LIGHT MODULE, LIGHTING DEVICE FOR VEHICLES AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING

Abstract

The invention relates to providing a light module (100) for a motor vehicle lighting device comprising: a light source assembly (200) comprising at least one light source unit (210), at least one first guide section (220a-b) and at least one first clamping section (230a-b); and an optical assembly (300) comprising at least one optical element (310), at least one second guide part (320a-b) and at least one second joining part (330a-b), wherein the light source assembly (200) and the optical assembly (300) in a first state, in particular an adjustment state, can be moved towards each other by means of the first and second guide sections (220, 320) along an adjustment axis (J), and wherein the light source assembly (200) and the optical assembly (300) are in a second state, in particular in an adjusted final assembly state, and are fixed to each other by means of the first and second fixing sections (230, 330).

Description

LIGHT MODULE, LIGHTING DEVICE FOR VEHICLES AND MANUFACTURING METHOD FIELD OF THE INVENTION The invention relates to a light module, a lighting device for motor vehicles, and a method of manufacturing the light module. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION It is known that optically effective components, especially in the case of projection light modules for automotive headlights, can have only small tolerances with respect to their installation position relative to each other, so that the distribution of emitted light does not have unwanted color effects, especially in the edge area. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION The problems of the prior art are solved by means of a light module according to claim 1, by means of a lighting device according to another claim, and by means of a manufacturing method according to another claim. A first aspect of the description relates to a light module for a motor vehicle lighting device. This light module includes: a light source assembly comprising at least one light source unit, at least one first guide section, and at least one first fixing section; and an optical assembly comprising at least one optical element, at least one second guide section, and at least one second fixing section. The light source assembly and the optical assembly are movable relative to each other in a first state, particularly an adjustment state, by means of the first and second guide sections along an adjustment axis. The light source assembly and the optical assembly are fixed to each other in a second state, particularly a final adjusted assembly state, by means of the first and second fixing sections. This allows for an adjustment where the focus of the optical assembly or an associated optical component coincides with a diaphragm edge. The proposed light module allows for more precise adjustment, particularly of marginal areas of the emitted light distribution. The assemblies cannot be freely positioned in space, as the guide sections restrict their movement to an imaginary plane. The desired position is then secured using the fixing sections. Additional fasteners are not required. A break point in the light distribution of a radiated edge light distribution can be adjusted more precisely by moving the assembly along the adjustment axis, which is made possible by the longitudinal guidance of the two assemblies relative to each other in the initial state. An advantageous example is characterized by the fact that the light source assembly comprises at least one fixing section for attaching the light module to the lighting device. The assembly, which includes the light sources, is advantageously used to mount the light module. The headlight's reference points are therefore located on the assembly upon which the light sources are mounted. This ensures that the light emitted by the light module is precisely aimed at the vehicle. nobLnn / eznz / B / Yi An advantageous example is characterized by the optical assembly comprising a variety of contact surfaces that are oriented in a direction opposite to the at least second guide section. Advantageously, during adjustment, a clamping device can tighten the guide sections so tightly that axial displacement is possible, but by means of the fixing sections a secure final position of both assemblies can be fixed to each other. An advantageous example is characterized by the fact that at least one second fixing section is arranged between two imaginary planes that are perpendicular to the adjustment axis and that run through two separate contact surfaces. The second fixing section is advantageously located in an area of ​​the optical assembly, specifically in at least one first guide section, which is pressed against the light source assembly from both sides during adjustment. This allows for more precise reaching and definition of the final position of the two assemblies. An advantageous example is characterized in that the light module comprises at least two first fixing sections and at least two second fixing sections, the first fixing sections and the second fixing sections being arranged in pairs separated from each other in an imaginary perpendicular plane of the adjustment axis, at least in the second state. Due to the symmetrical arrangement of the fixing sections, the desired final position of the assemblies relative to each other is achieved with greater precision and tolerances are reduced. An advantageous example is characterized in that the light module comprises at least two first guide sections