Lighting device comprising a mounting module and a releasably attached lighting module, mounting module and lighting module

Abstract

The invention relates to a lighting device (1), in particular for a motor vehicle, comprising a lighting module (2) and a mounting module (3). The lighting module (2) comprises at least one semiconductor light source (5) and a main body (4). The lighting module (2) and the mounting module (4), which are also claimed independently of one another, are precisely positioned with respect to one another and are connected to one another in a repeatedly releasable manner.

Description

[0001] LIGHTING DEVICE COMPRISING A HOLDING MODULE AND A DETACHABLY-ATTACHED LIGHTING MODULE, HOLDING MODULE AND LIGHTING MODULE

[0002] This application claims priority from German patent application No. 10 2023 135 249 . 0 of December 14, 2023, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference into this application.

[0003] The present invention relates to a lighting device, in particular for a motor vehicle, comprising a lighting module comprising at least one semiconductor light source and a holding module, wherein the lighting module and the holding module are repeatedly and detachably connected to one another. Furthermore, the invention relates to a corresponding lighting module and a corresponding holding module.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] In the area of ​​vehicle lighting, replaceable light sources have proven to be essential components, particularly with regard to their simple and cost-effective replaceability in the event of defects. Classic light sources such as halogen and xenon lamps enable vehicle owners to restore lighting functionality quickly and easily if necessary. However, LED-based light sources are now also increasingly being used for vehicle lighting. LED-based light sources are characterized by their high energy efficiency, luminosity and low probability of failure. Particularly due to their low probability of failure, LED-based light sources have so far been designed in such a way that in the event of a defect, the entire vehicle lighting, e.g. the entire headlight, had to be replaced. Accordingly, there is a lack of standardized solutions for the manual replacement of LED-based light sources in this area.

[0006] There is therefore a need to provide a lighting device, in particular for a motor vehicle, or a lighting means that counteracts at least one of the problems mentioned. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] This need is met by the subject matter of the independent patent claims. Further developments and embodiments of the proposed principle are specified in the subclaims. The inventors propose an LED light source for, for example, a motor vehicle headlight, which in the event of a defect can be replaced even by a layperson without great effort and without having to visit a workshop. The light source and a corresponding holding device are designed in such a way that the holding device holds the light source securely in a position provided for it during normal use of the light source, but that the light source can be easily detached from the holding device in the event of, for example, a defect.The holding device and the illuminant comprise support surfaces, contact areas, and fastening elements that are arranged and designed such that the illuminant cannot slip or tilt in relation to the holding device when mounted, but can be easily and repeatedly removed from the holding device by actuating one of the fastening elements. Furthermore, the support surfaces, contact areas, and fastening elements are arranged and designed such that simple and precisely positioned mounting and fastening of the illuminant is possible.

[0008] According to a first aspect, a lighting module is proposed which is designed to be arranged in a holding module in a repeatable and detachable manner. According to a further aspect, a holding module is also proposed which is designed to receive a lighting module in a repeatable and detachable manner. Furthermore, a lighting device, in particular for a motor vehicle, comprising a lighting module and a holding module is proposed, wherein the lighting module and the holding module are connected to one another in a repeatable and detachable manner according to a key-lock principle.

[0009] The lighting module according to a first aspect comprises a base body and at least one semiconductor light source arranged on the base body. The at least one semiconductor light source can, for example, comprise one or more light-emitting diodes (LEDs). However, the lighting module can also have a plurality of semiconductor light sources arranged on the base body. The lighting module can accordingly be an LED-based module.

[0010] The base body has three mutually parallel support surfaces on an underside of the base body that protrude from the underside. The three support surfaces can be arranged in the same plane or in mutually parallel, spaced-apart planes. The three support surfaces are arranged and designed to be arranged on at least one reference surface of a holding module. In particular, the number of reference surfaces corresponds to the number of different planes in which the support surfaces are arranged.If all three support surfaces are arranged in the same plane, they are designed to be arranged on a reference surface of the holding module. If two of the three support surfaces are arranged in the same plane and one of the support surfaces is arranged in a parallel, offset plane, they are designed to be arranged on two reference surfaces of the holding module. If all support surfaces are arranged in parallel, offset planes, they are designed to be arranged on three reference surfaces of the holding module. The lighting module can therefore be designed to be arranged in a statically determined manner via three defined support surfaces on the at least one reference surface adapted thereto.

[0011] The base body also has, on an upper side of the base body opposite the underside, at least one contact region which is designed to interact with at least one first fastening element of the holding module by exerting a force in a direction perpendicular to the support surfaces. The at least one contact region can in particular be designed to come into contact with at least one first fastening element of the holding module in such a way that the at least one first fastening element exerts a force in a direction perpendicular to the support surfaces. The force exerted can press the lighting module onto the holding module at the three support surfaces. A projection of the at least one contact region or of a connecting line between two contact regions perpendicular to the support surfaces lies within a virtual surface spanned by the three support surfaces or intersects this.The at least one contact area or a plurality of contact areas are arranged in such a way that a force acting in the contact area(s) acts in a direction perpendicular to the support surfaces in such a way that the lighting module is pressed evenly onto the support surfaces. This can be achieved on the one hand if a projection of the at least one contact area or a plurality of contact areas lies perpendicular to the support surfaces within the virtual surface spanned by the three support surfaces, or if the projection of a plurality of contact areas lies perpendicular to the support surfaces outside the virtual surface spanned by the three support surfaces, but in such a way that they are arranged symmetrically around the virtual surface. This can prevent a possible leverage effect of a force acting outside the virtual surface.

[0012] The base body furthermore has at least a first side surface, a second side surface and a third side surface, which each connect the underside of the base body to the top side of the base body. The side surfaces can be formed by surfaces which run essentially perpendicular to the top and underside, but can also run at a different angle and / or in a stepped manner. The second and the third side surface can essentially be formed by opposing outer surfaces of the base body and in particular run essentially parallel to one another. The at least one first side surface, on the other hand, can connect the second and the third side surface. In particular, a plurality of first side surfaces can be put together to connect the second and the third side surface.

