LIGHTING MODULE FOR A VEHICLE

Abstract

The invention relates to a lighting module (10) for use in a lighting device (50) of a vehicle (100), in particular a motorcycle, comprising at least one projection module (11) for generating a light distribution in the vicinity of the vehicle (100) and at least one light source module (12), wherein the projection module (11) comprises a plurality of projection units (13) and wherein the light source module (12) comprises a plurality of light source units (14), wherein each projection unit (13) comprises at least one projection lens (13.1) and wherein at least one light source unit (14) is assigned to each projection unit (13) and wherein the projection lenses (13.1) of at least two different projection units (13) have different focal lengths.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a lighting module having the features of independent patent claim 1, a lighting device having the features of patent claim 9, a vehicle having the features of patent claim 10, a method having the features of patent claim 11, a computer program product having the features of patent claim 12, a computer-readable storage medium having the features of patent claim 13 and a data carrier signal having the features of patent claim 14.

[0002] Vehicles, particularly cars, trucks, and / or motorcycles, typically have at least one lighting device for illuminating the area surrounding the vehicle. Such a lighting device can preferably be a headlight for illuminating the area in front of the vehicle. The lighting devices in question comprise one or more light sources and one or more optical elements for generating a light distribution in the vehicle's surroundings, with the goal of illuminating the vehicle's surroundings as optimally as possible for a driver and also avoiding disruptive influences such as glare from oncoming traffic.

[0003] Depending on the current driving situation of a vehicle, the requirements for the light distribution generated by a lighting device can change. For example, when cornering, it may be interesting to illuminate the inside of the curve in order to offer the driver the best possible overview. When the vehicle decelerates and / or accelerates, the vehicle body or the lighting device may also pitch, which can change the light distribution generated by a lighting device due to the changed beam angle relative to the surroundings. In the case of a motorcycle in particular, further challenges arise with regard to the inclination of the motorcycle during cornering, which influences the light distribution generated by a lighting device due to the change in position of the lighting device that accompanies the inclination of the motorcycle.

[0004] It is therefore an object of the present invention to at least partially overcome at least one of the disadvantages described above. In particular, the object of the invention is to provide a lighting module, a lighting device, a vehicle, and a method for controlling a lighting module, whereby a light distribution optimized for a driver of the vehicle can be generated in the surroundings of the vehicle, wherein the light distribution can preferably be adapted to the current driving situation of the vehicle in the simplest possible manner.

[0005] The above object is achieved by a lighting module according to a first aspect of the present invention, by a lighting device according to a second aspect of the present invention, by a vehicle according to a third aspect of the present invention, by a method according to a fourth aspect of the present invention, by a computer program product according to a fifth aspect of the present invention, by a computer-readable storage medium according to a sixth aspect of the present invention, and by a data carrier signal according to a seventh aspect of the present invention. Further features and details of the invention emerge from the subclaims, the description, and the drawings.In this case, features and details that are described in connection with a lighting module according to the invention naturally also apply in connection with a lighting device according to the invention and / or in connection with a vehicle according to the invention and / or in connection with a method according to the invention and / or in connection with a computer program product according to the invention and / or in connection with a computer-readable storage medium according to the invention and / or in connection with a data carrier signal according to the invention, so that with regard to the disclosure of the individual aspects of the invention, reference is or can always be made mutually.

[0006] According to a first aspect of the invention, a lighting module for use in a lighting device, in particular a headlight, of a vehicle, in particular a motorcycle, is provided, comprising at least one projection module for generating a light distribution in an environment of the vehicle, and at least one light source module, in particular for introducing light radiation into the projection module, wherein the projection module comprises a plurality of projection units and wherein the light source module comprises a plurality of light source units, wherein each projection unit comprises at least one projection lens and wherein at least one light source unit is assigned to each projection unit and wherein at least two projection lenses of at least two different projection units have a different focal length.

[0007] In other words, the invention provides that a lighting module comprises at least one projection module and furthermore at least one light source module. The projection module is designed to project the light emitted by one or more light sources of the light source module at least partially into the surroundings of the vehicle and thus generate a light distribution in the surroundings of the vehicle. In this case, it can be provided, in particular when the lighting module is used in the context of a headlight of a vehicle, that at least part of the light is projected onto a road area in front of the vehicle. For this purpose, the projection module comprises at least two projection units and the light source module comprises at least two light source units, wherein each projection unit comprises at least one projection lens and wherein each projection unit is assigned at least one light source unit.Furthermore, at least two projection lenses of at least two different projection units have different focal lengths.

