22 "in the reversal points (16a, 16b) of the beam steering device 16 35 of higher intensity.

Furthermore, it would be conceivable that the power of the at least one light source 10; In particular, it would be conceivable to vary the power of the light sources 10 ', 10 "as a function of the position of the beam steering device 16 in order to achieve the desired intensity distribution of the resulting

light distribution

28, 34 with higher accuracy. Thus, for example, the power of the light source 10 'and thus the intensity of the beam 12' could be reduced when the beam steering device 16 is in its reversal point 16b, so that the beam 22 'in the primary beam direction 27 ^IV illuminates the area 37 with lower intensity. At the same time, the power of the light source 10 "and thus the intensity of the beam 12" could be increased when the beam steering device 16 is at its reversal point 16b so that the beam 22 "in the primary beam direction 27 ^V illuminates the area 35 with higher intensity For example, the power of the light source 10 'and thus the intensity of the beam 12' could be increased when the beam steering device 16 is at its reversal point 16a, so that the beam 22 'in the primary beam direction 27 ^III illuminates the region 35 with higher intensity the light source 10 "and thus the intensity of the beam 12" are reduced when the beam steering device 16 is in its reversal point 16a, so that the beam 22 "in the primary beam direction 27 ^VI illuminates the area 37 with lower intensity.

Figure 2 shows a possible embodiment of the light module 7 in a schematic form. The light module 7 comprises two laser light sources 10 ', 10 ", each emitting a beam 12', 12" of laser light of a first wavelength. The beam bundles 12 ', 12 "strike a movable beam steering device 16 in different primary beam directions 14', 14".

The laser light sources 10 ', 10 "can emit monochromatic light (for example UV light) or light in a very narrow wavelength range In the field of motor vehicle lighting devices, in particular headlamps for generating a headlight function, for example white mixed light is desired or prescribed by law To achieve this white mixed light, in this embodiment, a wavelength converter 20 which converts the monochromatic light of the light sources 10 ', 10 "into polychromatic or white light is disposed in the beam path of the beams 12', 12". The wavelength converter 20 is incident due to irradiation (essentially monochromatic) laser light a light distribution with the desired spectral properties.

Of course, however, the laser light sources 10 ', 10 "themselves can emit the desired polychromatic or white light, for which purpose it is conceivable that the light sources 10', 10" are designed as RGB light sources comprising a red laser, a green laser and a laser blue laser whose beams are collinear superimposed. Alternatively, the monochromatic light emitted by a laser of the light sources 10 ', 10 "may strike a converter which is an integral part of the light sources 10', 10", so that the light sources 10 ', 10 "emit polychromatic or white light Case can be dispensed with the separate wavelength converter 20.

The beam steering device 16 is designed to divert or to vary the primary beam directions 14 ', 14 "of the beam bundles 12', 12". The beam steering device 16 can be pivoted between two reversal points by a rotation about an axis of rotation, which is exemplified as a rotation axis 18. To this end, the beam steering device 16 via 2 shows the two

positions

16a, 16b of the beam steering device 16 at the reversal points, wherein the beam steering device 16 is in a position 16a at the first reversal point shown by solid lines and in a position 16b at the second reversal point with dashed lines.

In addition, it is possible that an electric power of the laser light sources 10 ', 10 "is individually controllable, thus, for example, an intensity of the beams 12', 12" can be varied. So it is e.g. it is possible for the power of the laser light sources 10 ', 10 "or the intensity of the beam bundles 12', 12" to be controlled as a function of a movement position of the beam steering device 16.