and at least two second guide sections, with pairs of first guide sections and second guide sections having a common longitudinal extension along a respective guide axis, and with the two guide axes separated from each other and parallel to the path of the alignment axis. The symmetrical arrangement of the guide shafts improves the linear movement of the assemblies relative to each other during adjustment and reduces tolerances. An advantageous example is characterized by the fact that the first and second guide sections comprise contact surfaces that support each other and run parallel to the adjustment axis. In the first state, the contact surfaces advantageously allow the assemblies to move relative to each other. An advantageous example is characterized in that at least one second fixing section includes an extension section into which an associated screw can be threaded, and at least one first fixing section includes an elongated hole into which the extension section fits. This advantageously provides a permanent non-positive union of the two sets. An advantageous example is characterized in that the optical assembly comprises at least one fixing section, in particular two fixing sections arranged in an imaginary perpendicular plane of the adjustment axis for the linear displacement of the optical assembly along the adjustment axis. In the first state, the linear displacement of the two assemblies relative to each other is carried out by means of at least one fixing section. nobLnn / eznz / B / Yi A second aspect of the description relates to a lighting device for motor vehicles comprising the light module according to the first aspect. A third aspect of the description relates to a manufacturing method for adjusting the light module according to the first aspect. The manufacturing method includes: operating, in a first state, the light source assembly to generate a first light distribution, which is coupled to the optical assembly, where a second light pattern is emitted from the optical assembly; detecting, in the first state, the second light distribution by means of a sensor; moving, in the first state, by means of guide rails, the optical assembly to the fixed light source assembly until a position is reached where there is a desired second light distribution; and fixing, by means of connecting portions, the optical assembly and the light source assembly together to achieve the second state. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES It is shown in the figures: Figure 1 shows a light module in an exploded view; Figures 2 and 3 show detailed views of light module assembly fixing zones; Figure 4 shows a lighting device for a motor vehicle comprising the light module, in schematic form; and Figure 5 shows a schematic flowchart of a light module manufacturing method. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Figure 1 shows a light module 100 for a vehicle lighting device in an exploded perspective view. A light source assembly 200 comprises at least one light source unit 210, transmission optics 214, a diaphragm with diaphragm edge K, at least one first guide section 220a-b, and at least one first mounting section 230a-b. The light source assembly 200 is mounted on a support or formed as a heat sink in this embodiment. An optical assembly 300 includes at least one optical element 310 having a focal point F 310, at least one second guide section 320a-b, and at least one second mounting section 330a-b. In a first state, an adjustment state, the light source assembly 200 and the optical assembly 300 can be moved relative to each other by means of the first and second guide sections 220, 320 along an adjustment axis J, which coincides with the optical axis of the light module 100.In a second state, in particular in a final adjusted assembly state, the light source assembly 200 and the optics assembly 300 are fixed to each other by means of the first and second fixing sections 230, 330. The optics assembly 300 is thus moved in a directed parallel manner on an imaginary reference plane that runs parallel to the optical axis and is fixed, for example, by means of two screws. Accordingly, the light module 100 comprises at least two first fixing sections 230a-b and at least two second fixing sections 330a-b, which are arranged in pairs separated from each other in an imaginary plane perpendicular to the adjustment axis J, at least in the second state. Furthermore, the light module 100 comprises at least two first guide sections 220a-b and at least two second guide sections 320a-b, which, at least in the second state, have in pairs a common longitudinal extension along a respective guide axis, the two guide axes being separated and parallel to the adjustment axis J. The first and second guide sections 220a-b, 320a-b comprise contiguous contact surfaces 222a, 322a, which run parallel to the adjustment axis J. The light source unit 210 comprises a printed circuit board 212 on which light source components, for example, semiconductor light source components, are arranged. The normal to the light-emitting surface is aligned parallel to the adjustment axis J or inclined in the direction of the adjustment axis J. The diaphragm located in the light source unit has the diaphragm edge K, in the vicinity of which the transmission optics 214 generate an intermediate light distribution. The focal point F_310 can be brought to or near the edge of the aperture K using the suggested adjustment. The semiconductor light source components emit light that couples to the transmission optics 214 fixed to the printed circuit board 