[0008] A lighting module according to the invention offers the advantage that the use of projection lenses with different focal lengths in the respective projection units generates greater variability in the light distributions that can be produced by the lighting module. The different focal lengths result in correspondingly different scatter widths of the light emerging from the respective projection lenses, whereby different areas in the vehicle's surroundings can be illuminated according to requirements. Thus, with an increasing focal length of a projection lens, discrete areas at increasing distances from the vehicle can be illuminated with high intensity. By decreasing the focal length, however, areas located particularly close to the vehicle can be illuminated with a comparatively wide light cone.Further variability can be created through variable control of individual light source units and / or light sources. Individual light sources can be switched on and / or off as needed and / or their intensity adjusted to generate a customized light distribution through the projection module depending on a given driving situation. Using a lighting module according to the invention, functions such as adaptive cornering lights for illuminating the inside of bends and / or adaptive high beams for glare reduction for oncoming traffic while simultaneously maintaining the high beam function can be implemented particularly easily and efficiently. Likewise, a loss of illumination due to a pitching movement of the vehicle in the front area (e.g., due to braking) can be compensated for by a superimposed, far-reaching, higher-lying light distribution.

[0009] In the present case, the assignment of a light source unit to a projection unit should be understood to mean that the light emitted by the light source unit is essentially, in particular predominantly, radiated into the projection unit assigned to the light source unit. Within the scope of the present invention, the light distribution generated by the lighting module should be understood as a cumulative light distribution resulting from the superposition of the partial light distributions generated by the individual projection units.

[0010] A reference to the vehicle vertical axis and / or vehicle transverse axis and / or vehicle longitudinal axis always refers to an orientation of a lighting module and / or a lighting device according to a proper installation position in the vehicle.

[0011] In this case, a cut-off line should be understood as a boundary of a light distribution, i.e. a limit beyond which no or essentially no light is projected.

[0012] At least one projection module can comprise at least two or exactly two, preferably at least three or exactly three, particularly preferably at least four or exactly four, projection units. The use of more than four projection units is also conceivable. The use of two or three projection units has proven particularly advantageous with regard to a compact design and, furthermore, the flexible generation of needs-based light distributions. Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that at least one light source unit comprises at least one light source. Preferably, at least one light source can be designed as a light-emitting diode (LED).

[0013] Within the scope of the invention, it can preferably be provided that at least one projection unit comprises one or precisely one projection lens. Alternatively or additionally, it is conceivable for at least one projection unit to comprise more than one, in particular at least two, projection lenses. The projection lenses of at least one projection unit can preferably have the same focal length. Within the scope of the invention, the use of precisely one projection lens per projection unit has proven particularly preferred. This results in a particularly simple and cost-effective design.

[0014] In particular, it can be provided that at least one light source unit comprises a plurality of light sources. In particular, it is conceivable that at least two, in particular all, light sources of at least one light source unit, in particular of the light source module, can be controlled independently of one another. This results in the advantage that the irradiation of individual light sources into the projection lens assigned to the respective light source unit can be regulated as needed. In particular, the control of a light source in this case can include switching the light source on and / or off and / or regulating its brightness.

[0015] Additionally or alternatively, it can be provided that at least one projection unit comprises at least one auxiliary optical unit, wherein the auxiliary optical unit and at least one projection lens of the projection unit are preferably positioned relative to one another such that a focal point of the projection lens lies within the auxiliary optical unit. In other words, it can be provided that at least one projection unit comprises at least one auxiliary optical unit, wherein the auxiliary optical unit is assigned to at least one projection lens of the projection unit. With regard to at least one projection unit, at least one auxiliary optical unit can be arranged such that the light emitted by a light source unit assigned to the projection unit is first radiated into the auxiliary optical unit and from the auxiliary optical unit into at least one projection lens. In other words, at least one auxiliary optical unit can preferably be arranged on a light entry side of at least one projection lens.Thus, primary light shaping can be achieved by the auxiliary optics, and secondary light shaping can be achieved by the projection lens. With respect to at least one projection unit, it can advantageously be provided that at least one projection lens and at least one auxiliary optics are arranged relative to one another such that a focal point of the projection lens is located within the auxiliary optics. This has proven to be advantageous overall with regard to generating an optimized light distribution by the illumination module. At least one auxiliary optics can preferably comprise at least one lens.

[0016] Through the interaction of an attachment lens, at least one light source and a projection lens, at least one partial light distribution of a projection unit can be generated. By using multiple attachment lenses and / or multiple light sources and / or multiple attachment lens areas with at least one attachment lens, multiple partial light distributions can be generated per projection unit. The overall light distribution generated by a lighting module thus results cumulatively from the individual partial light distributions generated by the respective projection units in interaction with the corresponding light source units. By using multiple attachment lenses and / or attachment lens areas and / or light sources, multiple partial light distributions can be generated per projection lens, which enables more flexible adaptation of the overall light distribution generated by the lighting module, for example.can be realized depending on the current driving situation.

