CN107906467B

CN107906467B - Front optical system for light sources for generating branched light-emitting surfaces

Info

Publication number: CN107906467B
Application number: CN201710253584.7A
Authority: CN
Inventors: M.莫塞; M.埃克-恩德
Original assignee: ZKW Group GmbH
Current assignee: ZKW Group GmbH
Priority date: 2016-04-18
Filing date: 2017-04-18
Publication date: 2021-03-16
Anticipated expiration: 2037-04-18
Also published as: AT518558A1; CN107906467A; EP3239594B1; EP3239594A1; AT518558B1

Abstract

The invention relates to a front-end optical system for a light source for producing a branched luminous surface, comprising at least a plurality of light-conducting optical elements, wherein each light-guiding optical element has a light entry region, a light exit region and a lateral surface, wherein the lateral surface connects the light entry region and the light exit region, the light exit region being located opposite the light entry region and being associated with a light exit face, the light exit face being bounded by a circumferential boundary line, wherein the dividing line adjoins the light exit region and the optical elements are arranged with respect to one another such that the light exit faces of all the optical elements lie in a common substantially flat plane, wherein each optical element has a number of nearest neighbors, wherein its boundary has a number of segments, these sections are each associated with a section of the boundary line of the nearest adjacent part, wherein the sections associated with one another bear against one another and have a curve profile corresponding to one another.

Description

Front optical system for light sources for generating branched light-emitting surfaces

Technical Field

The invention relates to a front-end optical system (Vorsatzptik) for a light source for producing a branched light-emitting surface.

The invention further relates to a light module for a motor vehicle headlight, comprising at least one light source and an additional optical system associated with the at least one light source of the type mentioned at the outset.

The invention further relates to a motor vehicle headlamp having such a light module or having the aforementioned front optical system.

The invention further relates to a motor vehicle having at least one motor vehicle headlight of this type.

Background

In modern motor vehicle construction, the design is increasingly important. In this case, functional aspects cannot be ignored in the development of new designs, for example of motor vehicle headlights and/or their components (for example light modules or other components). In particular for secondary light functions, such as, for example, traffic light functions (daytime running lights, position lights (position lights) and direction indicator lights), it is possible to implement the light modules in the most technically different manner due to the less legally prescribed criteria for the light patterns generated by the respective light modules (e.g., signal light modules). The shape and appearance of such light modules often give the motor vehicle the appearance of the manufacturer of the motor vehicle to which it is explicitly inferred.

The use of light guides for producing linearly running, branched light-emitting surfaces has proven particularly practical. It is known that light guides can be implemented with a certain degree of bending or bending, without causing light to emerge at the bend or in the bent section. Furthermore, light can be emitted from the light guide body specifically at one or more predetermined points. If the light emerges, for example, at a plurality of points of a curved light guide, a uniformly luminous, meandering, uninterrupted line impression is produced for the observer. A disadvantage of using light conductors is that these are constructed in one piece. For this reason, for example, light conductors or light conductor assemblies are developed and produced for each signal module, which can only be used to a very limited extent or even not at all for other signal modules. Another known disadvantage of light guides is that they can only be implemented with a certain degree of curvature or curvature. From a certain angle or radius of curvature, a large loss of light can occur at the bend or in the curved section as a result of the light emerging from the light guide. This often results in the desired luminous impression (leucohteindruck) no longer being obtained, for example a meandering ribbon of uniform luminescence. A possible measure to overcome this problem is not to bend the light guide. However, this often results in light modules in which light conductors are used requiring a larger installation space and therefore not being able to take into account installation space requirements.

Disclosure of Invention

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an additional optical system which overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages of the prior art and, for example, provides a front optical system for a motor vehicle headlight light module, which can be constructed modularly, can be bent arbitrarily and substantially without light losses, and which produces a uniform luminous impression for the observer when light passes through the front optical system.

