Light module, in particular for a motor vehicle illumination device, and method for operating said light module

Abstract

The invention relates to a light module (100), in particular for a motor vehicle illumination device, at least comprising: • - an illumination unit (1) which is designed in particular to produce homogeneous illumination; • - a first micromirror module (2) having a light entry side (21) which can be illuminated by the illumination unit (1), having a first light exit side (22) opposite from the light entry side (21), and having a second light exit side (23), wherein the first micromirror module (2) has a plurality of micromirrors (20), each of which can be adjusted between an open position and at least one partially closed position, wherein, in the open position, light emitted by the illumination unit (1) exits from the first light exit side (22) without reflection and can be used to illuminate an area in front of the light module (100), and wherein, in the partially closed position, light emitted by the illumination unit (1) is reflected off the micromirrors (20) toward the second light exit side (23); and • - a reflector (3) which is arranged relative to the first micromirror module (2) in such a way that the reflector can be illuminated by light exiting from the second light exit side (23) and reflects said light in such a way that said light can be used to illuminate the area in front of the light module (100).

Description

[0001] LIGHT MODULE, IN PARTICULAR FOR A MOTOR VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICE, AND METHOD FOR OPERATION THEREOF

[0002] The invention relates to a light module, in particular for a motor vehicle lighting device, and a method for its operation.

[0003] STATE OF THE ART

[0004] Adaptive "intelligent" headlight systems are used in modern motor vehicles to increase vehicle safety and driving comfort. These systems utilize various sensor technologies to detect the driving environment, intelligent controls, and headlights with adaptive light modules to adapt the road illumination to changing driving situations in real time. A key feature of adaptive intelligent headlight systems is their ability to dynamically modify the light distribution projected onto the road and the other driving environment. By using sensors such as cameras, lidar, and radar, these systems can not only detect traffic and the surrounding environment, but also take into account specific parameters such as speed, steering movements, and weather conditions. This information is processed by an intelligent control system, which then controls the light modules to generate demand-adapted lighting, i.e., to generate a light field optimized in terms of intensity and spatial-temporal distribution. Various concepts for the underlying adaptive light modules are known in the state of the art.

[0005] Matrix LED lighting modules comprise a multitude of individual LEDs arranged in a matrix layout. Each LED is individually controllable and can be regulated independently of the others. By dimming or switching off individual LEDs, the resulting light pattern can be dynamically adjusted.

[0006] Adaptive light modules based on micromirror modules are also known. These modules comprise individually tiltable micromirrors arranged in a matrix on a chip. Such micromirror modules are used, for example, in digital projection, such as video projectors. The micromirrors are illuminated from the front and, depending on the tilt angle, reflect the incident light toward a projection lens for illuminating the driving environment or into an absorbing light trap, forming a "black pixel."

[0007] Headlights with adaptive light modules based on LCD display technology are also known.

[0008] DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

[0009] It is the object of the present invention to propose an alternative embodiment of a light module which is characterized in particular by low power consumption.

[0010] This object is achieved by a light module according to claim 1 and a method for its operation according to claim 12. Advantageous developments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims. The invention includes the technical teaching that the light module comprises at least:

[0011] - a lighting unit which is designed in particular to produce a homogeneous illumination,

[0012] - a first micromirror module with a light entry side that can be illuminated by the lighting unit, with a first light exit side opposite the light entry side, and with a second light exit side, wherein the first micromirror module has a plurality of micromirrors, each of which is adjustable between an open position and at least one partially closed position, wherein light emitted by the lighting unit exits unreflected from the first light exit side in the open position and can be used to illuminate an area in front of the light module, and wherein light emitted by the lighting unit is reflected by the micromirrors in the direction of the second light exit side in the partially closed position, and

[0013] - a reflector which is arranged in relation to the first micromirror module in such a way that it can be illuminated by light emerging from the second light exit side and reflects this light in such a way that it can be used to illuminate the area in front of the light module.

[0014] The basic idea of ​​the invention is to implement the adaptive apron lighting using a combination of a micromirror module and a separate reflector, whereby both the light transmitted through the micromirror module when the mirrors are open and the light reflected by the micromirrors when they are partially closed contribute to the illumination via the reflector. When using the light module according to the invention for the headlights of a motor vehicle, the reflector can be configured to illuminate the near field, i.e. the section of road immediately in front of the associated motor vehicle. For example, when adaptively masking out an oncoming vehicle in more distant areas of the apron by partially closing individual micromirrors, the corresponding light components are used via the reflector for improved near field illumination.Thus, according to the invention, essentially the entire luminous flux of the lighting unit can always be used for variable apron lighting. In terms of the efficiency of the light module, this represents an advantage over state-of-the-art adaptive light modules with micromirror modules, which operate exclusively in reflection mode and use a lossy light trap to filter out light components ("black pixels").

