Light module and vehicle lighting system

Abstract

The invention relates to a light module (10) with a first light source (51) for generating first light (44), a second light source (47) for generating second light (46) and a projection optic (26) which emits a light distribution (50) from the light module (10) depending on an intermediate light distribution (48) generated from the first light (44) and / or second light (46).

Description

State of the art

[0001] The invention relates to a light module and a motor vehicle lighting device with a light module.

[0002] Headlights in motor vehicles are typically equipped with light modules that can produce low beam and high beam distributions. The aim is to generate the most clearly defined light-dark boundary possible for the low beam distribution, in order to produce good illumination in the bright, illuminated area of ​​the low beam and to prevent other road users from being dazzled in the dark area. In particular, the combination of the various low beam and high beam modules into a bi-functional optical module is often not very space-saving in conventional motor vehicle headlights and / or involves complex adjustment and / or assembly steps.

[0003] The object of the invention is therefore to make the assembly and adjustment of such light modules as simple and thus cost-effective as possible. Furthermore, it is desirable to develop compact light modules that, despite their complex functionality, high quality requirements, and the multitude of optical functions and associated optical elements, can be installed in a space-saving and precise manner in a motor vehicle. A particular challenge here lies in the fact that a more compact design is generally associated with reduced focal lengths, which means that the adjustment must be carried out with tighter tolerances and thus with greater accuracy. Disclosure of the invention

[0004] The problem of solving the problems existing in the prior art is solved according to the invention by a light module with the features of claim 1 and by a motor vehicle lighting device with the features of claim 16.

[0005] The problem is solved in particular by a light module with at least one first light source for generating first light, in particular a first light function, and with at least one second light source for generating second light, in particular a second light function. The light module has at least one first optic body with a first coupling section through which the first light from the at least one first light source is coupled into the first optic body, and with a first output section from which light is coupled out depending on the coupled first light.Furthermore, the light module comprises at least a second optic body with a second coupling section through which the second light from at least one second light source is coupled into the second optic body, a third coupling section through which the light coupled out from the first optic body is coupled into the second optic body, and a second output section from which an intermediate light distribution is coupled out depending on the coupled second light and / or depending on the light coupled in via the third coupling section. The light module also comprises a projection optic that emits a light distribution dependent on the intermediate light distribution from the light module. This enables a space-saving design and simplifies adjustment.In particular, the shared use of the second front optic body for the first and second light allows for a compact design and at the same time prevents inaccuracies in adjusting the optical elements.

[0006] The second light source is preferably designed and configured to generate low beam headlights. It is positioned relative to the second front optic body and the projection optics such that, when the second light source is in operation, a low beam distribution is produced. This involves illuminating an area below a cut-off line, while emitting so little stray light into an area above the cut-off line that oncoming road users are not dazzled.

[0007] In contrast, the first light source is preferably designed and configured for generating high beams, at least when the light module is mounted on a motor vehicle. The first light source, the first front optic body, the second front optic body, and the projection optics are arranged relative to each other such that a high beam distribution is generated when the first light source is in operation. This means that the area above the cut-off line of the low beam is also at least partially illuminated.

[0008] The first optics component is at least partially, and preferably entirely, solidly constructed such that light entering via the first coupling section travels to the first output coupling section without leaving the solid section of the optics component. Advantageously, the first optics component can be formed in one piece and preferably without cavities. Such components are inexpensive to manufacture, and unwanted light paths and scattering losses are avoided. This also results in high stability.

[0009] The second optics body is at least partially, and preferably completely, constructed with such solidity that light entering via the second and / or third coupling section travels to the second output coupling section without leaving the solid section of the first optics body. The second optics body is also preferably constructed in one piece and / or without cavities. This results in low scattering losses, high stability, and simple manufacturing.

[0010] The projection optics comprise at least one projection lens. The projection lens is designed and arranged such that on one side of the projection lens, the intermediate light distribution is at least partially captured, and on the other side, at least part of the emitted light distribution is emitted.

[0011] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, a first light-guiding surface for reflecting at least a portion of the coupled first light is provided in the beam path of the first light between the first coupling section and the first coupling section, and / or a second light-guiding surface for reflecting at least a portion of the coupled second light is provided in the beam path of the second light between the second coupling section and the second coupling section. This allows the first and second light to be deflected, resulting in improved emission characteristics and enabling a more compact design of the entire light module.