[0013] The at least one first side surface is designed to interact with at least one first reference element of the holding module, such that at least a first direction of movement of the lighting module is restricted within a plane parallel to the support surfaces. For example, the at least one first side surface can be designed to interact with a first stop of the holding module, wherein the stop restricts a first direction of movement of the lighting module within the plane parallel to the support surfaces.

[0014] The second side surface is designed to interact with at least one second reference element of the holding module, such that at least a second direction of movement of the lighting module perpendicular to the first is restricted within the plane parallel to the support surfaces. For example, the second side surface can be designed to interact with a second stop of the holding module, wherein the stop restricts a second direction of movement of the lighting module perpendicular to the first within the plane parallel to the support surfaces.

[0015] The third side surface further comprises a first recess which is designed to interact in contact with a second movable fastening element of the holding module in such a way that a direction of movement of the lighting module opposite to the first and second direction of movement is restricted within the plane parallel to the support surfaces. For example, the third side surface or the first recess in the third side surface can be designed to interact with a movable fastening element of the holding module, wherein the movable fastening element restricts a direction of movement of the lighting module opposite to the first and second direction of movement within the plane parallel to the support surfaces.

[0016] Accordingly, the lighting module can be designed to be fixed via its side surfaces in such a way that movement of the lighting module within the plane parallel to the support surfaces is restricted or prevented, and at the same time to be fixed via its top and bottom surfaces in such a way that movement of the lighting module perpendicular to the plane parallel to the support surfaces is restricted or prevented. According to some aspects, the at least one first side surface is designed to interact with the at least one first reference element of the holding module in such a way that the at least one first side surface is centered relative to the at least one first reference element. For example, the at least one first side surface can be formed by a bulge from the base body or by a second recess in the base body.In a corresponding manner, the first reference element of the holding module can be designed to cooperate with the bulge or the second recess in order to center the at least one side surface relative to the at least one reference element.

[0017] According to some aspects, the base body is formed from a material with good thermal conductivity and, in particular, forms a heat sink for the lighting module or for heating generated in the at least one semi-conductive light source. For this purpose, the base body can have a plurality of cooling fins extending from the top and / or bottom. For example, the base body can be formed from a metal and, for example, manufactured by bending.

[0018] According to some aspects, the base body is formed in one piece from a single element; however, the base body can also be composed of several parts, for example an element made of a material with good thermal conductivity, which forms a heat sink for the lighting module or a heating element generated in the at least one semi-elliptical light source, and for example an encapsulation of the heat sink using a plastic, for example. The side surfaces of the base body, the recesses, and the support surfaces and contact regions can be formed, for example, by the encapsulation. However, this is not to be understood as limiting, and the base body can also be composed of more than two elements, and in particular also of different types, wherein just one element, or several different elements can form the side surfaces of the base body, the recesses, the support surfaces and contact regions.

[0019] According to some aspects, the at least one semiconductor light source is arranged on a projection of a connecting line between two contact regions perpendicular to the support surfaces. For example, the at least one semiconductor light source can be arranged on the projection of an axis of rotation formed by two contact regions. This has the advantage that, in the event of rotation of the lighting module about this axis of rotation, the position of the at least one semiconductor light source relative to the holding module is not significantly changed, but only the radiation angle of the light emitted by the at least one semiconductor light source.This may be preferred since a positional shift of the at least one semiconductor light source relative to the holding module or a reflector module arranged downstream of the light module may have a significant and undesirable influence on the radiation characteristic of the emitted light, while a change only in the radiation angle may be tolerable.

[0020] According to some aspects, the at least one contact region is formed by a recess on the upper side of the base body or comprises at least one further recess. The recess can serve to ensure that the at least one first fastening element interacts with the recess in such a way that the fastening element is arranged in the recess and holds the lighting module in position. Alternatively or additionally, the at least one contact region can be formed by an elevation on the upper side of the base body or comprise at least one elevation. An elevation can, for example, serve as a stop to which the at least one fastening element can be fastened. The at least one contact region can, however, also be formed by a flat surface or comprise a flat surface that does not differ significantly from the upper side of the base body.The at least one contact region can be defined, for example, by a contact surface of the upper side with the at least one first fastening element, but otherwise does not differ significantly from the upper side of the base body. Furthermore, according to some aspects, the at least one contact region can comprise a combination of the aforementioned embodiments.

[0021] According to some aspects, the lighting module comprises a fastening means for a reflector module, in particular further recesses in the base body, which are designed to interact with a reflector module in order to hold this in position relative to the lighting module or vice versa. For example, further recess(es) can be provided in the base body, which interact with reference element(s) of a reflector module and define a position relative to one another. The reflector module can be designed to direct light emitted by the at least one semiconductor light source in a desired direction and / or to shape the light.

[0022] According to some aspects, the lighting module further comprises a plug element which is arranged on the base body and is electrically coupled to the at least one semiconductor light source. The plug module is designed to interact with a corresponding plug counterpart, by means of which a signal and / or a supply current can be provided for the at least one semiconductor light source. A signal and / or a supply current for operating the at least one semiconductor light source can be provided via the plug element. The plug element can in particular be designed to interact with a corresponding plug counterpart in a repeatable and detachable manner.

[0023] According to some aspects, the lighting module further comprises a driver circuit and / or a PCB, which is arranged on the base body and electrically coupled to the at least one semiconductor light source. The driver circuit can be designed to provide a desired control of the at least one semiconductor light source. A PCB or a printed circuit board (PCB) can serve as a carrier for further electronic components and / or the driver circuit and / or the plug element and / or the at least one semiconductor light source. The PCB can in particular serve for the mechanical fastening and electrical connection of the aforementioned elements.