A resulting light distribution 28 of the light module 7 is preferably produced by a movement of the beam steering device 16, and thus also of the beam 12 ', 12 ", which is imperceptible to the human eye, whereby the deflected beam 22', 22" delineate from their point of impact At the reversal points of the beam steering device 16, the beam bundles 12 ', 12 "are respectively deflected in primary beam directions 14 ^III , 14 ^IV , 14 ^V , 14 ^VI and form the deflected beam bundles 22'. In particular, the first beam 12 'is reciprocated between the primary beam directions 14 ^III and 14 ^IV by reciprocally moving the beam steering device 16. Likewise, the second beam 12 "is moved by reciprocating the beam steering device 16 between the primary beam directions 14 ^V and 14 ^{VI moved} back and forth. The primary beam directions 14 ^III and 14 ^IV or the deflected beam bundles 22 'emitted in these directions limit the solid angle range which is swept by the first beam 12' with the solid angle α '. Accordingly, the primary beam directions 14 ^V and 14 ^VI and the deflected beam 22 "respectively radiated in these directions limit the solid angle range swept by the second beam 12" at the solid angle α. "Such a device is also referred to as a scanner or laser scanner.

Furthermore, the light module 7 comprises a wavelength converter 20 which, for example, converts monochromatic light of the laser light sources 10 ', 10 "into a polychromatic or white light The wavelength converter 20 is constructed in a plate-like manner, for example, and is arranged with respect to the beam steering device 16 such that the various in Varied primary beam directions 14 ^III , 14 ^IV , 14 ^V , 14 ^VI deflected primary beam 12 ', 12 "impinge on the wavelength converter 20. The beam bundles 12 ', 12 "deflected in different primary beam directions 14 ^III , 14 ^IV , 14 ^V , 14 ^VI preferably strike different areas of the wavelength converter 20, so that burn-in of the laser light and damage to the material of the wavelength converter 20 are avoided as far as possible. The wavelength converter 20 is designed to generate secondary beam bundles having at least one further wavelength by the irradiated, reciprocating deflected beam bundles 22 ', 22 ".

The secondary beam bundles are moved back and forth between secondary beam directions 24 ^III , 24 ^IV , 24 ^V , 24 ^VI due to the movement of the beam steering device 16 into a solid angle range β ', β ", the first secondary beam 22' passing over the wavelength converter 20 from its point of impact a solid angle β 'which is limited by the beam directions 24 ^III and 24 ^IV. Likewise, passes over the second secondary beam 22 "a solid angle area β" which is from the beam directions 24 ^V and restricts 24 ^VI. the light from the secondary beam 22', 22 " serves to generate the resulting light distribution 28 of the light module 7. In Figure 6, this resulting light distribution 28 is exemplified as low-beam light distribution 34.

The secondary beam bundles 22 ', 22 "can exclusively comprise converted light of at least one further wavelength, which differs from the wavelength of the laser light of the beam bundles 12', 12". However, it is also conceivable that a part of the laser light is not wavelength-converted by the wavelength converter 20, but only scattered by it and forms the light of the secondary beam bundles 22 ', 22 "together with the wavelength-converted part of the light the light striking him and leads to a widening of the secondary beam 22 ', 22 ".

The wavelength converter 20 in FIG. 2 is designed to be transmissive. Of course, it would also be conceivable that the wavelength converter 20 is designed to be reflective. In this case, the wavelength converter 20 would then have to be oriented differently than shown in FIG. 2 so that the secondary beams 22 ', 22 "are reflected in desired directions 24 ^III , 24 ^IV , 24 ^V , 24 ^VI and for generating the resulting light distribution 28 of the light module 7 can be used.

In the further course of radiation, in the exemplary embodiment illustrated, the secondary beam 22 ', 22 "are deflected by means of an abstraction device 26 into final secondary beam directions 27 ^III , 27 ^IV , 27 ^V , 27 ^VI so that they produce the desired light distribution 28 in the light exit direction 5 of the illumination device 2 Abstrahloptikeinrichtung 26 is preferably spaced from a light exit portion of the illumination device 2, for example, the cover disc 6. The Abstrahloptikeinrichtung 26 is arranged and formed such that the secondary beam 22 ', 22 "the resulting light distribution 28 of the light module 7, for example, a low beam distribution, high beam distribution , Fog light distribution, any other dynamic light distribution or a part of such a light distribution produce. When using a separate wavelength converter 20, an imaging optics 26 is usually used.