[0017] Additionally or alternatively, it is conceivable for at least one auxiliary optics to comprise at least two different auxiliary optics regions, wherein at least one light distribution or partial light distribution can be generated by each auxiliary optics region, in particular in cooperation with at least one projection lens of the projection unit and / or at least one light source of the light source unit assigned to the projection unit. For example, at least one light source can be assigned to each auxiliary optics region. In other words, at least one auxiliary optics region can comprise at least two auxiliary optics regions, wherein the auxiliary optics regions differ in terms of their light-shaping properties, such that different light distributions can be generated by the respective auxiliary optics regions, in particular in conjunction with at least one light source and / or projection lens.In the present case, it is conceivable for multiple optical attachments and / or multiple optical attachment regions of an optical attachment to interact with a single projection lens. In particular, at least one optical attachment may comprise at least one first optical attachment region for generating at least one basic light distribution and at least one second optical attachment region for generating at least one additional light distribution. To generate a light distribution, the respective optical attachment region may interact with at least one light source unit or light source and / or at least one projection lens.

[0018] Within the scope of the invention, it can be provided that at least one projection unit comprises at least two or more than two auxiliary optics, wherein the auxiliary optics are preferably designed to generate at least two different light distributions or partial light distributions, in particular in cooperation with at least one projection lens of the projection unit and / or at least one light source of the light source unit assigned to the projection unit. In particular, it can be provided that at least one first auxiliary optics is provided for generating at least one basic light distribution and at least one second auxiliary optics is provided for generating at least one additional light distribution. To generate a light distribution, it can be provided that the respective auxiliary optics cooperates with at least one light source unit or light source and / or at least one projection lens.

[0019] Within the scope of the present invention, it is conceivable that at least one, in particular each, optical attachment of at least one projection unit is assigned at least one light source, in particular at least one light source of the light source unit assigned to the projection unit. Additionally or alternatively, at least one light source can be assigned to each optical attachment region of at least one optical attachment.

[0020] Within the scope of the invention, it can be provided that the projection units are arranged one above the other, in particular with respect to a vehicle's vertical axis. Optionally, it can be provided that the projection unit which comprises the projection lens with the smallest focal length, in particular with respect to the vehicle's vertical axis, forms the lowest projection unit. Additionally or alternatively, it is conceivable that the projection unit which comprises the projection lens with the greatest focal length, in particular with respect to the vehicle's vertical axis, forms the uppermost projection unit. In particular, it is conceivable that the focal length of the projection lenses decreases successively from the lowest projection unit towards the uppermost projection unit. In other words, it can be provided that the focal length of the projection lenses of the projection units decreases along the vehicle's vertical axis, starting from the lowest projection unit.Such an arrangement of the projection lenses or projection units according to a successive increase or decrease in the focal length along the vehicle's vertical axis has proven to be particularly advantageous with regard to the generation of light distributions optimized for the driving situation by a lighting module.

[0021] Within the scope of the invention, it can be provided that at least one projection unit is designed to generate at least one, in particular exactly one, basic light distribution with a light-dark boundary. It can advantageously be provided that the light-dark boundary of the basic light distribution is oriented parallel or substantially parallel to a vehicle transverse axis. Such a basic light distribution can be generated or can be generated in particular through the interaction of at least one projection lens, at least one auxiliary optical unit and at least one light source of the light source unit assigned to the projection unit. For example, the basic light distribution can fulfill the function of a conventional low beam and / or approach lighting, in particular when the vehicle is traveling straight ahead.

[0022] Additionally or alternatively, it is conceivable that at least one projection unit is designed to generate, in particular in addition to the basic light distribution, at least one additional light distribution with a cut-off line, wherein in particular the cut-off line of the additional light distribution has an offset, in particular a purely rotational and / or, in particular a purely translational offset, from the cut-off line of the basic light distribution. In the present case, a rotational offset means that the cut-off line of the additional light distribution is oriented at an incline relative to the cut-off line of the basic light distribution. A translational offset can preferably be a translational offset along the vehicle's vertical axis and / or transverse axis.Such an additional light distribution can be generated or can be generated, in particular, through the interaction of at least one projection lens, at least one auxiliary optical unit, and / or at least one auxiliary optical region, as well as at least one light source of the light source unit assigned to the projection unit. Preferably, the light sources and / or auxiliary optical units and / or projection lenses and / or auxiliary optical regions used to generate a base light distribution and an auxiliary light distribution, or the light sources and / or auxiliary optical units and / or projection lenses and / or auxiliary optical regions used to generate different auxiliary light distributions, can each be different.

[0023] It can be provided that at least one projection unit is designed to generate a plurality of additional light distributions, in particular in addition to the basic light distribution. In this case, in particular, the light-dark boundary of at least one additional light distribution can have at least one rotational offset from the light-dark boundary of the basic light distribution, and at least one light-dark boundary of at least one additional light distribution can have a translational offset from the light-dark boundary of the basic light distribution. In this case, in particular with a purely translational offset, the light-dark boundary of at least one additional light distribution can be oriented parallel or substantially parallel to the light-dark boundary of the basic light distribution.