[0024] The holding module according to a further aspect comprises at least one reference surface which is designed to interact with three support surfaces which are parallel to one another and protrude from an underside of a base body of a lighting module. Depending on whether the three support surfaces of the base body of the lighting module are arranged in the same plane or in spaced-apart planes which run parallel to one another, the holding module can have one or more reference surfaces which run parallel to one another and are each designed to interact with the three support surfaces of the base body which are parallel to one another. In particular, the number of reference surfaces corresponds to the number of different planes in which the support surfaces are arranged.In the event that all three support surfaces are arranged in the same plane, the holding module comprises a reference surface which is designed to interact with the support surfaces, in the event that two of the three support surfaces are arranged in the same plane and one of the support surfaces is arranged in a parallel offset plane, the holding module comprises two reference surfaces which are each designed to interact with the support surfaces within one plane, and in the event that all support surfaces are arranged in parallel offset planes, the holding module comprises three reference surfaces which are each designed to interact with one of the support surfaces. The holding module can accordingly have at least one reference surface on which the lighting module can be arranged, in particular in such a way that the lighting module orthe base body can be arranged statically determined on at least one adapted reference surface via three defined support surfaces.

[0025] The holding module additionally comprises at least one first fastening element which is designed to exert a force in a direction perpendicular to the at least one reference surface on a contact region on an upper side of the base body of the lighting module which is opposite the underside. The at least one first fastening element can in particular be designed to come into contact with a contact region on the upper side of the base body in such a way that a force in a direction perpendicular to the at least one reference surface is exerted on the base body by the at least one first fastening element. As a result of the exerted force, the lighting module can be pressed onto the at least one reference surface of the holding module at the three contact surfaces of the base body.

[0026] A projection of the at least one contact area or of a connecting line between two contact areas perpendicular to the support surfaces lies within a virtual area spanned by the three support surfaces or intersects this. The at least one contact area or a plurality of contact areas are arranged in such a way that a force acting in the contact area(s) acts in a direction perpendicular to the support surfaces in such a way that the lighting module is pressed evenly onto the support surfaces. This can be achieved on the one hand if a projection of the at least one contact area or a connecting line between two contact areas lies within a virtual area spanned by the three support surfaces or intersects this. The at least one contact area or a plurality of contact areas are arranged in such a way that a force acting in the contact area(s) acts in a direction perpendicular to the support surfaces in such a way that the lighting module is pressed evenly onto the support surfaces.several contact areas perpendicular to the support surfaces lie within the virtual surface spanned by the three support surfaces, or when the projection of several contact areas perpendicular to the support surfaces lies outside the virtual surface spanned by the three support surfaces, but in such a way that they are arranged symmetrically around the virtual surface. This can prevent a possible leverage effect of a force acting outside the virtual surface.

[0027] The holding module also comprises at least one first reference element which is designed to interact with at least one first side surface of the lighting module in such a way that at least a first direction of movement of the lighting module is restricted within a plane parallel to the reference surface. The holding module further comprises at least one second reference element which is designed to interact with a second side surface of the lighting module in such a way that at least a second direction of movement of the lighting module perpendicular to the first direction is restricted within the plane parallel to the reference surface. In particular, the first and the second reference element can form a stop for the main body of the lighting module which is intended to restrict or prevent movement of the lighting module along a first direction and a second direction perpendicular to the first direction within a plane parallel to the reference surface.

[0028] In addition, the holding module comprises a movable second fastening element which is designed to cooperate with a first recess in a third side surface of the lighting module in such a way that a direction of movement of the lighting module opposite to the first and second direction of movement is restricted within the plane parallel to the reference surface. For example, the movable second fastening element can be designed to cooperate with a first recess in a third side surface of the lighting module, wherein the movable fastening element restricts a direction of movement of the lighting module opposite to the first and second direction of movement within the plane parallel to the reference surface.

[0029] Accordingly, the holding module can be designed to fix a lighting module by means of the reference elements and the second fastening element in such a way that a movement of the lighting module within the plane parallel to the reference surface is restricted or prevented and at the same time to fix the lighting module by means of the at least one reference surface and the at least one first fastening element in such a way that a movement of the lighting module perpendicular to the plane parallel to the reference surface is restricted or prevented.

[0030] According to some aspects, the at least one first reference element, the second reference element, and the second fastening element are arranged and configured to restrict or substantially prevent rotation of the lighting module within a plane parallel to the reference surface. In particular, the holding module can be configured to fix a lighting module by means of the reference elements and the second fastening element in such a way that rotation of the lighting module within a plane parallel to the reference surface is restricted or substantially prevented.

[0031] According to some aspects, the at least one reference surface and the at least one first fastening element are arranged and designed to restrict or substantially prevent rotation of the lighting module about an axis that lies within a plane parallel to the reference surface. In particular, the holding module can be designed to fix a lighting module by means of the at least one reference surface and the at least one first fastening element in such a way that rotation of the lighting module about an axis that lies within a plane parallel to the reference surface is restricted or substantially prevented. According to some aspects, the at least one first fastening element is designed to be movable, in particular elastically movable.In particular, the at least one first fastening element can be designed similar to a snap hook which deforms elastically when the lighting module is arranged and thereby exerts a force on the base body in a direction perpendicular to the at least one reference surface. Depending on the configuration of the at least one contact region on the upper side of the base body, the at least one first fastening element can be designed to releasably hook onto the at least one contact region on the upper side of the base body. The at least one first fastening element can be designed accordingly to exert a force on the base body in a direction perpendicular to the at least one reference surface and to enter into a positive connection with the at least one contact region on the upper side of the base body.

[0032] According to some aspects, the holding module comprises at least two first fastening elements which are designed to exert a force in a direction perpendicular to the at least one reference surface onto a respective contact region on the upper side of the lighting module. The at least two first fastening elements can be arranged with respect to a virtual surface spanned by the support surfaces of the lighting module such that their projections perpendicular to the at least one reference plane or projections of the contact regions between fastening elements and lighting module lie within the virtual surface, or can be arranged symmetrically around the virtual surface. The purpose of this is that the forces applied to the lighting module in a direction perpendicular to the at least one reference surface exert uniform pressure on the lighting module and do not lead to the lighting module tipping over due to resulting leverage.