The Abstrahloptikeinrichtung 26 is formed in Figure 2 as a deflection reflector. Of course, it can also be designed as an optical lens or as another optical element, for example as a totally reflecting optics or as a prism. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the optical device 26 comprises a plurality of parts, for example a plurality of reflector elements, lens elements or prisms.

The trajectories, movement speeds and residence times of the beam 12 ', 12 "and the secondary beam 22', 22" in the

different areas

35, 37 of the

light distribution

28, 34 depend on the design of the individual components of the light module 7, in particular at least a light source 10; 10 ', 10 "and the beam steering device 16, if present also the wavelength converter 20 and the Abstrahloptikeinrichtung 26, as well as the geometric conditions in the light module 7, in particular the arrangement of the

components

10, 16, 20, 26 relative to each other Components is selected in the invention so that the light module 7 at least at a reversal point of the beam steering device 16 at least one beam 12 ', 12 "or 22', 22" generates, which illuminates a portion 35 of the

light distribution

28, 34 with higher intensity.

FIG. 3 shows a further exemplary embodiment of the light module 7. In contrast to the first embodiment from FIG. 2, the wavelength converter 20 and the abstraction device 26 are combined to form a common component. The converter 20 lies on the curved surface of the reflector 26, which may be advantageous. However, an effect of the reflector 26 as optics is thereby largely excluded. An additional projection optical system 32, in particular in the form of a projection lens, is then required in the beam path 22 ', 22 "after the reflector 26. The same comments and explanations apply here as for the light module 7 shown in FIG deflected beam 22 ', 22 "are converted into the secondary beam only in or on the Abstrahloptikeinrichtung 26 (the deflection reflector). The wavelength converter 20 preferably has reflective properties. By this measure, space can be saved in the light module 7.

FIG. 4 shows a further exemplary embodiment of a light module 7 according to the invention. This embodiment essentially corresponds to the first embodiment from FIG. 2, but is optionally extended by two further

optical elements

30, 32 in the beam path.

On the one hand, a primary optic 30 is arranged in FIG. 4 in the beam path between the laser light source 10 and the beam steering device 16. The primary optics 30 is, for example, designed as a collimating optics, in particular as a convergent lens. Light sources 10 in the form of semiconductor lasers generally have a beam shaping optics 30 (collimator). Such a primary optic 30 is thus preferably also provided in the exemplary embodiments of FIGS. 2, 3, 5 and 6 in the beam path of the laser light emitted by the laser light sources 10. The beam guidance optics 30 can also be used simultaneously for focusing the laser light onto a converter 20. Alternatively or additionally, the primary optics 30 could be designed as a polarizer for the linear polarization of the beam bundles 12 ', 12 ". The primary optics 30 can also deflect a plurality of beams 12', 12" emitted by the light source 10 into different directions 14 ', 14 " become.

The primary optic 30 could also be designed as a beam splitter, e.g. a single beam 12 'or 12 "emitted by a laser light source 10 is split into a plurality of sub-beams which extend in different primary beam directions 14', 14". In this case, therefore, the at least one laser light source 10, which generates at least two beam bundles, is formed by a combination of a laser light source and a beam splitter 30.

In addition, an amplitude modulator (not shown) for modulating the intensity of the beam may be arranged in the beam path of the beam 12 ', 12 ". When using an RGB laser light source which generates red, green and blue part beams, it may be advantageous to Each sub-beam is assigned a separate amplitude modulator, which allows the intensity of each sub-beam to be modulated separately.

Furthermore, in FIG. 4, a secondary optic 32 designed as collecting optics is arranged in the beam path after the abstraction device 26, which projects the secondary light distribution (intermediate image) formed by the abstraction device 26 onto the roadway in front of the vehicle to produce the desired resulting light distribution 28, for example in the form of a Low beam distribution 34 or any other light distribution to produce. The secondary optics 32 can form imaging optics either alone or in cooperation with the reflector 26, which images the laser beams 22 ', 22 "on the roadway in front of the vehicle to produce the resulting light distribution 28. A dimmed light distribution, such as the low-beam light distribution 34, is preferably produced with the light module 7 according to the invention without an aperture arrangement in the beam path by the Abstrahloptikeinrichtung 26 and / or the secondary optics 32 are suitably formed and arranged, and by the movement of the beam steering device 16 in conjunction with a specific variation of the electric power Light source (s) 10. In this case, the deflected beams 22 ', 22 "would sweep only the portion of the low beam distribution 34 below the horizontal cut-off.