[0024] Depending on the driving situation or the surrounding environment, additional light distributions can be switched on, off or their intensity can be regulated in order to achieve an optimised illumination of the surroundings for the driver of a vehicle.

[0025] By rotating the cut-off line of a supplementary light distribution relative to the cut-off line of a basic light distribution, a partial light distribution (supplementary light distribution) that is at least partially wedge-shaped can be created. This makes it possible, particularly when the lighting module is used in a motorcycle, for the inside of the curve to be illuminated by the wedge-shaped partial light distribution when the motorcycle is cornering and the motorcycle is tilting. This can compensate for or even overcompensate for the illumination of the inside of the curve that would otherwise be reduced due to the motorcycle's tilt, thus providing the rider with an improved overview.By applying a translational offset of an additional light distribution to the base light distribution, particularly without an additional rotational offset, a change in the base light distribution due to a pitching movement of the vehicle can be compensated or overcompensated. Thus, when the vehicle decelerates and the resulting downward pitching movement occurs, a partial light distribution with a cut-off line can be generated that extends above the cut-off line of the base light distribution, particularly with respect to the vehicle's vertical axis. A correspondingly reversed approach is conceivable when the vehicle accelerates and pitches upward.

[0026] It can be provided that the angle of inclination between the light-dark boundary of at least one basic light distribution and the light-dark boundary of at least one additional light distribution, in particular with respect to a light distribution generated by the projection unit which comprises the projection lens with the smallest focal length, is between 15° and 30°, in particular between 19° and 26°, preferably between 23° and 25°, particularly preferably 24°. Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that the angle of inclination between the light-dark boundary of at least one basic light distribution and the light-dark boundary of at least one additional light distribution, in particular with respect to a light distribution generated by the projection unit which comprises the projection lens with the largest focal length, is between 2° and 15°, in particular between 5° and 12°, preferably between 9° and 11°, particularly preferably 10°.Additionally or alternatively, it can be provided that the angle of inclination between the light-dark boundary of at least one basic light distribution and the light-dark boundary of at least one additional light distribution with respect to the light distributions generated by the projection units successively decreases with increasing focal length of the projection lenses of the respective projection units.

[0027] Additionally or alternatively, it can be provided in a lighting module that the focal length of the projection lens with the longest focal length is at least twice the focal length of the projection lens with the smallest focal length. Additionally or alternatively, it is conceivable in this case that, with regard to two projection units arranged adjacently, in particular with regard to the vehicle's vertical axis, the focal length of the projection lens with the longer focal length is an integer multiple of the focal length of the projection lens with the shorter focal length. Such a distribution has been shown to have the advantage that a particularly advantageous light distribution that is optimized for numerous driving situations can be generated by the lighting module.

[0028] Within the scope of the present invention, it may also be advantageous for a lighting module if the projection lenses of at least two projection units are arranged in a common plane with respect to a light entry side of the projection lenses. This has been shown to provide the advantage of an overall simple and compact design, as well as the generation of an advantageous light distribution.

[0029] Furthermore, in a lighting module, it can be provided that at least one projection lens, in particular all projection lenses, has a planar surface on a light entry side and / or that at least one projection lens has a concave surface on a light exit side. This results in advantageous light shaping by the projection lens with regard to optimized light distribution. Furthermore, this provides a simple way of adjusting the light distribution generated by the lighting module during assembly in series production with optimized tolerances simply by shifting the projection lenses perpendicular to the optical axis relative to one another.

[0030] Within the scope of the invention, it can be provided for a lighting module that at least one lighting module comprises at least one printed circuit board. In particular, it is conceivable that at least one printed circuit board is encompassed by at least one light source module. Preferably, at least one light source unit or light source can be arranged on the printed circuit board. This results in a simple and cost-effective design, also with regard to control and power supply of the respective light source or light source unit. Additionally or alternatively, it is conceivable that all light sources of at least one light source unit and / or at least one light source module are arranged on a common printed circuit board. This results in a compact and simple design.

[0031] With regard to the present invention, it is further conceivable for a lighting module that at least one lighting module comprises at least one control unit, wherein preferably the lighting module is at least partially controllable by the control unit. In the present case, this should be understood to mean that at least one light source unit or light source of the light source module of the lighting module is controllable by the control unit such that the control unit can switch the light source unit or light source in question off and / or on and / or regulate the brightness. Additionally or alternatively, it can be provided that at least one lighting device comprises at least one control unit, wherein preferably at least one lighting module, in particular all lighting modules, of the lighting device are controllable by the control unit.At least one control unit may comprise means for data processing, in particular at least one processor and / or at least one data memory and / or at least one, in particular non-volatile, data memory.