[0012] Preferably, no additional light-guiding surface is arranged in the beam path between the third coupling section and the second coupling section. Instead, it is preferred that light beams from the third coupling section are directed directly to the second coupling section.

[0013] According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, it is also possible that the additional light guide surface is provided in order to advantageously realign the beam path in the area between the third coupling section and the second coupling section, for example to enable a geometrically more suitable shape of the light module.

[0014] The first light-guiding surface is preferably provided on an outer surface of the first optics body and is particularly formed by the outer surface. Similarly preferably, the second light-guiding surface is provided on an outer surface of the second optics body and is particularly formed by the outer surface.

[0015] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, at least one gap is formed between the first and second optics body, which contains the first and / or the second light-guiding surface. This creates a simple space for arranging the light-guiding surfaces. In particular, the light-guiding surfaces do not necessarily need to be integrated into the optics bodies, thus simplifying the manufacture of the light module. This also eliminates the need for additional fastening elements to attach the light-guiding surface to the optics bodies.

[0016] Alternatively, the slit and / or a further slit can be arranged within the first and / or the second optics body, thereby ensuring a stable relative arrangement of the slit to the light source and thus making the overall optics of the light module more robust. In this configuration, the first and second optics bodies preferably lie abutting each other in the area of ​​the light path between the slit or the further slit on the one hand and the first and / or second light source on the other, particularly without forming a gap, in order to avoid unwanted reflections between the optics bodies.

[0017] The slit is preferably formed by a cavity, particularly a cuboid one, between the first and second optics bodies. The slit extends vertically over a thickness of [missing information], which is small relative to the length and width of the slit. The length is defined here as the extension of the slit from the light source essentially forward in the direction of the projection optics and transversely, particularly perpendicularly, to the vertical direction. The width is defined as the extension of the slit in a transverse direction, which is preferably oriented transversely, particularly perpendicularly, to both the vertical and longitudinal directions.

[0018] The vertical direction here is understood to be a direction perpendicular, in particular perpendicular, to the direction of radiation. The direction of radiation is understood to be the direction from the first coupling section towards the first coupling section and / or the direction from the second coupling section towards the second coupling section. Specifically, when the light module is installed in its intended position in a motor vehicle lighting system, particularly in a motor vehicle, the direction of radiation is understood to be a direction emanating from the motor vehicle lighting system or the motor vehicle, i.e., directed forwards in the direction of travel.

[0019] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the first and / or second light-guiding surface are formed on a reflective element, in particular a reflective coating, wherein the reflective element is preferably arranged in the gap, and wherein the reflective element is further preferably completely enclosed by the first and / or second optics body. This makes the light module compact and robust. In particular, the reflective element in the gap is protected from damage. If the reflective element is completely enclosed, for example by overmolding, it is also reliably held in position, resulting in a particularly precise distribution of the emitted light.

[0020] The two light-guiding surfaces and / or additional light-guiding surfaces can be integrated into the first and / or second optic body, i.e., at least partially enclosed. It is particularly preferred that the first and / or second light-guiding surface is fully integrated into the first and / or second optic body, for example, by overmolding.

[0021] The light-guiding surface can therefore be realized by a reflective element arranged within the gap. This reflective element can, in particular, be a separate element or a surface coating, preferably on a surface bounding the gap.

[0022] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is provided that a first interface of the slit with the first optics body is designed as the first light-guiding surface and / or a second interface of the slit with the second optics body is designed as the second light-guiding surface.

[0023] Here, the interfaces themselves are designed as light-guiding surfaces. The interfaces can be provided with an optically effective coating. Preferably, however, no optically effective coating is provided, as this reduces the manufacturing effort, and in particular the costs.

[0024] The first and second interfaces represent a transition between the slit on the one hand and the first and second optics body on the other. The first interface is preferably formed by the outer surface of the first optics body, while the second interface is preferably formed by the outer surface of the second optics body. The interfaces are preferably formed at least partially, and preferably completely, as planar surfaces.

[0025] The gap is preferably designed as a cavity, in particular as an air gap. The gap preferably has a thickness of at most 0.2 mm, more preferably at most 0.1 mm, more preferably at most 0.075 mm, and most preferably 0.05 mm, wherein the thickness of the gap is preferably kept constant along its length.

[0026] Alternatively, the gap may be completely filled by one or more elements providing the light-guiding surfaces. In particular, the reflective element arranged in the gap may be integrated, especially overmolded, in such a way that no air or gas inclusions remain in the gap.