[0015] When the micromirrors are in the open position, the first micromirror module is operated in transmission, i.e. the light incident through the light entry side exits through the first light exit side without being reflected by the micromirrors. With regard to an intended installation position of the light module in a motor vehicle, the reflector is arranged in particular below the first micromirror module, and the second light exit side is located underneath the first micromirror module. In particular, the light module comprises projection optics that are assigned downstream of the first micromirror module and / or the reflector and that project the respective light components into the area in front of the light module. The reflector surface is designed, for example, as a parabolic trough or has a more complex freeform.

[0016] The micromirrors are individually controllable and can be adjusted independently of one another between an open and at least one partially closed position. In the partially closed position, the incident light is reflected toward the second light exit side. The light incident on each micromirror through the light entry side can thus either be transmitted unreflected or redirected via reflection by the partially closed micromirror and subsequent reflection by the reflector. The micromirrors are arranged in a matrix-like manner.

[0017] The lighting unit arranged on the input side of the first micromirror module comprises, for example, a light source based on a high-performance light-emitting diode module and an associated reflector which is designed to redirect the light emitted by the light source for the flat, homogeneous illumination of the light entry side of the first micromirror module.

[0018] In addition to its use in a motor vehicle lighting device, the light module according to the invention can be used for numerous other applications, in particular in digital video projectors or as a spotlight for room lighting with complex light patterns or symbols, for example for generating directional signs in office or business premises or for generating lighting effects at events.

[0019] In an advantageous embodiment of the light module, the reflector comprises a second micromirror module that forms at least a portion of the reflector surface. The second micromirror module has a plurality of micromirrors that can each be adjusted between several positions for variable illumination of the area in front of the light module. In particular, the entire reflector surface can be formed by the micromirrors of the second micromirror module. Depending on the position of the micromirrors, the light incident on the second micromirror module is reflected into different areas of the area in front of the light module. The individual adjustability of the micromirrors thus provides a further degree of freedom for generating adaptive, complex light distributions.

[0020] For example, the micromirrors of the first micromirror module are designed and arranged relative to one another in such a way that there are partially closed positions in which double light reflection occurs, such that light reflected from a front side of a first micromirror toward the second light exit side is reflected from a back side of a second micromirror toward the first light exit side. For this purpose, the micromirrors have reflective surfaces on both the front and back sides. In particular, the double light reflection occurs between immediately adjacent micromirrors. The double light reflection can, for example, create a superposition in advance, which can increase the light intensity in selected areas.

[0021] In a further embodiment, the light module according to the invention comprises an optoelectronic sensor module for functional diagnosis, which is arranged relative to the first micromirror module in such a way that it can be illuminated by light emerging from the second light exit side. The sensor module serves to diagnose the function of the micromirrors of the first micromirror module. It is therefore arranged in such a way that it is illuminated by the micromirrors when the micromirrors are in certain partially closed positions. The sensor module is in particular arranged directly adjacent to the reflector or structurally integrated into it. The sensor module is based, for example, on a CMOS sensor or a CCD sensor.

[0022] In one embodiment, the first micromirror module has a second group of micromirrors, wherein the micromirrors of the second group are each adjustable between an open position and at least one partially closed position, wherein light emitted by the illumination unit exits unreflected from the first light exit side in the open position and can be used to illuminate an area in front of the light module, and wherein light emitted by the illumination unit is reflected by the micromirrors of the second group in the direction of a third micromirror module in the partially closed position, wherein the third micromirror module has a plurality of micromirrors which are each adjustable between a plurality of positions for the variable illumination of the area in front of the light module.With respect to an intended installation position of the light module in a motor vehicle, the third micromirror module is arranged above the first micromirror module, so that preferably complementary areas of the foreground can be illuminated to the areas illuminated by the reflector. Optionally, a second optoelectronic sensor module is provided for functional diagnosis. This second optoelectronic sensor module is arranged relative to the first micromirror module in such a way that it can be illuminated by micromirrors of the second group in partially closed positions. The second sensor module is arranged directly adjacent to the third micromirror module or structurally integrated into it.