[0033] According to some aspects, the second fastening element has a lever which is designed to repeatedly release the interaction between the second fastening element and the first recess in the third side surface of the lighting module. In particular, the lever can be designed such that a user of the holding module can easily actuate the lever with, for example, a finger in order to release the interaction between the second fastening element and the first recess in the third side surface of the lighting module. In particular, no tool may be necessary to release the interaction between the second fastening element and the first recess in the third side surface of the lighting module, but merely manual pressure on the lever may be sufficient.The lever can be designed so that the dissolution of the interaction is repeatable, i.e. the dissolution of the interaction can be carried out several times without the second fastening element being damaged or losing its function.

[0034] According to some aspects, the at least one first reference element is designed to interact with the at least one first side surface of the lighting module in such a way that the at least one first side surface is centered relative to the at least one first reference element. For example, the first reference element of the holding module can be designed to interact with a bulge or a second recess of the at least one first side surface in order to center the at least one first side surface relative to the at least one reference element. For this purpose, the at least one first reference element can be formed by at least one mandrel and / or have a further recess which interacts with the at least one first side surface of the lighting module in such a way that the at least one first side surface is centered relative to the at least one first reference element.

[0035] According to some aspects, the holding module comprises two first reference elements, which are each formed in particular by a mandrel, wherein the two first reference elements are designed to interact with the at least one first side surface of the lighting module in such a way that at least a first direction of movement of the lighting module is restricted within the plane parallel to the reference surface and that the at least one first side surface is centered relative to the two first reference elements. In particular, the two first reference elements can be designed to interact with two first side surfaces of the lighting module in such a way that a first direction of movement of the lighting module and a second direction perpendicular to the first direction are restricted within the plane parallel to the reference surface and that the first side surfaces are centered relative to the two first reference elements.For this purpose, the first side surfaces can taper towards one another, forming a bulge, and can be arranged between the two first reference elements such that one of the side surfaces interacts with one of the first reference elements. The arrangement of the two first reference elements can have the effect of, on the one hand, restricting a first direction of movement of the lighting module and a second direction perpendicular to the first direction within the plane parallel to the reference surface, and, on the other hand, centering the first side surfaces relative to the two first reference elements.

[0036] According to some aspects, the at least one first reference element comprises a notch which is designed to interact with the at least one first side surface of the lighting module in such a way that at least a first direction of movement of the lighting module is restricted within the plane parallel to the reference surface and that the at least one first side surface is centered relative to the at least one first reference element. In particular, the first reference element or its further recess can be designed to interact with two first side surfaces of the lighting module in such a way that a first direction of movement of the lighting module and a second direction perpendicular to the first direction are restricted within the plane parallel to the reference surface and that the first side surfaces are centered relative to the two first reference elements.For this purpose, the first side surfaces can taper towards one another to form a bulge and can be arranged in the further recess of the first reference element in such a way that one of the side surfaces in each case interacts with a surface of the recess of the first reference element. The design of the recess and the arrangement of the first reference element can have the effect that, on the one hand, a first direction of movement of the lighting module and a second direction perpendicular to the first direction are restricted within the plane parallel to the reference surface and, on the other hand, that the first side surfaces are centered relative to the first reference element. According to some aspects, the at least one reference surface and the at least one first fastening element form a rail which is designed such that the lighting module can be pushed into the rail.The rail is designed with sufficient play to allow easy insertion of the lighting module. In particular, the rail can be configured such that, upon contact of the lighting module or the base body of the lighting module with the at least one reference surface, contact between the holding module and the base body of the lighting module on the upper side is established solely by the at least one first fastening element.

[0037] According to some aspects, the second reference element is formed by a bulge or a pin. For example, the second reference element can be formed by a bulge within the rail, which is designed to interact with the second side surface of the main body of the lighting module.

[0038] A further aspect relates to a lighting device, in particular for a motor vehicle, comprising a lighting module according to the proposed principle and a holding module according to the proposed principle. The lighting module and the holding module are connected to one another or interact in such a way that the lighting module is essentially fixed in a fixed position relative to the holding module. Furthermore, the lighting module and the holding module are designed in such a way that the essentially fixed fixation can be repeatedly released. Accordingly, the lighting module and the holding module are connected to one another in a repeatable and releasable manner.

[0039] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0040] Further aspects and embodiments according to the proposed principle will become apparent with reference to the various embodiments and examples which will be described in detail in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0041] Fig. 1 shows an isometric view of a lighting device according to the proposed principle;

[0042] Fig. 2 shows a plan view of a lighting device according to the proposed principle;

[0043] Fig . 3A and 3B show two isometric exploded views of a lighting device according to the proposed principle .

[0044] Fig. 4A to 4C each show a plan view of a lighting module according to the proposed principle in cooperation with first reference element(s) of a holding module;

[0045] Fig. 5A and 5B show an isometric view of a lighting device according to the proposed principle and a detailed view of the lighting device;

[0046] Fig. 6 shows a plan view of a lighting device according to the proposed principle and three detailed views of the lighting device;

[0047] Fig. 7A and 7B show, in an isometric view and a plan view of a lighting device according to the proposed principle, schematically the restricted directions of movement of a lighting module relative to a holding module of the lighting device; and Fig. 8 shows, in a plan view of a lighting device according to the proposed principle, schematically the arrangement of contact areas relative to support surfaces of the lighting module of the lighting device.

[0048] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0049] The following embodiments and examples show various aspects and their combinations according to the proposed principle. The embodiments and examples are not always true to scale. Likewise, various elements can be shown enlarged or reduced in size to emphasize individual aspects. It goes without saying that the individual aspects and features of the embodiments and examples shown in the figures can be combined with one another without thereby impairing the inventive principle. Some aspects have a regular structure or shape. It should be noted that in practice slight deviations from the ideal shape can occur without, however, contradicting the inventive idea.