[0027] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the first and / or second light-guiding surface is designed and arranged for total internal reflection of the incoming, coupled first or second light, respectively. This enables lossless reflection. Furthermore, interference from unwanted scattering or reflections is avoided.

[0028] Preferably, the light module, in particular the first and / or second optic body, the light sources, and the first and / or second coupling section, is designed and arranged to provide optical conditions for total internal reflection of the coupled first or second light at the first interface of the slit to the first optic body and / or the second interface of the slit to the second optic body. This means that the light sources are arranged relative to the coupling sections and the interfaces such that the first or second light is totally internally reflected at the first or second interface, respectively. Furthermore, a material with a suitable refractive index is selected for the optic bodies in order to fulfill the total internal reflection conditions at the interfaces at the given angles.

[0029] The gap is at least partially, preferably completely, hollow, in particular completely formed as an air gap and bounded by the totally reflecting interfaces.

[0030] Alternatively or additionally, the gap can also be filled with other gases, provided that the conditions for total reflection at the interfaces remain in place.

[0031] In this case, in particular, it is unnecessary to make the light-guiding surfaces themselves reflective or mirrored, since the desired reflection is achieved through total internal reflection.

[0032] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the first interface facing the first optic body and / or the second interface facing the second optic body are mirrored. This prevents unwanted reflections of stray light. In particular, it prevents stray light from the second optic body, intended for generating low beam, from entering the first optic body, intended for generating high beam, which could otherwise lead to unintentional dazzling of another driver when the high beam is switched off. Furthermore, this can represent an advantageous alternative to total internal reflection if fulfilling the conditions for total internal reflection proves too complex for a specific application.

[0033] Preferably, the gap is completely filled by a mirror element having the first and / or second mirrored surface.

[0034] Alternatively or additionally, the light-guiding surfaces can be provided by one or more additional mirror elements, wherein, for example, a first mirror element is integrated into the first optic body, in particular fully enclosed and embedded therein, and / or a second mirror element is integrated into the second optic body, in particular fully enclosed and embedded therein.

[0035] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the first light-guiding surface and the second light-guiding surface are arranged parallel to and spaced apart from each other. This allows the light module to be designed to be very compact and stable.

[0036] Preferably, the light-guiding surfaces are arranged at a distance of a maximum of 0.5 mm, preferably a maximum of 0.2 mm, particularly preferably a maximum of 0.1 mm from each other, which makes a particularly compact design possible and results in particularly good light distribution at the light-dark boundary.

[0037] In particular, it is possible that the first and second light-guiding surfaces are opposite surfaces of the reflecting element, for example a reflective film, facing away from each other, or opposite surfaces facing each other, in particular the first and second interface, of the gap.

[0038] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, at least one spacer is arranged in the slit. This increases the mechanical stability and avoids the risk of the interfaces forming the slit touching, which could destroy the conditions for total internal reflection. Since a change in the slit position or orientation would also cause a change in the reflection behavior, this also maximizes the optical precision.

[0039] The spacer rests with a first contact point, in particular a first contact surface, on the first optics body, in particular the first light-guiding surface, and with a second contact point, in particular a second contact surface, on the second optics body, in particular the second light-guiding surface.

[0040] The spacer can be integral, i.e., formed as a single piece, with the first or second optics unit. This avoids small individual parts and makes the light module design simpler and less prone to errors.

[0041] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the third coupling section of the second optics body and the first coupling section of the first optics body are parallel and spaced apart from each other, so that a gap, preferably slit-shaped, is formed between the first coupling section and the third coupling section. This slit-shaped gap is preferably a further slit, which—particularly to avoid confusion with the slit in the area of ​​the light-guiding surfaces—is preferably referred to here as a slit-shaped gap. The gap allows for simple assembly and results in clear optical conditions in the transition area between the first coupling section and the third coupling section, thereby also preventing stray light and achieving a clearly defined light distribution in the area of ​​the light-dark boundary.

[0042] In this arrangement, a preferably flat coupling surface of the second coupling section and a preferably flat coupling surface of the third coupling section are arranged at least partially, preferably completely, parallel and preferably at a distance of a maximum of 0.5 mm, preferably a maximum of 0.2 mm, particularly preferably a maximum of 0.1 mm from each other.