[0023] The first micromirror module comprises, in particular, a light-transmissive carrier body, wherein a first group of micromirrors is arranged on a side of the carrier body facing the light entrance side, and wherein the second group of micromirrors is arranged on a side of the carrier body facing the first light exit side. In partially closed positions, the micromirrors of the first group reflect the light radiated by the illumination unit toward the second light exit side, and the micromirrors of the second group reflect toward the third micromirror module. The carrier body with the micromirrors arranged thereon can, for example, be curved at the edges in order to reduce astigmatic imaging errors when light passes through a subsequent projection optics.

[0024] In particular, the micromirrors of the first micromirror module, the second micromirror module and / or the third micromirror module each have a sheet section that is mirrored on at least one side and is adjustable about a first pivot or rotation axis and / or about a second pivot or rotation axis, wherein with respect to an intended installation position of the light module, in particular in a motor vehicle lighting device, the first pivot or rotation axis is oriented horizontally and the second pivot or rotation axis is oriented vertically. When the micromirrors are adjusted about the first axis, a vertical displacement of the associated light cone in front of the light module occurs corresponding to a headlight range adjustment, and adjustment about the second axis results in a horizontal deflection, in particular for forming a cornering light or for illuminating signs at the edge of the road.

[0025] The adjustment of the micromirrors is preferably based on an electrostatic principle, for which the carrier bodies of the micromirror modules comprise an electrically conductive material, for example, optically transparent indium tin oxide, and the micromirrors comprise or form electrodes. A controllable voltage source is provided for applying electrical voltage signals between the carrier bodies and the electrodes of the micromirrors. By generating an electrical potential difference using the voltage source, an electrostatic force can be generated between the micromirrors and the carrier bodies. The adjustability of the micromirrors is further based on appropriate mounting.For example, each micromirror has a flat sheet section with a reflective front side and / or a reflective back side. Each micromirror is hingedly mounted on the support body by means of an edge-side fastening section such that each sheet section can be pivoted from an open position, in which the sheet section protrudes substantially perpendicularly from the surface of the support body, toward the surface of the support body into partially closed positions. In particular, such pivotable micromirrors have a layer structure comprising at least one compressively stressed layer and one tensilely stressed layer. A compressively stressed compensation layer is arranged on the tensilely stressed layer along the sheet section of each micromirror, such that each micromirror is divided into the following sections:

[0026] - the blade section, which is globally stress-free and has two essentially plane-parallel surfaces,

[0027] - the edge-side fastening section, which is rigidly arranged on the carrier body of the micromirror module, and

[0028] - an intermediate hinge section which has a residual stress-induced curvature, whereby the open position of the micromirror is formed.

[0029] Without an applied electrical voltage, the micromirrors are in the open position, which is created by the existing mechanical residual stresses through a curvature of the hinge section between the fastening section fixed to the carrier body by a material bond and the stress-compensated leaf section. For example, the hinge section has a radius of curvature that is one hundredth to one third of the edge length of the micromirrors. Starting from the open position of the micromirrors, the application of an electrical voltage between the carrier body and the electrodes can partially close the micromirrors until the electrostatic force of attraction is compensated by the counteracting residual stress in the hinge section. When a threshold voltage is exceeded, a fully closed position is assumed in which the leaf section lies flat against the carrier body.Targeted light guidance using micromirror modules is based on controlling the individual micromirrors to assume appropriate positions. Further details on the structure and actuation principle of such micromirrors are disclosed in EP 4 102 024 A1.

[0030] Electrostatically actuated micromirrors that can be pivoted about two orthogonal pivot axes are disclosed, for example, in the document DE 103 58 967 A1.

[0031] It is intended that the adjustment range of the micromirrors around a vertical pivot or rotation axis, for example to generate a cornering light function, covers an angular range of up to 30°, in particular from 10° to 20°.

[0032] Micromirror modules of the aforementioned embodiments are characterized by low power consumption, which, for example, is in the range of 0.05 - 0.2 W / m 2In addition, the switching times for changing the positions of the micromirrors are in the order of magnitude of only 1 - 100 microseconds (depending on the design), allowing for highly dynamic adaptation of the apron lighting to rapidly changing conditions.

[0033] The edge lengths of the micromirrors of the first micromirror module, the second micromirror module and / or the third micromirror module can expediently be selected from a range between a few micrometers and a few millimeters, for example between 10 micrometers and 10 millimeters.

