Projection module for vehicles with two main light primary optics, two signal light primary optics and a common secondary optic

Abstract

Projection module for vehicles with - a first main light primary optic (5) and a first light source (1) associated therewith, - a second main light primary optic (6) and a second light source (2) associated therewith, - a secondary optic (9) which is arranged in the light guide direction (L) in front of the first main light primary optic (5) and the second main light primary optic (6) and is designed such that light (1', 2') emitted by the first main light primary optic (5) and the second main light primary optic (6) passes through the secondary optic (9) and is imaged by the same to form a first main light distribution orto a second main light distribution, wherein two signal light primary optics (7, 8) and two light sources (3, 4) are provided, wherein each of the two light sources (3, 4) is assigned to one of the two signal light primary optics (7, 8), wherein the secondary optics (9) is designed such that the light (3', 4') emitted by the two signal light primary optics (7, 8) passes through the secondary optics (9) and is imaged by the same to form a signal light distribution, and wherein the secondary optics (9) has a main section (10) and two secondary sections (11, 12), wherein the main section (10) is designed such that the light (1', 2') emitted by the first main light primary optics (5) and the second main light primary optics (6) is imaged to the first main light function orsecond main light function, and wherein the two secondary sections (11, 12) are designed such that the light (3', 4') emitted by the two signal light primary optics (7, 8) is imaged to form the signal light distribution, characterized in that. - that the first signal light primary optics (7) and the light source (3) associated with it are arranged on a first side of a vertical center plane (Mv) in the installed position of the projection module, wherein the vertical center plane (Mv) extends through the first main light primary optics (5) and through the second main light primary optics (6) and the secondary optics (9), - that the second signal light primary optics (8) and the light source (4) associated with it are arranged on a side of the vertical center plane (Mv) opposite the first signal light primary optics (7), - that the light beam (3') collimated by the first signal light primary optics (7) extends in the direction of the first secondary section (11) of the secondary optics (9), wherein the first secondary section (11) is arranged on a side opposite the vertical center plane (Mv) of the first signal light primary optics (7) and the light source (3) associated with it, - that the light beam (4') collimated by the second signal light primary optics (8) strikes the second secondary section (12) of the secondary optics (9), which is arranged on a side opposite the first secondary section (11) of the secondary optics (9) with respect to the vertical center plane (Mv).

Description

The invention relates to a projection module for vehicles according to the preamble of claim 1.EP 2 161 494 B1 discloses a lighting device for vehicles, in which a light guide body is assigned a plurality of light sources. Depending on the switching state of the light sources, different signal light functions, namely daytime running light or projection light or turn signal light, can be generated. A main light function, namely the generation of a low beam or high beam distribution, cannot be effected as a result.DE 10 2014 111 445 A1 discloses a lighting device for vehicles in which a main light function, namely a low beam, and a signal light function, namely a daytime running light, are generated via a common optical system designed as a reflector. While the light source associated with the low beam function is arranged at the focal point of the reflector, the light source associated with the daytime running light is arranged at a distance from the focal point of the reflector. In addition, the light source assigned to the daytime running light is assigned a scattering lens element. The known illumination device is limited to the generation of a single main light function and a single signal light function.EP 2 390 561 A1 discloses a projection module for vehicles which is designed to generate two main light functions, namely low beam and high beam. Both light functions use the same secondary optics, namely a projection lens. A first main light primary optical unit interacts with first light sources, so that the light emitted by the first main light primary optical unit is imaged by means of the projection lens to form a low beam distribution. The second main light primary optical unit and a further light source cooperate in such a way that the light emitted by the second main light primary optical unit is imaged by the projection lens to form a high beam distribution. It is desirable to extend such a projection module so that further light functions can be provided.A projection module for vehicles is known from JP 2020-198 176 A. A plurality of primary optics and secondary optics assigned to light sources arranged next to one another are arranged. The secondary optics are each designed as light guides which are directly connected to the primary optics. A crossover light guidance between the light beams generated by the primary optics is not provided.AT 518 552 A4 discloses a projection module for vehicles having a first main light primary optical unit and a second main light primary optical unit and correspondingly associated light sources, wherein the light collimated by the main