[0043] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the space between the first coupling section and the third coupling section is continuously formed as an air gap, which converges with the gap containing the light-guiding surfaces, in particular at an angle of 60° to 120°. Preferably, the space and the gap are of the same design, with the gap thickness being substantially the same. This results in good light distribution for the low beam and the high beam.

[0044] The gap, which is designed in particular as an air gap, preferably has a thickness of a maximum of 0.5 mm, preferably a maximum of 0.2 mm, preferably a maximum of 0.1 mm, and preferably 0.1 mm. The thickness is preferably constant throughout the entire area of ​​beam transmission.

[0045] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the first optics body rests against the second optics body, particularly over a flat surface, on the side of the first optics body facing away from the first light-guiding surface, with the contact surfaces of the first and second optics bodies interlocking, particularly in the manner of a tongue-and-groove connection. This facilitates the assembly of the first optics body with the second optics body, in particular by the first optics body engaging in a wedge-shaped recess in the second optics body and being guided therein along the tongue-and-groove connection structure in the assembly direction.

[0046] The optic attachment bodies are positioned with their respective contact surfaces in such a way that a guide structure, in particular a guide rail, is formed, especially in an insertion or assembly direction, along which the first optic attachment body can be moved in order to be connected to the second optic attachment body.

[0047] In this arrangement, a first of the contact surfaces, in particular the contact surface of the first optics attachment body, has a protrusion that extends along an insertion direction during assembly and / or in a direction along the optical axis and engages in a correspondingly shaped recess in a second of the contact surfaces. The second contact surface is preferably the contact surface of the second optics attachment body.

[0048] Both the raised and recessed areas are therefore aligned in the insertion direction in such a way that the first optics attachment body can be pushed onto the second optics attachment body, particularly along the tongue-and-groove connection structure.

[0049] The first optics attachment body preferably has a cuboid or wedge-shaped base. The first light source is preferably arranged at the rear end of the first optics attachment body. At the front end of the first optics attachment body, a gap, particularly a slit-shaped one, adjoins the first optics attachment body, at least when assembled. The first conductive surface is preferably arranged on a top surface of the first optics attachment body, while the raised or recessed area of ​​the tongue-and-groove connection structure is formed and arranged on a bottom surface of the first optics attachment body.

[0050] The tongue-and-groove connection structure, in particular the raised section and the recessed section, is therefore preferably designed as a guide rail structure on a side of the first optics body facing away from the gap, in order to enable a self-centering joining of the first and second optics bodies during assembly.

[0051] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, several first optic attachment bodies are provided, which are preferably arranged horizontally and / or vertically offset from one another. This improves the long-range light distribution and allows for an overall higher light intensity.

[0052] The horizontal direction is understood to be a direction perpendicular to, and in particular perpendicular to, the vertical direction. Furthermore, the horizontal direction is perpendicular to, and in particular perpendicular to, the direction of radiation and / or – when the light module is installed in its intended position in a motor vehicle – to the intended direction of travel of the motor vehicle.

[0053] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the second optics body has at least two third coupling sections, which are, in particular, vertically offset from one another. The second coupling section is arranged—especially in the vertical direction between the at least two third coupling sections—and / or a beam path for the coupled second light is provided. This allows several first optics bodies to be connected to the second optics body to create a light module with a good light-dark boundary.

[0054] Preferably, a single second optic body is provided for the multiple first optic bodies. For this purpose, the second optic body has several mounting areas for the multiple first optic bodies. This results in a high overall stability of the light module.

[0055] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, several second coupling sections are provided, with an aperture element arranged between each pair of adjacent second coupling sections. This prevents first and / or second light, in particular high and / or low beam, from adjacent optical cells or adjacent second coupling sections and / or resulting scattered light from leading to a poorer light-dark boundary.

[0056] In particular, it is possible for several such first and second optic bodies and / or entire light modules to be arranged vertically and / or horizontally adjacent to each other and controllable by means of shared electronics. This allows the light intensity to be increased and a desired beam pattern to be flexibly set.

[0057] The object of the invention is also achieved in particular by a motor vehicle lighting device with a light module according to one of the preceding embodiments.

[0058] The invention is described in more detail below with reference to the drawing. The drawing shows: Fig. 1a an embodiment of a light module in perspective view; Fig. 1b an enlarged detail of the in Fig. 1a illustrated embodiment; Fig. 2 the in Fig. 1. Exemplary embodiment of the light module shown with sketched beam path of the first and second light; Fig. 3 the light module in schematic sectional view along the beam path; Fig. 4 the light module according to the sectional view in Fig. 3 with sketched light ray path; and Fig. 5 a motor vehicle lighting device in schematic form.