212. The transmission optics 214 are designed as the primary optics and generate an intermediate light distribution in the diaphragm area.In one example, each light source is assigned a transmission optic element, which is designed as a catadioptric mount optic. Starting from the transmission optic 214, a light distribution radiated from there reaches the diaphragm and from there the optical element 310, which is configured as a projection lens. The intermediate light distribution is projected from the edge area of ​​the panel toward the front of the vehicle, thus creating the low beam distribution. The projection lens is held in a lens holder 312, where a heat shield 314 is also arranged. A housing 316 surrounds the lens holder 312 in at least sections. The light source assembly 200 includes at least two side fixing sections 202a-b for fixing the light module 100 to the lighting device and therefore to the car body. The optical assembly 300 includes three contact surfaces 340a-c for bearing on a clamping device of an adjustment device, which are arranged in a triangular shape. The contact surfaces 340a-c are oriented in a direction opposite to the at least second guide section 320a-b, in particular on a side 342 of the optical assembly 300 opposite the first guide sections 220a-b, i.e., pointing from the associated mounting area at a distance of 200. The second clamping sections 330a-b are arranged between two imaginary planes perpendicular to the adjustment axis J, which runs through two separate contact surfaces 340a, 340c. The optical assembly 300 comprises two coupling sections 350a-b arranged in an imaginary vertical plane of the adjustment axis J for linear displacement of the optical assembly 300 along the adjustment axis J by means of a displacement tool. Each coupling section 350a-b comprises two contact surfaces for the displacement tool, which in this case are opposite each other. The coupling sections 350a-b are arranged laterally on the optical assembly 300. The coupling sections 350a-b are recessed from an outer contour of the optical assembly 300. Figures 2 and 3 show a detailed cross-sectional view of the fixing sections 230a and 330a. The light module 100 according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least a second fixing section 330a-b comprises an extension section into which an associated screw 332a-b can be threaded, and wherein at least a first fixing section 230a-b comprises a groove into which the extension section fits. Advantageously, as soon as the fitting is complete, the respective screw 332a-b can be threaded into the groove. In this way, the extension section is separated and presses its outer surfaces against the inner surfaces of the lubrication hole. Figure 4 shows a schematic representation of the headlight-shaped lighting device 400 for a car. Of course, the lighting device 400 could also be a taillight, a turn signal, or a different type of lighting device for a motor vehicle. The light module 100 is located inside the housing 402. The light module 200 is operated by the control unit 406 such that the light module 100 emits a light distribution 408. A light outlet opening in the housing 402 is closed by a transparent cover plate 410 through which the light distribution 408 passes. Figure 5 shows a schematic flow diagram of a manufacturing method for adjusting the light module 100 of Figure 1. A second light distribution is emitted from the optical assembly. Means are provided to detect 504, in the first state, the second light distribution by means of a sensor. In the first stage, a displacement 506 is performed from the optical assembly to the fixed light source assembly, specifically until a position is reached where a second desired light distribution is present. With the light sources switched on, this displacement is carried out using the guide profiles and the displacement tool. Specifically, the color band at the edge of the light distribution changes with displacement. As the assemblies move or shift positions relative to each other, the color band changes in thickness and color. If the color band is minimal or the coloration is as small as possible, this is recognized as the final position. In a further step, the optical assembly 300 and the light source assembly 200 are fixed 508 to each other by means of the fixing sections 230a-b, 240a-by to achieve the second state. For example, before operating the light sources (502), an operator manually inserts the optical assembly into the light source assembly. The relative position of the optical assembly is initially not critical. In the subsequent manufacturing process, the optical assembly is brought into an initial position, which represents a starting position for the method steps described above, by means of the mating sections configured as adjustment ribs. The optical assembly is pressed onto the reference plane by spring force through most of the contact surfaces and then moved along the adjustment ribs along the adjustment axis or along the optical axis according to step 506 until the color strip on the illumination box, which contains the sensor, is correct, i.e., meets a specified quality characteristic. According to step 508, this position is then fixed with the two screws.These are screwed into the optics assembly, regardless of their relative position. When screwed in, the interface extends and forms a friction connection in the x and y directions, and a positive connection with the heat sink or light source assembly in the y direction. This is possible at any position within the defined adjustment range.