[0050] Furthermore, the individual figures, features, and aspects are not necessarily shown in the correct size, and the proportions between the individual elements may not always be correct. Some aspects and features are emphasized by being shown enlarged. However, terms such as "top", "above", "below", "below", "larger", "smaller", and the like are correctly represented with reference to the elements in the figures. This makes it possible to infer such relationships between the elements from the illustrations.

[0051] Figure 1 shows an isometric view of a lighting device 1 according to the proposed principle, while Figure 2 shows a plan view of the lighting device 1. In addition, Figures 3A and 3B each show an isometric exploded view of the lighting device 1. The lighting device 1, in particular a light source for a headlight, a tail light or a turn signal for a motor vehicle, comprises a lighting module 2 and a holding module 3, which are repeatedly and detachably connected to one another. The lighting module 2 and the holding module 3 are connected to one another or interact in such a way that the lighting module 2 is essentially fixed in a fixed position relative to the holding module 3. Furthermore, the lighting module 2 and the holding module 3 are designed such that the essentially fixed position can be repeatedly released. Accordingly, the lighting module 2 and the holding module 3 are repeatedly and detachably connected to one another.

[0052] The lighting module 2 comprises a base body 4 and a semiconductor light source 5, which is arranged on an underside 6 of the base body 4. The number of semiconductor light sources 5 is to be understood as an example, and several semiconductor light sources 5 can also be arranged on the underside 6 of the base body 4. In order to be able to emit light to the outside, the holding module has an opening that exposes the semiconductor light source 5. The shape, size and position of the opening are to be understood as examples and can be adapted as required.

[0053] The base body 4 has three mutually parallel support surfaces 7 on its underside 6, which protrude from the underside. The support surfaces 7 are shown here only as examples in the form of circles or a section with the shape of a keyway, in order to indicate the position on the underside at which the support surfaces 7 can be located. However, the shape, size, and position are only to be understood as examples and can be adapted as required.

[0054] The support surfaces 7 are designed to be arranged on a reference surface 8 of the holding module 3. In a corresponding manner, the holding module 3 comprises a reference surface 8 which is designed to interact with the three support surfaces 7 which are parallel to one another and protrude from an underside 6 of the base body 4 of the lighting module 2. In the case shown, the holding module 3 comprises precisely one reference surface 8 on which the three support surfaces 7 are arranged. However, it is also possible for the three support surfaces 7 to be arranged in different planes parallel to one another and for the holding module 3 to have a correspondingly suitable number of reference surfaces 8, so that the lighting module 2 can be arranged in such a way that all support surfaces 7 are in contact with a reference surface 8 and lie fully on it.The shape, size and position of the reference surface 8 shown is again only to be understood as an example and can be adapted as required.

[0055] The holding module also has two first fastening elements 11a. The first fastening elements 11a are designed to be movable, in particular in the form of a snap hook, which elastically deforms when the lighting module 2 is arranged in the holding module and thereby exerts a force in a direction perpendicular to the reference surface 8 on a contact region 10 on an upper side 9 of the base body 4 of the lighting module 2, said upper side being opposite the underside 6. The base body 4 accordingly has contact regions 10 on the upper side 9, which are designed to interact with the first fastening elements 11a of the holding module 3 by exerting a force in a direction perpendicular to the support surfaces 7.

[0056] The contact regions 10 are designed in such a way, in particular in the form of two notches or recesses, that the first fastening elements 11a can be releasably hooked into the contact regions 10 on the upper side 9 of the base body 4. In particular, the first fastening elements 11a and the contact regions 10 are designed in such a way that the first fastening elements 11a, when the holding module 3 and the lighting module 2 are connected, exert a force on the base body 4 in a direction perpendicular to the reference surface 8 and enter into a releasable, positive-locking connection with the contact regions 10 on the upper side 9 of the base body 4.

[0057] The first fastening elements 11a are arranged in such a way that the contact regions 10 on the upper side 9 of the base body 4 are positioned such that the force exerted by the first fastening elements 11a on the base body 4 perpendicular to the reference surface 8 does not cause the base body to tilt. This is achieved in that a projection of the contact regions 10 or a connecting line 12 between the contact regions 10 perpendicular to the reference surface 8 intersects one of the three support surfaces 7 of the lighting module 2 on a virtual surface 13. This is also shown by way of example in a plan view in Figure 8. In particular, Figure 8 shows the contact forces F8 acting in the three support surfaces 7 in the direction perpendicular to the reference surface 8 and in the direction out of the plane of the drawing, as well as the virtual surface 13 clamped by the three support surfaces 7 or the three contact forces F8.The forces F acting in the direction perpendicular to the reference surface 8 and in the direction into the plane of the drawing. lla are arranged outside the virtual surface 13 in such a way that their joint resulting force acts within the virtual surface 13. Accordingly, no leverage occurs due to a force applied outside the virtual surface 13 and the forces F acting on the upper side 9 of the base body 4 lla cause the light module 2 or the base body 4 to be pressed onto the reference surface 8 without the light module 2 tilting.

[0058] Figure 8 also shows that the semiconductor light source 5 is arranged on a vertical projection of the connecting line 13 on the underside of the base body. The reason for this is that a possible tilting of the lighting module 2 occurs around the connecting line 13 (or z-axis) when there is no contact between all the support surfaces 7 and the reference surface 8, but when there is full contact between the first fastening elements 11a and the upper side 9 of the base body 4, so that an arrangement of the semiconductor light source 5 on a vertical projection of the connecting line 13 on the underside of the base body essentially only leads to a tilting of the semiconductor light source 5, but does not lead to a change in the position of the semiconductor light source 5 relative to the holding module 3.A possible slight tilting of the lighting module 2 about the connecting line can therefore be tolerable, since this only leads to a change in the radiation angle of the light emitted by the semiconductor light source 5, but not to a change in the position of the semiconductor light source 5 relative to other components, such as a reflector module (not shown). The base body 4 also has first side surfaces 14a, a second side surface 14b and a third side surface 14c, which each connect the underside 6 of the base body 4 to the top side 9 of the base body 4. The second and third side surfaces 14b, 14c are formed on opposite sides of the base body 4 in the case shown, while the first side surfaces 14a together connect the second and third side surfaces 14b, 14c to one another.The base body may also have one or more fourth side surfaces, which in turn are opposite the first side surfaces and which also connect the second and third side surfaces 14b, 14c to one another. In the illustrated case, the first side surfaces 14a form a front side of the base body 4, while the second and third side surfaces 14b, 14c form sides of the base body 4.