[0032] Within the scope of the invention, it can further be provided in a lighting module that at least one light source module comprises at least one heat sink. The heat sink is intended, in particular, to dissipate the heat emitted by the light source units or light sources of the light source module. At least one heat sink can comprise at least one cooling fin.

[0033] Within the scope of the present invention, it is conceivable for all light source units of at least one light source module to be arranged in a common plane. Additionally or alternatively, it is conceivable for all light sources of at least one light source unit and / or at least one light source module to be arranged in a common plane. This results in a simple structure of the lighting module.

[0034] The above object is further achieved according to a second aspect of the invention by a lighting device for a vehicle, wherein the lighting device comprises at least one lighting module, in particular according to the invention. The lighting module can preferably be a lighting module according to the first aspect of the present invention, in particular a lighting module according to one of claims 1-8. A lighting device according to the invention provides the same advantages as those already described with regard to a lighting module according to the invention.

[0035] At least one lighting device can comprise at least two or exactly two lighting modules, in particular those according to the invention. At least two lighting modules can be constructed with mirror symmetry. This results in the advantage that both left and right turns can be optimally illuminated by the respective lighting modules.

[0036] In particular, it can be provided that the lighting device is designed as a headlight, in particular as a front headlight, for a vehicle. The use of a lighting device according to the invention as a front headlight for a motorcycle has proven particularly preferred.

[0037] The above object is further achieved according to a third aspect of the invention by a vehicle, wherein the vehicle preferably comprises at least one lighting device, in particular according to the invention, and / or at least one lighting module, in particular according to the invention. It can particularly preferably be provided that the vehicle is designed as a single-track vehicle, in particular as a motorcycle. Additionally or alternatively, it can be provided that the lighting device is designed as a lighting device according to the invention, in particular a lighting device according to claim 9, and / or that the lighting module is designed as a lighting module according to the invention, in particular a lighting module according to a first aspect of the invention or according to one of claims 1 to 8.

[0038] With regard to a vehicle according to the invention according to the third aspect of the invention, the same advantages arise as have already been described with regard to a lighting module according to the invention and / or a lighting device according to the invention according to the first and second aspects of the invention.

[0039] The above object is further achieved according to a fourth aspect of the invention by a method for controlling a lighting module, in particular according to the invention, in particular a lighting module according to the first aspect of the invention or according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the method comprises at least one, in particular at least two or all of the following steps: Switching on and / or off and / or regulating the brightness of at least one light source of the light source module as a function of a, in particular current, deceleration and / or acceleration of the vehicle, Switching on and / or off and / or regulating the brightness of at least one light source of the light source module as a function of a, in particular current, inclination of the vehicle, Switching on and / or off and / or regulating the brightness of at least one light source of the light source module as a function of a, in particular current, vehicle speed, Switching on and / or off and / or regulating the brightness of at least one light source of the light source module as a function of at least one oncoming vehicle.

[0040] It can preferably be provided that by switching on and / or off and / or regulating the brightness of at least one light source, at least one additional light distribution generated by the lighting module in addition to a basic light distribution is activated (switched on), deactivated (switched off) and / or regulated in terms of its brightness.

[0041] During deceleration and / or acceleration of a vehicle, a pitching motion of the vehicle or its lighting devices, particularly the headlights, may occur. This pitching motion results in an unintentional shift in the light distribution generated by the lighting devices. This can restrict the driver's field of vision, at least temporarily. By switching on additional light sources, the cut-off line of the light distribution of a lighting module can be specifically shifted, so that the shift in the light distribution is at least partially compensated for by the shift in the cut-off line.

[0042] When a vehicle, particularly a motorcycle, negotiates a bend, the position of the vehicle's lighting device, particularly the headlight, changes, at least temporarily, due to the inclination of the vehicle required during the bend. This causes the light distribution generated by the lighting device to change in accordance with the change in position of the vehicle, resulting in a decrease in illumination, particularly on the inside of the bend. By adding or increasing the intensity of at least one light source, a wedge-shaped partial light distribution can be generated in the edge region of the light distribution generated by the lighting device to illuminate the inside of the bend in order to at least partially compensate for the losses caused by the vehicle's inclination.

[0043] At high speeds, illuminating the surroundings at a greater distance in front of a vehicle is of greater importance than at low speeds. By regulating the brightness or switching individual light sources on and / or off, a lighting module according to the invention can create a light distribution optimized for the current vehicle speed.

[0044] In the event of one or more oncoming vehicles, switching off or regulating the brightness of individual light sources can reliably ensure that oncoming traffic is not dazzled, while the remaining road area continues to be illuminated as optimally as possible for the driver of the vehicle. Once the oncoming vehicles have passed the light distribution generated by the lighting device or module, the brightness of the relevant light sources can be increased or they can be reactivated.

