Method for changing the brightness of a plurality of light sources, by which an optical displacement of the light sources relative to each other is produced for an observer, and light module with a control device for carrying out this method.

Abstract

Method for controlling the brightness of a plurality of light sources (20) of a light module (10) for a lighting unit (100) of a vehicle or a lighting device, wherein the brightness of at least three light sources (20) arranged on a common circuit board in a common plane (22), wherein the circuit board in the common plane (22) is provided with connecting conductors, wherein only a single connection is provided for all light sources (20) in this common plane (22), and wherein a control device (30) is provided on the back of the light module (10), is changed differently by the control device (30) in order to produce an optical displacement of the light sources (20) relative to each other perpendicular to the common plane (22) for the observer, wherein the change in the brightness of the light sources (20) is carried out via at least three different brightness levels, characterized in thatthat the brightness of the individual light sources (20) is controlled according to brightness curves, wherein by changing the respective brightness at least a front, a middle and a rear light source (20) is provided with reference to the optical displacement to the common plane (22), wherein the central light source (20) or the outermost light source (20) is the brightest point and thus the foremost point, wherein the brightness of the light sources (20) is changed in such a way that a symmetrical distribution of brightnesses with a spatial appearance results.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for changing, in particular for controlling or regulating, the brightness of a plurality of light sources of a light module for a lighting unit of a vehicle or for a lighting device, and to such a light module for the lighting unit of a vehicle or a lighting device.

[0002] It is known that light sources are used for light modules of lighting units, particularly headlights, of a vehicle, which, in addition to their primary function of illumination, also fulfill a secondary function with regard to the vehicle's design. In particular, it is known that individual light sources can reinforce, incorporate, and extend design elements of a vehicle. For example, it is possible for individual light sources of a light module to be arranged in such a way that they can represent or replicate a three-dimensional structure. In known lighting units, this is achieved by implementing a three-dimensional design of the light modules. Specifically, the individual light sources are spaced apart from one another in the direction of depth, so that, for the observer of such a light module, there is a three-dimensional offset of the light modules in the depth direction.Such a three-dimensional arrangement of light sources is shown, for example, in DE 100 11 843 A1. Further methods for changing the brightness of light sources are known from documents DE 10 2007 050 374 A1, DE 10 2011 012 123 A1, DE 100 34 452 A1, DE 603 ​​16 178 T2, DE 195 39 881 A1, DE 10 2008 062 639 A1 and WO 2004 / 003 869 A1.

[0003] A disadvantage of conventional light sources for lighting modules is the significant effort required to connect each individual light source. Because the light sources are spaced apart in their depth dimension, each light source, especially LEDs, must be connected individually. Arranging all light sources on a single flat circuit board is not feasible, resulting in numerous connectors that not only increase complexity but also significantly burden the assembly of conventional light sources for lighting modules. Another disadvantage is that the three-dimensional arrangement of the light sources increases the overall installation depth. In vehicles with tailgate lights, for example, the available installation depth is often severely limited.This may not achieve the desired effect, as a three-dimensional arrangement in the depth direction cannot be adequately guaranteed.

[0004] It is an object of the present invention to at least partially overcome the disadvantages described above. In particular, it is an object of the present invention to provide a method as well as a light module for a lighting unit of a vehicle or a lighting device, in which it is possible in a simple and cost-effective manner to generate a three-dimensional depth effect for the viewer of such a light module, preferably flexibly and with a reduced installation depth, even for different vehicle types.

[0005] The foregoing problem is solved by a method having the features of claim 1 and by a light module having the features of claim 5. Further features and details of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims, the description, and the drawings. Features and details described in connection with the method according to the invention naturally also apply in connection with the light module according to the invention, and vice versa, so that the disclosure regarding the individual aspects of the invention always refers, or can refer, to each other.

[0006] A method according to the invention serves to change, in particular to control and / or regulate, the brightness of a plurality of light sources in a light module for a lighting unit of a vehicle or a lighting device. A method for changing is thus understood to be any method that enables the activation, control, and / or regulation of the brightness of the light sources. The individual distinctions between methods, in particular a distinction between control and regulation, do not affect the inventive quality of the present method. Rather, a method according to the invention can be used for controlling, regulating, or a combination of both for the brightness of light sources. Within the scope of the present invention, a plurality of light sources is in particular a number of more than three light sources.