[0034] In a further embodiment of the light module according to the invention, the first micromirror module has a number of microconverging lenses corresponding to the number of micromirrors, with each micromirror being assigned a microconverging lens, the microconverging lenses being arranged between the light entry side and the micromirrors, such that each micromirror is arranged between the respectively assigned microconverging lens and its rear focal plane. The optical axis of each microconverging lens runs through the central region of the "pixel" formed by the assigned micromirror. The microconverging lenses generate a bundling of the light radiated by the illumination unit onto the active region of the micromirrors, i.e.In the open position, essentially the entire luminous flux is transmitted (reduced only by absorption during passage through the carrier body) and exits through the first light exit side. In the partially closed position, essentially the entire luminous flux is reflected by the micromirrors and exits through the second light exit side or is directed toward the third micromirror module. Unwanted light losses due to parasitic absorption, for example, in the electrical supply system of the micromirrors, can be significantly reduced by using microconverging lenses.

[0035] In particular, the light module according to the invention is designed as a headlight for a motor vehicle, comprising projection optics for projecting light into the area in front of the motor vehicle and a control unit designed to control the micromirrors of the first micromirror module, the second micromirror module, and / or the third micromirror module in such a way that selective multi-field illumination of the area in front of the motor vehicle can be generated by means of the headlight, in particular for forming a high beam, a low beam, a daytime running light, a cornering light, for signal projection, and / or for selective object illumination. In combination with suitable sensors for environmental detection, such as lidar sensors and cameras, the light module is capable of adapting the illumination of the roadway and surroundings in real time to changing driving and traffic situations.

[0036] In a further embodiment, the light module according to the invention is designed as a rear light for a motor vehicle, comprising a display unit with a light guide body which has a segmented luminous surface and a correspondingly segmented light entry surface, wherein the light entry surface can be illuminated with light emitted by the lighting unit via the first micromirror module, the reflector, the second micromirror module and / or the third micromirror module, further comprising a control unit which is designed to control the micromirrors of the first micromirror module, the second micromirror module and / or the third micromirror module in such a way that a selective illumination of the light entry surface can be generated to form a rear light, a brake light or a direction indicator and / or to generate optical signals on the segmented luminous surface.Each segment of the light entry surface of the light guide is assigned to a segment of the luminous surface. For example, the luminous surface has a rectangular contour and is segmented into matrix-like pixels. Each pixel-shaped segment of the luminous surface forms a light output surface of the light guide and can be illuminated via the corresponding segment of the light entry surface. By appropriately controlling the light module, a segment of the light entry surface can either be unilluminated or receive the light reflected by one or more micromirrors, so that the corresponding segment of the luminous surface can illuminate at multiple intensity levels. Further variation options arise through pulsed operation of the lighting unit and / or appropriate pulse width modulations in the electrostatic actuation of the micromirrors.

[0037] For example, the display unit comprises a display element with an unsegmented luminous surface that can be illuminated with light emitted by the illumination unit via the first micromirror module, the reflector, the second micromirror module, and / or the third micromirror module. The display element is designed, in particular, as a reflector, wherein the luminous surfaces of the light guide body and the display element have a similar contour and are arranged one above the other.

[0038] Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for operating a light module according to one of the aforementioned embodiments, wherein the illumination unit is operated and the micromirrors of the first micromirror module, the second micromirror module and / or the third micromirror module are continuously controlled by a control device to assume appropriate positions, such that a desired illumination of the area in front of the light module is generated, in particular a dynamic, selective multi-field illumination.

[0039] In particular, within the scope of the method according to the invention, a functional diagnosis of the first micromirror module can be performed by controlling its micromirrors sequentially or in groups to assume partially closed positions, in which light emitted by the illumination unit is reflected through the second light exit side onto the optoelectronic sensor module, and comparing the light impressions received by the sensor module with associated target values. This makes it possible to identify defective micromirrors that, for example, can no longer be moved into their respective target positions. Based on such a functional diagnosis, the light module can be designed as a fault-tolerant control system, wherein, after the identification of defective micromirrors, their function is performed by other micromirrors.

[0040] EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0041] Further measures improving the invention are described in more detail below, together with the description of exemplary embodiments of the invention, with reference to the figures. It shows schematically:

[0042] Fig. 1 : a first embodiment of a

[0043] Headlight-shaped light module,

[0044] Fig. 2: a second embodiment,

[0045] Fig. 3: a third embodiment,

[0046] Fig. 4: a reflector of an embodiment,

[0047] Fig. 5: a fourth embodiment,

[0048] Fig. 6: a fifth embodiment,

[0049] Fig. 7a-e: a first embodiment of a light module designed as a rear light,

[0050] Fig. 8: a second embodiment, and

[0051] Fig. 9a, b: a third embodiment.