[0045] The above object is further achieved according to the fifth aspect of the present invention by a computer program product comprising instructions that cause a lighting module according to the invention, in particular a lighting module according to the first aspect of the present invention or one of claims 1 to 8, to execute method steps according to a method according to the invention, in particular a method according to the fourth aspect of the present invention or according to claim 11. Preferably, the method can be carried out at least partially by a control unit of the lighting module.

[0046] The above object is further achieved according to a sixth aspect of the present invention by a computer-readable storage medium on which a computer program product according to the invention, in particular a computer program product according to the fifth aspect of the present invention or according to claim 12, is stored. The above object is also achieved according to a seventh aspect of the present invention by a data carrier signal, wherein the data carrier signal transmits a computer program product according to the invention, in particular a computer program product according to the fifth aspect of the present invention or according to claim 12.

[0047] With regard to a computer program product according to the invention and / or a computer-readable storage medium according to the invention and / or a data carrier signal according to the invention, the same advantages arise as have already been described with regard to a lighting module according to the invention and / or a lighting device according to the invention and / or a method according to the invention.

[0048] Further advantages, features, and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description, in which several embodiments of the invention are described in detail with reference to the drawings. The features mentioned in the claims and in the description may be essential to the invention individually or in any combination. Fig. 1 is a schematic view of a lighting module, Fig. 2 is a schematic view of a projection unit, Fig. 3 is a schematic view of a light distribution, Fig. 4 is a schematic view of a light distribution, Fig. 5 is a schematic view of a light distribution, Fig. 6 is a schematic view of a lighting device, Fig. 7 is a schematic view of a vehicle and Fig. 8 is a schematic view of a method.

[0049] In the figures, identical reference numerals are used for the same technical features, even for different embodiments. Fig. 1 shows a schematic view of a lighting module 10. The lighting module 10 comprises at least one projection module 11 for generating a light distribution in an environment of the vehicle 100 and at least one light source module 12. The projection module 11 comprises a plurality of projection units 13, and the light source module 12 comprises a plurality of light source units 14, wherein each projection unit 13 comprises at least one projection lens 13.1 and wherein each projection unit 13 is assigned at least one light source unit 14, so that the light emitted by the light source unit 14 is substantially radiated into the projection unit 13 assigned to the light source unit 14. This is shown in Fig. 1 indicated by the dotted lines. Furthermore, the projection lenses 13.1 of the projection units 13 each have a different focal length.

[0050] A lighting module 10 according to the invention offers the advantage that the use of multiple projection units 13 with projection lenses 13.1 of different focal lengths generates greater variability in the light distributions that can be generated by the lighting module 10. The different focal lengths result in correspondingly different scatter widths of the light emerging from the respective projection lenses 13, whereby different areas in the vehicle's surroundings can be illuminated according to requirements.

[0051] Out of Fig. 1 It can be seen that the projection units 13 are arranged one above the other with respect to the vehicle's vertical axis H. The lowest projection unit 13 of the projection module 11 with respect to the vehicle's vertical axis H comprises the projection lens 13.1 with the greatest focal length. Furthermore, the topmost projection unit 13 of the projection module 11 with respect to the vehicle's vertical axis H comprises the projection lens 13.1 with the smallest focal length. Such a distribution has been shown to have the advantage that a particularly advantageous light distribution optimized for numerous driving situations can be generated by the lighting module 10.

[0052] Out of Fig. 1 It is further apparent that the projection lenses 13.1 of the projection units 13 are arranged in a common plane with respect to a light entry side 22 of the projection lenses 13.1. Furthermore, the projection lenses 13.1 have a planar surface on the light entry side 22 and a concave surface on the light exit side 23. This results in advantageous light shaping by the projection lenses 13 with regard to optimized light distribution. The light source units 14 are also arranged in a common plane.

[0053] Out of Fig. 1 It is further apparent that the projection units 13 each comprise at least one auxiliary optics 13.2, wherein the projection lens 13.1 and the auxiliary optics 13.2 of the projection unit 13 are positioned relative to one another in such a way that the light emitted by the light source unit 14 assigned to the respective projection unit 13 is first radiated into the auxiliary optics 13.2 and from the auxiliary optics 13.2 into the projection lens 13.1. Thus, primary light shaping can be realized by the auxiliary optics 13.2 and secondary light shaping can be realized by the projection lens 13.1.

[0054] Furthermore, with regard to the projection units 13, it is provided here that the projection lenses 13.1 and the auxiliary optics 13.2 are each arranged relative to one another such that a focal point of the respective projection lens 13.1 is located within the respectively assigned auxiliary optics 13.2. This has proven to be advantageous overall with regard to generating an optimized light distribution by the illumination module 10.