[0007] A method according to the invention is characterized in that the brightness of at least three light sources, which are arranged essentially in a common plane, is changed in a way that differentiates between them. The brightness change is achieved by generating an optical displacement of the light sources relative to each other, essentially perpendicular to the common plane. This optical displacement is directed towards an observer who is looking at a lighting unit of a vehicle or a lighting device with a light module controlled according to the invention. Using a method according to the invention, light modules can be used whose light sources are arranged essentially in a common plane on a common circuit board. Arranging them on a circuit board, particularly with LEDs as light sources, is known and particularly cost-effective to manufacture.Such a circuit board is also provided with connecting conductors in this common plane, so that only a single connection, for example in the form of a plug contact, is provided for all light sources in this common plane. Using a method according to the invention, light sources and light modules can be used which are significantly improved in terms of the complexity of both manufacturing and assembly.

[0008] The optical displacement of the light sources can occur out of or behind the plane of the light sources. In other words, by varying or changing the brightness of at least three light sources, each individual light source can be optically emphasized or receded from the common plane. The observer of such a plurality of light sources will experience a three-dimensional perception, as is only possible with conventional light sources through actual three-dimensional construction and the corresponding necessary depth.

[0009] An inventive method enables not only a reduction in complexity but also an increase in the flexibility of using the light modules. Thus, one and the same light module with one and the same arrangement of light sources can be controlled, regulated, or controlled, essentially in a common plane, to produce different optical perceptions. This means that one and the same light module can be used in different vehicle types, creating different optical impressions in each. Consequently, one and the same light module can be produced in larger quantities and therefore at lower costs, without negatively impacting the desired variation for different vehicle types.

[0010] In the context of the present invention, an optical displacement is understood to mean that, from the observer's perspective, one light source appears to be at a different distance from the observer's point than another light source with a different brightness. This allows the light sources to be optically displaced relative to each other. It is important to clearly distinguish that an optical displacement is not a real displacement; rather, the light sources remain essentially in their common plane.

[0011] For light sources, the present invention can utilize classic light sources such as incandescent lamps or xenon lamps, as well as newer light sources in the form of LEDs (light-emitting diodes) or OLEDs. Each light source can comprise one or more individual light sources, but in particular a plurality of individual LEDs. Preferably, not just three, but more than five light sources are used. Furthermore, it is advantageous if at least three brightness levels can be distinguished when changing the brightness. In other words, at least a low, a medium, and a high brightness level are provided for the at least three light sources. By changing the respective brightness levels, a front, a middle, and a rear light source are thus provided with respect to the optical displacement relative to the common plane.

[0012] Ideally, the number of light sources will be significantly larger. For example, a total of 45 or more light sources can be used to further enhance the desired three-dimensional effect. The increased number of light sources allows for the use of low- to medium-powered light sources, which are therefore more cost-effective. Of course, more powerful light sources can also be used for special designs.

[0013] In a method according to the invention, the brightness of the light sources is varied to create a symmetrical distribution of brightness with a spatial appearance. Depending on the actual arrangement of the light sources, for example, linear or matrix-like, different symmetries are possible. Point symmetry and axial symmetry are particularly noteworthy. Since the symmetrical design produces a pleasing image, and especially an image familiar to the viewer of a light module, an improved optical impression, particularly with an enhancement of the three-dimensional effect, can be achieved in this way. In the first step, the direction of the symmetry is irrelevant. Thus, it is intended that the brightest point, and therefore the foremost point, is either the central or the outermost light source.Thus, essentially pointed or deepening light modules can be provided with regard to the brightness of the individual light sources.

[0014] In a method according to the invention, the brightness of the light sources is also changed via at least three different brightness levels. These three brightness levels can be exact levels between which the light source can be switched. Of course, stepwise dimming is also possible, allowing for even simpler and more precise control of the brightness. This further improves the three-dimensional effect with regard to the resolution of the three-dimensionality.

[0015] It is also advantageous if, in a method according to the invention, the change in the brightness of the light sources occurs continuously or essentially continuously. This means that the change in the brightness of the light sources can essentially be described as a dimming function. In this way, even greater application flexibility can be provided, since the respective brightness can be varied, set, controlled, or regulated essentially freely.

[0016] A further advantage is that, in a method according to the invention, the brightness of at least two light sources can be modified such that they exhibit essentially the same brightness. This is particularly advantageous in a symmetrical configuration using a method according to the invention. Individual light sources can thus be grouped together, so that modifying them group by group further reduces the effort required to implement a method according to the invention. Furthermore, pre-selection can be performed by selecting the individual groups, which then no longer needs to be carried out by a process control system. In other words, the individual groups of light sources are electrically connected on the circuit board, resulting in correspondingly less control effort.

[0017] Another object of the present invention is a light module for a vehicle lighting unit or lighting device, comprising a plurality of light sources and a control device configured for carrying out a method according to the invention. A light module according to the invention thus offers the same advantages as those explained in detail with reference to a method according to the invention. In particular, the reduced installation space required in terms of depth of the light module compared to known light modules should be mentioned. The increased flexibility of such a light module for use with different vehicle types is also a significant advantage. Furthermore, the complexity of such a light module is reduced because the individual light sources can be arranged on a substantially common plane. This allows for their arrangement on a single circuit board.