Claims

1. A light module (100) for a motor vehicle lighting device (400) characterized in that it comprises: a light source assembly (200) comprising at least one light source unit (210), at least one first guide section (220a-b) and at least one first mounting section (230a-b); and an optical assembly (300) comprising at least one optical element (310), at least one second guide section (320a-b) and at least one second joining section (330a-b), wherein the light source assembly (200) and the optical assembly (300) in a first state, in particular an adjustment state, by means of the first and second guide sections (220, 320) along an adjustment axis (J) are displaceable relative to each other, and wherein the light source assembly (200) and the optical assembly (300) in one are fixed to each other in the second state, in particular in an adjusted final assembly state, by means of the first and second fixing sections (230, 330).

2. The light module (100) according to claim 1, further characterized in that the light source assembly (200) comprises at least one joining section (202a-b) for fixing the light module (100) to the lighting device (400).

3. The light module (100) according to claim 1 or 2, further characterized in that the optical assembly (300) comprises a variety of contact surfaces (340a-c) that are oriented in the opposite direction to at least the second guide section (320a-b).

4. The light module (100) according to the preceding claim, further characterized in that at least a second fixing section (330a-b) is arranged between two imaginary planes perpendicular to the adjustment axis (J) and runs through two separate contact surfaces (340a,340c).

5. The light module (100) according to any of the preceding claims, further characterized in that it comprises at least two first joining sections (230a-b) and at least two second joining sections (330a-b), wherein the first joining sections (230a-b) and the second fixing sections (330a-b) at least in the second state are arranged in pairs separated from each other in an imaginary vertical plane of the adjustment axis (J).

6. The light module (100) according to any of the preceding claims, further characterized in that it comprises at least two first guide sections (220a-b) and at least two second guide sections (320a-b), the first guide sections (220a-b) and the second guide sections (320a-b) in pairs having a common longitudinal extension along a respective guide axis, and wherein the two guide axes are separated and run parallel to the adjustment axis (J).

7. The light module (100) according to one of the preceding claims, further characterized in that the first and second guide sections (220-ab, 320a-b) rest on contact surfaces (222a, 322a) that run parallel to the adjustment axis (J).

8. The light module (100) according to any of the preceding claims, further characterized in that at least a second fixing section (330a-b) comprises an extension section into which an associated screw (332a-b) can be threaded, and wherein at least a first fixing section (230a-b) comprises a slot into which the extension section is engaged. nobLnn / eznz / B / Yi 9. The light module (100) according to one of the preceding claims, further characterized in that the optical assembly (300) has at least one coupling section (350a-b), in particular two coupling sections (350a-b) arranged in an imaginary perpendicular plane to the adjustment axis (J), for linear displacement of the optical assembly (300) along the adjustment axis (J).

10. A motor vehicle lighting device (400), in particular a headlight, characterized in that it comprises the light module according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. A manufacturing method for adjusting the light module (100) according to any of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that it comprises: operating (502), in the first state, the light source assembly (200) to generate a first light distribution, which is coupled to the optical assembly (300), wherein a second light distribution is emitted from the optical assembly (300); detecting (504), in the first state, the second light distribution by means of a sensor; moving (506), in the first state, by means of the guide sections (220a-b, 320a-b), the optical assembly (300) to the fixedly disposed light source assembly (200) until a position is reached in which a second light distribution is emitted; and fix (508), by means of the joining portions (230a-b, 240a-b), the optical assembly (300) and the light source assembly (200) together to achieve the second state.

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