[0055] Out of Fig. 1 It is further apparent that the light source module 12 comprises at least one circuit board 19, wherein the light source units 14 are arranged on the circuit board 19. This results in a simple and cost-effective construction, also with regard to the control and power supply of the respective light source units 14. Furthermore, the light source module 12 comprises at least one heat sink 18 for dissipating the heat emitted by the light source units 14 arranged on the circuit board 19.

[0056] Out of Fig. 1 It is further apparent that the lighting module 10 comprises at least one control unit 17, wherein the control unit 17 is designed to control the light source module 12, in particular the light source units 14.

[0057] Fig. 2 shows a schematic representation of a projection unit 11, wherein the projection unit 11 is designed to generate at least one basic light distribution 24 and one additional light distribution 25. For this purpose, the projection unit 11 comprises an auxiliary optics 13.2 with a first auxiliary optics region 26 and a second auxiliary optics region 27, wherein a different light distribution can be generated by each auxiliary optics region in conjunction with the projection lens 13.1 and at least one light source 15. In the present case, a basic light distribution 24 can be generated by the first auxiliary optics region 26 in conjunction with the projection lens 13.1 and a first light source 15.1, and an additional light distribution can be generated by the second auxiliary optics region 27 in conjunction with the projection lens 13.2 and a second light source 15.2.

[0058] For a better overview, Fig. 3 a schematic diagram of a light distribution. This light distribution is exemplary for a Fig. 2 shown projection unit, which comprises a projection lens 13.1 with a comparatively large focal length. Accordingly, this light distribution would be generated at a comparatively large distance from the vehicle. It can be seen that the projection unit 11 in conjunction with the light source unit 14 generates a basic light distribution 24 with a cut-off line 20. Furthermore, the projection unit 11 in conjunction with the light source unit 14 generates an additional light distribution 25 with a cut-off line, wherein the cut-off line 20 of the additional light distribution 25 has at least a rotational offset from the cut-off line 20 of the basic light distribution 24.

[0059] The cut-off line 20 of the basic light distribution 24 is oriented parallel or substantially parallel to the vehicle's transverse axis Q. The cut-off line 20 of the additional light distribution 25 is oriented at an angle to the cut-off line 20 of the basic light distribution 24. This creates a wedge-shaped partial light distribution or a wedge-shaped light segment 21. This enables, particularly when the lighting module 10 is used in a motorcycle, the inside of the curve to be illuminated by the wedge-shaped light segment 21 or the additional light distribution 25 when the motorcycle is cornering and the motorcycle is tilting accordingly.

[0060] The different light segments 21 in Fig. 3 are each generated by separate light sources 15. Thus, by independently controlling the respective light sources, individual light segments 21 in the light distribution can be adjusted in intensity or completely hidden. For example, when driving straight ahead, the generation of the wedge-shaped light segment 21 can be completely dispensed with, and when cornering, the wedge-shaped light segment 21 can be activated by switching on the respective light source 15 with the aim of illuminating the inside of the curve. In other words, at least one additional light distribution and / or at least one basic light distribution can comprise a plurality of light segments 21, wherein each light segment is generated by at least one separate light source 15.

[0061] Fig. 4 shows a further schematic representation of a light distribution, where the characteristic is different from that in Fig. 3 The light distribution shown has been changed. In particular, the angle of inclination between the light-dark boundary 20 of the basic light distribution 24 and the light-dark boundary 20 of the additional light distribution 25 has been increased. Such a distribution is exemplary for projection unit 11, which includes a projection lens 13.1 with a comparatively short focal length. Accordingly, this light distribution would be generated at a comparatively short distance from the vehicle 100. Here, too, the light segments 21 can each be generated by one or more light sources 15.

[0062] Fig. 5 shows a further schematic representation of a light distribution comprising a basic light distribution 24 and an additional light distribution 25. The cut-off line 20 of the basic light distribution 24 and the cut-off line 20 of the additional light distribution 25 are oriented parallel or substantially parallel and have at least one translational offset. In the present case, the additional light distribution 25 has an upward offset relative to the vehicle's vertical axis H compared to the basic light distribution 24, so that changes in the light distribution caused by a pitching movement of the vehicle 100 during deceleration are compensated by the additional light distribution 25.

[0063] Fig. 6 shows a schematic representation of a lighting device 50, comprising two lighting modules 10. The lighting modules 10 are constructed mirror-symmetrically, so that an optimized illumination of the field of vision of a driver of a vehicle can be achieved with regard to both left and right turns.

[0064] Fig. 7 shows a schematic view of a vehicle 100, wherein the vehicle 100 is designed as a motorcycle and comprises at least one lighting device 50, wherein the lighting device 50 is designed as a headlight of the vehicle 100.