[0059] Fig. Figure 1 shows a light module 10, which has at least one first optic body 12 and one second optic body 14. In the specific embodiment shown here, several first optic bodies 12 are provided, each of which engages in a correspondingly formed recess of the second optic body 14.

[0060] An upper first optics body 12.1 and a lower first optics body 12.2 are designed as wedge-shaped insertion elements. A notch 16 is formed on the underside of each wedge-shaped insertion element, which, when inserted, rests precisely on a protrusion 18 in the recess of the second optics body 14. This aligns the optics bodies 12.1 and 12.2 with each other and holds them in position. It also facilitates easy assembly.

[0061] Below the two wedge-shaped lens attachment bodies is in Fig. 1a Another first optic body 12.3 is shown. This further first optic body is arranged in a corner recess 18 of the second optic body 14 and, unlike the two wedge-shaped first optic bodies 12.1, 12.2, does not taper in the direction of radiation S.

[0062] For explanation and illustration, in Fig. Figure 1a shows the direction of radiation S with a straight arrow. In reality, however, the light does not travel in a straight line through the entire light module 10, as explained below and as can be seen from the other figures. The arrow thus represents an overall direction of radiation, which essentially results from the sum of several beam segments, where in Fig. 1a For the sake of clarity, not every single beam segment is shown.

[0063] Furthermore, a first light source is provided, which emits a first light during operation. Correspondingly, at least one second light source is provided, which emits a second light during operation. For coupling the first and second light, several collimators are arranged on one end face 20 of the first and second optic bodies 12, 14, which thus serve as the first coupling section 22 and the second coupling section 24.

[0064] Starting from the coupling sections 22, 24, a projection optic 26 is arranged in the radiation direction S behind the second front optic body 14. Fig. Figure 1a shows three projection lenses 26.1, 26.1, 26.3 of the projection optics 26. Each projection lens is assigned to a collimator set with at least one first coupling section 22 and at least one second coupling section 24 such that the light coming from the assigned first coupling section 22 and the assigned second coupling section 24 is directed onto the assigned projection lens.

[0065] Between two adjacent projection lenses, an aperture element 28 is arranged, which is intended to ensure that only light from the associated coupling sections falls onto the projection lens.

[0066] The first optic body 12 has a first output coupling section 30, which is located at the rear, particularly in the direction of radiation S. A third input coupling section 32 adjoins the first output coupling section 30 in the direction of radiation S. The first light is coupled into the second optic body 14 via this input section 32 and then coupled out via a second output coupling section 34. This results in the first and second light being coupled out as an intermediate light distribution via the same output coupling section, namely the second output coupling section 34. The intermediate light distribution is then at least partially captured by the projection optics 26 and emitted as a beam light distribution by the light module 10.

[0067] Fig. 1b shows a detail from Fig. Figure 1a shows an enlarged view. It can be seen that a top surface 36 of the first optics body 12 is spaced apart from an opposite surface 38 of the second optics body 14. The distance is preferably 0.1 mm or less. The gap 40 thus formed between the top surface 36 and the opposite surface 38 preferably extends over the entire top surface 36 to the end face 20 and is designed as an air gap. The gap 40 may be open towards the end face 20.

[0068] This means that the upper surface 36 of the first optic body 12 forms a first light-guiding surface 37, at which the first light is totally reflected. The opposite surface 38, i.e., the underside of the second optic body 14, forms a second light-guiding surface 39, at which the second light is totally reflected. This eliminates the need for additional mirror elements. Furthermore, it allows for a particularly compact design with low radiation losses.

[0069] Advantageously, spacers are additionally arranged in the gap 40 between the top surface 36 and the opposite surface 38, which keeps the distance constant and increases stability.

[0070] At a rear end of the gap 40, facing away from the front face 20, the gap 40 bends and transitions into a slit-shaped space 42, which extends between the first output coupling section 30 and the third input coupling section 32. The slit-shaped space is also preferably a maximum of 0.1 mm thick. Particularly preferably, the slit-shaped space is thinner than 0.1 mm.

[0071] In the area of ​​the bend, the gap 40 and the slit-like space 42 preferably converge at an angle between 60° and 120°. In the illustrated embodiment, this angle is between 90° and 110°.