[0059] In the case illustrated in Figures 1 to 3B, the first side surfaces 14a are defined by a tapered front region of the base body 4, which has a second recess 16b at its tip. This second recess 16b is V-shaped and defines two first side surfaces that taper inward at a point / angle toward the base body 4.

[0060] The first side surfaces 14a, in particular the first side surfaces formed by the second recess 16b, are designed to interact with a first reference element 15a of the holding module 3 in such a way that at least a first direction of movement of the lighting module 2 and, in the case shown, also a second direction of movement of the lighting module 2 perpendicular to the first direction is restricted within a plane parallel to the support surfaces 7. In particular, the holding module has a first reference element 15a in the form of a cylindrical mandrel, which serves as a stop for the first side surfaces 14a, which are formed by the second recess 16b.The mandrel accordingly forms a first stop which interacts with the first side surfaces 14a, which are formed by the second recess 16b, when the holding module 3 and the lighting module 2 are connected and which restricts a first and a second direction of movement, perpendicular to the first, of the lighting module 2 within a plane parallel to the support surfaces 7 and to the reference surface 8. The first side surfaces 14a, in particular the first side surfaces which are formed by the second recess 16b, in interaction with the first reference element 15a in the form of a cylindrical mandrel have the effect that the front part of the base body 4 and in particular the first side surfaces 14a are arranged centered relative to the first reference element 15a after the lighting module 2 has been pushed into the holding module 3.This is because the beveled first side surfaces 14a and in particular one of the beveled first side surfaces 14a slide along the first reference element 15a until the beveled first side surfaces 14a are in contact with the first reference element 15a in a centered manner.

[0061] The second side surface 14b is further designed to interact with a second reference element 15b of the holding module 3 in such a way that a second direction of movement of the lighting module 2, which direction is perpendicular to the first, is restricted within the plane parallel to the support surfaces 7. In particular, the holding module 3 has a second reference element 15a in the form of a semicircular bulge, which serves as a stop for the second side surface 14b. The bulge accordingly forms a second stop, which interacts with the second side surface 14b when the holding module 3 and lighting module 2 are connected and restricts a second direction of movement of the lighting module 2, which direction is perpendicular to the first, within the plane parallel to the support surfaces 7 and to the reference surface 8.

[0062] In addition, the third side surface 14c has a first recess 16a, which is designed to interact with a movable second fastening element 11b of the holding module 3. In particular, the holding module comprises a second fastening element 11b, which interacts with the first recess 16a in the third side surface 14c of the base body 4 of the lighting module 2 in such a way that a direction of movement of the lighting module opposite to the first and second direction of movement is restricted within the plane parallel to the support surfaces 7 and the reference surface 8, respectively. In particular, the second fastening element 11b and the first recess 16a are designed such that the second fastening element 11b, in the connected state of the holding module 3 and the lighting module 2, exerts a force on the base body 4 in the direction perpendicular to the third side surface 14c and enters into a detachable positive connection with the first recess 16a.

[0063] The second fastening element 11b has a lever which is designed to repeatedly release the interaction between the second fastening element 11b and the first recess 16a in the third side surface 14c of the lighting module 2. In particular, the lever can be designed such that a user of the holding module 3 can easily actuate the lever with a finger, for example, in order to release the interaction between the second fastening element 11b and the first recess 16a. The lever can be designed such that the release of the interaction takes place repeatedly, i.e. that the release of the interaction can be carried out multiple times without the second fastening element 11b being damaged or losing its function.

[0064] In the embodiment shown, the reference surface 8 and the first fastening elements 11a form a rail 18 which is designed such that the lighting module 2 can be pushed into the rail 18. The rail 18 is designed with sufficient play so that pushing in the lighting module 2 is easy. In particular, the rail 18 is designed such that when the lighting module 2 or the base body 4 of the lighting module 2 comes into contact with the reference surface 8, contact between the holding module 3 and the base body 4 of the lighting module 2 on the upper side 9 occurs only through the first fastening elements 11a. The rail 18 can serve to facilitate the insertion of the lighting module 2 into the holding module 3 since there is an upper and lower limit in the direction perpendicular to the support surfaces 7 and also a lateral limit in a direction within the plane of the support surfaces 7.The sloping front region of the base body 4 and thus the further first side surfaces 14a can facilitate insertion, since the first side surfaces can serve as a lateral centering aid for insertion into the rail 18. The base body 4 is further formed from a material with good thermal conductivity and forms a heat sink for the lighting module 2 or a heat generated in the semi-precipitator light source 5. For this purpose, the base body 4 has a plurality of cooling fins extending from the top and bottom.