[0052] Fig. 1 , Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 show schematic

[0053] Sectional views of the light module 100 according to the invention in various exemplary embodiments, each designed as a headlight for a motor vehicle. The lighting unit 1, shown only as an example in Fig. 1, is shown in operation in all figures mentioned, and the path of the emitted light through the light module 100 and in the area in front of it is shown using selected edge rays of the formed light cones. All micromirrors 20, 40, 60 shown have at least one pivot axis oriented perpendicular to the image plane.

[0054] Fig. 1 shows a first embodiment of the light module 100 according to the invention, designed as a headlight for a motor vehicle, comprising the lighting unit 1, the first micromirror module 2, the reflector 3, the projection optics 7 and the control unit 8.

[0055] The illumination unit 1 comprises, for example, a light source with an associated reflector and is thus designed to generate homogeneous illumination. The illumination unit 1 is arranged such that the light entry side 21 of the first micromirror module 2 can be homogeneously illuminated by the illumination unit 1.

[0056] The first micromirror module 1 has the micromirrors 20, each of which is adjustable between an open position and at least one partially closed position. In the open position, the light emitted by the illumination unit 1 exits unreflected from the first light exit side 22 and can be used to illuminate the area in front of the light module 100. In the partially closed position, the light emitted by the illumination unit 1 is reflected by the micromirrors 20 in the direction of the second light exit side 23. In the schematic representation of Fig. 1, the five upper micromirrors 20 are open, and the others are in partially closed positions. The first micromirror module 2 has the light-transmissive carrier body 24, with the micromirrors 20 being arranged on a side of the carrier body 24 facing the light entry side 21.The micromirrors 20 each have a sheet section which is mirrored on at least one side and which can be pivoted about a pivot axis (orthogonal to the plane of the drawing), wherein the pivot axis is oriented horizontally with respect to an intended installation position of the light module 100 as a headlight in a motor vehicle.

[0057] The first micromirror module 2 has a number of microconverging lenses 25 corresponding to the number of micromirrors 20, with each micromirror 20 being assigned a microconverging lens 25. The microconverging lenses 25 are arranged between the light entry side 21 and the micromirrors 20, such that each micromirror 20 is arranged between the respectively assigned microconverging lens 25 and its rear focal plane. This effectively focuses the light beams incident on the individual micromirrors 20, and reduces unwanted light absorption at non-active areas, such as at the edge-side attachment sections of the micromirrors 20, thereby improving the efficiency of the light module 100.

[0058] The reflector 3 is arranged relative to the first micromirror module 2 such that it is illuminated by the light emerging from the second light exit side 23 and reflects this light in such a way that it can be used to illuminate the area in front of the light module 100. The superposition of the light components that pass through the open micromirrors 20 unreflected or are redirected via the partially closed micromirrors 20 and the reflector 3 results in the entire area illumination after passing through the projection optics 7.The control unit 8, which is connected in a manner not shown to the lighting unit 1 and the first micromirror module 2, is designed to control the micromirrors 20 in such a way that a selective multi-field illumination of the area in front of an associated motor vehicle can be generated by means of the light module 100, in particular for forming a high beam, a low beam, a daytime running light, a cornering light, for signal projection and / or for selective object illumination.

[0059] Fig. 2 shows a section of a second exemplary embodiment of the light module 100 according to the invention, wherein the micromirrors 20 of the first micromirror module 2 are designed and arranged relative to one another in such a way that there are partially closed positions in which double light reflection occurs, such that light reflected from a front side of a first micromirror 20.1 in the direction of the second light exit side 23 is reflected from a back side of a second micromirror 20.2 in the direction of the first light exit side 22. For this purpose, both the front sides and the back sides of the micromirrors 20 are designed to be reflective. The light components reflected by the micromirror 20.2 are shown in Fig. 2 as light cones L1 and L2 filled in black. The light cone L1 originates from reflection at the front side of the micromirror 20.1 and subsequent reflection at the back side of the micromirror 20.2.The light cone L2 results from reflection at the front of the micromirror 20.2 and subsequent reflection at the reflector.