[0072] Based on Fig. In Figure 2, the path of the coupled first light 44 and the coupled second light 46 can now be clearly traced. Starting from the second coupling section 24, the second light 46, which originates from the second light source 47, is directed towards the slit 40 by means of the two coupling sections 24 of the second front optic body 14, which are designed as collimators. There, the second light 46 undergoes total internal reflection at the second light-guiding surface 39, here surface 38 opposite the top surface 36, and is thus directed towards the second output coupling section 34. The second light 46 thereby becomes part of the intermediate light distribution 48 between the second output coupling section 34 and the projection optics 26. A beam light distribution 50 is thus emitted behind the projection optics 26.

[0073] Also Fig. Figure 4 shows the path of the rays originating from the first light source and the second light source in a contrasting position. Fig. 2 alternative representations.

[0074] In the beam distribution 50, the second light 46 performs the function of a low beam, while the first light 44 performs the function of a high beam.

[0075] The first light 44 emitted by the first light source 51 is coupled in via the first coupling section 22 and from the other side, in Fig. 2 coming from below, is guided through the collimator towards the slit 40. The first light 44 is then totally reflected at the underside of the slit 40, which corresponds to the top 36 and the first light-guiding surface 37, and transferred at the first output coupling section 30 into the slit-shaped space 42, in order to be coupled immediately afterwards via the third input coupling section 32 into the second front optic body 14 and, together with the first light 44, be coupled out of the second front optic body 14 at the second output coupling section, thereby forming the intermediate light distribution 48.

[0076] Fig. Figure 3 shows the light module 10 in a side sectional view, with in Fig. 4 additionally, the path of the rays of the first light 44 and second light 46 is shown. Apart from the drawn path of rays, the Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 identical.

[0077] Here too, the first light 44 originates from the first light source 51 and is introduced into the first front optic body 12 via the first coupling section 22. Similarly, the second light 46 originates from the second light source 47 and is introduced into the second front optic body 14 via the second coupling section 24. After the first light 44 has been introduced into the second front optic body 14 via the first output coupling section 30 and the third coupling section 32, the first and second lights are superimposed in a rear section 52 of the second front optic body 14 (in the direction of the beam S) and emitted through the second output coupling section 34 as an intermediate light distribution 48 towards the projection optics 26.

[0078] As already explained with reference to the preceding figures, the first optics body 12 engages with its wedge-shaped form in the corresponding recess of the second optics body 14, whereby the gap 40 is formed on the upper side 36 between the first optics body 12 and the second optics body 14.

[0079] On the side opposite the first coupling section 22 is the first coupling section 30. This is designed and arranged opposite the third coupling section 32, so that a slit-shaped gap is formed between the first coupling section 30 and the third coupling section.

[0080] In the gap 40, mirror elements and / or reflective coatings can be provided as an alternative or additional measure to the existing conditions for total internal reflection. Mirror elements can also be arranged laterally, i.e., on the side facing the viewer and / or the side facing away from the viewer, in order to avoid radiation losses and thus achieve a high overall light intensity.

[0081] In contrast, no additional mirror elements are provided in the slit-shaped gap 42, since the light here – unlike at the slit 40 – is not to be reflected, but rather transmitted and possibly refracted. Preferably, however, the overall refraction or deflection of the light from the original direction of radiation is minimized here by arranging the surfaces bounding the slit-shaped gap 42 forward and backward in the direction of radiation S parallel to each other and at a small distance of preferably a maximum of 0.1 mm.

[0082] A motor vehicle lighting device 100 is in Fig. Figure 5 is shown schematically, with the lighting device 100 designed as a vehicle headlight in the example shown. However, its versatile design allows the lighting device 100 to be adapted for various purposes, including use as a rear light, fog light, or signal light. The direction of radiation S from the previous figures corresponds to the direction of travel x of the vehicle to which the vehicle lighting device 100 is assigned.

[0083] The lighting device 100 comprises a housing 102, which serves as the main structure for accommodating and protecting the light module 10. The housing 102 includes a light emission opening, which is closed with a cover plate 104.

[0084] The light module 10 is mounted inside the housing 102 and is designed to produce a specific light distribution according to the emission light distribution 50, which meets the requirements of vehicle lighting.

[0085] The control unit 106 is responsible for operating the light module 10. The control unit 106 is mounted on the housing 102, and its design allows for flexibility in its placement. It can be positioned on the outside or inside the housing. The control unit is responsible for controlling the light distribution 50, for example by adjusting the light intensity according to driving conditions.