According to the invention, this object is achieved with the optical head system mentioned at the beginning in that the optical head system comprises at least a plurality of light-conducting optical elements, wherein each light-conducting optical element has a light entry region, a light exit region and a lateral surface (mantelfiache), wherein the lateral surface connects the light entry region and the light exit region, the light exit region is arranged opposite the light entry region and is associated with a light exit surface, which is bounded by a circumferential dividing line, wherein the dividing line adjoins the light exit region, and the optical elements are arranged with respect to one another such that the light exit surfaces of all the optical elements lie in a common, substantially planar surface, wherein each optical element has a number (one, two or more) of nearest neighbors (Nachbar), wherein the dividing lines thereof have a number (one, two or more, and, Two or more) sections, each of which is associated with a section of the boundary line of the nearest adjacent piece, wherein the sections associated with each other abut against each other and have a curve profile corresponding to each other.

A "substantially flat surface" is understood to mean a curved/curved surface, wherein a parameter which characterizes the curvature (for example a radius of curvature) is greater or smaller than a characteristic parameter of the optical element (for example a diameter of the light exit surface), for example the radius of curvature/curvature is greater/smaller than the diameter of the light exit surface of the optical element.

The term "pre-optics" should not be interpreted restrictively in the scope of the present invention. The front optical system can be designed, for example, as an optical element system, which comprises a plurality of optical elements of the type described above and can be placed in front of one or more light sources or light-sensitive elements.

In connection with the present invention, the term light entry area is understood as the area provided by the intrusion of light generated by one or more light sources and directed towards the front optical system into the corresponding light-guiding optical element. In this case, light that does not impinge on the light entry region does not substantially enter the front-end optical system.

In connection with the present invention, the term light exit region is also understood to mean a region in which light that penetrates through the respective light entry region and propagates substantially without loss in the light-conducting optical element exits. Only a small amount of light can exit through the side surface connecting the light entrance region and the light exit region. The term low amount of light is understood here to mean an amount of light which does not substantially influence the light pattern produced in the case of the use of a front-end optical system.

The light exit area is associated with the light exit face. The light exit surface is an imaginary surface oriented approximately perpendicular to the optical axis of the optical element, which is bounded by a circumferential boundary line and adjoins the light exit region along this boundary line. The light exit surface can be flat or curved, wherein the radius of curvature of the light exit surface is greater than the characteristic variable of the optical element. Furthermore, the light exit area is associated with the light exit surface in such a way that all light exiting through the light exit area passes through the light exit surface. In connection with the present invention, a characteristic parameter of an optical element is understood to mean the diameter of its light exit face. Since the light exit surface is not necessarily a circle, the definition of the diameter should be understood in the general sense, that is to say the diameter of the volume in the metric space. The mutual arrangement of the optical elements is implemented such that the distance between the nearest neighboring pieces is small, preferably small, compared to the characteristic quantities of the neighboring pieces.

In connection with the present invention, the term adjacent piece(s) is always to be understood as the closest adjacent piece(s), if not explicitly stated otherwise.

The common surface of the light exit surfaces of the individual optical elements can be designed, for example, flat or curved/curved (convex/concave as intended) and has a curvature which is smaller than the characteristic variables of the optical elements.

The advantage of the optical front system having a plurality of optical elements is that the optical front system is modular and thus can take into account the requirements of installation space and/or design. The modularity of the front-facing optical system results in that its shape can be changed very quickly by replacing/adding individual optical elements and/or entire optical element-modules. The arrangement of the individual optical elements with respect to one another according to the invention ensures that a uniform luminous impression is produced when the light passes through the entire optical head and the optical head appears as a whole without the individual optical elements and/or the light source being noticed.

In the case of a seamless arrangement of the light exit areas and/or the light exit surfaces of the optical elements with one another, it may be expedient if the sections which are associated with one another and lie against one another are designed identically to one another. In this case, the individual light exit faces can complement one another and form a seamless total light exit face, which is part of the common face. Possible preferred forms of the total light exit area (chains of branches with or without loops, etc.) are also examined in more detail below in the description. The light exit surfaces and/or light exit regions of the optical elements that are seamlessly joined to one another/aligned with one another can be given a particularly homogeneous luminous impression by means of the front optical system, which is obtained, for example, by reducing the shrinkage (Einschnuerung) of the total light exit surface.