[0060] Fig. 3 shows a section of a third exemplary embodiment of the light module 100 according to the invention, wherein the reflector 3 comprises a second micromirror module 4, which forms the reflector surface and has a plurality of micromirrors 40, each of which can be adjusted between several positions for variable illumination of the area in front of the light module 100. Fig. 4 shows a perspective view of a reflector 3 for use in a light module according to the invention. The reflector 3 has a dome-shaped configuration, and the reflector surface is completely formed by the second micromirror module 4. Its micromirrors 40 are arranged in a matrix in rows and columns and are shown here in a neutral position, so that the reflector surface formed by the entirety of the micromirrors 40 essentially corresponds to a dome.By individually tilting the micromirrors 40 from this basic position, complex light patterns can be generated in front of the corresponding light module.

[0061] Fig. 5 shows a section of a fourth exemplary embodiment of the light module 100 according to the invention, which has the optoelectronic sensor module 5 for functional diagnosis, which is arranged relative to the first micromirror module 2 such that it can be illuminated by light emerging from the second light exit side 23. The sensor module 5 comprises, for example, a plurality of sensors 50 that are integrated into the edge-side fastening sections of individual micromirrors 40 of the second micromirror module 4. The sensor module 5 is, for example, integrated into the edge region of the reflector 3, and a sensor 50 is illuminated by the light cone L3 reflected by the micromirror 20. By measuring the intensity and / or distribution of the light cones incident on the sensor module 5 and comparing them with associated target values, conclusions can be drawn about the functional state of the micromirror 20 being checked.Furthermore, the dynamics of the micromirror adjustment can be checked, for example, using time-resolved measurements.

[0062] Fig. 6 shows a section of a fifth exemplary embodiment of the light module 100 according to the invention, wherein the first micromirror module 2 has a second group of micromirrors 20b, which, in contrast to the micromirrors 20 of a first group, are arranged on a side of the light-transmissive carrier body 24 facing the first light exit side 22. The micromirrors 20b are each adjustable between an open position and at least one partially closed position, wherein light emitted by the lighting unit exits the first light exit side 22 unreflected in the open position, and wherein the light is reflected by the micromirrors 20b in the direction of the third micromirror module 6 in the partially closed position.The third micromirror module 6 has a plurality of micromirrors 60, which can be adjusted between several positions for the variable illumination of the area in front of the light module 100, here primarily the near area.

[0063] A first exemplary embodiment of the light module 100 according to the invention, designed as a rear light for a motor vehicle, is shown in Figs. 7a to 7c (perspective views) and Figs. 7d and 7e (frontal partial views). Light beams are shown here, as in Fig. 8, in a simplified manner as black lines.

[0064] The light module 100 comprises the display unit 9 with the light guide body 91, which has a segmented luminous surface 92 and a correspondingly segmented light entry surface 93. The light entry surface 93 can be illuminated with light emitted by the lighting unit 1 via the first micromirror module 2 and the reflector 3. The micromirrors 20 can be pivoted about a pivot axis perpendicular to the image plane. The light entry surface 93 has two separate sections, each assigned to the micromirror module 2 and the reflector 3, respectively. The number and arrangement of the individual segments in both sections of the light entry surface 93 corresponds to the number and arrangement of the micromirrors 20 in the first micromirror module 2.The luminous surface 92 is formed by rectangular pixels arranged in a matrix, each pixel being assigned to a segment of the light entry surface 93, such that light radiated into the respective segment is guided through the light guide 91 and coupled out of the pixel of the luminous surface 92. The luminous surface 92 has steps, each step forming a column that is assigned to a column of the matrix-segmented light entry surface 93.

[0065] The light module 100 further comprises the control unit 8, which is configured to control the micromirrors 20 of the first micromirror module 2 in such a way that selective illumination of the light entry surface 93 can be generated to form a tail light, a brake light, or a turn signal and / or to generate optical signals on the segmented luminous surface 92. By way of example, Fig. 7b shows the display of the word "STOP" and a light band running underneath it on the luminous surface, with the black segments representing illuminated segments.

[0066] Fig. 7d and Fig. 7e show partial frontal views of the light module 100 with different positions of the micromirrors 20, each illustrating the illumination of the second column of the luminous surface 92. Each column comprises fourteen pixels, seven of which are assigned to each of the two sections of the two-part light entry surface 93.

[0067] In Fig. 7d, the two upper micromirrors 20 are in a partially closed position and reflect the light radiated by the illumination unit onto the reflector 3, from which the two lower segments of the associated section of the light entry surface 93 are illuminated, so that the two lower pixels of the column of the luminous surface 92 light up (shown in black). The other micromirrors are fully open, and the light radiated by the illumination unit into the micromirror module 2 is transmitted there and illuminates the upper section of the

[0068] Light entry surface 93 and thus the corresponding pixels of the column of the luminous surface 92.