light primary optical units impinges on a secondary optical unit. In addition, to generate at least one signal light function, a secondary light primary optics are provided in addition to the primary light optics, and corresponding light sources are provided. The primary light optics and the secondary light primary optics are integrally connected to one another, wherein additionally on the light outlet side are integrally connected to a light guide body containing a reflector and a light decoupling lens. The reflector serves for deflecting the collimated light by 90°.It is therefore the object of the present invention to further develop a projection module for vehicles in such a way that a compact and space-saving provision of a plurality of light functions is ensured in a simple manner.To achieve this object, the invention has the features of claim 1.The particular advantage of the invention is that a plurality of, on the one hand, main light functions and, on the other hand, at least one signal light function can be generated in a space-saving manner. The same secondary optics are used here. The projection module according to the invention can thus be produced in a space-saving and cost-effective manner. Main light functions are understood to mean core light functions of a headlight, namely the generation of low beam and / or high beam, which are capable of illuminating a vehicle front area. Signal light functions are understood to mean light functions which do not serve for illuminating a vehicle front area, but rather for signaling other road users who inform about the state of the vehicle. Thus, the signal light function "direction indicator" indicates to the further road users that the vehicle is about to turn. The signal light function "daytime running light" enables the oncoming road users to identify the vehicle at an early stage.According to the invention, the secondary optical system has a main section and a secondary section. The main section serves for imaging light bundles of the first and / or second main light function. The secondary section serves for imaging a further first signal light function. In the secondary optics, a spatial separation thus takes place with respect to the imaging of the main light function on the one hand and the signal light function on the other hand.According to a further development of the invention, the main section of the secondary optics is designed as a projection lens element and the secondary section of the secondary optics is designed as a free-form surface element. The free-form surface element preferably connects directly to the projection lens element, so that a conventional main light imaging function of the secondary optics merely has to be extended. No recalculation of the mapping of the main light functions takes place.According to a further development of the invention, control means are provided so that at least a part of the light source assigned to the first primary light optics and the light source assigned to the signal light primary optics are switched on so that light can pass through the main section and the secondary section of the secondary optics for generating the first signal light function or signal light distribution. Advantageously, the part of the projection module provided for the main light functions is supported here for the signal light functions. Thus, for example, the legal minimum illumination area required for a signal light function, for example, a daytime running light function, can be fulfilled if the area of the secondary section of the secondary optical unit is not sufficient.According to a further development of the invention, control means are provided so that, on the one hand, a part of the light source assigned to the signal light primary optics and the light source assigned to the main light primary optics are switched on so that the light emerging from the secondary section of the secondary optics serves to support or extend the main light function. For example, this allows a road sign placed at the top to be illuminated in addition to the low beam light distribution.According to a further development of the invention, the main section of the secondary optics is formed as a lens element, which is preferably formed as a plano-convex lens element. Advantageously, a conventional secondary optical system can be used for the main light function.According to a further development of the invention, the main section and the secondary section of the secondary optics are integrally connected to one another. Advantageously, the entire secondary optics can be fastened in a supporting frame, which simplifies the assembly.According to a further development of the invention, the light sources of the projection optics are arranged in a common plane, preferably on a common printed circuit board, so that the production costs are reduced.According to a further development of the invention, the light sources assigned to the signal primary optics are arranged at an angle to the light source assigned to the main light primary optics. Advantageously, the projection optics module can thereby be made more compact.Exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the drawings.The following are shown: FIG. 1 shows a schematic plan view of a projection module, and FIG. 2 shows a front view of a secondary optical unit of the projection module.A projection module for vehicles is used in a nose of a vehicle, so that, on the one hand, a number of main light functions and, on the other hand, a number of signal light functions can be generated.In the present exemplary embodiment, the projection module comprises a