In order to achieve a luminous appearance of the oblong strips of substantially constant thickness, it can be expedient if the lateral surface has a number of regions which are each associated with a region of the lateral surface of the nearest adjacent part, the regions associated with one another lying against one another and having a corresponding surface course (flaecheverlauf). This reduces the shrinkage of the total light exit area, for example of the branches, which is produced by the arrangement of the optical elements with respect to one another and leads to a better luminous impression.

With regard to the seamless arrangement of the optical elements with respect to one another, it can be expedient if the side surface has a number of regions which are each associated with a region of the side surface of the nearest adjacent piece, wherein the regions which are associated with one another and abut one another are configured identically to one another.

In a practical embodiment, it can be provided that at least one section is designed in the shape of an arc. In this case, it can be particularly advantageous if the at least one curved section is curved inward of the light exit surface, i.e. in the direction of the inside of the light exit surface. For example, the optical element can be pivoted about an axis against its nearest adjacent part in the case of a curved section of the boundary line of the light exit area. In this case, the curved portion of the optical element curved in the direction inside the light exit surface can be associated with and correspond to the curved portion of the nearest neighboring element curved in the direction outside the light exit surface. In this case, it is particularly advantageous if the curved section is configured as a circular arc, for example. The radius of the circle may in this case be selected such that the optical element and the respective nearest neighbor are arranged to be oscillatable and/or rotatable relative to each other about an axis extending through the center of the circle perpendicular to the circular plane. The axis extends substantially parallel to the optical axes of the two optical elements. This has the advantage, for example, that the course of the chain of optical elements arranged one above the other/spliced to one another can be changed almost arbitrarily. If necessary, this would, in the case of conventional light guides, bend in accordance with the light guide and often lead to undesirable effects such as light loss and/or light scattering. These effects do not occur here, since the rotation of the optical elements relative to one another does not influence the light propagation direction: as already mentioned above, the light propagates substantially perpendicularly to the common plane of the light exit face, in which a change in shape (e.g. a bending) of the arrangement (e.g. a chain) of optical elements aligned with one another can be achieved by, for example, the rotation just described, and is thus decoupled from the change in shape.

Furthermore, it is conceivable for at least one section to be designed as a straight line. The arrangement of the linearly formed segments with respect to one another, for example, brings about the advantage that, for example, the constriction of the linearly oriented total light exit surface is reduced and thus a more homogeneous luminous impression (for example, linearly oriented strips) is obtained.

It can be advantageous in the production of the optical elements that all optical elements are constructed substantially identically. In this way, all optical elements can be produced, for example, by injection molding methods using a single tool.

In terms of construction space technology, it can be expedient for the optical elements arranged one above the other to form a chain.

In terms of the dimensions of the front optical system, i.e. the light exit area common to all optical elements, it can be advantageous when the chain branches.

Here, it may be expedient for the chain to have at least one loop (Schleife).

In order to be able to surround (um randen) a front optical system, for example, a motor vehicle headlight light module, it may be expedient if the chain is closed in a looped manner, in particular in an O-shaped manner.

For embodiments which have proven themselves in practice, it can be advantageous if the optical element is designed as a TIR lens (abbreviation of Total Internal Reflection), preferably as a rotationally symmetrical TIR lens (around the optical axis of the lens).

The use of a TIR lens can produce light rays directed substantially parallel to the optical axis of the lens and also further improve the uniformity of the emitted light.

It can also be provided that the lateral surface has a plurality of pad optics (polstereotik). It may be advantageous here if at least a part of the pad optical system is arranged in each case at a side of the side surface facing the nearest adjacent piece.