[0069] In Fig. 7e, four of the micromirrors 20 are in partially closed positions such that the light reflected by them is focused by the reflector 3 into a single segment of the light entry surface 93, so that the corresponding pixel of the luminous surface 92 illuminates with a correspondingly high intensity (shown in a flat hatched area). In comparison, the pixels illuminated by the fully open micromirrors 20 in the upper region of the luminous surface 92 (black area) illuminate with a lower intensity.

[0070] Fig. 8 shows a representation of a second exemplary embodiment of the light module 100 designed as a rear light of a motor vehicle, corresponding to the representations in Fig. 7d and Fig. 7e, which differs from the first exemplary embodiment in that the reflector 3 comprises the second micromirror module 4, which forms a section of the reflector surface, wherein the micromirrors 40 can each be pivoted between a plurality of positions about a pivot axis oriented perpendicular to the image plane. This provides a further option for varying the light distribution radiated into the display unit 9. For example, the micromirrors 40 assume positions such that they concentrate the light radiated via the first micromirror module 2 in pairs onto segments of the light entry surface 93, so that the associated pixels of the luminous surface 92 illuminate with increased intensity.

[0071] Fig. 9a and Fig. 9b show perspective views of a third exemplary embodiment of the light module 100 designed as a rear light of a motor vehicle. In contrast to the aforementioned exemplary embodiments, the display unit 9 has the display element 94 with an unsegmented luminous surface 95, which can be illuminated via the reflector 3 with light emitted by the lighting unit 1 and reflected by the first micromirror module 2. The luminous surface 95 is, in particular, mirrored. In the illustrated operating state, some of the micromirrors of the first micromirror module 2 are in a fully open position, whereby the word "STOP" is displayed on the segmented luminous surface 92, wherein the other micromirrors are in partially closed positions and illuminate the unsegmented display surface 95 via the reflector 3 in such a way that a luminous band is formed.

[0072] In all embodiments, the dynamics of the actuation of the micromirrors 20, 40 can be designed such that the human observer perceives an animated signal sequence. Alternatively, or superimposed on this, a signal modulation imperceptible to the human eye can be implemented, which is particularly suitable for communication with the sensor systems of other motor vehicles ("V2V communication").

[0073] List of reference symbols:

[0074] 100 light modules

[0075] 1 lighting unit

[0076] 2 first micromirror module

[0077] 20 micromirrors

[0078] 21 Light entry side

[0079] 22 first light exit side

[0080] 23 second light exit side

[0081] 24 carrier bodies

[0082] 25 micro-converging lens

[0083] 3 Reflector

[0084] 4 second micromirror module

[0085] 40 micromirrors

[0086] 5 optoelectronic sensor module

[0087] 50 sensors

[0088] 6 third micromirror module

[0089] 60 micromirrors

[0090] 7 Projection optics

[0091] 8 Control unit

[0092] 9 Display unit

[0093] 91 light guides

[0094] 92 segmented illuminated areas

[0095] 93 segmented light entry surface

[0096] 94 Display element

[0097] 95 unsegmented illuminated area

[0098] L light cone

Claims

Claims: 1 . Light module (100), in particular for a motor vehicle lighting device, comprising at least - a lighting unit (1 ) which is designed in particular to produce a homogeneous illumination, - a first micromirror module (2) with a light entry side (21) that can be illuminated by the lighting unit (1), with a first light exit side (22) opposite the light entry side (21), and with a second light exit side (23), wherein the first micromirror module (2) has a plurality of micromirrors (20), each of which is adjustable between an open position and at least one partially closed position, wherein light emitted by the lighting unit (1) exits unreflected from the first light exit side (22) in the open position and can be used to illuminate an area in front of the light module (100), and wherein light emitted by the lighting unit (1) is reflected by the micromirrors (20) in the direction of the second light exit side (23) in the partially closed position, and - a reflector (3) which is arranged in relation to the first micromirror module (2) in such a way that it can be illuminated by light emerging from the second light exit side (23) and reflects this light in such a way that it can be used to illuminate the area in front of the light module (100).

2. Light module (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that that the reflector (3) comprises a second micromirror module (4) which forms at least a portion of the reflector surface, wherein the second micromirror module (4) has a plurality of micromirrors (40) which are each adjustable between a plurality of positions for the variable illumination of the area in front of the light module (100).