[0018] It is also advantageous if, in a light module according to the invention, the individual adjacent light sources are spaced a maximum of 30 mm apart. This maximum distance can also be referred to as the maximum grid spacing. Preferably, this grid spacing lies between 15 and 30 mm, so that, on the one hand, relatively cost-effective production of the individual adjacent light sources is possible, while on the other hand, a common area is still provided for the desired three-dimensional effect. In particular, the distances between all adjacent light sources are equal or substantially equal to each other. This ensures, in particular, that a regular image is provided by a light module according to the invention.

[0019] Furthermore, it can be advantageous if the light sources in a light module according to the invention have essentially the same color spectrum, particularly for a position light, a daytime running light, a brake light, a taillight, and / or an interior light. If, for example, LEDs are used for the light sources, they preferably all have the same color. This is particularly red, yellow, or white. Other colors, such as blue or green, are of course also conceivable if new lighting functions can be provided for a vehicle or for lights for general lighting purposes, i.e., a lighting device. However, when used for position lights, brake lights, or taillights, a yellow or a red or orange color spectrum will preferably be advantageous.In this way, a uniform image can be created and, moreover, the three-dimensional impression is not reduced by different color variations.

[0020] A further advantage is that, in a light module according to the invention, the light sources are arranged at least partially in a matrix-like and / or linear and / or concentric and / or other regular configuration. These are merely examples of the actual arrangement of the light sources. In particular, regular geometric shapes are used for arranging the light sources in the common plane. This further improves the optical impression and enhances the three-dimensional depth effect. The arrangement of the light sources remains such that it is essentially provided on a common circuit board, i.e., in the common plane.

[0021] A further advantage arises when, in a light module according to the invention, a diffuser is arranged for at least two light sources in such a way that the boundaries of the light areas produced by the at least two light sources become blurred. In other words, a sharp demarcation between the individual light sources is eliminated. Instead, for example, a band of light or a surface of light is created, which emits a gradient of brightness. The individual stepwise adjustments or changes in the brightness of the light sources are thus, so to speak, blurred by the diffuser, so that the produced light areas form a single, unified light area. This further improves the optical appearance of a light module according to the invention.

[0022] Another advantage is that an optical element can be placed in front of each light source to optimize the light distribution of the light source in a desired manner and to support the light function.

[0023] The present invention is explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The terms "left", "right", "top", and "bottom" used refer to an orientation of the drawings with normally legible reference symbols. They show schematically: Fig. 1a an embodiment of a light module according to the invention in a top view, Fig. 1b the light module of the Fig. 1a in a side view, Fig. 2 an embodiment of a light module according to the invention in a first change situation, Fig. 3 a light module of the present invention in a second change situation, Fig. 4 an embodiment of a light source, Fig. 5. One way to arrange different light sources, Fig. 6. Another possible arrangement of the different light sources, and Fig. 7 an embodiment of a light module according to the prior art.

[0024] In Fig. Figure 7 schematically represents a known light unit 100. The individual light sources 20 are realistically offset from each other in three dimensions. As in Fig. As can be clearly seen in Figure 7, a relatively deep installation space is necessary in this way to enable the three-dimensional offset.

[0025] By means of a method or a light module 10 according to the invention, the same effect can be produced with reduced installation space. This is particularly relevant with regard to the Fig. 1a and Fig. Figure 1b clearly shows a light module 10 designed according to the present invention. It essentially comprises a plurality of light sources 20 in a common plane 22. In this embodiment, these light sources are arranged in an L-shape along two essentially straight lines on the common plane 22. A control device 30 is provided on the rear side of the light module 10, which performs a method according to the invention for changing the brightness of the light sources 20. A diffuser 40 is placed in front of the light sources 20, which allows the individual generated light areas to blend together.

[0026] With regard to the Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 explains the different modification possibilities by a method according to the invention in a light module 10 according to the invention. Thus, in both Fig. 2 and Fig. Figure 3 shows the same arrangement of light sources 20. However, by using a method according to the invention, a different three-dimensional depth impression can be generated without having to make any structural changes to the arrangement of the light sources 20. Rather, all light sources 20 remain arranged in the common plane 22 in both variants. For this purpose, the brightness of the individual light sources 20 is controlled according to the brightness curve arranged below.