In connection with the present invention, the term spacer optical system is understood to mean an optical element, for example a lens, which has a characteristic variable that is significantly smaller than the characteristic variable of the optical element and can be set up such that the defect light (Fehllicht), which is generated, for example, by passing through (durchtritt) and/or scattering at the side surface and/or transmitting through the side surface, i.e. light which does not travel parallel to the optical axis of the optical element, is deflected approximately parallel to the optical axis. Such a pad optical system may be constructed, for example, as a small projection at the side surface and from the same material as the respective optical element (which is preferably optically denser than air).

By providing the spacer optical system, an air gap which is smaller than the size of the optical elements can be produced between the optical elements of the upstream optical system which lie against one another. In view of this reduction in air gap, it may be desirable when at least a portion of the pad optical system contacts a side surface of the nearest adjacent piece.

In order to reduce the size of the front optical system, it may be appropriate when the optical elements are arranged in contact with each other.

In a practical embodiment, it can be provided that the optical elements arranged one behind the other are spaced apart from one another.

The small spacing (i.e. the optical elements do not touch) of the optical elements of the upstream optical system (compared to the characteristic variables of the optical elements) brings about the advantage that when the upstream optical system is used in a mechanically movable environment (for example in a motor vehicle headlight), the optical properties of the individual optical elements are not impaired or abraded, for example by friction and/or collision with one another.

In terms of stability of the front-end optical system, it may be expedient to provide an adhesive layer between the optical elements arranged one above the other, which adhesive layer connects each optical element with its nearest neighbor.

The above object is also achieved according to the invention by a light module for a motor vehicle headlight, in that substantially all light generated by the at least one light source enters the front optical system through a light entry region and exits the front optical system from the light exit region preferably substantially without losses.

The term light source should not be construed narrowly herein. In connection with the present invention, the term light source is to be understood as one or more mechanisms or devices that can provide light that can reach the pre-optical system according to the present invention. Such light sources may include, for example: not only primary light-emitting elements, such as light bulbs, LEDs, OLEDs, laser light sources, but also secondary light-emitting elements, such as light conversion devices, light-redirecting elements, such as mirrors, (controllable) micromirror arrays (mikrospiegelraray), prisms, light-forming elements, such as glass fibers, apertures, and light imaging elements, such as lens-structures. Such a "light source" is considered as a light source in terms of the front optical system: which provides light to the front optical system, which light maps the front optical system.

In addition, it can be advantageous with regard to the homogeneity of the light emitted by the light module if the light emitted from the front optical system is configured as a light beam comprising rays of light directed substantially parallel to one another, i.e. having a small etendue.

In a practical embodiment, it can be provided that the at least one light source is configured as an LED.

It is particularly advantageous here if the light module comprises a plurality of light sources, wherein the number of light sources is greater than or equal to the number of optical elements and at least two, preferably three, in particular more than three light sources are associated with each optical element or exactly one light source is associated with each optical element. In this embodiment, the light source, for example an LED, can be arranged very close to the light entry surface of the optical element, for example a TIR lens. In this case, substantially all light of each individual light source can be fed into the optical element associated therewith. This can reduce or keep the light losses (light transmission losses) low, for example. In embodiments in which the number of light sources is, for example, an integer multiple of the number of optical elements, wherein, for example, the same number of light sources is associated with each optical element, the light sources associated with an optical element can be separately controllable and emit light of different colors. In this form, different lamp functions, such as a driving direction indicator lamp and a daytime running lamp, can be realized in the (same) light module.

In particular, it may be expedient in the case of motor vehicle lighting, the light module being designed as a signaling light module.

The object is also achieved by a motor vehicle headlight with a front-mounted optical system according to the invention and/or with a light module according to the invention.

The advantageous embodiments mentioned above can of course occur separately or in combination. Combinations of the above embodiments are within the routine skill of the practitioner and can be implemented without the inventive step and are therefore within the present disclosure.