3. Light module (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the micromirrors (20) of the first micromirror module (2) are designed and arranged relative to one another in such a way that there are partially closed positions in which a double light reflection takes place, such that light reflected from a front side of a first micromirror (20.1) in the direction of the second light exit side (23) is reflected from a back side of a second micromirror (20.2) in the direction of the first light exit side (22).

4. Light module (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an optoelectronic sensor module (5) is provided for functional diagnosis, which is arranged relative to the first micromirror module (2) in such a way that it can be illuminated by light emerging from the second light exit side (23).

5. Light module (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first micromirror module (2) has a second group of micromirrors (20b), wherein the micromirrors (20b) of the second group are each adjustable between an open position and at least one partially closed position, wherein light emitted by the lighting unit (1) when the micromirror module is open Position exits unreflected from the first light exit side (22) and can be used to illuminate a front area of ​​the light module (100), and wherein light emitted by the lighting unit (1) is reflected in the partially closed position at the micromirrors (20b) of the second group in the direction of a third micromirror module (6) of the light module (100), wherein the third micromirror module (6) has a plurality of micromirrors (60) which can each be adjusted between a plurality of positions for the variable illumination of the front area of ​​the light module (100).

6. Light module (100) according to claim 5, characterized in that the first micromirror module (2) has a light-transmissive carrier body (24), wherein a first group of micromirrors (20) is arranged on a side of the carrier body (24) facing the light entry side (21), and wherein the second group of micromirrors (20b) is arranged on a side of the carrier body (24) facing the first light exit side (22).

7. Light module (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the micromirrors (20, 40, 60) of the first micromirror module (2), the second micromirror module (4) and / or the third micromirror module (6) each have a sheet section which is mirrored on at least one side and which is adjustable about a first pivoting or rotational axis and / or about a second pivoting or rotational axis, wherein with respect to an intended installation position of the light module (100), in particular in a motor vehicle lighting device, the first pivoting or rotational axis horizontal and the second swivel or rotation axis is oriented vertically.

8. Light module (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first micromirror module (2) has a number of microconverging lenses (25) corresponding to the number of micromirrors (20, 20b), wherein each micromirror (20, 20b) is assigned a microconverging lens (25), wherein the microconverging lenses (25) are arranged between the light entry side (21) and the micromirrors (20, 20b) in such a way that each micromirror (20) is arranged between the respectively assigned microconverging lens (25) and its rear focal plane.

9. Light module (100) according to one of the preceding claims, designed as a headlight for a motor vehicle, comprising projection optics (7) for projecting light into the area in front of the motor vehicle and a control unit (8) which is designed to control the micromirrors (20, 40, 60) of the first micromirror module (2), the second micromirror module (4) and / or the third micromirror module (6) in such a way that a selective multi-field illumination of the area in front of the motor vehicle can be generated by means of the headlight, in particular for forming a high beam, a low beam, a daytime running light, a cornering light, for signal projection and / or for selective object illumination.

10. Light module (100) according to one of the preceding claims, designed as a rear light for a motor vehicle, comprising a display unit (9) with a light guide body (91) which has a segmented luminous surface (92) and a corresponding segmented light entry surface (93), wherein the light entry surface (93) can be illuminated with light emitted by the lighting unit (1) via the first micromirror module (2), the reflector (3), the second micromirror module (4) and / or the third micromirror module (6), further comprising a control device (8) which is designed to control the micromirrors (20, 40, 60) of the first micromirror module (2), the second micromirror module (4) and / or the third micromirror module (6) in such a way that a selective illumination of the light entry surface (93) can be generated to form a rear light, a brake light or a direction indicator and / or to generate optical signals on the segmented luminous surface (92).

11. Light module (100) according to claim 10, characterized in that the display unit (9) has a display element (94) with an unsegmented luminous surface (95) which can be illuminated with light emitted by the lighting unit (1) via the first micromirror module (2), the reflector (3), the second micromirror module (4) and / or the third micromirror module (6).

12. A method for operating a light module (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the lighting unit (1) is operated and the micromirrors (20, 40, 60) of the first micromirror module (2), the second micromirror module (4) and / or the third micromirror module (6) are continuously controlled by means of a control device (8) to assume appropriate positions, such that a desired illumination of the area in front of the light module (100) is generated, in particular a dynamic, selective multi-field illumination.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that a functional diagnosis of the first micromirror module (2) is carried out by controlling its micromirrors (20) sequentially or in groups to assume partially closed positions in which light emitted by the lighting unit (1) is reflected by the second light exit side (23) onto the optoelectronic sensor module (5), and the light impressions received by the sensor module (5) are compared with associated target values.

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