[0086] Inside the housing 102 are guided cables that connect the light module 10 to the control unit 106.

[0087] To maintain the optimal operating temperature of the light module 10, the housing 102 may be equipped with integrated cooling mechanisms. These mechanisms may include passive cooling fins or active ventilation systems that aid heat dissipation and extend the service life of the lighting device 100.

Claims

[1] A light module comprising (10): at least one first light source (51) for generating first light (44); at least one first optic body (12) with a first coupling section (22) through which the first light (44) of the at least one first light source (51) is coupled into the first optic body (12), and with a first coupling section (30) from which light is coupled out depending on the coupled first light (44); at least one second light source (47) for producing second light (46); at least one second front optic body (14) with a second coupling section (24) through which the second light (46) of the at least one second light source (47) is coupled into the second front optic body (14), with a third coupling section (32) through which the light coupled out of the first front optic body (12) is coupled into the second front optic body (14), and with a second output coupling section (34) from which an intermediate light distribution (48) is coupled out depending on the coupled second light (46) and / or depending on the light coupled in via the third coupling section (32); and a projection optic (26) which emits a light distribution (50) depending on the intermediate light distribution (48) from the light module (10). [2] The light module (10) according to claim 1, wherein in the beam path of the first light (44) between the first coupling section (22) and the first coupling section (30) a first light guide surface (37) is formed and arranged for reflecting at least a part of the coupled first light (44) and / or in the beam path of the second light (46) between the second coupling section (24) and the second coupling section (34) a second light guide surface (39) is formed and arranged for reflecting at least a part of the coupled second light (46). [3] The light module (10) according to claim 2, wherein at least one gap (40) is formed between the first front optic body (12) and the second front optic body (14), which has the first light guide surface (37) and / or the second light guide surface (39). [4] The light module (10) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the first light-guiding surface (37) and / or second light-guiding surface (39) are formed on a reflective element, in particular on a reflective coating, wherein the reflective element is preferably arranged in the gap (40), wherein the reflective element is preferably completely enclosed by the first front optic body (12) and / or second front optic body (14). [5] The light module (10) according to claim 4, wherein a first interface of the slit (40) with the first front optic body (12) is formed as the first light guide surface (37) and / or a second interface of the slit (40) with the second front optic body (14) is formed as the second light guide surface (39). [6] The light module (10) according to one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the first light-guiding surface (37) and / or second light-guiding surface (39) are designed and arranged for total reflection of the incoming, coupled first light (44) and second light (46), respectively, wherein the gap is preferably designed as an air gap. [7] The light module (10) according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the first interface in the direction of the first optic body (12) and / or the second interface in the direction of the second optic body (14) is mirrored. [8] The light module (10) according to any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein the first light-guiding surface (37) and the second light-guiding surface (39) are arranged parallel and / or spaced apart from each other. [9] The light module (10) according to any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein at least one spacer is arranged in the gap (40). [10] The light module (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the third coupling section (32) of the second front optic body (14) and the first coupling section (30) of the first front optic body (12) run parallel and spaced apart from each other, such that a particularly slit-shaped space (42) is formed between the first coupling section (30) and the third coupling section (32). [11] The light module (10) according to claim 10, wherein the space (42) between the first coupling section (30) and the third coupling section (32) is continuously formed as an air gap, which converges with the gap (40) having the light guide surfaces (37, 39) in particular at an angle of 60° to 120°. [12] The light module (10) according to one of claims 2 to 11, wherein the first optics body (12) rests on the side facing away from the first light guide surface (37) against the second optics body (14), wherein the contact surfaces of the first optics body (12) and the second optics body (14) there interlock in particular in the manner of a tongue and groove connection. [13] The light module (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein several first optic body attachments (12) are provided, which are preferably arranged horizontally and / or vertically offset from one another. [14] The light module (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the second front optic body (14) has at least two third coupling sections (32) which are in particular vertically offset from each other, wherein the second coupling section (24) is arranged in the vertical direction between the at least two third coupling sections (32) and / or a beam path of the coupled second light is provided. [15] The light module (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein several second coupling sections (34) are formed, wherein an aperture element (28) is arranged between two adjacent second coupling sections (34). [16] Motor vehicle lighting device (100) with a light module (10) according to one of the preceding claims.

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