[0065] Figures 4A to 4C each show a plan view of a lighting module 2 according to the proposed principle in interaction with first reference element(s) 15a of a holding module 3. By way of example, Figures 4A to 4C show plan views of a lighting module 2 which propose alternatives for centering the first side surfaces 14a relative to the at least one first reference element 15a. Figures 4A and 4B show an embodiment in which the base body does not have a second recess, but rather a bulge which interacts with a first reference element 15a for centering. The first reference element 15a is in this case designed, by way of example, in the form of a cylindrical mandrel which has a notch 17 with obliquely converging surfaces into which the bulge or the first side surface(s) 14a engage.The first(s) side surface(s) 14a is / are designed such that an interaction with the notch 17 in the first reference element 15a when the lighting module 2 is pushed into the holding module 3 causes the first side surfaces 14a to be centered relative to the first reference element 15a. According to the embodiment shown in Figure 4A, the first side surface 14a interacting with the notch 17 can be semicircular or parabolic and in particular such that when the lighting module 2 is pushed into the holding module 3 it slides along one of the converging surfaces of the notch 17 until it contacts both of the converging surfaces of the notch 17 in a centered manner.According to the embodiment shown in Figure 4B, the first side surface 14a which interacts with the notch 17 can be designed to taper outwards and in particular in such a way that one of the first side surfaces slides along one of the converging surfaces of the notch 17 when the lighting module 2 is pushed into the holding module 3 until both first side surfaces 14a contact both of the converging surfaces of the notch 17 in a centered manner. Figure 4C shows an embodiment in which the holding module 3 has two first reference elements 15a which interact with first side surfaces 14a of the base body 4 to center the first side surfaces 14a relative to the first reference elements 15a when the lighting module 2 is pushed into the holding module 3.

[0066] Figures 5A and 5B show an isometric view of the lighting device 1 and a detailed view of the lighting device 1 and one of the first fastening elements 11a, respectively. Figure 5A shows, in particular, schematically the forces F caused by the first fastening elements 11a. llaon the contact areas 10 of the base body 4 of the lighting module, and the design of the first fastening elements 11a is shown in more detail in the detailed view in Figure 5B. In particular, the detailed view in Figure 5B shows the design of the first fastening elements 11a in the form of a snap hook, which deforms elastically when the lighting module 2 is arranged in the holding module 3 and thereby exerts a force in a direction perpendicular to the reference surface 8 on a contact area 10 on an upper side 9 of the base body 4 of the lighting module 2 opposite the underside 6. The base body 4 has corresponding elongated notches 10 on the upper side 9, which are designed to interact in a form-fitting manner with the first fastening elements 11a of the holding module 3 by exerting a force in a direction perpendicular to the support surfaces 7.

[0067] Figure 6 shows a plan view of the lighting device 1, as well as three detailed views of the lighting device 1, in particular detailed views of the first reference element 15a, the second reference element 15b and the movable second fastening element 11b. Figure 6 also schematically shows the force F llbshown, which acts through the second fastening element 11b perpendicular to the third side surface 14c. The detailed view on the left in Figure 6 shows how the second fastening element 11b interacts with the first recess 16a or engages in the first recess 16. This applies a force in the direction of the z-axis to the base body and thus limits movement in the direction opposite to the z-axis, but also limits movement of the base body in the x-direction. The first reference element 15a and the second reference element 15b also prevent movement in the direction opposite to the x-axis and in the direction of the z-axis. The second fastening element 11b accordingly clamps the base body between the reference elements 15a and 15b.

[0068] The resulting forces and counterforces / support forces are also shown again in Figures 7A and 7B in an isometric view and a plan view of the lighting device 1. In Figure 7A, the support forces F8 as well as the counteracting forces F applied by the first fastening means 11a are shown. lla which limit movement of the lighting module 2 relative to the holding module 3 in the x-axis direction. Furthermore, the forces and counterforces shown limit rotation about the z-axis and the x-axis.

[0069] In Figure 7B, the counter forces F acting through the reference elements are 15a , F 15b and the counteracting forces F applied by the second fastening means 11b llb, which limit the movement of the lighting module 2 relative to the holding module 3 in the x-axis and z-axis directions. Furthermore, the forces and counterforces shown limit rotation about the y-axis.

[0070] LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS

[0071] 1 lighting device

[0072] 2 lighting modules

[0073] 3 Holding module

[0074] 4 basic bodies

[0075] 5 Haiblei ter licht quel le

[0076] 6 Bottom

[0077] 7 On the surface

[0078] 8 Reference area

[0079] 9 Top

[0080] 10 Contact area

[0081] Ila, 11b fastening element

[0082] 12 connecting line

[0083] 13 virtual area

[0084] 14a, 14b, 14c side surface

[0085] 15a, 15b Reference element

[0086] 16a, 16b recess

[0087] 17 Notch

[0088] 18 Rail x, y, z direction xy, xz , yz plane

[0089] F8Kraft

[0090] Power Power

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS 1. A lighting module (2) comprising: a base body (4); and at least one semiconductor light source (5) arranged on the base body (4); wherein the base body (4) has, on an underside (6) of the base body (4), three support surfaces (7) which are parallel to one another and protrude from the underside (6), which are designed to be arranged on at least one reference surface (8) of a holding module (3);wherein the base body (4) has at least one contact region (10) on an upper side (9) of the base body (4) opposite the underside (6), which contact region is designed to interact with at least one first fastening element (11a) of the holding module (3) by exerting a force in a direction perpendicular to the support surfaces (7), wherein a projection of the at least one contact region (10) or of a connecting line (12) between two contact regions (10) perpendicular to the support surfaces (7) lies within one of the three support surfaces (7) clamped virtual surface (13) or intersects this;wherein the base body (4) has at least a first side surface (14a), a second side surface (14b), and a third side surface (14c), each of which connects the underside (6) of the base body (4) to the top side (9) of the base body (4), wherein the at least one first side surface (14a) is designed to interact with at least one first reference element (15a) of the holding module (3) in such a way that at least a first direction of movement (x) of the lighting module (2) is restricted within a plane (xz) parallel to the support surfaces (7); and wherein the second side surface (14b) is designed to interact with at least one second reference element (15b) of the holding module (3) in such a way that at least a second direction of movement (z) of the lighting module (2), perpendicular to the first direction, is restricted within the plane (xz) parallel to the support surfaces (7);and wherein the third side surface (14c) has a first recess (16a) formed in contact with a movable two-; th fastening element (11b) of the holding module (3) in such a way that a direction of movement of the lighting module opposite to the first and second direction of movement (x, z) is restricted within the plane (xz) parallel to the support surfaces (7).