plurality of light sources 1, 2, 3, 4 assigned to different light functions and primary optics 5, 6, 7, 8 assigned to the light sources 1, 2, 3, 4 and a single secondary optics 9, by means of which the different light functions are imaged in the vehicle.A first main light primary optical unit 5 is assigned to a first light source 1 and effects collimation of the light 1' emitted by the first light source 1 in the direction of a main section 10 of the secondary optical unit 9. The first main light primary optical unit 5 preferably has an edge for generating a predefined bright / dark limit of the low-beam light distribution.A second main light primary optical unit 6 is assigned to a second light source 2. The light beam 2' emitted by the second light source 2 is collimated by means of the second main light primary optical unit 6 in the direction of the main section 10 of the secondary optical unit 9, so that, when the first light source 1 and the second light source 2 are simultaneously switched on, a high beam split is imaged as a second main light distribution by means of the secondary optical unit.Preferably, the second main light primary optical unit 6 is arranged above the first main light primary optical unit 5 in the vertical direction. The first light source 1 and the second light source 2 are arranged on a common carrier plate T 1 wherein the first light source 1 is arranged in a lower region and the second light source 2 is arranged in an upper region of the printed circuit board.The first light source 1 and the second light source 2 can each have a plurality of light source elements, for example LED light elements, which are combined on one or more chips.A first signal light primary optical unit 7 and a carrier plate T 1 carrying the first light source 1 are arranged on a first side of a vertical center plane Mv, wherein the vertical center plane Mv runs through the secondary optical unit 9. In addition, the vertical center plane Mv also runs through the first main light primary optical unit 5 or second main light primary optical unit 6 and the carrier plate T 1. carrying the first light source 1 and the second light source 2.The first signal light primary optical unit 7 and the carrier plate T 2, which carries the light source 3 assigned to the signal light primary optical unit 7, enclose an angle φ 1 with an extension of the first carrier plate T 1 or a perpendicular to the vertical center plane Mv.By controlling the third light source 3, a light beam 3' is collimated by means of the first signal light primary optical unit 7 in the direction of a first secondary section 11 of the secondary optical unit 9, so that a first signal light distribution (first signal light function), for example a daytime running light distribution, is generated by means of the first secondary section 11. The first secondary section 11 is arranged on a side of the third light source 3 or of the first signal light primary optical unit 7 opposite the central plane Mv.Furthermore, a second signal light primary optical unit 8 is arranged on a side of the central plane Mv opposite the first signal light primary optical unit 7, which second signal light primary optical unit preferably adjoins an edge of the first main light primary optical unit 5 or second main light primary optical unit 6. The second signal light primary optical unit 8 encloses an angle φ 2 with the first main light primary optical unit 5 or the second main light primary optical unit 6. A fourth light source 4 assigned to the second signal light primary optical unit 8 is also arranged on a third carrier plate T in 3 fashion. The carrier plate T 3 encloses an angle φ 2 with an extension of the first carrier plate T 1 or encloses a second angle φ 2 with a perpendicular to the vertical center plane Mv.The light beam 4' emitted by the fourth light source 4 is collimated by means of the second signal light primary optical unit 8 and impinges on a second secondary section 12 of the secondary optical unit 9, which is arranged on a side opposite the first secondary section 11 of the secondary optical unit 9 with respect to the central plane Mv. By means of the second secondary section 12 of the secondary optical unit 9, the light beam 4' emitted by the fourth light source 4 is deflected in such a way that a second signal light distribution, for example a direction indicator, is generated.The main section 10 of the secondary optics 9 is formed as a lens element, preferably as a plano-convex lens element. The first secondary section 11 and the second secondary section 12 of the secondary optics 9 are each formed as a free-form surface lens element.Preferably, the main portion 10 is integrally connected to the first sub-portion 11 and the second sub-portion 12. As can be seen from FIG. 2, the main section 10 is completely surrounded by the first sub-section 11 and the second sub-section 12, namely in a circumferential direction about an optical axis A of the projection module. If all light sources 1, 2, 3, 4 are controlled and are in an on state, the third light beam 3' and the fourth light beam 4' of the light sources 3, 4 assigned to the signal light functions cross one another. The light beam 3' of the first signal light function and the fourth light beam 4' of the second signal light function each cross the optical axis A before they strike the secondary optical unit 9.According to a first embodiment of the invention, only the first light source 1 is activated or switched on in order to generate the first main light function (low beam). To generate the second main light function (high beam), the second light source 2 is additionally switched