FIG. 5 shows a further embodiment of a lighting device 2 according to the invention, in which two

light modules

7 and 8 are arranged in the housing 4. The

light modules

7, 8 could be independent, mutually independent modules in the sense of the present invention. However, it would also be conceivable for the

light modules

7, 8 to share one or

more components

20, 26, 32 of the

light modules

7, 8. The latter is shown by way of example in FIG. Each of the

light modules

7, 8 has its own light source 10 _7, 10 ₈ and a separate movable beam steering device 16 _7, 16. ₈ However, the

light modules

7, 8 share the same wavelength converter 20 and the same secondary optics 32. Thus, at any given time, two separate beam bundles 22 ', 22 "produced by

different light modules

7, 8 are produced by the secondary optics 32 or the cover plate 6 of the illumination device 2 The secondary beams 22 ', 22 "scan the area of the resulting light distribution 28 and thereby generate them.

With reference to the figures 7 and 8, briefly some aspects of the invention will be briefly summarized. In FIG. 7, the beam bundle 12 'or the deflected beam 22' emitted by a first light source 10 'sweeps over a partial region 28' of the light distribution 28 during movement of the beam steering device 16 between its two

reversal points

16a, 16b Light source 10 "emitted beam 12" or the deflected beam 22 "during the movement of the beam steering device 16 between its two

reversal points

16a, 16b over a portion 28" of the light distribution 28. In the

turning points

16a, 16b of the beam steering device 16 are the deflected beam 22nd 'or 22 "directed to the region 35 of the light distribution 28, so that a higher intensity can be achieved there .. In addition, the area 35 - not at the same time - both from the one beam 22' and from the other beam 22" irradiated , so that a higher intensity in the B range 35. Areas 37 of lesser intensity result at the lateral edges of the light distribution 28.

In FIG. 8, the beam bundle 12 'or the deflected beam 22' emitted by a first light source 10 'sweeps over a partial region 28' of the light distribution 28 during movement of the beam steering device 16 between its two

reversal points

16a, 16b over a partial area 28" of the light distribution 28. The emitted from a third light source 10 "'beam 12"' or the deflected beam 22 "'sweeps over a partial area 28"' of the light distribution 28 during the movement of the beam steering device 16 between its two points of

reversal

16a, 16b 22 "'directed to the area 35 of the light distribution 28, so that There a higher intensity can be achieved there. In addition, the area 35 is irradiated - although not at the same time - by all three beam bundles 22 ', 22 ", 22"', so that a higher intensity in the area 35 also results in the time average. In addition to the regions 37 of lower intensity, where only one of the beam bundles 22 ', 22 ", 22"' passes, in the light distribution 28 there are also areas 37 'of medium intensity, where in each case two of the beam bundles 22', 22 ", 22 '' get there.

Claims

Light module (7) of a lighting device (2) of a motor vehicle for generating a resulting light distribution (28; 34), the light module (7) comprising

at least one laser light source (10, 10 ', 10 ") for emitting at least one beam (12', 12") of laser light in a primary beam direction (14 ', 14 "),

