MATRIX LIGHTING MODULE

Abstract

Matrix lighting module with a plurality of light-emitting diodes (16-34) (LEDs) and with at least one primary optics (10) connected downstream of the LEDs (16-34), wherein at least one of the LEDs (16-34) is controllable independently of the other LEDs (16-34), and at least one aperture (38) is arranged between an LED (16-34) that is controllable independently of the other LEDs (16-34) and an adjacent LED (16-34), wherein the LEDs (16-34) are arranged on a plate (12), wherein the primary optics (10) extends at a distance from the plate (12), wherein the primary optics (10) and the plate (12) are connected via a housing (2), and wherein the at least one aperture (38) is arranged in the housing (2) between the primary optics (10) and the plate (12) is characterized in that a coupling surface (50) of the primary optics (10) with a convex projection section (52) extends towards a respective LED (16 - 34),wherein the at least one aperture (38) is arranged at a distance from the primary optics (10) in a region (56) between two convex projection sections (52) of the primary optics.,

Description

[0001] The invention is based on a matrix lighting module, particularly for a vehicle, comprising a plurality of light-emitting diodes (LEDs). These can be arranged in one or more rows. Adjacent to the LEDs is a primary lens for collecting the light emitted by the LEDs to form a specific light pattern. This light pattern can be imaged in the far field by a secondary lens.

[0002] The vehicle may be an aircraft, a waterborne vehicle, or a land-based vehicle. The land-based vehicle may be a motor vehicle. The module is particularly preferred for use in a vehicle headlight or in a vehicle light in a truck or passenger car.

[0003] A light-emitting diode (LED) can be in the form of at least one individually packaged LED or in the form of at least one LED chip containing one or more light-emitting diodes. Several LED chips can be mounted on a common substrate (“submount”) to form an LED. The at least one LED can be equipped with at least one separate and / or shared optical system for beam guidance, for example with at least one Fresnel lens or a collimator. Instead of or in addition to inorganic LEDs, for example based on InGaN or AlInGaP, organic LEDs (OLEDs, e.g., polymer OLEDs) can generally also be used. The LED chips can be directly emitting or have a phosphor in front of them. Alternatively, the LED can be a laser diode or a laser diode array. The emission wavelengths of the LED can be in the ultraviolet, visible, or infrared spectral range.The LED chips preferably emit white light in the standardized ECE white field of the automotive industry.

[0004] It is known to use a matrix lighting module to create an adaptive driving light or an adaptive driving beam (ADB). In particular, the module can be used to create a glare-free high beam for automotive applications. To do this, one or more LEDs are switched off when oncoming traffic is present to prevent the driver of an oncoming vehicle from being dazzled. This module can therefore be used to create a glare-free high beam. The disadvantage of this is that it is technically difficult to implement such a module to prevent the driver from being dazzled by the oncoming vehicle within the framework of legal requirements.

[0005] For example, EP 2 893 249 B1 and AT 513 206 B1 disclose a lighting unit for a vehicle headlight by means of which glare-free high beam is to be provided, and US 2009 / 0 231 866 A1 and EP 2 280 215 A2 disclose a motor vehicle headlight comprising a lighting unit for generating a dynamic light distribution.

[0006] The object of the present invention is to create a matrix lighting module which enables adaptive light in a technically simple manner, in which, for example, when used as a high beam, glare of oncoming traffic is prevented or reduced or is within the scope of the legal requirements.

[0007] This object is achieved by a matrix lighting module according to the features of claim 1.

[0008] Particularly advantageous embodiments can be found in the dependent claims.

[0009] According to the invention, a matrix lighting module or a module or a compact ADB (Adaptive Driving Beam) module has a plurality of light-emitting diodes (LEDs). These can be arranged in one or more rows. Furthermore, at least one primary optics or primary lens is preferably provided downstream of the LEDs. This is, for example, designed as a single-part or multi-part lens and can be used to collect the light emitted by the LEDs and to form a specific light image. Advantageously, at least one of the LEDs, or several of the LEDs, or all of the LEDs can be controlled independently of the other LEDs. Advantageously, at least one aperture is arranged between an LED, which can be controlled independently of the other LEDs, and an adjacent LED.

[0010] This solution has the advantage that when the LED to which an aperture is assigned is switched off, no light, or at least less light, is coupled into its light path from the neighboring LED due to the aperture. In the prior art, it has been found that when the LEDs are switched off, light from the LEDs that are not switched off is coupled into the primary lens or into the section of the primary lens of the switched off LED or LEDs, which can lead to glare, as explained above. In other words, light that is coupled from an LED into the neighboring element of the primary optics is largely responsible for stray light, which leads to limit values for glare being exceeded. Thus, the module according to the invention ensures that a maximum intensity prescribed by law is not exceeded in the switched off pixels, i.e. in the light path of the switched off LEDs.In order to maintain maximum intensities when using the module, one or more shutters are advantageously arranged between the individual LEDs.