Drawings

The invention is explained in more detail below on the basis of exemplary embodiments (which should not be construed as limiting), which are illustrated in the figures. Wherein:

figure 1 shows the front optical system in a perspective view,

figure 2 shows a front view of the front optical system of figure 1,

figures 3(a) and (b) show TIR-lenses with different light entry-and exit regions,

figure 4 shows a front optical system with a branched light emitting face,

figure 5 shows a motor vehicle headlight,

figures 6(a) - (d) show TIR-lenses with flat side surface areas,

fig. 7 shows a front optical system formed by the TIR-lenses of fig. 6(a) to 6(d), and

fig. 8 shows two adjacent TIR-lenses with a spacer optical system.

Detailed Description

Reference is first made to fig. 1. Fig. 1 shows a front optical system 1, which may correspond to a front optical system according to the invention. The front optical system 1 is designed as a TIR optical system (TIR lens) 2, which is joined to one another in a chain (arranged seamlessly to one another), and which can correspond to a light-guiding optical element. The TIR lenses 2 are constructed identically to one another, have a characteristic dimension of 10 to 20mm and can be produced, for example, in an injection molding process with a single tool. TIR lenses that differ in size and shape can also be used here. In addition, other light-conducting optical elements, such as light conductor fibers, light conductor tubes, light conductor rods, etc., are conceivable. Each TIR lens 2 has a light entrance area 3, a light exit area 4 located opposite the light entrance area, and a lateral surface 5 connecting the light entrance area 3 to the light exit area 4. The light exit regions 4 are respectively associated with the light exit surfaces 6. For the TIR lens 2 shown in fig. 1, the light exit area and the light exit area correspond. The light exit surfaces of all TIR lenses form a total light exit surface 60 which is located in the plane F and is designed as a linearly running, elongated strip with constrictions 61 (see also fig. 2). The light exit surface 6 and the surface F can be designed flat or slightly curved. A slight curvature is to be understood as meaning that the surface F has a curvature which is smaller than the characteristic of a TIR lens. Such a conformity does not occur for other TIR-lens types (see fig. 3(a) and 3(b)) because the shape of the light exit area can be matched, for example, to the shape of the light entry area as is known from the prior art (see, for example, Jin-Jia Chen, chi-Tang Lin "free surface design for a light-emitting diode-based lighting lens", Optical Engineering 49(9), 093001 (9 months 2010) and Donglin Ma, Zexin Feng and Rongguang Liang "free irradiation lens design using composition", Applied Optics vol.54, No.3, 20 days 1/2015). The light exit area 6 is bounded by a circumferential boundary line 7, for example, in the shape of a sickle (as shown), and the boundary line 7 adjoins the light exit region 4.

The side surface 5 of the TIR lens 2 is parabolic. Other forms of side surfaces of the TIR-lens construction are fully conceivable. For example, the side surfaces can have facets, wherein each facet can have a parabolic course. In each case one or more recesses 8 can be provided in each side surface 5, which preferably correspond to the, for example, parabolic profile of the side surface 5. The recess (es) 8 correspond to the regions which are respectively associated with the regions of the side surfaces of the nearest adjacent piece 5a, wherein the regions which are associated with one another can bear against one another and have a face course which corresponds to one another. In this way, the TIR lenses can be arranged relative to one another in such a way that the recesses 8 contact the respective side surface region 5a and preferably lie essentially seamlessly/tightly there. The recess 8 extends from the lateral surface 5 up to the light exit area 4, wherein the recess has a common boundary line section 7b with the boundary line 7 of the light exit surface 6. As shown in fig. 1 and 2, each TIR-lens 2 has two nearest neighbors in the chain arrangement shown. Accordingly, each dividing line 7 has two

sections

7a,7b, which are each associated with a section of the dividing line 7 of the nearest adjacent piece. The