[0065] Fig. 8 shows a schematic view of a method 200 for controlling a lighting module 10, comprising at least one of the following steps: Switching on and / or off and / or regulating 210 the brightness of at least one light source 15 of the light source module 12 as a function of a, in particular current, deceleration of the vehicle 100, Switching on and / or off and / or regulating 220 the brightness of at least one light source 15 of the light source module 12 as a function of a, in particular current, inclination of the vehicle 100, Switching on and / or off and / or regulating 230 the brightness of at least one light source 15 of the light source module 12 as a function of a, in particular current, vehicle speed, Switching on and / or off and / or regulating 240 the brightness of at least one light source 15 of the light source module as a function of at least one oncoming vehicle 100. List of reference symbols

[0066] 10Lighting module 11Projection module 12Light source module 13Projection unit 13.1Projection lens 13.2Additional optics 14Light source unit 15Light source 15.1First light source 15.2Second light source 17Control unit 18Heat sink 19Printed circuit board 20Cut-off boundary 21Light segment 22Light entry side 23Light exit side 24Basic light distribution 25Additional light distribution 26First auxiliary optics area 27Second auxiliary optics area 50Lighting device 100Vehicle 200Procedure 210Switch on / off / regulate 220Switch on / off / regulate 230Switch on / off / regulate 240Switch on / off / regulate HVehicle vertical axis QVehicle transverse axis LVehicle longitudinal axis

Claims

1. Lighting module (10) for use in a lighting device (50) of a vehicle (100), in particular a motorcycle, comprising at least one projection module (11) for generating a light distribution in an environment of the vehicle (100) and at least one light source module (12), wherein the projection module (11) comprises a plurality of projection units (13) and wherein the light source module (12) comprises a plurality of light source units (14), wherein each projection unit (13) comprises at least one projection lens (13.1) and wherein each projection unit (13) is assigned at least one light source unit (14), and wherein at least two projection lenses (13.1) of at least two different projection units (13) have a different focal length.

2. Lighting module (10) according to claim 1, characterized by thatat least one projection unit (13) comprises at least one auxiliary optics (13.2), wherein preferably the auxiliary optics (13.2) and at least one projection lens (13.1) of the projection unit (13) are positioned relative to one another such that a focal point of the projection lens (13) lies within the auxiliary optics (13.2).

3. Lighting module (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the projection units (13) are arranged one above the other, wherein in particular the projection unit (13) which comprises the projection lens (13.1) with the greatest focal length forms the uppermost projection unit (13) and / or the projection unit (13) which comprises the projection lens (13.1) with the smallest focal length forms the lowermost projection unit (13).

4. Lighting module (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by thatat least one projection unit (13) is designed to generate at least one basic light distribution (24) with a light-dark boundary (20) and at least one additional light distribution (25) with a light-dark boundary (20), wherein the light-dark boundary (20) of the additional light distribution (25) has a rotational offset to the light-dark boundary (20) of the basic light distribution (20).

5. Lighting module (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that at least one projection unit (13) is designed to generate at least one basic light distribution (24) with a light-dark boundary (20) and at least one additional light distribution (25) with a light-dark boundary (20), wherein the light-dark boundary (20) of the additional light distribution (25) has a translational offset to the light-dark boundary (20) of the basic light distribution (24).

6. Lighting module (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the focal length of the projection lens (13.1) with the largest focal length is at least twice the focal length of the projection lens (13.1) with the smallest focal length.

7. Lighting module (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that all light source units (14) are arranged in a common plane.

8. Lighting module (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that at least one projection lens (13.1) has a planar surface on a light entry side (22) and / or that at least one projection lens (13) has a concave surface on a light exit side (23).

9. Lighting device (50), in particular headlights, for a vehicle (100) comprising at least one lighting module (10) according to one of the preceding claims.

10. Vehicle (100) comprising at least one lighting device (50) according to the preceding claim.

11. A method (200) for controlling a lighting module (10) according to one of claims 1-8, comprising at least one of the following steps: - switching on and / or off and / or regulating (210) the brightness of at least one light source (15) of the light source module (12) as a function of a deceleration of the vehicle (100), in particular a current deceleration, - switching on and / or off and / or regulating (220) the brightness of at least one light source (15) of the light source module (12) as a function of a tilt of the vehicle (100), in particular a current inclination, - switching on and / or off and / or regulating (230) the brightness of at least one light source (15) of the light source module (12) as a function of a vehicle speed, in particular a current vehicle speed, - switching on and / or off and / or regulating (240) the brightness of at least one light source (15) of the light source module as a function of at least one oncoming vehicle (100).

12. Computer program product comprising instructions which cause a lighting module (10), in particular a control unit (17) of the lighting module (10), according to one of claims 1 - 8, to carry out method steps according to a method (200) according to claim 11.

13. A computer-readable storage medium on which a computer program product according to the preceding claim is stored.

14. A data carrier signal carrying a computer program product according to claim 12.