[0027] In Fig. 2. The brightness decreases from left to right and increases again from the center. This is an axially symmetric arrangement of the brightness distribution. The dashed lines represent the optically shifted positions 26 of the respective light sources 20. In this embodiment, from an optical perspective, the individual light sources 20 shift vertically upwards from the common plane 22, or towards the viewer. Of course, this variation or change in brightness can also occur in other directions or be combined.

[0028] Such a combination can be found, for example, in Fig. Figure 3 shows the brightness control. Here, the brightness control has been reversed so that it rises from left to right and then falls again. The brightness curve represents an embodiment that shifts some light sources 20 upwards and others downwards. Again, the optically shifted positions 26 of the respective light sources 20 are shown with dashed lines. In other words, the brightness can be used to generate an optical shift and a three-dimensional structure of the individual light sources 20, essentially independent of the actual position of the common plane 22. In contrast to a light unit 100, as used, for example, in the Fig. As shown in Figure 7, the same or even a stronger three-dimensional effect can be achieved despite lower complexity and reduced construction depth.

[0029] In Fig. Figure 4 shows an embodiment of a light source 20. In this light source 20, three light sources 24 are arranged, which together form the light source 20. For example, in this embodiment, each light source 24 can be in the form of a colored LED. If three different LEDs, for example red, yellow, and blue, are used, then in addition to varying the brightness according to the method of the invention, the desired color can also be adjusted. Each light source 20 can therefore have one or more light sources 24.

[0030] Fig. 5 and Fig. Figure 6 shows two different variants of the arrangement of the light sources 20. This arrangement is, of course, only exemplary and does not limit the scope of protection of the present invention. Fig. Figure 5, for example, shows a concentric arrangement of the light sources 20. Fig. Figure 6 shows a matrix-like arrangement. In the two figures... Fig. 5 and Fig. Furthermore, in Figure 6, the distance between two adjacent light sources 20 is shown by A. This distance is preferably the same or substantially the same between most or even all adjacent light sources 20, so that a uniform image is obtained for the observer of all light sources 20 of the light module 10.

[0031] The preceding descriptions relating to a light module according to the invention or the corresponding method describe the present invention only by way of example. Of course, individual features can be freely combined with one another, provided this is technically feasible, without departing from the scope of the present invention. Reference symbol list 10 light modules 20 light sources 22 Common plane of light sources 24 light bulbs 26 Optically shifted position of the light source 30 Control device 40 Diffuser 100 light units A distance between two adjacent light sources

Claims

[1] Method for controlling the brightness of a plurality of light sources (20) of a light module (10) for a lighting unit (100) of a vehicle or lighting device, wherein the brightness of at least three light sources (20) arranged on a common circuit board in a common plane (22), wherein the circuit board in the common plane (22) is provided with connecting conductors, wherein only a single connection is provided for all light sources (20) in this common plane (22), and wherein a control device (30) is provided on the back of the light module (10), is changed differently by the control device (30) in order to produce an optical displacement of the light sources (20) relative to each other perpendicular to the common plane (22) for the observer, wherein the change in the brightness of the light sources (20) is carried out via at least three different brightness levels, characterized by, that the brightness of the individual light sources (20) is regulated according to brightness curves, wherein by changing the respective brightness at least a front, a middle and a rear light source (20) is provided with reference to the optical displacement to the common plane (22), wherein the central light source (20) or the outermost light source (20) is the brightest point and thus the foremost point, wherein the brightness of the light sources (20) is changed in such a way that a symmetrical distribution of brightnesses with a spatial appearance results. [2] Method according to claim 1, characterized by , that the change in the brightness of the light sources (20) occurs continuously. [3] Method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the brightness of at least two light sources (20) are changed in such a way that they have the same brightness. [4] Light module (10) for a lighting unit (100) of a vehicle or a lighting device, comprising a plurality of light sources (20) arranged on a common circuit board in a common plane (22), wherein the circuit board in the common plane (22) is provided with connecting conductors, wherein only a single connection is provided for all light sources (20) in this common plane (22), and a control device (30) provided on the rear of the light module (10) and configured for carrying out a method with the features of one of claims 1 to 3. [5] Light module (10) according to claim 4, characterized by , that the individual adjacent light sources (20) are spaced a maximum of 30 mm apart from each other. [6] Light module (10) according to one of claims 4 or 5, characterized by, that the light sources (20) have the same color spectrum, in particular for a position light, a daytime running light, a brake light, a rear light and / or an interior light. [7] Light module (10) according to one of claims 4 to 6, characterized by , that the light sources (20) are at least partially arranged in a matrix-like and / or linear and / or concentric and / or other regular form. [8] Light module (10) according to one of claims 4 to 7, characterized by , that for at least two light sources (20) a diffuser (40) is arranged such that the boundaries of the light areas produced by the at least two light sources (20) blur together.

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