sections

7a,7b associated with one another rest against one another and have a curve corresponding to one another. In this connection, it should be noted that each TIR lens and also each optical element can have any number (0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, etc.) of nearest neighbors, with each nearest neighbor being associated with a section of the dividing line 7. This allows virtually arbitrarily branched chains (chains with loops, rings, ovals, etc.). For the nearest neighbors 2a, 2b shown in fig. 2, a section 7b of the boundary line of the light exit face of the TIR lens 2a is associated with the section 7 a. It can be provided here that the

sections

7a,7b are configured identically to one another, so that they can be placed uniformly against one another. Is particularly

advantageousThe segments

7a,7b are designed such that the nearest adjacent part is arranged so as to be pivotable, in particular rotatable, about an axis running substantially perpendicularly to the plane F. Fig. 2 shows circular arc-shaped

sections

7a,7b, wherein these sections have the same radius of curvature, which is approximately equal to the radius R of the light exit area of the TIR lens (without a notch in the side surface). In this case, the TIR-lens 2b is arranged rotatably about its optical axis OA (fig. 2) with respect to the adjacent TIR-lens 2 a. This has the advantage that the run of the chain can be changed without the need for other forms of TIR-lenses, which results in a high flexibility and adaptability of the front optical system. By means of such a rotation, the course of the chain between two defined points can be changed, for example, if desired. In order to change the course of the chain shown in fig. 2 between points P1 and P4, for example, in order to implement it as a straight section, for example, the TIR lens 2d (the optical axis of which extends through point P2) can first be rotated counterclockwise by an angle α about its optical axis₂And then rotating the TIR-lens 2e counterclockwise by a further angle alpha around its optical axis₁. In order to provide the front optical system with the impression of a continuous chain of optical elements, rather than individual optical elements arranged one behind the other, it may be expedient for the distance between the nearest neighbors to not exceed the values of the two characteristic variables of the light exit face of the optical element. In the embodiment shown in fig. 2, the distance D lies in the range between the radius and the diameter of the light exit surface of the TIR lens (if the TIR lens has no notches).

Fig. 3(a) and (b) show two of many TIR-lenses according to the prior art with different light entrance areas 3 and light exit areas 4. As can be seen from the prior art, the shape of the light entry region is correlated to the shape of the light exit region. Fig. 3(b) thus shows, for example, a conventional TIR lens 2', in which the shape of the light exit region 4' is determined on the basis of the condition that the light rays exiting from the TIR lens 2' run parallel to the optical axis of the TIR lens 2' and the shape of the circle of the light entry region 3 '. Further, the TIR-lens 2' of fig. 3(b) is an example of a TIR-lens in which the light exit face 6' and the light exit region 4' are not coincident.

Fig. 4 shows a front optical system 1 'with a branched total light exit face 60'. The front optical system 1' has a plurality of TIR lenses 2, wherein the TIR lenses 2 ″ have three nearest neighbors and are used to realize branching. It should be noted here that all TIR lenses of the front optical system 1' are constructed identically. This is also the case for the front optical system 1 of fig. 1 and 2. Furthermore, it can be provided that the front-end optical system according to the invention has a plurality of branches. Different shapes of the front-end optics (e.g. closed in itself, with one or more loops, etc.) can be designed in the case of the use of the TIR lens 2. The branched total light exit surface 60 'provides a likewise branched light exit surface when the front optical system 1' is used, for example, in an automotive headlamp light module.

Fig. 5 schematically shows an example of a motor vehicle headlight 100 with at least one light module 101. The light module has a plurality of LEDs 103, which may correspond to the at least one light source, for example, arranged at the conductor plate 102. Here, other light sources may be used instead of the LEDs. Instead of LEDs, it is entirely conceivable to use OLEDs or light conversion devices irradiated with laser light. The light generated by the LED is coupled into the front-end optical system 1'. The upstream optical system 1 ″ can be designed as one of the aforementioned upstream optical systems 1, 1' of fig. 1 or 4 or as a further upstream optical system corresponding to the upstream optical system according to the invention. When the LEDs 103 are simultaneously switched on, an S-shaped luminous surface is produced, which corresponds to the shape of the total light exit surface 60 ″, which is formed by the light exit surfaces 6 of the individual optical elements designed as TIR lenses 2. It should be noted that different lighting scenarios (leucohtszenarien) can be implemented when the LEDs are not switched on simultaneously, which is used, for example, in a traffic light module.