on. To generate the first signal light function (daytime running light), only the third light source 3 is switched on. To generate the second signal light function (direction indicator), only the fourth light source 4 is switched on. There is no overlap of the light beams 1', 2' of the main light function with the respective light beams 3' and 4' of the signal light functions. The first light beam 1' and the second light beam 2' exclusively strike an entry surface of the main section 10. the third light beam 3' exclusively strikes an entry surface of the first secondary section 11 and the fourth light beam 4' exclusively strikes an entry surface of the second secondary section 12 of the secondary optical system 9.According to a further variant of the invention, not only is the third light source 3 switched on, but also a part of the first light source 1 for generating the first signal light function (daytime running light), and in this way not only an exit surface 11' of the first secondary section 11 lights up, but also an exit surface 10' of the main section 10, and the signal light function is supported here by partially switching on the first light source 1, wherein the illumination area on the secondary optical system 9 can be increased to the combination of the exit surfaces 10' and 11'. Such a variant can be realized easily if, in particular, the exit surface 11' of the first secondary section 11 is smaller than a legally prescribed minimum illumination surface of these signal light functions. Advantageously, the number of optical components, in particular the light sources, can thereby be reduced.According to a further variant of the invention, when the first light source 1 is controlled in order to generate the first main light distribution (low beam distribution), a part or the entire third light source 3 can additionally be switched on, so that, in addition to the low beam distribution, an illumination of a road sign placed at an elevated level can be achieved. A function expansion of the main light functions thus takes place.It should be noted that the third light source 3 and the fourth light source 4 may each include a plurality of light emitting elements, for example, LED light emitting elements. The LED lighting elements of the light sources 1, 2, 3, 4 can preferably be controlled individually.If necessary, the second light source 2 can have a number of LED lighting elements arranged in a matrix-like manner.According to an alternative embodiment, not shown, the secondary optical unit 9 can also be embodied in multiple parts, consisting of a main section component, a first secondary section component and a second secondary section component.The secondary optical unit 9 is preferably fixed in a supporting frame, not shown.The secondary optics 9 is arranged in front of the primary light optics 5, 6, 7, 8 in the light guiding direction L or main radiation direction.List of reference characters1,1',1" light source, light beam 2,2' light source, light beam 3,3' light source, light beam 4,4' light source, light beam 5 1st primary light optics 6 2nd primary light optics 7 1st primary signal light optics 8 2nd primary signal light optics 9 secondary optics 10, 10' main section, exit surface 11, 11'1st minor section, exit surface 12 2nd minor section T 1, T 2, T 3 support plate A optical axis Mv median plane Φ 1, φ 2 angle L light guiding direction

Claims

Projection module for vehicles, having - a first main light primary optical unit (5) and a first light source (1) assigned to the latter, - a second main light primary optical unit (6) and a second light source (2) assigned to the latter, - a secondary optical unit (9) which is arranged in front of the first main light primary optical unit (5) and the second main light primary optical unit (6) in the light guiding direction (L) and is designed such that light (1', 2') emitted by the first main light primary optical unit (5) and the second main light primary optical unit (6) passes through the secondary optical unit (9) and is imaged by the same to form a first main light distribution and to form a second main light distribution, wherein two signal light primary optical units (7, 8) and two light sources (3, 4) are provided, wherein each of the two light sources (3, 4) is provided, The optical system (4) is assigned to one of the two signal light primary optics (7, 8), wherein the secondary optics (9) is designed such that the light (3', 4') emitted by the two signal light primary optics (7, 8) passes through the secondary optics (9) and is imaged by the latter to form a signal light distribution, and wherein the secondary optics (9) has a main section (10) and two sub-sections (11, 12), wherein the main section (10) is designed such that the light (1', 2') emitted by the first main light primary optics (5) and the second main light primary optics (6) is imaged to form the first main light function and the second main light function, respectively, and wherein the two sub-sections (11, 12) are designed such that the light (3', 8) emitted by the two signal light primary optics (7, 8), 4') is imaged for the signal light distribution, characterized in that - the first signal light primary optical system (7) and the light source (3) associated therewith are arranged on a first side of a vertical central plane (Mv) in the installed position of the projection module, wherein the vertical central plane (Mv) runs through the first main light primary optical system (5) and through the second main light primary optical system (6) and the secondary optical system (9), - the second signal light primary optical system (8) and the light