a movable beam steering device (16) arranged in the beam path of the at least one radiation beam (12 ', 12 ") emitted by the at least one laser light source (10; 10', 10") in the primary beam direction (14 ', 14 ") is to redirect the at least one beam (12 ', 12 ") and to vary its primary beam direction (14', 14"), characterized in that the at least one laser light source (10; 10 ', 10 ") comprises at least two beams (12'; , 12 "), which impinge on the beam steering device (16) from different primary beam directions (14 ', 14"), that the beam steering device (16) between two reversal points (16a, 16b) is movable back and forth, and that at least one of deflected beam (22 ', 22 ") generated at a time when the beam steering device (16) is at one of its reversal points (16a, 16b), at least a portion (35) of the resulting light distribution (28; 34) m it is of a higher intensity than in other areas (37) of the light distribution (28; 34), wherein the light of the beam (22 ', 22 ") for generating the resulting light distribution (28; 34) of the light module (7) is used.
Light module (7) according to claim 1, characterized in that in both reversal points (16a, 16b) of the beam steering device (16) deflected beam (22 ', 22 ") for illuminating portions (35) of the resulting light distribution (28; 34) with a higher intensity than in other areas (37) of the light distribution (28; 34) serve.
Light module (7) according to claim 2, characterized in that the at least one first beam (22 ', 22 ") deflected in a first reversal point (16a; 28; 34) serves with higher intensity and that in a second turning point (16b; 16a) of the beam steering device (16) deflected at least one further beam (22 "; 22 ') for illuminating the areas (35) of the resulting light distribution (28; 34) serves with higher intensity.
Light module (7) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the light module (7) at least two laser light sources (10 ', 10 "), each of which generates at least one beam (12', 12") and in one certain primary beam direction (14 ', 14 ") emits.
Light module (7) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the different primary beam directions (14 ', 14 ") of the at least two beam bundles (12', 12") converge in the direction of the beam steering device (16).
Light module (7) according to claim 5, characterized in that the at least two beam bundles (12 ', 12 ") meet in a common area on the beam steering device (16).
Light module (7) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the at least one laser light source (10; 10 ', 10 ") generates beam (12', 12") with white light.
Light module (7) according to one of Claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the at least two beam bundles (12 ', 12 ") emitted by the at least one laser light source (10, 10', 10") comprise laser light of a first wavelength Light module (7) has a wavelength converter (20) which in the beam path of the at least two deflected beam (22 ', 22 ") is arranged, so that the at least two beam (22', 22") with varying primary beam directions (14 III , 14 IV , 14 V , 14 VI ) can be irradiated onto the wavelength converter (20), and which is designed to generate at least two secondary beam bundles each having at least one further wavelength in a secondary beam direction (24) through the at least two irradiated beam bundles (22 ', 22 ") III , 24 IV , 24 V , 24 VI ), the light of the beam (22 ', 22 ") optionally after complete or partial conversion into the secondary beam I for generating the resulting light distribution (28; 34) of the light module (7) is used.
Light module (7) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that a power of the at least one laser light source (10; 10 ', 10 ") in dependence on a movement position of the beam steering device (16) is individually controllable.
Light module (7) according to one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the light module (7) has at least one primary optic (30) designed as a beam splitter, which is designed to be illuminated by at least one of the at least one laser light source (10; , 10 ") emitted beam (12 ', 12") in the at least two beam (12', 12 ") with different primary beam directions (14 ', 14") to divide.
Light module (7) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the light module (7) has at least one amplitude modulator which is designed to reduce an intensity of the beam (12) generated by the at least one laser light source (10; ', 12 ") to vary.
Light module (7) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a region (35) of the resulting light distribution (28; 34) having a higher intensity than in other regions (37) of the light distribution (28; ) of the resulting light distribution (28; 34) with a higher intensity than in lateral edge regions (37) of the light distribution (28; 34).
Light module (7) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the light module (7) an Abstrahloptikeinrichtung (26) for forming the beam (22 ', 22 ") or of secondary beam bundles after a wavelength conversion by a wavelength converter (20) and the Forming the resulting light distribution (28; 34) of the light module (7).
Motor vehicle lighting device (2) comprising a housing (4) and a cover disc (6) closing a light exit opening in the housing (4), characterized in that in the housing (4) of the illumination device (2) at least a light module (7) is arranged according to one of the preceding claims.
Lighting device (2) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the illumination device (2) comprises a plurality of light modules (7, 8) according to claim 13, wherein a common Abstrahloptikeinrichtung (26) for forming the beam (22 ', 22 ") and the secondary beam and the common formation of the resulting light distribution (28; 34) of the light modules (7, 8) is provided.