Fig. 6(a) to 6(d) show a TIR lens whose lateral surface has two substantially

flat regions

10a, 10b running substantially parallel to the optical axis OA of the TIR lens. Accordingly, the boundary 7 of the light exit surfaces of the TIR lenses likewise has two

straight sections

7c,7 d. As already explained above, it is advantageous if the number of these sections corresponds to the number of nearest neighbors and the sections are configured such that they can be associated with the corresponding sections of the nearest neighbors. The

sections

7c,7d can extend parallel to one anotherAnd (5) delaying. In this case, the front optical system, which is designed as a linearly extending chain, can be formed very quickly, with which the appearance of a luminous strip can be provided particularly advantageously. Alternatively, the

straight sections

7c,7d may run obliquely to one another and be at an angle β₁、β₂Corresponding edge portions (fig. 6(c) and 6 (d)). Fig. 7 shows an embodiment of a front optical system 1' having TIR lenses with a boundary line having two

straight sections

7c,7d, respectively, which

sections

7c,7d are angled at an angle β to one another₁、β₂(as part of the corresponding side of the corner). Fig. 7 also shows that a TIR lens of identical design (whose lateral surface has a flat area and whose boundary lines each have two

straight sections

7c,7d which do not run parallel to one another and which are at the same angle to one another, for example at an angle β) is formed by a TIR lens of identical design (whose lateral surface has a flat area and whose boundary lines each have two

straight sections

7c,7d which do not run parallel to one another₁) A ring-shaped, O-shaped optical front-end system can be formed with particular advantage.

Fig. 8 shows two adjacent TIR-

lenses

2c, 2d, wherein the TIR-lens 2c comprises at the side surface a recess 8 with a plurality of spacer optical systems 11. The TIR lens 2c is associated with an LED103', which may correspond to the at least one light source. The pad optical system 11 can be set up, for example, such that the light emerging from the front optical system is directed parallel and to avoid scattered/defective light 12. It is particularly advantageous here for the spacer optical system 11 to be arranged in the region of the recess 8, which, viewed in a direction parallel to the optical axis of the TIR lens, is not covered by the side surfaces of the adjacent TIR lens. In this case, light rays 13 directed parallel to the optical axis by means of the pad optical system 11 can emerge from the front optical system without undergoing refraction and/or reflection at the further faces. In this case, the

TIR lenses

2c and 2d are spaced apart from one another, so that wear of the TIR lenses is reduced.

In general, it can be provided that the optical elements (e.g. TIR lenses) are arranged at a distance from one another or in contact with one another. In the case of spaced optical elements, it is advantageous if the spacing is kept small compared to a characteristic variable of the optical elements (for example, the diameter of the light exit area). The individual optical elements of the upstream optical system are not recognized as such, the upstream optical system being perceived as a whole and producing a uniform luminous impression, for example of a branched luminous surface.

Claims

1. A front optical system (1) for a light source for generating a branched luminous area, the front optical system (1) comprising at least a plurality of light-conducting optical elements (2), wherein each light-conducting optical element (2) has

-the light is incident on the region (3),

light exit region (4) and

a side surface (5), wherein,

the side surface (5) connecting the light entry region (3) and the light exit region (4),

-the light exit region (4) is located opposite the light entrance region (3) and is associated with a light exit face (6), the light exit face (6) being limited by a surrounding boundary line (7), wherein the boundary line (7) adjoins the light exit region (4) and