source (4) associated therewith are arranged on a side of the vertical central plane (Mv) opposite the first signal light primary optical system (7), - the light beam (3') collimated by the first signal light primary optical system (7) runs in the direction of the first minor section (11) of the secondary optical system (9), wherein the first secondary section (11) is arranged on a side, opposite the vertical central plane (Mv), of the first signal light primary optical unit (7) and of the light source (3) associated therewith, - in that the light beam (4') collimated by the second signal light primary optical unit (8) impinges on the second secondary section (12) of the secondary optical unit (9), which is arranged on a side, opposite the vertical central plane (Mv), of the first secondary section (11) of the secondary optical unit (9).Projection module according to Claim 1, characterized in that the main section (10) of the secondary optical unit (9) is designed as a lens element.Projection module according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that control means are provided for switching on at least part of the light source (1) assigned to the first primary light optical unit (5) and for switching on the light sources (3, 4) assigned to the two primary signal light optical units (7, 8), with the result that light (1', 3') passes through the main section (10) of the secondary optical unit (9) for generating the first and the second main light distribution, through the first secondary section (11) of the secondary optical unit (9) for generating a first signal light distribution and through the second secondary section (12) of the secondary optical unit (9) for generating a second signal light distribution.Projection module according to one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that control means are provided for switching on at least some of the light sources (3, 4) assigned to the two signal light primary optical units (7, 8) and for switching on the light source (1, 2) assigned to the first main light primary optical unit (5, 6), with the result that light passes through the main section (10) of the secondary optical unit (9) and through the first secondary section (11) of the secondary optical unit (9) in order to generate the first main light distribution and an additional light function of the first main light distribution.Projection module according to claim 4 referring back to claim 2, characterised in that the lens element is plano-convex.Projection module according to one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the two secondary sections (11, 12) of the secondary optical unit (9) are designed as free-form surface lens elements.Projection module according to one of Claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the main section (10) and the two secondary sections (11, 12) of the secondary optical unit (9) are connected to one another in one piece.Projection module according to one of Claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the light sources (1, 2) assigned to the first primary light optical unit (5) and to the second primary light optical unit (6) are arranged on a common first carrier plate (T 1) and in that the light sources (3, 4) assigned to the two signal light primary optical units (7, 8) are each arranged on a separate carrier plate (T 2, T 3) which each run at an angle (φ 1, φ 2) to the first carrier plate (T 1).Projection module according to Claim 6, characterized in that the free-form surface lens element (11, 12) is designed in such a way that the light (3', 4') deflected by the latter has a minimum scattering width required for the signal light function.Projection module according to one of Claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the first signal light primary optical unit (7) and the first secondary section (11) of the secondary optical unit (9) irradiated by the latter are matched to one another in such a way that light (3') passing through the first signal light primary optical unit (7) and the first secondary section (11) of the secondary optical unit (9) is imaged to form the first signal light distribution designed as a daytime running light.Projection module according to Claim 10, characterized in that the second signal light primary optical unit (8) and the second secondary section (12) of the secondary optical unit (9) irradiated by the latter are designed in such a way that a light (4') passing through the second signal light primary optical unit (8) and the second secondary section (12) is imaged to form the second signal light distribution.Projection module according to one of Claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the first main light primary optical unit (5) and the main section (10) of the secondary optical unit (9) are designed in such a way that a light beam (1') passing through the first main light primary optical unit (5) and the main section (10) is imaged to the first main light distribution designed as a low beam.Projection module according to one of Claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the first main light primary optical unit (6) and the main section (10) of the secondary optical unit (9) and the second main light primary optical unit (5) and the main section (10) of the secondary optical unit (9) are designed in such a way that a light beam (1', 2') passing through the first main light primary optical unit (5) and through the second main light primary optical unit (6) and the main section (10) is imaged to the second main light distribution designed as a high beam.

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