2. Lighting module according to claim 1, wherein the at least one first side surface (14a) is designed to cooperate with the at least one first reference element (15a) of the holding module (3) in such a way that the at least one first side surface (14a) is centered relative to the at least one first reference element (15a).

3. Lighting module according to claim 2, wherein the at least one first side surface (14a) is formed by a bulge from the base body (4).

4. Lighting module according to claim 2, wherein the at least one first side surface (14a) is formed by a second recess (16b) in the base body (4).

5. Lighting module according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the base body (4) is formed by a material with good heat conduction and in particular forms a heat sink.

6. Lighting module according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the at least one semiconductor light source (5) is arranged on a projection of a connecting line (12) between two contact regions (10) perpendicular to the support surfaces (7).

7. Lighting module according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the at least one contact region (10) is formed by a notch or further recess on the upper side (9) of the base body (4).

8. Lighting module according to one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising a fastening means for a reflector module, in particular further recesses in the base body (4) for fixing a reflector module.

9. Lighting module according to one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising a plug element which is arranged on the base body (4) and is electrically coupled to the at least one semiconductor light source (5), wherein the plug element is designed to cooperate with a plug which is designed to provide a signal and / or a supply current for the at least one semiconductor light source (5).

10. Lighting module according to one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising a driver circuit and / or a PCB arranged on the base body (4) and electrically coupled to the at least one semiconductor light source (5).

11. Holding module (3) comprising: at least one reference surface (8) which is designed to interact with three mutually parallel support surfaces (7) protruding from an underside (6) of a base body (4) of a lighting module (2); at least one first fastening element (11a) which is designed to exert a force in a direction perpendicular to the at least one reference surface (8) on a contact area (10) on an upper side (9) of the base body (4) of the lighting module (2) opposite the underside (6), wherein a projection of the contact area (10) with the at least one first fastening element (11a) or of a connecting line (12) between two contact areas (10) with two first fastening elements (11a) lies perpendicular to the reference surface (8) within one of the three support surfaces (7) of the lighting module (2) or intersects this virtual surface (13);at least one first reference element (15a) which is formed with at least one first side surface (14a) of the base body (4) of the lighting module (2) which forms the underside (6) of the base body; (4) connects to the top side (9) of the base body (4), in such a way that at least a first direction of movement (x) of the lighting module (2) is restricted within a plane (xz) parallel to the reference surface (8); at least one second reference element (15b) which is designed to cooperate with a second side surface (14b) of the base body (4) of the lighting module (2), which connects the underside (6) of the base body (4) to the top side (9) of the base body (4), in such a way that at least a second direction of movement (z) of the lighting module (2), perpendicular to the first side, is restricted within the plane (xz) parallel to the reference surface (8);and a movable second fastening element (11b) which is designed to cooperate with a first recess (16a) in a third side surface (14c) of the base body (4) of the lighting module (2), which connects the underside (6) of the base body (4) to the top side (9) of the base body (4), in such a way that a direction of movement of the lighting module (2) opposite to the first and second direction of movement (x, z) is restricted within the plane (xz) parallel to the reference surface (8); 12. Holding module according to claim 11, wherein the at least one first reference element (15a), the second reference element (15b) and the second fastening element (11b) are arranged and designed to restrict rotation of the lighting module (2) within the plane (xz) parallel to the reference surface (8).

13. Holding module according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the at least one reference surface (8) and the at least one first fastening element (11a) are arranged and designed to restrict rotation of the lighting module (2) about an axis which lies within the plane (xz) parallel to the reference surface (8).

14. Holding module according to one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the at least one first fastening element (11a) is designed to be movable, in particular elastically movable.

15. Holding module according to one of claims 11 to 14, wherein at least two first fastening elements (11a) are designed to exert a force in a direction perpendicular to the at least one reference surface (8) on a respective contact region (10) on the upper side (9) of the base body (4) of the lighting module (2).

16. Holding module according to one of claims 11 to 15, wherein the second fastening element (11b) has a lever which is designed to repeatedly release the interaction between the second fastening element (11b) and the first recess (16a) in the third side surface (14c) of the base body (4) of the lighting module (2).

17. Holding module according to one of claims 11 to 16, wherein the at least one first reference element (15a) is designed to cooperate with the at least one first side surface (14a) of the base body (4) of the lighting module (2) in such a way that the at least one first side surface (14a) is centered relative to the at least one first reference element (15a).

18. Holding module according to one of claims 11 to 17, wherein the at least one first reference element (15a) is formed by a mandrel.

19. Holding module according to one of claims 11 to 18, comprising two first reference elements (15a), which are in particular each formed by a mandrel, wherein the two first reference elements (15a) are designed to cooperate with the at least one first side surface (14a) of the base body (4) of the lighting module (2) in such a way that at least a first direction of movement (x) of the lighting module (2) is restricted within the plane (xz) parallel to the reference surface (8) and that the at least one first side surface (14a) is centered relative to the two first reference elements (15a).

20. Holding module according to one of claims 11 to 19, wherein the at least one first reference element (15a) comprises a notch (17) which is designed to cooperate with the at least one first side surface (14a) of the base body (4) of the lighting module (2) in such a way that at least one first direction of movement (x) of the lighting module (2) is restricted within the plane (xz) parallel to the reference surface (8) and that the at least one first side surface (14a) is centered relative to the at least one first reference element (15a).

21. Holding module according to one of claims 11 to 20, wherein the at least one reference surface (8) and the at least one first fastening element (11a) form a rail (18) which is designed to insert the lighting module (2) into the rail (18).

22. Holding module according to one of claims 11 to 21, wherein the second reference element (15b) is formed by a bulge or a mandrel.

23. Lighting device (1), in particular for a motor vehicle, comprising a lighting module (2) according to one of claims 1 to 10 and a holding module (3) according to one of claims 11 to 22, wherein the lighting module (1) and the holding module (3) are repeatedly detachably connected to one another.

Images