-the optical elements (2) are arranged with respect to one another in such a way that the light exit faces (6) of all the optical elements (2) lie in a common plane (F), wherein each optical element (2) has a number of nearest neighbors and its boundary line (7) has a number of sections (7a,7b) which are each associated with a section of the boundary line of the nearest neighbor, wherein the sections (7a,7b) associated with one another lie against one another and have a curve course which corresponds to one another, wherein the optical elements arranged with respect to one another form a chain, wherein each optical element (2d, 2a ') is at a defined angle with respect to its neighboring optical element (2c, 2e; 2a ', 2b '), characterized in that the lateral surface (5) has a number of regions (8), which are each associated with a region of the side surface (5a) of the nearest adjacent part, wherein the regions associated with one another bear against one another and have a corresponding surface course to one another, wherein provision is made,

one or more recesses (8) can be provided in each side surface (5), and at least one section (7a,7b) is curved and curved in the interior of the light exit surface, wherein all optical elements are of identical design, or

-at least one section is configured as a straight line (7c,7d), wherein an adhesive layer is provided between the optical elements (2) arranged to each other, said adhesive layer connecting each optical element with its nearest neighbor.

2. Front optical system according to claim 1, characterized in that one or more recesses (8) can be provided in each side surface (5) and that at least one section (7a,7b) is of arcuate configuration and is curved inwardly of the light exit face there being provided between the optical elements (2) arranged one behind the other an adhesive layer which connects each optical element with its nearest neighbor.

3. The front optical system according to claim 1, characterized in that, in the case of at least one section being configured as a straight line (7c,7d), the sections associated with one another, abutting one another, are configured identically to one another.

4. Front optical system according to claim 1, characterized in that in the case of at least one section being configured as a straight line (7c,7d), the regions associated with each other are configured identically to each other.

5. Front-end optical system according to claim 1, characterized in that, in the case of at least one section being configured as a straight line (7c,7d), all optical elements are configured identically to one another.

6. Front optical system according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the chain is branched and/or has at least one loop.

7. The front optical system according to claim 6, wherein the chain is closed annularly.

8. Front optical system according to claim 7, characterized in that the chain is closed O-shaped.

9. Front optical system according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the optical element is constructed as a TIR-lens.

10. The front optical system according to claim 9, characterized in that the optical element is constructed as a rotationally symmetric TIR-lens.

11. Front optical system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the side surface has a plurality of pad optical systems (11).

12. Front optical system according to claim 11, characterized in that at least a part of the pad optical system (11) is arranged at the side of the side surface (5) facing the nearest neighboring piece, respectively.

13. The front optical system of claim 12, wherein at least a portion of the pad optical system contacts a side surface of the nearest neighbor.

14. Front optical system according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the optical elements (2) are arranged in contact with one another or spaced apart from one another.

15. A light module for a motor vehicle headlight comprising at least one light source and a front optical system according to any one of claims 1 to 14 associated with the at least one light source.

16. The light module of claim 15, wherein all light generated by the at least one light source is injected into the front optical system through the light injection region and is emitted from the front optical system from the light exit region.

17. The light module of claim 16, wherein all light generated by the at least one light source exits the front optical system from the light exit region without loss.

18. The light module of claim 16, wherein the light emerging from the front optical system is configured as a light beam comprising rays directed parallel to each other.

19. A light module as claimed in any one of claims 15 to 18, characterized in that the at least one light source is configured as an LED.

20. The light module according to any one of claims 15 to 18, characterized in that it comprises a plurality of light sources, wherein the number of light sources is greater than or equal to the number of optical elements and at least two or exactly one light source is associated with each optical element.

21. The light module of claim 20, wherein three light sources are associated with each optical element.

22. The light module of claim 20, wherein more than three light sources are associated with each optical element.

23. The light module as claimed in any one of claims 15 to 18, characterized in that the light module is configured as a signal light module.

24. A motor vehicle headlight with at least one front optical system according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

25. A motor vehicle headlight with at least one light module according to any one of claims 15 to 23.

26. A motor vehicle with at least one motor vehicle headlight according to claim 24 or 25.