[0011] When controlling one or more LEDs or pixels independently, switching on and off and / or dimming should be possible.

[0012] In a further embodiment of the invention, the at least one aperture is arranged and / or configured such that it at least partially reflects light radiation, wherein the light radiation is emitted by the LED adjacent to it and is reflected at a coupling surface of the primary optics. Alternatively or additionally, the aperture is arranged and / or configured such that light radiation emitted by the LED adjacent to it is prevented from entering a beam path of the other LED adjacent to it. In other words, the aperture can have two functions. Firstly, it can keep radiation reflected from the primary lens coupling surface within the corresponding pixel, and secondly, it can block direct radiation that would otherwise reach a neighboring coupling surface. This makes it possible to comply with legislative requirements in a simple device-technical manner.

[0013] In a further embodiment of the invention, the LEDs are arranged on a plate or board. The primary optics can then extend at a distance from or approximately parallel to the plate. Preferably, the primary optics and the plate are connected via a module housing and / or attached to a module housing. The at least one aperture is then preferably arranged in the module housing between the primary optics and the plate. This leads to an extremely compact, simple, and robust design of the module. The aperture or apertures can thus be inserted between the LED board and the primary optics.

[0014] Preferably, the aperture or apertures are each approximately lamellar or plate-shaped.

[0015] To separate several LEDs arranged in a row, preferably several apertures are arranged, which can extend approximately parallel to one another. Furthermore, the aperture or apertures can extend approximately perpendicular to the plate and / or approximately parallel to the beam axis of a respective LED.

[0016] In a further embodiment of the invention, the aperture or apertures are spaced apart from the primary optics and / or the plate. This allows the module to be easily used at different temperatures or application temperatures, whereby a change in the volume of the plate and / or the primary optics preferably results in no mechanical contact with the aperture. Particularly if the primary optics is configured as a silicone optic or silicone lens, comparatively large expansions of the primary optics can occur when the temperature increases.

[0017] Further preferably, a shape of the aperture or of a respective aperture is adapted to a contour of the plate surface of the plate facing the aperture and / or the coupling surface of the primary optics facing the aperture, thus effectively enabling the functions of the aperture mentioned above. In particular, an aperture side of a respective aperture facing the primary optics can be adapted to a contour of an approximately opposite section of the coupling surface. Alternatively or additionally, an aperture side of a respective aperture facing the plate can be adapted to a contour of an approximately opposite section of the plate.

[0018] In a further embodiment of the invention, it is conceivable that the distance between the aperture and the primary optics increases in a transverse direction toward the housing. Thus, the distance between the aperture and the primary optics can increase in a transverse direction toward the respective edge region.

[0019] The primary optics preferably has a coupling surface, each of which is formed with a convex projection section facing a respective LED. This projection section can taper toward the respective LED. The aperture can then be arranged in the area between two projection sections, or the apertures can each be arranged in the area between two projection sections. This enables large-area shielding of stray light.

[0020] In a further embodiment of the invention, in a row of LEDs, apertures can also be arranged in series. In particular, one aperture can be provided between each pair of LEDs. If a plurality of rows of LEDs are provided, it is conceivable to arrange at least one aperture between adjacent rows.

[0021] Preferably, the primary optics are followed by a secondary optics or a secondary lens to project the light image into a far field.

[0022] The LEDs and the primary optics are arranged between two housing walls in a direction perpendicular to the row of LEDs. The aperture or apertures extend between the housing walls.

[0023] The panels are, for example, designed as one piece with the housing or as a separate component from the housing.

[0024] The aperture is preferably designed with a scattering and / or absorbing and / or reflecting surface.

[0025] The housing is preferably designed simply as a frame. A receptacle for the primary optics can be provided within the frame, into which the primary optics is inserted. Furthermore, the plate can be placed and secured, for example, to a particularly annular end face of the frame-shaped housing.

[0026] Preferably, a vehicle headlight or a vehicle lamp is provided with the module according to one or more of the preceding aspects.

[0027] The invention will be explained in more detail below using an exemplary embodiment. The figures show: Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of part of a matrix lighting module according to an embodiment, Fig. 2 in a longitudinal section the module from Fig. 1 together with a primary optic and Fig. 3 in a cross-section the module from Fig. 1 together with the primary optics.

[0028] According to Fig. 1, a matrix lighting module 1 has a frame-shaped housing 2, which defines an approximately rectangular interior space 4. From a light exit side 6 of the housing 2, an approximately annular axially inserted inner step 8 is provided, into which an optical element or a primary optic 10, see Fig. 2, can be used.

[0029] On a plate 12 or a board, a plurality of LEDs 16 to 34 are arranged in a row spaced apart from one another on a top side 14 facing the housing 2. According to Fig. 2, the plate 12 rests with its upper side 14 or plate surface against a contact side 36 of the frame-shaped housing 2 facing away from the light exit side 6 and is connected to it, e.g., screwed. Between the LEDs 16 to 34, lamellar apertures 38 are arranged, see Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, which each extend approximately transversely to the row of LEDs 16 to 34. According to Fig. 2, a respective bottom side or aperture side 40 of a respective aperture 38 facing the plate 12 is spaced from the top side 14. Furthermore, a top side or aperture side 42 of a respective aperture 38 facing the primary optics 10 is spaced from the primary optics 10.

[0030] According to Fig. 2, the primary optics 10 has an approximately annular retaining collar 44, via which it is inserted into the step 8 of the housing 2. A first optics section 46 of the primary optics 10 projects out of the housing 2. A second optics section 48, however, projects from the step 8 into the housing 2 towards the plate 12. The primary optics 10 is elongated and extends along the row of LEDs 16 to 34. Fig. 1.

[0031] According to Fig. 2, the primary optics 10 has a coupling surface 50 facing the plate 12, which has a convex projection section 52 for a respective LED 16 to 34. Between the projection sections 52, a distance to the plate 12 is then increased, with the apertures 38 then being arranged between the projection sections 52.

[0032] According to Fig. 3 it can be seen that the projection section 52 also tapers towards the LED when viewed in cross section. According to Fig. 2, a gap 56 between two projection sections 52 is approximately V-shaped when viewed in longitudinal section, with the gap 56 tapering in a direction away from the plate 12. Seen in cross section in Fig. 3, the intermediate space 56 has approximately the same shape as the projection portion 52, with a greater distance from the plate 12.

[0033] According to Fig. 3, the aperture side 42, viewed in cross-section, has a contour approximately corresponding to the coupling surface 50 of the primary optics 10 in the region of the intermediate space 56. The distance between the aperture side 42 and the coupling surface 50 is approximately constant in cross-section. The underside 36 of the aperture 38 is approximately flat and extends approximately parallel to the plate 12. According to Fig. 2, the aperture side 42 of a respective aperture 38 is curved and convex in longitudinal section.

[0034] Disclosed is a matrix lighting module comprising a plurality of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) arranged in series or in a matrix. The LEDs can be switched on and off independently of one another. An optical element is provided downstream of the LEDs. Apertures are provided between the optical element and the LEDs, essentially separating the beam paths of the LEDs from one another. LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS 1 module 2 housings 4 Interior 6 Light exit side 8th level 10 Primary optics 12 plates 14 Top 16 to 34 LEDs 36 Investment page 38 aperture 40 aperture side 42 Aperture side 44 retaining collar 46 Optics section 48 Optics section 50 coupling area 52 projection section 56 space

Claims

[1] Matrix lighting module with a plurality of light-emitting diodes (16-34) (LEDs) and with at least one primary optics (10) connected downstream of the LEDs (16-34), wherein at least one of the LEDs (16-34) is controllable independently of the other LEDs (16-34), and at least one aperture (38) is arranged between an LED (16-34) which is controllable independently of the other LEDs (16-34) and an adjacent LED (16-34), wherein the LEDs (16-34) are arranged on a plate (12), wherein the primary optics (10) extends at a distance from the plate (12), wherein the primary optics (10) and the plate (12) are connected via a housing (2), and wherein the at least one aperture (38) is arranged in the housing (2) between the primary optics (10) and the plate (12) is arranged, characterized bythat a coupling surface (50) of the primary optics (10) with a convex projection section (52) extends in each case towards a respective LED (16 - 34), wherein the at least one diaphragm (38) is arranged at a distance from the primary optics (10) in a region (56) between two convex projection sections (52) of the primary optics. [2] Module according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of lamellar or plate-shaped diaphragms (38) are arranged in series to separate the LEDs. [3] Module according to one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the aperture (38) or apertures (38) are spaced from the primary optics (10) and / or from the plate (12). [4] Module according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a shape of the aperture (38) or apertures (38) is adapted to a contour of the plate surface (14) of the plate (12) facing the aperture (38) and / or the coupling surface (50) of the primary optics (10) facing the aperture (38). [5] Module according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the aperture (38) or the apertures (38) is / are approximately plate-shaped and wherein an aperture side (42) of the aperture (38) or of a respective aperture (38) facing the primary optics (10) is adapted to a contour of an approximately opposite section of the coupling surface (50). [6] Module according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a secondary optic is connected downstream of the primary optic (10). [7] Module according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the LEDs (16 - 34) and the primary optics (10) are arranged between two housing walls of the housing (2), viewed in the transverse direction of the row of LEDs (16 - 34), between which the aperture (38) or apertures (38) extend(s). [8] Module according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cover (38) or the covers (38) is / are fixed in the housing (2) or is / are formed integrally therewith. [9] Module according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the aperture (38) or apertures (38) is / are designed with a scattering and / or absorbing and / or reflecting surface.

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